Author: Thomas E Meyer Jr

Hebrews 12:28-29 Complete Jewish Bible

²⁸ Therefore, since we have received an unshakeable Kingdom, let us have grace, through which we may offer service that will please God, with reverence and fear. ²⁹ For indeed,

“Our God is a consuming fire!”^[a]

The 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.

Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken …

What an awesome blessing it is to know that the kingdom of God will endure.

We don’t have to worry that it won’t be there when we die, or that someday it will cease to exist. God is fully eternal, and his kingdom cannot be shaken.

Nothing, not one thing, in all of time will be able to destroy the Kingdom of God. The devil for a time will try, but we know he has lost the war. Our God is almighty and has overcome the devil.

1 Corinthians 15:56-58 Complete Jewish Bible

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin; and sin draws its power from the Torah; ⁵⁷ but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah!

⁵⁸ So, my dear brothers, stand firm and immovable, always doing the Lord’s work as vigorously as you can, knowing that united with the Lord your efforts are not in vain.

Let us be truly thankful

When someone does something nice for you, do you thank them?

I’m not always as good at this as I would like.

To be honest, I’m kind of ashamed of it.

Who takes the brunt of that?

Maybe my wife who is so kind to me, seldom refusing to bring me a drink.

Sometimes she gets argumentative or defiant, but usually she is agreeable at least since I am recovering from my Open Heart Surgery just over a year ago.

I must confess though that sometimes I will take her kindnesses for granted.

I don’t always remember, use, all the good manners my mother gave me.

She constantly deserve my thanks and deepest expressions of appreciation.

If I’m capable of forgetting to thank my wife who daily does amazing sacrificial things for me, how much more awful is it that I sometimes, well more than just sometimes, forget to thank my Savior Jesus for his sacrifice for my eternal life.

Not only do I not say it nearly often enough, I also don’t act grateful enough.

I become incredibly forgetful, selfish, unkind, needlessly impatient with Him.

I don’t always act as He would call me to act.

Again, I must make another hard confession; I don’t always treat others much better than myself, and I don’t always put Him at the exact center of my life.

Let us be more thankful. Let us cast off more old ways and focus on the Lord!

Let us Worship God more acceptably with reverence and awe

Psalm 100 Complete Jewish Bible

100 ⁽⁰⁾ A psalm of thanksgiving:

⁽¹⁾ Shout for joy to Adonai, all the earth!
² Serve Adonai with gladness.
Enter his presence with joyful songs.

³ Be aware that Adonai is God;
it is he who made us; and we are his,
his people, the flock in his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
enter his courtyards with praise;
give thanks to him, and bless his name.
⁵ For Adonai is good, his grace continues forever,
and his faithfulness lasts through all generations.

Why do we have the traditions we do in our church? I think most of them are to help with this action, so that we might worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. I want to get significantly better at this and not get too comfortable.

I want things to not become rote or commonplace, but that I remember why I am worshiping, and more importantly Who I am supposed to be worshiping.

I want to show my Lord reverence and awe.

I want to do that by putting Him first in my life.

Lord help me do this, please.

Because our God is an all consuming fire

There’s a story an American Lutheran bishop tells of visiting a parish church in California and seeing a stirring red and orange banner on the wall.

“Come Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!”

it declared in words printed under a picture of a fire burning.

But what really attracted his attention before his Sunday sermon were items almost directly next to it which evidenced: “Fire extinguishers, Hose, Dial 911”

Looking down at his sermon notes, the bishop laughed in irony as he thought to himself, “So much for this parish’s commitment unto their own spiritual renewal!”

When it comes to evidencing spiritual renewal in our lives, many Christians carry around a spiritual fire extinguisher because they’re afraid of looking too “extreme” in what they believe or are too afraid people will think they’re crazy.

But if you look very closely at those who’ve followed Christ most closely in the pages of the Bible and throughout history, you’ll find that while many of them were looked down upon for their faith, they were also well respected among believers and non-believers alike for sticking to their convictions. Acts 2:43-47.

Acts 2:43-47 Complete Jewish Bible

⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe, and many miracles and signs took place through the emissaries. ⁴⁴ All those trusting in Yeshua stayed together and had everything in common; ⁴⁵ in fact, they sold their property and possessions and distributed the proceeds to all who were in need. ⁴⁶ Continuing faithfully and with singleness of purpose to meet in the Temple courts daily, and breaking bread in their several homes, they shared their food in joy and simplicity of heart, ⁴⁷ praising God and having the respect of all the people. And day after day the Lord kept adding to them those who were being saved.

When we allow the Lord to be the center of our lives, He is an all consuming fire.

He burns out the old cobwebs. He adds deep excitement and change that we would otherwise not embrace. God is amazing and has so much planned for us.

James 4:7-10 Complete Jewish Bible

⁷ Therefore, submit to God. Moreover, take a stand against the Adversary, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come close to God, and he will come close to you. Clean your hands, sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded people! ⁹ Wail, mourn, sob! Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into gloom! ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

When we put God at the center of our lives, as He is an all consuming fire and fills every nook and cranny of our heart, we will find the excitement of having God in charge. Having Him burn away the junk, the sins, that gets in the way of our relationship with Him so that new life might grow hotter inside our hearts.

When there is a fire in the wilderness, it can be devastating  It can look as if everything that was good is gone, but after some time, new life grows, stronger and healthier than before. May I be refined by the all consuming fire of God.

So instead of trying too hard expending our physical resources, to control the fire of the Holy Spirit in your life, let it burn free, moving to every area and consuming all you are as you’re transformed by the renewing of your mind!

Prayer Challenge

Offer your entire self to God and allow Him to consume everything you are!

Questions for Thought

If someone were to ask those whom you interact with every day about how committed you are to God, what do you think they would say?

What are some areas of your life today in which you need to let God’s fire burn away the impurities and give wholly to Him?

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

Let us Pray

Psalm 61:1-6 Complete Jewish Bible

61 ⁽⁰⁾ For the leader. With stringed instruments. By David:

^2 (1) Hear my cry, God;
listen to my prayer.
^3 (2) From the end of the earth, with fainting heart,
I call out to you.
Set me down on a rock
far above where I am now.

^4 (3) For you have been a refuge for me,
a tower of strength in the face of the foe.
^5 (4) I will live in your tent forever
and find refuge in the shelter of your wings. (Selah)
^6 (5) For you, God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

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.

https://translate.google.com/

Ephesians 4:7-13 Amplified Bible

⁷ Yet grace [God’s undeserved favor] was given to each one of us [not indiscriminately, but in different ways] in proportion to the measure of Christ’s [rich and abundant] gift. ⁸ Therefore it says,

“When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And He bestowed gifts on men.”

⁹ (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had  previously descended [from the heights of heaven] into the lower parts of the earth?  ¹⁰ He who descended is the very same as He who also has ascended high above all the heavens, that He [His presence] might fill all things [that is, the whole universe]).  ¹¹ And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct],  ¹² [and He did this] to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church]; ¹³ until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, [growing spiritually] to become a mature believer, reaching to the measure of the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our spiritual gifts in unity].

The 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.

God’s Gifts to His People …

Ephesians 4:11-13 Amplified Bible

¹¹ And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct], ¹² [and He did this] to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church];  ¹³ until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, [growing spiritually] to become a mature believer, reaching to the measure of the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our spiritual gifts in unity].

The basic premise is this: God always cares for the well-being of the church.

The other basic premise is this: We the saints of His church will sometimes care for His church by the same measure by which God always cares for His church.

Christ himself made provision for the building up of its members by equipping various individuals with the varied, diverse gifts needed to achieve that goal.

Everything needed in the church is covered by this provision.

The function that each person fulfills will, of course, vary, but within that diversity of functions is a unity of purpose: “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

Sometimes we tend to give credit to individuals for their leadership in the church—and we forget the Giver of those leadership skills. It’s good to be reminded that it is “Christ himself” who does the equipping. It is appropriate for us to be diligent, prudent, in humility about the gifts that are given us.

The gifts we receive are not merely for personal enhancement. The one purpose of all the gifts Christ gives is to max benefit others so that they are empowered to render “their works of service”—“that the body of Christ may be built up.”

