Romans 15:4 "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
Author: Thomas E Meyer Jr
Formerly Homeless Sinner
Now, Child of God, Saved by Grace.
12 One day in one of the villages there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus he fell down before him in prayer and said, “If you want to, you can cleanse me.”
13 Jesus put out his hand, touched him, and said, “I want to. Be clean.” Then and there his skin was smooth, the leprosy gone.
14-16 Jesus instructed him, “Don’t talk about this all over town. Just quietly present your healed self to the priest, along with the offering ordered by Moses. Your cleansed and obedient life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done.” But the man couldn’t keep it to himself, and the word got out. Soon a large crowd of people had gathered to listen and be healed of their sicknesses. As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer.
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.
During the time of Jesus leprosy was seen as a condemnable sickness.
To be sick with leprosy was perceived by many as a punishment from God.
That is why those who were sick with leprosy kept their distance from the people because they were labeled to be shameful and sinful.
In Jesus’ day, lepers were considered untouchables.
Leprosy was a highly infectious skin disease.
God had given strict instructions for anyone with leprosy:
“When anyone has a swelling or a rash or shiny spot on their skin that may be a defiling skin disease . . . the priest . . . shall pronounce them ceremonially unclean. . . . As long as they have the disease they remain unclean. They must live alone; they must live outside the camp” (Leviticus 13:2-3, 46).
In our Scripture reading today, Jesus reaches out to touch a leper.
It was something unheard of.
A leper was unclean and was not allowed to live with his family or in society.
He was destitute, homeless, lonely for human contact and interaction, a smile, a simple wave of a hand communicating to him “hello or God bless you, sir.”
To touch a leprous person was to become unclean and untouchable yourself.
But that’s why Jesus came and acted as he did—where others will observe, be horrified by, his daring to reach out to people who were labeled untouchable.
In our reading for today, the leper didn’t want to be an outcast anymore.
Hoping against hope, He took a risk that Jesus might take a risk on him.
From the dusty ground, the leper uttered his prayer to the visiting Rabbi:
“Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
This was the trusting prayer of a desperate man looking for restoration.
Jesus didn’t react as so many had done before—he moved toward the man rather than away.
He reached out and touched the man.
Jesus’ words;
“I am willing. . . . Be clean!” set into motion a transformation from the Savior who was not repelled by the man’s instinctive response: “I am untouchable.”
But how did the man in our gospel who was sick with leprosy behave?
Upon seeing Jesus he did not run away from Him, he instead went towards Jesus.
Pleaded with Jesus to cure him with his dreaded disease.
And as we read, Jesus did not refuse the sick man, he cured him immediately.
We are called to have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5-8
We are called to act and respond with the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus. Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 9:20-22, Matthew 25:31-46, Acts 10:20-26, Philippians 4:8-9, Galatians 6:7-10,2 Timothy 2:1-7.
In what ways have you been, do you need to become more inspired, empowered to reach out in prayer to God, to be a light on that path, through which the Lord can reach out his hands to touch a lonely, destitute shoulder and reveal himself?
Psalm 119:105-112 The Message
105-112 By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order. Everything’s falling apart on me, God; put me together again with your Word. Adorn me with your finest sayings, God; teach me your holy rules. My life is as close as my own hands, but I don’t forget what you have revealed. The wicked do their best to throw me off track, but I don’t swerve an inch from your course. I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever— what a gift! And how happy it makes me! I concentrate on doing exactly what you say— I always have and always will.
Do you need a touch from the Master?
Do you need his cleansing?
He is walking in your direction.
Let him touch you.
Become that Leprous individual,
Jesus’ amazing touch of love heals the very thing keeping each of us in hiding.
In the Name of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit …
Praying ….
Psalm 119:25-40 The Message
25-32 I’m feeling terrible—I couldn’t feel worse! Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember? When I told my story, you responded; train me well in your deep wisdom. Help me understand these things inside and out so I can ponder your miracle-wonders. My sad life’s dilapidated, a falling-down barn; build me up again by your Word. Barricade the road that goes Nowhere; grace me with your clear revelation. I choose the true road to Somewhere, I post your road signs at every curve and corner. I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me; God, don’t let me down! I’ll run the course you lay out for me if you’ll just show me how.
33-40 God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me— my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway! Give me an appetite for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot. Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way. Affirm your promises to me— promises made to all who fear you. Deflect the harsh words of my critics— but what you say is always so good. See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways!
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.
4 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
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 context, Paul is talking about the glories of the New Covenant of God.
Paul is rejoicing in the wonderful promises founded on the blood of Christ – the gospel which removes all who confess with their whole hearts, and to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ from the condemnation of the Law, for the free gift of God is eternal life to all who believe on Christ. (Romans 10:9-13)
Because of the incalculable glories of the wonderful gospel of Christ, where the life and light of salvation flows to all who believe, a determined Paul rejoices to teach the good news of God’s saving grace and to set out the truth of Scripture because he knew that it was only by God’s grace that he himself had been saved.
Because of the indelible glories contained in the gospel of Christ, Paul does not get discouraged, even when those that he is teaching choose not to listen to the message of the good news, but flatly reject the truth of God’s amazing grace.
Paul knew that there was a host of reasons that many refused to listen to the gospel of God’s grace.
He knew that although they had heard the truth, they had renounced it.
Although they had heard the gospel, they chose not to believe it.
Although they had been given an opportunity to accept it, they had chosen to reject the truth of the glorious gospel of Christ.
When people hear the gospel and then willingly reject it, they unwittingly give the god of this world a strong foothold in their mind – as a result their unbelief becomes more and more firmly established in their hearts, until their minds are twisted, blinded, darkened to the glorious truth of the gospel of God’s grace.
It is not God’s will that anyone should perish, but that all come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus – and yet, God still gives every single man and woman a choice to ether believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved or to reject the gospel of grace and be condemned.
Men and women who choose to steadfastly close off their minds to the gospel of God’s grace are those that are perishing.
Mark 15:24-32 New Living Translation
24 Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross. They divided his clothes and threw dice[a] to decide who would get each piece. 25 It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. 26 A sign announced the charge against him. It read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 Two revolutionaries[b] were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.[c]
29 The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “Ha! Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. 30 Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!”
31 The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this King of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe him!” Even the men who were crucified with Jesus ridiculed him.
Jesus was ridiculed by everyone present during his Passion – the crowds cried “Crucify him!” before Pilate.
