Tag: christianity

But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us …” the Lord said, “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.” 1 Samuel 8 

1 Samuel 8 New American Standard Bible

Israel Demands a King

8 Now it came about, when Samuel was old, that he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. 2 The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judging in Beersheba. 3 His sons, however, did not walk in his ways but turned aside after dishonest gain, and they took bribes and perverted justice.

4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah; 5 and they said to him, “Behold, you have grown old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 6 But the matter was [a]displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people regarding all that they say to you, because they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being King over them. 8 Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day—in that they have abandoned Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you as well. 9 Now then, listen to their voice; however, you shall warn them strongly and tell them of the [b]practice of the king who will reign over them.”

Warning concerning a King

10 So Samuel spoke all the words of the Lord to the people who had asked him for a king. 11 And he said, “This will be the [c]practice of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and put them in his chariots for himself and among his horsemen, and they will run before his chariots. 12 He will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to [d]do his plowing and to gather in his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will also take your daughters and use them as perfumers, cooks, and bakers. 14 He will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give them to his servants. 15 And he will take a tenth of your seed and your vineyards and give it to his high officials and his servants. 16 He will also take your male servants and your female servants, and your best young men, and your donkeys, and [e]use them for his work. 17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his servants. 18  Then you will cry out on that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the Lord will not answer you on that day.”

19 Yet the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, “No, but there shall be a king over us, 20 so that we also may be like all the nations, and our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.” 21 Now after Samuel had heard all the words of the people, he [f]repeated them in the Lord’s hearing. 22 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to their voice and appoint a king for them.” So Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Go, every man to his city.”

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.

Ultimatum … Give us a King to Judge Us …. or else …

1 Samuel 8:7-9 The Message

7-9 God answered Samuel, “Go ahead and do what they’re asking. They are not rejecting you. They’ve rejected me as their King. From the day I brought them out of Egypt until this very day they’ve been behaving like this, leaving me for other gods. And now they’re doing it to you. So let them have their own way. But warn them of what they’re in for. Tell them the way kings operate, just what they’re likely to get from a king.”

What kind of world did David enter into?

He entered a world built by Israel’s obsession to be like the nations around them.

They did not want the prophet Samuel to lead them anymore.

In their eyes, it was not enough to have God as their King, leading the people through his prophet, Samuel.

To be like other nations, they wanted to have a human king.

Samuel was worn-out and tired when the elders of Israel came to his place in Ramah.

Maybe he knew this day was coming.

His sons were not faithful to God or to the people.

The elders came with a demand: “Appoint a king to lead us, such as all the nations have.”

They saw other nations that were making a difference and gaining power.

Those nations all had a king who could make things happen and take over weaker nations. They wanted a king they could see, touch, hear, and follow.

Israel’s demand for a king would first give them King Saul.

Saul had all the visible features of success (tall, dark, and handsome), but he would soon turn against God and do things his own way (1 Samuel 9-15).

This was the world David entered—poisoned by a people who wanted a visible, untested king rather than the wise, loving, and faithful God they could not see.

Our challenge is to identify, highlight the importance of recognizing, honoring and glorifying God as our ultimate King, citing the example from the Israelites’ rejection of God’s kingship, inevitable prophetic consequences that followed.

Charles H. Spurgeon, the great preacher, once said,

“You will all be dreadful and eternal losers, whatever else you gain, if you lose the Lord. If you forget God as your King, you who are indeed his children, — and I am speaking only to such people just now, — it must be a terrible thing for you to be led into a condition in which you forget your Heavenly Father.”

How profoundly true this is!

The fear of man, craving for flawed human leadership, led the Israelites astray. And it’s a warning for us today, isn’t it? Let’s remember who our true King is.

The Rejection of God as King

The story of Israel’s demand for a human king is a sad poignant reminder of humanity’s tendency to reject God’s kingship.

This rejection is a pattern that recurs throughout human history and even in our personal lives.

It is a rejection that stems from our desire for tangible, human leadership, a desire to conform to societal norms, and a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty.

The Israelites’ demand for a human king was a clear rejection of God’s kingship.

They were not content with God’s invisible, divine rule; they wanted a tangible, human king.

This desire for a human king was not merely a desire for human leadership; it was a desire for a king who rule, would lead them into battle, a king who would provide them with a sense of security and protection.

This desire reveals lack of trust in God’s ability to protect and provide for them.

It reveals a near total collapse of faith and trust in God’s divine sovereignty and a desire to take matters into their own hands.

This rejection of God’s kingship was also a desire to conform to societal norms.

The Israelites wanted a king “like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:5).

They wanted to fit in with the surrounding nations, to be like them.

This desire to conform to societal norms is a powerful force that can lead us to reject God’s unique plan for our lives.

It can lead us to compromising our faith, to conform to the world’s standards instead of God’s standards.

The rejection of God’s kingship has serious consequences.

God warned the Israelites a human king would take their sons and daughters, their best fields and vineyards, their servants and livestock (1 Samuel 8:10-17).

Despite these warnings, the Israelites insisted on having a human king.

They were willing to pay a high price for their rejection of God’s kingship.

This story serves as a warning for us today.

When we reject God’s kingship, we are also choosing to bear the consequences of our choices.

The Consequences of Rejecting God

When the Israelites demanded a human king, they were essentially rejecting God’s kingship over them.

This rejection led to a series of unfortunate consequences.

Firstly, it led to spiritual decline.

The Israelites, in their desire for a human king, were essentially saying that they wanted to be like the other nations around them.

They were rejecting their unique identity as God’s chosen people. This desire to conform to the world around them led them away from God and His commands.

Secondly, it led to oppression and hardship.

God, through Samuel, warned the Israelites a human king would take their sons and daughters, their best fields and vineyards, and a tenth of their grain and vineyards (1 Samuel 8:10-18).

Despite this warning, the Israelites insisted on having a king.

The result was exactly as God had warned – their kings led them into wars, took their best produce, and oppressed them.

Thirdly, it led to a vicious cycle of disobedience and punishment.

The kings that the Israelites so desired led them into idolatry and disobedience.

This disobedience led to punishment from God, which often took the form of defeat in battle and subjugation by their enemies and destruction of their lands.

The consequences of rejecting God’s kingship were severe, and serve as a warning for us today.

When we reject God’s authority in our lives, reject the resurrection of His Son, our Savior, King of all Kings, Jesus, we open ourselves up to a slippery slope of deep spiritual decline, hardship, and a cycle of disobedience and punishment.

Remembering God as King

Remembering God as our King is not just about acknowledging God as a distant, divine ruler but recognizing His active, intimate involvement in our lives.

When we remember God as our King, we are acknowledging His sovereignty over every aspect of our lives.

This means He has ultimate control over our circumstances, our future, and our very lives.

In the context of the Israelites, they had forgotten that God was their King.

They had seen the nations around them with their human kings and desired to be like them.

But in doing so, they rejected the unique relationship they had with God.

They traded divine, perfect leadership of God for the flawed, limited leadership of man.

For us today, remembering God as our King means resisting the temptation to place our trust in human leaders or systems.

Means not allowing the values of the world to dictate our actions and decisions.

Instead, we are to seek God’s will in all things, trusting that His ways are higher than ours.

Remembering God as our King also means acknowledging that our ultimate allegiance is to Him.

In a world where we are often pulled in different directions by various loyalties, we must remember that our primary loyalty is to God.

This doesn’t mean that we can’t respect and follow human leaders, but it does mean that our ultimate obedience is to God.

