Blog: “Discovering His Living Hope”

Fill your minds, meditate on things true, noble, reputable, and authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Philippians 4:8-9

Philippians 4:8-9 Amplified Bible

8 Finally, [a]believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. 9 The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.

Word of God for the Children of God

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

Breaking Free from Negative Thoughts ….

Have you ever felt stuck in a mental loop of “I’m not good enough” or “Everything’s going wrong”? You’re not alone in this mental tug-of-war.

As someone who’s been there and occasionally still visits, I can tell you that negative thought patterns are about as common as donut shops—they are everywhere, and sometimes it feels like they’re on every corner of our minds.

But here’s the thing: just as we can choose which donut shop to frequent, we can also choose which thoughts to entertain. The Bible puts it beautifully ….

Philippians 4:8. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Let’s be real—this isn’t about slapping a “good vibes only” sticker on your water bottle and calling it a day.

It’s about recognizing that while negative thoughts might be frequent visitors, they don’t have to be permanent residents in your mind.

God has given us all the tools to renovate our thinking, and just like any good home improvement project, it starts with acknowledging what needs to change.

Remember, even the disciples had their moments of doubt and negativity.

Peter, the rock upon whom Christ would build His church, once let fear override his faith and began to sink while walking on water.

But Jesus didn’t let him drown in his negative thoughts—he reached out His hand.

That same hand is extended to all of us today.

Understanding the Power of the Mind

Your mind, my mind, is the command center of a sophisticated spacecraft—it influences everything from your emotional climate to our spiritual trajectory.

The writer of Proverbs knew this when he wrote in 

Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” This spiritual principle is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago.

Pray about it—have you ever noticed how fast a single negative thought can snowball faster than a winter storm in the Rockies?

One day you’re worried about a project at work, before you know it, you’re mind is updating your resume, wondering if you’ll end up moving into your parents’ basement. Our minds are powerful engines, and the octane we choose matters.

But here’s the good news: the same mind that can spiral into negativity can also be transformed into a powerhouse of faith and possibility.

The Apostle Paul understood this when he wrote to the Romans in Romans 12:2, encouraging them to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

He wasn’t suggesting a simple attitude adjustment; he was outlining a complete mental renovation project.

Now, I’m not saying this transformation happens as quickly as instant coffee dissolves in hot water.

It’s more like brewing a perfect cup of pour-over—it takes time, attention, and the right technique.

But just as that carefully crafted coffee is worth the wait, so is the renewal of your mind.

Consider King David, who often found himself in situations that could have easily led to negative thought patterns.

Yet time and again, we see him redirecting his thoughts to God’s faithfulness.

I’m sure that a typical example of one such moment was when he wrote 

Psalm 42:11, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disturbed within me? Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance and my God.”

In this verse, it’s clear that he was almost having a nervous breakdown from whatever troubles he was going through, but rather than cave into negativity, he showed reverence and trust in God. 

Breaking Free: Practical Steps

Now, let’s get down to breaking free from negative thought patterns.

Let’s look at practical, Bible-based strategies that work in real life, not just in theory.

First up is the Replace and Renew Method.

When a negative thought pops up, usually at the most inconvenient time, counter it with God’s truth.

If your mind whispers, “You’re not enough,” respond with, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthened me” (Philippians 4:13). It is like playing spiritual whack-a-mole; you must be prepared to counter those thoughts as they arise.

The next step is gratitude, which is a game changer.

It’s hard to stay negative when you’re actively practicing thankfulness.

Imagine the Apostle Paul writing from prison—a situation that could breed negative thoughts!

He said in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything, give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

The idea is to start small—thank God for basic things happening in your life, such as morning coffee, the sunshine, or even the fact that you’re breathing. 

Also thank God for the lives of your friends and loved ones.

Then we can take it a step further by acknowledging his involvement in specific events in your life, community, workplace, or country.

Before you know it, you’ll find reasons for gratitude everywhere.

Then there’s the community connection.

Surrounding yourself with faith-filled believers isn’t just good churchmanship; it’s essential mental health practice.

As Proverbs 27:17 puts it, “as Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

Having spiritually inclined support from family, friends, neighbors, or church members helps us as believers. They serve as our support in times of weakness. 

They are the vessels God uses to comfort and inspire us in our distress.

So, when you’re struggling with negative thoughts, sometimes you need to reach out in faith to someone else to remind you of God’s promises.

Let’s not forget the prayer pause.

When negative thoughts start swirling, take a moment to pause and pray.

Remember the instruction in Philippians 4:6, which says, 

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.” 

And trust God, the simple act of turning our worries into prayers can break the cycle of negative thinking.

Living in Renewed Freedom

As you consistently apply these tools, you’ll notice a change.

It might be subtle at first—like the days getting longer as winter turns to spring.

But gradually, you’ll find your default thinking patterns shifting from “worst-case scenario” to “God’s got this.”

Remember, this journey isn’t about achieving perfect thinking—it’s about progress, not perfection.

Even Paul, that giant of faith, admitted to an ongoing battle with his thoughts and desires (Romans 7:15-20).

The difference is that you are now prepared to fight back when negative thoughts attempt to take over.

As you continue on this path of mental renewal, you’ll discover that

“the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

This doesn’t mean you’ll never have another negative thought; it means you’ll know how to handle them when they come.

You’re not alone in this battle. God hasn’t left you to figure this out by yourself.

He’s provided His Word as a roadmap, His Spirit as a guide, and His people as companions on the journey.

From today onwards, commit to taking your thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5).

When negative patterns try to establish themselves in your mind, remember that you have the power, through Christ, to choose a different path.

Your mind is valuable real estate—don’t let negative thoughts be squatters there any longer.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusted in thee.”

As you learn to anchor your thoughts in God’s truth, you’ll find that peace isn’t just a destination—it becomes your constant companion on the journey.

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

Praying ….

Psalm 42 Complete Jewish Bible

0) For the leader. A maskil of the descendants of Korach:

2 (1) Just as a deer longs for running streams,
God, I long for you.
3 (2) I am thirsty for God, for the living God!
When can I come and appear before God?

4 (3) My tears are my food, day and night,
while all day people ask me, “Where is your God?”
5 (4) I recall, as my feelings well up within me,
how I’d go with the crowd to the house of God,
with sounds of joy and praise from the throngs
observing the festival.

6 (5) My soul, why are you so downcast?
Why are you groaning inside me?
Hope in God, since I will praise him again
for the salvation that comes from his presence.
7 (6) My God, when I feel so downcast,
I remind myself of you
from the land of Yarden, from the peaks of Hermon,
from the hill Mizar.
8 (7) Deep is calling to deep
at the thunder of your waterfalls;
all your surging rapids and waves
are sweeping over me.
9 (8) By day Adonai commands his grace,
and at night his song is with me
as a prayer to the God of my life.
10 (9) I say to God my Rock,
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
under pressure by the enemy?
11 (10) My adversaries’ taunts make me feel
as if my bones were crushed,
as they ask me all day long,
‘Where is your God?’ ”

12 (11) My soul, why are you so downcast?
Why are you groaning inside me?
Hope in God, since I will praise him again
for being my Savior and 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.