The church as an institution serves a variety of social and relational functions, but the most important of these is that all of the membership of the church be strengthened so the ministry and mission and work of God in the world can be made more evident, far more effectively and far more efficiently carried out.

… to equip His people for works of service …

Ephesians 4:11-13 Complete Jewish Bible

¹¹ Furthermore, he gave some people as emissaries, some as prophets, some as proclaimers of the Good News, and some as shepherds and teachers. ¹² Their task is to equip God’s people for the work of service that builds the body of the Messiah,  ¹³ until we all arrive at the unity implied by trusting and knowing the Son of God, at full manhood, at the standard of maturity set by the Messiah’s perfection.

When we chance to compare present-day churches to the original blueprint, we will surely see that many deviations have been permitted which are detrimental to the life of the church. The church has gradually turned away from the simple provisions which made it such a powerful force in its early years, and terrible distortions have entered into the church which continue to weaken the church.

Popular fashionable, thinking has fastened onto the church building as the identifying symbol of the church. Emphasis was placed upon massive ornate cathedrals and campuses with stained glass windows and flying buttresses.

In the beginning, working in the church meant to exercise a gift or perform a ministry anywhere within the vast far-reaching body of Christ, in a home, in a neighborhood, a community, out on a mission field, leper colony, in a hospital.

Gradually, however, working in the church came to mean performing some religious act, liturgist, usher, within a specific building called the church. 

While at the same time, there was a gradual transfer of ministry responsibility from the people, the congregations, whom we do now call the laity, to the few pastors, whom we now call the clergy – clergy run churches, laity in their pews.

1 Peter 2:1-12 Amplified Bible

As Newborn Babes

2 So put aside every trace of malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander and hateful speech; ² like newborn babies [you should] long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfillment], ³ if in fact you have [already] tasted ^[a]the goodness and  gracious kindness of the Lord.

As Living Stones

⁴ Come to Him [the risen Lord] as to a living Stone which men rejected and  threw away, but which is choice and precious in the sight of God. ⁵ You [believers], like living stones, are ^[b]being built up into a spiritual house for a holy and dedicated priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶ For this is contained in Scripture:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a chosen stone, a precious (honored) Cornerstone,
And he who believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him]  will never be disappointed [in his expectations].”

⁷ This precious value, then, is for you who believe [in Him as God’s only Son—the Source of salvation]; but for those who disbelieve,

“The [very] stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief Cornerstone,”

⁸ and,

“A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”;

for they stumble because they disobey the word [of God], and to this they [who reject Him as Savior] were also appointed.

⁹ But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. ¹⁰ Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are  God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

¹¹ Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers [in this world] to abstain from the sensual urges [those dishonorable desires] that wage war against the soul.  ¹² Keep your behavior excellent among the [unsaved] Gentiles [conduct yourself honorably, with graciousness and integrity], so that ^[c]for whatever reason they may slander you as evildoers, yet by observing your good deeds they may [instead come to] glorify God ^[d]in the day of visitation [when He looks upon them with mercy].

The scriptural concept that every believer is a priest before God was lost, and a special class of super-Christians emerged who were looked to for everything.

Somehow, the church lost sight of the concept that all Christians, without any allowable exceptions, are in the shared work, ministry, mission of Jesus Christ.

When the ministry was left to the professionals, there was nothing left for the people to do other than come to church, chat it up, sit in their pews and listen.

They were told that it was their responsibility to bring the world into the church building to hear the pastor preach the Gospel. Soon this Christianity became little more than a Sunday morning spectator sport, much like the definition of football: twenty-two men down on the field, desperately in need of plays, and a hundred plus thousands in those grandstands, desperately in need of exercise!

This unbiblical distortion has resulted in an impoverished church which has made little impact on the world and increasingly withdraws into irrelevance and isolation. We desperately need to return to the dynamic of the early church.

We can no longer defend our ivy-clad, ivory towered traditions which leave no room for the original, Holy Spirit power-packed strategy.

Pastors must restore to the people the ministry which was taken from them with the best of intentions.

The work of the ministry belongs to the entire body of believers, who should be being equipped by those who are gifted by God to expound and apply His Word.

The entire body has received gifts from the Holy Spirit, and it is the task of those in the pastoral ministry to encourage the entire body to use those gifts.

Isaiah 58:1-12 Complete Jewish Bible

58 Shout out loud! Don’t hold back!
Raise your voice like a shofar!
Proclaim to my people what rebels they are,
to the house of Ya‘akov their sins.

² “Oh yes, they seek me day after day
and [claim to] delight in knowing my ways.
As if they were an upright nation
that had not abandoned the rulings of their God,
they ask me for just rulings
and [claim] to take pleasure in closeness to God,
³ [asking,] ‘Why should we fast, if you don’t see?
Why mortify ourselves, if you don’t notice?’

“Here is my answer: when you fast,
you go about doing whatever you like,
while keeping your laborers hard at work.
⁴ Your fasts lead to quarreling and fighting,
to lashing out with violent blows.
On a day like today, fasting like yours
will not make your voice heard on high.

⁵ “Is this the sort of fast I want,
a day when a person mortifies himself?
Is the object to hang your head like a reed
and spread sackcloth and ashes under yourself?
Is this what you call a fast,
a day that pleases Adonai?

⁶ “Here is the sort of fast I want —
releasing those unjustly bound,
untying the thongs of the yoke,
letting the oppressed go free,
breaking every yoke,
⁷ sharing your food with the hungry,
taking the homeless poor into your house,
clothing the naked when you see them,
fulfilling your duty to your kinsmen!”

⁸ Then your light will burst forth like the morning,
your new skin will quickly grow over your wound;
your righteousness will precede you,
and Adonai’s glory will follow you.
⁹ Then you will call, and Adonai will answer;
you will cry, and he will say, “Here I am.”
If you will remove the yoke from among you,
stop false accusation and slander,
¹⁰ generously offer food to the hungry
and meet the needs of the person in trouble;
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your gloom become like noon.
¹¹ Adonai will always guide you;
he will satisfy your needs in the desert,
he will renew the strength in your limbs;
so that you will be like a watered garden,
like a spring whose water never fails.
¹² You will rebuild the ancient ruins,
raise foundations from ages past,
and be called “Repairer of broken walls,
Restorer of streets to live in.”

When we have given, equipped, restored, renewed, refreshed all Christians in the body their God-given role as ministers of God’s eternal plan, then lives are going to be changed, transformed. The church begins to be a difference again.

Ancient Ruins will be rebuilt …

Razed foundations from ages past will be re-raised.

Ancient broken shattered Walls are rebuilt, refreshed and repurposed …

Dilapidated, Wrecked and Ruined Streets are returned to the people to live in.

And Adonai will always be there to guide us, to provision us and to sustain us.

Proverbs 29:18 Amplified Bible

¹⁸ 
Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained;
But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God].

What is our current definition of the church? How much prophetic vision does it need to be conformed, transformed to God’s idea of what the church should be?

Psalm 84:9-10 Easy-to-Read Version

⁹ God, watch over the king, our protector.^[a]
    Be kind to him, the one you have chosen.
¹⁰ One day in your Temple is better
    than a thousand days anywhere else.
Serving as a guard at the gate of my God’s house is better
    than living in the homes of the wicked.

How well does our 2024 interpretation of “God’s church” match up with God’s?

Do we have enough trust and faith in God tear down our failed, fault-filled, deeply flawed effort, to rebuild it, to give God His real live vision of church?

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

Let us Pray,

Psalm 84 Complete Jewish Bible

84 ⁽⁰⁾ For the leader. On the gittit. A psalm of the sons of Korach:

^2 (1) How deeply loved are your dwelling-places,
Adonai-Tzva’ot!
^3 (2) My soul yearns, yes, faints with longing
for the courtyards of Adonai;
my heart and body cry for joy
to the living God.

^4 (3) As the sparrow finds herself a home
and the swallow her nest, where she lays her young,
[so my resting-place is] by your altars,
Adonai-Tzva’ot, my king and my God.

^5 (4) How happy are those who live in your house;
they never cease to praise you! (Selah)
^6 (5) How happy the man whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are [pilgrim] highways.