The soldiers beat and mocked him, spit in his face.
People who passed by him hanging on the cross hurled their insults at Jesus.
The religious leaders mocked him.
Even one of the criminals who were dying beside the Lord threw in his own ridicule and scorn his way.
Jesus’ own closest followers had betrayed, denied, and abandoned him.
Our Savior faced the cruelty and the humiliation of the cross alone.
Don’t we know someone who still scoffs at Jesus like this?
Have we ever been that someone who scoffs at Jesus like this?
For the most part, Jesus impaled on the cross didn’t move either the crowd or the religious people, and for the most part, Jesus suffering, dying on the cross, doesn’t move a vast number of people today.
WHY?
Maybe because we cannot comprehend the sacrifice don’t understand how real, how graphic, how horrific, and how required the cross was for our eternal life.
He did it so you and I can have the confidence that he will never abandon us – even if everyone we hold dear abandons us, those hating us hurl insults at us.
Doesn’t it seem clear that the two crosses with the two thieves represent the required choice that each of us must make? We all begin the same with Jesus.
Jesus indelibly demonstrated he would pay any price to love us and redeem us.
Jesus Christ died on the cross to allow us to live in him.
Does the cross move you toward rejection of the gospel?
Does the cross move you toward proclaiming Acts 4:8-12 of the gospel?
8 Then Peter, [a]filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “[b]Rulers and elders of the people, 9 if we are [c]on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to [d] how this man has been made well, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that [e]by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—[f]by [g]this name this man stands here before you in good health. 11 [h]He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.”
The cross reveals the unconditional love of God for you like nothing else in all the universe does.
The horror and the intensity of the cross scream out to us that God loves us.
Has seeing God-in-the-Flesh on the cross, dying in our place, ever moved you?
Are we moved toward rejection or acceptance by the truth that the Lord of all Creation submit himself to the ugliness of dying on the cross out of his love?
In the Name of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Praying ….
Psalm 22
A Cry of Anguish and a Song of Praise.
For the music director; upon [a]Aijeleth Hashshahar. A Psalm of David.
22 My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my [b]help are the words of my [c]groaning. 2 My God, I cry out by day, but You do not answer; And by night, but [d]I have no rest. 3 Yet You are holy, You who [e]are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. 4 In You our fathers trusted; They trusted and You rescued them. 5 To You they cried out and they fled to safety; In You they trusted and were not [f]disappointed.
6 But I am a worm and not a person, A disgrace of mankind and despised by the people. 7 All who see me deride me; They [g]sneer, they shake their heads, saying, 8 “[h]Turn [i]him over to the Lord; let Him save him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.”
9 Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; You made me trust when upon my mother’s breasts. 10 I was cast upon You from [j]birth; You have been my God from my mother’s womb.
11 Do not be far from me, for [k]trouble is near; For there is no one to help. 12 Many bulls have surrounded me; Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me. 13 They open their mouths wide at me, As a ravening and roaring lion. 14 I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It is melted within [l]me. 15 My strength is dried up like a piece of pottery, And my tongue clings to my jaws; And You lay me [m]in the dust of death. 16 For dogs have surrounded me; [n]A band of evildoers has encompassed me; [o]They pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me; 18 They divide my garments among them, And they cast lots for my clothing.
19 But You, Lord, do not be far away; You who are my help, hurry to my assistance. 20 Save my [p]soul from the sword, My only life from the [q]power of the dog. 21 Save me from the lion’s mouth; From the horns of the wild oxen You answer me.
22 I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. 23 You who fear the Lord, praise Him; All you [r]descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And stand in awe of Him, all you [s]descendants of Israel. 24 For He has not despised nor scorned the suffering of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for help, He heard.
25 From You comes my praise in the great assembly; I shall pay my vows before those who fear Him. 26 The [t]afflicted will eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the Lord. May your heart live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, And all the families of the nations will worship before [u]You. 28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s And He rules over the nations. 29 All the [v]prosperous of the earth will eat and worship, All those who go down to the dust will kneel before Him, Even he who [w]cannot keep his soul alive. 30 A [x]posterity will serve Him; It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation. 31 They will come and will declare His righteousness To a people who will be born, that He has performed it.
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.
22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children,[a] and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel,[b] for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel,[c] saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” 31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip on the sinew of the thigh.
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.
Genesis 32:24 is a Bible verse from the Old Testament where Jacob was faced with a great trial and wrestles with a man who turned out to be God.
Wow, that sounds almost too wild to be true.
Can we envision or imagine ourselves in 2026 wrestling with someone intent on causing harm to us and then discovering that someone turned out to be God?
God has a way of keeping the true shock value of a trial tucked away from our consciousness until after we’ve come out of it.
Thankfully, many times He hides the most severe part of what we are going through until it’s passed.
He knows all too well the fragility of our human nature, but He also sees the streaks of determination and resolve within us.
He created us with this miraculous blend of gifts, and He delights in growing them within us, causing them to emerge, mature, be revealed, brightly shining before Him and too before others, like the brilliant bloom of a fragrant flower.
Jacob had been through a lot of deception, wondering what trick was coming.
He worked twenty years of hard labor for his Uncle Laban, who deceived him when he promised he could wed Rachel his daughter, but instead he gave him Leah. He made him work another seven years before he could wed Rachel, and intentionally cheated him of his wages 10 different times (Genesis 31:38-42).
In all this, God blessed Jacob, and when Jacob left Laban and headed back to his home country, he was accompanied by his wives, children, flocks and herds in abundance.
Jacob didn’t just wrestle with God for a night.
He wrestled with him 20 years during Laban’s authority and oppression over him. But God was subtly growing something better in Jacob through this time.
As a young man, Jacob along with his mother, had deceived his father into giving him his brother Esau’s birthright blessing.
Esau was furious and vowed to kill Jacob, and so Jacob fled for his life.
But after 20 years of working for someone who had successfully deceived and oppressed him, and at the exact right moment God said it was time to go home.
Now Jacob was hemmed in by an oppressive and angry boss behind him, and a brother before him, who twenty years earlier wanted him dead , and now God in the form of a man was brought into the light and observed wrestling with him!
Do not we feel like that sometimes, like there are crafty deceptive forces all around, closing in on us, surrounding us, squishing, with no escape in sight?
Jacob had a lot at stake.
He didn’t give up.
Hung onto Him as if his whole life and his future would just vanish.