Furthermore, remembering God as our King should impact how we live our lives. If God is our King, then we are His servants.

This means that our lives are not our own; they belong to God. We are to live in a way that honors Him, seeking to do only His will and bring glory to His name.

Finally, remembering God as our King brings security, comfort and assurance.

In times of uncertainty or fear, take comfort knowing our King is in command.

He is not surprised by the events of our world or our lives.

He is working all things together for the good of those who love Him.

This assurance give us peace in the midst of turmoil, hope in the face of despair.

God is always and will forever stay in absolute command over His own Creation!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Praying ….

Psalm 24 King James Version

24 The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?

4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.

9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

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God Re-creating His People: Worship No other gods, for I am unswervingly loyal unto the thousands who love me and will keep all my commandments. Exodus 20:1-6

Exodus 20:1-6 Names of God Bible

The Ten Commandments

20 Then Elohim spoke all these words:

2 “I am Yahweh your Elohim, who brought you out of slavery in Egypt.

3 “Never have any other god. 4 Never make your own carved idols or statues that represent any creature in the sky, on the earth, or in the water. 5 Never worship them or serve them, because I, Yahweh your Elohim, am El Kanna. I punish children for their parents’ sins to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me. 6 But I show mercy to thousands of generations of those who love me and obey my commandments.

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 order of faithful obedience is always the same in Scripture: God reveals himself to us, blesses us with his grace, then asks us to respond with obedience.

In other words, God blesses us first and then asks us to obey – grace precedes the call to obedience!

God is all-powerful and supreme.

He could demand our obedience just because of who he is, but he doesn’t.

He has chosen to reveal himself through Scripture, nature, his acts of salvation, and most completely in Jesus.

He wants us to know him and respond to him.

Our obedience may be difficult.

Our call to obey will sometimes be hard for us to unswervingly wrap our souls around, unquestioningly trust because of our all too rock hard stubbornness.

However, we can overcome such stubbornness when we know such a summons comes to us from a Father who has paid an ultimate price to redeem and adopt us into his family and has repeatedly proven himself to be gracious and faithful.

Genesis 1:26-28 Names of God Bible

26 Then Elohim said, “Let us make humans in our image, in our likeness. Let them rule the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the domestic animals all over the earth, and all the animals that crawl on the earth.”

27 So Elohim created humans in his image.
    In the image of Elohim he created them.
        He created them male and female.

28 Elohim blessed them and said, “Be fertile, increase in number, fill the earth, and be its master. Rule the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that crawl on the earth.”

God Re-creates His People ….

This is my story, this is my song … Our Implicit Trust vs. Our Implicit Distrust?

When we walk with the Lord

Author: John H. Sammis (1887)

1 When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

2 Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey. [Refrain]

3 But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey. [Refrain]

4 Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we’ll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey. [Refrain]

When we seriously study, meditate, about the faithfulness of God, the Ten Commandments are probably not among the first things that come to mind.

After all, one of the main uses of God’s law is to show us that we are sinners.

The commandments help us to clearly envision we absolutely need God to save us from sin, that we need to confess our sins and ask the Lord for forgiveness.

When God first gave his law to his people, they had just been rescued from long years of brutal slavery in Egypt, they were still dealing with being slaves to sin.

God was calling them from generations of slavery to freedom, to live a new life in him that would serve as a blessing to all nations … they needed to learn that.

God’s Truth be Told … So do we.

John 8:31-32 Amplified Bible

The Truth Will Make You Free

31 So Jesus was saying to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].”

God’s commands are designed to be a guide for daily living, reminding us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love all our neighbor as we love ourselves. The law ultimately points us to Jesus Christ for salvation and shows us how to live in gratitude to the one, true, faithful God.

God knew that his people who first heard the Ten Commandments would soon stray, wander from him and break their promises. But at the heart of their new creation is the faithful God who’ll always shepherd them and watch over them.

God is faithful from one generation to the next.

Just as he sought after and cared for his people in the desert, God still faithfully summons, seeks after, awaits our response, and always cares for us every day.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Praying ….

Psalm 8
For the choir director; on the gittith;[a] a psalm by David.

1 O Yahweh, our Adonay, how majestic is your name throughout the earth!

Your glory is sung above the heavens.[b]
2 From the mouths of little children and infants,
    you have built a fortress against your opponents
        to silence the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I look at your heavens,
    the creation of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars that you have set in place—
4         what is a mortal that you remember him
            or the Son of Man that you take care of him?
5         You have made him a little lower than yourself.
        You have crowned him with glory and honor.
6         You have made him rule what your hands created.
        You have put everything under his control:
7             all the sheep and cattle, the wild animals,
8             the birds, the fish,
            whatever swims in the currents of the seas.

9 O Yahweh, our Adonay, how majestic is your name throughout the earth!

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

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There Remains a Sabbath Rest? Yes! His promise of “arrival” and “rest” is still 100% valid for God’s people. Hebrews 4:8-11

Hebrews 4:8-11 Modern English Version

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have later spoken of another day. 9 Therefore a rest remains for the people of God. 10 For whoever enters His rest will also cease from his own works, as God did from His. 11 Let us labor therefore to enter that rest, lest anyone fall by the same pattern of unbelief.

The Word of God for the People 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 Christian life from beginning to end is to be a life of faith and dependence on God and His grace provisions for us in Christ.

The fallen world we live in and the flesh undermines dependence on God making us think we are sufficient of ourselves.

The flesh is that indwelling spiritual principle, inclination, or force in all of us to operate out of our own provisions independent of God to meet our needs.

Living by the flesh is the opposite of trust in God. It is a spirit of independence and faith in self. Christians are not only saved by faith but are to live by faith.

Our faith allows us to depend on the power of God’s indwelling Spirit and our new nature to live in this fallen world (Galatians 5:17).

Galatians 5:16-18 The Message

16-18 My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are contrary to each other, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don’t you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?

Real faith is a rest where you are not struggling, frustrated, or anxious, but trusting in the finished work of God for man (which is His grace).

Christian’s rest comes out of the concepts of the Sabbath rest introduced in the Old Testament keeping in mind it was only a shadow of good things to come.

The reality would come with Jesus.

It is resting in faith based on a finished work like God’s Creation Rest (God ceased from His work Genesis 2:2,3), an advance provision made (rest on the seventh day because the Lord gave the bread of two days on the sixth day Exodus 16:23-30), and a defeated enemy (Joshua 21:43-45) all made available due to Jesus’ work in redemption.

It is not the potential of a Sabbath day of rest, but a Sabbath life of rest. 

In the Sabbath under law, man was to cease from his own work for one day in seven. 

In the Sabbath under grace, Believer is to cease from his own work, constantly, as he wholly yields to Jesus’ finished work in redemption every day Ephesians 1:7.

He is to rest in the advance provision of God who has already blessed us in advance with all spiritual blessings in Christ Ephesians 1:3.

He is to rest because our enemy has been defeated Colossians 2:15.

The Sabbath rest under grace is a life delivered from all works of the flesh, self-effort, struggle, striving, and free from every dependence on the flesh. 

No burden was allowed to be borne on the Sabbath day under the law. 

Under grace, every burden is to be cast on the Lord every day, producing a burden-free life. 

The Sabbath of the law was a day of “rest for self.” 

The Sabbath of grace is a life of “rest from self.” 

It is a life lived to the praise and glory of another, which is Jesus and the work He did.