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Shall we rub our eyes—we can hardly bring ourselves to believe it! This is the very day which God acted—let us celebrate and be festive! Psalm 118:24

Psalm 118:21-25 The Message

21-25 Thank you for responding to me;
    you’ve truly become my salvation!
The stone the masons discarded as flawed
    is now the capstone!
This is God’s work.
    We rub our eyes—we can hardly believe it!
This is the very day God acted—
    let’s celebrate and be festive!
Salvation now, God. Salvation now!
    Oh yes, God—a free and full life!

Word of God for the Children of God

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

The beauty of fall colors is both breathtaking and brief.

We look outside and see the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows of fall leaves, and we feel inspired when we’re enjoying the sight of them.

But we also know the truth: those same leaves will soon dry up and fall to the ground. Their beauty doesn’t last forever. The colorful fall foliage season is fleeting, and if we don’t pay attention, we might miss the chance to enjoy it. 

The opportunities God gives us to enjoy each day are also temporary.

Time keeps moving, and each day comes and goes only once. If we aren’t making the most of our time, we may let those opportunities slip by.

Every single day is a gift from God.

God makes each day with good purposes, and he places us in it to rejoice and be glad by fully embracing the opportunities it brings us. 

But how often do we forget this?

We constantly rush through our schedules, get caught up in stress, or focus on disappointments, thoughts drift toward what went wrong yesterday or what might go wrong tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the gift of today quietly slips through our fingers.

It’s like standing under a tree during the season of peak fall colors and never once looking up to enjoy the wonder that’s around us. 

The Bible tells us to rejoice in this day.

Not yesterday, which is already gone.

Not tomorrow, which hasn’t come yet.

God wants us to enjoy this day we’re living right now. 

Our days won’t all be easy.

Many days in our fallen world bring challenging circumstances into our lives.

We may not feel glad.

But God’s call to rejoice and be glad doesn’t depend on our circumstances. It depends on our relationships with him. God made this day, and he is with us in it. God’s presence with us throughout each day is enough reason to be glad. 

The beauty of fall leaves is precious because it doesn’t last forever.

In the same way, today is precious because it won’t come again.

We can’t repeat it, and we can’t hold onto it once it passes.

This truth can inspire us to pay closer attention to all the opportunities God gives us to feel glad.

We can start to notice and celebrate by sharing a meal with our friends and families, laughing with our children, watching a sunset, or just, sit, enjoying listening to music. Everything we enjoy is a reason to thank God and celebrate! 

We can feel glad even when we feel pain at the same time.

When we’re going threw challenging situations, remembering that our good God is still with us helps us notice the good that God brings into each day.

We can choose not to waste today’s blessings just because they’re mixed in with painful circumstances.

The more we look for God’s goodness, the more we can find it and appreciate it. 

Every day we wake up is another opportunity from God to enjoy our lives.

When we practice rejoicing today, we can build lives full of gladness every day.

We can become people who live fully each day God gives us. 

Psalm 118 was the final prayer song in the liturgy of the Passover feast, which celebrated Israel’s freedom from slavery.

Israel was the stone that the builders of civilization had rejected, but God made his people the cornerstone of his plan for the world.

The apostles referred to Jesus also as the stone that was rejected, and he is now the all-important cornerstone of God’s kingdom.

Jesus is the Messiah who rode into Jerusalem as Israel’s king.

Though rejected by the Jews, he became the foundation stone for a new temple.

And he will come again as the heavenly sovereign Judge.

He ultimately is the one who says, “I will not die but live.”

Jesus the Messiah rises from the depths to the heights, and in the process he takes us along with him.

The rejected stone becomes the new cornerstone, and we become living stones essential to God’s new building (1 Peter 2:5).

The word for “cornerstone” can also be interpreted as “capstone,” indicating that Jesus becomes the crowning glory of the building that is the temple or the kingdom of God, and we will share in his glory (Romans 8:17).

No longer rejected but precious; no longer worthless but important—that’s our new identity in Christ.

Let’s pay attention to the wonder of God’s work in our lives every day so we don’t miss everything God wants us to enjoy today. When we do so, we’ll find plenty of blessings from our God to celebrate before the very next day comes! 

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

Praying …..

29 1-2 Bravo, God, bravo!
    Gods and all angels shout, “Encore!”
In awe before the glory,
    in awe before God’s visible power.
Stand at attention!
    Dress your best to honor him!

3 God thunders across the waters,
Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness—
God, across the flood waters.

4 God’s thunder tympanic,
God’s thunder symphonic.

5 God’s thunder smashes cedars,
God topples the northern cedars.

6 The mountain ranges skip like spring colts,
The high ridges jump like wild kid goats.

7-8 God’s thunder spits fire.
God thunders, the wilderness quakes;
He makes the desert of Kadesh shake.

9 God’s thunder sets the oak trees dancing
A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches.
We fall to our knees—we call out, “Glory!”

10 Above the floodwaters is God’s throne
    from which his power flows,
    from which he rules the world.

11 God makes his people strong.
God gives his people peace.

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

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What if we could all see our whole selves only through God’s eyes? Can you or I contemplate how different we would act and feel? 1 Peter 2:9-10

1 Peter 2:9-10 Amplified Bible

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.

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.

On my mind today is formulating A Prayer to See Myself Through God’s Eyes.

Am I praying for revelation from God of the very final digit of the value of Pi?

105 trillion digits

Pi calculated to 105 trillion digits, smashing world record. A U.S. computer storage company has calculated the irrational number pi to 105 trillion digits, breaking the previous world record. The calculations took 75 days to complete and used up 1 million gigabytes of data. For trivia buffs that number is 6 six.

What is the 300 trillion digit of pi? For Trivia fanatics that digit is 5 five.

Will pi ever be solved?

The number π is an irrational number, meaning that it cannot be expressed exactly as a ratio of two integers, although fractions such as 22/7 are quite commonly used to approximate it. 

Consequently, its decimal representation never ends, nor enters a permanently repeating pattern.

It is a transcendental number, meaning that there cannot be a solution of an algebraic equation involving only finite sums, products, powers, and integers.

So, I guess then, that to expect a revelation from God; A Prayer to See Myself Through God’s Eyes; will not occur any time soon, if at all – perhaps the very exacting last moment of Eternity? But by then, where will be to recognize it?

If we could see ourselves through God’s eyes, can we imagine how light we would feel?

What a weight would be lifted. All the burdens, condemnation, and judgment would be gone.

We can be so hard and judgmental on ourselves that we believe God thinks the same way towards us.

That’s why I’m reminding you that God sees us through Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross.

Remember, God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and his ways are not our ways.

Isaiah 55:6-9 Amplified Bible

6 
Seek the Lord while He may be found;
Call on Him [for salvation] while He is near.
7 
Let the wicked leave (behind) his way
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
And let him return to the Lord,
And He will have compassion (mercy) on him,
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
8 
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
9 
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts higher than your thoughts.

