Author: Thomas E Meyer Jr

Formerly Homeless Sinner Now, Child of God, Saved by Grace.

How Does God Use Flowers to Teach Us about Himself? ‘Walk out into the fields, look at the wildflowers. They don’t fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen such color and design quite like it?’ Luke 12:25-28

Luke 12:27-28 The Message

25-28 “Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can’t even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don’t fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?

Word of God for the Children of God

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

“April showers bring May flowers” is a phrase I heard my mother say all too often. She was obsessed with flower gardens and had a green thumb to match.

My childhood was filled with days running around our 40 acres of country, I’d run through meadows of unbelievably vivid colors blowing in the wind, flowers were everywhere. Our property was an oasis for all types, kinds, and colors.

My most vivid memory is the joy I felt when I was with mom walking through those flowers she loved.

As a child, I was not a believer and did not think about what flowers symbolize.

These past 20 plus years, in my marriage, my walk of faith and the realization that I too am obsessed with flowers, my thoughts about them have blossomed. 

God created flowers for His children for many reasons.

They represent many aspects of the Christian walk.

I want to take time and examine what flowers symbolize, the spiritual truths they convey, how we learn more about the character of God from flowers. 

Floral Symbolism in the Bible

Flowers are vibrant and majestic.

They are beautiful symbols of so many aspects of life.

In the Bible, flowers often represent beauty and glory.

In Song of Solomon 2:2 it is written “Like a lily among thorns, so is my darling among the young women.” Solomon uses the lily flower in this poetic verse to illustrate that the lily is a flower so beautiful, it stands out among thorns.

In Luke 12:27, God uses the wildflowers to point out the beauty displayed on the earth.

“Consider how the wild flowers grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these.”

While flowers represent beauty and glory, they also represent mortality.

Myrrh is one such flower that symbolizes this idea beautifully. Myrrh is an old flower dating back to the Old Testament (Esther 2:12).

It was used as an aromatic for perfumes, and it comes full circle in Jesus’ life.

Jesus was presented myrrh at his birth (Matthew 2:8). Myrrh is then mixed with the wine the Roman soldiers gave him on the cross (Mark 15:23). As Jesus was being prepared for burial, myrrh’s used in the embalming process (John 19:39). 

Flowers are also used to symbolize divine provision and care for God’s children.

In Exodus 28, God gives instruction for the priestly garments Aaron and his sons needed to fulfill their duties.

In verse 33, God says to “make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn on its lower hem and all around it.”

God also used flowers such as mallow, mint, saffron, rye, cumin, caper berries, and dill to provide food and spices for His people.

Mint and dill were also used as tithes.

Flax is another flowering plant that was used to make linen for clothing. 

Flowers are also used to symbolize love, purity, growth, and restoration.

The rose and or crocus flower gives us hope for renewal (Isaiah 35:1).

Hyssop was used to purify and cleanse (Psalm 51:7).

Mandrakes are seen as a symbol of love and fertility. Its roots were often prepared and eaten as a fertility drug (Genesis 30:14, Song of Solomon 7:13).

Flowers were and continue to be the perfect symbol for the Christian life.

It is a beautiful life that gives us hope, renewal, a promise of provision, and an understanding of its fragility. 

Spiritual Truths Found in Flowers

The Bible is filled with teachings that provide us with essential spiritual truths.

What is the meaning of Luke 12:27?

Jesus is explaining that God has more important uses for our energy than worrying.

We have no good reason to panic about starvation, nakedness, or even death.

In Luke 12:24, He reminds a crowd that ravens neither work nor store food in barns, but God feeds them regardless.

Jesus spends his entire ministry sharing these truths with us.

When we read the words of Jesus, we witness the creative power He has.

Every flower that blooms on every plant comes from God.

He spoke them into existence.

That is powerful! The vibrant colors, the whimsical shapes, and the statuesque stems speak of His worthiness of our worship. 

Flowers remind us that our lives are transient and fleeting.

Every spring, summer, and autumn we enjoy the colorful blossoms as they unfurl their petals, but we know winter is coming and the blossoms will fade and disappear.

Our lives on Earth are but a vapor. Our worldly pursuits are temporary.

The old will pass away, but we have hope that one day we will be restored at the right hand of our Father. 

All flowers rely on sun and water for growth.

Sometimes we must give them a boost with fertilizer and spritz of pest deterrent.

If the flowers’ needs are not met, they do not grow.

Flowers are an ultimate example of dependence and humility.

We need God to guide our paths and keep us from harm. With Him, we can have no fear. He is our inspiration, encouragement, and only source of abundant life. 

God’s Character Displayed

What does consider how the wildflowers grow mean?

It could be translated as “examine carefully,” “observe well,” or “learn thoroughly.”

Jesus says: Examine the wildflowers carefully.

Learn thoroughly from them.

Jesus invites us to consider: what might these wildflowers have to teach us – the ones who don’t toil or spin and yet are clothed so beautifully?

