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."
14 For if you forgive [a]others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others [nurturing your hurt and anger with the result that it interferes with your relationship with God], then your Father will not forgive your trespasses.
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 New Teaching?
Why have I titled this post as a new teaching?
It’s because back in verse 12, Jesus took the Jewish prayer to a higher level than had been traditional.
Most devout Jews prayed daily, asking God to forgive them their debts.
Now, adds Jesus, you need to pray God will forgive you just as you forgive others. The new teaching is that forgiveness from God depends upon our willingness to offer forgiveness to those who sin against us.
We do not forgive easily, especially if the hurt is deep and ongoing.
To pray daily that God forgives us as we forgive others is to remind ourselves of our need to forgive; it is to acknowledge our fallen, frail human nature.
Jesus makes a promise here.
If you forgive others, the Father will forgive you.
Of course, we understand that there must also be repentance, faith, and also renewed obedience.
When our hearts are soft to forgive others, then God can see that our hearts are soft toward Him as well.
Think about it.
Hold anger and resentment in your heart, purposely and with malice, and see what it does to your relationship with the offender, and with God.
Jesus also makes a rather threatening statement:
But if you forgive not. . . .
If we knowingly, purposefully withhold forgiveness, then we do not meet the qualifications to receive forgiveness from God.
Do you desire mercy and grace from God?
Then show mercy and grace to those around you, even when they have offended you.
There is no escaping the clear message of these two verses.
Withhold forgiveness from others, you will not receive forgiveness from God.
I lift the following words out of Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume:
“Christ came into the world as the great Peace-Maker, not only to reconcile us to God, but one to another. It is great presumption and of dangerous consequence, for any to make a light matter of that which Christ here lays such a stress upon. Men’s passions shall not frustrate God’s Word.“
Faith—Forgiving As Forgiven
Jesus taught his followers this prayer, and it is often called “The Lord’s Prayer.”
But it is a prayer that Jesus didn’t need to pray.
He had no debts or sins for which he needed forgiveness. His disciples did, though, so he taught them this prayer.
We also need this prayer, don’t we?
Acknowledging that we need forgiveness is not easy. But look at the last part of this request: “. . . as we also have forgiven our debtors.” I sometimes wonder,
“If God were to forgive us as we forgive others, how forgiven would we be?”
Contagious Forgiveness?
Jesus’ teaching here at the end of the Lord’s Prayer might be confusing.
It almost sounds as if we have to earn God’s forgiveness by forgiving others.
But we also know that through faith in Jesus, we are already forgiven by God (Acts 2:38; Romans 3-8).
So we need a different kind of thinking here.
Think of an old kitchen sponge that hasn’t been used for a long time.
When you put it under the tap, the water runs right over the sponge.
But if you set the sponge in a bucket of water for a few minutes, it softens and becomes usable again.
Our hearts can be like that too.
When we hold onto our resentments and bitterness, nursing our anger, we can become as hard as a rock, God’s grace will be like water running over a rock.
It doesn’t soak in.
But when we are open to forgiving others, we become soft like a moistened sponge.
The Lord’s grace soaks in and saturates our hearts, and we become available to share his grace.
Just as a wet sponge moistens other things when it touches them, we can share grace, helping to wipe others’ dirt away as we forgive others.
As Colossians 3:13 puts it, “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Dying to our accumulated resentment, anger, and bitterness softens our hearts to receive God’s indelible truth, amazing grace and share it freely with others.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
130 Out of the [b]depths [of distress] I have cried to You, O Lord. 2 Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications. 3 If You, Lord, should keep an account of our sins and treat us accordingly, O Lord, who could stand [before you in judgment and claim innocence]? 4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared and worshiped [with submissive wonder].
5 I wait [patiently] for the Lord, my soul [expectantly] waits, And in His word do I hope. 6 My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; More than the watchmen for the morning. 7 O Israel, hope in the Lord; For with the Lord there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption. 8 And He will redeem Israel From all his sins.
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 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly;[a] never be conceited. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[b] to the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
What does Fake it till you make it mean?
“Fake it till you make it” (or “Fake it until you make it”) is an aphorism that suggests;
by imitating confidence, competence, and an optimistic mindset, a person can realize those qualities in their real life and achieve the results they seek.
What’s another way of saying Fake it till you make it?
Face it until you ace it.
All it takes is swapping just one letter — the “k” for the “c” — to get face and we have a similar concept revamped to include integrity.
Instead of faking your way through a challenging situation until you eventually figure it out, if you figure it out. Instead face it head-on with truth and honesty.
Relationships are hard.
As humans, we are sometimes embroiled in some sort of conflict.
It may be difficult to navigate relationships, but Scripture offers a powerful way to handle conflict.
15-17 “If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won’t listen, tell the church. If he won’t listen to the church, you’ll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God’s forgiving love.
18-20 “Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.”
Romans 12:18 reads: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
If you are stuck in a relationship marked by conflict and do not know what to do, Romans 12:18 is an excellent way not only to resolve that conflict but also to be a peacemaker in a world rife with conflict.
Because we live in a media-advanced age, people scroll through their social media feeds and feel free to comment on whatever is on their minds.
This easily breeds dissension and strife as people get into heated debates over cultural topics plaguing us today.
But there are ways to live out Romans 12:18 in our lives.
By taking practical steps to resolve conflict, you can live out Romans 12:18.
This will help us to not only for resolving conflict when necessary but also be peacemakers where appropriate.
The most important thing you can do when resolving conflict and striving to be a peacemaker is to search your own heart.
Discover how you may be at fault.
Even if you are 50% right in this situation, you may not have delivered that information with the gentleness and respect that is owed to the other person.
For this alone, you need to apologize.
If you are in a strained relationship, be the person who reaches out to someone and takes responsibility for your part.
Even if you feel you are owed an apology, apologize for the way he delivered the information.
Let them know that your intention was not to hurt them, but to communicate your feelings in that situation.
It takes two to be in conflict.