It is so easy to doubt our salvation and dismiss our righteousness, forgetting it is our own.

The first is a gift, and the other was imputed to us through Jesus’ sacrifice.

When God looks at us, He sees that our debt has been paid in full, He sees the righteousness we wear through Christ, He sees we are chosen by Him, royal priests, a holy nation, and His very own royal possession.

The sacrifice of Jesus was so complete and perfect that no one is able to pluck us out of God’s hands. Once we belong to him, we are His forever.

Our God doesn’t do half jobs; what he starts, he absolutely completes.

In God’s eyes, even before the world began, before Jesus chose to be the sacrificial lamb, the Godhead saw our worth. They wanted to give humanity a way out because we were all destined to a Christ-less eternity.

That is when Jesus chose to die for us.

When parents are blessed with a child, whether through adoption or biological birth, we see those children as beautiful.

The way they smell, their complexion, down to their tiny toes, is just perfect.

God saw us vulnerable, helpless, and destined for hell and chose to love us and save us. When we see ourselves through God’s eyes, we see ourselves as loved.

Not on a surface level, but unconditionally. Whether we love him back or not.

If we mess up after we trust him, he still loves us.

His loving gaze towards us is steadfast, unchanging, and unfailing.

Where we fall short is when we think of God as merely human.

We would write off those who treat us unjustly, but God is not a man that he should lie.

John 3:16 is very true.

God loves us.

When he looks at us, we have been forgiven.

Our sins have been cast into the sea of forgetfulness, never to be used against us again.

The Bible says as far as the east is from the west, so far has our God removed our transgressions.

Knowing that when God looks at us, he is not looking at us in condemnation should cause us to give him praise.

It makes me want to worship, sing, dance, and magnify the name of the Lord.

I stand in awe of his mercy and grace and thank God that I get to love him back and praise Him.

I also want to share my faith with those outside the fold.

Sin separates us from God, so seeing myself through God’s eyes motivates me to live a holy life. It doesn’t cause me to want to sin but encourages me to resist temptation so I can continue to enjoy the sweetest fellowship God and I share.

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

Praying ….

Psalm 27

By David.

1 Yahweh is my light and my salvation.
    Who is there to fear?
    Yahweh is my life’s fortress.
    Who is there to be afraid of?

2 Evildoers closed in on me to tear me to pieces.
    My opponents and enemies stumbled and fell.
3         Even though an army sets up camp against me,
            my heart will not be afraid.
        Even though a war breaks out against me,
            I will still have confidence in the Lord.

4 I have asked one thing from Yahweh.
    This I will seek:
    to remain in Yahweh’s house all the days of my life
        in order to gaze at Yahweh’s beauty
            and to search for an answer in his temple.
5 He hides me in his shelter when there is trouble.
    He keeps me hidden in his tent.
    He sets me high on a rock.
6 Now my head will be raised above my enemies who surround me.
    I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy in his tent.
    I will sing and make music to praise Yahweh.
7 Hear, O Yahweh, when I cry aloud.
    Have pity on me, and answer me.
8 When you said,
    “Seek my face,”
        my heart said to you,
            “O Yahweh, I will seek your face.”[a]
9 Do not hide your face from me.
    Do not angrily turn me away.
        You have been my help.
            Do not leave me!
                Do not abandon me, O Elohim, my savior!
10 Even if my father and mother abandon me,
    Yahweh will take care of me.
11 Teach me your way, O Yahweh.
    Lead me on a level path
    because I have enemies who spy on me.
12 Do not surrender me to the will of my opponents.
    False witnesses have risen against me.
        They breathe out violence.
13 I believe that I will see the goodness of Yahweh
    in this world of the living.

14 Wait with hope for Yahweh.
    Be strong, and let your heart be courageous.
    Yes, wait with hope for Yahweh.

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

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I am Meditating about the Benefits of our Multi-generational churches! Titus 2:1–8

Titus 2:1-10 New American Standard Bible

Proclaim Sound Doctrine

2 But as for you, proclaim the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be [a]temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in [b] perseverance.

3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may [c]encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

6 Likewise urge the young men to be [d]sensible; 7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with [e]purity in doctrine, dignified,  8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

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.

Have you seen the car commercial that talks about having “this or that” and how much better it is to have “this and that and the other”?

That commercial illustrates how I feel about the local church I get the privilege of being an Associate Pastor in. We are planted in the quiet rural backroads of Jarrettsville, Maryland and what started simply as a “old country church” has become something far more complex and in need of repairs —yet beautiful.

Many of the churches in our area swing far to one side of the pendulum: they are either comprised of mainly small families, or they have few families but a large group of diverse aged students. Rarely does a church have much of both, but by God’s grace, we are blessed by a small mix of young and order families.

We are the and We need each other

Psalm 71:18 says,

“Even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.”

Likewise, Psalm 145:4 declares,

“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”

Hebrews 10:19-25 New American Standard Bible

A New and Living Way

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, through His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let’s approach God with a [a]sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let’s consider how to [b]encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but  encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Throughout the Biblical Canon we clearly see that each generation is called to nurture one another, build on the foundation passed on from the previous one.

Mark 4:13-20 New American Standard Bible

Explanation of the Parable

13 And He *said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them. 16 And in a similar way these are the ones sown with seed on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; 17 and yet they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution occurs because of the word, immediately they [a]fall away. 18 And others are the ones sown with seed among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, 19 but the worries of the [b]world, and the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things enter and choke the word, and it [c]becomes unfruitful. 20 And those are the ones sown with seed on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundred times as much.”

What this illustrates in our local churches context is that in each successive generation, we all absolutely need each other in order to produce Kingdom fruit; a healthy fruitful local church and see Jesus’ mission going very forward.

Mentoring Discipleship

Deuteronomy 6:4-12 New American Standard Bible

4 “Hear, Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! 5 And you shall love the Lord  your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6  These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up. 8 You shall also tie them as a [a]sign to your [b]hand, and they shall be as [c]frontlets [d]on your forehead. 9 You shall also write them on the  [e]doorposts of your house and on your gates.

10 “Then it shall come about when the Lord your God brings you into the land that He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you, great and splendid cities which you did not build, 11 and houses full of all good things which you did not fill, and carved cisterns which you did not carve out, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant, and you eat and are satisfied, 12 be [f]careful that you do not forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of [g]slavery.

We need older men and women planting their know how and maturity into younger men and women. This is how we help build godly character, invest in future generations, and help ensure legacies of faith in Jesus going forward.

Sacrificial Service

Psalm 118:24-29 New American Standard Bible

24 This is the day which the Lord has made;
Let’s rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Please, O Lord, do save us;
Please, O Lord, do send prosperity!
26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord;
We have blessed you from the house of the Lord.
27 The Lord is God, and He has given us light;
Bind the festival sacrifice [a]to the horns of the altar with cords.
28 You are my God, and I give thanks to You;
You are my God, I exalt You.
29 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
For His mercy is everlasting.

In all aspects of life we have been covenanted by God to give our sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving in the house of the Lord to serve Jesus and one another.