He knew God had been with him and had blessed him with family and wealth, despite Laban’s efforts to keep him down.
We all will endure diverse and various trials and tribulations of all sizes and strengths, in all forms and manners possible.
Be resolute in your belief and lay claim to it.
In Genesis 32:24, Jacob was left alone as he sent his family and flocks across the stream keeping them safe from the possibility of an impending attack coming from his brother.
Matthew 4:1-10 Christian Standard Bible
The Temptation of Jesus
4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4 He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”[a]
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written:
He will give his angelsorders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”[b]
7 Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.”[c]
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.”[d]
10 Then Jesus told him, “Go away,[e] Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”[f]
He was all alone,
There was no person, to cling to or connive, for help or comfort or protection.
Isn’t that usually when we become aware of God’s Presence, when no one else is around, and most especially when we are in between a boulder and a hard place?
We wrestle, struggling and striving for victory, for relief, for peace, for freedom and for safety, security, enduring love, for joy and sometimes for our very life.
Do we actually have that authentic, immovable unshakable resolve to hang on?
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Praying …
Prayer for Rescue from Enemies.
A Psalm of David.
35 Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; Fight against those who fight against me. 2 Take hold of [a]buckler and shield And rise up as my help. 3 Draw also the spear and [b]the battle-axe to meet those who pursue me; Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.” 4 Let those be ashamed and dishonored who seek my [c]life; Let those be turned back and humiliated who devise evil against me. 5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, With the angel of the Lord driving them on. 6 Let their way be dark and slippery, With the angel of the Lord pursuing them. 7 For they hid their net for me without cause; Without cause they dug a pit for my soul. 8 Let destruction come upon him when he is unaware, And let the net which he hid catch him; Let him fall into that very destruction.
9 So my soul shall rejoice in the Lord; It shall rejoice in His salvation. 10 All my bones will say, “Lord, who is like You, Who rescues the afflicted from one who is too strong for him, And the afflicted and the poor from one who robs him?”
Psalm 15 English Standard Version
Who Shall Dwell on Your Holy Hill?
A Psalm of David.
15 O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; 3 who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; 4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; 5 who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.
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.
4 What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
4 You adulterers![a] Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. 5 Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him.[b]6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say,
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”[c]
7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
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 I would like to share with you James 4:1-4,
“Where do wars and fights come from among you?
Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?
You lust and do not have.
You murder and covet and cannot obtain.
You fight and war.
Yet you do not have because you do not ask.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your worldly impulses and pleasures.
Adulterers and adulteresses!
Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?
Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
I share this today because these 4 verses have extreme depth to our personal life, family, the church, all the way up to the highest levels of a city, state, country.
First, it starts in our own hearts.
Jesus said, “Out of the mouth the heart speaks.”
Check your heart and see, are you asking for things because you want it just for your glory and pleasure?
Second, look at those who destroy property, who destroyed nations, who also destroy people.
They do so, because they lust and do not have.
They refused to humble themselves and ask the Lord for direction.
It comes down to a person having hate inside them.
Jesus said that “hate is the same as murder.”
Finally know, that we can not want nor value to be a friend to the spirit of this world and follow the Lord.
You can not be a friend to the adversarial spirit and the Holy Spirit at the same time.
You will either follow Jesus or follow the Adversary.
Would you be able to identify, know, recognize, the difference between them?
What Do You so desperately Want you would risk cheating God?
“You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
2-3 You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
4-6 You’re cheating on God.
Desires are thoughts.
Sadly, they often begin with the words of our two-year-old selves: “I want that!”
We can easily think, for example, “I want a car (or a house) like that.”
Or, “I wanted the job he got.”
I want, I want, I want.
Not all of our desires are bad, but many are.
If we want something that belongs to others or if we want something at the expense of others, that is typically wrong.
Pleasure and enjoyment are great blessings, but if we seek such things only for selfish reasons, that can be wrong too.
We can easily deceive ourselves into thinking, “I should have that . . . and why shouldn’t I?”
Our desires can cause battles within us.
How do we know if what we want is right or wrong?
We can take it to God in prayer.
And if we think, “I can’t possibly ask God for that,” it is probably a wrongful desire.
We can also have lots of good desires, though.
We may want our children to do well in school.
We may want our friend’s marriage to be saved.
We may want our church to grow.
God is pleased when we ask for good things like these with the right motives.
As we pray about our desires, let’s focus on those which can bring about glory to God, good for our neighbors, family, and friends.
Let’s pray about what can bring growth and maturity and Shalom in God’s kingdom throughout the world.
Things like these are always in line with the desires of God’s heart.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Praying ….
Security of Those Who Trust in the Lord, and Insecurity of the Wicked.
A Psalm of David.
37 Do not get upset because of evildoers, Do not be envious of wrongdoers. 2 For they will wither quickly like the grass, And decay like the green plants. 3 Trust in the Lord and do good; Live in the land and [a]cultivate faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. 6 He will bring out your righteousness as the light, And your judgment as the noonday.
7 [b]Rest in the Lord and wait [c]patiently for Him; Do not get upset because of one who is successful in his way, Because of the person who carries out wicked schemes. 8 Cease from anger and abandon wrath; Do not get upset; it leads only to evildoing. 9 For evildoers will be eliminated, But those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land. 10 Yet a little while and the wicked person will be no more; And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there. 11 But the humble will inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.
12 The wicked plots against the righteous, And gnashes at him with his teeth. 13 The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming. 14 The wicked have drawn the sword and bent their bow To take down the afflicted and the needy, To kill off those who are upright in conduct. 15 Their sword will enter their own heart, And their bows will be broken.
16 Better is the little of the righteous Than the abundance of many wicked. 17 For the arms of the wicked will be broken, But the Lord sustains the righteous. 18 The Lord knows the days of the [d]blameless, And their inheritance will be forever. 19 They will not be ashamed in the time of evil, And in the days of famine they will have plenty. 20 But the wicked will perish; And the enemies of the Lord will be like the [e]glory of the pastures, They vanish—like smoke they vanish away. 21 The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and gives. 22 For those blessed by Him will inherit the land, But those cursed by Him will be eliminated.
23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way. 24 When he falls, he will not be hurled down, Because the Lord is the One [f]who holds his hand. 25 I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his [g]descendants begging for bread. 26 All day long he is gracious and lends, And his [h]descendants are a blessing.