Flowers symbolize many things.

They remind us of important spiritual truths. But the ultimate lesson we learn from flowers is better understanding God’s character. Our God is a caring God.

He created flowers to give us something exquisite to look at, provide for our basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter. Before God made man, God knew what we needed and cared enough to create it. 

Our God is also attentive to detail.

Each flower has a unique color, petal, leaf, and stem.

Some flowers are grown from seed while others are grown from bulbs.

Some flowers are dwarf varieties while some have double blooms.

The diligence God uses in the creation of flowers tells us that He is attentive to the details of our lives.

He has taken time to create us and prepare us for the plan He has for us.

We do not have to doubt Him because every detail is taken care of.

God boldly shows us His creative side when we observe flowers.

Watching the distinct stages of growth is amazing.

How creative is it to take a tiny seed that will sprout a plant that can grow as tall as six feet.

The array of colors tells us that we can be creative too. Flowers are useful for life-giving purposes, but they also are a way God makes our lives colorful. 

Commonly known as the Foxglove, Giant Shirley Digitalis comes in mixed colors. Foxgloves are tall plants with elongated, spotted, bell-shaped flowers of red, white and pink. Prefers shade in moderately rich soil.

Flowers also show off the transformative power God has.

Every flower God created has the power to transform our lives.

Flowers can turn a difficult day into a good one.

Flowers can be used to cleanse us when their aromas are used in soaps and perfumes.

They can put a smile on our faces.

Just as we are dirty with sin, God can transform our hearts, minds, and lives.

A plain field of grass can be plowed and filled with flower seeds and become transformed into a colorful, vibrant place.

Our plain lives can be made full and vibrant when we allow God to transform us. 

Final Floral Thoughts

What is the spiritual meaning of a wildflower?

The most significant meanings of wildflowers is their symbolism of unity.

These flowers grow together in natural meadows and fields, creating a beautiful tapestry of colors and scents. They remind us despite our many differences, we can come together to create community, something beautiful and harmonious.

Flowers are so much more than a stem with leaves and bloom.

They are a piece of God’s creation that symbolize purity, love, provision, and beauty. They are beautiful reminders that our lives are fleeting.

One day this Earth will be gone, and a new heaven and earth will take its place.

While we wait, we can only depend on God. 

The next time you see wildflowers in the field, tend the flowers in our garden, remember we serve a creative God. We serve a God that can transform our lives. 

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit …

Praying …

Psalm 46 The Message

46 1-3 God is a safe place to hide,
    ready to help when we need him.
We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,
    courageous in seastorm and earthquake,
Before the rush and roar of oceans,
    the tremors that shift mountains.

    Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
    God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

4-6 River fountains splash joy, cooling God’s city,
    this sacred haunt of the Most High.
God lives here, the streets are safe,
    God at your service from crack of dawn.
Godless nations rant and rave, kings and kingdoms threaten,
    but Earth does anything he says.

7     Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
    God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

8-10 Attention, all! See the marvels of God!
    He plants flowers and trees all over the earth,
Bans war from pole to pole,
    breaks all the weapons across his knee.
“Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
    loving look at me, your High God,
    above politics, above everything.”

11     Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
    God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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The Camel’s Challenge? “Do you have any idea how difficult it is for the rich to enter God’s kingdom? Its far easier to gallop a camel through a needle’s eye for rich to enter God’s kingdom.” Matthew 19:23-24

Matthew 19:23-24 Amplified Bible

23 Jesus said to His disciples, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, it is difficult for a rich man [who clings to possessions and status as security] to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man [who places his faith in wealth and status] to enter the kingdom of God.”

Word of God for the Children of God

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

Jesus is emphatic: It is extremely difficult for the rich to embrace the radical call of discipleship in the Kingdom of God.

But, salvation does not depend on our ability, but on God’s generous grace.

The key point for us, however, is to be reminded about the dangers of wealth and possessions.

They can become our god, our stumbling block, our choking point, our diversion, our downfall as they become things we wont give up to follow Jesus.

From our vantage point, following Jesus’ radical call is impossible.

Fortunately, God has provided the Holy Spirit and fellow-Christians.

We all need the guidance of the Spirit and the strength of a dedicated Christian community to lead, guide, direct, and yield to Jesus’ call in all areas of our lives, including using our “poverty, wealth and possessions” to serve our neighbors.

Camels were one of the largest animals in the lands of the Bible.

Their ability to go without water is legendary.

Camels function like tractor trailers today because they can carry large amounts of cargo over great distances and harsh desert terrain.

In Biblical times, owning camels was a sign of wealth and many well-known individuals possessed them, Abram (Gen. 12:16), Jacob (Gen. 31:17), and Job (Job 1:3).

Jesus makes a spiritual point by referencing the size of a camel.

In Matthew 19:16–24, a rich young man approaches Jesus, asking, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

Jesus responds by highlighting the commandments, which the young man claims to have kept.

