Tag: christianity

We are witnessing someone we love turn away from God, chooses to walk upon the most dangerous, darkest of life’s roads? Give Up or Get Guiding? Galatians 6:1-3

Galatians 6:1-3 New Living Translation

We Harvest What We Plant

6 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer[a] is overcome by some sin, you who are godly[b] should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

The Word of God for the Children of God

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

In a day and age when intervening in someone’s life is no longer politically or socially correct, these verses ring out like a howitzer barrage on a still night.

Sin is still real and is just as deceptive and deadly as ever.

Yet because we fear being physically beaten, or branded judgmental and self-righteous, we let many being entrapped in sin progress to their spiritual death (Hebrews 2:1-3; 3:12-13; James 1:14-15).

Paul calls us to nonjudgmental, gentle intervention because we recognize the not so subtle gravity of sin, sheer magnitude of that sinner’s need, quickness without procrastination, without feeling arrogant about our righteousness.

We approach the situation humbly because the phrase, “There but for the grace of God go I,” applies to us.

Nevertheless, love doesn’t remain silent when someone’s behavior is self-destructive, evil, taking them to “hell in a handbasket,” as the old saying goes.

Instead, genuine love intervenes humbly, gently, and graciously to redeem.

When a loved one makes a sinful choice, it can be enormously painful to watch.

We are urged by society to tolerate anything that makes a person happy, but that is a cultural expectation, not a Biblical one.

So, we dive head long in with the loving intention of both shedding light on sin and helping and guiding to restore a believer to a right relationship with God.

Galatians 6:1 teaches: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.”

Yet even when our intentions are loving, the response we receive might not be a softened heart.

It might be rejection, anger, or distance.

Sin rarely affects only the person caught in it, and confronting someone we love can be daunting.

We need wisdom to handle those conversations well—and grace to weather the response when it hurts.

We also need other believers.

Scripture reminds us that we were designed to live as the body of Christ:

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12).

We lift one another up as Paul instructs, both with physical presence, in prayer.

Tempting as it is to keep a loved one’s sin issue private, we cannot help them by ourselves.

That means we do not have to carry every burden alone.

While we should never expose someone’s private struggles carelessly, there are times when seeking other’s prayer and wisdom from a trusted, discreet believer can and will help us carry the burden faithfully.

Not inviting others to pray also robs other believers of a chance to do something wonderful and to be party to the whole drama as it plays out, from the anguish of a person’s sin to (God willing) his or her restoration.

Moreover, when we isolate ourselves, we are more likely to become proud or discouraged, believing that we have some kind of superhuman role to play or forgetting the hope of the gospel.

Other believers remind us Christ is the miracle worker and no one is beyond the reach of His sovereignty.

When we are hurting because a sinner will not turn back to Jesus, we need other Christians to intercede, point us back to the resurrection power of our Savior.

English poet John Donne wrote, “No man is an island unto himself.”

We need to realize we are all members of a larger community of love and faith.

No believer in Christ should think they are totally independent of others.

No Christian should ever think he is on his own.

As in a family, relationships in the body of Christ— the church—function best when there’s a deep-felt awareness and heartfelt concern for others, even while maintaining healthy boundaries.

The common good requires our working to restore relationships that are broken by sin— and doing so with a spirit of gentleness and self-awareness.

Whatever sin a person is guilty of, we must not boast nor judge, “That would never happen to me!”

Such pride is the first step toward a mighty fall.

A humble, gentle inquiry “How may I help?” or “How may I pray for you?” can be the beginning toward gaining someone’s confidence without interfering.

People need to feel safe, privacy, even when being helped in a sinful situation.

Gentle restoration demands respecting the person as one of God’s imagebearers and allowing personal privacy.

Different people have different needs in terms of their personal space.

Healthy relationships allow for various needs.

After all, each one of us is unique.

After all, each one of us has a heartbeat.

Each of our heartbeats do not want, nor need to be, overstressed or burdened.

And we all have burdens to bear.

We can speak the truth assertively and gently.

We can love faithfully.

We can pray continually.

We can seek wise support.

And then we can place the person we love into the hands of the One who loves them even more than we do.

In the name of God, the Gather and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit …

Praying …

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.

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Our sin of despair. Why should I or anyone be excited about tomorrow? Job 7:1-7

Job 7:1-7 New International Version

7 “Do not mortals have hard service(A) on earth?(B)
    Are not their days like those of hired laborers?(C)
2 Like a slave longing for the evening shadows,(D)
    or a hired laborer waiting to be paid,(E)
3 so I have been allotted months of futility,
    and nights of misery have been assigned to me.(F)
4 When I lie down I think, ‘How long before I get up?’(G)
    The night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn.(H)
5 My body is clothed with worms(I) and scabs,
    my skin is broken and festering.(J)

6 “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle,(K)
    and they come to an end without hope.(L)
7 Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath;(M)
    my eyes will never see happiness again.(N)

The Word of God for the Children of God.

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

Having replied to Eliphaz, Job now addresses his complaint toward God.

He pointedly describes his life with several metaphors: the hard life of a day laborer, a slave longing for evening to come, the swiftness of a weaver’s shuttle, a breath, and a vanishing cloud.

Despite the magnitude of his trouble, Job is determined to speak and not keep silent. He primarily accuses God of being overattentive and unrealistic in his expectations, claiming that, unlike the chaos creatures, he is no threat to order and therefore does not warrant God’s around the clock constant attention.

Job confesses that he is a sinner, but he cannot understand why God refuses to forgive him. Still, putting his personal tragedy into the larger context of others’ suffering shows that Job has begun the long painful arduous journey to healing.

In Verses 1-2 of Job 7, Job questions the length of man’s service – especially hard labour. He likens the days of man’s life to that of a hired man at work.

A servant who works so hard in the field desires to rest in the shade of trees at the end of his workday. And a hired man eagerly looks for his wages at the end of the day (day wages). And Job likens himself to the servant and the hired man.

Now that he is facing the toughest trial (which Job likens to hard service) of his life, he is looking for shade and his wages. Job is looking for some much needed relief and rest from his situation.

In Verses 3-5 of Job 7, Job laments that he has been allotted futile months and troublesome nights.

Job’s body is so covered with boils that lying down is useless for he cannot get a moment’s sleep nor rest because his flesh is caked with worms and dust.

And, to keep his aggravation scale at 100/100 his skin continued to break out afresh with boils and worms began to creep in them.

Hence, rightfully, as a human, Job is in utter torment and he neither finds rest during the day nor night.

No human being can handle what he is going through (except God in the flesh – Jesus). Anyone in his place would like to be done with the trial, done with life.

In Verses 6-8 of Job 7, Job talks about the swiftness of his days because they are perceived as hopeless. He compares his life to a breath which has no guarantee of living and is short lived and declares that he will never see any good again.

He also tells that the eyes of those who see him will never see him again.

Moreover, while their eyes are upon him, he will die.

In Verses 9-10 of Job 7, Job compares the clouds in the sky that disappears to the dead man and the grave.

A dead man shall never return to his house and his place shall not know the dead man anymore, his eternal home will be his grave which wont be recalled.

Here the sky is the metaphor for the house and the cloud is the dead man.

The cloud in the sky is never permanent in one place.

Once, it changes form or moves, the sky does not remember the cloud which was once present in that particular location.

In one moment, we can see the cloud and the next moment it is not there.

It is as fleeting as the winds and man’s life is a passing cloud.

Through these verses we see Job’s utter distress.

He has totally given up on life and hope.

According to Job, all was lost.

In Verse 11 of Job 7, Job declares he will not restrain his mouth anymore and he will speak in the anguish of his spirit and he will continue to complain because his soul was bitter.

Job Loathes His Life

12 Am I a sea, or a sea serpent,
That You set a guard over me?
13 When I say, ‘My bed will comfort me,
My couch will ease my complaint,’
14 Then You scare me with dreams
And terrify me with visions,
15 So that my soul chooses strangling
And death rather than my body.
16 I loathe my life;
I would not live forever.
Let me alone,
For my days are but a breath.

In Verses 12-14 of Job 7, Job questions God as to why He has set a guard over Job as if he were as powerful as the sea or the sea serpent (Leviathan).

He also tells that God scared him with dreams and terrifying visions when he went to lie down in his bed or his couch.

Because of all these terrifying dreams and visions coupled with his hopeless situation and suffering, Job says that his soul has chosen strangulation and death rather than the will to continue to live. He chose death rather than life.

