Tag: christianity

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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Ash Wednesday Insights: Truths that remind us it is never too late for us to remember the Passover, then change. Ezra 6:19-22

Ezra 6:19-22 Complete Jewish Bible

19 The people from the exile kept Pesach on the fourteenth day of the first month.  20 For the Cohanim and L’vi’im had purified themselves together; all of them were pure. So they slaughtered the Pesach lambs for all the people from the exile and for their kinsmen the Cohanim and for themselves. 21 The people of Isra’el who had returned from the exile and all those who had renounced the filthy practices of the nations living in the land in order to seek Adonai the God of Isra’el, ate [the Pesach lamb] 22 and joyfully kept the feast of matzah for seven days; for Adonai had filled them with joy by turning the heart of the king of Ashur toward them, so that he assisted them in the work of the house of God, the God of Isra’el.

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.

With the new Temple comes renewed and remembered celebrations.

The timing could not be more perfect as in the time of Moses, there is time to remember, time to recall the ancient instructions, prepare for Passover again.

The Temple is finally finished and dedicated.

“And this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king” (verse 14).

The next month in the calendar is Nissan, which God proclaimed as the first month of the year for the Torah. Passover is to be observed on the 14th of Nisan.

Following the Jewish calendar can be confusing to those of us who do not use it in our daily lives.

There are actually two calendars for the Jews.

The religious calendar and the secular one. In the religious calendar, as stated earlier, Nisan is the first month.

In their secular one Nissan is the seventh or eighth month.

It changes depending on if there is another month added to realign the calendar with the phases of the moon.

The point here is that their Temple was dedicated less than a month ago.

The priests and Levites had just completed their ceremonial cleansing for the dedication so they have little to do to be clean for the upcoming Passover, other than staying ‘clean.’

This year there will be no need to delay Passover as Hezekiah had to.

Israel also invited others who wanted to celebrate the Passover with them.

There would be no exceptions this year for those who were not clean.

Hezekiah, his first year to renew Passover, asked God to pardon all those who attended who had not taken the time to cleanse themselves prior to the event.

They were allowed to eat the Passover with Israel that year.

This year ALL were clean that partook of the meal.

There was also a smaller crowd so the priests and Levites could keep up with the demand.

This would be the first of many Passover celebrations observed in the new Temple.

Gone were pomegranates and ornate chains but here was a new commitment to the Lord.

This temple would serve as a place for the people of Israel to meet with their God up until the time of Jesus.

He Himself would grace its courts.

Check out GotQuestions.org regarding Zerubbabel.

God doesn’t require that His people exhibit the greatest outward decorations and appeal. He only requires that they focus their hearts on Him.

He can use the beggar on the street as easily as He can use the executive in the boardroom.

All He asks for is their willingness to submit to Him, in whatever He calls you to.

Truths That Remind Us It’s Never Too Late to Change

Hebrews 13:5-9 Complete Jewish Bible

5 Keep your lives free from the love of money; and be satisfied with what you have; for God himself has said, “I will never fail you or abandon you.”[a] 6 Therefore, we say with confidence,

“Adonai is my helper; I will not be afraid —
what can a human being do to me?”[b]

7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke God’s message to you. Reflect on the results of their way of life, and imitate their trust — 8 Yeshua the Messiah is the same yesterday, today and forever.

9 Do not be carried away by various strange teachings; for what is good is for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods. People who have made these the focus of their lives have not benefited thereby.

With every botched career move, failed relationship, and deferred hope, we hear that same old familiar, accusatory whisper. “It’s way too late now.”

Did you go through a killer divorce?

Good luck finding someone at 40 with three kids in tow.

Didn’t get that promotion?

Just be happy where you’re at.

Another loan rejection?

Did you really think this time would be different?”

Death to that voice.

It’s never too late to overcome.

To think and act differently.

To see that dream become reality or overturn long years of regret.

There are no time constructs or limits in God’s Kingdom, so we need to stop believing the symphony of lies and focus on His truth.

Beginning with the best one.

#1: God Never Gives Up

God is the giver of second, third, and 1,000 chances.

He never stops believing in us, and time is irrelevant for Him.

He knows our dreams because He’s the one who imparted them within our minds and hearts when He created us.

The most important truth to remember when being tempted to quit going after a dream or goal is that God never quits on us.

He’s always working for our good, always there for strength, and never gets discouraged by our failures, setbacks, or snail-like progress.

Whether you’re attempting to finally get healthy, rebuild your marriage, or to restore a broken part of yourself, He won’t give up on your efforts, so don’t let the enemy convince you otherwise!

Consider asking God to increase your faith that He can and will finish a good work in you.

Psalm 138:7-8 Complete Jewish Bible

7 You keep me alive when surrounded by danger;
you put out your hand when my enemies rage;
with your right hand you save me.
8 Adonai will fulfill his purpose for me.
Your grace, Adonai, continues forever.
Don’t abandon the work of your hands!

Whether it’s an entrepreneurial venture you’ve been chipping away at for years or a bad habit you have been half-kicking for decades, it’s simply not too late.