^7 (6) Passing through the [dry] Baka Valley,
they make it a place of springs,
and the early rain clothes it with blessings.
^8 (7) They go from strength to strength
and appear before God in Tziyon.

^9 (8) Adonai, God of armies, hear my prayer;
listen, God of Ya‘akov. (Selah)
^10 (9) God, see our shield [the king];
look at the face of your anointed.
^11 (10) Better a day in your courtyards
than a thousand [days elsewhere].
Better just standing at the door of my God’s house
than living in the tents of the wicked.

^12 (11) For Adonai, God, is a sun and a shield;
Adonai bestows favor and honor;
he will not withhold anything good
from those whose lives are pure.

^13 (12) Adonai-Tzva’ot,
how happy is anyone who trusts in you!

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.

https://translate.google.com/

Psalm 71 The Message

71 ^1-3 I run for dear life to God,
    I’ll never live to regret it.
Do what you do so well:
    get me out of this mess and up on my feet.
Put your ear to the ground and listen,
    give me space for salvation.
Be a guest room where I can retreat;
    you said your door was always open!
You’re my salvation—my vast, granite fortress.

^4-7 My God, free me from the grip of Wicked,
    from the clutch of Bad and Bully.
You keep me going when times are tough—
    my bedrock, God, since my childhood.
I’ve hung on you from the day of my birth,
    the day you took me from the cradle;
    I’ll never run out of praise.
Many gasp in alarm when they see me,
    but you take me in stride.

^8-11 Just as each day brims with your beauty,
    my mouth brims with praise.
But don’t turn me out to pasture when I’m old
    or put me on the shelf when I can’t pull my weight.
My enemies are talking behind my back,
    watching for their chance to knife me.
The gossip is: “God has abandoned him.
    Pounce on him now; no one will help him.”

^12-16 God, don’t just watch from the sidelines.
    Come on! Run to my side!
My accusers—make them lose face.
    Those out to get me—make them look
Like idiots, while I stretch out, reaching for you,
    and daily add praise to praise.
I’ll write the book on your righteousness,
    talk up your salvation all the day long,
    never run out of good things to write or say.
I come in the power of the Lord God,
    I post signs marking his right-of-way.

^17-24 You got me when I was an unformed youth,
    God, and taught me everything I know.
Now I’m telling the world your wonders;
    I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray.
God, don’t walk off and leave me
    until I get out the news
Of your strong right arm to this world,
    news of your power to the world yet to come,
Your famous and righteous
    ways, O God.
God, you’ve done it all!
    Who is quite like you?
You, who made me stare trouble in the face,
    Turn me around;
Now let me look life in the face.
    I’ve been to the bottom;
Bring me up, streaming with honors;
    turn to me, be tender to me,
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you
    to the tune of your faithfulness, God.
I’ll make music for you on a harp,
    Holy One of Israel.
When I open up in song to you,
    I let out lungsful of praise,
    my rescued life a song.
All day long I’m chanting
    about you and your righteous ways,
While those who tried to do me in
    slink off looking ashamed.

The 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 I Am Growing Old and Feeble … Stand By Me

When the storms of life are raging
Stand by me
When the storms of life are raging
Stand by me
When the world is tossing me
Like a ship out on the sea
Thou who rulest wind and water
Stand by me

When I’m growing old and feeble
Stand by me
When I’m growing old and feeble
Stand by me
When I do the best I can
And my friends misunderstand
Thou who never
Lost a battle
Stand by me
Thou who never lost a battle
Stand by me

Author: Charles Albert Tindley (1905)

What More Is There For Our “Grey Headed” Spirituality?

Psalm 71:9-18 Authorized (King James) Version

⁹ Cast me not off in the time of old age;
forsake me not when my strength faileth.
¹⁰ For mine enemies speak against me;
and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,
¹¹ saying, God hath forsaken him:
persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.
¹² O God, be not far from me:
O my God, make haste for my help.
¹³ Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul;
let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
¹⁴ But I will hope continually,
and will yet praise thee more and more.
¹⁵ My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day;
for I know not the numbers thereof.
¹⁶ I will go in the strength of the Lord God:
I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.

¹⁷ O God, thou hast taught me from my youth:
and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
¹⁸ Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not;
until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation,
and thy power to every one that is to come.

Psalm 71:18 ( AKJV) reads, “Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.”

This verse is a poignant plea to God for strength and guidance, even in old age.

The unacknowledged , unidentified psalmist acknowledges the inevitability of old age and the challenges that come with it, but also the psalmist expresses a deep desire to continue to serve others and glorify God throughout their life.

There are several key themes and layers of meaning in this verse, which can be explored in detail to gain a deeper understanding of its significance.

One theme that stands out in this verse is the concept of age, resilience and perseverance. The psalmist is acknowledging their age and the challenges that come with it, yet they are not asking, praying, for relief from those challenges.

Instead, they are asking for God to not forsake them, to continue to provide strength and guidance so that they may continue to fulfill their purpose in serving God and showing His strength and wisdom unto future generations.

This speaks mightily to the idea of the psalmist’s enduring faith and dedication, despite the mounting “grayheaded” difficulties and limitations of his old age.

Another theme present in this verse is the irresistible covenant requirement to be passing on of his “grayheaded” faith and wisdom unto future generations.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Amplified Bible

⁴ “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one [the only God]! ⁵ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and with all your soul and with all your strength [your entire being]. ⁶ These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be [written] on your heart and mind. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your ^[a]children [impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths] and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand (forearm), and they shall be used as ^[b]bands (frontals, frontlets) on your forehead. ⁹ You shall write them on the ^[c]doorposts of your house and on your gates.

The psalmist expresses a deep desire to show God’s strength and power to the next generation and to all who are to come.

This reflects a deep sense of responsibility and a recognition of the importance of passing on the knowledge and experience of grayheaded faith unto others.

It speaks to the idea of leaving a lasting legacy of faith and a commitment to spreading the message of God’s power and goodness to future generations.

The context of this verse is also important to consider.

The book of Psalms is a collection of prayers and songs that express a wide range of emotions and experiences. Many of the psalms were written by King David, who faced numerous trials and challenges throughout his life.

In this particular psalm, the writer is seeking God’s protection and deliverance from stronger enemies, as well as expressing their trust in God’s faithfulness.

In the midst of their struggles, they are also reflecting on the passage of time and the great challenges that come with old age, and they are seeking God’s continued presence and strength to carry them through.

Symbolism is also present in this verse, particularly in the imagery of old age and gray hair.

In many cultures, old age is symbolic of the accumulation wisdom, experience, and the accumulation of knowledge.

By invoking the image of being old and grayheaded, the psalmist is hereby acknowledging the wisdom and perspective that comes with age, the value of that wisdom in serving God and teaching future generations.

The gray hair symbolizes a life well-lived, lessons well learned and the desire to continue to be of service and value to God, future generations, even in old age.

Why Is Spiritual Growth Important? – Senior Living

Romans 12:1-2 Amplified Bible

Dedicated Service

12 ^[a]Therefore I urge you, ^[b]brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. ²  And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be ^[c]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

Recently, on my Social Media feed, someone posted this story which hit me;

In the mid-1700s, a shipload of migrants landed on the northwest coast of America. Their first year, they established a site on which they’d build their village. The second year, they elected a village government. The third year, the village government made the risky decision to build a road stretching five miles westward into the wilderness.

In the fourth year, the townspeople tried to overthrow their own government because they believed building a road five miles into the wilderness was a waste of money. The very same people who saw thousands of miles across an ocean and overcame hardships to get there couldn’t see five miles down the road!

They had gone too far, reached the outer limits and so, refused to go further.

Many Christians are a lot like those townspeople.

They reach “their limit” a point in their walk with Christ and think they have no further to go, more to offer. It’s they’ve become “close enough with God to be comfortable,” so they go into “maintenance mode” and stop moving forward.

Our comfort in Christ comes from the fact that throughout our life, through our experiences, both good and bad, through faith, we are firmly planted in Him.