What part do you have to own in this situation?
The quickest way to continue the conflict, even damage several relationships is to shift the blame to the other person and pretend it’s 100% their fault alone. Do what you can to take ownership and start the conversation with an apology.
Use I Statements
Even if the person in conflict doesn’t receive your information well, it is appropriate to use I statements.
Every person in the relationship should be allowed to express themselves clearly and consistently.
This means identifying emotions that may be associated with the conflict.
For example, if the person has said something harsh to you, identify the anger, fear, or sadness surrounding your feelings regarding the issue.
Don’t finger-point and say, “You made me feel…” or “You made me do this.”
That type of language only accelerates emotions and exacerbates an already difficult situation.
Instead, tell them, “I felt ____________ when you said__________.”
This allows you both to pinpoint the issue directly, identify your own emotions, and let the other person know where they may be at fault.
Sometimes people don’t always know where they are at fault.
It takes a strong person like yourself to recognize that for them, so they can continue the relationship healthily.
Work on a Solution
Many people talk things out, but they never reach a real solution—effective conflict resolution yields action steps for each party to take moving forward.
For example, if a person irritates you by engaging in a particular behavior, develop some action steps to address it.
If you want them to do chores regularly, work out a schedule so they do their part while you do yours.
Designate times or days for these chores to be completed.
This way, it honors both parties and their schedules.
If, for some reason, the person can’t complete their tasks on time as you both agreed to do, come back and resolve the situation.
Identify the parts that are not working and rework them together to achieve a workable alternative solution.
Just because you found one solution does not mean you can’t renegotiate later.
Sometimes, variables like a change in schedule or additional responsibilities leave you without time to complete your housework.
The best situation for a peacemaker is not to ignore it, but to sit down and have another talk.
Reiterate that the importance of housework must be done, but it’s clear that the schedule that has been established is not working. Rework the situation until you can determine the best way to achieve the desired outcome for both parties.
When you choose to include people in these situations, they can not only feel heard and seen but also valued.
Additionally, by working out a solution that works best for them, you are not only getting what you want, but they are also not making any excuses which would hinder them from completing the work as assigned.
Talk Privately
Take Time to Be HolyWilliam D. Longstaff, 1822-1894
1. Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord; abide in him always, and feed on his word. Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak, forgetting in nothing his blessing to seek.
2. Take time to be holy, the world rushes on; spend much time in secret with Jesus alone. By looking to Jesus, like him thou shalt be; thy friends in thy conduct his likeness shall see.
3. Take time to be holy, let him be thy guide, and run not before him, whatever betide. In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord, and, looking to Jesus, still trust in his word.
4. Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul, each thought and each motive beneath his control. Thus led by his spirit to fountains of love, thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.
1 Peter 1:13-16 Amplified Bible
13 So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 [Live] as obedient children [of God]; do not be conformed to the evil desires which governed you in your ignorance [before you knew the requirements and transforming power of the good news regarding salvation]. 15 But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your conduct [be set apart from the world by your godly character and moral courage]; 16 because it is written, “You shall be holy (set apart), for I am holy.”
It is essential that if you have a grudge or issue with someone, you don’t take the easy way out and triangulate others into your situation.
The most common thing people do is talk about someone rather than to someone.
They often go to their friends and vent about the problem and how they feel hurt, betrayed, etc.
They never talk to the person they have a grudge with directly, and the situation is never sufficiently resolved.
This robs both parties of having a peaceful, healthy relationship.
Gossip and slander never get you your desired outcome.
Avoid gossiping to others.
Even if it may feel good in the short term, it harms relationships in the long term.
Matthew 18 is clear: if someone has offended you, go to them directly and express it.
You must confront them privately the first time.
This not only allows them to hear from you about the problem but also spares them any shame or guilt associated with the behavior.
By loving someone, it is essential not to bring two people with you unless the person is clearly in abject denial about their problem in this situation.
If, however, the person wont listen, take two other people who know about the situation and are not biased against that person through their behavior.
Allow one of those people to act as a mediator between the two parties.
Allow each person to speak frankly and honestly about the situation.
Then, allow the other person to speak.
Both people should listen to each other without interruption or explanation of the problem.
At the end, allow someone to mediate a reasonable solution between the two parties.
This is a great way to make peace between the two people while allowing each person to be heard, work out solutions which guides them to desired outcome.
Everywhere we turn, chaos abounds.
From the moment we turn on the news to the moment we shut off our social media feeds, we are bombarded with conflict, strife, and chaos.
God, who is a peacemaker, asked us to be peacemakers.
By utilizing the peace-making statement outlined in Romans 12:18, both parties can be peacemakers in a tumultuous world.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”(Romans 12:9)
It’s a short verse that cuts deep.
In a world where “love” is far too often reduced to empty words and fleeting emotions, “love” can mean both everything and nothing at the same time.
But the kind of love Paul calls Christians to isn’t shallow or self-serving.
It’s genuine, costly, and rooted in truth.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Amplified Bible
4 Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. 5 It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. 7 Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].8 Love never fails [it never fades nor ends].
Love That’s More Than Words
Paul’s first command is clear: “Let love be genuine.” The word genuine (ἀνυπόκριτος) means “without hypocrisy.” In other words, real love doesn’t wear a mask. It’s not fake or performative, like an actor reading lines; appearing to be polite but different when the mask is off.
Jesus showed us what genuine love looks like. He didn’t just tell people He loved them—He fed the hungry, wept with the grieving, touched the untouchable, and ultimately laid down His life for sinners. Jesus’ love wasn’t theoretical–it was real, tangible, and sacrificial.
This is the love we are called to. A love that moves beyond convenience, forgiving when it would be easier to hold a grudge; and serving when we’d rather sit back. A love that keeps showing up, even when we’re tired.
Love That Clings to Good
In the second half of the verse, Paul adds: “Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” That may seem like an abrupt shift, but it’s not. Real love isn’t blind. It doesn’t pretend that sin doesn’t matter, affirming that “everything is ok.”