Then Jesus said, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (v. 21).

The young man, saddened by his response, walked away because he had great wealth.

Jesus then turned to His disciples and said, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (vv. 23–24).

The imagery of a camel attempting to pass through the eye of a needle is intentionally jarring.

Since camels were the largest animals commonly seen in Israel at the time, His audience would know this would be uncommon and extremely difficult.

While some argue that the “eye of the needle” referred to a small narrow gate, it is much more likely it meant the minuscule eye of an actual sewing needle.

What does Matthew 19:24 mean?

It means Jesus was able to see that what came first in this man’s heart was his riches…. To follow Christ we have to give up everything that will take His place as God in our life. So be in riches or people or status or popularity and fame. If we cannot give that up, cannot walk or run away, we cannot be His disciple. 

This underscored the seemingly impossible task of entering God’s kingdom with a heart gripped by our “Golden Calves” material wealth and possessions.

Jesus had failed to separate the rich young man from his wealth. The trouble with possessions is that they can too easily possess us.

Jesus calls for radical change in our lives, a change that can seem unattainable.

However, he poignantly reminds us that, while something may seem utterly impossible for mortals, “for with God, all things are possible”.

Go Deeper

What are you holding on to that might hinder your spiritual growth? Consider what it means to “sell your possessions and give to the poor” in your own life?

In the name of God, the father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit

Praying …

Psalm 49

The Folly of Trusting in Riches.

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.

49 Hear this, all peoples;
Listen carefully, all inhabitants of the world,
2 
Both low and high,
Rich and poor together:
3 
My mouth will speak wisdom,
And the meditation of my heart will be understanding.
4 
I will incline my ear and consent to a proverb;
On the lyre I will unfold my riddle.

5 
Why should I fear in the days of evil,
When the wickedness of those who would betray me surrounds me [on every side],
6 
Even those who trust in and rely on their wealth
And boast of the abundance of their riches?
7 
None of them can by any means redeem [either himself or] his brother,
Nor give to God a ransom for him—
8 
For the ransom of his soul is too costly,
And he should cease trying forever—
9 
So that he should live on eternally,
That he should never see the pit (grave) and undergo decay.

10 
For he sees that even wise men die;
The fool and the stupid alike perish
And leave their wealth to others.
11 
Their inward thought is that their houses will continue forever,
And their dwelling places to all generations;
They have named their lands after their own names [ignoring God].
12 
But man, with all his [self] honor and pomp, will not endure;
He is like the beasts that perish.

13 
This is the fate of those who are foolishly confident,
And of those after them who approve [and are influenced by] their words. Selah.
14 
Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead);
Death will be their shepherd;
And the upright shall rule over them in the morning,
And their form and beauty shall [a]be for Sheol to consume,
So that they have no dwelling [on earth].
15 
But God will redeem my life from the power of Sheol,
For He will receive me. Selah.

16 
Be not afraid when [an ungodly] man becomes rich,
When the wealth and glory of his house are increased;
17 
For when he dies he will carry nothing away;
His glory will not descend after him.
18 
Though while he lives he counts himself happy and prosperous—
And though people praise you when you do well for yourself—
19 
He shall go to the generation of his fathers;
They shall never again see the light.
20 
A man [who is held] in honor,
Yet who lacks [spiritual] understanding and a teachable heart, is like the beasts that perish.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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Gliding effortlessly, high into the Sky Majestically Soaring, Standing, with God, strong, free on Wings of Eagles. Isaiah 40:27-31

Majestic Steppe Eagle Spreading Wings on Grassy Field. A majestic steppe eagle spreads its wings wide while perched on a grassy field, showcasing its impressive wingspan and regal presence. Aquila nipalensis

Isaiah 40:27-31 Living Bible

27 O Jacob, O Israel, how can you say that the Lord doesn’t see your troubles and isn’t being fair? 28 Don’t you yet understand? Don’t you know by now that the everlasting God, the Creator of the farthest parts of the earth, never grows faint or weary? No one can fathom the depths of his understanding. 29 He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak. 30 Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up. 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Word of God for the Children of God

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

The Steppe Eagle is a powerful symbol representing strength, freedom, and resilience, particularly in Kazakh culture. 

It embodies the spirit of Kazakhstan, appearing in folklore, national symbols, the traditional practice of berkutchi (eagle hunting). 

The eagle is also seen as a symbol of wisdom and endurance, reflecting the long-standing relationship between Kazakh nomads and these majestic birds.

 Here’s a more detailed look at its symbolic meanings:

Wisdom and Resilience: The Steppe Eagle’s long lifespan and ability to adapt to various environments represents wisdom, the ability to endure difficult times. 

Strength and Power: The Steppe Eagle’s physical attributes, like its piercing gaze and powerful wings, are seen as reflections of its strength and dominance. 

Freedom and Independence: The eagle’s ability to effortlessly soar high above the steppes symbolizes freedom and the ability to rise high above challenges. 