With a church of multi-generational families the opportunities to sacrifice and serve are innumerable – as the effort of our counting the stars in the night sky.

Carrying our Crosses, Bearing our Burdens, Trusting God

Proverbs 3:5-10 New American Standard Bible

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your [a]body
And refreshment to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord from your wealth,
And from the first of all your produce;
10 Then your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

Each of us has probably already made many decisions today. And for the rest of the day, we will continue to make conscious and not-so conscious decisions.

The choices we make say something about who we are and whom we serve.

Is life “all about me,” or am I aware that what I do is really my response to my Creator and Provider?

We read, “In all your ways submit to him.”

That calls for implicitly trusting that God’s ways are good, that following them leads to bearing Kingdom fruit, and living life to the full, as God intends for us.

When Joshua challenged Israel,

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served, which were beyond the  Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”” (Joshua 24:15),

Joshua knew that his decision to serve the Lord shaped all his other decisions.

When we trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, all our other decisions are based on obeying his teachings, not relying on our own “best understanding.”

Guided by the God, Jesus, Holy Spirit and God’s Word, we know what to do.

We know God’s Spirit will not tell us to do what God’s Word says we may not.

And obedience eventually leads to being on the right path, whatever the cost.

Knowing what to do comes more readily with a whole-hearted commitment to serving Jesus and our neighbors. Then, like Jesus, we will be focused on our own calling to be fruitful disciples who make decisions based on knowing God’s will.

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

Praying ….

Psalm 119:33-40 Complete Jewish Bible

ה (Heh)

33 Teach me, Adonai, the way of your laws;
keeping them will be its own reward for me.
34 Give me understanding; then I will keep your Torah;
I will observe it with all my heart.
35 Guide me on the path of your mitzvot,
for I take pleasure in it.
36 Bend my heart toward your instructions
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
with your ways, give me life.
38 Fulfill your promise, which you made to your servant,
which you made to those who fear you.
39 Avert the disgrace which I dread,
for your rulings are good.
40 See how I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness, give me 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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Those who have wisdom let them be Wise. Get wisdom—it is worth much more than money; so choose wisely! Pray insight over income every time. Proverbs 16:16-21

Proverbs 16:16-21 The Message

16 Get wisdom—it’s worth more than money;
    choose insight over income every time.

17 The road of right living bypasses evil;
    watch your step and save your life.

18 First pride, then the crash—
    the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.

19 It’s better to live humbly among the poor
    than to live it up among the rich and famous.

20 It pays to take life seriously;
    things work out when you trust in God.

21 A wise person gets known for insight;
    gracious words add to one’s reputation.

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 would describe today’s proverbs as “general proverbs” that offer counsel to those who desire the best of life. 

Proverbs 16:16 states a value system that runs contrary to the world.

Proverbs 16:16 – “How much better [precious; pleasant; favorable] is it to get [acquire] wisdom [godly wisdom; spiritual discernment] than gold! and to get understanding [knowledge] rather to be chosen [selected] than silver!”

It is the fallen nature of man to pursue temporal riches over eternal rewards.  

In the same way Eve was tantalized by forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6), mankind lusts after gold and silver, diamonds and rubies and pearls of greatest quality.

Matthew 13:45-46 The Message

45-46 “Or, God’s kingdom is like a jewel merchant on the hunt for exquisite pearls. Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it.

Let’s take a practical approach to verse 16, consider its application to our lives.

What is the “end goal” of your life and daily pursuits?  

Are we numbered among those poor souls who rise from bed, go to work and pursue gold, pearls and silver with little, if any thought of God, the eternal destiny of your soul?  

King Solomon challenged his son to learn that his pursuit of godly wisdom, understanding, insight and discernment were of far greater value than all of those temporal possessions of gold and silver and pearls and precious gems.

Proverbs 16:17 – “The highway [course; way; path] of the upright [just; righteous] is to depart [turn] from evil [sin; wickedness]: he that keepeth [guard; watch] his way [journey; course of life] preserveth [guard; put a hedge about] his soul.”

Men instinctively, impulsively pursue many highways and byways and winding paths and dirt roads in life; however, only one path, one way keeps, preserves a man’s eternal soul—that way is through Jesus Christ and Him alone. (John 14:6)

Solomon warned his son there are ways and paths men take that seem right and prefect to them; however, recall “the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25).

There are many religions, but only one way.

John 14:6 – “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

The way of the upright is to turn from sin, trust Jesus Christ as Savior, the Only Begotten Son of God crucified for our sin, buried raised from the dead by God, the Father on the third day.

Proverbs 16:18-19 – “Pride [arrogance] goeth before destruction [calamity; breach in an ocean wall], and an haughty [proud; self-sufficient] spirit before a fall [ruin]. 19 Better [pleasing; good as pure gold] it is to be of an humble [low; modest] spirit with the lowly [humble means, weak, meek], than to divide [apportion; distribute] the spoil [plunder; booty] with the proud [arrogant].”

Pride and humility are the subject of Proverbs 16:18-19.  

Pride, that spirit of self-sufficiency independent of one’s Creator, sows the seeds of self-destruction.  

Pride precedes calamity and a “haughty spirit” is too proud to seek counsel and too pre-occupied with self to look to the end of its way.

Arrogance is the complete opposite of humility.

Humility means to have a modest view of one’s own importance.

But when someone has an over-inflated opinion of himself or herself, they will often act out in an overbearing way. 

That is called arrogance, which is always an irritating unattractive quality.

Did you know for every 100 successful people, there is maybe one who can deal with great success and keep his/her head on straight?

The temptation to give into prideful arrogance is huge.

Arrogance and pride are one and the same!

So how can people blessed with success not be overcome with pride?

  • Gratitude: Remember all good things come from God: this includes your talents, abilities, and opportunities.
  • Humility: There’s really no such thing as a self-made man. Every successful person had some help along the way. It’s important to remember the journey.
  • Self-Awareness: The people with the biggest pride problems often don’t recognize that they have a problem. It’s an inability to self-reflect and identify their areas of growth or weakness; this attitude can stunt personal growth.
  • Pursue Christ-likeness: We are most like the Devil when we are filled with arrogant pride. We are most like Jesus when we are fulfilling God’s will for God’s glory.

If you are struggling with arrogant pride, ask God for forgiveness.

Ask Him to help you leave pride behind and learn to walk in gratitude, and in humility, to become more self-aware as you pursue a life walking with Christ.

It might not happen overnight, it most certainly won’t always be an easy road, but you’ll be a better person for it.

Then as the world around you starts to take notice, you’ll have a great platform to point toward your relationship with Jesus.

There’s no time like the present to begin.

As Jesus’ earthly life set the standard for Christians: It is far better to live by humble means than share the lifestyle of the wicked who divide the spoil of ill-gotten gain among themselves with little to no thought of God’s justice.

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

Praying ….

Psalm 1 The Message

1 How well God must like you—
    you don’t walk in the ruts of those blind-as-bats,
    you don’t stand with the good-for-nothings,
    you don’t take your seat among the know-it-alls.