True, Christlike love means we hate what destroys people. If we love our brothers and sisters, we don’t turn a blind eye when they’re walking into danger. We don’t celebrate what God calls sin. Instead, we cling to what is good. We hold on to truth, anchoring ourselves in God’s Word.
And that is certainly not easy. Some think that love and truth are at odds, but in Christ, they go hand in hand. To love more and more, we must love with both compassion and conviction.
11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God]. 13 And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.1 Corinthians 13:11-13 Amplified Bible
How Can I Love More?
So here’s the challenge this and coming future generations of Christians …
How can we love more?
More sincerely?
More selflessly?
More like Jesus?
Loving more and more isn’t about doing more and trying harder.
It’s about abiding in Christ
—letting His love fill us, transform us, and flow through us.
Psalm 139:23-24 Amplified Bible
23 Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts; 24 And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.
It’s about surrendering our pride, confessing our selfishness, and praying the Holy Spirit, whether we like it or not, to soften our hearts and open our hands.
The mark of the Christian is love.
Let’s commit to being a church that bears this mark by real, Christlike love.
A love that is indelibly authentic, refusing to compromise on truth.
Love which keeps growing outward, until the world sees, the living Jesus in us.
In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ….
Praying ….
Psalm 16 Amplified Bible
The Lord, the Psalmist’s Portion in Life and Deliverer in Death.
A [a]Mikhtam of David [probably intended to record memorable thoughts].
16 Keep and protect me, O God, for in You I have placed my trust and found refuge. 2 I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.” 3 As for the saints (godly people) who are in the land, They are the majestic and the noble and the excellent ones in whom is all my delight. 4 The sorrows [pain and suffering] of those who have chosen another god will be multiplied [because of their idolatry]; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, Nor will I take their names upon my lips.
5 The Lord is the portion of my inheritance, my cup [He is all I need]; You support my lot. 6 The [boundary] lines [of the land] have fallen for me in pleasant places; Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.
7 I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; Indeed, my heart (mind) instructs me in the night. 8 I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory [my innermost self] rejoices; My body too will dwell [confidently] in safety, 10 For You will not abandon me to Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead), Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. 11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.
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.
65 Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion; And to You the [a]vow shall be performed. 2 O You who hear prayer, To You all flesh will come. 3 Iniquities prevail against me; As for our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them.
4 Blessed is the man You choose, And cause to approach You, That he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Of Your holy temple.
5 By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us, O God of our salvation, You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth, And of the far-off seas; 6 Who established the mountains by His strength, Being clothed with power; 7 You who still the noise of the seas, The noise of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples. 8 They also who dwell in the farthest parts are afraid of Your signs; You make the outgoings of the morning and evening [b]rejoice.
9 You [c]visit the earth and water it, You greatly enrich it; The river of God is full of water; You provide their grain, For so You have prepared it. 10 You water its ridges abundantly, You settle its furrows; You make it soft with showers, You bless its growth.
11 You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance. 12 They drop on the pastures of the wilderness, And the little hills rejoice on every side. 13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; The valleys also are covered with grain; They shout for joy, they also sing.
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.
Whether it’s reading and meditating upon the psalms, writing my own blog musings, or perusing a variety of published collections cover-to-cover — I just love poetry. I’m drawn to its sincerity, depths of vulnerability and imagery.
To me, it’s a medium where humankind is free to reveal unique stories, open windows of wonder, and connect with other souls.
Poets often speak with tenderness and conviction about the astounding beauty of nature. Our heart beats openly in awe and wonderment of all those tiny and towering blessings that grace our daily lives.
As a lyrical poet, King David was also in a deep state of appreciation for God’s provisions from sunrise to sunset.
While creating Psalm 65, he stood in awe of the nourishment that nature freely gives. It is a song of immeasurable gratitude, and several biblical commentaries suggest it was intended to be sung at a special worship and public observance.
It’s likely that a large gathering sang this psalm of praise to God, in celebration of deliverance, abundance, and the beauty of nature.
Whether we sing about it, write it down, or just soak it in, we are all blessed by nature with a symphony of colors (and yes, white as snow is a color) and then soon after with the change of seasons, behold sustenance from seed to harvest.
We can hear the voice of God — in the wind and rain, in a bevy of birdsong… and so much more.
Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 1:20 God’s eternal power is seen in creation.
Romans 1:20 Amplified Bible
20 For ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through His workmanship [all His creation, the wonderful things that He has made], so that they [who fail to believe and trust in Him] are without excuse and without defense.
In this verse, Paul encourages readers to know God by seeking proof of him in the creatures, landscapes, and skies.
There are many examples of God’s spectacular creativity in the Bible.
We continue to see it reflected in the great works of famous photographers, musicians, and artists of all kinds.
And although I try to write poetry sometimes, I’m often distracted by must-dos, social media must-haves, and deadlines just like you.
However, scripture reminds me of the value of seeking God in the smallest feather or faintest whisper.
Simply taking a walk outdoors can rekindle your sense of awe.
It can give you a firsthand taste of God’s love.
When you spend time in nature, you collect a kaleidoscope of natural wonders with your senses or just study a single clover.
The opportunities to be inspired and amazed are endless, every single day.
Nature is always painting, ministering from, worshiping, the living tapestry of God’s wondrous handiwork.
Why bother? Why praise God at all, somebody may ask ?
Christians too often take it for granted that everyone understands that God is worthy of praise.
But non-Christians frequently think that for God to demand praise, worship, of his creatures suggests he is insecure if not egocentric.
Perhaps Christians, too, from time to time, also wonder the same—if not less loudly and less publicly. Why should we praise God?
David here gives us three reasons why “praise is due” to God (65:1).
First, it is because of his gracious salvation.
“When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions” (65:3).
What a great reason and motivation for us to praise God!
Yes, we are sinners.
Yes, our sins “prevail against” us; they enslave us, trouble us, and—unforgiven—ultimately damn us.