27 Turn from evil and do good, So that you will dwell forever. 28 For the Lord loves [i]justice And does not abandon His godly ones; They are protected forever, But the [j]descendants of the wicked will be eliminated. 29 The righteous will inherit the land And dwell in it forever. 30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, And his tongue speaks justice. 31 The Law of his God is in his heart; His steps do not slip. 32 The wicked spies upon the righteous And seeks to kill him. 33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand Or let him be condemned when he is judged. 34 Wait for the Lord and keep His way, And He will exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are eliminated, you will see it.
35 I have seen a wicked, violent person Spreading himself like a luxuriant [k]tree in its native soil. 36 Then he passed away, and behold, he was no more; I searched for him, but he could not be found. 37 Observe the [l]blameless person, and look at the upright; For the person of peace will have a future. 38 But wrongdoers will altogether be destroyed; The future of the wicked will be eliminated. 39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble. 40 The Lord helps them and rescues them; He rescues them from the wicked and saves them, Because they take refuge in Him.
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.
22 (0) For the leader. Set to “Sunrise.” A psalm of David:
2 (1) My God! My God! Why have you abandoned me? Why so far from helping me, so far from my anguished cries?
3 (2) My God, by day I call to you, but you don’t answer; likewise at night, but I get no relief. 4 (3) Nevertheless, you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Isra’el. 5 (4) In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted, and you rescued them. 6 (5) They cried to you and escaped; they trusted in you and were not disappointed.
7 (6) But I am a worm, not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. 8 (7) All who see me jeer at me; they sneer and shake their heads:
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.
Every day, we face a host of crises that try and shake our faith and character.
Confusion denies truth.
Political division ends relationships.
Wars and conflicts stir up fear.
Moral compromise and corruption grows louder, we get a constant pressure to conform to the things of this world.
Our phones and media bombard us with these constant issues.
It becomes easy to give in, react in anger, give up, and lose sight of the eternal reality.
But God doesn’t call us to deal with this darkness alone.
And we’ve been born again for such a time as this.
The Holy Spirit equips us to face the current darkness with both truth and love.
He gives a firm foundation in himself and truth, leading with ways to respond in love, wisdom, bravery, and grace.
He doesn’t lead us to fear but faith in Christ.
We don’t overcome darkness by responding with more darkness.
We overcome it by walking in the Spirit, clinging to God’s presence.
Walking in the Spirit in dark times means refusing fear, staying rooted in God’s love, renewing your mind with truth, depending on His power instead of ours.
This will help us think rightly, show compassion, stand firm in what is good.
What Does It Mean to Walk in the Spirit in Dark Times?
To walk in the Spirit in dark times also means to let God’s presence, truth, and power shape your response instead of fear, anger, or compromise.
It does not mean ignoring darkness.
It means facing it with a Spirit-led life marked by love, surrender, wisdom, courage, and trust in Christ.
Suggested ways to walk in the Spirit in our dark days.
Live from Freedom, not Fear
The Spirit doesn’t drive us through coercion or control.
He leads us into the freedom Christ has already secured for us.
Galatians 5:1 tells us, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
Fear shuts down our minds, allows lies into our hearts.
It causes us to react without thinking, hide from our responsibilities and opportunities, or just conform.
When we walk by the Spirit, we act from an identity, who we are in Christ and his work for us.
We must renew our minds to the reality that Christ has already overcome sin, death, and the world.
That truth frees us from needing to please anyone.
We don’t need to fear loss or compromise biblical standards.
Often, our anxiety says, “What if everything falls apart?”
But with faith in Christ, says, “What has Christ already secured for us?”
Such a shift changes how we respond to temptation and suffering.
Freedom doesn’t mean we do what we want or live carelessly.
It means living Spirit-led, choosing righteousness because of freedom in Jesus, not because we feel forced.
As a practical step, choose one fear that shapes your decisions this week (rejection, fear, failure, etc.).
Write it down, then write down a Scripture that directly counters that fear, and speak it out every day.
Then pray to God to show you an action you can do to align with your Christ-identity.
Be Anchored in God’s Love
God’s love exists at the heart of all his work.
He is love.
Therefore, his actions and salvation flow from his love.
God’s love remains constant and unshaken.
The Spirit reminds us we aren’t defined by the chaos around us but by the love of God poured into us through Christ.
Romans 8:38-39 says, “nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This truth grounds our hearts while everything else is unstable.
Anchoring ourselves in his love, we don’t seek to earn what he’s already given.
We don’t react out of fear or anger, but with confidence and peace.
The Spirit of God places his love within our hearts.
Instead of allowing the world to make us hate or lie, we carry his presence to respond in love. We can forgive, stand firm, and love with courage and tenacity.
This doesn’t mean we ignore the darkness.
It means we don’t let the darkness define us or what we do.
We respond and fight with love, to save others, and God’s love shows us how to live by this motivation, walking in grace without compromise.
As a practical step, take 5 minutes every day to meditate on one passage about God’s love.
Read it, speak it aloud, and thank God for how he has shown his love in your life.
Renew Your Mind with Truth
The Devil is a liar and murderer, from the beginning, and into today’s darkness, spreads lies and delusions to feed fear, pride, and worldly philosophy.
However, the Spirit works on our hearts and minds to transform our beliefs and thinking according to truth, fixing our eyes on things of heaven, what lasts.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
Transformation begins with what you allow with our thoughts.
Renewing our mind means replacing lies with truth.
We begin to see life through the lens of the eternal perspective and God’s kingdom.
The kingdom contains what will last, what matters, what will express Christ.
The Spirit uses Scripture to correct our thinking, strengthen our faith.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 Amplified Bible
3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine and teaching which is in agreement with godliness (personal integrity, upright behavior), 4 he is conceited and woefully ignorant [understanding nothing]. He has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, which produces envy, quarrels, verbal abuse, evil suspicions, 5 and perpetual friction between men who are corrupted in mind and deprived of the truth, who think that godliness is a source of profit [a lucrative, money-making business—withdraw from them].
1 Timothy 6:20-21 Amplified Bible
20 O Timothy, guard and keep safe the deposit [of godly truth] entrusted to you, turn away from worldly and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], and the contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge”— 21 which some have professed and by doing so have erred (missed the mark) and strayed from the faith.