Choose to believe that every morning brings new mercies, pressing in with prayer, trust that God’s timing will always be just exactly right.

Lamentations 3:21-24 Complete Jewish Bible

21 But in my mind I keep returning to something,
something that gives me hope —
22 that the grace of Adonai is not exhausted,
that his compassion has not ended.
23 [On the contrary,] they are new every morning!
How great your faithfulness!
24 “Adonai is all I have,” I say;
“therefore I will put my hope in him.

This truth leads us to the next truth.

#2 Sometimes the Wait Feels Like Eternity

In today’s instantly gratified world, we want quick results.

We’ve prayed every day for a year now, Lord.

What’s the holdup?

But sometimes God’s “slowness” can be a blessing.

He may be allowing us to sit in the pain or growing process (think cocooned caterpillar) until we’re refined, prepared, and positioned for the right time.

Take relationship struggles, for example.

Heart lessons can be learned, and revelations can be had during the long process of working through a difficult marriage.

When it comes to personal ambitions, what if we’re not quite mature enough for the influence/following/success we have been praying for and working towards…just yet?

It’s easy to mistake God’s slower pace for ambivalence or even abandonment.

It can feel utterly defeating when we still haven’t seen a dream or years of toil come to fruition, but God is faithfully working in the meantime.

When struggling to believe God’s ability or even desire to help us change, the enemy would love for us to believe one of three lies:

God’s forgotten about us.

He’s punishing us.

Or he’s just plain ambivalent towards us.

Maybe God’s trying to “test us” to see if we’ll crack, backslide, complain, etc.

All lies.

Consider viewing perceived delays and elongated struggles as His desire for perfectionism instead.

Crow’s feet and laugh lines aside, one of the truest perks to aging is seeing so many “waits,” and unanswered prayers come to fruition in ways I would never expected in a million years.

Hebrews 11:1-2 Complete Jewish Bible

11 Trusting[a] is being confident of what we hope for, convinced about things we do not see. 2 It was for this that Scripture attested the merit of the people of old.

Romans 15:1-6 Complete Jewish Bible

15 So we who are strong have a duty to bear the weaknesses of those who are not strong, rather than please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please his neighbor and act for his good, thus building him up. 3 For even the Messiah did not please himself; rather, as the Tanakh says, ‘The insults of those insulting you fell on me.’[a] 4 For everything written in the past was written to teach us, so that with the encouragement of the Tanakh we might patiently hold on to our hope. 5 And may God, the source of encouragement and patience, give you the same attitude among yourselves as the Messiah Yeshua had, 6 so that with one accord and with one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

When you’re tempted to feel like it’s just too late, try to shift your focus to expectation, thanking God ahead of time for the change you’re believing and striving for. This will increase your faith and convert anxiousness to hope.

#3 Our Mistakes Cannot Hinder God’s Plan

Romans 8:28-30 Complete Jewish Bible

28 Furthermore, we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with his purpose; 29  because those whom he knew in advance, he also determined in advance would be conformed to the pattern of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers; 30 and those whom he thus determined in advance, he also called; and those whom he called, he also caused to be considered righteous; and those whom he caused to be considered righteous he also glorified!

Sometimes, it’s tempting (and easier) to give up rather than endlessly hoping and praying for change.

I’m not sure about you, but the cumulative sum of my bad decisions, lack of discernment, and utter life failures could carpet the largest of planets.

Even so.

God causes everything to work together for those who love him, whether we deserve it or not.

If this truth is good enough for heroes of the faith like Paul, who had killed a Christian or two before writing most of the New Testament, it’s good enough for me.

Lamentations 3:22 says, “His mercies are new every morning.”

Translation:

It doesn’t matter if you’ve now accrued two divorces under your belt: You can become relationally whole.

If you’ve crawled back to that vice, God isn’t keeping count of your slip-ups.

Lost your temper with our kids (again) after you swore you’d be more patient?

God can and will give you the spirit of self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23 Complete Jewish Bible

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 humility, self control. Nothing in the Torah stands against such things.

It just takes your allotment of God’s time.

Yes, there are instances when God instantly delivers us or brings an answer, but most times, it’s one baby step-by-baby step experience with Jesus at our sides.

#4 If We’re Not Dead Yet, It’s Not Too Late

In this youth-obsessed culture, it’s common to feel pressured to achieve, overcome, and accomplish all our life’s goals before age 40 or even 30.

I remember hitting 35 and feeling so disappointed that I hadn’t fulfilled my dream of marriage before 40.

I eventually did, eight years later, but I remember wondering why on Earth I felt so panicked.

I often reflect on Joel 2:28-32,

“In the last days, I will pour out my Spirit on all people; your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”

Why would God bless older people with dreams if it’s ever too late for dreams to be realized?

Think of all the people who were legitimately old, let alone past 30, when God had just started his “good work” in them.

Sarah had a baby at 90 after she’d given up hope.