But God has found a way to “atone” for our transgressions!
Surely this means we should praise God.
Surely the one who in the end found a way to bring us back to himself washed, cleansed, and righteous deserves the praise of those he saved.
Surely that this salvation was in the end wrought at such a great cost—the cost of the sacrifice of the Son of God—means that God deserves our praise.
Praise God, first, because of his gracious salvation!
Second, praise God because he answers the prayers of his people.
“By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation” (65:5).
What a great reason and motivation to praise God!
Our God is a prayer-hearing God!
He answers our requests and moves in response to our pleas.
He is the “hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.”
God is able and willing to respond with what is best to those who ask, seek, and knock persistently in prayer!
Therefore, praise God!
Remember the times that he has answered your prayers in the past and praise God for answered prayer!
Write in your journal in the future the times that he answers your prayers as a testimony to the goodness of God.
So praise God, second, because he answers the prayers of his people!
Third, praise God because of his constant creation care.
“You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it” (65:9).
The Christian doctrine of creation is not that God made the world in the beginning—and then left it to its own devices.
The Christian doctrine of creation is that God is constantly upholding all of the universe by the continual exercise of the power of his word.
Every good and perfect thing we see—every sunset and sunrise, every moment of beauty and mountain of grandeur—is a testimony to the greatness of God!
So praise God because of his constant creation care!
Would you then this morning spend time praising God?
It is easy to begin our days with a shopping list of prayer requests.
Would you instead begin to day with a joyful expanse of singing and praise!
So, today — if you’re feeling a tiny bit stuck, underwhelmed, or overworked — I urge you to plan a pause in nature.
Psalm 46:10-11 Amplified Bible
10 “Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. Selah.
Let yourself slowly consider the beauty of a snowy landscape, the intricacy of a single snowflake, the sturdiness of a stone or a forest of tall majestic trees, the architecture of an ocean shell, or the simple dances of a butterfly.
Find a moment to savor the impeccable detail and devotion of our Lord, in a leaf, a creek, or a picturesque view.
Then stop striving so hard and permit a sense of awe to cleanse your spirit.
Making space to be awestruck will remind you that God weaves the most fragile of miracles, and a masterpiece of infinite stars that can take your breath away.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of 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.
3 1-2 So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.
3-4 Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
5-8 And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That’s a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It’s because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn’t long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it’s all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.
9-11 Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to become consumed by the distractions and stresses of the world.
Our focus often shifts from eternal perspectives to temporary, earthly matters.
We become fixated on problems, failures, and the pressure to perform, but all of that can limit our vision and steal our peace.
The apostle Paul encourages us to set our hearts and minds “on things above, not on earthly things.”
When we do, we gain a new perspective.
We are reminded that our identity is in Christ and that our hope is in the Lord, who rules over all things in heaven and on earth.
The troubles of today become smaller when we shift our gaze upward, realizing that we are citizens of a kingdom that is unshakable.
Set Your Minds Above
Let’s take a closer look at one of my favorite places in the Bible.
Colossians 3:1–4. Paul writes,
Put On the New Self
3 Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. 3 For you died [to this world], and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, [a]appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
A couple of basics right up front.
One, there’s a command Paul gives right at the center of this section of verses.
He says to “set your minds on things that are above.”
This is basic Christianity: a discipline of focus, of perspective, of cultivating a vision for the world to come that’s been promised as the ultimate future for all of God’s people.
Paul’s calling us to a kind of spiritual discipline that meditates on the promises that God has given to us that we have not seen yet and something we have not experienced yet but which is ultimately crucial for our new identity in Christ.
The second thing to notice here is that this command is rooted in who Jesus is to us: “Set your mind on things above, not on things that are on earth.”
Why? “Because you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
Our life before—the old self, the life that died—wanted everything it could get out of this world right here, right now.
It’s all about kingdom building here.
All about squeezing as much goodness, as much status, as much power, as much wealth as we could.
That life is dead now.
Through Jesus we recognize that that life was dead already.
It had no hope, no future, nothing lasting.
And in Christ, we found something far greater.
So, now our life is hidden with him, and he is where we are headed.
The world to come is an experience that we have not had yet, but it involves a person we do know and experience and relate to right now.
We can long for it because we long for and love him so much.
Verse 4: “when Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
That’s the horizon, and Paul’s putting it right at the center of the Christian life.
Probably our other notable observations about this passage is not in these verses but in the verses that come next.
Sometimes there’s a knock on this heavenly-mindedness Paul’s calling for, as if it’s a kind of betrayal of the earth, minimizing how important things are here and now, a distraction from our calling here and now to serve God in this world and this life.
And I’m sure people have been guilty of that in the past, from indifference or inaction with real opportunities and real needs around them.
But Paul just won’t settle for that kind of dichotomy.
Yes, he says set your mind on things above, not on things that are on earth, but he doesn’t mean set your mind on heaven and pay no attention at all to the life you and I are living now.
That is not what he means.
Set your mind on what’s coming, not on what you were living for.
That’s what he means—not what this earthly life offers to you as a reward or any source of hope.
Set your mind, he says, on things above precisely so that you live in this world right here, right now in a way that honors God and all that he’s done for you.
Verse 5 through the end of this chapter, it’s one of his most comprehensive, most beautiful, most detailed descriptions of what it means to live right now as a Christian.
All of that flows from a mind that’s set on things above.
He talks about sex, marriage, parenting, and work.
He talks about envy, lying, slander, and gossip.
He talks about forgiveness, patience, humility, and meekness.
All of it flows out of a mind that’s set on things above.
There’s nothing more practical to your life as a Christian and to your growth and holiness than cultivating a heavenly mindedness that helps us to see the things of earth in light of where all this is headed.
One of the most important applications to draw from this text is learning to recognize where in Colossians 3 we are wanting to grow, something you are wanting to put off, as he says to do in verses 5–11, or put on as he says to do in verses 12–17.
And then see how that area connects back to what’s coming in your future because of Jesus.