In Hebrews chapters 3 and 4 the writer declares five different times that the time to hear God’s voice is “Today” (Hebrews 3:7, 13, 15; 4:7 twice).

Why warn us of the dangers of unbelief and missing God’s rest if it not a possibility?

This potential rest is not entered into by being passive and it is not automatic as we can see from the following exhortations and warnings:

  1. God’s grace must be entered into (Hebrews 4:9, 10).
  2. God’s grace can be frustrated (Galatians 2:21).
  3. We can come short of God’s grace (Hebrews 4:1).
  4. We can fall from or fail God’s grace (Hebrews 12:15 and Galatians 5:4).
  5. We must labor to enter into this rest (Hebrews 4:11; labor – Grk. “spoudazo” to make effort, give diligence, study; translated “study” in 2 Timothy 2:15).

The years Israel spent in the wilderness were a time of testing.

Would they learn to trust in God to provide for their every need?

Unfortunately, they often grumbled against Moses, God’s appointed leader.

They complained, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” (Exodus 17:3).

They continued to quarrel with one another to the point where they began to doubt whether God was with them at all (Exodus 17:7).

They became so angry that Moses began to fear for his life (Exodus 17:4).

Reflecting later on that experience, the psalmist wrote,

“Today, if only you would hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did … in the wilderness” (Psalm 95:7-8).

The writer of Hebrews wants us to know “Today” is still the day of God’s grace!

Don’t follow the example of the people in the wilderness whose hearts were hardened.

Enter into the Sabbath rest God has for you.

Salvation is not found through our own efforts or our own work.

We can rest because Jesus has won salvation for us through his sacrifice on the cross. We don’t need to bring anything to God other than our need for mercy.

What is the meaning of Hebrews 4 9?

The Sabbath in Hebrews

“’The Sabbath rest that remains for the people of God‘ (Heb 4:9)

is not only a physical cessation from work to commemorate God’s perfect creation but also a spiritual entering into God’s rest (Heb 4:10) made possible through Christ’s complete redemption.

How do I enter into God’s rest?

Trusting God means we give up worrying, reasoning, and anxiety and we enter into His rest with simple childlike faith—we live by grace through faith!

Mark 10:13-16 Modern English Version

Little Children Blessed

13 They brought young children to Him, that He might touch them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was very displeased and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall not enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.

What does Mark 10 14 mean?

The kingdom is open to those who come humbly with no illusions that they belong there. Here, Jesus says that leaders in His ministry must not only accept the powerless, they must recognize that they are powerless, as well.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God!

In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit …..

Praying …..

Psalm 16

A Miktam of David.

1 Preserve me, O God,
    for in You I take refuge.

2 I have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
    my welfare has no existence outside of You.”
3 For the holy ones who are in the land,
    they are the majestic ones; in them is all my delight.
4 Those who chase after other gods,
    their sorrows will be multiplied;
their drink offerings of blood I will not offer,
    nor lift their names on my lips.

5 The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup;
    You support my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    yes, an inheritance is beautiful for me.
7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
    my affections also instruct me in the night seasons.
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
    because He is at my right hand,
    I will not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
    my flesh also will rest in security.
10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
    nor will You suffer Your godly one to see corruption.
11 You will make known to me the path of life;
    in Your presence is fullness of joy;
    at Your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

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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Our Walking with God, Working with God, Our Watching how God is doing it. An Open Invitation to Learning the Rhythm of Grace. Matthew 11:28-30

Matthew 11:28-30 Easy-to-Read Version

28 “Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. 29 Accept my teaching.[a] Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest. 30 Yes, the teaching that I ask you to accept is easy. The load I give you to carry is light.”

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 ever felt overwhelmed by your circumstances, when nothing you do seems to be enough? I have been there more times than I would like to admit.

You are facing a crisis situation at home, job, financial loss, worry about the long and short term future, mourning the loss of loved ones, a prodigal child, or an unfavorable medical diagnosis. Maybe people and commitments are tugging at you from all sides and you don’t know how to avoid letting people down.

Where do you turn when no answer is apparent?

The unforced rhythms of grace

What are the rhythms of grace?

“Unforced rhythms of grace” is like a lesson for walking in time with what God is calling us to do.

When looking at this phrase, we will see that God’s unforced rhythms of grace are really about our flowing with His current, His will, obeying God, following God, finding our place, finding new opportunities, doing the things that God summons us to and into ministries and missions that come naturally to us.

Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) echoes in my soul,

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” 

Verse 30 from the NIV says, “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

I feel as if I have been wrestling with King Kong and Godzilla with these verses from the first moments following my Triple Bypass Heart Surgery July 17, 2023.

Recovering from that, how could His yoke be easy? His burden light? Nothing about my circumstances feels easy or light, but rather heavy and overwhelming, yet I need His grace. I want to live freely and lightly. I want to learn from Him.

God promises to be our refuge

Hebrews 6:18-19 reminds us, “So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold on to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.”

We don’t have to have all the answers to learn the unforced rhythms of grace.

As we journey to Him for help, for refuge, for security. we can be confident in the hope from the promises discerned from His word.

This hope is an anchor for our souls.

Our God is unchangeable.

If He says it, we can believe it.

If He promised, it will come to pass.

When we are overwhelmed by our circumstances, the weight of our trials in this world, we can take Psalm 91 refuge in Him.

As we keep company with Him, He promises we’ll learn to live freely, lightly.

What are you struggling with today?

Are you willing to take refuge in Him and learn the unforced rhythms of grace?

How can I practice rhythms of grace daily?

Adherence to a daily routine of disciplined practices such as Sabbath, praying, meditating, reading God’s Word, and worshipping—are how Jesus breathes life into our days. They’re not another burden he places on our shoulders, but a narrow way he Himself illuminates, and relieves the burdens we already carry.

Jesus did a lot in His 3 1/2 years of ministry but He was never rushed.

He didn’t go from one miracle to the next.

He had time to preach, teach, heal etc, spend time with His father and eat.

Yes – He did get tired but Jesus lived in those unforced rhythms of grace. He knew what to do and how to do it. He knew who to heal and who to speak to.

Today, in our lives, consider Jesus’ example for us and learn to live in those unforced rhythms of grace.

Go to the Father and recover from your busyness then let it go and learn to live a different way.

This applies to me too.

So this week let’s learn from Jesus, evaluate our priorities ensuring they are truly from God and learn how to walk in the phrase that’s the title of this blog.

Your priorities will change and so will your life.

This is how you live the life God intended for you.

Version 1.0.0

In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit …..

Praying ….

Psalm 91 Names of God Bible

Psalm 91

1 Whoever lives under the shelter of Elyon
    will remain in the shadow of Shadday.
2 I will say to Yahweh,
    “You are my Machseh and my Metsuda, my Elohim in whom I trust.”

3 He is the one who will rescue you from hunters’ traps
    and from deadly plagues.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge.
        His truth is your shield and armor.

5 You do not need to fear
    terrors of the night,
    arrows that fly during the day,
6 plagues that roam the dark,
    epidemics that strike at noon.
7         They will not come near you,
            even though a thousand may fall dead beside you
                or ten thousand at your right side.

8 You only have to look with your eyes
    to see the punishment of wicked people.

9 You, O Yahweh, are my Machseh!

You have made Elyon your home.
10 No harm will come to you.
    No sickness will come near your house.
11 He will put his angels in charge of you
    to protect you in all your ways.
12 They will carry you in their hands
    so that you never hit your foot against a rock.
13 You will step on lions and cobras.
    You will trample young lions and snakes.