2 Timothy 2:14-18 Amplified Bible
An Unashamed Workman
14 Remind the people of these facts, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, and [upsets and undermines and] ruins [the faith of] those who listen. 15 Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. 16 But avoid all irreverent babble and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their teaching will spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have deviated from the truth. They claim that the resurrection has already taken place, and they undermine the faith of some.
We compare our thoughts with God’s truth in the Bible and reject them quickly, casting them down.
We aren’t in bondage to our thoughts or the lies the Devil brings to us.
We are free, and the Spirit empowers us to live free in our thoughts, keeping us from compromise.
A renewed mind leads to renewed actions and true peace.
This brings heavenly living to earth.
2 Timothy 3:14-17 Amplified Bible
14 But as for you, continue in the things that you have learned and of which you are convinced [holding tightly to the truths], knowing from whom you learned them, 15 and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings (Hebrew Scriptures) which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus [surrendering your entire self to Him and having absolute confidence in His wisdom, power and goodness]. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; 17 so that the [a]man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
As a practical step, choose a single verse or passage each week that focuses on an eternal reality.
Write it down and revisit it each day.
Memorize it through the week.
When negative or despairing thoughts arise, replace them with that verse.
Speak it aloud.
Pray over it louder.
Depend on the Spirit’s Power, Not Your Own
We must reject any reliance upon our own ability.
Too often, we come to God to save us, then try to live a divine life on our own.
Just like we need his power to save us from sin and death, we require his strength and grace to continue in walking out that salvation.
The world celebrates personal strength, hustle, achievement, and talent.
But these things always fail.
God never intended us to resist sin or live faithfully in our own strength.
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit”, says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6)
When we depend upon the Spirit’s power, we stop trying to prove anything.
We can’t.
It humbles us rightfully when we acknowledge our limitations and invite God to work through us.
The Spirit provides power, love, and a sound mind.
Instead of pushing harder in our own effort, we learn to pause and pray to rely upon God alone.
Such humility brings us grace and power to remain faithful.
Even further, we can bless others.
In our dark culture, any self-reliance leads to burnout, frustration, anger, and compromise.
Spirit-dependence keeps us grounded and reliant upon the One who can save and sustain.
As a practical step, before starting any challenging situation (or when encountering one), take a moment to ask God for his help through the Spirit.
Name your weakness.
Be honest.
Then ask for his strength and trust that he will actively speak to you and work through you.
In this way, you will bring light to the darkness of the world.
How Can You Walk in the Spirit This Week?
What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? Walking in the Spirit means living under the guidance, power, and truth of the Holy Spirit rather than being ruled by fear, flesh, or the patterns of the world.
How do you walk in the Spirit in dark times? You walk in the Spirit in dark times by choosing freedom over fear, anchoring yourself in God’s love, renewing your mind with Scripture, and depending on God’s power instead of your own.
Why is it hard to walk in the Spirit right now? The article rightly points out that constant cultural pressure, fear, division, media overload, and moral confusion can make it difficult to stay spiritually grounded.
What helps Christians stay spiritually strong in dark times? Practical surrender, Scripture meditation, kingdom focus, godly character, and Spirit-dependence all help believers remain steady and faithful.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Praying …
Book One
The Righteous and the Wicked Contrasted.
1 [a]Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of [b]scoffers (ridiculers). 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night. 3 And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity].
4 The wicked [those who live in disobedience to God’s law] are not so, But they are like the chaff [worthless and without substance] which the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand [unpunished] in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the Lord knows and fully approves the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked shall 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.
15 This is why, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I never stop giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep praying that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, will give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation in knowing Christ fully. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope to which he has called you, just how rich his glorious inheritance among the saints is, 19 and just how surpassingly great his power is for us who believe. 20 It is as great as the working of his mighty strength, which God worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion, and above every name that is given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 God also placed all things under his feet and made him head over everything for the church. 23 The church is his body, the fullness of him[b] who fills everything in every 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.
True knowledge is a gift from God.
When we know God for who he truly is, that is the most important and basic truth that anyone can accept.
The apostle Paul prays that God will give his readers the spiritual powers of wisdom and revelation.
Paul knows that God is eager to give Christians these gifts. When we have godly wisdom, we understand how God’s world works, and we understand what to do.
When we receive the spiritual power of revelation (vision), we can see what lies ahead and be confident that the future is in God’s hands.
Wisdom and revelation from God lead us to know God better.
Our increasingly wise thoughts inform us that the power and love and goodness of God are without end.
Through revelation the Spirit shows that no matter how much we meditate on God and his Word, we will never see to the end of his goodness, power, and love.
Increasing knowledge of God sets us on the path toward holiness.
This is not just a matter of accepting facts about God.
We learn and experience that God is good and loving and just.
When we grow in the knowledge of God, we begin to offer him our reverence and obedience, which he truly deserves.
Paul began his prayer for the Ephesian church by asking God to give them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.
Paul was not asking God to provide them with the Holy Spirit – they already had him (Eph. 1:13-14).
It would be best to understand this as a spirit of wisdom and revelation. That God would to grant them wisdom. And that he would reveal himself to them.
The goal of this prayer request was for them to know God better. You might understand knowing God better in two different but related ways. First, that they would come to experience more about God. An intellectual knowledge.
And as they learn more about him, they would also grow in their relationship with him.
This is true in most relationships.
The more I learn about a person, the deeper our relationship can grow.
It is important, though, not to be content with just an intellectual knowledge.
That, in itself, has little value for us.
Paul’s prayer here is still appropriate.
That you pray this for yourself.
And that you pray this for other believers.
None of us will ever outgrow the need to know God better.
Let’s step forth, storm the gates of heaven and pray daily, fervently, for wisdom and revelation so our knowledge of, connection to God continuously increases.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Praying …
Psalm 90:12-17 Evangelical Heritage Version
Mortal Man Needs God’s Grace
12 Teach us to number our days in such a way that we bring a heart of wisdom. 13 Turn, O Lord! How long! Change your mind toward your servants. 14 Satisfy us in the morning with your mercy, so that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. 15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. 16 Let your deeds be seen by your servants and your majesty by their children. 17 May the kindness of the Lord our God rest upon us. Establish the work of our hands for us. Yes, establish the work of our hands.
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.
23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses.[a]3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. 4 They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.
5 “Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels.[b]6 And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues. 7 They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.’[c]
8 “Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters.[d]9 And don’t address anyone here on earth as ‘Father,’ for only God in heaven is your Father. 10 And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you must be a servant. 12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, those who humble themselves will be exalted.
