Romans 15:4 "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
55 1-3 Open your ears, God, to my prayer; don’t pretend you don’t hear me knocking. Come close and whisper your answer. I really need you. I shudder at the mean voice, quail before the evil eye, As they pile on the guilt, stockpile angry slander.
4-8 My insides are turned inside out; specters of death have me down. I shake with fear, I shudder from head to foot. “Who will give me wings,” I ask— “wings like a dove?” Get me out of here on dove wings; I want some peace and quiet. I want a walk in the country, I want a cabin in the woods. I’m desperate for a change from rage and stormy weather.
9-11 Come down hard, Lord—slit their tongues. I’m appalled how they’ve split the city Into rival gangs prowling the alleys Day and night spoiling for a fight, trash piled in the streets, Even shopkeepers gouging and cheating in broad daylight.
12-14 This isn’t the neighborhood bully mocking me—I could take that. This isn’t a foreign devil spitting invective—I could tune that out. It’s you! We grew up together! You! My best friend! Those long hours of leisure as we walked arm in arm, God a third party to our conversation.
15 Haul my betrayers off alive to hell—let them experience the horror, let them feel every desolate detail of a damned life.
16-19 I call to God; God will help me. At dusk, dawn, and noon I sigh deep sighs—he hears, he rescues. My life is well and whole, secure in the middle of danger Even while thousands are lined up against me. God hears it all, and from his judge’s bench puts them in their place. But, set in their ways, they won’t change; they pay him no mind.
20-21 And this, my best friend, betrayed his best friends; his life betrayed his word. All my life I’ve been charmed by his speech, never dreaming he’d turn on me. His words, which were music to my ears, turned to daggers in my heart.
22-23 Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders— he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin. But you, God, will throw the others into a muddy bog, Cut the lifespan of assassins and traitors in half.
And I trust 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.
REST! Is it really a lost commodity in our culture?
In our hurried, never-sitting-still-society-for-fear-of-being-run-over-by-society, you would think it is.
That speaks of physical rest, but what of the rest of one’s soul?
A time when one can enjoy a respite of peace and quiet on the inside instead of always feeling like their world is in turmoil.
I think many of us can really relate to that need for rest.
Sometimes, we wish we could do like Jesus and stand before the storm and say, “Peace, be still,” and literally make every wave of adversity shut its mouth!
I know you want to. I do, too!
It just becomes too much to deal with at times, and the need for space to breathe, to come out from under all this mess, becomes an overwhelming factor.
God bless you if you can’t relate to what I am saying here.
For most of us, the challenge of dealing with daily schedules, mess, and problems leaves us feeling totally surrounded.
As if, no matter what direction we turn, there is something there to prevent us from really enjoying that rest.
Oh, but if I had two wings!
I would fly!
The idea of rising above every problem and adverse circumstance is very tantalizing.
Right there, I form a mental picture of myself soaring.
Below me is everything that tries to come against me.
All those problems and schedules are trying to reach up and grab hold of me, but they can’t!
I have risen too high for them.
I have learned how to fly above it all!
The problem with that is that it is a fantasy.
Oh, that it was real.
While we are living on this side of glory, we are always going to have something to deal with, but that still doesn’t mean we can’t fly.
Isaiah 40:31 emphatically declares,
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles . . .”
God never promised to remove every problem from our lives but, what He did say, is He will renew the strength of those who turn to Him in the midst of it all.
God is strong in power, and there is none like Him (Isaiah 40:25-26).
We recognize today that though I may not have suddenly sprouted two wings out of my back, when I rely on God’s power, it is as if I am already soaring!
And, that my friends, is real rest!
It is a confidence that fills my heart and lets me know that I don’t have to feel beaten down and worn out.
God’s got this!
He sees what I am going through.
Psalms 5:11-12 “Let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.”
I may not have two physical wings on the outside, but on the inside, I’m flying higher than it all.
Why?
Because though it may seem at times I am totally surrounded, I serve the Lord God Almighty who is ready, willing able to “encompass” me “as with a shield.”
Therefore, today, I can fly!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Praying …
Psalm 121 The Message
121 1-2 I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.
3-4 He won’t let you stumble, your Guardian God won’t fall asleep. Not on your life! Israel’s Guardian will never doze or sleep.
5-6 God’s your Guardian, right at your side to protect you— Shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moonstroke.
7-8 God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, in order that he may be with you forever[a]— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world is not able to receive, because it does not see him or know him.[b] You know him, because he resides with you and will be in you.
18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. 19 Yet a little time and the world will see me no longer, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 The one who has my commandments and keeps them—that one is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will reveal myself to him.”
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.
Stand with me and lift your bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am what it says I am.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.
“Growing in Christ: Walking in Obedience”
Turn with me in your Bibles to John 14:15-21.
Today, we’re going to look at the essential key to a deep, flourishing relationship with Jesus: obedience.
In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
Obedience to God isn’t a mere duty; it’s an expression of love.
Obedience brings us closer to Christ, empowers us to live victoriously, and opens doors for the Holy Spirit to move in us in powerful ways.
1: Obedience Shows Our Love for Christ
In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
Our love for Jesus is demonstrated in how we obey Him. Obedience isn’t about mere compliance; it’s about a much deep connection with the heart of God. We obey because we each love Him, and we want to live in alignment with His will.
Obedience to Jesus is always a response to His love for us. It is a way of saying, “Lord, I love You so much that I want to please You, no matter what it costs.”
– Obedience flows from love. If you love Jesus, you will want to follow His commands.
– Is there an area in your life where you are holding back from obeying Jesus?
Surrender that area today. Let your love for Him be your motivation to obey.
In John 14:16-17, Jesus tells His disciples that the Holy Spirit will come to those who obey and follow His commandments.
The Holy Spirit is not just any distant power, but the very presence of God that dwells within us. And the Holy Spirit is given to empower, inspire, us to obey.
– The Holy Spirit empowers you to obey.
– Obedience invites the Holy Spirit to work through you.
– If you are struggling with obedience, ask the Holy Spirit for the strength to follow God’s commands. He is there to help you.
2: Obedience Brings Blessing and Fruitfulness
In John 14:21, Jesus says,
“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Jesus is telling us, teaching us, that obedience brings intimacy with Him, and obedience opens the door to divine blessings and fruitfulness.
Let me share the powerful story of Abraham, the father of faith.
God called Abraham to leave his home, his family, and his comfort zone, and to go to a place God would show him.
It wasn’t a call that made sense. Abraham didn’t know where he was going or how it would all turn out. But Abraham obeyed. His obedience to God’s call was the **foundation** of God’s promise to make him the father of many nations.
Abraham’s obedience resulted in a blessing that reached far beyond his lifetime.
From his obedience, the nation of Israel was born, and ultimately, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, came from Abraham’s line.
Through Abraham’s obedience, the world was blessed.