Hannah and Elizabeth’s barren wombs dry as desert sands until God gifted her with a baby, and Ruth is estimated to be 40 years old (very old for the time) when she married Boaz and conceived a son, and we all know about Abraham.

We shouldn’t allow this frenetic, achievement-based culture convince us it’s ever too late to experience change.

Not knowing if we’ll ever become better versions of ourselves can be scary and unsettling.

But God knows the struggle, and he’s faithful.

And from all I observe about Jesus in the Bible, He was never in a rush.

God’s in it for the long haul.

He sees the big picture and understands what it really takes to grow.

He wants the best for us, is 100 percent committed and invested in our growth.

After all, He’s the one who imparted our talents, abilities, and passions in the first place.

Why wouldn’t He see them to fruition?

When we learn to trust God completely, we will be more confident and more peaceful while we allow Him control to work everything for your good.

You are not the exception to Philippians 1:6: “…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Amen!

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

Praying …

Psalm 19 Complete Jewish Bible

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

2 (1) The heavens declare the glory of God,
the dome of the sky speaks the work of his hands.
3 (2) Every day it utters speech,
every night it reveals knowledge.
4 (3) Without speech, without a word,
without their voices being heard,
5 (4) their line goes out through all the earth
and their words to the end of the world.

In them he places a tent for the sun,
6 (5) which comes out like a bridegroom from the bridal chamber,
with delight like an athlete to run his race.
7 (6) It rises at one side of the sky,
circles around to the other side,
and nothing escapes its heat.

8 (7) The Torah of Adonai is perfect,
restoring the inner person.
The instruction of Adonai is sure,
making wise the thoughtless.
9 (8) The precepts of Adonai are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The mitzvah of Adonai is pure,
enlightening the eyes.
10 (9) The fear of Adonai is clean,
enduring forever.
The rulings of Adonai are true,
they are righteous altogether,
11 (10) more desirable than gold,
than much fine gold,
also sweeter than honey
or drippings from the honeycomb.
12 (11) Through them your servant is warned;
in obeying them there is great reward.

13 (12) Who can discern unintentional sins?
Cleanse me from hidden faults.
14 (13) Also keep your servant from presumptuous sins,
so that they won’t control me.
Then I will be blameless
and free of great offense.

15 (14) May the words of my mouth
and the thoughts of my heart
be acceptable in your presence,
Adonai, my Rock and Redeemer.

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

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Well done, good and faithful servant! God’s Kingdom will always have need for more empowered, inspired people with an active, quiet and steady faith. Matthew 25:19-21

Matthew 25:14-21 Christian Standard Bible

The Parable of the Talents

14 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey. He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents,[a] to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one’s ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately 16 the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. 17 In the same way the man with two earned two more. 18 But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.

19 “After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I’ve earned five more talents.’

21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’

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.

Remember God’s Faithful People?

One morning I gathered with some people from a group of small churches in a fairly rural area for breakfast, bible study and worship, I could not help but be impressed by the faithfulness of God’s people.

The people who came were volunteers, some of them from churches that I know were struggling to keep going.

There was little opportunity for growth because of limited resources, limited congregants – mostly elderly with travel concerns from far remote locations.

But these people did not come for recognition.

They were not looking to be thanked.

They came because they love the Lord and his church.

They came for they are faithful to the God who has always been faithful to them.

And someday these faithful members will hear the words

“Well done, good and faithful servants! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.”

Why Our World Needs More People with an Active, Quiet, Steady Faith?

Since the advent of social media and YouTube, our culture has become obsessed with the idea of instant fame.

In our new world, the lottery is just a few clicks away!

We can gain riches and fame as easily as having a post go viral.

The allure is so compelling that it eats away at our ability to focus on what really matters, which is a quiet, simple, and faithful life.

The idea that we need to document all we do, continuously strive to gather influence, and obtain the lifestyle of the rich and famous distracts us from the real-life important stuff God has for us to do.

Unfortunately, many times when believers gain the riches, influence, and fame of this world, moral failings are common.

We must be cautious of the great temptations that so easily lure our souls towards destruction when we have more power than others around us.

Why Faithful Presence Matters More Than Ever

Faithful living happens in the day-to-day, unglamorous showing up.

Our world is in desperate need of people willing to faithfully show up for their families, for their friends, at their jobs, churches and in their communities.

The research shows that our world is struggling to remain faithful to its goals and commitments; fewer of us are remaining steady.

The percentage of U.S. kids growing up in single-parent households nearly tripled between 1960 and 2023.

There are 360,531 kids in foster care in the United States.

About 17% of us are leaving or losing jobs rather than staying put.

The divorce rate remains between 40 and 50% of all first marriages.

About 40% of college students have not completed their degrees within eight years of starting.

As a culture, we have a serious problem sticking with it.

Why Does Faithful Living Matter to Us as Christians?

Much of the Christian faith is centered on being faithful, steady, and present in daily life. The Bible emphasizes how God desires for us to live humbly, given to self sacrifice for the service of others and to the Lord.