2-3 Instead you thrill to God’s Word,
    you chew on Scripture day and night.
You’re a tree replanted in Eden,
    bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf,
    always in blossom.

4-5 You’re not at all like the wicked,
    who are mere windblown dust—
Without defense in court,
    unfit company for innocent people.

6 God charts the road you take.
The road they take leads to nowhere.

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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Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop; a lazy planter gets Zilch. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 The Message

6-7 Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.

8-11 God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it,

He throws caution to the winds,
    giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
    never run out, never wear out.

This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.

Word of God for the Children of God

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

Fuel for Cheerful Giving …

God loves a cheerful giver.

One reason for this is that He is a cheerful giver, gladly and generously giving Himself and every good gift to His people.

And one of the good gifts God has given us is a series of promises and proverbs to fuel our cheer as we give.

2 Corinthians 9 provides an abundance of such fuel.

Paul teaches “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”

This is essentially a proverb, like those we read in the Old Testament:

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want” (Proverbs 11:24).

Proverbs 11:24 The Message

24 The world of the generous gets larger and larger;
    the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.

The thing about proverbs, though, is that they should be read for what they are—general truths—rather than what they are not: categorical promises.

Paul is not giving us a formula: If you put in a certain amount, you will receive a larger amount. 

Instead, he is encouraging his readers to sow gladly and liberally because there are benefits to be had when we do so.

Generous giving brings its own rewards, which the stingy will never know.

If you scatter only a few seeds of your favorite flower and expect a beautiful display in a few weeks, you will be disappointed.

If you sow handful after handful, the result will be glorious to behold.

More fuel for our giving comes a few verses later, where Paul says that those who are generous “will be enriched in every way.”

Sadly, it is common for people to stop right there, concluding that God will make them wealthy once they’ve given away some money.

He may do just that, but it comes with the purpose revealed in the rest of the verse: “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way.”

God may indeed enrich you, but the enrichment is intended for a much greater generosity, which in turn will “produce thanksgiving to God.”

What a promise this is, that God will repay our generosity so that we might continue to be generous!

As we give away, God gives us more to give away.

Who could ever be tight-fisted in the face of such lavish promises?

It is a tragedy that so many have abused these promises and proverbs, using them to bait well-intentioned people into giving for all the wrong reasons.

There is no need or excuse for false assurances of prosperity or manipulative donation calls that tug hard at our heart strings; we have so many good, God-honoring reasons to be generous!

The truths and promises of God’s word are rich enough, and they alone will fuel genuine Christian cheer as we give.

Dwell on these truths, and on our Savior, who “though he was rich, yet for your sake … became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

That is the only authentically generous way to give in a way which truly honors God: to give both sacrificially and cheerfully.

If your church is in the habit of welcoming newcomers in the faith, you know one delightful quality of new believers is the straightforward manner of their obedience.

One Sunday a church in the Midwest was greeted by a welcoming committee of three turkeys, a pig, and 15 chickens tied up just outside the church entrance.

The Pastor’s previous week’s sermon had been on tithing, and these animals represented one tenth of a new member’s flock and herd. It brought smiles to our faces, and we genuinely thanked the farmer for his offering, even though it was a bit tough and tumble for the deacons to collect the whole offering later.

But the farmer understood something else too: he knew that the mission of God requires resources to get it done–not only to provide for the needs of the poor, but also to feed, clothe, and transport the workers.

In the process our gifts can also have the joyous result of prompting praise from the people who benefit from them.

As Paul points out, “Men will praise God … for your generosity.”

It’s true that our gifts are not always appreciated, for some people feel entitled to anything they receive. But this should not deter anyone of us from giving.

Even God’s “indescribable gift” of his Son is not always cherished.

Luke 6:27-34 The Message

27-30 “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more payback. Live generously.

31-34 “Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.

And being aware of the warm appreciation of many who receive our gifts both friends and enemies in God’s name can help us be much more cheerful givers.

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

Praying ….

Psalm 119:33-40 The Message

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.

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Who is like our God? The Creator of all we can see or we can ever imagine. Isaiah 40:12 – 20

Isaiah 40:12-20 New International Version

12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
    or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
    or weighed the mountains on the scales
    and the hills in a balance?
13 Who can fathom the Spirit[a] of the Lord,
    or instruct the Lord as his counselor?
14 Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him,
    and who taught him the right way?
Who was it that taught him knowledge,
    or showed him the path of understanding?

15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket;
    they are regarded as dust on the scales;
    he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.
16 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires,
    nor its animals enough for burnt offerings.
17 Before him all the nations are as nothing;
    they are regarded by him as worthless
    and less than nothing.

18 With whom, then, will you compare God?
    To what image will you liken him?
19 As for an idol, a metalworker casts it,
    and a goldsmith overlays it with gold
    and fashions silver chains for it.
20 A person too poor to present such an offering
    selects wood that will not rot;
they look for a skilled worker
    to set up an idol that will not topple.

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.

This section of Isaiah has some of the most majestic and superb language about God found in Scripture.

God himself is asking man, 

Can you do what I do?

Can you hold the waters of earth in the hollow of your hand? 

I stood on the pier at San Diego.

It was a gorgeous day.

I watched the great combers coming in from the Pacific.

As I watched those great billows crashing on the sand I thought of the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, extending thousands upon thousands of miles to the West.

I thought about the great volumes of waters in what small part of the ocean I could look out at and repeatedly stumbled trying to calculate those remaining.

The volume of the Pacific Ocean, representing about 50.1 percent of the world’s oceanic water, has been estimated at some 714 million cubic kilometers (171 million cubic miles).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Ocean#:~:text=The%20volume%20of%20the%20Pacific,(171%20million%20cubic%20miles).

These words came to my mind, Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand? God himself in majesty and greatness controls all the forces of earth.

Verses 13 and 14 speak of God’s incredible wisdom: 

Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as his counselor has instructed him? (Isaiah 40:13 RSV)

Who could do that?

Many attempt to.

I confess there have been times when I have been confronted with a difficult problem which I studiously analyzed and thought I had solved.

Then I have come to God and told him step by step what he could do to work out the problem—only to find, to my utter astonishment, that he just completely ignored my approach and did nothing about it.

I have become irritated over this.

I have said to him, “Lord, even I can see how to work this out. Surely you ought to be able to understand just how much time it has taken to work it out this far.”

But as the problem remained, and a whole new situation came to light, I humbly realized that God saw far more than I could see, that he knew of obstacles I had no knowledge of, complexities that had touched the lives of hundreds of people.

He was working out purposes that would go on not only for the moment, but on and on, one generation after another; infinity unto infinity, eternity to eternity, that his solution ultimately was the best one.

I had to say, as the Apostle Paul says in Romans 11, 

O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Romans 11:33 RSV).

In Verses 15 to 17, God compares himself with the proud nations of earth:

“Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the isles like fine dust.” (Isaiah 40:15 RSV).

How feeble the boasts of men, leaders of the nations, with their ‘claims’ to the glory, might and power, when they are compared with the sheer enormity, the greatness, the majesty and the strength of God himself.