In Verse 16, Job openly declares that he loathes his life and he would not live forever. In fact, he wants his suffering to end right then, at that very moment.

He asks God to leave him alone as the rest of his days are as short as a breath.

Observation

Job is like any other human being.

When humans face trials, they automatically question God.

However, Job was undergoing an extreme trial, (the toughest trial of his life and probably even the toughest that any human being in his time had faced).

And in his human nature he questions God. He speaks about his frailty as a human (he points out that he is not as powerful as the sea nor the sea serpent).

He asks why something as frail as a human life, as any human body which is short as a breath, should endure this much suffering.

Some of us might feel the urge to judge Job for questioning God (how dare He questions God) or we might complain that he is lamenting too much about his condition instead of looking to the faith he had and renewing his trust in God.

Most of the chapters of the book of Job are about Job’s long lamentation and harsh questioning.

However, no one can truly understand his trial and suffering except himself.

Job’s questioning is between Job and God.

And the way he questions God shows he must have had a deeper relationship with God in order to have the right, courage to go to Him, and ask Him such pointed questions.

Afterall, it is our sinful human nature during trials to question God for answers.

Because only God has all the answers.

For us today, it helps to remember these are the words of a deeply despondent man. Even those biblical characters with great faith have moments of despair; Moses wanted to die, as did Elijah, David knew he was going to lose his own son.

This brings us to the end of Job 7. I must admit this was a difficult chapter to do a reflection on as most of it is self-explanatory and also is emotionally intense.

We can literally feel the depth of Job’s distress and desperation for his suffering through to end in this chapter.

Additional thoughts ….

Isaiah 53:1-6 New International Version

53 Who has believed our message(A)
    and to whom has the arm(B) of the Lord been revealed?(C)
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,(D)
    and like a root(E) out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
    nothing in his appearance(F) that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by mankind,
    a man of suffering,(G) and familiar with pain.(H)
Like one from whom people hide(I) their faces
    he was despised,(J) and we held him in low esteem.

4 Surely he took up our pain
    and bore our suffering,(K)
yet we considered him punished by God,(L)
    stricken by him, and afflicted.(M)
5 But he was pierced(N) for our transgressions,(O)
    he was crushed(P) for our iniquities;
the punishment(Q) that brought us peace(R) was on him,
    and by his wounds(S) we are healed.(T)
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,(U)
    each of us has turned to our own way;(V)
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity(W) of us all.

Perhaps you know how lonely and terrible grief is.

Perhaps you have wondered if God cares.

What gives hope when our hearts break?

What gives hope when our hearts are utterly shattered?

In Jesus, we see the tears and the heart of God.

Jesus had compassion for the people – he fed them by the thousands.

Jesus healed many who came to him.

Jesus healed the women with the issue of twelve years of bleeding.

Jesus’ heart went out to a grieving widow whose son had died (Luke 7:13).

He wept with Mary at her brother’s tomb (John 11:35).

Jesus is gentle with the hurting: “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out” (Matthew 12:20).

Jesus suffered, for our sake, all of the pain and sorrow caused by everyone’s sin.

He fulfilled His promise and was raised to life by His Father – Resurrection!

He promises to remove all mourning and crying and pain when he comes again (Revelation 21:4).

How do we deal with the difficulties we face?

Do they turn us, drive us away from faith or drive us deeper in our faith?

Do we isolate ourselves or seek solace from the community around us?

God never promises life will be easy on this side of eternity, God does promise to be present with us through the Holy Spirit.

He is our comfort as we face the major and minor storms of life; we are held up by the God who is infinitely bigger than the most extreme of our problems.

He also knits us into a community of believers who gather together to hold one another up in times of struggle.

Because He lives …. We never have to go it alone.

Because He lives …. My life is always worth living.

Because He lives …. There will always be the promise of one more tomorrow.

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

Praying ….

Psalm 30

Joy in the Morning
A psalm; a dedication song for the house. Of David.

1 I will exalt you, Lord,
because you have lifted me up(A)
and have not allowed my enemies
to triumph over me.(B)
2 Lord my God,
I cried to you for help, and you healed me.(C)
3 Lord, you brought me up from Sheol;(D)
you spared me from among those
going down[a] to the Pit.(E)

4 Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones,
and praise his holy name.(F)
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor, a lifetime.
Weeping may stay overnight,
but there is joy in the morning.(G)

6 When I was secure, I said,
“I will never be shaken.”(H)
7 Lord, when you showed your favor,
you made me stand like a strong mountain;(I)
when you hid your face, I was terrified.(J)
8 Lord, I called to you;
I sought favor from my Lord:(K)
9 “What gain is there in my death,
if I go down to the Pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your truth?(L)
10 Lord, listen and be gracious to me;
Lord, be my helper.”(M)

11 You turned my lament into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,(N)
12 so that I can sing to you and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever.(O)

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Making the faithful choice to believe in God, to faithfully acknowledge His truth. Faithfully making our choice to come to God to believe that He is God. Hebrews 11:6

Hebrews 11:5-6 New International Version

5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.”[a](A) For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him(B) must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

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

The anonymous author in Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes the importance of faith in our relationship with God. The author conveying faith is not just a nice addition to our lives, but rather saying faith the 100% crucial element that pleases God.

We demonstrate our trust and reliance on Him by having unwavering faith in God’s existence, goodness, and promises.

This verse underscores that pleasing God and receiving His rewards are directly tied to our faith. It serves as a reminder that without faith, it is impossible to please God, as faith is the essential foundation of our relationship with Him.

Reflect long and carefully on this verse and ask yourself: On a scale of 1 – 100, To what measurement do I truly believe in God’s goodness and promises?

Am I actively cultivating my faith through prayer, studying the Scriptures, and seeking a deeper relationship with God?

Consider on a daily basis how your faith influences your actions and decisions.

Let Hebrews 11:6 ignite your curiosity, challenge you to evaluate the strength of your faith and to prioritize nurturing a faith-filled relationship with God.

Fact or fiction, true or false, Who cares, faith is not just a belief system but a , transformative force that pleases God and unleashes His rewards in our lives.

How well do we genuinely understand what Hebrews 11:6 really means?

Hebrews 11:6 is a powerful reminder of the 100% essential role faith plays in our connection with God. It is a verse that underscores the impossibility of pleasing God without faith, emphasizing faith is not just important but indispensable in our spiritual journey.

This verse is the introductory part of the bible’s “Faith Hall of Fame.” chapter, showcasing the unwavering faith of various biblical figures throughout history.

The phrase “Without faith it is impossible to please Him” highlights the critical nature of faith in our relationship with God.

It goes beyond being challenging to please God. But without faith; it is outright impossible.

This statement underscores the foundational significance of faith in our walk with the Lord.

Additionally, the verse stresses that approaching God necessitates a belief in His existence, setting the groundwork for a meaningful connection with Him.

Moreover, the assurance that God rewards those who diligently seek Him reinforces the idea that faith is not in vain.

This promise encourages believers to persistently pursue God, knowing that He acknowledges and responds to their earnest efforts.

Hebrews 11:6, in conjunction with other biblical passages like James 2:17 and too Matthew 17:20, paints a holistic picture of faith as an active force that manifests through both belief and action.

In today’s tumultuous world, where uncertainties abound, faith remains a beacon of hope and stability.

It serves as a firm foundation enabling individuals to navigate life’s challenges with trust and confidence in God’s providence.

The anecdote of the young woman facing a health crisis exemplifies just how unwavering faith can bring peace, inspire others, and even lead to miraculous outcomes, showcasing the transformative power of genuine belief.

Hebrews 11:6 challenges believers to introspect on the depth of their faith and encourages them to cultivate a robust relationship with God.

By actively seeking Him, believing in His existence, trusting in His goodness, individuals align themselves with His will, open themselves up to His abundant blessings.

This verse prompts each of us to move beyond mere acknowledgment of God’s existence to a profound trust that shapes our actions, attitudes, and ultimately, our lives.

What steps am I taking to seek God?

I am taking steps to seek God by believing that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.

This means that my faith in God is central to my pursuit of Him. I trust in His existence and in His promises to those who earnestly seek Him. I am setting a foundation for my spiritual journey towards God by acknowledging this truth.

I am also actively seeking God through my actions and intentions.

I am putting in effort to seek Him diligently, demonstrating my commitment to building a deeper relationship with Him.