When we obey God, it may not always bring specific immediate rewards, but it will always bring fruitfulness. Our obedience positions us for God’s blessing, and we begin to see His hand move in our lives in ways we never expected.
– When you obey God, you position yourself for His blessings and for His fruitfulness.
– Your obedience doesn’t just impact your life—it impacts the lives of others. You may not see it immediately, but God is using our obedience for something far greater.
Church, obedience to Jesus is not a burden—it is key to growing in connecting with Savior Christ and experiencing His presence and His power in our lives.
It’s about trusting Him enough to follow His lead, even when the way is hard.
When we obey, we open wide the doorway for the Holy Spirit to move in us and through us, bringing freedom, blessing, and fruitfulness.
– Maybe you’ve been struggling with a particular area of obedience.
You’ve been hesitant to trust God or to take that step of faith.
Today is the day to surrender and obey.
– If you want the strength to walk in obedience, I invite you to come forward and ask the Holy Spirit to empower you.
– If you want to experience the blessing and fruitfulness that comes from our obeying Christ, come forward, make a fresh commitment to follow Him fully.
In the Name of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit …
Praying …
Psalm 119:129-136 The Message
129-136 Every word you give me is a miracle word— how could I help but obey? Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning. Mouth open and panting, I wanted your commands more than anything. Turn my way, look kindly on me, as you always do to those who personally love you. Steady my steps with your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me. Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women so I can live life your way. Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live. I cry rivers of tears because nobody’s living by your book!
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.
28 And they drew near to the village where they were going, and he acted as though he was going farther. 29 And they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is getting toward evening, and by this time the day is far spent.” And he went in to stay with them. 30 And it happened that when he reclined at the table with them, he took the bread and[a] gave thanks, and after[b] breaking it,[c] he gave it[d] to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he became invisible to them. 32 And they said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was speaking with us on the road, while he was explaining the scriptures to us?” 33 And they got up that same hour and[e] returned to Jerusalem and found the eleven and those with them assembled, 34 saying, “The Lord has really been raised, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 And they began describing[f] what happened[g] on the road, and how he was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
During trying times, you may feel that your positive energies are dwindling—sometimes your cup may seem more empty than full.
When your cup feels diminished, or near empty, how do you refill it?
This devotion offers two strategies:
(1) Hope—a God sized pitcher you can pour from to help refill your cup; and (2) Reclaiming sacred time and space in your life to renew, reinvigorate yourself.
Begin with hope.
According to research, hope is one of the 24 character strengths common to humankind, offering meaning and helping us connect to the world around us.
Hope is composed of strategies—tools you can learn about and use in your day-to-day life.
During difficult, uncertain, or overwhelming times, hope strategies can help you notice that behind the shadows, there is light.
Recently, I wanted to get rid of a tripping hazard. I searched for the flat-head screwdriver and thought somehow my wife or I may have just misplaced it.
Then I spotted a corner of the elusive screwdriver’s black and yellow handle, hanging where it always is, but obscured by a baseball cap and other stuff.
I searched more carefully and saw the screwdriver had actually been there the whole time, but I hadn’t noticed it. If we stopped to consider looking a bit more carefully through all of the clutter our own lives, we can discover greater hope.
Ultimately, experiencing our cup as ether half full or half empty involves tactics we know, by praying and past experiences, we can choose a strategy. It is within our power to rally hope and call it forth—even during the most trying of times.
In The Book of Hope (2021), anthropologist Jane Goodall wrote,
“When we face adversity, it is hope that gives us the confidence to rally our indomitable spirit to overcome it.”
Put another way, when we can discern, envision, in the light of our mind or heart, a pathway to a future prayerfully better than the present, this is hope.
Romans 15:1-6 English Standard Version
The Example of Christ
15 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
During difficult times, hope on some far horizon may invite seeking a middle ground, where both current truths and desire for a better future can co-exist.
Biblical study’s of hope consistently shows hope in God and optimism can benefit our emotional and physical well-being, positive relationships, and effectiveness in ministries and missions.
Aiming for faith, hope and love are always first and best choices we can make and actions we can take, even during those most unrelenting and trying times.
Hope theoryposits we can all generate the capacities, pathways, and resolve to reach toward our goals.
These behavior choices can shift hope from wishful thinking to tangible action with intentional goal-oriented motivation and steps.
Here are the three components:
(1) having a goal;
(2) agency, or the motivation and determination that your goal can be achieved; and
(3) pathways, a plan and actions for reaching your goal.
Refill your own cup by reclaiming time to reinvigorate yourself.
If one of your goals is to seriously take some time for yourself, just how can you carve out some minutes each day that are just exclusive for yourown self care?
What can you say no to, so that you can say yes to you?
For the purposes of this discussion, let’s say saying yes to ourselves is simply good, sound, self-care.
To reclaim time and space for yourself, you may try to experiment with carving out precious moments that help you create space once, twice a day or longer as circumstances arise to “drive or walk or run to the horizon” reset and restore.
Luke 24:30-35 Amplified Bible
30 And it happened that as He reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. 31 Then their eyes were [suddenly] opened [by God] and they [clearly] recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32 They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was talking with us on the road and opening the Scriptures to us?” 33 They got up that very hour and went back to Jerusalem, and found the eleven [apostles] gathered together and those who were with them, 34 saying, “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon [Peter]!” 35 They began describing in detail what had happened on the road, and how Jesus was recognized by them when He broke the bread.
Buoyed by a renewed understanding of Jesus’ mission and their calling to tell others, all of the disciples found renewed hope.
They shared stories among themselves of other encounters with the risen Lord, and their joy and confidence grew. Hope was the very thing these sheep needed, and Jesus provided it in abundance (see also vv. 36-49).
It comforted them when Jesus returned to heaven (Luke 24:50-53).
And with the coming of the Holy Spirit, it propelled them into new places and new ministries and new missions, fortified them when they faced persecution.
Psalm 23 AKJV
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
“Some people see the glass half full.Others see it half empty.I see a glass that’s twice as big as it needs to be.” – George Carlin
“The optimist says the cup is half full, the pessimist says the cup is half empty, the child of God says, “My cup runneth over.”” Psalm 23:5
These sheep could declare with the writer of Psalm 23 that they lacked nothing.
Jesus provided all that was needed to anchor and build their faith.
They regained confidence that they belonged to him and to each other.
They had renewed knowledge that God faithfully keeps working in the world.
They also had a renewed sense of calling to be on mission with God as they continued working and waiting in hope for Jesus’ return.
We can declare the same. The shepherd continues to form our faith. And like the early disciples who shared their testimonies of their encounters with the living Jesus, we are invited to give witness to our own encounters with Jesus today.
Now, with whom will you, above and beyond, abundantly share overwhelming stories, miraculous truths, about the Lord’s overflowing work in your life?