14 Because you love me, I will rescue you.
    I will protect you because you know my name.
15 When you call to me, I will answer you.
    I will be with you when you are in trouble.
    I will save you and honor you.
16 I will satisfy you with a long life.
    I will show you how I will save you.

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

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Loving each other without fear: My dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. 1 John 4:7-12

1 John 4:7-12 Christian Standard Bible

Knowing God through Love

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 God’s love was revealed among us[a] in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10  Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice[b] for our sins. 11 Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in[c] us and his love is made complete in 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.

As you scroll through social media, you will notice everyone is talking about manipulation, narcissism, gaslighting, avoidant attachment, and emotional unavailability.

It feels like we are living in a time where the primary relationship skill people learn is how to protect themselves with utmost diligence.

We are trained to look for red flags, to not be “too trusting,” to stay guarded, in control.

And sure, some of that is necessary. But we do not realize that we have become very good at protecting ourselves…and very bad at connecting with each other.

I have been blessed with a couple of “close” friends. It wasn’t always that way, though. There was a time when I didn’t share much about myself with others.

I went to great lengths to hide the “not pretty” part of my life in a figurative Fort Knox strong bank vault, with the bad memories boxed up on the top shelf.

There were things I had learned that you do not talk about.

All of this changed when I started a new season of small group at church.

Within those safe spaces, I learned I could risk sharing my life with others and be fully accepted.

This surprised me.

I realized the vault doors had to be opened, and the memories, one by one, taken off the shelf, boxes opened, and shared with others. What I learned was that friendship is a blessing and absolutely essential to the Christian life.

In friendship, we encourage each other and help each other grow.

I have a friend with a gift for encouragement. He has a great way of encouraging me in the Lord and reminding me of the Lord’s truth not my own. I can come with my hard circumstances and prayer requests and leave with a sense of hope.

In 1 Thessalonians 5, it says, “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 Amplified Bible

9 For God has not destined us to [incur His] wrath [that is, He did not select us to condemn us], but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died [willingly] for us, so that whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead) [at Christ’s appearing], we will live together with Him [sharing eternal life]. 11  Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.

It is so critically important to encourage each other because life can get chaotic.

We need each other’s help to keep going.

As friends, we also help each other grow.

In Proverbs, it says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” (Proverbs 27:17).

We make each other better in Christ.

We help each other in times of need.

John 13:34-35 Amplified Bible

34 I am giving you a new commandment, that you [a]love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”

1 John 4:11-12 “Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.”

As we put our love into action, we show each other trust and the love of Christ.

We confess our sins to each other.

In Galatians 6, Paul says, “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2).

1 John 1:5-9 Amplified Bible

God Is Light

5 This is the message [of God’s promised revelation] which we have heard from Him and now announce to you, that God is Light [He is holy, His message is truthful, He is perfect in righteousness], and in Him there is no darkness at all [no sin, no wickedness, no imperfection]. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness [of sin], we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we [really] walk in the Light [that is, live each and every day in conformity with the precepts of God], as He Himself is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another [He with us, and we with Him], and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin [by erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. 8 If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.] 9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], will forgive our sins, cleanse us  continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].

What I found in surrendering, sharing these hard things with friends is we begin to confront, reality check, fight this battle together—I am no longer by myself in it. It also removes the shame that I feel, which causes me to hide sin.

Coming further into the light, my friends have been waiting and ready to help.

In James, it says,

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16).

When we stop hiding our sin from each other and from God, He can heal us.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As I’ve continued to learn about friendship, I’ve found that friends help pick each other up.

In Ecclesiastes, it says, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

The writer continues, “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

I pray that you find these things to be true in your friendships as well.

Genesis 2:18-25 Amplified Bible

18 Now the Lord God said, “It is not good (beneficial) for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper [one who balances him—a counterpart who is] [a] suitable and complementary for him.” 19 So the Lord God formed out of the ground every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name.  20 And the man gave names to all the livestock, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for Adam there was not found a helper [that was] suitable (a companion) for him. 21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam; and while he slept, He took one of his ribs, closed up the flesh at that place. 22 And the rib which the Lord God had taken from the man He made (fashioned, formed) into a woman, and He brought her and presented her to the man. 23 Then Adam said,

“This is now bone of my bones,
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man.”

24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed or embarrassed.

In Genesis 2 we find a close-up of the first wedding ever celebrated.

It took place in Paradise at the beginning of history, and it was one of the most impressive events ever.

The setting was more beautiful than at any other wedding.

The first bride and groom, Adam and Eve, were surrounded by the unstained, breathtaking beauty of God’s creation.

No modern-day florist or outdoor photographer could begin to capture the beauty of that setting.

Most impressive about that first wedding, though, was God himself conducted the ceremony: “the LORD God made a woman … he brought her to the man.”

This is the Bible’s way of teaching us coming together, being brought together, is from God, established as a creation ordinance.

1 John 1:1-4 Common English Bible

Announcement about the word of life

1 We announce to you what existed from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have seen and our hands handled, about the word of life. 2 The life was revealed, and we have seen, and we testify and announce to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. 3 What we have seen and heard, we also announce it to you so that you can have fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that our joy can be complete.

Fellowship was not invented by a human being; it was instituted by God when he created “male and female” (Genesis 1:27) brought Adam and Eve together.

Disciples of Jesus aren’t lost when they are right where God has told them to be.

And God the Father has told us to enjoy fellowship with him and Jesus and with the community of believers.

We are never really lost when we are connected in fellowship with God and with other Christians. We become lost when we think we can go it alone in this world.

God didn’t create us as an island to be alone or to walk out this life by ourselves.

In all sincerity I pray that God will bring you the right people at the right time to empower, inspire, prosper and strengthen the relationships you already have.

In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ….

Praying ….

Acts 2:42-47 English Standard Version

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[a] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

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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When does a fool seriously consider the authentic God value of their soul? Luke 12:15-21

Luke 12:15-21 New American Standard Bible

15 But He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one is affluent does his life consist of his possessions.” 16 And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. 17 And he began thinking to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and I will store all my grain and my goods there. 19 And I will say to  [a] myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years to come; relax, eat, drink,  and enjoy yourself!”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night [b]your soul is demanded of you; and as for all that you have prepared, who will own it now?’ 21  Such is the one who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich in relation 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.

The Value of Our Soul

Foolishness and Wickedness of People.

14 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they have committed detestable acts;
There is no one who does good.

Psalm 38:5New American Standard Bible
5 My [a]wounds grow foul and fester
Because of my foolishness.

Psalm 85:8 New American Standard Bible

8 [a]I will hear what God the Lord will say;
For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones;
And may they not turn back to [b]foolishness.

A certain ungodly tavern-keeper who liked music decided to attend one of John Wesley’s meetings to hear the singing.

He had resolved however, not to listen to the sermon.

He sat with his head down and fingers in his ears.

But when God wants to speak to a man’s soul, He has His ways.

A fly flew on the man’s nose and when he attempted to drive it away, he heard nine words that changed his life.

He heard Mr. Wesley say,

“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

From that moment the ungodly tavern-keeper had no rest in his soul.

He returned the next night, listened intently and was converted.

Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew,

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26

Matthew 16:24-26 The Message

24-26 Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me, I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

The human soul is a priceless treasure; it is the real you.

In fact, the Bible teaches that your soul is more valuable than the whole world!