This involves praying, studying His word, attending church, serving others, and practicing spiritual disciplines that draw me closer to God.

I am intentional about my pursuit of God and strive to keep Him at the forefront of my thoughts and actions.

I am seeking God with the expectation of His reward.

I trust God is a loving and gracious Father who delights in blessing His children.

I anticipate experiencing the rewards of His presence, guidance, peace, and fulfillment in my life as I seek Him wholeheartedly.

I am motivated to continue seeking God with unwavering faith and persistence by keeping this promise in mind.

Application

Hebrews 11:6 urges us to embrace faith and actively seek God in all aspects of our lives.

Every effort we put into seeking Him will be rewarded abundantly.

Take this opportunity to foster a stronger connection with God through prayer, studying His teachings, and living with unwavering faith each day.

Will you answer the call to chase after God with all your heart and witness the incredible blessings that come with it?

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

Praying …..

Psalm 97

1 The Lord reigns,(A) let the earth be glad;(B)
    let the distant shores(C) rejoice.
2 Clouds(D) and thick darkness(E) surround him;
    righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.(F)
3 Fire(G) goes before(H) him
    and consumes(I) his foes on every side.
4 His lightning(J) lights up the world;
    the earth(K) sees and trembles.(L)
5 The mountains melt(M) like wax(N) before the Lord,
    before the Lord of all the earth.(O)
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,(P)
    and all peoples see his glory.(Q)

7 All who worship images(R) are put to shame,(S)
    those who boast in idols(T)—
    worship him,(U) all you gods!(V)

8 Zion hears and rejoices
    and the villages of Judah are glad(W)
    because of your judgments,(X) Lord.
9 For you, Lord, are the Most High(Y) over all the earth;(Z)
    you are exalted(AA) far above all gods.
10 Let those who love the Lord hate evil,(AB)
    for he guards(AC) the lives of his faithful ones(AD)
    and delivers(AE) them from the hand of the wicked.(AF)
11 Light shines[a](AG) on the righteous(AH)
    and joy on the upright in heart.(AI)
12 Rejoice in the Lord,(AJ) you who are righteous,
    and praise his holy name.(AK)

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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Praise to God for a Living Hope? How do we see God’s hope and value in our suffering? Some day coming when we will have it all—a life wholly healed? 1 Peter 1:3-7

1 Peter 1:3-7 New International Version

Praise to God for a Living Hope

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!(A) In his great mercy(B) he has given us new birth(C) into a living hope(D) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,(E) 4 and into an inheritance(F) that can never perish, spoil or fade.(G) This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,(H) 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power(I) until the coming of the salvation(J) that is ready to be revealed(K) in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice,(L) though now for a little while(M) you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.(N) 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness(O) of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire(P)—may result in praise, glory and honor(Q) when Jesus Christ is revealed.(R)

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.

A tiny piece of God’s created order, in God’s great scheme called life, a small transformed life begins to struggle for survival as it has for years uncountable.

A monarch butterfly unfurls its wings for the first time, still clinging to the chrysalis it has outgrown, backlit by soft golden dawn light that makes every vein in its new wings visible.

Dew catches the light like tiny jewels on the branch.

This wallpaper captures 1 Peter 1:3 through nature’s most perfect metaphor for the hope of new birth: “He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

The caterpillar-to-butterfly transformation is so radical that biologists call it “complete metamorphosis” — the struggling caterpillar essentially dissolves inside the chrysalis before being rebuilt into an entirely different creature.

The old form does not merely improve.

It ceases to exist.

What emerges shares the same DNA but inhabits a completely different body with completely different capabilities.

That miracle biological reality mirrors the spiritual “new birth” Peter describes.

Becoming a believer is not self-improvement or moral upgrading.

It is death and resurrection on a personal scale.

The old self dissolves.

Something new is built from the same raw material but with capabilities the caterpillar could never have imagined — flight being the most obvious one.

The monarch in this image has not yet flown.

Its wings are still soft, still drying in the morning light.

But the capacity is there.

The architecture of flight is complete.

Living hope is like that — fully formed even when we have not yet struggled to break free, tested our wings.

The verses in 1 Peter 1:3-7 provide a profound and encouraging message about hope, faith, and the trials we face in life.

To understand these verses fully, we will break them down into key themes and phrases, compare them with other biblical passages, consider their relevance to our lives today.

This verse speaks of the valuable process of faith being tested by challenging circumstances, just like how fire refines and strengthens metal.

When our faith is put to the test, it allows us to demonstrate our genuine commitment to our beliefs through perseverance and trust in higher powers.

The outcome of this testing is not only personal growth but also manifestation of praise, glory, devotion and honor.

It means that when we struggle to endure hardships with unwavering faith, it showcases the true depth and authenticity of our beliefs, leading to recognition and admiration from others.

Have you ever faced a situation that tested your faith to its limits?

How did you respond, and what did you learn about yourself and your beliefs through that experience?

Just like how fire transforms and purifies metal, challenges can forge, refine and strengthen our faith, enabling us to become more resilient and steadfast in our convictions.

When we emerge from these trials with our faith beaten up and bloodied but somehow still intact, we not only elevate ourselves but also inspire others to demonstrate their trust in the power of perseverance and unwavering belief.,

The verses challenge us to view difficulties as opportunities for growth and to see our faith as a powerful force that can withstand any trial.

It reminds us through the refining process of testing, we can emerge stronger, more resilient, and deserving of praise, glory, and honor for our unwavering commitment to our beliefs.

Think about how we can apply this concept in our own lives and how we can allow our faith to shine brighter every day and even in the face of adversity.

How to See Hope and Value in Your Suffering

The apostle Peter understood suffering from identifying with Jesus and his years serving the fledgling church.

Sometimes his suffering was self-induced, caused by his own mistakes.

The simple, rugged fisherman failed when he took his eyes off Jesus while walking on the water.

Peter even denied Christ during the last few hours before the crucifixion.

Despite this, Jesus never forsook Peter.

God used these experiences to mold him.

When we endure pain, most of us doubt God’s love, or even question our salvation.

Peter reminds us that suffering isn’t punishment from God.

It is temporary.

Even though God didn’t cause the pain, He will refine us through it.

If Job and Peter could find purpose in their pain, then there must be something miraculously awesome, healthy and incredibly wise to what they were saying.

The mystery of suffering is never fully expressed.

But it does seem that suffering leads us to pray more—whether out of anger, protest or petition.

And thus, in the midst of tragedy, our relationship with God can improve.

We can stay faithful in trials and suffering by focusing on the living hope we have in our Savior Jesus Christ.

Lamentations 3:16-24 New International Version

16 He has broken my teeth with gravel;(A)
    he has trampled me in the dust.(B)
17 I have been deprived of peace;
    I have forgotten what prosperity is.
18 So I say, “My splendor is gone
    and all that I had hoped from the Lord.”(C)

19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
    the bitterness(D) and the gall.(E)
20 I well remember them,
    and my soul is downcast(F) within me.(G)
21 Yet this I call to mind
    and therefore I have hope:

22 Because of the Lord’s great love(H) we are not consumed,(I)
    for his compassions never fail.(J)
23 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.(K)
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;(L)
    therefore I will wait for him.”

Even though we will experience various trials, our faith will be strengthened as we all remember the ultimate outcome of our faith – the salvation of our souls.

The trials we face can refine our faith like gold being tested by fire, shaping us to be more like Christ.

Proverbs 17:17  New International Version

17 A friend loves at all times,
    and a brother is born for a time of adversity.(A)

Proverbs 27:17 Complete Jewish Bible

17 Just as iron sharpens iron,
    a person sharpens the character of his friend.

It is important to persevere in our faith, knowing that the trials we face are only temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us.

We can endure through suffering and remain faithful by keeping our focus on Jesus and the hope of our salvation.

Imagine our faith like a sturdy anchor, holding our ship steady through life’s turbulent seas.

In the busy rush of work and family, challenges test our principles, just as trials refine our beliefs.

These struggles are shaping us, making our faith proven and valuable.

Embrace this journey with joy, knowing it leads to greater rewards. Will we now stand firm, let these trials reveal the resilience strength and purity of our faith?

Our faith is precious, brings honor and glory to God, even in the midst of trials.

Above all, Peter wants us to learn, believe and remember we are never alone.

We cry out to Christ, He understands our strengths and weaknesses because He endured the same thing.

One day, our suffering will end.