2 Timothy 1:3-11 Amplified Bible

³ I thank God, whom I worship and serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, ⁴  and as I recall your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. ⁵ I remember your sincere and unqualified faith [the surrendering of your entire self to God in Christ with confident trust in His power, wisdom and goodness, a faith] which first lived in [the heart of] your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am confident that it is in you as well. ⁶ That is why I remind you to ^[a]fan into flame the gracious gift of God, [that inner fire—the special endowment] which is in you through the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination]. ⁷ For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or  cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

⁸ So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord or about me His prisoner, but with me take your share of suffering for the gospel [continue to preach regardless of the circumstances], in accordance with the power of God [for His power is invincible], ⁹ for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago], ¹⁰ but now [that extraordinary purpose and grace] has been fully disclosed and realized by us through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus who [through His incarnation and earthly ministry] abolished death [making it null and void] and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, ¹¹ for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher [of this good news regarding salvation].

But as we grow and mature, we surrender daily as we are transformed more and more into His image. We cannot be content in just yesterday’s spiritual growth.

The message from the “grayheaded” Psalmist in Psalm 71 is move continually forward in sharing your faith and surrendering your life to Christ day by day!

Prayer Challenge

From where ever you are in becoming “grayheaded” ask God to show you how, when, why, to surrender each day to Him so you’ll continue growing in Christ.

Questions for Thought

As your “grayhead” becomes more “evident,” why do you think becoming spiritually comfortable is such a common tendency among believers?

As those gray hairs become more obvious to you, others, what are some things you can do daily that will help you continually give your life over unto Christ?

In conclusion, Psalm 71:18 ( AKJV) is a powerful expression of faith, resilience, and a deep, ongoing, never ending commitment to serving God, even in old age.

It speaks to the enduring nature of faith, the importance of passing on wisdom and knowledge to future generations, of future generations to continue to pass on, and the symbolism of old age as a time of continued service and dedication.

However old we are, this verse serves as a encouraging, empowering reminder to all believers to seek God’s strength and guidance throughout their lives, and to continue to be a light and example of faith to those who’ll come after them.

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

Let us Pray,

Psalm 103 The Message

103 ^1-2 O my soul, bless God.
    From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God,
    don’t forget a single blessing!

^3-5     He forgives your sins—every one.
    He heals your diseases—every one.
    He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
    He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
    He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
    He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.

^6-18 God makes everything come out right;
    he puts victims back on their feet.
He showed Moses how he went about his work,
    opened up his plans to all Israel.
God is sheer mercy and grace;
    not easily angered, he’s rich in love.
He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold,
    nor hold grudges forever.
He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve,
    nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.
As high as heaven is over the earth,
    so strong is his love to those who fear him.
And as far as sunrise is from sunset,
    he has separated us from our sins.
As parents feel for their children,
    God feels for those who fear him.
He knows us inside and out,
    keeps in mind that we’re made of mud.
Men and women don’t live very long;
    like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,
But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,
    leaving nothing to show they were here.
God’s love, though, is ever and always,
    eternally present to all who fear him,
Making everything right for them and their children
    as they follow his Covenant ways
    and remember to do whatever he said.

^19-22 God has set his throne in heaven;
    he rules over us all. He’s the King!
So bless God, you angels,
    ready and able to fly at his bidding,
    quick to hear and do what he says.
Bless God, all you armies of angels,
    alert to respond to whatever he wills.
Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are—
    everything and everyone made by God.

And you, O my soul, bless 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.

https://translate.google.com/

John 5:1-9 English Standard Version

The Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath

5 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

² Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic^[a] called Bethesda,^[b] which has five roofed colonnades. ³ In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed.^[c] 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. ⁶ When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” ⁷ The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” ⁸ Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” ⁹ And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.

Now that day was the Sabbath.

The 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.

“Would you like to get well?”

Sometimes our biggest disease isn’t what appears in our bodies.

Instead, this disease hides in our hearts.

“Would you like to get well?”

That’s a much harder question to answer than meets the eye — when applied to my spiritual wellbeing. I might have to change.

I might have to give up my excuses.

I might have to adapt to a different lifestyle.

I might have to give up blaming others for my problems.

I might have to take some responsibility for my own condition.

Jesus asked the question because, in this case, the man had a real, physical disease. After 38 years, as the man shows by the end of today’s verses when he made an excuse, he does not sound ready to take responsibility for anything.

What about us?

Do we really want to get well, both spiritually and physically?

Do we really mean it when we utter the words, confess and pray before God?

Taking a brutally honest look at ourselves – are we truly ready to be authentic?

Ignoring our usual irrational array, our cacophony of excuses, weak rationales?

Psalm 51:1-15 The Message

51 ^1-3 Generous in love—God, give grace!
    Huge in mercy—wipe out my bad record.
Scrub away my guilt,
    soak out my sins in your laundry.
I know how bad I’ve been;
    my sins are staring me down.

^4-6 You’re the One I’ve violated, and you’ve seen
    it all, seen the full extent of my evil.
You have all the facts before you;
    whatever you decide about me is fair.
I’ve been out of step with you for a long time,
    in the wrong since before I was born.
What you’re after is truth from the inside out.
    Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life.

^7-15 Soak me in your laundry and I’ll come out clean,
    scrub me and I’ll have a snow-white life.
Tune me in to foot-tapping songs,
    set these once-broken bones to dancing.
Don’t look too close for blemishes,
    give me a clean bill of health.
God, make a fresh start in me,
    shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
Don’t throw me out with the trash,
    or fail to breathe holiness in me.
Bring me back from gray exile,
    put a fresh wind in my sails!
Give me a job teaching rebels your ways
    so the lost can find their way home.
Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God,
    and I’ll sing anthems to your life-giving ways.
Unbutton my lips, dear God;
    I’ll let loose with your praise.

Psalm 139:23-24 The Message

^23-24 Investigate my life, O God,
    find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me,
    get a clear picture of what I’m about;
See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong—
    then guide me on the road to eternal life.

Do we authentically want, in those moments, like David prayed, an answer?

Because, truth be told, we are not even close to ready for God to truly say; “ok?”

Then we need to do some hardcore surrendering within ourselves, refuse Saul’s armor, to come to Christ and be ready for the Holy Spirit to begin changing us!

We had better be ready for God, the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit, is going to arrive when we least expect it, want it, desire it, need it – and begin their work!

Whether we are ready or not … God will make His power and presence well felt!

God is absolutely going to overwhelm us … lead, guide, direct shape, conform us, transform us, move us completely against our wills down His narrow road!

God is Still Asking Us; Would We Like to Get Well?

John 5:7 Amplified Bible

⁷ The invalid answered, “Sir, I have no one to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am coming [to get into it myself], someone else steps down ahead of me.”

There is a place where our hurt and our healer collide, the irresistible force God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, versus the immovable object – us – our rock hardened hearts.

Do we sometimes hold back from accepting Jesus’ transforming power in our lives? Have we become so used to struggling that we can’t imagine things going another way? Sometimes the crutch we know is easier than the walk we haven’t experienced, and that crutch can become an inconveniently hardcore excuse.

It’s often easier to rely on the ways we are familiar with, rather than trying a new way that means change and transformation.

When Jesus asks this man if he wants to be made well, he does not answer with a yes—only a reason why it can’t happen. He’s had 38 years of only seeing the story one way; the thought of anything else hasn’t still entered his thinking.

But Jesus is offering so much more than this man can fathom or imagine.

When Jesus asks us this question, do we limit him on the basis of our experience, or do we have hope that he can do something more?

When we are confronted with the question of change, of thinking bigger than we have imagined before, can we say yes? Will our answer be .01% authentic?

When we begin to understand that the one asking the question is our Lord and Savior, our Creator, our comforter, our healer, and our #1 best friend, who loves us and cares about all of the details of our lives, can we say anything but yes?

Well, today is a good day to imagine what the Lord can do if we don’t hold back.

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

Let us Pray,

Psalm 19 Amplified Bible

The Works and the Word of God.