Yet, far too many people “sell their souls” for what surely are petty bargains, and temporary wealth.

We are far far more than just material beings and science and psychology has proposed; the Bible teaches that we are body, soul and spirit.

We also see that a great price was paid for the soul, but not in an earthly sense.

1 Peter 1:18-19 says,

“you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold,… but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

Jesus Christ allowed himself to die on a cross for your soul.

His death pays the penalty for the sins of those who believe on Him by faith.

But just as the man in this parable neglected and lost his soul.

It is possible for you to lose your soul forever.

I want to share with you 3 reasons why many people lose their soul in the end.

Three reasons why many people lost their souls:

I. WRONG PREPARATION (v. 16-18)

This man’s life was far too busy in pursuing the comforts of this life and not on pursuing God.

The farmer cares was about to BUILD BIGGER BARNS, but God brought in a new perspective.

The farmer won’t live to see them.

In fact, he won’t live to BUILD BIGGER BARNS. He made plans only for this life but not what comes after. God was not in his life. He did not consider God at all.

Jesus wants us to see things in the right perspective.

He told the young man who came to Him:

“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (12:15)

12:24 “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.”

12:27 “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labour or spin…” and look how God clothes them.

You can lose your soul if you plan for yourself alone.

You were created to pursue a relationship with God; riches or sin can never satisfy your soul. (Mt. 6:33)

In the parable, God called this man a fool. He had amassed great wealth, but was poor toward God.

“Nothing is wrong in seeking great things. But it is wrong to seek great things for only yourself” – Oswald Sanders

Jesus reminds us of the need to remember God – the Source of all our blessings.

God wants us to invest in things that has eternal value.

We must invest our life – time, talent, knowledge – in the work of His Kingdom.

Lay up “treasures in heaven..” (cf.12:33).

Live life in the light of eternity and we shall be greatly blessed.

All that the farmer has – will not go to him, and will not go with him.

Life without God is meaningless.

Man finds true fulfilment in this world – we want to have “plenty of good things laid up for many years” and then we can “take life easy; eat, drink and be merry” (v.19)

Jesus says true fulfillment can only come through a relationship with our God.

“Security in life does not lie with barns but with God.”

II. WRONG INTENTION (v. 19)

The chairman of the community charity called on a notorious miser.

“Sir,” said the fund-raiser, “our records show that despite your wealth, you’ve never once given to our drive.”

“Do your records show that I have an elderly mother who was left penniless when my father died?” fumed the tightwad.

“Do your records show that I have a disabled brother who is unable to work?

Do your records show I have a widowed sister with four small children who can barely make ends meet?”

“No, sir,” replied the embarrassed volunteer.

“Our records don’t show those things.”

“Well,” said the miser. “I don’t give to any of them, so why should I give anything to you?”

This man’s heart was filled with pride and self-reliance – He was a self-made man read (verse 19)

There are 2 sins of a man that are bred in the bone: one is self-dependence and the other is self-exultation—Spurgeon

I Timothy 6:17-18 

“Tell those who are rich not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone, but their pride and trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them” (Living)

“All day long the wicked covets, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.”  Proverbs 21:26 (RSV)

The real issue here is not your possession (rich or poor), the issue here is your focus—self?

The command is general=“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:16 (RSV)

The problems today is perhaps, probably, most certainly, definitely…the church is poor because Christians do not give to the Lord???

Illustration: A pastor stood before his church and said,

“I’ve got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that the church has all the money it needs… The bad news is that it’s all still locked inside your wallets.”

Remember this:

“At the close of life, the question will not be how much have you got, but how much have you given. Not how much have you won, but how much have you done. Not how much have you saved, but how much have you sacrificed. Not how much have you honored, but how much have you served.”

Mark 10:35-45 New American Standard Bible

35 [a]James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, *came up to [b]Jesus, saying to Him, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.” 36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 37 They said to Him, “[c] Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.”  38 But Jesus said to them,  “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 They said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. 40 But to sit on My right or on My left is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

41 Hearing this, the other ten began to feel indignant with [d]James and John.  42 Calling them to Himself, Jesus *said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them; and their [e]people in high position exercise authority over them. 43 But it is not this way among you;  rather, whoever wants to become [f]prominent among you shall be your servant; 44 and whoever wants to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man  did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His [g] life as a ransom for many.”

III. WRONG VISION (v. 20)

This man had made good vision assuming that he would be around to enjoy his wealth – not knowing that that night would be his last. (James 4:13-14)

The pastor was invited to dinner in the home of a very wealthy man in Texas.

After the meal, the host led him to a place where they could get a good view of the surrounding area.

Pointing to the oil wells, he boasted, “Twenty-five years ago I had nothing. Now, as far as you can see, it’s all mine.”

Looking in the opposite direction at his sprawling fields of grain, he said, “That’s all mine.”

Turning east toward huge herds of cattle, he bragged, “They’re all mine.” Then pointing to the west and a beautiful forest, he exclaimed, “That too is all mine.”

He paused, expecting the pastor to compliment him on his great success.

The pastor, placing one hand on the man’s shoulder and pointing heavenward with the other, simply said, “How much do you possess in that direction?”

The man stared blankly for a moment, then hung his head and confessed, “I never thought of that.”

Most of us don’t realize we are just one breath away, one heartbeat away, or one accident away from eternity.

No one is ever prepared for that moment until they have made peace with God…

“We are always complaining that our days are few” – Seneca the Younger

Mark 8:36 – “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

Mark 8:34-37 New American Standard Bible

34 And He summoned the crowd together with His disciples, and said to them,  “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. 35 For whoever wants to save his [a]life will lose it, but whoever loses his [b]life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? 37 For what could a person give in exchange for his soul?

What if you just heard those words: “Today, you will die.”

Are you ready for that?

Proverbs 9:1-6 New American Standard Bible

Wisdom’s Invitation

9 Wisdom has built her house,
She has carved out her seven pillars;
2 She has [a]prepared her food, she has mixed her wine;
She has also set her table;
3 She has sent out her attendants, she calls out
From the tops of the heights of the city:
4 “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!”
To him who lacks [b]understanding she says,
5 “Come, eat of my food
And drink of the wine I have mixed.
6 [c]Abandon your foolishness and live,
And proceed in the way of understanding.”

Are you ready to give an account for the way you’ve raised or are raising your family?

Are you ready to give an account for what you’re doing with your talent and abilities?

Are you ready to give an account for the way you’re spending your time and energy?

Are you ready to give an account for what you’ve done with the money and wealth that God has blessed you with?

Are you ready to give an account for the way you’re using your body and managing your appetites?

Some day, there’s going to be a knock at your life’s door.

Death will be waiting outside.

The music will suddenly stop.

The frantic whirling of the dancers will cease.

And you and I must answer the door.

Soon thereafter, what we did with the gift of life will be required of us.

Heb. 9:27 “ It is appointed for a man to die once but after this the judgment.”

Hebrews 9:27-28 New American Standard Bible

27 and just as it is destined for people to die once, and after this comes judgment, 28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.

A popular musician-songwriter of the early seventies was Jim Croce.

One of his most famous recordings was ‘Time in a Bottle,’ a love song about his desire to save time in a bottle in order to spend it later with someone he loved.

The eerie thing about that piece was that by the time it hit the airwaves, Jim Croce was dead.

When God enters, this farmer realized that there was ONE THING he did not prepare.

He made good plan to store his crop, made good plan to save up for the future, he made plan to enjoy himself.