We will be united with our suffering Lord and those who came to know Him because we suffered well and our faith withstood those forces of negativity.

Suffering does not last forever.

Not only do we follow Christ’s example by standing strong in our suffering, but we are also empowered, inspired, to act, to follow in His resurrection footsteps.

One day, God raises us up out of our suffering – no more tears, no more thirst.

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

Praying …

Book II: Psalms 42–72

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

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

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

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

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

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But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?” Dangers Of Evil Thoughts? Matthew 9:1-8  

Matthew 9:1-8 New King James Version

Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralytic(A)

9 So He got into a boat, crossed over, (B)and came to His own city. 2 (C)Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. (D)When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”

3 And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!”

4 But Jesus, (E)knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 7 And he arose and departed to his house.

8 Now when the multitudes saw it, they (F)marveled[a] and glorified God, who had given such power to men.

The Word of God for the Children of God

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

The Heart of Thoughts: Unmasking Evil Intentions

In Matthew chapter 9, we find Jesus in a crowded house in Capernaum, a town located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

The house is filled by people eager to hear Jesus teach and witness His miracles.

Among the crowd are the Pharisees, religious leaders well known for their strict adherence to the Jewish law.

The scene is tense as the Pharisees watch closely, skeptical of Jesus’ abilities and questioning His authority to forgive sins.

Jesus, already perceiving their thoughts, responds with a powerful statement which both challenges their beliefs and demonstrates His divine authority.

The paralyzed man, lying on the mat, waits in anticipation for Jesus’ response, unaware of the profound impact this encounter will have on his life.

As we dive into the depths of Matthew 9:4, where it is recorded,

“And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?”

We are drawn into a profound reflection on the nature of our thoughts and the condition of our hearts.

This verse presents a striking moment when Jesus, with divine insight, recognizes not only the words spoken by the religious leaders but also to discern the hidden unspoken motives and thoughts that lie beneath them.

To understand the weight of this encounter, we must consider the context.

Jesus is challenging the thoughts and intentions of those present in this verse, including the village people whose collective intention is being taught by Jesus

Jesus is highlighting the idea He knows our innermost thoughts and feelings, and ultimately God knows them too.

He deliberately separates the Pharisee’s questions why they are allowing evil thoughts to take root in their hearts, from those whose thoughts were pure and education focused, implying it’s our choice to entertain such negative motives.

Pray about how often negative thoughts and intentions take root in our hearts.

Jesus is calling us to reflect on what we allow to occupy our minds and hearts.

Are we nurturing thoughts of kindness, love, compassion, or unchecked evil thoughts to take root, and ever so slowly to grow, emerge, fester within us?

Jesus is reminding us that our thoughts will ultimately shape our actions and negatively impact, influence our current and future relationships with others.

Ask ourselves when we wake up, several times a day, “how is it with our souls?”

Let’s strive to instead of negative intentions, fill our minds and hearts with positive and Godly intentions, seeking to align our thoughts with His will.

Jesus is emphasizing the importance of guarding our hearts and minds against evil influences and ensuring that our thoughts, motives, align with God’s will.

To emphasize that significant impact, Jesus had just performed a miraculous healing in their sight, demonstrating His authority over both sickness and sin.

But His proclamation to the paralytic – “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee” – stirred up more disbelief and hostility among the scribes and Pharisees.

Rather than celebrating the healing, they publicly questioned Jesus’ authority and legitimacy to heal and forgive the paralytic man, leading to a subsequent moment where Jesus directly, harshly, addressed their contrarian hearts.

That sudden challenge posed by Jesus, “Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” serves as a sudden powerful reminder that our thoughts are not merely fleeting notions; they are open to rapid scrutiny, they’ll reveal the core of who we are.

Matthew 9:4 is about Jesus knowing the thoughts of the Pharisees and revealing his divine authority to forgive sins.

Our thoughts can either align with God’s truth, reflecting love and grace, and forgiveness or can align with the darkness that lingers within, manifesting as envy, jealousy, judgment, pride, and bitterness and worse – acts of violence.

In the eyes of the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus’ actions were perhaps viewed as blasphemous, demeaning, threatening, their established order and authority.

Their hearts were greatly troubled, and instead of seeking understanding or reflection, they allowed for planning hostility and evil thoughts to take root.

Herein lies a pivotal lesson for us as believers: we won’t like it, except we must continually confront the nature of our thoughts and the condition of our hearts.

Are our thoughts and actions aligned with God’s will, or do we such harbor negative hateful, hurtful intentions, that lean toward the dark, destructive?

Jesus’ inquiry invites every single one us to take God’s time to self-examine.

God’s anointed time with prayer and study for self reflection begs the question:

What thoughts, actions, have we been allowing to occupy, live in our minds?

Think first then ask questions later or not at all?

Act then think about what happened later, blind and silent to consequences?

Are we quick to judge others or harbor ill will?

Reflecting on this passage from Matthew compels us to search our hearts for any dark negative inclinations that could fester into something more sinister.

Moreover, this passage is empowering as it reminds us of Jesus’ omniscience.

Despite being aware of our thoughts, He still notices us, He still approaches us in love, asks where we are, extending forgiveness even in our flawed condition.

Such a response of forgiveness where punishment was more deserved, should prayerfully spur us on to a deeper relationship with Him where confession and repentance are not viewed as burdens but pathways to restoration and renewal.

Consider the Apostle Paul’s exhortation in 2 Corinthians 10:3-12, urging us to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:3-12 Evangelical Heritage Version

3 For even though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage war in the way the sinful flesh does. 4 Certainly, the weapons of our warfare are not those of the flesh, but weapons made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds. We tear down thoughts 5 such as all arrogance that rises up against the knowledge of God, and we make every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ. 6 And we are ready to punish every disobedience when your obedience is fully restored.

7 You are looking at things only according to the outward appearance. If anyone has convinced himself that he belongs to Christ, let him consider this about himself: We belong to Christ just as much as he does. 8 Indeed, even if I may boast some more about our authority, which the Lord has given for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be put to shame. 9 My purpose is not to seem as if I am trying to frighten you by my letters. 10 For some say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his physical presence is weak, and his speech amounts to nothing.” 11 Let such a person consider this: What we are, by our word through letters when we are away, is just what we will be in our work when we are present.

12 To be sure, we do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who speak highly of themselves. On the contrary, when they measure themselves only by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

This call to action operates under the realization that while we cannot always control the thoughts that first enter our minds, we can choose how to respond.

By leaning into the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, we can discern which thoughts align with God’s indelible truth and which need to be dismissed as unworthy.

And as the already divided and division minded Body of Christ moves forward?

Let’s pick up our bibles and ponder over our thoughts and their true origins.

Let us lay bare our hearts before the Lord, allowing His light of forgiveness to illuminate any darkness and deception that may be hidden within within us.

Jesus knows our thoughts; He knows our struggles – He knows everything.

He invites us into a relationship where we can repent of our sins and seek mercy, forgiveness and allow Him to transform the very core of our being.

May we pray over things which are pure, lovely, truthful and of good report and, through this disciplined process, reflect the heart of Christ to a world in need.

In prayer, pray for God to reveal those areas in your heart where you may have permitted negative evil thoughts to take root. Surrender these to Him and seek His strength to guide you towards a heart that mirrors His love and compassion.

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

Praying …

Psalm 92

A psalm; a song; for the day of worship.

1 It is good to give thanks to Yahweh,
    to make music to praise your name, O Elyon.
2 It is good to announce your mercy in the morning
    and your faithfulness in the evening
3         on a ten-stringed instrument and a harp
            and with a melody on a lyre.

4 You made me find joy in what you have done, O Yahweh.
    I will sing joyfully about the works of your hands.
5 How spectacular are your works, O Yahweh!
    How very deep are your thoughts!

6 A stupid person cannot know
    and a fool cannot understand
7         that wicked people sprout like grass
            and all troublemakers blossom like flowers,
                only to be destroyed forever.

8 But you, O Yahweh, are highly honored forever.
9 Now look at your enemies, O Yahweh.
    Now look at your enemies.
        They disappear, and all troublemakers are scattered.

10 But you make me as strong as a wild bull,
    and soothing lotion is poured on me.
11 My eyes gloat over those who spy on me.
    My ears hear the cries of evildoers attacking me.