Maybe you are dealing with revenge, envy, or wrath, or anger management has been an impossible problem to overcome for you.
John 16:29-33 English Standard Version
29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Have you thought about how your anger might be connected to not focusing enough on things above and on things to come?
Have you thought about if what you want is to grow in your patience or your meekness towards your children as a parent?
Have you seriously thought about the fact that seeing your future as defined by heaven is directly relevant to your growing in patience right here, right now?
Paul is saying that it is.
Have you seriously thought about how?
I hold what Paul’s given us here is a wonderful tool to start using.
The answers you are going to find are going to depend on your prayers and of careful reading and studying Scripture, diligent observations of earthly events, praying to God asking “is this how God is revealing his answer back to you.”
Proverbs 29:18 The Message
18 If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.
Discover God’s Chazown For Your Life
Chazown is the Hebrew word for prophetic vision, and it’s what God had in mind for you when you were created.
Discovering your Chazown starts with examining your core values, spiritual gifts, and past experiences.
These three areas will help you identify common themes, bring clarity to your unique passions, lead guide direct move you to the purpose God has just for you.
The best part is you can start planning your next steps toward pursuing God’s vision—His Chazown—for your life today!
The question worth asking is:
“How does my thinking more clearly about where all this is headed, give me more insight, more vison, as I strive for holiness right here and right now?”
Pray to focus on God’s promises and his eternal plan, putting your worries into God’s perspective.
Life becomes less about immediate outcomes and more about fulfilling God’s higher purposes. It is a powerful shift, giving his peace in the midst of chaos.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit ….
Praying …
Psalm 139:1-18 Complete Jewish Bible
139 (0) For the leader. A psalm of David:
(1) Adonai, you have probed me, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I stand up, you discern my inclinations from afar, 3 you scrutinize my daily activities. You are so familiar with all my ways 4 that before I speak even a word, Adonai, you know all about it already. 5 You have hemmed me in both behind and in front and laid your hand on me. 6 Such wonderful knowledge is beyond me, far too high for me to reach.
7 Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I climb up to heaven, you are there; if I lie down in Sh’ol, you are there. 9 If I fly away with the wings of the dawn and land beyond the sea, 10 even there your hand would lead me, your right hand would hold me fast. 11 If I say, “Let darkness surround me, let the light around me be night,” 12 even darkness like this is not too dark for you; rather, night is as clear as day, darkness and light are the same.
13 For you fashioned my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I thank you because I am awesomely made, wonderfully; your works are wonders — I know this very well. 15 My bones were not hidden from you when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes could see me as an embryo, but in your book all my days were already written; my days had been shaped before any of them existed. 17 God, how I prize your thoughts! How many of them there are! 18 If I count them, there are more than grains of sand; if I finish the count, I am still with you.
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.
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.
11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word appropriately spoken. 12 Like a gold earring, like a fine gold necklace is a wise reprover to a receptive ear. 13 Like the coldness of snow in the heat of the harvest is a faithful messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes his master’s spirit. 14 Like clouds and wind that bring no rain is he who boasts of gifts he never gives.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
What is a Christian view of mentorship?
Mentoring is deeply rooted in the Bible, where it is seen as an essential practice for spiritual growth and discipleship.
In both the Old and New Testaments, God calls believers to guide others in their faith, with examples like Moses and Elijah mentoring Joshua and Elisha, and Paul disciplining and instructing Timothy and Titus in their leadership roles.
The Christian view of mentorship is centered on pointing others toward Christ, not as perfect individuals but as people who humbly strive to imitate only Him.
Mentors are called to lead with eagerness in their faith, humility, and a willingness to help others grow in their relationship with God.
Ultimately, mentoring is a responsibility for all believers, encouraging spiritual maturity and about living in a humble, honest community with one another as we grow in Christ-likeness and live with His purpose for the kingdom of God.
From the old testament
As God’s laws were given to the nation of Israel, God told the people to not only follow them personally but to also teach them to their children, mentoring them in the ways God wanted the people to follow (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).
Parents should teach their children the way of faith when they are young so that they may follow it for a lifetime (Proverbs 22:6).
Believers should sharpen each other, just as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).
The prophet Elijah mentored the younger prophet Elisha, the older teaching the younger to take up the mantra of leadership, to follow God’s ways and to lead the nation of Israel well as a prophet (2 Kings 2:1-15).
From the new testament
The Great Commission, Jesus’ last instructions to His disciples, instructs us to go into the world and create more disciples, teaching them to obey His commands, thus mentoring them in the faith (Matthew 28:18-20).
Those who mentor us should be imitating Christ, and we, as mentors ourselves, should be imitating Christ. Christ is the highest example of how we live our lives (1 Corinthians 11:1, Ephesians 5:1-2).
Those who mentor are not perfect and will never attain perfection in this life and should not be viewed as perfect people who make no mistakes. Mentors should be honest about confronting their sin and striving toward Christ (Philippians 3:12-14).
Older men in the faith are to mentor and teach younger men and likewise, with women mentoring women. All the things taught by those older to the younger are done so as a way to glorify God and make the teaching about Him more attractive to others (Titus 2:1-10).
Christian mentors should guide those learning from them with eagerness and willingness, sacrifice, avoid burdening those in their charge, but being good examples of following Christ (1 Peter 5:2-3).
Implications for today
Mentoring, as described in the Bible, is an essential aspect of the Christian life, meant to help believers grow closer in their connectional relationship to Christ.
It’s not just about imparting knowledge or giving people a set of rules to follow.
Rather, it is about living alongside others, sharing life experiences, and walking with them as they grow in their faith.
Mentoring relationships point us toward Christ-likeness with humility and in community. Mentors should not be seen as flawless but as people who are, like everyone else, are growing in grace and seeking to follow Christ more closely.
Mentoring is a sacred covenant responsibility of every believer—not just by church leaders or older Christians.
It can take many forms, from formal one-on-one discipleship to informal relationships within the body of Christ.