In fact, he has done many things good but he did not prepare for his own soul.

Death was not in his planning book.

A person does not know when his or her time is coming.

You can avoid being one of those people who lost their souls by:

· Admitting to God you are a sinner (Rom. 3:10 & 23)

· Believing that Jesus died for your sins (1 Peter 3:18)

· Fully Committing your life to Him as Savior and Lord (Acts 4:8-12)

In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit …

Praying …

Proverbs 3:1-12 The Message

Don’t Assume You Know It All

3 1-2 Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you;
    take to heart my commands.
They’ll help you live a long, long time,
    a long life lived full and well.

3-4 Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
    Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
    in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people.

5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
    Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
    your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
    give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
    your wine vats will brim over.
But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
    don’t sulk under his loving correction.
It’s the child he loves that God corrects;
    a father’s delight is behind all this.

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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Jesus Throughout the Scriptures: The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, I ask, does the prophet say this, about Just himself or about someone else?” Acts 8:26-40

Acts 8:26-40 Christian Standard Bible

The Conversion of the Ethiopian Official

26 An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip: “Get up and go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is the desert road.[a]) 27 So he got up and went. There was an Ethiopian man, a eunuch and high official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to worship in Jerusalem 28 and was sitting in his chariot on his way home, reading the prophet Isaiah aloud.

29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go and join that chariot.”

30 When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you’re reading?”

31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the Scripture passage he was reading was this:

He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb is silent before its shearer,
so he does not open his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who will describe his generation?
For his life is taken from the earth.[b]

34 The eunuch said to Philip, “I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about—himself or someone else?” 35 Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning with that Scripture.

36 As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water. What would keep me from being baptized?” [c] 38 So he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, the eunuch did not see him any longer but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip appeared in[d] Azotus,[e] and he was traveling and preaching the gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

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.

Commenting on this Bible passage, a preacher noted that almost every day there’s someone, somewhere, who may need us. It could be someone who’s struggling with an addiction or who suffers from depression.

It could be someone who’s trying to make sense of life or a person who’s trying to find their way to the Lord.

It could be someone who doesn’t understand the teachings of the Bible.

That preacher challenged that congrgation to listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and to tune in to the needs of the people around us.

It happened to an evangelist named Philip.

He had been teaching about the Lord Jesus in Samaria when an angel of the Lord told him to leave there and go into the desert.

Philip did as he was told, and because he listened to the Spirit’s prompting, he was able to explain the suffering and death of Jesus predicted by prophet Isaiah.

As we journey through the Bible, we recognize that Jesus did not arrive out of nowhere. From start to finish, the Bible is a book about Him. Indeed, even the Old Testament prophets, under the inspiration of the Spirit, wrote about Jesus.

If we take our eyes off Savior Jesus Christ, then, however well we think we know the Scriptures, we will have missed its true central focus, its key, and its Author.

In the Gospels, Jesus pointed people back to the Old Testament to help them understand who He was.

Early in His ministry, at the synagogue reading from the scroll of Isaiah.

As He finished, Luke tells us, He “began to say” to His listeners,

“Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21).

Later, speaking to people who were especially interested and versed in the Old Testament Scriptures, Jesus warned them,

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me” (John 5:39).

After His death and resurrection, when He encountered some of His confused dejected followers on the road to Emmaus, Jesus,

“beginning with Moses and all the Prophets … interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27).

In other words, Jesus clearly taught that every part of the Old Testament finds its focus and fulfillment in Him.

When we read Scripture, we meet Jesus, because this book testifies to Him.

Even if our own studies and understanding of Old Testament passages provide us with good, important ethical truths about life, there’s still clear and present danger of us missing the Truth, Jesus.

The purpose of every page of our Bible is for us to meet Jesus, have a personal encounter, come to know Him, to proclaim His great name, all for His glory.

In every sermon you hear, every lesson you study, every passage of God’s word you read, ask yourselves, “Did it bring me to Christ? Did I discover Jesus in it?”

Do not stop listening, studying, and reading until you can answer yes, for it is in Him that the treasures of salvation, truth, wisdom, and comfort are to be found.

Reflecting on that unique encounter a high government official from Ethiopia went home baptized and rejoicing, able to share the good news with others.

Acts 2:37-41

Call to Repentance

37 When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt[a]  generation!” 41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.

Perhaps you are like the Ethiopian official we read about today.

You may describe yourself as a spiritual person, and you may be wondering which religion is best.

Maybe you’re exploring Christianity and have begun reading parts of the Bible–along with commentaries and diverse and various devotions, for example.

But, like the Ethiopian, you may find that some things you read are confusing or hard to understand.

There seems to be a continuous story, you aren’t sure how to connect the dots.

The journey you are on is a very important one.

It will lead you to see yourself as God sees you, a person who is deeply loved and valued by God. Jesus is the mortar that holds the foundational story together.

But you may do well to invite a “Philip” into your life.

Check out a church and start asking questions. Get into a small home group that studies the Bible, welcomes, cares about you as a person. Experience the reality of Christian community, allow for the Holy Spirit to work, to change your life.

Perhaps today you will meet some­one or a group of someone’s who needs you, folks Holy Spirit communicates need to have a random encounter with Jesus.

Someone you have never met or someone you have known for a long time.

Pray! Listen closely to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and follow his direction.

Holy Spirit is always eager and delighted to intercede, to work through you!

In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit ….

Praying ….

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

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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Fact or Fiction? God’s reputation is of the most purest, most absolute, most valuable twenty-four-carat gold with the most faithful lifetime guarantee. Psalm 19

Psalm 19 The Message

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Word of God for the Children of God.

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

We are going to talk about the perfection of God’s law, our search for moral values, and how we need to submit ourselves to God’s moral absolutes.

Navigating this world, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters in the chaos and noise, but as Christians, we have a perfect guide in the form of God’s law.

Lee Strobel once wrote, “If Jesus sets the divine standard for morality, I could now have an unwavering foundation for my choices and decisions, rather than basing them on the ever-shifting sands of expediency and self-centeredness.”

And that’s exactly what we will be digging into today.

We’ll be delving into Psalm 19, a beautiful passage that can enlighten us all.

Psalm 19:10 The Message

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

The Perfection of God’s Law

The perfection of God’s law is a testament to the divine wisdom and absolute righteousness of our Creator.

The law of the Lord, as described in Psalm 19, is perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure, enduring, firm, and righteous. Each of these descriptors paints a deliciously vivid picture of the divine perfection that is inherent in God’s law.

God’s law is perfect:

We are acknowledging that it is complete, flawless, and without any deficiency.

It is a holistic guide for our lives, addressing every aspect of human existence.

It is not a set of arbitrary rules, but a comprehensive blueprint for righteous living. It is perfect because it originates from a perfect God.

It is a reflection of His character and His will for humanity.

It is a law that refreshes the soul, as it is aligned with our true purpose and the ultimate truth of the universe.

The trustworthiness of God’s law:

In a world where falsehoods and deceptions abound, the law of the Lord stands as the surest beacon of truth.

It is reliable and dependable, providing a solid foundation for our lives. It makes the simple wise, illuminating the path of righteousness for those who seek it. It is a law that we can stake our lives on, knowing that it will never lead us astray.

The righteousness of God’s law:

It is not just a set of rules, but a moral compass that guides us towards what is right and just.

It gives joy to the heart, as it aligns us with the divine will and leads us towards a life of righteousness and virtue.