12 Righteous people flourish like palm trees
    and grow tall like the cedars in Lebanon.
13 They are planted in Yahweh’s house.
    They blossom in Elohim’s courtyards.
14 Even when they are old, they still bear fruit.
    They are always healthy and fresh.
15 They make it known that Yahweh is decent.
    He is my rock.
        He is never unfair.

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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Normalizing Evil or Nullifying Good, Selective Adherence Torah Covenant, a third Evil, a third Good, a third God? Isaiah 5:20-24

Isaiah 5:20-24 Complete Jewish Bible

20 Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who change darkness into light
and light into darkness,
who change bitter into sweet
and sweet into bitter!

21 Woe to those seeing themselves as wise,
esteeming themselves as clever.

22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine,
men whose power goes to mixing strong drinks,
23 who acquit the guilty for bribes
but deny justice to the righteous!
24 Therefore, as fire licks up the stubble,
and the chaff is consumed in the flame;
so their root will rot,
and their flowers scatter like dust;
because they have rejected the Torah
of Adonai-Tzva’ot,
they have despised the word
of the Holy One of Isra’el.

The Word of God for the Children of God

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

In the profound words of Isaiah 5:20 (KJV),

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

These potent words serve as a cautionary cry, echoing throughout the ages down into our contemporary society, where moral, justice, injustice, ethical confusion often reigns.

The prophet Isaiah, living in a time of significant societal unrest and moral decline, speaks a timeless to that truth that still resonates today.

The call of evil masquerading as good is a chilling reality we witness all around us. It is not an ancient dilemma but a persistent struggle in our modern world.

We not only observe values being redefined, but a profound shift in perception where behavior deemed unholy is celebrated, and righteousness is scorned.

The darkness, once easily recognized as evil, antithetical to Torah, becomes insidious, creeping in under the guise of acceptance, tolerance, and even love.

Those who stand firm in the truth often find themselves labeled as intolerant or prejudiced, bigoted, for clinging to what the Torah Scripture defines as good.

Understanding this scripture is paramount for the believer.

It calls us to examine our own hearts and minds.

Are there moral areas in our lives where we find ourselves blurred in our moral discernment?

Have we allowed society’s norms to affect our definition of right and wrong, to the point where we are becoming apathetic, totally desensitized to the truth?

Proverbs 4:23 reminds us,

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

We must rigorously safeguard our hearts against the deceptive philosophies that seek to redefine truth.

Genesis 3:1-7  Complete Jewish Bible

3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any wild animal which Adonai, God, had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You are not to eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat from the fruit of the trees of the garden, 3 but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden God said, ‘You are neither to eat from it nor touch it, or you will die.’” 4 The serpent said to the woman, “It is not true that you will surely die; 5 because God knows that on the day you eat from it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it had a pleasing appearance and that the tree was desirable for making one wise, she took some of its fruit and ate. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her; and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together to make themselves loincloths.

Isaiah’s sorrowful proclamation—“Woe unto them”—is a heavy warning.

It denotes not just sadness but also impending judgment upon those who arrogantly disrupt the created order established by God.

When we place ourselves in opposition to the divine standards of morality, we court danger. This verse serves as a reminder that there exists a reality beyond our subjective experiences and societal trends—of God’s unchanging truth.

“Putting darkness for light” is not merely a matter of perspective—it’s a rejection of God’s holy character.

As children of the light (1 Thessalonians 5:5), we are called to be discerning and to shine brightly in a world that craves darkness. Our light should illuminate paths of righteousness and not conform to the shadows of societal acceptance.

The latter part of the verse—“that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter”—reveals a deeper issue.

It suggests a willful distortion of reality, where pleasure and fulfillment are sought in places that lead only to despair and destruction.

We live in a culture that often equates personal fulfillment with indulgence, but true sweetness is found only in our obedience and alignment with God’s will.

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To combat this moral erosion, we must understand our identity in Christ.

As Christians, we are called not only to embody good but to actively proclaim it.

We are to engage the culture with love, speaking the truth in grace but with resolute conviction.

Ephesians 5:8-9 tells us,

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)”.

In understanding our transformation from darkness to light, we recognize our role as beacons drawing others to the true source of sweetness—Jesus Christ.

Finally, Isaiah 5:20 serves as both a warning and a clarion call to the faithful.

Let us heed its message by holding steadfast to the truth, discerning good from evil, and advocating for righteousness in a world that desperately needs light.

Let us strive to ensure our actions and voices reflect God’s standards, speaking out against the evil cloaked in good, while offering that true sweetness found only in Savior Christ.

Joshua 1:6-9  Complete Jewish Bible

6 “Be strong, be bold; for you will cause this people to inherit the land I swore to their fathers I would give them. 7 Only be strong and very bold in taking care to follow all the Torah which Moshe my servant ordered you to follow; do not turn from it either to the right or to the left; then you will succeed wherever you go. 8 Yes, keep this book of the Torah on your lips, and meditate on it day and night, so that you will take care to act according to everything written in it. Then your undertakings will prosper, and you will succeed. 9 Haven’t I ordered you, ‘Be strong, be bold’? So don’t be afraid or downhearted, because Adonai your God is with you wherever you go.”

Let it remind us of that critical importance of grounding ourselves in God’s Word, navigate this world with the moral clarity that can only come from Him.

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

Praying ….

Psalm 1  Complete Jewish Bible

Book I: Psalms 1–41

1 How blessed are those
who reject the advice of the wicked,
don’t stand on the way of sinners
or sit where scoffers sit!
2 Their delight
is in Adonai’s Torah;
on his Torah they meditate
day and night.
3 They are like trees planted by streams —
they bear their fruit in season,
their leaves never wither,
everything they do succeeds.

4 Not so the wicked,
who are like chaff driven by the wind.
5 For this reason the wicked
won’t stand up to the judgment,
nor will sinners
at the gathering of the righteous.
6 For Adonai watches over
the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked
is doomed.

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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Rest for that soul that feels crowded. As that herd of deer seeks after those waters of a peaceful stream, my soul longs for the Courtyards of the Lord. Psalm 84

Psalm 84  New International Version

Psalm 84[a]

For the director of music. According to gittith.[b] Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,(A)
    Lord Almighty!
2 My soul yearns,(B) even faints,
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
    for the living God.(C)
3 Even the sparrow has found a home,
    and the swallow a nest for herself,
    where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,(D)
    Lord Almighty,(E) my King(F) and my God.(G)
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
    they are ever praising you.[c]

5 Blessed are those whose strength(H) is in you,
    whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.(I)
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
    they make it a place of springs;(J)
    the autumn(K) rains also cover it with pools.[d]
7 They go from strength to strength,(L)
    till each appears(M) before God in Zion.(N)

8 Hear my prayer,(O) Lord God Almighty;
    listen to me, God of Jacob.
9 Look on our shield,[e](P) O God;
    look with favor on your anointed one.(Q)

10 Better is one day in your courts
    than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper(R) in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the Lord God is a sun(S) and shield;(T)
    the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold(U)
    from those whose walk is blameless.

12 Lord Almighty,
    blessed(V) is the one who trusts in you.

Word of God for the Children of God

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

Psalm 84 is a lament of longing for the house of the Lord, probably written by a Levite who normally served in the temple but was now barred from it.

It is one of several “psalms of Zion,” and its dominant note is yearning for the courtyards of God’s house and the blessings which were to be found there.

The Psalmist is using the language of “soul,” “heart,” and “flesh” to express completeness of desire.

He even expresses a deep sorrowful envy for all of the small birds which have unhindered access to construct their nests all over the temple and the altar.

The central section affirms God will bless all who make the pilgrimage to Zion, as their joyful expectations of blessings rather than curses transform those very difficult ways into places of much needed rest, refreshment, spiritual reflection.

A prayer for the king follows, since as the king rests, prospers in Jerusalem, the faithful can more easily come to God’s house.

The psalmist ends his lament by declaring that one short day in God’s presence is better than a thousand elsewhere, reflecting a main theme of the Psalter: that recognizing our own weaknesses, trusting in the Lord and taking refuge in him.

For Christians, it points to the overwhelming joy of those gathering with other believers for worship and prayer which provides strength to keep faith going.

Rest is something we certainly all desire – crave, even – but it is difficult to find in today’s lightening fast-paced life.

It so often feels like the demands just keep coming.

Our schedules are all full, our to-do lists seem to grow longer – between work, our families, the kids, the chores, and …well, you name it – not to mention the subtle and not so subtle trials that kick in our front doors and come our way.

We even stay busy on weekend getaways and vacations.