Here are a few Scriptures that point us towards a quiet, steady faith:

“Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you” (1 Samuel 12:24).

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much” (Luke 16:10).

“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 28:20).

“Because of your little faith,” he told them. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (https://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/matthew/17/20)

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master’” (Matthew 25:21).

“And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Why Obedience in the Quiet Moments Matters Most

Matthew 6:5-8 Christian Standard Bible

How to Pray

5 “Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.[a] 7 When you pray, don’t babble like the Gentiles, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. 8 Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask him.

The quiet, simple, private and unseen moments matter to the Lord.

I’d venture to say they even matter the most to Him.

One day, he allows you to speak his word to the crowds, but that opportunity does not come without him seeing you show some grit with the little tasks.

Truly, when we meet God in Heaven, his assessment of who we are and how we have used the life we have been given has almost nothing to do with the actions we might have taken in the limelight; we are almost solely judged on the things we did when no one was looking.

How did we shepherd our children?

Did we continue to forgive our spouse, or did we shut them out?

Were we willing to serve others at work, or were we only looking out for ourselves?

Did we guard our hearts from lust, addiction, pride, and other temptations, or did we let secret sins fester in our lives?

Did we pray loudly for all to see, or were we willing to quietly seek the Lord for the strength required for life?

Are our actions defined by the fruits of the spirit or do we let anger, resentment, wrath, jealousy and selfishness dominate our lives?

These are the questions that matter for a believer.

None of them has anything to do with going viral, owning a mansion, or even having a large ministry.

That’s not to say God never uses those things, but when they happen, they are still things to be faithfully stewarded.

What God cares about most is how you are faithfully engaging those outlets.

They do not define you, and they definitely are not your ticket to Heaven or even to a good life.

The life we are called to seek after is a life willing to daily take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24).

Suffering and Service

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do whatever we ask you.”

“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked them.

They answered him, “Allow us to sit at your right and at your left in your glory.”

Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup I drink or to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”

“We are able,” they told him.

Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. But to sit at my right or left is not mine to give; instead, it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

When the ten disciples heard this, they began to be indignant with James and John. Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (https://biblia.com/bible/esv/mark/10/35-45)

A life that encourages others (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

We are to live as lights in the darkness (1 John 1:7).

We are called to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).

The people that need to see this from you are the ones that live in your home, work alongside you, attend church with you, and live in your neighborhood.

When we are so distracted from the example we set for the people who know us, the world starts falling apart.

You are where you are on purpose and for a purpose.

Don’t forget that.

Your child, your neighbor, your pastor, and your friend needs you.

When we are faithful to the lives we’ve been given, God wins.

His light shines brightly through us through the love we offer our communities.

Don’t let the world distract you from the true Holy work ahead of you today.

Let me invite you to gather with God’s church this coming Sunday.

Take a good look around at your fellow worshipers, and thank God for the willing people who give of their time, talents, and resources.

You are part of a growing congregation, remember to pray for smaller churches that faithfully continue to serve their Lord wherever he has placed them.

And if sometimes you feel like giving up because no one ever seems to notice, remember God does notice–someday we will hear the words “Well done!”

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

Praying ….

Psalm 100

A psalm of thanksgiving.

Be Thankful

1 Let the whole earth shout triumphantly to the Lord!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God.
He made us, and we are his[a]—
his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
5 For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever;
his faithfulness, through all generations.

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

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The Lord Jesus nudged opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. What “Jaws of Life” are required to nudge and for pry barring open ours? Acts 16:11-15

Acts 16:11-15 Christian Standard Bible

Lydia’s Conversion

11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, the next day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, a Roman colony and a leading city of the district of Macedonia. We stayed in that city for several days. 13 On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate by the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and spoke to the women gathered there. 14 A God-fearing woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying. 15 After she and her household were baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded 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.

The book of Acts is a fast-paced book of the Bible.

The church was on the move!

It grew quickly as the early apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, traveled throughout the urban centers of the Roman Empire.

The main human characters in this book are people like Peter, John, and Paul.

It’s exciting to see how the gospel message transforms thousands of individuals who respond to the gospel while continuing to serve God in their vocations.

Lydia was one such example.

She was a business woman who made a good living working in the fashion industry by buying and selling luxurious cloth.

Lydia gathered with other women from her community to pray, and Paul came to share the good news of Jesus with them.

The Holy Spirit opened her heart, and Lydia believed!

Lydia then used her position and wealth to show hospitality to Paul and his companions.

And we can assume that after they moved on to other cities, Lydia continued in her work and calling as a textile merchant.

The gospel doesn’t usually lead us to abandon our jobs in order to enter full-time ministry.

The pattern in the early church is the gospel transforms ordinary people, with ordinary jobs, into people who use what they have available in service to God.

In the New Testament, stories of transformed lives underscore a powerful truth: genuine faith in Jesus ignites action and motivates believers to express their faith through love and obedience.

As we explore the journeys of various biblical figures, see how encounters with Christ catalyzed not only a change in their internal beliefs but also a profound redefinition of their relationships, priorities, actions within their communities.