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit …
Praying …
Psalm 84 Complete Jewish Bible
(0) For the leader. On the gittit. A psalm of the sons of Korach:
2 (1) How deeply loved are your dwelling-places, Adonai-Tzva’ot! 3 (2) My soul yearns, yes, faints with longing for the courtyards of Adonai; my heart and body cry for joy to the living God.
4 (3) As the sparrow finds herself a home and the swallow her nest, where she lays her young, [so my resting-place is] by your altars, Adonai-Tzva’ot, my king and my God.
5 (4) How happy are those who live in your house; they never cease to praise you! (Selah) 6 (5) How happy the man whose strength is in you, in whose heart are [pilgrim] highways.
7 (6) Passing through the [dry] Baka Valley, they make it a place of springs, and the early rain clothes it with blessings. 8 (7) They go from strength to strength and appear before God in Tziyon.
9 (8) Adonai, God of armies, hear my prayer; listen, God of Ya‘akov. (Selah) 10 (9) God, see our shield [the king]; look at the face of your anointed. 11 (10) Better a day in your courtyards than a thousand [days elsewhere]. Better just standing at the door of my God’s house than living in the tents of the wicked.
12 (11) For Adonai, God, is a sun and a shield; Adonai bestows favor and honor; he will not withhold anything good from those whose lives are pure.
13 (12) Adonai-Tzva’ot, how happy is anyone who trusts in you!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
33 And they got up that same hour and[a] returned to Jerusalem and found the eleven and those with them assembled, 34 saying, “The Lord has really been raised, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 And they began describing[b] what happened[c] on the road, and how he was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.
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.
Again we are stopped, confronted with Luke’s vision for mission and ministry.
For not only should Jesus meet us where we are, walk with us, to open up the Scriptures in reading and encountering us with the living presence of Christ in Communion, it also sends us back unto the “furthest reaches of the earth” to share, to testify and witness what we have seen and experienced with others.
Here is where Luke draws this scene to a close and brings us back to the main story line, as it were, of the disciples gathered in Jerusalem.
For once Cleopas and his companion perceive it was Jesus accompanying them on the road to Emmaus, they get up and immediately hike the seven miles back to Jerusalem.
They go even though it is now surely evening.
They go even though evening is not a safe time to travel.
Why? Because burning hearts demand to be shared. Might this, in fact, be the best understanding of evangelism? It is not trying to convince someone of the faith. It is not saving their soul. It is not threatening someone with damnation.
Rather, it is simply sharing news that has set your own heart on fire with love.
Luke, didn’t have to tell this story.
Each of the four authors of the Gospels makes choices and decisions (as John admits near the close of his story – see John 20:30-31).
And so when we come across a distinct detail, discrepant description, or novel scene, it always behooves us to ask what element of the truth of the Gospel is the Evangelist trying to convey.
Here, I think, the matter is clear.
Writing to Christians who likely never met Jesus in the flesh, Luke invites them – and all of us since – to gather with other fellow Christians around Word and Sacrament that we might be met on the way, hear God’s word opened, perceive Christ in our midst, and be sent to share the good news of Christ’s resurrection.
Christians have been repeating this pattern for two thousand years, and each time we gather for worship on Sunday we are joining them. May it always be so.
Reconsider the utmost significance of the recent events! The news about Jesus was by far too important for the disciples in Emmaus to keep to themselves!
Isn’t it now more interesting, more intriguing these enlightened disciplesarose “returned at once to Jerusalem” to tell the others about their meeting with Jesus?
A little while earlier, they had urged Jesus to stay with them because it would soon be dark—and generally too dangerous to travel.
They rushed back to Jerusalem, seemingly without a care for their own safety.
These disciples could not contain their excitement to tell the good news about Jesus.
They were no longer traumatized victims of a terrible loss; they were disciples on a mission.
They realized their calling was to confirm the teaching of the Scriptures about Jesus and to bear true and faithful witness about the resurrected Jesus to others who were feeling rock bottom lost, utterly defeated. They brought to the other disciples the same encouragement, comfort, and grace that they had received.
When we think of ourselves as part of Jesus’ sheepfold, it can be easy to think that we have been invited to be passive followers. What we see in the Emmaus disciples’ truly active response is that we too are invited to partner with Jesus.
We are summoned to tell the world that God loves everyone so much that he continues to seek all who are lost so they can come home where they belong.
Who in your midst needs to take a walk to Emmaus to hear this good news?
in the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit …
19 The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims the work of his hands. 2 Every day[b] they pour forth speech, and every night[c] they tell knowledge. 3 There is no speech and there are no words; their sound is inaudible. 4 Yet in all the world their line[d] goes out, and their words to the end of the world. In them[e] he has pitched a tent for the sun, 5 and it is like a bridegroom who comes out of his bridal chamber. It is glad like a strong man to run its course. 6 Its rising is from one[f] end of the heavens and its circuit to the other end[g] of them; and nothing is hidden from its heat. 7 The law of Yahweh is perfect, reviving life.[h] The testimony of Yahweh is firm, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of Yahweh are right, making the heart rejoice. The command of Yahweh is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of Yahweh is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of Yahweh are true; they are righteous altogether, 10 more desirable than gold, even much fine gold; and sweeter than honey, even honey in the comb. 11 Moreover, your servant is warned[i] by them; in keeping them is great reward. 12 Who can perceive his errors? Acquit me from hidden faults. 13 Also, keep back your servant from arrogant sins;[j] let them not rule over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your presence, O Yahweh, my rock and my redeemer.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
25 Then Jesus said to them, “O foolish men, and slow of heart to trust and believe in everything that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and [only then to] enter His glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and [throughout] all the [writings of the] prophets, He explained and interpreted for them the things referring to Himself [found] in all the Scriptures.
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.
Two disciples trudge home to Emmaus.
As they walk, they discuss together the brutal tragic events of the past few days.
They wonder what might have happened if Jesus had not died.
Suddenly Jesus joins them out of nowhere.
He blesses them with his presence, and yet for some reason they’re kept from recognizing him.
The resurrected Jesus listens to their story as he walks along with them.
Then he enlightens them, explaining what the Scriptures have said about him.
He probably explained how the exodus from Egypt pointed to redemption from sin’s slavery and how the many prophets, psalmists, pointed unto the Messiah.
He likely explained many things that would have definitely opened their eyes to see that the Messiah himself was walking with them.
They needed ears to hear, divine interpretation to help them understand, and God-given faith. They still didn’t recognize him—but they soon would.
No one can discover the Savior by themselves; he reveals himself to us.
Faith is God’s gift, enabling us to understand the Scriptures, which tell the story of our salvation.
So let’s learn all we can from this Word, trusting he will enlighten us as he did our friends on the Emmaus Road.
Then we too can recognize our Savior walking with us!