Isaiah 40:31 is a favorite verse for many believers: “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.”

This verse speaks a profound promise of God’s unending strength and the renewal only He can provide.

It acknowledges that all of us, regardless of our age, can experience weariness and exhaustion.

While we are all limited in our human ability, God has only infinite power. God’s promise is clear: Those who truly hope in Him will have their strength renewed.

There is some scholarly discussion about the original word translated eagle in most Bible versions as it is also the same word used for vultures, which is another bird of prey.

The griffon vulture is native to Israel, known for its long wingspan and soaring capabilities. So, its probable Isaiah was referencing that bird instead of an eagle.

While we may not like to think of ourselves as soaring on wings like “vultures,” the verse is not focusing on the bird’s appearance or diet.

Rather, the Bible is highlighting its smooth soaring capability and the calmness with which it takes to the air.

Eagles and vultures are well known for their ability to fly high above storms, using turbulent winds to lift them higher, rather than being battered by them.

Eagles are truly majestic creatures that symbolize strength and independence.

Catching sight of an eagle as it soars high above the earth can be breathtaking, and watching one swoop and maneuver its immense wings is awe-inspiring.

The reference to eagles in Isaiah 40 is a comfort for God’s people in a time of weariness and struggle.

Our matchless Creator and Sustainer gives us his strength and glory, filling us with the capacity to do far more than we think is possible.

We may feel weak and powerless in our current circumstances, but because of who we are in Christ, we can endure, persevere, hold tightly on to the promise that in his strength, God’s limitless strength we’ll “soar on wings like eagles.”

Similarly, when we place our hope and trust in God, we too can rise above life’s challenges and difficulties. Instead of being overwhelmed, threatened, we also can find strength and endurance to keep going beyond our best previous efforts.

Go Deeper

What are some areas in your life where you feel you are at your last gasp, weary, beatn or exhausted? How can Isaiah 40:31 be an encouragement to you today?

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Praying,

Psalm 28 English Standard Version

The Lord Is My Strength and My Shield

Of David.

28 To you, O Lord, I call;
    my rock, be not deaf to me,
lest, if you be silent to me,
    I become like those who go down to the pit.
2 Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,
    when I cry to you for help,
when I lift up my hands
    toward your most holy sanctuary.[a]

3 Do not drag me off with the wicked,
    with the workers of evil,
who speak peace with their neighbors
    while evil is in their hearts.
4 Give to them according to their work
    and according to the evil of their deeds;
give to them according to the work of their hands;
    render them their due reward.
5 Because they do not regard the works of the Lord
    or the work of his hands,
he will tear them down and build them up no more.

6 Blessed be the Lord!
    For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
    and with my song I give thanks to him.

8 The Lord is the strength of his people;[b]
    he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
    Be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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Who is My Family? These are my mother and brothers. Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys my heavenly Father’s will are my brother, my sister, and mother. Matthew 12:46-50

Matthew 12:46-50 New Revised Standard Version

The True Kindred of Jesus

46 While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, ‘Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’[a] 48  But to the one who had told him this, Jesus[b] replied, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ 49 And pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’

Word of God for the Children of God

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

Can I begin to imagine this scene? Jesus’ beloved family comes by as he is preaching. Here He seizes the chance to widen that fortunate group.

He is not callously denying or ignoring family ties, but is instead, extending them into the Kingdom of God with a gesture that is like an ordination. When he points to the group of disciples, can I imagine that I am standing among them?

What is there to reflect on, to meditate over, pray to the Holy Spirit for clarity?

Reflection:

Belonging to God is basic relationship, prior to all human relations. We came from God before we came from father and mother. (Psalm 139:13-18)

Psalm 139:13-18 Revised Standard Version

13 For thou didst form my inward parts,
    thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise thee, for thou art fearful and wonderful.[a]
    Wonderful are thy works!
Thou knowest me right well;
15     my frame was not hidden from thee,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately wrought in the depths of the earth.
16 Thy eyes beheld my unformed substance;
    in thy book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious to me are thy thoughts, O God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
    When I awake, I am still with thee.[b]

Still there are times during our journey of life when family goes second to God.

How would Mary have taken this statement?

Was she being diminished?

Her faith was deep and was strong enough to know her spiritual relationship to her Son was stronger even that the human mother-son relationship.

Reflection:

The relationship we have with Jesus is founded on something deeper than even the deepest human relationships of family.

We are the family of God and are brother and sister to Jesus when we try to do God’s will and to make God’s kingdom come.

Prayer deepens our appreciation of the values of the kingdom of God: justice, holiness, peace, compassion, faith, and love – all central to the life of Jesus.

Reflection:

I wonder what did his mother and family want to speak to him about?

The evidence is they were coming from home to take him back home. Jesus, with his radical teaching, and challenging religious views, was becoming an embarrassment if not a danger to his family.

Jesus’ way of life would lead him into opposition with those closest to him, his family.

Reflection:

Jesus counts me among his closest, his next-of-kin.