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.
Religion can be a beautiful thing.
It can unite people, offer comfort in difficult times, and inspire individuals to lead more meaningful lives.
But when religion becomes toxic, it can do just the opposite.
It tears people apart, causes deep trauma, allows individuals to do unspeakable things in the name of their faith.
So, exactly what is toxic religion, how can you spot it, and why should you steer clear of it?
Let’s find out!
First things first, it’s exactly what it sounds like – a poisonous, harmful, and damaging version of spirituality that’s more about control than connection.
It’s the kind of religion which relies on, uses fear shame, and guilt to control, manipulate and coerce people into following its dogma.
It’s the kind of religion that tells you what to think, feel, and do without leaving room for questioning or doubt. It’s the kind of religion that thrives on power imbalances and hierarchies, with a select few at the top calling all the shots.
Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, but isn’t all religion kind of toxic?”
And sure, there are certainly elements of this in many religious traditions.
But harmful religion takes it to a whole new level.
It’s when religion becomes less and less about fostering love, compassion, and understanding and far more about enforcing rules and beliefs that benefit the people in power.
It’s when those in power use that religion as a tool of oppression rather than liberation.
Toxic religion can take many forms, but at its core, it is any belief system or religious practice that causes significant harm to individuals or communities.
This harm can be physical, emotional, or psychological, and it can come from a variety of sources, including congregants, leaders, doctrines, and traditions.
So, why is it such a problem?
For starters, harmful and toxic theology can have severe mental and emotional consequences for those caught in its grip.
It can leave people second guessing themselves, their choices, and those around you.
When there is a strict line of black-and-white, it can create an us-versus-them thinking pattern dehumanizing people outside of the ‘in group.’
Perhaps you have experienced this while sitting in church if you are gay, and the pastor is condemning LGBTQIA+ from the pulpit, the desire to be safe and leave conflicts with the desire to belong, causing religious trauma over time.
People in toxic religious communities may feel intense shame, guilt, anger, fear and open hostility if they don’t adhere to the group’s rules and beliefs.
When a religious leader or community or church or denomination insists on absolute certainty in their beliefs, questioning or dissent is not allowed.
Deep control can lead to groupthink, dogmatism, and even cult-like behavior.
People who disagree may be ostracized or seen as a threat for questioning authority or expressing doubts.
And in extreme cases, they may even be subject to crippling abuse or violence.
When any religion, denomination claims to be the only correct, legitimate path to salvation, it creates a dark toxic unfriendly environment where those who do not believe as they do are immediately considered inferior, misguided, and evil.
This invites discrimination, division, hostility, intolerance, and violence to flourish while reinforcing biased harmful stereotypes and prejudices, which promote bigotry and discrimination, hostility. It suffocates critical thinking and curiosity, growth preventing people from exploring new ideas and perspectives.
Another red flag is when a religious leader or community or church is not held accountable for their actions.
It allows dangerous abuses of power, corruption, and even criminal behavior to go unchecked. Reckless leadership which traumatizes followers and can lead to a loss of faith and spiritual disillusionment.
So, what can we do to avoid toxic religion?
Well, for starters, we can educate ourselves about the warning signs.
A church or religious community is often never completely out of the blue toxic that no one saw coming.
There are usually multiple signs although some are more subtle than others, like who is in charge, if there are women or diverse people of color, ethnicity in the community or on the board.
Other signs could include what they expect from volunteers, how they treat volunteers, to even the way they speak about people when they aren’t around.
Listen to your gut, and see if the church lights you up with joy, or lights up your flight or flight response, they can feel similar, but they are very different.
If a religious community seems to be excessively controlling or demands absolute obedience, that’s a red flag.
If a religious leader or group is using fear, shame, or guilt to manipulate its followers, that’s a sign of toxicity.
And if a spiritual tradition promotes harmful beliefs or practices that cause harm to others, that’s a problem.
Cults can look shiny and clean from the outside but can feel like a pit of vipers or quicksand once you are in. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
A church that only shares it’s doctrine after you get baptized may be an obvious red flag.
A church subtly guilting you repeatedly for not attending a weeknight service or for not being a part of a small group ministry may seem like an slight innocent kind nudge at first, but those yellow flags are waving.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or challenge authority, especially if you feel something is wrong.
So what is toxic religion?
Toxic religion isn’t just a church we don’t like; it’s a genuine threat that harms individuals inside and outside of the church’s walls.
But we don’t have to accept it, and we can choose to reject harmful and dangerous theology and seek a spirituality that promotes love, tolerance, compassion, and understanding.
Doing so not only holds space for our own healing, it prevents us from throwing our weight and resources into a toxic system.
Is the Church Itself a Barrier?
Luke 11:46 The Message
46 He said, “Yes, and I can be even more explicit. You’re hopeless, you religion scholars! You load people down with rules and regulations, nearly breaking their backs, but never lift even a finger to help.
Jesus spoke pointedly and critically against the leaders of God’s people in that day. Instead of helping people draw near to God and enjoy his blessings, those leaders put up barriers through their legalistic, self-serving practices.
Sadly, throughout history, some churches and church leaders have blocked access to spiritual life for people and have even abused people.
We often hear of such cases in the news today.
Corrupt leaders put barriers instead of bridges in front of people.
As God’s people who make up the church today, we must repent of these sins, be sure we have measures in place to prevent them from happening again, and be agents of healing to people who have been hurt.
Have you been hurt by the church or its leaders?
If so, you may be hesitant to participate in the life of a church.
That’s understandable.
What can you do?
Here are some suggestions:
(1) Keep your focus on Jesus himself, especially through prayer and Bible reading.
(2) Ask God to provide a few caring Christians with whom you can fellowship and grow spiritually; they can be a helpful bridge.
(3) Through a Christian counselor, seek healing and strength to forgive.
(4) Remain open to a time when you can fully participate in a healthy church again.
In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ….
Praying …
Psalm 96 New American Standard Bible
A Call to Worship the Lord the Righteous Judge.
96 Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. 3 Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. 4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are [a]idols, But the Lord made the heavens. 6 Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
7 [b]Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples, [c]Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 8 [d]Ascribe to the Lord the glory of His name; Bring an [e]offering and come into His courtyards. 9 Worship the Lord in [f]holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth. 10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved; He will judge the peoples fairly.”