Understanding Why and What We Believe
2 Timothy 2:14-18 Amplified Bible
An Unashamed Workman
14 Remind the people of these facts, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, and [upsets and undermines and] ruins [the faith of] those who listen. 15 Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. 16 But avoid all irreverent babble and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their teaching will spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have deviated from the truth. They claim that the resurrection has already taken place, and they undermine the faith of some.
Today’s Christians are no strangers to the idea of deconstructing their faith.
One website talked about the massive clutter of beliefs that have been piled on to believers and the need to question to understand a personal conviction.
This may be especially true for those who grew up in Christian homes and just naturally followed the path marked by the parents, the path of least resistance.
It’s good when we make the decision to try to know why and what you believe.
What does it mean to deconstruct your faith?
The term can have a range of meanings.
Term; Faith deconstruction, also known as deconstructing faith, religious deconstruction, or simply deconstruction, is a process during which religious believers reexamine and question their beliefs.
It originated in American evangelicalism, where it may be called evangelical deconstruction.
The term rose in popularity in connection with the exvangelical movement, which began in 2016.[
Alisa Childers defines deconstruction as “the process of systematically dissecting and often rejecting the beliefs you grew up with“.
23 Examine me, God, and know my heart; test me, and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is in me any hurtful way, and lead me along the eternal way.
Deconstruction is a rigorous process of personal religious re-examination.
People who deconstruct have described destabilizing feelings of anxiety, guilt, anger, confusion, and fear, as well as growing curiosity, awe, and liberation.
Lee Strobel’s The Case for Faith laid this out by following the lives of the late Reverend Billy Graham and Charles Templeton.
Both started as evangelists and were close friends, until Templeton saw the cover of a magazine with an African mother holding her dead baby amidst a drought-stricken country.
Templeton could not reconcile a loving God allowing such to happen.
Templeton walked away from his faith while Graham continued his legacy of faith until the end of his life on earth.
Know Why You Believe
How did you come to faith in Christ?
Chances are someone asked you this question: “If you die today, do you know where you’re going?”
The pictures of what eternal life and eternal damnation look like will make it plain and clear what the best option is.
Then comes the confrontation that you, like everyone else, are a sinner in need of a Savior. It doesn’t matter whether you are not a murderer or a thief and are generally a decent, good, law-abiding citizen. You need the plan of salvation.
First, let’s talk about these pictures of eternal life and eternal damnation.
Jesus talked about these destinations at the end of this age many times.
In the parable of the weeds, Jesus said,
“Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:40-42).
Contrast that with the wonderful place revealed to John and described in Revelation 21:
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (vv.3-4).
And to emphasize the fiery destination once again, it was “the lake that burns with fire and sulfur” (v.8).
The locations of the rich man and Lazarus provide us with the best images of these contrasting locations—Lazarus basking in comfort by Abraham’s side while the rich man burns in anguish, in a place of fiery torment. You can read their story in Luke 16:19-31.
Now comes the hard truth about being a sinner, as clear as crystal, with Romans 3:10 saying, “None is righteous, no not one.”
Paul further stressed “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (v.23).
But God did not desire for any to perish because of His great love for everyone.
“Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners” (5:6), “for the wages of sin is [eternal damnation], but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (6:23).
If you were shaken by this presentation, the best destination to choose becomes even more attractive.
You don’t need to watch a horrific movie like A Thief in the Nightand see what a prolonged and painful experience can be.
You can receive the forgiveness and grace of God through Jesus Christ right now.
What Made You Believe in the First Place?
A pastor said that we all have a story to tell, our personal testimony of how we came to know Christ.
Have you ever authentically, genuinely reflected on your reason for believing?
Did you accept Christ because you want the assurance of God’s kingdom before it’s too late and you find yourself suffering the same fate as the rich man?
Did you really see yourself a condemned sinner, accepting the fact you can’t save yourself no matter what, just as the thief on the cross next to Christ?
Did you really understand the greatest sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, His 100% victory over death when He rose from the grave, His return to His Father and His eventual return for His people?
Paul said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31).
And it is “…by grace…saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8).
Or simply because “it was good enough for mommy and daddy” or “mommy and daddy told me to do it” because they honored God and God commanded it to in turn “honor thy mother and father so that you may live long in the land which Adonai your God is giving you.” exodus 20:12
We go back again to the faith deconstruction happening in the Christian church.
Does it prove that we don’t really hear much of the Word of God from the pulpit today, and just merely the educated or those popular cultural opinions of men?
Jesus already warned us of the hypocrisy of teachers of the law in the past, saying,
“So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. Everything they do is done for people to see” (Matthew 23:3-5).
We now need a biblical dictionary just to make sure we understand theological concepts.
There also seems to be an ongoing battle on whose pastor has a bigger name and church membership.
Somehow, the pastor’s celebrity status and number of followers create the illusion of great teachings.
Paul had words for this:
“When one of you says, ‘I am a follower of Paul,’ and another says, ‘I follow Apollos,’ aren’t you acting just like people of the world?” (1 Corinthians 3:4).
Remember many have fallen into this trap of disillusionment when a renown pastor fails and the members wake up to the knowledge of a life lived in a lie.
Why Doubt in Faith Can Creep In
It’s easy to focus on circumstances rather than keep our eyes on the Lord.
Look at Peter who was walking on water towards Jesus yet, fearing the strong winds, he started to sink.
Or for Thomas who heard the news of the risen Christ, yet wanted proof by his own physical contact with His wounds that it was true, and only believed when Jesus asked him to put his hands through the wounds on His hands and sides.
What happened to their faith-walk journey of three years under the closest tutelage of Jesus? Why the constant back-and-forth of believing and doubting?
Today, we like to talk about ourselves as “under construction” as an excuse for our failures when the truth is we aren’t nearly as pinpoint focused on Christ.
Yet, we firmly stand on the grace and mercy of God always available to us.
Psalm 1 New American Standard Bible
BOOK 1
The Righteous and the Wicked Contrasted.
1 Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the [a]path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, And on His Law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree planted by [b]streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its [c]leaf does not wither; And [d]in whatever he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the Lord [e]knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.
As much as we acknowledge this is true, but would you say it’s abused by our ultra constant sinning from those who call themselves followers of Christ?
This time of rampant lawlessness we’re living in, when Christians are no different in behavior from unbelievers, we take so much comfort in God’s love and grace, to keep us separated from the lawless and not in accepting Jesus’ invitation to abide in Him and the obedience of His commands and statutes.
We are asked why and how we love God.
Yet we have unexplainable and inexpressible aspirations, urges and feelings.
Don’t you think that it’s easy to grow cold in our love for Him because we truly don’t understand the WHO and the why and what we authentically believe?
Something hard to articulate may not be based on a good foundation because it’s not based on the character of God and our understanding of truth.