How often do we need a vacation from our vacation?

Yeah…me too.

What if the rest we’re chasing is right there in front of us?

What if there is a better way?

Psalm 16 NIV

A miktam[a] of David.

1 Keep me safe,(A) my God,
    for in you I take refuge.(B)

2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;(C)
    apart from you I have no good thing.”(D)
3 I say of the holy people(E) who are in the land,(F)
    “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
4 Those who run after other gods(G) will suffer(H) more and more.
    I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
    or take up their names(I) on my lips.

5 Lord, you alone are my portion(J) and my cup;(K)
    you make my lot(L) secure.
6 The boundary lines(M) have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    surely I have a delightful inheritance.(N)
7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;(O)
    even at night(P) my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With him at my right hand,(Q) I will not be shaken.(R)

9 Therefore my heart is glad(S) and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest secure,(T)
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,(U)
    nor will you let your faithful[b] one(V) see decay.(W)
11 You make known to me the path of life;(X)
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,(Y)
    with eternal pleasures(Z) at your right hand.(AA)

We are looking for real rest – rest that refreshes our exhausted souls and, in turn, refreshes everything else.

We already know that kind of secure rest is found in only one place – when we truly find rest in the Lord.

Jesus extended the invitation to us all in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

In the very next verse 29, Jesus promises, “…you will find rest for your souls.”

The Lord’s invitation was not meant just for the people of Jesus’ day  – it was for all of us.

Today. Right here, right now.

Jesus said “all.”

But…how do we get there?

How do we find that rest that we know is waiting for us?

Let’s remember that after six days of creation, God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3) – with that, confirmed rest as a fundamental part of our lives.

Clearly, our Creator does not grow weary; He was modeling for us an essential that would be part of scripture – a part of our lives – forever – our Sabbath rest.

The scriptures set aside a special day for worship and for rest from physical labor.

But Sabbath rest was merely a foreshadowing of the true Sabbath that was to come – Jesus.

Jesus invites us to something much greater than a day off from our work.

He invites us to Himself.

Jesus fulfilled the command for a Sabbath rest – as He fulfilled the entire Old Covenant Law.

Leviticus 23:3  New International Version

The Sabbath

3 “‘There are six days when you may work,(A) but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest,(B) a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work;(C) wherever you live, it is a sabbath to the Lord.

Matthew 12:1-8  New International Version

Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath(A)(B)

12 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain(C) to eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”(D)

3 He answered, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?(E) 4 He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests.(F) 5 Or haven’t you read in the Law that the priests on Sabbath duty in the temple desecrate the Sabbath(G) and yet are innocent? 6 I tell you that something greater than the temple is here.(H) 7 If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’[a](I) you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man(J) is Lord of the Sabbath.”

The author of Hebrews told us,

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.” (4:9-10)

Jesus is our Sabbath – He is our rest.

Finding rest for our souls is as simple as stepping into the peace, joy, freedom, assurance, and grace which only Jesus provides.

As they say, simple but not easy.

Life can indeed feel like a never-ending treadmill, can’t it?

So often – too often – we carry what seem like very heavy burdens.

Stress about our work, our finances, our families.

We feel self-inflicted constant pressure to function to meet expectations.

And yet, 2026, Jesus’ invitation still speaks directly to our hearts – to our souls crowded by weariness.

He speaks with words which are both powerful and tender

– “Come to me…and I will give you rest.”

Resting in God does not mean that we are to ignore life’s responsibilities, or that we can pretend our challenges no longer exist.

It means that we lean on our Lord to carry the weight that we were never meant to carry alone.

While in this life we turn to temporary rest – like vacations, weekend getaways, or even the gym – Jesus offers us so much more.

He offers a spiritual rest – one which quiets our souls.

It replaces our anxiety with His peace.

In Psalm 84, the writer compares being in the house of God – even as a lowly doorkeeper for one day – to a thousand days in the swirling evil of this world.

Finding rest there for that day.

In Psalm 23, David tells us,

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”

Both are imagery of a shepherd bringing calm and peace to his flock.  

In John 10:11, Jesus tells us He is the “good shepherd” – and we will find that calm, peace, comfort, and rest in His hands.

The Gift of Rest

Leviticus 23:3  English Standard Version

The Sabbath

3 (A)“Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work. It is a Sabbath unto the Lord in all of your dwelling places.

Our culture tends to wear busyness like a badge of honor.

We work long hours; we juggle family, church, and school responsibilities; and we take our work with us when we go on vacation.

When people ask us how we are doing, though exhausted, we take pride in our sighing, “Busy!”

We need to ask, “Are we doing all this just to be seen, valued, and affirmed?”

Leviticus 23 opens a section about feasts and festivals that God called his people to observe.

These events created a sense of rhythm and structure for God’s people, and the first of these was the weekly Sabbath.

Every seven days, the people were to set their work aside and rest.

As noted in Exodus 20:8-11, resting reminded Israel that God, not their labor, sustained the world, and Deuteronomy 5:12-15 made clear that God, not their labor, was their salvation.

Today most Christians observe Sunday as their day of rest and worship.

Why? Because Jesus, who rose on the first day of the week, gives us a greater rest than the people of Israel had in the time of Leviticus.

Jesus’ death and resurrection means that the work of perfect obedience has been completed; he has provided the rest that our souls long for.

In Jesus we are free from the relentless work of trying to earn our worth and to live as if we bear the weight of the world on our shoulders.

Are we weary and burdened?

Weak and heavy laden?

Jesus invites you to find rest in him.

Set aside time this week to enjoy the rest and worship God graciously gives us.

What Does Shabbat Shalom Mean? Explained Simply 2025-26

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

Praying …

Psalm 23 English Standard Version

The Lord Is My Shepherd

A Psalm of David.

23 The Lord is my (A)shepherd; I shall not (B)want.
2     He makes me lie down in green (C)pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.[a]
3     He (D)restores my soul.
He (E)leads me in (F)paths of righteousness[b]
    for his (G)name’s sake.

4 Even though I (H)walk through the valley of (I)the shadow of death,[c]
    I will (J)fear no evil,
for (K)you are with me;
    your (L)rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

5 You (M)prepare a table before me
    in (N)the presence of my enemies;
you (O)anoint my head with oil;
    my (P)cup overflows.
6 Surely[d] goodness and mercy[e] shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall (Q)dwell[f] in the house of the Lord
    (R)forever.[g]

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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This Is Serious Business, Rebels; Go! Always Keep Your Eyes upon Eternity, living with His Kingdom in focus and trusting the fullness of His promises. Isaiah 46:1-4

Isaiah 46:1-4  The Message

This Is Serious Business, Rebels

46 1-2 The god Bel falls down, god Nebo slumps.
    The no-god hunks of wood are loaded on mules
And have to be hauled off,
    wearing out the poor mules—
Dead weight, burdens who can’t bear burdens,
    hauled off to captivity.

3-4 “Listen to me, family of Jacob,
    everyone that’s left of the family of Israel.
I’ve been carrying you on my back
    from the day you were born,
And I’ll keep on carrying you when you’re old.
    I’ll be there, bearing you when you’re old and gray.
I’ve done it and will keep on doing it,
    carrying you on my back, saving you.

Word of God for the Children of God

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

Carried by Grace: A Reflection on Isaiah 46:3

In the hustle and bustle of today’s technological life, it is all too easy to feel unnoticed, unsupported, and even lost and abandoned.

Yet, in Isaiah 46:3, we encounter a profound truth of God’s unwavering care:

“Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb.”

This verse not only summons us to listen but also serves as a much needed reminder of God’s enduring presence and compassion throughout our lives.

To truly grasp the depth of this verse, we must first understand the context in which it was written.

The Israelites faced tumultuous times; they were in exile, contending with oppression, and experiencing uncertainty about their future.

God, through His prophet Isaiah, addresses them as a tender father would his children.

Isaiah 46:3  King James Version

3 Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

The phrase “hearken unto me” signifies more than mere listening; it calls for profound attention and response.

God invites His people into a deeper relationship, one centered, founded, upon understanding and trust.

In our own lives, when we face such a magnitude of difficulties, do we stop, take the time cease our striving, hands over our ears to “hearken” to God’s voice?

The metaphor of being “borne by me from the belly” and “carried from the womb” paints an image of intimacy.

God is not a distant deity; He is present from our very beginnings.

The Hebrew people, as descendants of Jacob, are reminded that from the very first moments of their conception, they have been under His watchful eye and loving care.