The focus should always be on pointing others away from sin, towards Christ encouraging them to reflect His character in all areas of life.
As we guide others, we not only strengthen their faith but deepen our own, becoming more like the very Christ we seek to emulate.
Mentoring requires humility as we recognize and admit that we are not yet fully sanctified, and yet we continue to press on toward becoming more disciplined and more motivated to become Christ-like, encourage others to do the same.
Each of us, regardless of age or maturity level, has the opportunity to be both mentored and mentor, creating a culture of growth and mutual encouragement within the body of Christ.
Understand
Believers are called to mentor other believers toward closer relationships with Christ.
Mentors should point people to Jesus.
Mentors should not be viewed as perfect; rather mentors and those being mentored should strive together to imitate Christ, the One we follow.
Reflect
How have you been mentored in your own faith, and how have those relationships helped you grow closer to Christ?
Why is mentoring, regardless of your age or experience, important in the body of Christ?
Are there areas in your life where you are reluctant to be vulnerable or humble as a mentor? How can you overcome those barriers to better guide others?
engagement
What are important qualities in a Christian mentor, based on Scripture?
How does viewing mentorship as a two-way relationship—where both the mentor and the mentee are growing together—shape our approach to discipleship?
What are some practical ways we can help create a culture of mentorship for believers, especially when it comes to encouraging younger or newer believers?
All of us need a little wisdom now and then, and the most trusted source of wisdom is God’s Word.
The beauty of Biblical mentorship is that it points people to the truth of the Scriptures, helping them wisely discern the enemy’s lies and receive spiritual breakthrough.
Here are even more powerful benefits of Biblical mentorship.
It Draws Us Together in Jesus’ Name
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)
Whenever I meet with someone, by chance, online or in person, I begin our time by assuring them that as we gather in Jesus,’ name, He is with us.
Every issue, every struggle, and every topic is committed to the Lord, knowing He sees and hears.
As Jesus said in John 14:13-14, “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (NKJV)
This kind of assurance is key to helping people trust God in all things.
Solid mentorship programs draw people together, fulfilling God’s desire that we seek Him in oneness of heart and mind.
Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
As we seek His will and way, and truth the Holy Spirit draws us into greater peace by reminding us of everything Jesus taught. (John 14:26)
Life’s issues become more manageable when brother s and sisters help carry each other’s burdens.
This is the beauty of Biblical mentorship, in Jesus’ holy name.
It Fulfills God’s Order of Things
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
Although it’s tempting to live independently from others, we were never created to do life alone.
Biblical mentorship provides the opportunity to fulfill our God-given calling, sharpening each other’s faith and offering encouragement along the way.
The passage she’s referring to in Titus says, “Older women…are to be reverent in their behavior…teaching what is right and good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and their children tenderly.”
No matter how old (or young) you are, you have a purpose in the Body of Christ.
Biblical mentorship is one of many ways to fulfill God’s call on your life, walking alongside others in a supportive way.
As 1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Paul’s encouragement to Timothy is a good reminder that God places young and old together for a definite reason. Both have something to offer the other, and this is a beautiful representation of what Biblical mentorship is all about.
It Gives Us Clarity
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)
Anytime believers open the Word of God, they can expect to find the answers they seek.
The Bible is not just an ordinary book of information, but a living book of transformation.
Biblical mentorship is grounded in God’s Word, making the Scriptures central to everything that takes place.
The advice of a trustworthy mentor will always align with the Bible and point to God’s will above their own.
The person who is seeking wise counsel will also be attuned to what is true, as Proverbs 18:15 says, “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
Ultimately, the beauty of Biblical mentorship is the truest clarity brought to challenging situations. What might have seemed impossible to the one in need of mentorship becomes possible as God provides wisdom and insight.
As the Psalmist said,
“Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.” (Psalm 119:33-36)
If you’ve been considering Biblical mentorship, here are a few things to maybe consider:
• A good mentor will listen well, allowing space to share what is on your heart without interruption.
• They will always point to God and His Word, aligning everything with the Scriptures.
• They won’t claim to have all the answers, but instead, offer sincere prayers, Biblical wisdom, and continued guidance as the Holy Spirit leads.
I highly encourage anyone who needs wisdom for the journey to seek Biblical mentorship.
Many churches offer free programs to help people navigate challenging issues, and I pray you’ll consider this as your next step.
May God bless you as you gather in Jesus’ name, gain clarity for the days ahead, and receive the blessing of Biblical mentorship as God intended from the start.
In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Praying …
Psalm 61
Security in God
For the choir director: on stringed instruments. Of David.
1 God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer. 2 I call to you from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength. Lead me to a rock that is high above me, 3 for you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy. 4 I will dwell in your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of your wings. Selah
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.
27 Why do you complain, Ya‘akov; why do you say, Isra’el, “My way is hidden from Adonai, my rights are ignored by my God”? 28 Haven’t you known, haven’t you heard that the everlasting God, Adonai, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not grow tired or weary? His understanding cannot be fathomed. 29 He invigorates the exhausted, he gives strength to the powerless. 30 Young men may grow tired and weary, even the fittest may stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in Adonai will renew their strength, they will soar aloft as with eagles’ wings; when they are running they won’t grow weary, when they are walking they won’t get tired.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
We know what it is like to wait—caught in circumstances often far beyond our control and we may not have a clear sense of what it portends, is next, how it will turn out, how much more work is it, or how exactly the Lord is involved.
Especially in this season, we wait—snow storms and blizzards to abate, snow plows, shovel’s and strong backs to clear driveways and sidewalks, restrictions to ease, school busses to run, for return to work, for life to return to normal.
We sometimes listen to radios, internet to wonder if we’re going to make it.
The promise the Lord makes in Isaiah 40:31 is that those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength. What does it mean to “wait for the Lord”, and how can we find new strength from day to day until we see the things for which we long?
The Lord Is the Everlasting God (Isaiah 40:28)
Isaiah tells the people something that he knows that they know.