I show that this is my identity as I do the will of God.

When you hear the word family, what usually comes to mind?

Where I grew up, a family was generally made up of a husband and wife and their biological children.

Some families also had adopted children. Some couples did not have children, and some parents were separated or divorced. But the most common family in that time and culture was the nuclear family. In the Bible and in today’s world, though, it’s less common to find families fitting that biblical description.

When Jesus’ family tried to get a message to him as crowds gathered around him, he saw an opportunity for a teaching moment and said, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Jesus was helping his followers to describe a new kind of family, a community bound by something more powerful than the blood in our veins.

This is not a rejection of the biological family. It’s an invitation to a bigger, richer family—the family of God, with whom we live in the kingdom of God.

By this narrative text you and I are invited to meet family members in your own community/neighborhoods where you work and live, in my biological family, and in other family groups that are too often a hidden or invisible part of life.

May God’s Holy Spirit work in us all to recognize the beautiful gift of his family in the relationships and communities we are a part of—no matter how different or diverse they might be.

Reflection

I pray that I may do the will of God with joy and courage, perhaps praying the ‘Our Father’ as I now ask that God’s will be done in this world as it is in heaven.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Praying …

Psalm 103:11-18 Revised Standard Version

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
    so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
    so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father pities his children,
    so the Lord pities those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;
    he remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass;
    he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
    and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
    upon those who fear him,
    and his righteousness to children’s children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
    and remember to do his commandments.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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Today’s Reminder is to please let the peace of God reign inside your hearts. Colossians 3:15–17

Colossians 3:15-17 The Message

15-17 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Word of God for the Children of God

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

What do football, soccer, basketball, tennis, and baseball have in common?

They all involve some sort of referees whose sole purpose is to enforce the rules of the game.

These rule-keepers play a critical role.

Authority has been given to them to ensure the game is fairly played and can proceed without confusion or disruption.

In Colossians 3:15, describes how followers of Jesus should live:

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

What does it mean to let the “peace of Christ” rule?

In a sporting event, the person with the most authority is given responsibility to enforce the rules of the game.

In the Christian life, Jesus has that authority.

When all of our individual opinions and desires are subjected to Him, He brings us together allowing peace to rule over us. When His peace rules, we will “bear with each other,” “forgive one another,” and will “put on love” (vv. 13–14).

As members of one body, we are to be mindful of and thankful for the rules we have been given by God.

They help us relate to one another in a spirit of thanksgiving (v. 15).

Paul explains how this happens through teaching and worship:

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (v.16).

Notice how a spirit of thankfulness and gratitude is woven through these verses. We are told to sing to God “with gratitude in your hearts” (v. 16).

Paul says that “whatever [we] do, whether in word or deed,” when done in Jesus’ name, demonstrates our thankfulness to God (v. 17).

Go Deeper

Are you able to say you are experiencing the peace of Christ in your heart? In what ways is the peace of Christ being displayed in your life toward others?

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Praying, ….

Philippians 4:6-9 The Message

6-7 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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I Have a New Identity in Christ; ‘The thief comes only so that he can steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’ John 10:6-10

John 10:6-10 New Living Translation

6 Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, 7 so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me[a] were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved.[b] They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Word of God for the Children of God

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

Identity theft is a growing threat today. High tech scammers anonymously try to steal our personal information and gain access to our financial accounts.

In the spirit world, another identity thief lurks as well. The master deceiver, Satan, tries to rob believers of the assurance of their new identity in Christ.

He continuously tries to sow seeds of doubt, despair, confusion, and insecurity within us. If he cannot possess us, the devil wants at least to wear us down and make us feel defeated, and weak, limiting our service for God and his kingdom.

Make no bones about it; Satan is our most vicious adversary whose mode of operandi is to seek and to destroy.

If he cannot keep us from being saved, he strives to keep us from being used.

Satan is forever seeking opportunities for his savage attacks therefore we are to not be fearful rather on our guard. While Satan is most definitely far out of our league in power, he is certainly not out of God’s authority– Hallelujah for that!

But we are not alone.

We have the presence of God in our hearts, and we have God’s Word to assure us and strengthen us with the truth.

Jesus promises that we will have life to the full, and no one can snatch us out of his hand (John 10:28-30).

28 And I give them eternal life, and they will never, ever [by any means] perish; and no one will ever snatch them out of My hand. 29 [a]My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are One [in essence and nature].”

The Lord and his Word remain our best protection, affirming that we are not defined by past successes or failures but only by our union with Christ.

Through faith, we receive his righteousness and become the children of God.

We are forgiven, cleansed, commissioned to be his representatives in the world.

As God’s handiwork, as God’s masterpiece, we are expertly woven together, created to do good works that honor the Lord and bring blessing to others.

As God reassures us through his Spirit and his Word, we are redeemed, beloved, and empowered to live out his purposes with confidence and grace each day.

How do I apply John 10:10 to my life?