Psalm 139:17-18 New King James Version

17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.

They are nothing, as a grain of sand in the desert God says, absolutely nothing.

Ephesians 3:14-19 New King James Version

Appreciation of the Mystery

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father [a]of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you,  being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now, stand in front of a mirror and repeat each statement below … contemplate their meaning (individually and Acts 2 collectively)…. their current relevance …. their current significance, insignificance (individually and Acts 2 collectively)…. their unifying or divisive or polarizing abilities, qualities and also influences ….

Praying ….

Psalm 139:23-24 English Standard Version

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts![a]
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting![b]

  1. The prophet Isaiah gives a vision of the gospel in Isaiah 40:12-17.
  2. Mankind has always found it difficult to believe and accept the word of God.
  3. Our failure to believe the Bible is due to a lack of understanding who God is.
  4. We think of God as like ourselves instead of the almighty, glorious God he is.
  5. Many stumble over Christian doctrines because they have a wrong view of God.
  6. We must start with God, not ourselves, to understand the Bible and its teachings.
  7. Isaiah 40:12-15 shows God’s greatness, might, and power in creation.
  8. Isaiah 40:16 shows God’s transcendent glory that surpasses all human comprehension.
  9. Isaiah 40:17 shows God’s ways are inscrutable and beyond human understanding.
  10. We must come to God with a childlike faith, not demanding to understand everything.
  11. When we see God as he is, we realize how sinful we are and need Jesus as Savior.
  12. Jesus died to bring us to God and save us, not just make us feel happy.

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

Praying ….

Psalm 119:25-32 Christian Standard Bible

ד Daleth

25 My life is down in the dust;
give me life through your word.
26 I told you about my life,
and you answered me;
teach me your statutes.
27 Help me understand
the meaning of your precepts
so that I can meditate on your wonders.
28 I am weary[a] from grief;
strengthen me through your word.
29 Keep me from the way of deceit
and graciously give me your instruction.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set your ordinances before me.
31 I cling to your decrees;
Lord, do not put me to shame.
32 I pursue the way of your commands,
for you broaden my understanding.[b]

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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Grant us thy Grace for Letting Go, of Casting Away, that Which We Cannot Control nor Change. 1 Peter 5:1-11

1 Peter 5:1-11 New American Standard Bible

Serve God Willingly

5 Therefore, I urge elders among you, as your fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who is also a [a]fellow partaker of the glory that is to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not [b]with greed but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as domineering over [c]those assigned to your care, but by [d]proving to be [e]examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading [f]crown of glory. 5 You [g ] younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God is opposed to the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you. 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 [h]So resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your [i] brothers and sisters who are in the world. 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself  perfect, confirm, strengthen,  and establish you. 11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.

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 it comes to worry, we have a lot to worry about.

We could fill a blog with a dozen-plus reasons people might be anxious or be fearful in this fallen world.

And we could generate article after article detailing those dozen-plus negative consequences our worries bring.

Instead, let’s hear from God.

In 1 Peter 5:6-7, the apostle addresses the problem of anxiety and provides us with hope-giving, life-changing help to handle it.

Peter writes,

1 Peter 5:6-7 Amplified Bible

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, 7 casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].

Three simple but profound truths emerge from this brief text.

1) Amid Your Anxiety, God Calls You to Humble Yourself before Him

Peter writes his letter to Christians in exile, believers scattered all over the Roman world (1 Pet. 1:2) who are suffering persecution for their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (1:6; 4:12).

When we look at the world around us and the daily pressures that consume us, like Peter’s readers, we realize how little we can control our lives.

We can’t change the economy, the climate, the government, our health, or our friends and family.

We can’t make people act the way we want.

We have a lot to worry about.

For this reason, Peter calls us to humble ourselves before God.

In the previous verse, he exhorts us to humble ourselves before each other and reminds us of God’s deep opposition to pride.

But here, as he treats the problem of anxiety, Peter recognizes that nothing short of completely submitting to the Lord can bring us help and hope.

2) The Way to Humble Yourself amid Your Anxiety Is to Cast It on God

In verse 7, Peter tackles “anxiety.”

While the New Testament sometimes uses this term (Greek, merimna) in a positive sense for the proper care/concern we should have for others (e.g., 2 Cor. 12:28; Phil. 2:20), here, since Peter writes to suffering readers and calls them to cast their anxiety upon the Lord, the word carries its normal negative sense of worry or anxiety.

While the NIV translation above begins verse 7 with a command, in the Greek text, it’s a participle that modifies the main command in verse 6, “humble yourselves.”

The participle . . . explains how believers can humble themselves under God’s strong hand. . . . Believers humble themselves by casting their worries on God. Conversely, if believers continue to worry, then they are caving in to pride.

In other words, Peter roots our anxiety in our self-dependency and self-reliance.

Worry is a form of pride because when believers are filled with anxiety, they are convinced they must solve all the problems in their lives in their own strength.

The only god they trust in is themselves.

When believers throw their worries upon God, they express their trust in His mighty hand, acknowledging that He is Lord/Sovereign over all of life.

Believers fight anxiety by faith.

We “cast” our anxieties by throwing them on God, the same vivid verb Luke 19:35 uses when the disciples “threw their cloaks” on a colt. Fighting anxiety requires the concrete act of deliberately entrusting our worries to God in prayer.

Here, a simple distinction makes a major difference: we entrust to the Lord the things we can’t control, and we trust the Lord to do what He promises to do.

We cannot and must not trust the Lord to do what we want Him to do.

He is not our personal genie or divine bellhop; biblical faith depends on God’s assurances, not our hopes.

But we can and must entrust the many details of our lives we can’t control into His sovereign, wise, and loving hands.

We shouldn’t trust the Lord to change our family and friends; we should  entrust them into His hands, trusting the Lord to do what His Word guarantees.

3) God Invites You to Humble Yourself and Cast Your Anxiety on Him Because of Who He Is and What He Promises

Thankfully, God’s Word doesn’t issue raw commands but persuades us with powerful promises.

Consider 8 descriptions of God found in verses 6-7 and the immediate context:

  • God “shows favor” to those who humble themselves (v. 5). Peter’s call in verse 6 to “humble yourselves” follows (“therefore”) this kind, generous assurance.
  • God’s hand is “mighty” (v. 6a)—mighty enough to handle those circumstances you worry about.
  • God promises to “lift you up” in due time—His all-wise timetable—if you humble yourself (v. 6b).
  • God “cares for you” (v. 7). Note Peter doesn’t say God cares for you because you cast your anxiety on Him. No, it’s the opposite. His care for your predates your actions. Because He already cares, you can now cast!
  • God reminds you that you are not alone; other believers are facing “the same kind of suffering” (v. 9; also 1 Cor. 10:13-14; 2 Cor. 1:3-5).
  • God is the God “of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ.” (v. 10a). Whatever your present pressures, God still graciously guarantees a glorious inheritance (cf. 1:3-5).
  • God will restore you, strengthen you, make you firm, and make you steadfast ( 10b). The Lord is both eager and able to bear your anxieties.
  • God’s sovereign power reigns “forever and ever” (11). The problems that tempt you to worry are short-lived; God’s power—His mighty hand of v.6—never ends.