But they need to let this information sink deeply into their minds and hearts.
The Lord is the everlasting God. He is the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary.
God does not get tired. We get tired.
Every day at some point we get tired.
After a lot of activity or having a long day we are tired.
Not only do we get tired, but we also get weary.
Life can be wearisome.
Studying Ecclesiastes recall how the author speaks about the weariness of life.
Another day comes and another day goes.
A generation comes and a generation goes.
The sun rises and the sun goes down.
The streams run to the sea but the sea is never full.
“All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing” (Ecclesiastes 1:8 ESV).
Life is just exhausting to us. Hardships wear us down.
The monotony and repetition of life wear us down.
The emptiness wears us down.
Bluntly, Isaiah writes, we get tired and we become weary with life.
But the Lord is the everlasting God.
He does not faint and he does not grow weary.
He is not tired.
He is not in need of rest.
God does not need to sleep.
God does not wear down.
God is not weak and he is not tired so that he cannot act.
Isaiah is going to talk more about this in a moment.
But before he does, he wants to underscore a key attribute about God at the end of verse 28.
There is no limit to God’s wisdom and understanding.
No one can grasp his understanding.
His comprehension is unsearchable.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
All of us have limits to our understanding.
We can think that we know a lot.
We can think that we have great wisdom and maybe we do.
But there is a limit.
There is only so much we know.
There is only so much we can understand.
God has revealed much for us to understand so that we can obey him.
But there is more that we cannot understand (Deuteronomy 29:29).
His understanding is infinite and ours is limited.
Therefore, God knows what to do.
God knows what he is doing.
God knows what his people need.
God knows how to respond and when to respond.
We struggle with this.
We too often do not know what to do.
We too often do not know what people need.
Even when we think we know what someone needs we can be wrong.
We too often do not know how to respond and when to respond.
But God does not struggle with these issues.
He knows what we need and when we need it.
God is not tired or weary to do what needs to be done.
The Lord Gives Strength to the Weary (Isaiah 40:29-30)
Notice what Isaiah wants us to understand in verse 29.
The Lord gives strength to the weary.
The Lord strengthens the powerless.
I love that Isaiah does not say that God gives strength to the strong.
I love that Isaiah does not say that God strengthens the powerful.
No, God gives strength to the weary.
God takes the powerless and gives them the strength that they need.
When does God do this?
Isaiah does not answer this yet.
He will answer this question in a moment.
But Isaiah needs to move us another direction first.
Look at verse 30.
In verse 30 we are taught that even the young will get tired and lose strength.
This is the problem of depending on yourself.
No matter how strong you are, you will fail.
No matter how strong you are, you will be disappointed.
No matter how strong you are, you will get weary.
Your strength only goes so far. Your strength can only sustain you for so long.
We need to look at our trials and severity that we experience and understand that God must show us that our strength will break.
We even talk about our trials and suffering in this way.
We will say to each other, “I am at my breaking point.”
This is the point of Isaiah 40:30.
Everyone has a breaking point.
No one is strong enough for life.
Every person will grow faint and become weary.
When we depend on ourselves then we will say such words like, “I am at my breaking point” or “I can’t do this anymore.”
Sometimes we think we are failures because we think we are not strong enough.
But God is confirming that no one is strong enough.
You are not supposed to be strong enough.
God has made life so that each one of us will grow weary and faint.
There is no scripture that tells you to go stand on your own strength.
There is no scripture that you says you need to be strong in yourself and depend on you to get through life.
But there are many scriptures that tell us to find our strength in the Lord and to stand in him because he gives strength to the weary.
When we are commanded to put on the whole armor of God, the picture was not to take the armor to fight for yourself and by yourself.
Rather, the armor of God is how we are strong in the Lord and stand up in the strength of his might.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV)
So our failure to stand on our own is to be expected.
Even the youths will faint, the young men will stumble and fall (Isaiah 40:30).
The point is even the people you would visualize to be the strongest, have the greatest amount of endurance will not and cannot last on their own strength.
So back to the question we asked earlier because now it is about to be answered.
When does God give strength to the weary and strengthen the powerless?
Wait For the Lord (Isaiah 40:31)
Those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength.
This is a great image for us.
The people who wait for God will have their strength renewed.
So a contrast is being given to us.
If we are relying on our own strength in this life, eventually you will grow tired and weary, stumble and fall.
But those who are waiting on the Lord will have a different outcome.
Rather than being tired to the point of stumbling and falling, they will have their strength renewed such that they will rise up like an eagle.
It is a really vivid contrast.
It is a contrast of outcomes and a contrast of dependence.
If you depend on yourself, you will be weary and fall.
If you wait and hope for God, you will get your strength renewed and soar over the obstacles.
Now listen to the reversal picture in the rest of verse 31.
Those who wait for the Lord will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
This reminds me of an image that God used for Jeremiah who was struggling with his God-given mission.
God told him that if he was unable to run with people, what would he do when he had to run with horses (Jeremiah 12)?
The picture is that we are all going to have run the race of life.
But those who are looking for God are going to run and not give out.
The writer of Hebrews instructs us that we need to run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2).
How can we have the endurance we need?
The endurance does not come from ourselves but in wait for and looking to the Lord.
The apostle Paul also described the course of life as running a race.
He told the Corinthians that you cannot run aimlessly but run in such a way to receive the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24-26).
So let’s get to the heart of this instruction.
What does it mean to wait for the Lord?
Some translations read to hope for the Lord.
What we are doing is waiting for God’s answer.
We are waiting for God to turn the event.
We are waiting for God to reverse the circumstances.
We are waiting for God to open a new door.
We are waiting for God to break the light into the darkness.
There are so many examples of the people of faith showing us what it looks like to wait for the Lord and put your hope in him.
One of my favorite examples that we have recently looked at in our study is Joseph, Jacob’s son.
Joseph had to wait 13 years for his life to turn.
How long had Simeon waited?