To abundantly live the John 10:10 life is to live a life committed to Christ. It takes deliberate discipline, continual conversion, and a life thoroughly rooted in Scripture and the sacraments. When we choose this life and ignore the many thieves surrounding us, we’re sure to have a life of abundance, hope, and peace.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Praying …

Psalm 23 The Message

23 1-3 God, my shepherd!
    I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
    you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
    you let me catch my breath
    and send me in the right direction.

4 Even when the way goes through
    Death Valley,
I’m not afraid
    when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook
    makes me feel secure.

5 You serve me a six-course dinner
    right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
    my cup brims with blessing.

6 Your beauty and love chase after me
    every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
    for the rest of my life.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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I Am more than a Conqueror; ‘But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.’ Romans 8:31-39

Romans 8:31-39 Revised Standard Version

God’s Love in Christ Jesus

31 What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies; 34 who is to condemn? Is it Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us?[a] 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written,

“For thy sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Word of God for the Children of God

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

In times of uncertainty, upheaval and seeming chaos, it’s natural for people to extend themselves seek out a strong leader to restore order, to bring resolution.

It may be a military hero, a political figure, or a charismatic leader.

We all too often rush to look to our own resources to bring stability to a volatile situation, don’t we?

Yet when we discover the ultimate victor and King, Jesus Christ, we learn, as he states in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:31-33 Amplified Bible

31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now [at last] believe? 32 Take careful notice: an hour is coming, and has arrived, when you will all be scattered, each to his own home, leaving Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.  33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

Through his triumph over sin and death, Jesus declares victory over every force that opposes God and his plan of restoration. His victory brings hope to believers, promising peace and triumph despite the trials and struggles they may endure.

In light of this, Paul boldly proclaims in Romans 8, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

The adversity believers experience is nothing new (Romans 8:36).

Do not be surprised when you suffer for Christ’s sake.

This happened to the godly saints in the Old Testament and the New Testament (Psalm 44:22; Hebrews 11:36-38; 2 Timothy 3:12). Nothing that enters our life is able or sufficient to separate us from God’s love demonstrated at the cross. 

God’s love allows the believer to be a conqueror in adversity (Romans 8:37).

God walks with us through every adversity and hardship. We do not merely survive or squeak by. We do not just succeed. We are more than conquerors!

In Christ, we are super-conquerors. This verse emphasizes the absolute and overwhelming victory that God gives to the believer through Christ. Believers are supremely victorious because of their abiding relationship with Christ. 

God allows nothing to separate us from his love (Romans 8:38-39). The victory Jesus won through his death and resurrection is now shared with his followers.

Our identity in Christ transforms us into victors who have new, full life forever in Christ. When we align with Jesus, no other power or influence can defeat us or keep us down. Don’t let, don’t allow suffering cause you to doubt God’s love. 

What should you do with this wonderful passage?

First, you should make sure these wonderful truths apply to you.

This magnificent promise of God’s love is only for those who have a personal relationship with him made possible through faith in Jesus Christ. If you know Christ as savior, you can be confident that God’s love for you is unchanging.

You must meditate on and rehearse this marvelous passage in your mind so that you’ll be convinced of this truth. As you’ll face suffering, hardship, persecution, allow the trials to drive you, empower you directly into the loving arms of God.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Praying …

20 1-4 God answer you on the day you crash,
The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm’s reach,
Send reinforcements from Holy Hill,
Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies,
Exclaim over your offerings,
Celebrate your sacrifices,
Give you what your heart desires,
Accomplish your plans.

5 When you win, we plan to raise the roof
    and lead the parade with our banners.
May all your wishes come true!

6 That clinches it—help’s coming,
    an answer’s on the way,
    everything’s going to work out.

7-8 See those people polishing their chariots,
    and those others grooming their horses?
    But we’re making garlands for God our God.
The chariots will rust,
    those horses pull up lame—
    and we’ll be on our feet, standing tall.

9 Make the king a winner, God;
    the day we call, give us your answer.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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I Am A Seed-Planter; “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters his seed on the ground.” Mark 4:26

Mark 4:26-34 English Standard Version

The Parable of the Seed Growing

26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

Word of God for the Children of God

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

When Jesus came to live and teach among us, it was common for a farmer to sling a bag of seed over his shoulder and to walk through his fields reaching in to the bag and busily scattering handfuls of seed onto the freshly tilled soil.

As Jesus explains the process of the seed sprouting and growing in this parable, we can see that the seed symbolizes the good news of salvation, bringing the potential for new life.

As Paul explains similarly in Romans 1:16, “The gospel . . . is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”

The gospel is a potent unstoppable force, capable of transforming lives and entire communities. Like seed hidden beneath the surface, its message takes root out-of-sight, deep within the human heart. There it grows and matures, eventually breaking through our soils and yielding a harvest of righteousness.