11 May the heavens be joyful, and may the earth rejoice; May the sea [g]roar, and [h]all it contains; 12 May the field be jubilant, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy 13 Before the Lord, for He is coming, For He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, And the peoples in His faithfulness.
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.
5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So, then, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one,[a] and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s coworkers.[b] You are God’s field, God’s building.
10 According to God’s grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder,[c] and another builds on it. But each one is to be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. 14 If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience[d] loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire.
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.
I have often found that seeds are easier to grow in gardens than transplanted flowers.
One would think that the already growing plant would be simpler to add––dig a hole and pop the seed into the desired spot.
Yet when I tried to plant trays of marigolds, the small flowers quickly began to struggle.
The changes in soil, sun, and surrounding plants were too overwhelming for the young flowers.
Eventually, the leaves withered along with the petals.
How much different when I sowed seeds!
Though preparing the soil bed required more work and planting the seeds took extra time, the result was worth the effort.
Not only did the flowers grow and survive, but they thrived.
Large, colorful blooms.
Greater height.
Fuller leaf growth made the patch of garden resemble a meadow.
Of course, there is a time to use transplanted flowers, and they can do well in the right circumstances, but some plants do poorly when transplanted.
Just because a route is easier does not always mean it is best.
The same is true in our spiritual lives.
We can easily assume the best way to grow spiritually is through a premade, transplanted faith––one imported from the life of someone we admire.
We draw on their experiences, practices, and insights rather than prioritizing personal time with the Lord.
In Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, he noted that many of the believers had formed separate sects based on who they wanted to follow, whether Paul, Cephas (Peter), or Apollos (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:4).
Christians today can do the same thing, aligning themselves with a particular teacher, pastor, author, or social media influencer.
Yet, Paul warned them, of placing too much emphasis on human workers.
Paul, Apollos, and Cephas had merely been faithful in the task God had given them in spreading the gospel and discipling believers.
The Lord was the One who was ultimately responsible for any growth.
And none of the workers, us included, could replace the most important part: the foundation of faith, Jesus’ life, death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 3:11).
We may admire certain preachers, teachers and media influencers online and maybe even find that many of their insights and suggested practices helpful.
However, if we should rely only on the second-hand nourishment of the faith of others, our growth will look more like withered marigolds than healthy blooms.
We need a deep rootedness in Christ to properly grow.
For it is He who died to give us life, and it is only in Him that we can truly boast (1 Corinthians 1:28-31).
Nothing can, nor will, replace a strong, personal relationship with Him.
God loves us enough to meet us where we are, and loves us too much to leave us there. Growing in God’s grace is a lifelong journey.
Several important foundational points to ponder and pray over:
Following Jesus isn’t merely a one time decision but a way of life intended to change us from the inside out.
God heals and empowers us to increasingly love others the way that God has loved us in Jesus, and in the process we are transformed into the image of Christ and made a new creation.
Following Jesus daily, we grow into deeper levels of love for God and neighbor, which changes the orientation of our hearts and how our soul sees the world.
How have you defined your identity in Christ?
What steps can you take to deepen your spiritual roots this week?
In what ways can you reflect Christ’s teachings in your daily actions?
Pray for guidance to understand and embrace your identity in Christ fully.
Ask God to help you remain rooted in His word and teachings. Examine your daily routine: Are there moments where you can connect more deeply with God?
How can you make abiding in Christ a non-negotiable priority each day?
Reflect on a time when staying connected to God changed the outcome of a situation for you.
Pray for the ability to remain steadfast in Him, especially when facing challenges.
Ask for opportunities to encounter God’s presence in new and transformative ways this week. How do you view the concept of grace in your personal faith journey?
What are some areas where you can let go of the need for perfection and rely on God’s grace?
Reflect on how salvation has transformed your outlook on life and your relationship with God.
Thank God for the gift of grace and salvation, asking for continued understanding of its impact.
Pray for wisdom to let go of self-reliance and embracing God’s grace more fully. Parts of “old self” need to be jettisoned to embrace the new creation?
Reflect on how you can manifest this transformation in your daily life and interactions with others.
How can you nurture the new creation you’ve become in Christ?
Pray for strength to let go of old habits and embrace your new identity in Christ.
Ask for God’s guidance in manifesting the change within you in a way that glorifies Him.
How can you incorporate a regular practice of gratitude into your daily routine?
What are some specific blessings you can give thanks for this week?
Reflect on how gratitude has influenced your outlook on life and your growing relationship with others.
Pray for a grateful heart and ask God to reveal new blessings to you each day.
Offer prayers of thanksgiving for the specific ways God has impacted your life and the lives of those around you.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.….
Praying ….
Psalm 20
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; 2 send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; 3 remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. 4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel. 5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions.
6 Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. 8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. 9 Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call.
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.
2 This is why it’s necessary for us to pay more attention to what we have heard, or else we may drift away from it. 2 If the message that was spoken by angels was reliable, and every offense and act of disobedience received an appropriate consequence, 3 how will we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? It was first announced through the Lord, and then it was confirmed by those who heard him. 4 God also vouched for their message with signs, amazing things, various miracles, and gifts from the Holy Spirit, which were handed out the way he wanted.
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.
Do We Have Any Strength for Today- “Are We Drifting?”
To drift means to be easily carried slowly away by a current of air or water.
The danger of drifting is not limited to the physical realm, because:
· Emotionally and
· Spiritually,
There’s always a danger of being carried away by the undercurrent, when evil becomes your pattern.
Hebrews 2:1 says, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.”
Sadly, today, it’s not uncommon for Christians to drift toward destruction, simply because they aren’t spiritually anchored.
That’s why we are told, “We ought to give the more earnest heed…” – He 2:1.
Drifting is an unconscious process.
In the boat oflife, the undercurrents of evil often goes unnoticeable in the physical realm, because the gravitational force that’s driving you away from the shore of righteousnessis demonically intended.
And for that cause:
· Many Christians have slowly drifted away, and
· Many churches have gradually drifted into false doctrine,
Finding themselves far removed from the scriptures.
However, faithfulness to God is like roaring upstream.
But to roar upstream:
· You must constantly be “adding to your faith…” – 2 Peter 1:5, and
· You must continue to grow in grace – 2 Peter 3:18.
Because the moment you stop growing, you start going downwards, and the dangers increase with the speed and weight of the drift.
When you’re drifting, and you can hear the noise of the waterfall, it’s already too late.