This speaks to us as well, reminding us that before we ever took our first breath, we were known and beloved by God.

As Psalm 139:13-14 proclaims,

“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

How reassuring it is to know that God is intimately involved in our lives even before they unfold fully.

Moreover, the imagery of being carried suggests a gentle guidance and provision.

In our most vulnerable states, when we feel like we cannot move forward, we are reminded that God is the one who carries us.

Life can feel overwhelming, especially when we face loss, heartache, or the daily struggles that wear us down.

In those moments, God is there to cradle us, much like a mother carries her child, providing safety and reassurance.

Our trials do not go unnoticed; they are met with divine support.

1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to “Cast all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

This reveals not only the invitation to bring our burdens but also affirms His readiness to carry them alongside us.

Reflecting on this verse also brings forth the notion of preservation.

The phrase “remnant of the house of Israel” signifies a group that remains after calamity, suggesting on going hope even in difficult circumstances.

To be part of a remnant means to be preserved for a unique future purpose.

Just as the Israelites were promised restoration, so we too have the assurance that God is constantly working in our trials to bring about His divine plans.

Even when we feel small amidst the chaos of life, we are part of something much larger—a promise and purpose that transcends our understanding.

Our reflection on Isaiah 46:3, lets us take an intentional moment to recognize our dependence on God.

We are not alone in our struggles, nor are we forsaken in times of distress.

Instead, we are cradled by grace, borne from our very beginnings, and carried through every season of our lives.

I pray we allow this truth to resonate deep within us, drawing us closer to the heart of our Heavenly Father.

Let us learn to hearken—open our ears and hearts—to the gentle whispers of His love, support, and guidance.

In doing so, we find peace, purpose, and a lasting assurance that we are not just existing, but thriving under His 24×7 caring embrace.

It has always been a great comfort for believers to realize that we are fearfully and wonderfully made and embraced and that the Lord knows us before we are born, for He forms us in our mother’s womb.

Indeed, He has scheduled every day of our lives, watches over our every move and fully, faithfully remains with us, even when we wander far away from Him.

But this verse 4 assures us that it is not only our early years about which the Lord is interested.

He is with us every day of our lives, from the cradle to the grave.

He cares for us from the womb to the tomb, from start to finish, from birth to death, and for every day and season in between.

The Lord is not only interested in us during the first flush of youth, our years of vigorous actions, or our blushing adult activities when we are motoring along through the prime of life.

He also is deeply interested in us as we stumble forward, advancing into our twilight years, and even on into the frailty of old age.

The Lord loves and cares for each one of us when our hair has turned grey, or silver or turned snowy white or flat fallen off of our heads in total baldness.

Our knees have grown feeble, and our faces have become furrowed with huge wrinkles. He cares for us when our hands start to tremble, our mouths begin to dribble, and our minds become increasingly confused and forgetful.

He has promised to carry us and care for us in every season of life, including our very last season, because He is our Heavenly Father and we are His people.

He has made us and He has promised to faithfully carry us, care for us, help us, and deliver us all the days of our life.

At our very last breaths, the end of our life, He will take us home to be with Himself in heavenly glory, for He has promised:

“And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.”

There is No One Like God

This can be summed up by declaring, proclaiming, this …

The Lord God is unique.

There is no one like him.

He is the Lord, “and there is no other.”

God is incomparably great.

He is above and beyond all creation.

He did not have to create the universe to be God; he was already God before the foundation of the earth.

God is not an idol made by human imagining; he is the one who gives life to all.

God is not vulnerable or fleeting like the rulers of this world.

His throne is unshakable.

His kingdom is eternal.

He cannot be challenged nor defeated by any enemy or coalition.

God is the undefeated victor in all battles.

He does not share his glory with anyone.

He does not decentralize his power.

On the contrary, in God’s hands are all power and authority.

The Lord is incomparably holy, separate from everything and everyone.

In him there is no fault.

He is pure in who he is and perfect in all he does.

Moses declared, “Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” (Exodus 15:11).

We can trust in God because his sovereignty is unlimited.

His love is eternal, and no one can separate us from that love.

His wisdom is perfect, and therefore none of his plans can be thwarted.

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

Praying …

Psalm 29

A Psalm of David.

1 Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty,
give unto the Lord glory and strength.
2 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name;
worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters:
the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars;
yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf;
Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.
7 The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire.
8 The voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness;
the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to calve,
and discovereth the forests:
and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.

10 The Lord sitteth upon the flood;
yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever.
11 The Lord will give strength unto his people;
the Lord will bless his people with peace.

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

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Do not be naive. Do not be fooled nor fall into a pit of deepest complacency. Immoral and disobedient times with one’s who boast of an allergy to God are on our horizons. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

2 Timothy 3:1-5 New Living Translation

The Dangers of the Last Days

3 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

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.

A long time ago, in a garden far far away, the serpent whispered to humanity’s unsuspecting souls “There’s no worry, there is plenty of time” but Christians know they need to live every single day for the Lord as if it could be their last.

Don’t they?

8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”

I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

9 And he said, “Yes, go, and say to this people,

‘Listen carefully, but do not understand.
    Watch closely, but learn nothing.’
10 Harden the hearts of these people.
    Plug their ears and shut their eyes.
That way, they will not see with their eyes,
    nor hear with their ears,
nor understand with their hearts
    and turn to me for healing.”[b]

11 Then I said, “Lord, how long will this go on?”

And he replied,

“Until their towns are empty,
    their houses are deserted,
    and the whole country is a wasteland;
12 until the Lord has sent everyone away,
    and the entire land of Israel lies deserted.
13 If even a tenth—a remnant—survive,
    it will be invaded again and burned.
But as a terebinth or oak tree leaves a stump when it is cut down,
    so Israel’s stump will be a holy seed.”

Perhaps we do not know?

Perhaps we do not bother to care?

Perhaps we are too busy taking life for granted?

Perhaps we are too busy taking God for granted?

Perhaps we are too busy believing God is long since dead and buried?

Perhaps we are too busy listening to the serpent whispering in our ears?

Are we observing, do we have situational awareness … something is not kosher?

Has the serpent dulled our senses to that final nth degree of imperceptibility?

So many questions being asked … but who is the One asking these questions?

Genesis 1:1-5 Amplified Bible

The Creation

1 In the beginning God ([a]Elohim) [b]created [by forming from nothing] the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was [c]formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. 3 And God said, [d]“Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good (pleasing, useful) and [e]He affirmed and sustained it; and God separated the light [distinguishing it] from the darkness. 5 And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was [f]evening and there was [g]morning, one day.

Where are the curious ones who bother to look, observe, to hear, to be obedient?

Where are the ones publicly declaring; “my heart was strangely warmed?”

Psalm 19 Amplified Bible

The Works and the Word of God.

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

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

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

In uncertain turbulent times, God calls each and every one of us to steadfast faith, resilient hope, and genuine godliness, authentic humility, anchored in Savior Jesus Christ, His indelible truth, not swayed by counterfeit spirituality.

God has spoken through His Prophets and His Son and His Apostles – “I AM.”

He has not left us guessing or grasping in the dark.

He places His hand on our shoulder through the apostle Paul and whispers, Steady now. Take courage. I see what you see, and I will guide you through.

2 Timothy is a letter from an older shepherd to a younger one—a seasoned saint encouraging a timid pastor.

Picture Paul, weathered and wise, passing the torch to Timothy, who faces a congregation and a culture churning with confusion.

The ink of this letter feels warm, like a father’s arm around a son.

It names the ache of the age and points us to the Anchor who holds in every storm.

Hebrews 6:17-20 Amplified Bible

17 In the same way God, in His desire to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable nature of His purpose, intervened and guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things [His promise and His oath] in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled [to Him] for refuge would have strong encouragement and indwelling strength to hold tightly to the hope set before us. 19 This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells], 20 where Jesus has entered [in advance] as a forerunner for us, having become a High Priest forever according to the order of [a]Melchizedek.

Paul tells us plainly: there would be days marked by both pressure and peril, by counterfeit spirituality and a carousel of teachers who dazzle but do not deliver.

It sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Our calendars are crowded, our newsfeeds are loud, and our spirits can feel thin.

And yet, right here—right now—God calls us to walk in clarity, courage, and compassion. He calls us to be a people of resilient hope and rugged holiness.

He calls us to hold truth with tenderness and to trust Christ with tenacity.