Why We Need to Understand in Whom We Believe
Now here’s another parable, that of the net, that Jesus explained the same way as the parable of the weeds.
A variety of fish were caught in the net.
“When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:48-50).
Let’s not be deaf, blind nor malignantly ignorant to the fact not all sitting in the church pews are real true believers in Jesus Christ and, at the end of the age, the permanent separation of the true and false believers will assuredly take place.
Even today, the process is happening as we see people we know falling away.
How hard would it have been for Templeton to return to Christ after admitting to Strobel how much he missed Jesus, but still chose to remain an agnostic?
We go back again to untangling the web of doctrines taught from our pulpits.
Think now of the seven woes in the Matthew 23, calling teachers of the Word hypocrites and blind fools and guides.
It’s important to note that Jesus mentioned the dangers of neglecting to teach and practice the
“weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23).
Could this be because we are too enamored being taught that the law has been done away with and it’s all about love and grace for New Testament believers?
Remember that our faith journey is intimate and personal, and we are more responsible for it than anyone else.
1 Corinthians 3:1-4 Amplified Bible
Foundations for Living
3 However, brothers and sisters, I could not talk to you as to spiritual people, but [only] as to [a]worldly people [dominated by human nature], mere infants [in the new life] in Christ! 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Even now you are still not ready. 3 You are still [b]worldly [controlled by ordinary impulses, the sinful capacity]. For as long as there is jealousy and strife and discord among you, are you not [c]unspiritual, and are you not walking like ordinary men [unchanged by faith]? 4 For when one of you says, “I am [a disciple] of Paul,” and another, “I am [a disciple] of Apollos,” are you not [proving yourselves unchanged, just] ordinary people?
By Apostle Paul’s teachings we are encouraged to not simply remain as “infants in Christ” but feed on, gorge, “spiritual solid food” to obtain spiritual maturity.
Romans 11:33-36 Amplified Bible
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and decisions and how unfathomable and untraceable are His ways! 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor? 35 Or who has first given to Him that it would be paid back to him? 36 For from Him [all things originate] and through Him [all things live and exist] and to Him are all things [directed]. To Him be glory and honor forever! Amen.
It will lead to a great discovery of the “truest depth and richness and wisdom and knowledge of God” that will securely anchor our faith (Romans 11:33-36).
in the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit …
Praying …
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.
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.
14 And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. 15 While they were talking and discussing it, Jesus Himself came up and began walking with them. 16 But their eyes were [miraculously] prevented from recognizing Him. 17 Then Jesus asked them, “What are you discussing with one another as you walk along?” And they stood still, looking brokenhearted. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, “Are you the only stranger visiting Jerusalem who is unaware of the things which have happened here in these [recent] days?”
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.
Does it seem unfair that these disciples were kept from seeing Jesus?
I have heard people say that it seems Jesus was being mysterious, tricky here.
While Jesus walks along with them, the disciples think he is an out-of-touch stranger who has no idea what happened recently in Jerusalem.
But let’s look at this from a different angle.
From a teaching and learning perspective, Jesus makes a brilliant move.
The disciples do not know Jesus is right there with him, so they can express their misunderstanding and frustration without being distracted.
They have no need to try to act as they would if they knew he was there.
They have room to hear God’s story all over again and to begin learning anew.
We learn that they also asked each other later, “Were not our hearts burning within us as he talked with us . . . ?”
Somewhere deep inside they sensed that their fellow traveler had remarkable understanding and authority as he spoke about the Scriptures, but first they needed to be in a space where they could be redirected.
Jesus their shepherd had more than one agenda to attend to in order for them to grow as disciples who would be invited to share in his mission.
While not being able to recognize him, they could begin to develop spiritual eyes of faith by which all new disciples would begin to see him.
How well has the good shepherd gotten your attention lately?
What is he trying to teach you?
Going Down the Emmaus Road: Walking in Ignorance?
How could the disciples on the Emmaus road not recognize Jesus?
They were returning from Jerusalem, where Jesus had been arrested, tried, tortured, crucified, and buried.
Now his body was gone, amid rumors flying that he had risen from the grave.
Just a week earlier they probably had walked with Jesus as he rode a colt into Jerusalem. They had hoped he would declare himself king and take up the ancient throne of David. But instead he was arrested, sentenced, and then crucified. And now they heard tell of an empty tomb and a missing body!
As they wandered home to Emmaus, they wondered about what might have been.
We know Jesus rose from the grave, yet we too can still live in the dark about his presence, or even ignore him. At this point those two disciples were in the dark since Jesus hadn’t revealed himself to them. They must have wondered who this person was who didn’t seem to know what had happened in Jerusalem.
So they filled him in.
Walking the resurrection road is still enormously challenging today.
Living consciously and intentionally in Jesus’ presence is a daily challenge.
We so readily miss the reality of Christ with us.
Yet this is our hope: Christ is with us whether we recognize him or not.
Don’t intentionally ignore him.
Look for him.
Immanuel, “God with us,”
“God walks with us.”
“God talks with us.”
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit …
Praying …
God Sustains His Servant.
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
40 I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up out of a horrible pit [of tumult and of destruction], out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock, steadying my footsteps and establishing my path. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear [with great reverence] And will trust confidently in the Lord.
4 Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who makes the Lord his trust, And does not regard the proud nor those who lapse into lies. 5 Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of your wonders, They would be too many to count.
6 Sacrifice and meal offering You do not desire, nor do You delight in them; You have opened my ears and given me the capacity to hear [and obey Your word]; Burnt offerings and sin offerings You do not require. 7 Then I said, “Behold, I come [to the throne]; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. 8 “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.”
9 I have proclaimed good news of righteousness [and the joy that comes from obedience to You] in the great assembly; Behold, I will not restrain my lips [from proclaiming Your righteousness], As You know, O Lord. 10 I have not concealed Your righteousness within my heart; I have proclaimed Your faithfulness and Your salvation. I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great assembly.
11 Do not withhold Your compassion and tender mercy from me, O Lord; Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me. 12 For innumerable evils have encompassed me; My sins have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see. They are more numerous than the hairs of my head, And my heart has failed me.
13 Be pleased, O Lord, to save me; O Lord, make haste to help me. 14 Let those be ashamed and humiliated together Who seek my life to destroy it; Let those be turned back [in defeat] and dishonored Who delight in my hurt. 15 Let those be appalled and desolate because of their shame Who say to me, “Aha, aha [rejoicing in my misfortune]!” 16 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!” 17 Even though I am afflicted and needy, Still the Lord takes thought and is mindful of me. You are my help and my rescuer. O my God, do not delay.
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.
12-14 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
15-16 So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
17-19 Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
20-21 But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
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 World…
Can a Christian be more effective by paying attention to world events?
Should we ignore what is going on in the world and just focus on God?
Simplistic questions as these will never get helpful responses, but I thought they may again capture our attention to what really matters.