These accounts illustrate that true faith is never passive; it compels individuals to embrace transformation in both purpose and behavior, paving the way for a deeper connection with God and others.

Acts 16:11-15, Lydia’s conversion signifies more than personal transformation—it marks the establishment of one of the first Christian communities in Europe.

As a successful merchant dealing in purple cloth, Lydia held a unique position of influence, yet her heart was open to Paul’s message.

Upon hearing the gospel, she and her household were baptized, showing the immediate ripple effect her decision had on those around her.

Lydia’s generosity in offering her home as a base for Paul and his companions underscores how her faith translated into tangible acts of hospitality and support for the mission of the early church.

Her home became a vital gathering place for believers, reflecting how one person’s faith can serve as a cornerstone for broader communal change.

True faith leads us to use our resources for God’s mission.

Reflection Question: How can we use our resources and spaces to support and expand God’s work in our communities?

Reflection Question: What familiar or comfortable areas of our lives might God be calling us to surrender for a greater purpose?

Reflection Question: Are there areas in our lives that need realignment with God’s standards as we commit to a path of integrity and faithfulness?

Reflection Question: How can we take practical steps to make amends or live justly, particularly in areas where we’ve fallen short?

Reflection Question: What parts of our lives might need to be reexamined in light of Paul’s radical transformation?

Reflection Question: How can we overcome our past or current struggles to share the message of hope and transformation with others?

Faith moves us from self-interest to serving others in tangible ways.

Reflection Question: How can we extend care and compassion to those around us, especially in moments of difficulty or uncertainty?

Genuine faith must be accompanied by actions that reflect love, service, and justice.

Reflection Question: In what ways can our actions more fully reflect the faith we profess?

Repentance is not merely a confession but a commitment to changed behavior.

Reflection Question: What fruit does our life produce, and how can we better align our actions with our repentance?

True discipleship is shown through obedience, not just words.

Reflection Question: Are we actively seeking to live out God’s will in our relationships, work, and community?

True transformation begins in the mind and leads to actions that reflect God’s will.

Reflection Question: How can we allow God’s Word to transform our minds and guide our decisions?

Loving Jesus requires obedience to His teachings.

Reflection Question: How can we demonstrate our love for Christ through acts of obedience in our daily lives?

Use these memory verses to pray using the

ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication

  • Adoration: Praise God. Do these verses bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
  • Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Do these verses bring any specific sins to mind?
  • Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from these verses inspire gratitude?
  • Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from these verses inspire a prayer?

“The Lord opened her heart to pay attention.”

This simple phrase reveals the beautiful mystery of salvation—God pursues us before we ever seek Him.

Lydia wasn’t searching randomly; God is orchestrating her divine appointment with Paul.

Perhaps you’re reading this today because God is opening your heart.

You didn’t accidentally pick up this devotional.

God is drawing you to Himself, stirring something within you that wasn’t there before.

The sovereignty of God in salvation isn’t a doctrine to fear but a warm blanket of security.

You didn’t find God; He found you.

Rest in this: if God has begun a good work in you, He will complete it.

Reflection: Can you identify a time when God was drawing you before you even knew you were being pursued?

Lydia was a wealthy businesswoman.

She was also a worshiper of God.

Paul met her and some other women gathered for prayer outside Philippi on the day of worship.

When Paul shared the good news of Jesus with them, God opened Lydia’s heart to believe and be baptized, committing her life to Christ.

Lydia was a faithful believer in God, but she had not heard the good news about Jesus, the Son of God who came to pay for our sin so we could be saved and have new life.

When God opens our hearts to believe this amazing message, we are filled with joy, comfort, and new life.

The Lord ­changes us from the inside out, and we want to live joyful lives of gratitude because of that transformation.

It’s not a burden; nor is it done just out of obligation. We delight in obeying and praising God as an expression of the change within.

dynamic coming to faith resulted in her household being baptized as well.

She persuaded Paul and his companions to stay at her home while they were in Philippi.

She extended hospitality as a true expression of her new faith in Jesus.

And by staying in her home—a non-Jewish home—Paul was also showing the grace and love of God.

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

Praying …

Psalm 63

Praise God Who Satisfies
A psalm of David. When he was in the Wilderness of Judah.

1 God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you.
I thirst for you;
my body faints for you
in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.
2 So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.

3 My lips will glorify you
because your faithful love is better than life.
4 So I will bless you as long as I live;
at your name, I will lift up my hands.
5 You satisfy me as with rich food;[a]
my mouth will praise you with joyful lips.

6 When I think of you as I lie on my bed,
I meditate on you during the night watches
7 because you are my helper;
I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings.
8 I follow close to you;
your right hand holds on to 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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Here is something new, exciting and different to pray about: Let the Grace of God alone define your whole story! Romans 5:18-21

Romans 5:18-21 New International Version

18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

20 The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where our sin has increased, grace increased all the more, 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Word of God for the Children of God

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

Today, we need to start in the beginning.