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

19 The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And the expanse [of heaven] is declaring the work of His hands.
² 
Day after day pours forth speech,
And night after night reveals knowledge.
³ 
There is no speech, nor are there [spoken] words [from the stars];
Their voice is not heard.
⁴ 
Yet their voice [in quiet evidence] has gone out through all the earth,
Their words to the end of the world.
In them and in the heavens He has made a tent for the sun,
⁵ 
Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.
⁶ 
The sun’s rising is from one end of the heavens,
And its circuit to the other end of them;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

⁷ 
The law of the Lord is perfect (flawless), restoring and refreshing the soul;
The statutes of the Lord are reliable and trustworthy, making wise the simple.
⁸ 
The precepts of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
⁹ 
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true, they are righteous altogether.
¹⁰ 
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
¹¹ 
Moreover, by them Your servant is warned [reminded, illuminated, and instructed];
In keeping them there is great reward.
¹² 
Who can understand his errors or omissions? Acquit me of hidden (unconscious, unintended) faults.
¹³ 
Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous (deliberate, willful) sins;
Let them not rule and have control over me.
Then I will be blameless (complete),
And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
¹⁴ 
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable and pleasing in Your sight,
O Lord, my [firm, immovable] rock and my Redeemer.

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.

https://translate.google.com/

John 4:31-38 Complete Jewish Bible

³¹ Meanwhile, the talmidim were urging Yeshua, “Rabbi, eat something.” ³² But he answered, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about.” ³³ At this, the talmidim asked one another, “Could someone have brought him food?” ³⁴  Yeshua said to them, “My food is to do what the one who sent me wants and to bring his work to completion. ³⁵ Don’t you have a saying, ‘Four more months and then the harvest’? Well, what I say to you is: open your eyes and look at the fields! They’re already ripe for harvest! ³⁶ The one who reaps receives his wages and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that the reaper and the sower may be glad together — ³⁷ for in this matter, the proverb, ‘One sows and another reaps,’ holds true. ³⁸ I sent you to reap what you haven’t worked for. Others have done the hard labor, and you have benefited from their work.”

What is the meaning of talmidim?

SHARE. The Hebrew word for disciple is talmid. This word stresses the total relationship between rabbi (teacher or master) and disciple (student). A talmid of Jesus’ day would freely give up his entire life in order to be with his teacher.

This is the deep relationship between Master Rabbi Gamaliel and Saul/Paul.

The 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.

Greetings, family of God.

As we gather ourselves here in God’s name and for His Glory alone, today, we find ourselves in the strength and presence of the Almighty, our hearts beating in rhythm with His divine purpose, our spirits yearning for His divine wisdom.

We are here to on this day to immerse ourselves in His Word, to drink from the fountain of His truth, and to be nourished by His everlasting love. We are here to grow, to learn, to change, and to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Today, we are going to focus on a message that is as timely as it is timeless, a message that is as relevant today as it was when Jesus first spoke these words over two thousand years ago. It is a message that calls us to vigorous action, which challenges us to step out of our comfort zones, and which compels us to make the above, beyond most of every opportunity that God places in our path.

It is a message that is encapsulated in the words of Jesus in John 4:35, where He says, “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”

Let us read this scripture together, allowing the words to sink into our hearts, to stir our spirits, and to ignite a fire within us that cannot be quenched.

John 4:35 (The Message)

^34-35 Jesus said, “The food that keeps me going is that I do the will of the One who sent me, finishing the work he started. As you look around right now, wouldn’t you say that in about four months it will be time to harvest? Well, I’m telling you to open your eyes and take a good look at what’s right in front of you. These Samaritan fields are ripe. It’s harvest time!

As we consider these words, let us open the entirety of our hearts unto the Holy Spirit, asking Him to reveal to us some of the vast array of truths which have been hidden within them, guide us as we seek to apply these truths to our lives.

Now, imagine with me, if you will, a farmer who has been given a field full of wheat. The sun is shining, the rain has been plentiful, and the wheat is golden and ripe, ready to be harvested. But instead of going out into the field with his sickle, the farmer sits on his porch, reading his daily newspaper, looking out at the field, and says, “I will wait, it four months more and then the harvest.”

This is the picture that Jesus paints for us in John 4:35.

He is calling us to be like the farmer who sees the ripe wheat and immediately hops into his harvester, goes out to the business of harvesting it, not the farmer who procrastinates and misses the opportunity. He is calling us to be vigilant, to be proactive, and to be diligent in our efforts to increase our witness for Him, to enhance our relationship with Him, and to solidify our relationship with God.

As we delve ever deeper into this message today, let us keep this image in mind, allowing it to guide our thoughts, to shape our attitudes, and to influence our actions. Let us be the farmer who seizes the opportunity, who reaps the harvest, and who brings glory, honor, to God through his diligence and his faithfulness.

May God bless each and everyone of us as we embark on this journey together, and may He use this message to draw us closer to Him, to strengthen our faith, and elevate our wisdom, to equip us for the work which He has called us to do.

Taking Advantage of Every Opportunity

Friends, I believe we are all familiar with the concept of seizing the day, making the most of every opportunity. But how often do we actually rigorously apply this principle to our spiritual lives? How often do we vigorously take advantage of every opportunity to increase our witness for Jesus, enhance our relationship with Him, build and edify His Kingdom, and solidify our relationship with God?

Let’s make a well considered effort to consider the words of Jesus in John 4:35.

He challenges us here to open our eyes and see the opportunities around us.

The fields are ripe for harvest. The enormous opportunities to share His love and truth are abundant. We just need to open both our eyes and seize them.

Now, let’s think about what it means to increase our witness for Jesus.

It’s not about grand gestures or high-profile acts.

It’s about the small, everyday actions that reflect His love and grace. It’s about showing kindness to a stranger, offering a word of encouragement to a friend, or spending much needed time in prayer for someone who is in real need. These are the GOD opportunities we all have every day to shine His light in the world.

When we take advantage of these opportunities, we not only increase our own witness for Jesus, but we also enhance our relationship with Him. Every act of love, every word of truth, every moment of prayer and worship draws us closer to Him. It deepens our understanding of His heart and aligns our will with His.

In the original Greek language of the New Testament, the word for “look” in John 4:35 is “theoreo.”

https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/theoreo.html#:~:text=Theoreo%20Definition,to%20view%20mentally%2C%20consider

It means more than just a casual glance.

It implies a deep, careful, deliberate observation.

It’s a call to pay strict attention, to be alert, to be aware of the opportunities around us.

So, Jesus is not just telling us to look at the fields.

He’s telling us to really see them, to recognize the opportunities they represent.

So, let’s open our eyes. Let’s see the opportunities around us.

Let’s seize every opportunity to increase our witness for Jesus, enhance our relationship with Him, and solidify our relationship with God.

The fields are ripe for harvest.

The opportunities are abundant. Let’s seize them with both hands.

Taking Advantage of Every Opportunity

Scripture Reference: John 4:35 (NIV)

“Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”

In our walk with Jesus, we are called to seize every GOD opportunity that comes our way. This is not just simply about making the most of our time, but it is also about maximum effort, about maximizing our impact for the Kingdom of God.

Firstly, we need to increase our witness for Jesus.

This means sharing the Good News with those around us. We are all called to be ambassadors for Christ, to spread His love and grace to the world. This is not a task for the few, but a very sacred responsibility for all of us who follow Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:20 The Message

^16-20 Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life emerges! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you.

Bringing, Taking, Your Christian Values to Your Job

Colossians 3:23-25 The Message

^22-25 Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.

In today’s diverse, dynamic work environments, integrating personal faith and professional responsibilities can be both a rewarding and challenging endeavor.

For Christians, living out their faith in the workplace is a powerful testimony of their beliefs, especially because actions are louder than words.

We will explore further in this message how you can bring your Christian values to your job, balancing your professional responsibilities while maintaining your integrity and faith. 

Understanding the Importance of Faith at Work 

Faith is not just a private affair but a guiding force in all areas of life, up to and including work.

Here are some reasons why integrating faith in the workplace is essential: 

1. Integrity and Honesty: Christian values emphasize integrity and honesty. These principles foster a trustworthy environment, essential for building strong professional relationships. 

2. Service and Compassion: Jesus taught the importance of serving others. Bringing this attitude into work can transform the way you interact with colleagues, clients, and customers. 

3. Work Ethic: Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This encourages a strong work ethic, aiming for excellence in all tasks. 

4. Conflict Resolution: Biblical teachings on forgiveness and peacemaking can guide you in resolving workplace conflicts effectively and gracefully. 