At the time of writing this, there are catastrophic losses of life and property from flash flooding in several states, wildfires, riots, civil and social unrest, going on in the United States and two wars going on in the Middle East.
This devotion is not intended to address these issues, but it may very well give us exactly what we need.
Too Heavenly Minded?
I don’t know if you have heard the phrase, “too heavenly minded for earthly good.” The intent of this phrase is that the person’s head is in the clouds and ignoring the real-world problems. It suggests that this person has nothing to offer to help move the issues to resolution.
For the most part, this is true of Christians.
In an attempt to be non-biased and impartial, we pull ourselves out of the conversation.
Is this what God has called us into when He sent us out to disciple nations (Matthew 28:16-20)?
A peacemaker is not standing passively on any sidelines watching everything unfold, but instead actively engages the conversation to bring the impactful, transformational love of God into every relationship.
Where to Start?
As Christians, we are given specific instructions.
First and foremost, in every situation, we are to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2).
Paul exhorts us that the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25). Therefore, we are to allow God to transform our minds and interpret every situation we face.
Too often we get our thoughts from the media or other influencers.
They may have an accurate view of what’s going on, and again they may not.
But those informing our views are getting us into a panic, worried about what may happen.
This fear may help them gain viewers or increase their profit lines, but it’s not anywhere close (how far is the east from the west) view God has on the world.
Think on Such Things
We are commissioned to think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
God is not distraught in the affairs of the world; He always has hope.
Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).
If we are filled with sorrows, worry, anger, fear, or belittling from others over situations, we are not getting God’s perspective.
Don’t let the sun go down on your anger… and then give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-27). And over all these virtues, put on love (Colossians 3:14).
With everything that we see, we need to choose to maintain God’s perspective.
How we feel thinking about the world events, reveal whether or not we have God’s perspective.
Should We Have an Opinion?
Do I have an opinion on what is going on the world’s stage? Absolutely.
Would communicating those views add clarity to these situations? Maybe.
However, I believe that God has called me specifically to encourage people to connect with God for themselves.
Not only does God have perfect knowledge and understanding, He loves you perfectly and completely. He can address your fears and strengthen your heart.
A connection with Him will proved much more healing to the overall situation.
Should this be every Christians view? Absolutely not. God has called some of you to speak out. For now, my calling is to encourage you to seek God and help you to know you don’t have His perspective if it is not leading you to hope and love.
Focus on God and what He says is true.
If it doesn’t match your experience, still focus on what He says is true.
For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
This will lead to your greatest joy – communion with Him.
Are We Anywhere nearReady to Let Go – Let God?
Philippians 3:13-14 New American Standard Bible
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Max Lucado tells a story about the late champion boxer Muhammad Ali taking someone to his barn where he stored his trophies and awards.
Standing in the doorway, he pointed to his many trophies and said, “It ain’t nothing.”
He had come to the conclusion that at the end of all things when all is said and done, at his very last breath, all of his vast accomplishments meant very little.
Centuries earlier, the apostle Paul looked back on his life and on all the things he had been proud of, and he said,
“Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss. I consider them rubbish.”
Paul said this not because he had a debilitating disease like Muhammad Ali but because he had met the Lord Jesus.
He was ready to let go of whatever was behind him so that he could serve the Lord and live by the power of the risen Savior.
As we are about to enter into another “who knows what” are we ready to let go of things that keep us from experiencing the power of Christ’s resurrection?
Are we ready to let go of all the things that at one time seemed all-important?
Are we ready to let go to ask the Lord today for the grace to toss out everything that stands, that accumulates dust in our closets, find ways of serving him?
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit …
Praying …
Psalm 91 New American Standard Bible
Security of One Who Trusts in the Lord.
91 One who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will lodge in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” 3 For it is He who rescues you from the net of the trapper And from the deadly plague. 4 He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may take refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and wall.
5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day; 6 Of the plague that [a]stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that devastates at noon. 7 A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not approach you. 8 You will only look on with your eyes And see the retaliation against the wicked. 9 [b]For you have made the Lord, my refuge, The Most High, your dwelling place. 10 No evil will happen to you, Nor will any plague come near your [c]tent.
11 For He will give His angels orders concerning you, To protect you in all your ways. 12 On their hands they will lift you up, So that you do not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will walk upon the lion and cobra, You will trample the young lion and the [d]serpent.
14 “Because he has loved Me, I will save him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. 15 He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in [e]trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16 I will satisfy him with [f]a long life, And [g]show him My salvation.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
2 For this reason, we must pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away. 2 For if the message spoken through angels was legally binding[a] and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment, 3 how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation had its beginning when it was spoken of by the Lord, and it was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 At the same time, God also testified by signs and wonders, various miracles, and distributions of gifts from the Holy Spirit according to his will.
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.
Hebrews 2:1 New Living Translation
A Warning against Drifting Away
2 So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.
What is Spiritual Drift
Everyone grows out of, or slowly moves away from, interests, habits, and hobbies in their lives over time.
An eight-year-old who loves playing with building blocks, Lego’s or dolls will eventually trade in their stuffed giraffes for make-up or a game console by the time they are twelve.
The star high-school athlete will eventually trade their sports ambitions in for a business endeavor.
People will always change, their interests change, they will always drift in and out of various likes, dislikes, and pastimes.
What once was, may no longer be in three of four years.
Is this a bad quality?
In relation to pastimes and trivial matters, I would say no.
But in relation to the Gospel and the Christian faith, I would say absolutely.
In fact, I would argue that every Christian has or will experience spiritual drift at some point in their Christian lives.
Interestingly, the believers to whom the letter of Hebrews is addressed were apparently were at risk of the very same danger!
In Hebrews 2:1 the author of Hebrews warns his audience against drifting away from the Gospel.
For them, this message was not only timely but necessary to protect them from a terrible fate.
You see, the audience of this letter was under immense persecution from the Roman government, as the letter was likely written during the reign of Nero.
Due to this persecution, these believers were tempted, threated, not only to drift away from the Gospel and all they had been taught, but were tempted to abandon the faith and apostatize!
Consequently, the author of Hebrews, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, writes these storm-tossed believers a timely warning against spiritual drifting.
Unintentional Drifting
Look with me at verse one of chapter two.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of this verse is its use of nautical terms.
The idea given here is that of a neglected boat that has slowly drifted out to sea.
A boat that someone failed to tie to the dock, and consequently has been pulled out to sea by the undercurrent or the tide.
Imagine if you would, a young couple or family on a beach vacation.
The wife perhaps decides she wants to catch some rays and a nap, while her husband is lounging on a yellow inner tube a few yards from the shore.
They both quickly and comfortably fall asleep under the suns warm light.
An hour later the wife wakes up and drowsily looks about for her husband and is unable to find him.
She becomes frantic and begins to search harder, and eventually notices a yellow speck on the horizon.