In other words, it’s difficult to discern that you’re drifting, when you’ve moved far from God.
And for those who drift spiritually through their own neglect, there shall be no escape from a just punishment – Hebrews 2:1-3. The common signs of drifting are:
· Prayerlessness,
· Not wanting to be with God’s people,
· A diminishing desire to study. God’s Word, and
· Not attending praise and worship, and
· No desire to edify one another – Romans 14:19.
When Christians prefers the companionship of people of the world, rather than fellow Christians, they’re drifting toward the rocks of spiritual destruction!
Crisis Faith
Psalm 62:1-8 The Message
62 1-2 God, the one and only— I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I need comes from him, so why not? He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I’m set for life.
3-4 How long will you gang up on me? How long will you run with the bullies? There’s nothing to you, any of you— rotten floorboards, worm-eaten rafters, Anthills plotting to bring down mountains, far gone in make-believe. You talk a good line, but every “blessing” breathes a curse.
5-6 God, the one and only— I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not? He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I’m set for life.
7-8 My help and glory are in God —granite-strength and safe-harbor-God— So trust him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for him. God is a safe place to be.
Faith can seem vague and theoretical—until a crisis hits.
Then, like the spare tire in your trunk when you have a flat, your faith suddenly becomes very important – up to the point of choosing between life and death.
2 Corinthians 3:12-18 English Standard Version
12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one[a] turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord[b] is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,[c] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.[d] For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
In fact, it may be the only way out of the mess you’re in.
In the middle of a crisis of faith, all we usually hope for is some way to get the situation straightened out so that we can move on. No one likes to need faith.
As with the little spare tire that comes with most cars today (you know, the little “donut” spare that’s designed to go just a few miles), most of us are willing to rely on our faith for a little while, only as long as we have need of it.
But just as you’ll want to get a real tire back on your car as soon as you can, so most of us want to move past our personal faith reliance and find a real reason for confidence.
At least that’s how it can seem.
No one likes crises, but it’s not hard to see how God can use our crises to reach into our emergency reserves in ways that he might not reach us otherwise.
Most of us pray differently—more earnestly—in times of crisis.
Our fear can prod us to squint for God through the fog of our uncertainty.
And the more we squint, the more we begin to see the features of God’s face.
How has God used crises in your life to deepen your awareness of His presence?
In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit …
Praying ….
How Awesome Are Your Deeds
To the choirmaster. A Song. A Psalm.
66 Shout for joy to God, all the earth; 2 sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! 3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. 4 All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” Selah
5 Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man. 6 He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There did we rejoice in him, 7 who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations— let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah
8 Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard, 9 who has kept our soul among the living and has not let our feet slip. 10 For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. 11 You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; 12 you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.
13 I will come into your house with burnt offerings; I will perform my vows to you, 14 that which my lips uttered and my mouth promised when I was in trouble. 15 I will offer to you burnt offerings of fattened animals, with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams; I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Selah
16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul. 17 I cried to him with my mouth, and high praise was on[a] my tongue.[b] 18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. 19 But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!
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.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, [a]Who has inflicted horrific events on the earth. 9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. 10 “[b]Stop striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the [c]nations, I will be exalted on the earth.” 11 The Lord of armies is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah
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 world moves and spins furiously fast.
I certainly sense it.
Work piles higher and higher, requests come quicker and quicker, and the weight of my own expectations weighs heavier and heavier.
As I process more, take on more, and churn out more.
All while striving to keep my head above the deep water.
I know I need to slow down.
I need to stop.
And I definitely need stillness—desperately.
A stilling of my spirit.
A quieting of the swift swirls in my head and heart.
And a slow, inflated inhale followed by a steady, expanding exhale.
Releasing every last spec of stress and tension within.
You feel the intense speed of your surroundings at times, too, don’t you?
The list never ends.
It’s staring at you today, and it will be there tomorrow.
You yearn for stillness to sweep sweet breaths of life into all of the overstuffed, overburdened overtaxed spaces, of your soul.
And to stay.
You want to be still and know that God is God.
You want your confidence to grow so that you can handle this, because God has this under His full control.
Because you do know with maximum assurance and confidence God indeed has it all. All that you’re doing, all that you’re planning, and all that he has in store.
Our God is God, and that means all the things we are losing stillness over—all the busyness, hustle and bustle wearing us down to nothing but weariness—are unnecessary.
Because God will keep the wheels moving when we take our foot off the gas, if the vehicle is headed where he wants it to go.
Nothing will prevent his ultimate destination from being reached and his purposes from prevailing.
Because he is the one driving our lives, he will get us where he wants us to be.
If your soul is starved for stillness today, the Lord would love nothing more than your nestling up with him.
Sitting still beside him in the safety and security of his refuge.
Hearing his whispers of love, receiving his outstretched arms of comfort and care, and then lingering in his peaceful presence.
He wants you to be still.
He wants you to know that he is God and that he will be exalted regardless.
He is honored by your obedience and all your good work, but he also knows you need Shabbat rest.
God loves you, absolutely adores you, and wants you to do just that. To be still, know, and trust that his greater plans and purposes will still prevail.
My soul waits insilence for God alone; From Him comes my salvation. For my only hope is from Him. [Psalm 62:1 &2]
We live in noisy times.
Streets echo with the roar of traffic.
Construction projects boom and bang in downtowns, neighborhoods, suburbs.
We fill our ears and elevators with playlists from iPods, our homes and cars with surround sound. Sports events blast out marches, cheers, and taunts.
Many farm and factory workers in earlier generations lost much hearing from the din of clanking machinery.
People damage their ears at rock concerts and with earphones as they shop.
Even at worship services some sound-control people seem to lock the volume on freight train level.
The damage caused by noise is not a new discovery.
It reaches far deeper than our ears.
Centuries ago English poet John Milton portrayed hell as a place of unending noise, of unending howling and roaring and screeching and yelling.
If we bathe ourselves in noise, we might never soak in the silence of God.
We may never exalt or lift up the name of God even above ourselves, to say nothing of exalting God among the nations.
Take a survey of your daily activities.
How many are filled with consistent, continuous, [obnoxious] sound?
Are you letting noise drown out or make you forget things you should hear?
Do you forget about your physical, mental, spiritual well-being?
Do you forget your family?
Your job?
God?
How can you turn down the volume in your life and find some silence for God?
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Praying ….
Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
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.