J. I. Packer once wrote, “A little knowledge of God is worth more than a great deal of knowledge about him.”

That lands near the center of our passage today.

So many words swirl.

So much content streams.

Yet the living knowledge of God—knowing Him, loving Him, listening to Him—gives ballast to the soul and brightness to our steps.

Today, we sit under a 2000 years old text identifying the times and lifts our eyes unto the heavens which God took from chaos’ iron clad grasp to hope and love.

It will help us to better understand the crisis of the last days, teach us how to face sham spirituality and false teaching, and strengthen our resolve to keep step with the truth while we wait for the appearing of our Savior and King.

The point is not panic; the point is preparation.

The goal is not fear; the goal is faithfulness.

The goal is not inaction, sitting playing video games; The goal is obedience.

And do we know what faithfulness looks like in an age like ours? It looks like a steady heart, a sound mind, a soft word, and a stubborn hope in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 81:15 Amplified Bible

15 
Those who hate the Lord would pretend obedience to Him and cringe before Him,
And their time of punishment would be forever.

And dare we know what authentic obedience would look like in an age like ours?

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

Praying …

Psalm 128 Amplified Bible

Blessedness of the Fear of the Lord.

A Song of [a]Ascents.

128 Blessed [happy and sheltered by God’s favor] is everyone who fears the Lord [and worships Him with obedience],
Who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments.
2 
For you shall eat the fruit of [the labor of] your hands,
You will be happy and blessed and it will be well with you.
3 
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
Within the innermost part of your house;
Your children will be like olive plants
Around your table.
4 
Behold, for so shall the man be blessed and divinely favored
Who fears the Lord [and worships Him with obedience].

5 
May the Lord bless you from Zion [His holy mountain],
And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life;
6 
Indeed, may you see your [family perpetuated in your] children’s children.
Peace be upon Israel!

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 blessings of persecution? “Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down or throws you out, and every time someone smears you or so blackens your name to discredit me.” Luke 6:17-23

Luke 6:17-23 The Message

You’re Blessed

17-21 Coming down off the mountain with them, he stood on a plain surrounded by disciples, and was soon joined by a huge congregation from all over Judea and Jerusalem, even from the seaside towns of Tyre and Sidon. They had come both to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. Those disturbed by evil spirits were healed. Everyone was trying to touch him—so much energy surging from him, so many people healed! Then he spoke:

You’re blessed when you’ve lost it all.
God’s kingdom is there for the finding.

You’re blessed when you’re ravenously hungry.
Then you’re ready for the Messianic meal.

You’re blessed when the tears flow freely.
Joy comes with the morning.

22-23 “Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down or throws you out, every time someone smears or blackens your name to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—skip like a lamb, if you like!—for even though they do not like it, I do . . . and all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company; my preachers and witnesses have always been treated like this.

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.

Blessed in our Brokenness? Our Embracing the High Cost of Discipleship?

In a world that often equates happiness with acceptance, Luke 6:22 challenges our understanding of what it means to be blessed.

The verse states, “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.” (KJV).

At first glance, these words may seem perplexing, especially in a culture that idolizes popularity and social approval.

The idea of being blessed in the face of hatred and rejection is counterintuitive and can elicit deep feelings of bewilderment or dread.

However, to fully grasp the depth of Jesus’ message from Luke 6:22, we must explore the context in which these words were spoken and what they mean for us as followers of Savior Christ today.

In the Sermon on the Mount, where this teaching appears, Jesus addresses His disciples and offers them a deep radical perspective on the nature of blessings.

He contrasts societal norms with the Kingdom values that He is instituting.

Being blessed by God is not confined to moments of prosperity or public acclaim; it includes the experience of trials and tribulations for His sake.

In a sense, this passage invites us to consider, redefine what it means to be blessed, urging us to find solace in our pain and strength in our weakness.

The phrase “when men shall hate you” speaks to the reality of persecution that often accompanies a life dedicated to the teachings of Jesus.

Followers of Christ, we will find ourselves at odds with the values of the world.

Our beliefs may lead to violent hostility from those who do not share our faith or understanding of righteousness.

This is not merely a theoretical statement.

It is a call to recognize and prepare for the inevitable conflicts that can arise when we choose under all conditions to stand steadfast and firm in our faith.

The next part of the verse, “and when they shall separate you from their company,” adds another hardcore layer to our calling as Jesus’ disciples.

Jesus acknowledges that enduring persecution, rejection, comes at a price—perhaps that price is exclusion, alienation from friends, family, or community.

This separation can be one of the hardest experiences to endure, as human beings are inherently social creatures.

This very separation, painful as it may be, can serve to draw us closer to Christ.

When we lay down our earthly affiliations for the sake of following Him, we open ourselves up to a new reality; a much deeper, more intimate fellowship with Jesus, who identified with betrayal, rejection and understood our pain.

To be reproached and to have one’s name cast out as evil is a daunting prospect.

It resonates with the image of the early Christians, who faced scorn, contempt, persecution, even publicly humiliating painful deaths for their steadfast faith.

In today’s context, while perhaps not facing physical persecution, many still encounter slander, misunderstanding, or even hostile environments stemming from their Christian beliefs and values — some will even face being murdered.

We may have experienced such persecution at school; maybe we took a stand for the Bible, then we suddenly found ourselves isolated from your peer group.

We may have tasted the pain of being ostracized by a friend, friendship group, or passed over for promotion at work, because we explained to someone who Jesus is, why He died, and what that means. Why we do have legitimate hope.

We may even know the pain of being spurned by members of our own family because of our faith.

If we stand up, stand out for Christ, then ever so subtly and yet so very clearly the hatred begins to spill out, and the sense of scorn is nearly overwhelming.

There is nothing easy or enjoyable about being maligned or left out when we choose to live in obedience to God.

Indeed, there is great heartache that accompanies rejection.

How, then, are we to find blessing and comfort in its midst?

We must cling to the truth Jesus speaks of here: that when we find ourselves on the receiving end of the world’s hatred as a response to our faithfulness to the Son of Man, nothing has gone wrong: we are, truth, in a place to know blessing.

In other words, this sort of mistreatment is tangible evidence of our genuine faith and relationship with the Lord.

Furthermore, Jesus promises that if we acknowledge Him before men, He will also acknowledge us before His Father in heaven (Matthew 10:32-33).

32-33 “Stand up for me against world opinion and I’ll stand up for you before my Father in heaven. If you turn tail and run, do you think I’ll cover for you?

The man or woman who leads a holy life—who is prepared to speak and obey God’s word with boldness, who refuses to seek the narrow middle way between an obedient life and a popular one—will eventually collide head-on with the diesel locomotive destination the ungodly and incur the enmity of the world.

How are we being called to risk rejection in order to speak of Christ or live for Christ?

Do not lose heart!

Instead, respond to slander against you or dislike of you on account of the gospel with grace by rejoicing, “for behold, your reward is great in heaven.”

The world has nothing to offer that comes close to comparing with that.

The fact Jesus directly identifies with these experiences as a sign of blessing is transformative.

He invites us to embrace trials, they are indicators of our commitment to Him.

Ultimately, understand the key phrase in this verse “for the Son of man’s sake.”

Our suffering is not arbitrary; it is directly tied to our relationship with Christ.

When we endure hardship for His name, we align ourselves with His mission and express our steadfast, immovable commitment to His life and teachings.

In this context, our pain becomes purposeful.

When faced with hatred, ostracization, and reproach, we remind ourselves that we share in the greater narrative of Christ’s redemptive work, which is framed by betrayal, public humiliation, near complete rejection and unconditional love.

In a society that often dismisses or diminishes the personal cost of discipleship, Luke 6:22 serves as a vital reminder that our only true identity and worth are not determined by the acceptance of the world, but by our status as children of God.

Thus, let us rejoice in our trials and take comfort in the assurance that, through our endurance of, perseverance, the pain and ridicule, we are indeed “blessed.”

As we reflect on this verse, let us ask ourselves:

How do we respond to moments of betrayal, humiliation, scorn, rejection?

Do we allow our response to drive us deeper into the arms of Christ, or do we seek validation elsewhere?

May we first strive to seek out, look directly into, the face of God.

Let the intensity of our gaze strive to reflect a steadfast faith in Savior Christ, knowing every single trial for His name’s sake draws us closer to Him and also inspire us to sacrifice self, enriching our inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven.

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

Praying ….

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.

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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