Her unconscious husband has drifted out to sea as a result of his negligence.
This is perhaps what is most startling about drifting.
It is often unintentional.
Few believers deliberately untie themselves from the heavenly harbor of the Gospel, rather they unintentionally and slowly drift away from it as a result of spiritual apathy and negligence.
This is a very real danger that you and I face every day.
It comes in the form of being too busy for Bible study, prayer, or poor Church attendance.
Missing these important aspects of the Christian life are usually not deliberate acts, rather they are simply the result of negligence, that results in a slow yet steady drift away from the Gospel and the things of God.
The Antidote to Drifting
For the believers addressed in the book of Hebrews, it was likely their hardships and persecutions that led to them neglecting the Gospel.
This is ironic as the Gospel and the teaching they had heard was the very cure they needed in their situation!
Not in the sense that the Gospel would remove the persecution, but in that the Gospel was the anchor they needed to weather the storm they were in.
Likewise, we may too drift away when storms, trials, and persecutions assail us.
Even though the very thing we are drifting away from is what we most desperately need in life’s hardest situations!
This is precisely why the author of Hebrews exhorts his listeners to pay attention to what they have heard!
And what is it that these believers have heard?
The Gospel!
The antidote to drifting and negligence in the Christian Life is Gospel alertness and intentionality. When troubles come, and they will, the answer is not to lift our eyes off the Gospel. Instead, we are to place our gaze directly on the cross!
To further the nautical picture painted by this verse, when storms assail, we must tie ourselves to the Gospel like a boat to a dock so we do not drift away.
By doing so we can avoid spiritual drift no matter what we face in the stormy seas of life.
Take heart friends, pay carful attention to the Gospel, and tie yourself to it.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
Psalm 119:1-16 The Message
119 1-8 You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. I’m going to do what you tell me to do; don’t ever walk off and leave me.
* * *
9-16 How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
9 However, be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you don’t forget the things which you have seen with your own eyes. Don’t let them fade from your memory as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. 10 Never forget the day you stood in front of Yahweh your Elohim at Mount Horeb. Yahweh had said to me, “Assemble the people in front of me, and I will let them hear my words. Then they will learn to fear me as long as they live on earth, and they will teach their children the same thing.”
11 So you came and stood at the foot of the mountain, which was on fire with flames shooting into the sky. It was dark, cloudy, and gloomy. 12 Yahweh spoke to you from the fire. You heard a voice speaking but saw no one. There was only a voice. 13 Yahweh told you about the terms of his promise, the ten commandments, which he commanded you to do. Then he wrote them on two stone tablets. 14 Yahweh also commanded me to teach you the laws and rules you must obey after you cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land.
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.
It’s tough to get someone who has faith in God to consider the possibility they might also be godless.
It seems like a contradiction by definition.
It might help to know we are not talking about a total renunciation of the existence of God.
We are talking about the moments we think, act, respond and make decisions as if God were not real and present in our lives.
Moments where our own thoughts or our own focus on God are replaced by people, circumstances, outcomes, or personal desires.
Godlessness is a challenge against how easily I can seek the approval of men over God, or want to be more important in the eyes of men rather than God.
Many times I’ve made decisions driven primarily by the desire to be liked by people or my peers over pleasing God.
Unfortunately, these challenges also have consequences.
Seeking the approval of men produces hiddenness and deceit.
The irresistible desire to be more important, attain more status, leads to fear and insecurity, while the highest desires to be liked can lead to compromise.
These are common challenges for me, and perhaps you too, that meet the definition of godlessness we are addressing here.
Don’t forget it was the religious leaders Jesus was talking about when he said:
These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. Matthew 15:8-9 NIV
Though these leaders believed in God, their actions were consistent with someone who did not believe in God.
They worshiped God in vain, meaning it was futile or ineffectual with no real value and to no end.
We all can believe in God and still forget God.
When we do forget God, who do we put our trust in?
When we forget God, what do we replace him with?
Forgetting God: When trusting self overcomes our trust in God
When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, [12] be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. Deuteronomy 6:10-12 NIV
From where we sit, it is hard to imagine how the Israelites would somehow forget God after 40 years of seeing miracle after miracle (Exodus 7-17).
Yet God was compelled to caution them about forgetting.
In the desert, the Israelites had been dependent on God for their existence, including food and protection from the elements and their enemies.
There was a daily awareness of their need for God.
In Deuteronomy 6, God is about to fulfill his promise to bring them into a land where many of their needs will already be provided for.
This a blessing from God, a fulfillment of a promise that carried with it the risk they would no longer see a daily need for God and would forget him.
It is certainly possible to believe in God yet also to so easily forget about him.
Consider the times during the day God is absent from our hearts and minds.
Other times, amid difficulty, we give in to fear, distrust, and unbelief as if God were neither willing nor able to help us, leaving us with no option but to trust ourselves.
These are godless moments.
One need only look at the daily news cycle to understand that the disturbing, unsettling, disunifying, chaotic, and unjust world we live in is godless.
The world is often subject to life-altering events we cannot control.
The daily battle against godlessness is waged in the choices we make for who is in control of our life – God or self.
The minute I forget God has a plan for my life and is in control, I want to toss God utterly out of the picture and fight desperately to take control to avoid pain, uncertainty, stress, and anxiety.
“He will appear as your righteousness, as sure as the dawning of a new day. He will manifest as your justice, as sure and strong as the noonday sun. [7] Quiet your heart in his presence and pray; keep hope alive as you long for God to come through for you.
And don’t think for a moment that the wicked in their prosperity are better off than you. [8] Stay away from anger and revenge. Keep envy far from you, for it only leads you into lies. [9] For one day the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will live safe and sound with blessings overflowing.” Psalm 37:6-9 TPT
We need to recognize when our godlessness drives us to take back control of our life.
Where do you go when life begins to feel out of control?
“I turn inward by coming up with a plan or a strategy to avoid the flow of information or emotions that are creating stress or anxiety.”
“I turn outward to control my schedule, conversations, relationships, information, and responsibilities to avoid stress or anxiety.”
“I ignore, deny or harden to whatever is causing stress, uncertainty, pain, or anxiety. It’s better to be able to function even if I have to do it with a hard heart or numb emotions.”
“I talk to God, talk to friends, share my thoughts/feelings/emotions, seek input, and read scriptures for guidance on how to think and feel.”
Do not forget about recalling all those memories of God’s goodness
Deuteronomy 4:9-10 The Message
9 Just make sure you stay alert. Keep close watch over yourselves. Don’t forget anything of what you’ve seen. Don’t let your heart wander off. Stay vigilant as long as you live. Teach what you’ve seen and heard to your children and grandchildren.
10 That day when you stood before God, your God, at Horeb, God said to me, “Assemble the people in my presence to listen to my words so that they will learn to fear me in holy fear for as long as they live on the land, and then they will teach these same words to their children.”