Paul is going to talk about Adam so we must remember what happened.

God gave Adam one command in Gen 2:17, “Do not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, for in the day you eat of it you will surely die.”

Then, in Chapter 3, what did he do?

He ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil and verse 7 says that his eyes were opened and he knew that he was naked.

The knowledge of good and evil made him and his wife aware and ashamed of their current situation.

So they made clothes out of fig leaves.

Then, verse 8 says they hid themselves from the presence of God.

When God comes walking into the garden, he finds them and immediately God knows what they have done so he immediately strikes them dead?

No, that’s not what happened.

God clothes them with animal skins and then he removes them from the garden in verses 22-24.

Cherubim with flaming swords were placed outside, preventing them from entering the garden again.

They did not die physically on that day, but their relationship was severed because of their transgression.

They lost access to the tree of life, eventually leading to physical decay, death.

“Father, I am an athlete. I know I only have a few years; then I will be too old for playing this game. My body is hurt and aging, I can hardly admit it to myself. I come to church once a year at this service. So rub the ashes on. Rub them hard.”

During the coming season of Lent we’ll return to a years long tradition: with futility, confess again and again, sin is in our hearts and death is in our bones.

We make our home in the valley of the shadow of death.

We are decaying and we are dying.

Like the Israelites in exile, we lament: “Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off” (Ezekiel 37:11).

We have no future.

Jesus Christ, the one greater than Adam, enters our “valley of dry bones” to get us out of the mess Adam got us into, undo what Adam did, succeed where Adam failed.

During these coming days of holy week, as our battles grows fierce, and fiercer still, pray we “fix our eyes on Jesus … who for the joy set before him [the joy of bringing us to glory], endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). Let us be astonished!

SOMETHING TO PONDER?

When you study the characters of the Bible, especially the people God used in mighty ways, there is one thing most of them had in common.

On their journey, at some point, they failed miserably.

For most, their failures did not come before God called them or used them, but after.

Here are some examples:

-Abraham, the father of the faith, twice lied and called Sarah his sister, lost hope, slept with Hagar to attempt to bring forth a son to fulfill God’s promise.
-Jacob deceived his brother Esau out of his birthright. Lied to his blind father, Isaac and stole Esau’s rightful first born blessing, running away into slavery.
-At Meribah, Moses got angry with the Israelites and struck the rock a second time after God told him to speak to it, was denied his place in the promised land.
-Rahab was a prostitute who betrayed her people and hid the Israelite spies.
-David committed adultery with Bathsheba, conspired, murdered her husband.
-Peter publicly denied Jesus three times before looking directly into His eyes.
-Paul zealously killed Christians.

The names listed above are iconic in the halls of faith. (Hebrews 11)

We often stand amazed at what these people accomplished for God, often in the face of extreme challenges.

Yet, when we study deeper, we see they were simply imperfect people who were used by a perfect God to accomplish, fulfill, what he long desired for them to do.

My friends, that is exactly what grace is.

Grace that works despite…

If I were telling the story of heroes of the faith, I would probably leave the failing parts out.

After all, why do we need to tell that part of the story, anyway?

The reason God tells the story is that it gives generations of “you and me” hope.

God didn’t use these people because of who they were but despite of who they were in their time periods.

The stories of your life and mine are no different.

You have failed and made poor choices, and so have I, more than I can confess.

Yet what we discover is God doesn’t kick us aside because of the mistakes and past failures in our lives. If he did, none of us would be left standing or available for use. Instead, those places of our greatest failures can become the places of our greatest growth because we’ll experience the greatest amount of his grace. 

There is no sin, mistake, or failure that is too great for God’s grace to cover.

If God can take a murderer (Moses) and turn him into the greatest apostle, then there is authentic hope for all of us.

God’s grace specializes in taking sinners and turning them into something they could never become on their own.

That is God’s love on display, his compassion on display, and his grace on display. Remember, it is not because of who you are but despite who you are. 

Grace does not cancel but restores

We live in the age of cancel culture.

At least in baseball, you get three strikes before you are out, but today, you may only get one.

That is the culture of the world and, sadly, of some in the church as well.

That is not God’s character.

Romans tells us, where sin increases, grace increases even more.

This means that God’s grace is not intimidated by our sins or failures, but it is there to help you overcome it. (John 16:31-33, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

In fact, God’s grace exists to deal with the failures in our lives.

My friend, if you are wrestling with the things you have done, thinking God is done with you, rest assured, he is not.

His capacity to love is too great and his reservoirs of grace run too deep to leave us where you are.

I encourage all of you today to bring all your sins, failures, and mistakes to him and allow his boundless grace to heal you.

Regardless of what we have done, he is not here to cancel us but to restore us.

When we finally grasp that, then we will understand what His grace is all about.

Your daily Prayer

ABBA, Father,

I come before you, weighed down by the enormous burden of my past mistakes.

As much as I try, I can’t seem to let them go.

I have allowed them to define me for far too long and I cannot get past them.