It is a law that radiates light, dispelling the darkness of sin and ignorance.

The purity of God’s law:

It is untainted by sin, corruption, or any form of evil.

It is a law that endures forever, unchanging and eternal, just like God Himself.

It is firm and unyielding, standing as a bulwark against the shifting sands of moral relativism.

It is a law that’s righteous in all decrees, reflecting the absolute righteousness of God.

It’s a law we should strive to understand and obey, as it is the shortest route to spiritual perfection.

Our Search for Moral Values

Our search for moral values is a lifelong journey that begins the moment we become aware of the difference between right and wrong.

It’s a quest that requires us to constantly evaluate our actions, decisions, and attitudes in light of God’s perfect law.

This search is not just about knowing what is right or wrong, but also about understanding why certain actions are deemed right or wrong according to God’s law.

Acknowledge that our morality is not self-derived:

It is not something we create or decide upon ourselves, but rather, it is something that is given to us by God.

This is a crucial point to understand because it establishes the basis for our moral values.

As Christians, we believe that our moral values are not subjective or relative, but are absolute, unchanging because they are rooted in the character of God.

The Bible:

Matthew 7:12 The Message

12 “Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get.

This is our primary source of moral values.

It provides us with clear guidelines on how we should live our lives, how we should treat others, and how we should relate to God.

It teaches us about love, justice, mercy, forgiveness, humility, and many other virtues that form the foundation of our moral values.

Not always easy:

We live in a world that often promotes values that are contrary to God’s law.

We are constantly bombarded with messages that encourage selfishness, greed, pride, and other sinful behaviors.

In such a world, it can be challenging to stay true to our Christian moral values.

The importance of community:

As Christians, we are not meant to navigate this world alone.

We are part of a community of believers who can support, encourage, and hold each other accountable in our continuous search for moral values.

We need to be surrounded by a community of people who live the Christian life, who encourage us, rebuke us, teach us, guide us in our search for moral values.

A continuous process:

It requires constant reflection, prayer, and study of God’s word.

It requires us to be humble, to admit when we are wrong, and to seek God’s forgiveness and guidance.

It requires us to strive to be more like Jesus, who is the perfect embodiment of God’s moral values.

Our ultimate goal:

It’s not just to know what is right or wrong, but to live in a way that honors and glorifies God.

As Paul wrote in Colossians 3:15-17,

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

Submission to God’s Moral Absolutes

Submission to God’s moral absolutes is the conscious decision to align our lives with the standards and principles outlined in the Bible, God’s holy word.

This submission is not about losing our freedom or individuality, but rather about our gaining true freedom and peace in the knowledge that we are living according to God’s divine blueprint for our lives.

Not arbitrary rules designed to restrict us:

They are loving guidelines given by a wise and caring Creator who knows what is best for us.

They are the boundaries within which we can live, love, and serve in the most fulfilling and meaningful way.

They are the standards that help us to distinguish right from wrong, good from evil, and truth from falsehood.

Requires humility:

Isaiah 55:8-11 The Message

8-11 “I don’t think the way you think.
    The way you work isn’t the way I work.”
        God’s Decree.
“For as the sky soars high above earth,
    so the way I work surpasses the way you work,
    and the way I think is beyond the way you think.
Just as rain and snow descend from the skies
    and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth,
Doing their work of making things grow and blossom,
    producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry,
So will the words that come out of my mouth
    not come back empty-handed.
They’ll do the work I sent them to do,
    they’ll complete the assignment I gave them.

It requires acknowledging that God’s wisdom is greater than ours, that His understanding is beyond our comprehension, and that His ways are higher than our ways. It requires trusting in His goodness and love, even when we do not fully understand His commands or when obeying them seems difficult or costly.

Requires a commitment to ongoing spiritual growth and transformation:

It involves daily reading and meditating on God’s word, seeking to understand His commands and principles, and asking the Holy Spirit to help us apply them in our lives.

It involves regular self-examination and repentance, as we recognize and confess our failures and shortcomings, seek God’s forgiveness and help to change.

A lifelong journey:

It is a process of growing in obedience and faithfulness, as we learn to love what God loves, hate what He hates, and value what He values.

It is a journey marked by challenges and struggles, but also by joy and peace, as we experience, we live the blessing of living in harmony with God’s perfect law.

Let’s strive to understand and obey God’s perfect laws.

Let’s seek His wisdom and guidance in our search for moral values. And most importantly, let’s submit ourselves to His moral absolutes. Remember, His laws are not burdensome, rather they are the narrow path to true freedom and joy.

In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit …

Praying …

119 1-8 You’re blessed when you stay on course,
    walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions,
    doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;
    you walk straight along the road he set.
You, God, prescribed the right way to live;
    now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
    keeping to the course you set;
Then I’d never have any regrets
    in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
    I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I’m going to do what you tell me to do;
    don’t ever walk off and leave 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.

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Whether during the light of daytime, darkest of all nights, how disciplined, our gift of observing Christ loving us. Ephesians 5:1-10

Ephesians 5:1-10 New Living Translation

Living in the Light

5 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us[a]  and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8  For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

10 Carefully determine what pleases 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.

Apostle Paul calls his fellow Christians to imitate God in order to live up to the reputation of God’s family.

He challenges believers to “walk in the way of love,” as Christ did.

This is about loving the way Jesus loved.

And Jesus always acted in line with the Father’s will.

The love of Jesus embraced outcasts, pardoned sinners, healed the hopeless, challenged the complacent, and willingly sacrificed everything so we sinners could be reconciled with God.

Sacrificial love is our most visible and defining family trait.

The only reason we are in the family of God in the first place is because of God’s extravagant love.

As Paul calls us to imitate God’s love, he reminds us that we are all ultimately defined by it—we are “dearly loved children.”

Our own love emerges from the depths of that eternal love.

Our love is an overflow of the love God has personally shown to each of us.

Love is the DNA test that determines paternity with our Father God (1 John 4:7-8). God loves you because you are his child, and you are his child because he loves you. Children of God are caught up into the infinite circle of God’s love.

We are most like our Father, most godly, when we allow that love to flow from us into the lives of others.

Colossians 1:10-12 The Message

9-12 Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do  your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.

Christians are to manifest the light of what glorifies the Lord.

Christians must constantly test the standards for pleasing the Lord.

The Christians is to ascertain by testing what pleases the Lord.

We need to know what and how scripture applies to the Christian walk.

The supreme end of the believer’s life is to glorify God.

The ultimate standard for testing what pleases the Lord, or what is His will, is the Word of God.

2 Corinthians 5:9-10 The Message

9-10 But neither exile nor homecoming is the main thing. Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, that’s what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions. Sooner or later we’ll all have to face God, regardless of our conditions. We will appear before Christ and take what’s coming to us as a result of our actions, either good or bad.

How do we prove what is pleasing to the Lord?

God is pleased when we put the entirety of our trust in Him and walk by faith.

He is pleased when we believe His Word, preach His Truth and His promises, live out our days acknowledging He is present with us and He is Lord over all.

However …. to avoid some of the debates

Intriguing Things that Make God Angry …..

This week I came across an intriguing phrase about Jesus in Mark 3:5: “He looked around at them with anger.”

This wasn’t the scene where Jesus throws over tables in the temple.

It was in the midst of a conversation about healing.

It got me wondering what other surprising references to God’s anger I might find in the Bible.