Luke 12:13-21 New American Standard Bible 1995

Covetousness Denounced

13 Someone [a]in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” 14 But He said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” 16 And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. 17 And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ 18 Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night [b]your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ 21 So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

Hoarding the Gospel seeds – Locking it away in our “Silos”

Rather than hoarding and locking the seeds of the gospel in a silo, we are called to freely, openly and visibly scatter it all generously as we journey through life.

We widely scatter seed by supporting missionaries or mission organizations, volunteering for a church community service project, inviting a neighbor over for coffee, a barbeque, a swim party, and more – a worship service in the park.

We sow gospel seed when we nurture spiritual conversations with our family members and friends, converse with strangers in a grocery store. We sow seed with colleagues at work, at lunch or dinner. When we spread the good news of our Savior Jesus, we participate in the process of bringing forth spiritual fruit.

The Kingdom of God on earth is progressing toward an end. While we don’t fully understand all that goes on, we can be sure that the Kingdom is growing, and when it comes to full maturity, the season of the great harvest will come.

There is movement and there is mystery, but ultimately, there is harvest.

We also need to understand this about the Kingdom: The power of the Kingdom grows, moves and matures and breaks out into the light of day despite our lack of complete, full, understanding of all that is happening in this work of God.

One thing is certain, however; when all things are ready, the harvest will come.

A question for us is whether or not we will be an active or passive part of this movement and mystery and grow as we should, to be ready for harvest time.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God, the Holy Spirit,

Praying …

126 (0) A song of ascents:

(1) When Adonai restored Tziyon’s fortunes,
we thought we were dreaming.
2 Our mouths were full of laughter,
and our tongues shouted for joy.

Among the nations it was said,
“Adonai has done great things for them!”
3 Adonai did do great things with us;
and we are overjoyed.

4 Return our people from exile, Adonai,
as streams fill vadis in the Negev.

5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with cries of joy.
6 He who goes out weeping
as he carries his sack of seed
will come home with cries of joy
as he carries his sheaves of grain.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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How can I get right with God? ‘There is no difference at all between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned, fall infinitely short of the glory of God.’ Romans 3:21–24

Romans 3:21-24 New International Version

Righteousness Through Faith

21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in[a] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

Sin stands in the way of our being right with God. We can get right with God by repenting of our sin and trusting in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. By doing so, we receive forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life.

what does the bible say?

The way to be in right standing with God was the same in the Old Testament as in the New Testament—by faith.

Before Christ died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, God gave His people the Law to point out sin, to reveal God’s holy standard, and to show humanity their need for a Savior.

The Law served as a guide to lead people to Christ, highlighting their inability to achieve righteousness, or right standing, through their own efforts.

The Law pointed them to the necessity of God’s grace and forgiveness.

Scripture exhorts us to repent of sin and to believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior who is the path to eternal life.

Paul makes it clear in Romans that no person can get to heaven by his own effort. All sin is an infinite offense against God and deserves God’s wrath.

We need to be made righteous to be in right standing before God. Right standing with God is attained through faith in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work.

The barrier that keeps us from being right with God is sin.

In spite of our sin, God made a way for us to be in right standing with Him, to be declared righteous, to be freely justified by God’s grace, to be forgiven of our sins through the work of Jesus Christ, and to be granted eternal life.

The only solution to being right with God is trusting in Jesus as our Savior.

from the old testament
  • Abram (Abraham) was righteous, or in right standing before the Lord, because Abram believed in Him (Genesis 15:6).
  • God offers cleansing of sin to those who obey and believe in Him (Isaiah 1:18–20).
  • By turning to the Lord and believing in Him, we can be declared righteous, be justified before Him, and be saved (Isaiah 45:21–25).
  • Righteous people who are in right standing with God believe in Him and live by His faithfulness (Habakkuk 2:4).
  • God calls those who have turned away from Him to repent of sin in order to be in right standing with Him, and He promises that He will be gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in loving kindness (Joel 2:12–13).
  • Everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved and in right standing with Him (Joel 2:32).
from the new testament
  • Right standing is given through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22).
  • Humans sin and do not measure up to God’s perfect standard, but those who believe are given the free gift of grace through Jesus (Romans 3:23).
  • Our sins lead to death, but God gave us the free gift of His son, so we can have eternal life (Romans 6:23).
  • We can be right with God and saved from eternal death by declaring that Jesus is Lord and believing that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9).
  • Jesus took on the world’s sins at the cross so that all who believe would be made righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
  • Righteousness comes through faith in God (Philippians 3:9).
  • God gave us His Son so that all who believe would not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
  • If we believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and that He is our Lord and Savior, we are justified before God (Romans 10:9–10).
  • We need to confess our sins to be in right standing with God (1 John 1:9).
  • It is by grace through faith that we are saved and are thus in right standing with God (Ephesians 2:8–9).
implications for today

If you are asking this question, it likely means you feel the burden of your sins.

Our sins lead us to death, but take heart—God gave us a way to be forgiven of our sins and to have eternal life!