Today, I pray for a fresh revelation of your grace that lets me know you have not forsaken me and you love me as just much today as you have from conception.

I pray you would allow your grace to heal those past failures and allow me to walk in the freedom that comes from your grace.

I repent and wait to receive your forgiveness and move forward knowing your grace is than sufficient for me, assured of continual service unto your kingdom .
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. You don’t stand in Christ in your own strength, but in the power of his grace.

2. Grace is a reminder that we were never worthy to begin with, so don’t think you have to try to be worthy now. 

3. Rather than focusing on our inefficiencies, focus on His sufficiency of grace.

John 16:31-33 The Message

31-33 Jesus answered, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you’ll be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you’ll continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”

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

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

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

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

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

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Is anyone looking for any remnant willing to pray for the experience of childlike awe and wonderment again? Matthew 18:1-6

Matthew 18:1-6 Amplified Bible

Rank in the Kingdom

18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child and set him before them, 3 and said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4  Therefore, whoever [a]humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives and welcomes one [b] child like this in My name receives Me; 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble and sin [by leading him away from My teaching], it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone [as large as one turned by a donkey] hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

Word of God for the Children of God

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

What does Jesus mean by saying we need to “change and become like little children”?

One clue we have here is that Jesus is responding to the question “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

And he replies, “Whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

In the books about Jesus and his disciples (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), we find the disciples often argued over which of them w,as greatest.

They seem to have been a competitive group.

And they were thinking of greatness in terms of leadership, knowledge, ­power, influence, and other things.

So Jesus is telling his disciples they need to repent, stop staring at their image in the mirror, put that mirror away and change their attitudes about greatness and surrender their worldly ambitions become lowly and humble like little children.

Jesus’ followers need to set aside any claims to their selfish ambitions and to realize that, just as little children depend on parents and caregivers, we are all totally dependent on God for all our current needs and all of our future living.

Here’s another thought.

(sermon illustration) A man in his sixties said,

“Last week my four-year-old grandson said he wanted to be a firefighter when he grew up.

I replied, ‘And when I grow up, I want to be a four-year-old boy again.’

My grandson stared at me with wide, wondering eyes.”

Have you looked around at God’s world with “wide, wondering eyes” lately?

That’s something I long for when I hear the word repentance, that summons us to change and become like a little child.

A Prayer to Experience Childlike Wonder …

Matthew 18:1-3 English Standard Version

Who Is the Greatest?

18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Have you ever noticed how often children are excited about something simple?

They can splash in a puddle, sing a song, or laugh at a silly joke over and over without getting bored.

They often feel amazed, as well, by lots of experiences – such as playing with a pet, watching a sunset, and eating their favorite foods.

But somewhere along the way, when those children grow up, they can lose their sense of wonder.

As adults, they often focus too much on responsibilities and routines, missing out on the wonder happening around them. Their lives shrink down to the level of their to-do lists, even though God wants them to enjoy much bigger lives. 

Have you lost your sense of wonder, too?

If so, Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:3 invite you to reclaim a life lived in childlike wonder, the key unlocking the kingdom experience he wants us all to enjoy. 

You can start by choosing to live a life of humility.

Doing so can help you learn much more about God’s wondrous love and power.

When you’re humble, our perspective expands, allowing us to see how God is infinitely big, is also close to you, because you’re one of His beloved children. 

Standing in awe of God expands your ability to trust him, so you can rely more on God’s strength working through your life.

Just like children have faith that what a trusted person tells them is reliable, Jesus wants you to trust and rely on his promises to you.

You don’t need to try to go through any complicated analysis that leads you to doubt or worry about what Jesus tells you.

When you have childlike wonder, you can just look forward to Jesus keeping his promises. You can expect the best from God in any, all, circumstances you face. 

When you stop and wonder at the magnitude of how God has saved your soul for eternity, it becomes far easy to trust him with your life right now.

1 Corinthians 15:55-58 Amplified Bible

55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin [by which it brings death] is the law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

God conquered death, can’t he conquer any situation where you need his help?

Wonder changes your focus away from your challenges and toward God’s immeasurable power.

It gets you excited about what amazing way God will show up for you next! 

Childlike wonder leads to joy.

Children find joy in the extraordinary wrapped up in the ordinary – and you can do so too, at any age.

Consider the Christmas season.

As an adult, it can be stressful because of pressures with time, money, and family issues.

But remember the pure joy you felt during the Christmas season as a child.

Jesus invites you to focus on the simple yet profound wonder of the Gospel: He loves you so much that he made the ultimate sacrifice to save you!

When you truly wonder at what this good news means, that can give you lasting joy that nothing can take away. 

So, let wonder become part of your worship.

Become like a little child again by letting go of trying to be the adult in charge of everything and putting your trust in your amazing Father, God. 

Let’s Pray:

Dear God, I confess that I’ve let my life shrink down to the level of my to-do list. I’ve focused so much on my routine and responsibilities I’ve lost the simple joy and open-hearted trust that comes from living in wonder of you.