  • Pride and thinking oneself is better than another person (Isaiah 13:11-13)
  • Injustice – God tells the prophet, Amos (5:21-24), that God hates worship and worship services when God’s people don’t also act outside of worship with justice and righteousness.
  • Stubbornness about religious rules. The Mark 3:5 verse I mentioned at the beginning says that Jesus got angry with Pharisees – religious leaders – when they would not even engage in a conversation about whether it was right to heal someone (legal good work) on a Sabbath day (when the law said to do no work).
  • Complaining about misfortune that comes when following God (Numbers 11:1). This reminded me of Jesus telling his followers to expect (Matthew 5:11) and even seek (Luke 9:23) misfortune as part of following him.
  • Failing to trust God. In Numbers 32:11-13, God expresses anger that the people “have not unreservedly followed me.”

Jesus taught that he and the Father (God) are one (John 10:30).

Jesus then summarized what pleases the Lord this way:

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)

So, there you have it.

Love God above all else, and love your neighbor as yourself.

But what if you don’t feel like loving God or others?

Worse, what if you don’t feel lovable? How do we please the Lord, then?

Fortunately for us, the kind of love Jesus looks for is not a feeling.

Don’t get me wrong!

It can be a feeling, but it doesn’t have to be.

Having a bad day?

Feeling down?

Do you feel sorry for yourself today because of _____ (fill in the blank)?

God understands.

He made our emotions.

He doesn’t want us to feel bad, but he understands if we do.

After all, we live in a corrupted world.

Worse, we live in corrupted bodies (See Genesis 2-3).

Anytime we take our eyes off Jesus, we see only our hurts, wants and needs.

In Jesus, we see solutions.

Without him, we see emptiness and frustration.

John 13:34-35 Amplified Bible

34 I am giving you a new commandment, that you [a]love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”

What pleases the Lord?

Trusting him with His Truth, acknowledging our wants and needs pleases him.

Trusting him to take care of us.

Trusting him to decide what is important.

We are not the superheroes we aspire to be.

We are human, often with “feet of clay.”

Jesus is the superhero.

He is the one who stood up to the bullies, who called their bluff, and who let them try to call him.

Only Jesus wasn’t bluffing.

He died. Yes, that is true.

They killed him for standing up to them.

They killed him for being honest about who he is.

They killed him because he threatened the darkness they used to cover what they were really like.

Yes, Jesus died on a cross, crucified and humiliated.

And he was buried. And then … he rose from the dead.

What pleases the Lord?

Acts 4:8-12 New American Standard Bible

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.”

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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Final Exhortation: Strongly resolve that for toughest times; watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 New American Standard Bible

13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 All that you do must be done in love.

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.

Minimal Daily exhortation … In the fullest Presence of God and our neighbors, emphasize our need to live, love and move knowing that Jesus’ return is near.

Minimal Acceptable Standard of Excellence

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Amplified Bible

13 Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong. 14 Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us].

1. Be on guard.

2. Stand firm in the faith.

3. Be courageous.

4. Be strong.

These robust commands urge our readiness for warfare against Satan and his angels of darkness. 

The battle is at hand.

We must prepare!

But, were you a little surprised with that fifth command?

5. And do everything with love. motivated and inspired by God’s love for us.

And, notice the command to live with love isn’t just pointed in the direction of the people on “our side”! 

Everything we do should be done with love!

Satan, the roaring lion looking to devour people and their eternal futures, is on the prowl.  

He is our enemy.

People are not.

Unbelievers are not.

Those who believe in other religious ideologies, other theologies are not.

Unbelievers and those who hate us are the most important target for our love because they don’t have the hope we have.

Notice what Peter said to early believers facing persecution for their faith:

1 Peter 3:13-20 New King James Version

Suffering for Right and Wrong

13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But [a]sanctify [b]the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Christ’s Suffering and Ours

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring [c]us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, [d]when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

Love is our most disarming weapon against our real enemy, Satan.

Our love for God is essential.

Our love for our neighbors is also essential. 

And, our love for each other is crucial to our survival and our witness. 

So, don’t think that Paul went soft all of a sudden in his list of key preparations to triumph over Satan.

He didn’t.

The battle over lies, hatred, and murder – the key attributes of the evil one -is going to be won by our love.

Specifically, won by our loving relationships with others, whether brothers and sisters in God’s family, neighbors around us who have not come to faith, or too those who hate us, even if they long to see us dead.

Remember, the greatest missionary in the history of Christianity began as a hater of Jesus and his followers.

but his heart was turned by the example of someone he had killed  and the grace of a man on his probable hit list who came and shared Christ with him. 

All of the preparations and weapons Paul listed are important for us as we face challenging times and battle the hosts of hell.

However, building loving relationships is our greatest weapon against evil and our most remarkable testimony to goodness!

Remember what the apostle Paul said:

1 Corinthians 13:13 Amplified Bible

13 And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.

And, Paul didn’t know this because the Holy Spirit inspired this truth in him.

He had personally experienced this powerful weapon of grace at work in his life from the examples of those he persecuted!

Borrowing from Coach John Wooden’s words, I urge you to care more about your character than your reputation as you invest your energies.

I think strong resolutions will help make that happen.

If we plan to be a positive influence for righteousness in a world losing its way, we cannot wander through these years without a compass of commitment.

I promise to make these my resolutions from now on.

I challenge you to do the same.

To be alert to the presence of evil and the strategy of the adversary. 

Our adversary wants nothing more than to demoralize, discourage, discredit every one of us. He is the original murderer, the first deceiver. We cannot afford the luxury of ignorance. We must know our enemy and be alert to his presence.

To stay fervent in prayer. 

Let’s fight our best battles on our knees.

Rather than becoming better at debate and more clever in our sarcasm, let’s quickly drop to our knees and do our best work there.

To refuse to retaliate in the energy of the flesh. 

Revenge is a dead-end street.

But when we are swung at, the great tendency is to swing back.

What a time-wasting effort. And worst of all, our adversary loves it when we take him on in our own flesh.

Every time we make that mistake, we lose.

To refuse to slacken, surrender, or quit the path of obedience no matter how intense the pressure. 

It’s time to embrace strong resolve, encourage all in our family to do the same.

Let’s stop the thinking that says

if it’s uncomfortable, then don’t pursue;

if it might offend someone, then don’t make waves.

Obedience is a lonely path so we need to walk it together.

Finally, To seek to glorify the Lord God and to trust the Word of God, regardless.

The glory of God ultimately becomes the major filter of one’s life.

What a way to live!

No one has a freer conscience than one whose conscience has been cleansed and whose heart has been washed by the blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit …

Praying …

Psalm 26 Complete Jewish Bible

26 (0) By David:

(1) Vindicate me, Adonai,
for I have lived a blameless life;
unwaveringly I trust in Adonai.
2 Examine me, Adonai, test me,
search my mind and heart.
3 For your grace is there before my eyes,
and I live my life by your truth.
4 I have not sat with worthless folks,
I won’t consort with hypocrites,
5 I hate the company of evildoers,
I will not sit with the wicked.

6 I will wash my hands in innocence
and walk around your altar, Adonai,
7 lifting my voice in thanks
and proclaiming all your wonders.
8 Adonai, I love the house where you live,
the place where your glory abides.

9 Don’t include me with sinners
or my life with the bloodthirsty.
10 In their hands are evil schemes;
their right hands are full of bribes.
11 As for me, I will live a blameless life.
Redeem me and show me favor.
12 My feet are planted on level ground;
in the assemblies I will bless Adonai.

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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