Practical Ways to Live Out Faith at Work 

1. Demonstrate Integrity 

One of the most potent ways to showcase our Christian faith is thru integrity.

This means being honest, transparent, and consistent in your actions.

Avoid engaging in gossip, deceit, or unethical practices, even if they seem commonplace in your workplace. Your commitment to integrity will not only please God but also earn you great respect from colleagues and superiors. 

2. Practice Kindness and Compassion 

Kindness and compassion are core Christian values. In a professional setting, this can mean offering to help a colleague who is struggling, listening actively when someone needs to talk, or showing empathy towards others’ situations.

These small acts can create a more supportive and positive work environment. 

3. Serve Others 

Adopt a servant leadership mindset, focusing on how you can serve others rather than seeking personal gain. This can involve mentoring junior employees, volunteering for less desirable tasks, or simply being available to assist where needed. Serving others not only reflects Christ’s message of love but also fosters fellowship, friendship, respect, teamwork and collaboration. 

4. Maintain a Strong Work Ethic 

Commit to performing your job to the best of your abilities. Show diligence, punctuality, and dedication in all your tasks.

As Colossians 3:23 reminds us, work as if you are working for the Lord. This attitude can inspire those around you and set a high standard for performance. 

5. Handle Conflict with Grace 

Workplace conflicts are inevitable, but how you handle them can set you apart.

Use biblical principles such as forgiveness, mercy, patience, and peacemaking to navigate disputes. Avoid the obvious retaliations or harboring of grudges.

Instead, strive for reconciliation and understanding, promoting a peaceful and cooperative work environment. 

6. Pray Regularly 

Incorporate prayer into your daily routine, even at work.

Pray for your colleagues, your supervisors, and your organization.

Seek God’s guidance in your professional decisions and challenges. This not only strengthens your faith but also brings a sense of peace and direction. 

7. Share Your Faith Wisely 

While it’s important to share your faith, it’s equally important to do so respectfully and sensitively. Be mindful of your workplace policies and your colleagues’ beliefs. Look for natural opportunities to share your testimony, such as during personal conversations or when asked about your values. 

Overcome Challenges in Integrating Faith and Work 

Bringing your Christian values to the workplace can present unique challenges.

Here are some common obstacles and how to overcome them: 

1. Balancing Faith and Professional Expectations 

Sometimes, workplace demands may seem at odds with your faith.

For instance, you might face pressure to compromise your values to achieve business goals.

In such cases, it’s crucial to remain steadfast in your beliefs and seek creative solutions aligning with both your professional responsibilities and Christian values.

I once knew a Christian who had to leave a high-pressure sales environment that made customers and clients uncomfortable; they found a new job where they were more highly valued, expectations were much more realistic for sales. 

2. Navigating a Diverse Work Environment

In a multicultural workplace, colleagues may have different beliefs and values.

Respect and understanding are key.

While it’s important to live out your faith, it’s important to respect others’ perspectives.

This creates a harmonious work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. 

3. Dealing with Persecution or Discrimination 

Unfortunately, some may face discrimination or persecution because of their faith. It’s important to know your rights and seek support if necessary.

Organizations often have policies against religious discrimination.

Stand firm in your faith, and remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:10 (AMP),  

¹⁰ “Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for ^[a]doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].

The Impact of Faith in the Workplace 

Integrating Christian values into your professional life can have a profound impact, both on a personal and organizational level. 

1. Personal Growth 

Living out your faith at work can lead to personal growth. It deepens your relationship with God, enhances your character, and builds resilience.

As you navigate challenges and serve others, you develop qualities such as patience, humility, and perseverance. 

2. Positive Work Environment 

When employees bring their values to work, it creates a positive and ethical work culture.

This can lead to increased trust, better teamwork, and higher morale.

Colleagues are more likely to support each other and work collaboratively towards common goals. 

3. Organizational Success 

Organizations that embrace diverse values, including Christian principles, often experience greater success.

Ethical practices, strong leadership, and a commitment to service can enhance the organization’s reputation and attract loyal customers and employees. 

Practical Tips for Integrating Faith

Here are some practical tips to help you bring your Christian values to your workplace effectively: 

1. Start Your Day with Prayer 

Begin each workday with prayer, asking God for guidance, wisdom, and the ability to reflect His love through your actions.

This sets a positive tone for the day and helps you stay focused on your faith. 

2. Create a Support Network 

Find like-minded colleagues who share your faith.

Forming a support group or prayer circle can provide encouragement and accountability.

This network can also be a source of strength during challenging times. 

3. Be a Role Model 

Lead by example. Demonstrate Christian values through your actions and attitudes.

Your behavior can inspire others and create opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith. 

4. Use Scripture for Encouragement 

Keep Bible verses or inspirational quotes at your desk or on your phone.

These reminders can provide comfort and motivation throughout the day.

Verses like Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength,” can be particularly encouraging. 

Philippians 4:10-14 The Message

Content Whatever the Circumstances

^10-14 I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.

5. Volunteer and Serve

Look for opportunities to serve within your workplace.

This could involve organizing charity drives, participating in community service projects, or simply helping colleagues in need. Serving others not only benefits the community but also strengthens your, your companies witness. 

Integrating faith into the workplace is a journey that requires deep faith and implicit trust in God, Jesus, Spirit and personal courage, wisdom, and grace.

By demonstrating a commitment to integrity, practicing kindness, serving others, maintaining a strong work ethic, handling conflicts with grace, praying regularly, sharing your faith wisely, you bring your Christian values to your job.

Despite challenges, the impact on personal growth, workplace culture, and organizational success is profound. As you live out your faith at work, you not only honor God but also inspire and positively influence those around you.

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

Let us Pray,

Psalm 133 The Message

133 ^1-3 How wonderful, how beautiful,
    when brothers and sisters get along!
It’s like costly anointing oil
    flowing down head and beard,
Flowing down Aaron’s beard,
    flowing down the collar of his priestly robes.
It’s like the dew on Mount Hermon
    flowing down the slopes of Zion.
Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing,
    ordains eternal 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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1 Corinthians 15:58 Complete Jewish Bible

⁵⁸ So, my dear brothers, stand firm and immovable, always doing the Lord’s work as vigorously as you can, knowing that united with the Lord your efforts are not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58 Amplified Bible

⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].

The 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.

Sometimes it can be really hard, almost impossible to do your best. Maybe you have a teacher at school who never gives out grades that you feel are fair, so you want to stop even trying. Or perhaps you’ve got a boss at work who never seems satisfied, and unable to see how hard of a worker you are and you’re frustrated.

It can be really easy in life, utterly frustrating, to let what others think and say discourage us from doing our best at school or a job. However, we shouldn’t be letting other people have the final say in how hard we work for God judges us.

Whether we are at work or play, we should be doing all things for glory of God.

So regardless of whether your boss or teachers notice, you should always be doing your best for God. God always notices and he will reward you in time.

So challenge yourself to do your best in everything you tackle each day.

Take satisfaction, the sweat on your brow, the dirt and grime on your hands and feet in working hard and you’ll be excited to see how far that attitude takes you.

What should we take from, understand, the message of 1 Corinthians 15:58 is?

1 Corinthians 15:58 serves as a eminently practical call towards perseverance, dedication, and unwavering commitment in our up/down Christian journey.

It emphatically encourages believers to remain strong, steadfast in their faith, immovable in their convictions, the Gospel message, active in serving the Lord.

What does it mean to be “steadfast and immovable?” To be steadfast is to be firmly fixed and not subject to change, to be firm in belief and determination, and to be loyal and faithful. Likewise, to be immovable is to be unyielding and incapable of being moved or diverted.

What is the meaning of “your labor is not in vain”?

Apostle Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Your labor is not in vain.” This is a potent, refreshing reminder that no matter how difficult or seemingly meaningless our work appears, it brings growth to the Kingdom of God and it is meaningful to God because it brings Him glory, and for that reason, it is not in vain.

How do we become steadfast and immovable? A building or structure that is stable and immovable must be built upon a strong foundation. If you and I desire to become steadfast and immovable disciples of the Master, we must build up our faith appropriately and effectively upon Him as our foundation.