Please change my heart. Reawaken the spirit of the child within me so I can fully enter into your wonderful kingdom here on earth.

I pray that wonder will lead me to humility. Help me to stand in awe of your unlimited love and power, so I can see how much I can really depend on you to help me with whatever I need.

I choose to depend on you completely.

Let me reflect on the miracle of Jesus saving my soul and everything you’ve already done in my life, and let that inspire me to expect the best from what you will do next. Let me stop over-analyzing and simply believe your promises.

I pray that wonder will restore my joy. Please help me strip away distractions and fully appreciate the simple truth of your love.

Let me feel the excitement of being your child, discovering the wonder of your work in my life every day.

I want to live a life full of wonder and gratitude as I experience your amazing presence! 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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Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, a true future in heaven—and that future starts now! 1 Peter 1:3-7

1 Peter 1:3-7 English Standard Version

Born Again to a Living Hope

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and  unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Word of God for the Children of God

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

The person who truly believes on Savior Jesus begins eternal life here on earth. (John 17:1-4)

He leaves the old sinful life of serving self and enters a new life of freedom from the bondage of sin.

He is free to serve the Lord.

As he walks with God and is faithful, he has the promise that this new life will continue right into heaven.

With the spiritual resurrection, there comes a new power, new interests, new joys, and a new and living hope.

God does not intend for this new life to grow old.

It cannot, for it is of Him.

The Christian is to walk (continue) in newness of life by abiding in Christ.

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:2).

The spiritual birth is marked by a new nature.

This is a divine nature (1 Pet. 1:4).

A few of the characteristics of this new nature are a soft and tender spirit, a humble evaluation of one’s worth, heartfelt knowledge of one’s helplessness and need of the Lord.

Such a humble and contrite spirit is precious in God’s sight (Ps. 51:17).

When Saul was anointed king of Israel, he had this spirit.

Sad to say, Saul later lost that state of being little.

Samuel asked him, “When thou was little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel…?” (1 Sam. 15:17).

The challenge of every Christian is to maintain the new, fresh spirit that he received at his conversion.

Transformation-empowerment

1 Peter 1:3-4 New Living Translation

The Hope of Eternal Life

3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

How does transformation occur in our lives?

Any approach to transformation that puts self at the center is doomed to failure.

Self-improvement and self-enlightenment cannot produce any lasting personal transformation.

Divine empowerment is the only sure method to change.

That’s why the apostle Peter begins his letter by stating,

“[God] has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

We are empowered from the inside out as God gives us spiritual birth and causes us to grow in stature and grace.

A huge man stepped on the scale, not knowing it was defective.

A tiny boy watched closely to see how much this person weighed.

The needle rose quickly, but to the boy’s astonishment it stopped at 50 pounds, close to what the boy himself weighed.

The boy looked at the man, then at the scale, then at the man again, and said to his mother, “Mom, that guy must be hollow inside.”

A lot of us are hollow inside.

Without the power of Christ’s resurrection, we too are empty.

But if we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, we have received imperishable treasure.

A treasure freely given by grace.

It is our brand new life of Jesus Christ, constantly, continuously, guiding, living, moving, shaping, reshaping, transforming us through His great love, within us.

The Newness of Eternal Life

John 3:16-21 English Standard Version

For God So Loved the World

16 “For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

The newness we celebrate at the start of each day pales in comparison to the ultimate newness we receive through Christ.

Eternal life isn’t just about a future promise; it’s about a present reality that transforms how we live today.

When we embrace the newness of eternal life, accept we are part of something far far greater than ourselves—an unshakable kingdom that will never fade. 

I remember when I first understood this truth fully.

It wasn’t until a hard season in my life that I truly grasped what it meant to have eternal life through Jesus.

I realized that no matter what happened in the world or in my circumstances, the gift of eternal life could not be taken away.

This profound shift in spiritual perspective gave me the peace that surpasses understanding. I knew I had a forever hope beyond what this world could offer. 

Eternal life changes everything.

It shifts our values, our priorities, and even the way we see hardship.

Each day becomes a step closer to the fulfillment of God’s promises.

So when the trials of life come, we can face them with the assurance, confidence that we are forever secure in the incomparable love of God, which never ends. 

As we contemplate this resurrection journey, let’s remember the newness we experience now is just but a foretaste of the eternal life we have in knowing our Savior Jesus Christ that will never fade, never separated from, but last forever! 

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

Praying,

Praise the Name of the Lord

148 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
    praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels;
    praise him, all his hosts!

3 Praise him, sun and moon,
    praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
    and you waters above the heavens!

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord!
    For he commanded and they were created.
6 And he established them forever and ever;
    he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.[a]

7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
    you great sea creatures and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and mist,
    stormy wind fulfilling his word!

9 Mountains and all hills,
    fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Beasts and all livestock,
    creeping things and flying birds!

11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
    princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and maidens together,
    old men and children!

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    for his name alone is exalted;
    his majesty is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
    praise for all his saints,
    for the people of Israel who are near to him.
Praise the Lord!

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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