What does humble yourself under the mighty hand of God mean?

Humbling ourselves means recognizing that our worth comes from Christ, not performance.

Whether you struggle with pride in success or failure, remember God values you as His child, no matter how you perform.

What is the moral lesson of 1 Peter 5:7?

Peter writes that we should take that fear and cast it—throw it—onto our Father God.

In fact, he tells us to take all of our anxieties, everything that worries us, and to give it to the God who cares so deeply for us.

This is not a promise that God will fix everything which worries us.

Humble yourself in Him, and He will lift you in His time. 

Humility and anxiety, together, is like fire and water. 

They cannot exist at the same time.

How do I cast my worries to God?

Prayer is the best way to give your anxieties to God and to exercise and demonstrate real faith in Him.

Therefore, to eliminate worry and receive peace, ask God for help, and as the Scripture says, do it with a grateful heart.

  1. Pick up your bible and start reading and studying .
  2. Surrender your worries to God.
  3. Stay in the present moment.
  4. Meditate on God’s Word.
  5. The Lord Himself will go before you. …
  6. God’s way is perfect. …
  7. Don’t be afraid! …
  8. So don’t worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will have its own worries.

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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Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, Freely bestowed on all who believe! We who are longing to see His face, will we in this God moment His grace receive? 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 Christian Standard Bible

Final Greetings

16 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 17 I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand, which is an authenticating mark in every letter; this is how I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen

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 verse 2 Thessalonians 3:18 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

Our verse today serves as a benediction, a farewell blessing, final greetings for the Thessalonian church. It is a very common way for the apostle Paul to end his letters, by invoking God’s grace and peace upon his readers.

The verse is short and simple, yet it carries a profound message of God’s love and favor for the believers in Thessalonica.

The theme of grace is central to this verse.

Grace is God’s unmerited favor towards humanity, and it is through the grace of Jesus Christ believers are saved and empowered to live a life pleasing to God.

In this benediction, Paul wishes for the Thessalonians to experience the fullness of God’s grace in their lives.

This grace is not only a one-time gift of salvation, but a continual source of strength, comfort, and assurance, courage and empowerment for believers as they daily navigate through life’s tortuous challenges and its rigorous trials.

The use of the phrase “our Lord Jesus Christ” emphasizes the deity and lordship of Jesus. It is a reminder to the Thessalonians their faith and hope are sturdily anchored in a living and powerful Savior who reigns over all creation.

By invoking the name of Jesus Christ, Paul is affirming the central role of Jesus Christ in the lives of believers and the unsearchable significance of His grace in their spiritual journey.

The phrase “be with you all” indicates Paul’s desire for the Thessalonian church as a whole to experience the fullness of God’s grace.

It is a solemn prayer for unity and harmony among the believers, as they are collectively blessed by the grace of Jesus Christ.

The language of inclusivity in this benediction reinforces the idea that all believers, regardless of their background or status, are equally recipients of God’s grace and are partakers of the blessings that come from being in Christ.

The word “Amen” signifies affirmation and agreement with the preceding words. It is a fitting conclusion to this benediction, as the readers are invited to join in the collective prayer for God’s grace to be with them all day, everyday.

By collectively saying “Amen,” the Thessalonians express their consent and their belief in the truth of the blessing pronounced by Paul.

In the broader context of the book of 2 Thessalonians, this verse comes at the end of Paul’s letter, where he addresses issues concerning the day of the Lord and the critical importance of them leading a disciplined and productive life.

The benediction serves as a reminder to the Thessalonians that despite the challenges and uncertainties they may face, they can find strength and hope in the grace of Jesus Christ. It also reinforces the central themes of unity, faith, and perseverance that are clearly emphasized, prevalent throughout the book.

Symbolically, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ represents the unmerited favor and love that God extends towards His people.

It is a symbol of God’s relentless pursuit of humanity, desiring to bestow His blessings and goodness upon those who turn to Him in faith. The benediction serves as a symbolic gesture of imparting this grace upon the Thessalonians, inviting them to experience the richness and fullness of God’s love in their lives.

In conclusion, 2 Thessalonians 3:18 is a powerful benediction that encapsulates the themes of grace, unity, and faith.

It serves as an ever present reminder to contemporary believers of the enduring and empowering nature of God’s grace, and the hope and strength it provides in the midst of life’s challenges.

The verse is a timeless expression of God’s love and favor towards His people, and it certainly, divinely continues to resonate with believers today as a steady source of God’s blessed assurance, inspiration, encouragement and blessing.

Why is Grace the Most Powerful Gift of All …?

Ephesians 2:6-10 Amplified Bible

6 And He raised us up together with Him [when we believed], and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, [because we are] in Christ Jesus, 7 [and He did this] so that in the ages to come He might [clearly] show the immeasurable and unsurpassed riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us in Christ Jesus [by providing for our redemption]. 8 For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; 9 not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast  or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. 10 For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].

Paul could have ended 2 Thessalonians in dozens of ways; instead, he focuses on one thing alone: grace. Because grace is the most powerful concept of all.

Often, all we need is a little grace.

Grace is renewing. It reaches deep inside us. It finds the despair and pain and offers love. It says, “Yes, you may be unworthy but you are loved and forgiven.”

Paul devoted much of his writing to the concept of grace.

It is the grace of God, as shown through Jesus’ death and resurrection—for our sins, so that we could have relationship with God—that drove Paul’s entire life.

Grace is what Paul himself had experienced as a redeemed sinner.

It is grace that I have experienced as a redeemed sinner. 

It is grace that we all need.

How different would our world be if we all offered people the grace we have received?

If instead of holding grudges and demanding apologies, we lived with a spirit of forgiveness?

If instead of hoping that people would fall on their sword, we offered grace and love?

If instead of being bitter we offered hope?

If instead of considering ourselves better than others, we noted the incredible and unmerited redemption we have in Christ?

Imagine what could be rivaled if the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is what we proclaimed to everyone.

Imagine what could be if grace drove our entire lives and if it’s what we wished for each and every person.

What parts of your life need to be transformed by grace today?

Who can you show incredible grace to today, in the love of the Lord Jesus Christ?

Drop me a comment, I would love to hear from you.

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

Praying …

Psalm 84Amplified Bible
Longing for the Temple Worship.
To the Chief Musician; set to a [a]Philistine lute. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.

84 How lovely are Your dwelling places,
O Lord of hosts!
2 
My soul (my life, my inner self) longs for and greatly desires the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
3 
The bird has found a house,
And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young—
Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts,
My King and my God.
4 
Blessed and greatly favored are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence;
They will be singing Your praises all the day long. Selah.

5 
Blessed and greatly favored is the man whose strength is in You,
In [b]whose heart are the highways to Zion.
6 
Passing through the Valley of Weeping ([c]Baca), they make it a place of springs;
The early rain also covers it with blessings.
7 
They go from strength to strength [increasing in victorious power];
Each of them appears before God in Zion.