In 15:58, he is calling the Corinthians to participate in this ministry, to give themselves also unto the work given by the Lord of serving and building his church. Throughout 1 Corinthians, then, ‘the work of God ‘and ‘the work of the Lord’ is the particular work extending the gospel and establishing churches.

How do you give yourself fully to the work of the Lord?

We give ourselves fully to God’s work when we work hard at whatever God has given us to do. And, whether we are at work or at play, we give ourselves fully to God’s work when we freely allow the Lord to use the challenges, opportunities, and frustrations of our daily work and play to help us become more like him.

What are the qualities of a steadfast person?

Steadfast implies a sureness and continuousness that may be depended upon. The steadfast leader is dependable, reliable, constant and unwavering. S/he stays on God’s course, follows through, develops good habits and keeps them.

Is steadfast the same as faithful?

Some common synonyms of steadfast are constant, faithful, loyal, resolute, and staunch.

While all these synonyms mean “firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance,” word steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

What is a steadfast person like?

Someone can be steadfast in a belief, an effort, a plan, or even a refusal. Whatever it is, it means that the person will calmly hold firm to the chosen position and follow through with determination. Definitions of steadfast. adjective. marked by firm determination or resolution; not being shakable.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
– 1 Corinthians 15:58

 I love this verse, I love this chapter. 

The whole of 1 Corinthians 15, is a glorious picture of the resurrection of Jesus. And not just his resurrection, but the resurrection of all who trust in him.

1 Corinthians 15:58 Empowers, Encourages Us to Utterly Trust in the Promise of the Resurrection

This whole chapter is just filled with hope…

With joy over the reality of our resurrection bodies. 

That when we die, when Jesus returns, he’s going to resurrect our bodies to be like his body.

And when you get to the end of this chapter… You see just a triumphant proclamation about death being swallowed up in victory… Death having no more sting, the sting of death, the power of sin is the law… But thankfully to God, he gives us final victory through His Only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Let us Pray,

Psalm 29 Complete Jewish Bible

29 ⁽⁰⁾ A psalm of David:

⁽¹⁾ Give Adonai his due, you who are godly;
give Adonai his due of glory and strength;
² give Adonai the glory due his name;
worship Adonai in holy splendor.

³ The voice of Adonai is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
Adonai over rushing waters,
⁴ the voice of Adonai in power,
the voice of Adonai in splendor.

⁵ The voice of Adonai cracks the cedars;
Adonai splinters the cedars of the L’vanon
⁶ and makes the L’vanon skip like a calf,
Siryon like a young wild ox.

⁷ The voice of Adonai flashes fiery flames;
⁸ the voice of Adonai rocks the desert,
Adonai convulses the Kadesh Desert.
⁹ The voice of Adonai causes deer to give birth
and strips the forests bare —
while in his temple, all cry, “Glory!”
¹⁰ Adonai sits enthroned above the flood!
Adonai sits enthroned as king forever!
¹¹ May Adonai give strength to his people!
May Adonai bless his people with shalom!

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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Genesis 3:6-13 Complete Jewish Bible

⁶ When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it had a pleasing appearance and that the tree was desirable for making one wise, she took some of its fruit and ate. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her; and he ate. ⁷  Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together to make themselves loincloths.

⁸ They heard the voice of Adonai, God, walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, so the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Adonai, God, among the trees in the garden. ⁹ Adonai, God, called to the man, “Where are you?” ¹⁰ He answered, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” ¹¹ He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree from which I ordered you not to eat?” ¹² The man replied, “The woman you gave to be with me — she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” ¹³  Adonai, God, said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me, so I ate.”

The 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.

We came from God. We were made to be like God.

We could not be happy, humbled, joyous, satisfied with this incredible miracle?

So, what was Adam’s problem?

So, what was Eve’s problem?

So, what is our problem?

Genesis, again, holds the answer.

Chapter 3 tells the story.

In the beginning, everything God made was good, very good.

The instructions Adam is given are simple enough, easily understood, no complexity there, the directions we are each handed are simple enough.

Genesis 2:15-17 Complete Jewish Bible

¹⁵ Adonai, God, took the person and put him in the garden of ‘Eden to cultivate and care for it. ¹⁶ Adonai, God, gave the person this order: “You may freely eat from every tree in the garden ¹⁷ except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. You are not to eat from it, because on the day that you eat from it, it will become certain that you will die.”

But then time passes.

But then things change.

But as with any change, then things always seem to get more complicated.

But then, somehow, confusion knocks us upside our heads and we get dizzy.

We were “introduced” to alternatives, to choices and a host of contradictions.

It seems as though there came to Eve this unannounced, most uninvited guest.

There was this tree and now entering the scene is this smooth talking serpent.

There are no formal introductions, no polite greetings, no knocks on any trees.

And neat as you please, as if it were the most natural of acts, they’re conversing.

Nobody seems to be expecting any trouble, no one seems to be on highest alert.

But, here, can anyone sense the incredible tension with is building as a volcano?

God had put Adam and Eve in a perfect place, a garden called Eden, where they could eat from any tree except one, the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

God said to Adam, “Do not eat from it, because in the day you eat of it you shall surely die.” What about Eve? Did anyone feel the need to ensure understanding?

Genesis 3:1-5 Complete Jewish Bible

3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any wild animal which Adonai, God, had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You are not to eat from any tree in the garden’?” ² The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat from the fruit of the trees of the garden, ³ but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden God said, ‘You are neither to eat from it nor touch it, or you will die.’” ⁴ The serpent said to the woman, “It is not true that you will surely die; ⁵ because God knows that on the day you eat from it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Adam and Eve are in the garden minding their own affairs and tending to the tasks which God assigned to them, and the serpent comes slithering along and a wildly bizarre, strange conversation ensues between the serpent and with Eve.

He speaks to the woman.

Why didn’t Eve think anything was strange here, did all the animals speak?

Why didn’t Eve question the serpents motives behind this sudden engagement?

Taking quick, sudden advantage of the situation, the serpent further asks “Did God really say to you that you shall not eat from any tree in the garden?”

Amazingly, Eve unaware she was being set up, actually answers him. “We can eat from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ’You shall not eat from the tree that is in the midst of the garden, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’”

Then the serpent replies, “You will not die. God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Right now, don’t you wish Adam had jumped into action and said, “Liar, liar, pants on fire!”? But no! He just stood there and watched as Eve took the bait.

Let’s sum this up… God has spoken: Do not eat of the tree or you will die. The Serpent has spoken: Eat from the tree and you will not die but become like God.

Now they have two messages, one from God and the other from the serpent.

Their choices (did they even have an awareness of what choices are?)- who will they listen to? God who made them? Or this strange serpent who seems to know so much, and accuses God of lying and withholding something from them?

Do you hear voices, words, encounter choices that are contrary to God’s Word?

I’m not talking about a mental disorder, I’m talking about influences that would “smoothly” invite you, entice you to taste forbidden fruit… Watch out!

Who you look to for information and who you listen to for guidance determines more about your God awareness. spiritual wellbeing, than you may now realize.

But back to Genesis 3. We have all the advantage here, don’t we? We get to be the seated audience of this event and overhear the conversations and actions.

We already know this story.

In fact, this story is so familiar we can almost recite the words from memory.

But, strangely enough, when the tempter pulls his smooth talking ways on us, for some reason, things get contradictory, confusing and we can tend to forget.

The serpent’s offer is that they will become like God if they eat. The truth is, they are already like God! He made them to be like him! They can’t become more like God by disobeying God! That’s twisted! Besides, if God is so bad that he lies and withholds good things from them, why do they want to be like him?

But, here comes the text’s real point: The fruit looks good! And when I look to lust after the fruit, my heart becomes clouded and I too lose that good judgment I have when I’m in the audience watching Adam and Eve do the same thing.

There’s a sparkle of temptation and delight in that fruit, one that blinds me from the light of truth, from the simple uncomplicated instructions God gave us. So, Eve stops thinking about God’s warning and starts thinking about her own lusts, wanting’s, her desires, her yearning for this new forbidden wisdom.

Suddenly she decides. She reaches out for it. Was her heart beating faster? Was there excitement of anticipation in her hands? Was she nervous? She took the fruit, ate it, and gave to Adam who was with her, and he ate. And in just that singular moment, the human family fell deep into sin and separation from God.