Many of us have those beautiful memories and stories of our parents, siblings, pastors, teachers, or neighbors showing their love and care for us, and we will never forget what they have done for us.
Many of us will also share, celebrate, these stories with our children, friends, coworkers, and others. These stories will always be part of our personal history.
Similarly, as believers in God, we remember stories of God’s deliverance, grace, protection, and greatness shown to us. Memories of our spiritual formation and personal blessings give us encouragement and inspiration and more strength.
We would not be who we are without God and what he has done in our lives.
And when we remember and tell our stories, God receives the glory.
Our faith is strengthened and renewed. When we tell others, especially the next generations, we share with them our love for and dependence upon the Lord.
We can find many ways to remember.
Some of us may use daily or weekly journaling, daily times of reflection with prayer, pictures, artwork, and music that remind us of significant times and places where we have encountered God in our lives. Some families and churches also designate times to tell stories about the Holy Spirit’s works in their lives.
What are some ways you remember God’s goodness?
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
103 1-2 O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name! O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing!
3-5 He forgives your sins—every one. He heals your diseases—every one. He redeems you from hell—saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.
6-18 God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet. He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel. God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love. He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins. As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made of mud. Men and women don’t live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom, But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. God’s love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him, Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said.
19-22 God has set his throne in heaven; he rules over us all. He’s the King! So bless God, you angels, ready and able to fly at his bidding, quick to hear and do what he says. Bless God, all you armies of angels, alert to respond to whatever he wills. Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are— everything and everyone made by God.
And you, O my soul, bless 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.
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has [a]demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” 34 And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”
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.
One of our foremost weaknesses as mere mortals is to overstate our courage.
So often, we fail to realize the power of fear – why else would the Bible contain so many commands not to be afraid?
Peter’s intentions were upright and genuine, but, underneath all his bravado. the power of discouragement, despair, disillusionment, and fear was greater.
What commitments have you made to the Lord that you did not keep?
Even though Peter had denied his Lord three times,the Lord worked in Peter’s life so that he would not be destroyed.
He can do the same for you in your times of failure and loss.
If our faith journeys had mantras, mine would be, “Put me in, Coach!”
I have always been chomping at the bit for God to put me in the game. If the world was a soccer match, I’d be the player on the sideline, jumping up and down with my hand raised screaming, “I’ve got this! Pick me! Pick me!”
Sure, my footwork could use some precision and my endurance could stand a boost, but what I lack in raw talent I am certain I can make up for in spirit.
This is how I imagine Simon Peter, too. Peter was the disciple who boldly named Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 16:16), who jumped out of his boat to walk on water towards Jesus (Matthew 14:28-30), and then who leapt out of his boat again to reach Jesus on the shore after his resurrection (John 21:7).
He is impulsive, zealous, and earnest, seemed to be eager to be used by God.
But on the night of his betrayal, Jesus turned to Peter and told him that Satan had demanded to “sift him like wheat,” and that he had prayed that Peter’s faith wouldn’t fail (Luke 22:31-32).
Indignant, Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33).
It’s clear he believes his faith is immovable, solid as the rock he’s been named for; that in this moment, he cannot conceive the possibility that it will falter.
This moment is important because it shows that our own understanding of our own capacities, abilities, and firmness of faith is not always in alignment with reality. Peter seemed to truly believe that he would go to prison or even death alongside Jesus, but when the moment of testing came, he was just not able.
Yet Jesus always knows the state of our hearts and content of our character more clearly than we see it ourselves. He indicates this in the conversation with Peter when he predicts he will, in fact, deny him three times before morning. (Luke 22:34).
But here’s something else Jesus sees which we ourselves can not see: our innate capacity to bounce back stronger, more mature—to where we will be, someday.
Jesus doesn’t turn to Peter and say,
“You may or may not make it through this trial. Your faith may or may not crumble. Who knows how things will turn out for you?” He says, “And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32, emphasis mine).
He is certain Peter will not only return with a renewed faith, but that he will also have grown in such a way that enables him to strengthen his brothers, too.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Like Peter, we often think we’re ready for things when we are not.
We say things like, “Lord, I’m ready to lead,” or “Lord, I’m ready for [insert new opportunity or challenge here].”
We are so certain in our own capacities—and resolute in our spirits—that we become frustrated when he makes us wait. Doesn’t he see us jumping up on the sideline, saying, “Put me in, Coach?” Doesn’t he see that we are willing and able?
We can see only what we think we want, what we think we should be able to do.
But the fact is, Jesus understands our hearts and abilities better than anyone.
And not only that, he sees the beginning and ending trajectory of our lives, and the version of the person he’s helping us to become. In just a blip, he can survey the situation in its totality, seeing the synergy of our past, present, and future.
When he asks us to wait, it might be he’s still working on something within us. He recognizes our zeal and spirit—good and wonderful things!—but he’s not just in it for a soccer match. He’s playing the long game. (He’s in it for eternity.)
Today, if you’re feeling ready for a new challenge or opportunity and can’t understand why God hasn’t “put you in yet,”
try asking him these simple questions:
Psalm 139:23-24 New American Standard Bible 1995
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; 24 And see if there be any [a]hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.
God, what are you doing in my life that I can’t see?
Would you give me a sense of what you’re working on while I wait?
You will be surprised to find he not only understands the longings of our heart, but he also might even teach you something you didn’t know about yourself.
Proverbs 3:5-8 New American Standard Bible 1995
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your [a]body And refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 16:1-9 New American Standard Bible 1995
Contrast the Upright and the Wicked
16 The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. 2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the Lord weighs the [a]motives. 3 [b]Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established. 4 The Lord has made everything for [c]its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. 5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished. 6 By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the [d]fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil. 7 When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness Than great income with injustice. 9 The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
However, we should take the warning given to Peter as our own. When we feel most secure in our strength and courage, we are too often most vulnerable.Our own strength must come from the Lord and not our feelings of invincible faith.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
Psalm 28 New American Standard Bible 1995
A Prayer for Help, and Praise for Its Answer.
A Psalm of David.
28 To You, O Lord, I call; My rock, do not be deaf to me, For if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit. 2 Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You for help, When I lift up my hands toward [a]Your holy sanctuary. 3 Do not drag me away with the wicked And with those who work iniquity, Who speak peace with their neighbors, While evil is in their hearts. 4 Requite them according to their work and according to the evil of their practices; Requite them according to the deeds of their hands; Repay them their [b]recompense. 5 Because they do not regard the works of the Lord Nor the deeds of His hands, He will tear them down and not build them up.
6 Blessed be the Lord, Because He has heard the voice of my supplication. 7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him. 8 The Lord is [c]their strength, And He is a [d]saving defense to His anointed. 9 Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; Be their shepherd also, and carry them forever.
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.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 