8 
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
Listen, O God of Jacob! Selah.
9 
See our shield, O God,
And look at the face of Your anointed [the king as Your representative].
10 
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand [anywhere else];
I would rather stand [as a doorkeeper] at the threshold of the house of my God
Than to live [at ease] in the tents of wickedness.
11 
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord bestows grace and favor and honor;
No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12 
O Lord of hosts,
How blessed and greatly favored is the man who trusts in You [believing in You, relying on You, and committing himself to You with confident hope and expectation].

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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Such is the Spoken Word of God: God always Reigns! Plants Restores and Revives us, when life is falling apart. Amos 3:11-15

Amos 3:11-15 New International Version

11 Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“An enemy will overrun your land,
    pull down your strongholds
    and plunder your fortresses.”

12 This is what the Lord says:

“As a shepherd rescues from the lion’s mouth
    only two leg bones or a piece of an ear,
so will the Israelites living in Samaria be rescued,
    with only the head of a bed
    and a piece of fabric[a] from a couch.[b]”

13 “Hear this and testify against the descendants of Jacob,” declares the Lord, the Lord God Almighty.

14 “On the day I punish Israel for her sins,
    I will destroy the altars of Bethel;
the horns of the altar will be cut off
    and fall to the ground.
15 I will tear down the winter house
    along with the summer house;
the houses adorned with ivory will be destroyed
    and the mansions will be demolished,”
declares the Lord.

Word of God for the Children of God

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

To begin, let me ask you a couple of questions:

What comes to your mind when you think about God?

Is your understanding of Him rooted in Scripture, or is it shaped by your own experiences, desires, or even misconceptions you’ve picked up along the way?

The way we view God is no small matter.

A distorted picture of Him can lead us down paths of doubt, error, fear, and misunderstanding, depriving, robbing us of the peace and assurance that only from knowing Him as He truly is.

My heart’s desire is to redirect you away from these dangers and guide you into a clearer, more informed, more biblical, and more joyful view of our great God.

Some people imagine God as a distant creator—a kind of cosmic tyrannical administrator who set everything in motion but now stays out of the picture, except for the occasional “system maintenance.”

Perhaps others see Him as little more than a tired grouchy old too stern judge, watching for every mistake to punish us.

Or maybe, they think of Him as powerful but limited, either unable to intervene in the chaos of the world or restrained by human choices.

None of these depictions are the God of the Bible.

Instead, Scripture presents us with a God who is far greater, far more glorious, and far more trustworthy than anything or any character that we could invent on our own. A God who reigns supremely over all creation, infinite in His being, perfect in all of His attributes, and yet still merciful in all His dealings with us.

One of the most helpful summaries I’ve come across that beautifully captures the biblical teaching about who God is comes from the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith: https://www.the1689confession.com/

The Lord, our God, is but one only living and true God; whose subsistence is in and of Himself, infinite in being and perfection; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but Himself; a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; who is immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, every way infinite, most holy, most wise, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will, for His own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, and withal most just and terrible in His judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.

This God, the God of the Bible, reigns over every part of corner of creation.

He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and fully in control.

And, when we know God as He truly is, that’s good news for us!

Because our hearts are filled with peace, our faith is strengthened, and we are freed from the anxieties, and the worries that come from false views of Him.

That’s why, as we begin this devotional—Let God Reign—we’ll take time to explore some of the attributes of God, starting today with His sovereignty.

In the devotions ahead, we’ll also consider His goodness, immutability, omnipotence, incarnation, and omniscience.

Of course, even an encyclopedias of sermons couldn’t exhaust the riches of who God is, but my prayer is that this series will deepen your love for Him, challenge any of your remaining unbelief, and increase your trust in the Lord. So let us just begin today by considering the absolute sovereignty of our great God.

It starts with the acknowledgment that:

1. God is Sovereign

Whether you and I want to admit it or not, this is reality: God is sovereign.

First, let us define our terms; what does it mean for God to be sovereign?

Here are a few definitions for us to reference:

Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms Sovereignty

The biblical concept of God’s kingly, supreme rule and legal authority over the entire universe.

Pocket Dictionary of Apologetics and Philosophy of Religion Sovereignty

The possession of ultimate authority and power.

Pocket Dictionary of the Reformed Tradition Sovereignty of God

God’s authority and power to accomplish his will as the supreme Ruler of all things.

From taking these definitions collectively, we find that sovereignty means God is the absolute King of the universe, with complete ownership, power, and all authority over all of creation- and He is able to accomplish all His holy will.

There is no one and nothing outside of His rule.

James 1:17 ESV

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Our families, our resources, our reputations, and even our ability to know and love Him are neither random nor earned; they are graciously and providentially given by your King.

Let’s consider God’s work in our lives:

His providence has woven together a beautiful tapestry for each of our lives –

Psalm 139:1-18 English Standard Version

Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

139 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    it is high; I cannot attain it.

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
    Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
    and the light about me be night,”
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
    the night is bright as the day,
    for darkness is as light with you.

13 For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.[a]
Wonderful are your works;
    my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
    the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
    I awake, and I am still with you.

Consider what the vast tapestry of your life looks like for a moment –

It would begin with:

how He formed you in the womb,

where and when you were born,

what type of family you grew up in,

every single moment of happiness,

all the friendships you enjoy,

each of the jobs and responsibilities you have ever had,

the skills and talents you exercise,

seeing the love of your life for the first time,

getting married,

experiencing the joy of holding your child for the first time,

your daily bread,

your home, your daily protection, and even beyond all of those blessings: 

if you are a Christian He has even ordained how and when He adopted you,

He has ordained your ongoing sanctification, eventually He will providentially ordain for your journey to your heavenly home!

He has woven countless bright threads into your life’s tapestry.

Do we have such a good, wise, and loving Father who cares for our every need?

Can we praise God this whole day for just how good His providence is to us!?

Thank you, faithful God, for your ever present providential hand upon our lives!

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

Praying …

Psalm 84 The Message

84 1-2 What a beautiful home, God-of-the-Angel-Armies!
    I’ve always longed to live in a place like this,
Always dreamed of a room in your house,
    where I could sing for joy to God-alive!

3-4 Birds find nooks and crannies in your house,
    sparrows and swallows make nests there.
They lay their eggs and raise their young,
    singing their songs in the place where we worship.
God-of-the-Angel-Armies! King! God!
    How blessed they are to live and sing there!

5-7 And how blessed all those in whom you live,
    whose lives become roads you travel;
They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks,
    discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain!
God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and
    at the last turn—Zion! God in full view!

8-9 God-of-the-Angel-Armies, listen:
    O God of Jacob, open your ears—I’m praying!
Look at our shields, glistening in the sun,
    our faces, shining with your gracious anointing.

10-12 One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship,
    beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches.
I’d rather scrub floors in the house of my God
    than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin.
All sunshine and sovereign is God,
    generous in gifts and glory.
He doesn’t scrimp with his traveling companions.
    It’s smooth sailing all the way with God-of-the-Angel-Armies.

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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