Their eyes were indeed opened, but not in God’s likeness, but in shame and nakedness, chaos, confusion, fear, sin, punishment that would lead to death.

James describes this scene for us. 

James 1:13-25 Complete Jewish Bible

¹³ No one being tempted should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, and God himself tempts no one. ¹⁴ Rather, each person is being tempted whenever he is being dragged off and enticed by the bait of his own desire.  ¹⁵ Then, having conceived, the desire gives birth to sin; and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. ¹⁶ Don’t delude yourselves, my dear brothers.

¹⁷ Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father who made the heavenly lights; with him there is neither variation nor darkness caused by turning. ¹⁸ Having made his decision, he gave birth to us through a Word that can be relied upon, in order that we should be a kind of firstfruits of all that he created. ¹⁹ Therefore, my dear brothers, let every person be quick to listen but slow to speak, slow to get angry; ²⁰ for a person’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness!

²¹ So rid yourselves of all vulgarity and obvious evil, and receive meekly the Word implanted in you that can save your lives. ²² Don’t deceive yourselves by only hearing what the Word says, but do it! ²³ For whoever hears the Word but doesn’t do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror, ²⁴ who looks at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But if a person looks closely into the perfect Torah, which gives freedom, and continues, becoming not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work it requires, then he will be blessed in what he does.

Sin separates us from God. Sin distorts and destroys God’s likeness in us.

Listen to what happens next.

They see their nakedness and try to cover themselves.

Then they hear the sound of God coming…

oh no! Not God! Cover Up! Hide! Hide from God! Run to the trees. Get away from his presence! Why? Sin clouds, separates us from God, makes us hide from him.

But it does even more terrible things to us.

Listen both intensely and intently. Adam and Eve run from God and hide, but God calls to them: “Where are you? Adam answers, I heard you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked so I hid myself. God replies, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I told you not to eat?”

Now. Freeze frame!

Here’s Adam’s chance.

God’s questions are clearly for Adam’s sake.

Will Adam bow, broken and repentant before God? Will he confess his sin and seek God’s forgiveness? No. What if Adam had said, “Lord, I disobeyed you, I ate the fruit, and I didn’t protect the woman you gave me, please forgive us.”

What do you suppose God would have done in that case?

We will never know, will we?

And that is an undeniably significant problem …

It is not written down for us in the Scriptures.

Instead, listen to Adam’s response to God:

“The woman that you gave me, she gave me fruit from the tree and I ate.”

In other words, “God, it’s not my fault!

It is her fault and by the way, you are the one who gave her to me.”

What is he doing?

Blaming God? YEP!

Blaming Eve? YEP!

Blaming self – taking responsibility for his own actions? NOPE!

Adam attempts to hide behind blame. In doing so he accuses both the woman and God for his sin. Do WE hear that? Do WE understand what has happened?

Does Adam sound like God with these words?

No! Who does he sound like?

Who in this story blames God of lying, keeping good things from his children?

The conniving, manipulative, gas lighting, smooth talking, slithering Serpent.

Doesn’t Adam sound a lot like that now?

Amazing! What has sin done in Adam?

He sounds a lot more like the serpent, than God.

Sin has turned him into an Accuser and a Liar.

That is what the word Satan means: accuser.

Instead of becoming more like God, they have become like Satan, God’s enemy.

Instead of acquiring the image of God, they are stained with the image of Satan.

Do we understand what is lost when we sin?

Do we see what we become when we take that fruit that looks good, when we know God said, “Don’t do it?” but do it anyway? Sin gives live birth to death.

Listen intently, intensely, to our condition when we sin: 

Ephesians 2:1-3 Complete Jewish Bible

2 You used to be dead because of your sins and acts of disobedience. ² You walked in the ways of the ‘olam hazeh and obeyed the Ruler of the Powers of the Air, who is still at work among the disobedient. ³ Indeed, we all once lived this way — we followed the passions of our old nature and obeyed the wishes of our old nature and our own thoughts. In our natural condition we were headed for God’s wrath, just like everyone else.

[Olam Hazeh (Hebrew meaning “This World“) is the world in which we live, where each of us is given the opportunity to honour the Name of the Lord by performing “Mitzvot” and learning and teaching Torah, according to his or her gifts, behaving in an honest and decent manner with our fellow human beings.]

We came from God, but we have a problem, don’t we.

That problem originated here.

Death began here.

Distortion of God’s image in us began here.

Listen intently, intensely to

Romans 5:12-14 Complete Jewish Bible

¹² Here is how it works: it was through one individual that sin entered the world, and through sin, death; and in this way death passed through to the whole human race, inasmuch as everyone sinned. ¹³ Sin was indeed present in the world before  Torah was given, but sin is not counted as such when there is no Torah. ¹⁴ Nevertheless death ruled from Adam until Moshe (Moses), even over those whose sinning was not exactly like Adam’s violation of a direct command. In this, Adam prefigured the one who was to come.

1 Corinthians 15:20-24 Complete Jewish Bible

²⁰ But the fact is that the Messiah has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have died. ²¹ For since death came through a man, also the resurrection of the dead has come through a man. ²² For just as in connection with Adam all die, so in connection with the Messiah all will be made alive. ²³  But each in his own order: the Messiah is the firstfruits; then those who belong to the Messiah, at the time of his coming; ²⁴ then the culmination, when he hands over the Kingdom to God the Father, after having put an end to every rulership, yes, to every authority and power.

Is this true?

Is this really where sin began?

Is this just a religious story that attempts to explain away the human struggle with evil?

Listen intensely, everything else in the Bible deals with what happened here.

I tell you, that if this is not true, we might as well just simply trash our Bibles, because everyone who knew God in it, including Jesus, believed this to be true.

If it is not true, we have no idea where we came from or what our problem is or what the answer is. But if it is true, and it is, God has revealed to us the root and fruit of our problems in this world!

So, Where did we come from? God! You and I were made in God’s image. What is our problem? Sin. You and I are living in a world made by God but marred by sin.

We are separated from God and therefore we are separated from one another.

The farther we are from God, the awareness of His Truth the less human we are, and all the farther we’ll become from one another. Separation from God causes separation from one another. Unawareness of Sin is the worst human disaster.

God is always aware of sin always grieved by His awareness of our unawareness.

How acute, how severe, lethal to our souls, is our present state of unawareness?

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

Let us Pray,

Psalm 139 Complete Jewish Bible

139 ⁽⁰⁾ For the leader. A psalm of David:

⁽¹⁾ Adonai, you have probed me, and you know me.
² You know when I sit and when I stand up,
you discern my inclinations from afar,
³ you scrutinize my daily activities.
You are so familiar with all my ways
⁴ that before I speak even a word, Adonai,
you know all about it already.
⁵ You have hemmed me in both behind and in front
and laid your hand on me.
⁶ Such wonderful knowledge is beyond me,
far too high for me to reach.

⁷ Where can I go to escape your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I climb up to heaven, you are there;
if I lie down in Sh’ol, you are there.
⁹ If I fly away with the wings of the dawn
and land beyond the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand would lead me,
your right hand would hold me fast.
¹¹ If I say, “Let darkness surround me,
let the light around me be night,”
¹² even darkness like this
is not too dark for you;
rather, night is as clear as day,
darkness and light are the same.

¹³ For you fashioned my inmost being,
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I thank you because I am awesomely made,
wonderfully; your works are wonders —
I know this very well.
¹⁵ My bones were not hidden from you
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes could see me as an embryo,
but in your book all my days were already written;
my days had been shaped
before any of them existed.
¹⁷ God, how I prize your thoughts!
How many of them there are!
¹⁸ If I count them, there are more than grains of sand;
if I finish the count, I am still with you.

¹⁹ God, if only you would kill off the wicked!
Men of blood, get away from me!
²⁰ They invoke your name for their crafty schemes;
yes, your enemies misuse it.
²¹ Adonai, how I hate those who hate you!
I feel such disgust with those who defy you!
²² I hate them with unlimited hatred!
They have become my enemies too.

²³ Examine me, God, and know my heart;
test me, and know my thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is in me any hurtful way,
and lead me along the eternal way.

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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