How can you receive eternal life? Jesus taught that eternal life comes by faith: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

You must believe in Jesus to escape death and the punishment for your sins and to have eternal life in heaven with Jesus.

Genuine faith leads to repentance and a commitment to follow Christ. Salvation is not earned by good works but is a gift from God that is received through faith.

God loves you and created you to have a relationship with Him, to reflect His glory, and to fulfill His purposes.

However, sin separates us from God, and we cannot bridge this gap on our own.

Jesus Christ, God’s Son, came to earth, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.

He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death.

By trusting in Jesus and accepting Him as your Savior and Lord, you can receive forgiveness for your sins and the gift of eternal life with God.

There is no special prayer you must say to get right with God.

However, if you would like to accept Jesus as your Savior and know for certain you have eternal life, you can tell God with a prayer similar to this:

“Dear God, I realize I am a sinner and could never reach heaven by my own good deeds. Right now, I place my faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son, who took the punishment for my sins on the cross and rose from the dead to give me eternal life and restore me to rightness with you. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live for you. Thank you for accepting me and giving me eternal life.”

Have you made a decision for Christ because of what you have read here?

understand

  • Sin separates us from God; faith in Jesus makes us right with Him.
  • Getting right with God has always come by faith, not works.
  • Jesus’s death and resurrection offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who will believe.
reflect
  • How have you seen the weight of sin affect your relationship with God, and how does faith in Jesus bring hope?
  • What does repentance look like in your daily life, and how can you make it a genuine practice?
  • Have you fully trusted in Jesus for your salvation, or are you relying on your own efforts to be right with God?
engage

What role do we play in helping others get right with God?

How can we explain the significance of faith over works in being right with God to someone unfamiliar with the gospel?

What Old Testament examples, like Abraham’s faith, can help us illustrate the consistency of God’s plan for salvation?

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Praying, ….

19 1-2 God’s glory is on tour in the skies,
    God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.
Madame Day holds classes every morning,
    Professor Night lectures each evening.

3-4 Their words aren’t heard,
    their voices aren’t recorded,
But their silence fills the earth:
    unspoken truth is spoken everywhere.

4-5 God makes a huge dome
    for the sun—a superdome!
The morning sun’s a new husband
    leaping from his honeymoon bed,
The daybreaking sun an athlete
    racing to the tape.

6 That’s how God’s Word vaults across the skies
    from sunrise to sunset,
Melting ice, scorching deserts,
    warming hearts to faith.

7-9 The revelation of God is whole
    and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear
    and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right,
    showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
    and easy on the eyes.
God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
    with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate
    down to the nth degree.

10 God’s Word is better than a diamond,
    better than a diamond set between emeralds.
You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring,
    better than red, ripe strawberries.

11-14 There’s more: God’s Word warns us of danger
    and directs us to hidden treasure.
Otherwise how will we find our way?
    Or know when we play the fool?
Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh!
    Keep me from stupid sins,
    from thinking I can take over your work;
Then I can start this day sun-washed,
    scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.
These are the words in my mouth;
    these are what I chew on and pray.
Accept them when I place them
    on the morning altar,
O God, my Altar-Rock,
    God, Priest-of-My-Altar.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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One Grand Story! ‘The Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and His name one.’ Zechariah 14:1-9

Zechariah 14:1-9 English Standard Version

The Coming Day of the Lord

14 Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. 4 On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward. 5 And you shall flee to the valley of my mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal. And you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.[a]

6 On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost.[b] 7 And there shall be a unique[c] day, which is known to the Lord, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light.

8 On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea[d] and half of them to the western sea.[e] It shall continue in summer as in winter.

9 And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.

Word of God for the Children of God

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

Today’s message from Zechariah 14:9 paints a beautiful picture for us: a future where God is the one true King over the whole earth.

Imagine that—a time when everyone is united under His loving rule, and all the disagreements and fights we see now are gone.

This isn’t just a nice thought for the future; it’s a guide for how we should try to live our lives today.

This big promise compels us to think about how we can bring a little bit of that future unity into our world right now.

It’s about our being kind, finding ways to get along with others, and showing the same love to everyone, no matter how different they might seem from us.

We’re being called to act like citizens of God’s kingdom today, working to make peace and help others just like Jesus did.

So, how do we do this?

We can start small, in our families, schools, or workplaces, by being the person or people who truly listens, forgives, and tries to understand where others are coming from. Every act of kindness, every effort to make peace, is like planting fields of the most responsive seeds of God’s future kingdom here in our time.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Praying …

Psalm 29

A Psalm of David.

1 Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty,
give unto the Lord glory and strength.
2 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name;
worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters:
the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars;
yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf;
Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.
7 The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire.
8 The voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness;
the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to calve,
and discovereth the forests:
and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.

10 The Lord sitteth upon the flood;
yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever.
11 The Lord will give strength unto his people;
the Lord will bless his people with peace.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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