Luke 2:25-33 Amplified Bible
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout [carefully observing the divine Law], and looking for the [a] Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). 27 Prompted by the Spirit, he came into the temple [enclosure]; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, [b]to do for Him the custom required by the Law, 28 Simeon took Him into his arms, and blessed and praised and thanked God, and said,
29 “Now, Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to leave [this world] in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your Salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A Light for revelation to the Gentiles [to disclose was previously unknown], And [to bring] the praise and honor and glory of Your people Israel.”
33 And His [legal] father and His mother were amazed at what was said about Him.
Recall everything went wrong in Joseph’s life, none of it was because of actions he had te continued to serve the Lord.
Continuing to walk by faith is how we hope in God and wait for him.
So Joseph kept doing what was right until one day the turn came in his life and God lifted from the pit, to Pharaoh’s royal next in line to the throne hierarchy.
One of the hardest things we must do in trials and in life is to wait for and hope for an indeterminate amount of in God, through those circumstances we face.
But God has expressed to us how we can wait for him.
First, if we trust in ourselves, depend on ourselves we grow faint and stumble.
We have to wait for God because failing to do so leaves us crushed.
Second, we can wait for the Lord because of who he is.
Go back to verse 28.
The Lord is the everlasting God.
He does not grow faint or weary.
There is no limit to his understanding.
Do you remember the point we made there?
God knows what to do and when to do it.
God knows what is needed in the moment.
He knows what we need and when we need it.
God does not struggle with what he needs to do next with our lives.
God knows what the next puzzle piece is in our lives, where it fits, and how to move us aside and move the new pierces into the exact place God has prepared.
New Strength for New Challenges
Isaiah 40:27-31 Amplified Bible
27 Why, O Jacob, do you say, and declare, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God”? 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become tired or grow weary; There is no searching of His understanding. 29 He gives strength to the weary, And to him who has no might He increases power. 30 Even youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, 31 But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.
The challenges of life can feel overwhelming at times.
I remember in the initial days following my Open Heart Surgery (July 2023) when I was faced with several difficult decisions requiring more energy and wisdom and patience, physical spiritual strength than I felt I had within me.
I tried to rely on my own strength and resources, but it quickly became apparent that I was running on empty.
This is where God’s promise of renewal comes in.
It’s not about having strength to do it all on our own; it’s about trusting God, whose strength is limitless.
In the same way an eagle soars with ease, we have the strength to rise above our struggles when we hope in God. I cannot fly. I didn’t have to fight or fly through challenges on nonexistent wings. God equips what we require for the journey.
As we step into the newness of each day, let’s remember we don’t need to face life’s challenges alone.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Amplified Bible
A Thorn in the Flesh
7 Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; 9 but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, that the vast power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. 10 I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].
The Lord’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, and he promises when we place our trust in him, God renews our strength, empower us to face whatever comes our way.
God exerts his power not in distant and impersonal ways.
Instead, he extends the promise of strength to his people. The Christian faith does not deny the reality of our weariness but offers sure hope to weary souls.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit …
Praying …
Psalm 46 Amplified Bible
God the Refuge of His People.
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah, set to soprano voices. A Song.
46 God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas, 3 Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains tremble at its roaring. Selah.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her [His city], she will not be moved; God will help her when the morning dawns. 6 The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered and were moved; He raised His voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has brought desolations and wonders on the earth. 9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow into pieces and snaps the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. Selah.
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.
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification[a] were through the law, then Christ died to no purpose.
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.
Some biblical verses reach so deeply into the heart of the gospel that they change the way you see everything.
Galatians 2:20 stands among the most powerful declarations in Scripture.
Paul describes a life reshaped, redefined, and reborn through union with Christ.
He invites you to see that the Christian life is not powered by our efforts but by Crucified Savior Christ living in you.
This is not a theory.
It is reality.
A new identity, a new power, and a new way of envisioning being in the world.
Paul’s words remind us that the old ways of life built on striving, fear, and self-righteousness has come to an end.
A new life, empowered by the Son of God who loves you and gave Himself for you, has begun.
When this truth settles into your heart, it changes not only what you believe but how you live.
Today, we step into the beauty of a life shaped by Christ within.
Big Idea 1: Your Old Life Has Ended Through the Cross
Paul begins with a powerful truth.
You have been crucified with Christ.
This does not mean you lose your personality or your humanity.
It means the old system of earning righteousness, carrying guilt, and chasing identity has been put to death.
The cross is not only an event that saved you.
It is the place where your old self was laid down and a new self was raised.
Many believers struggle because they try to live the Christian life with the old mindset.
They fear failure.
Believers often try to earn what God freely gives.
They cling to old labels, old wounds, and old patterns.
Paul reminds you that the person who lived under the weight of sin is no longer there.
In Christ, the old is dead, and the new has come.
Seeing yourself through the lens of the cross changes the way you approach everything.
You are not fighting for victory, you are fighting from victory.
You are not earning acceptance; you are living from acceptance.
Freedom grows when you believe what Christ has done in you.
Big Idea 2: The Life You Live Today Is Christ Living in You
Paul says, It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
This is the heart of Christian transformation.
The Christian life is not self-improvement.
It is Christ-empowered living. Jesus does not simply inspire you.
He indwells you.
He strengthens you, guides you, convicts you, and equips you.
This means change is possible because Christ is present.
Holiness is achievable because Christ is your power.
Obedience becomes joyful because Christ is your strength.
Your life does not depend on your willpower but on His presence.
When we pick up our bible’s, study scripture, pray Proverbs 3:5-10 to understand this transforming truth, spiritual growth becomes less and less about striving and more and more about what it means to authentically surrender self to God.
Proverbs 3:5-10 Revised Standard Version
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh[a] and refreshment[b] to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
The life you now live, you live by faith.
Faith keeps you connected to Christ.
It invites His power into your weakness.
Faith reminds you that you are not walking alone.
Christ in you is the hope of glory and the source of your transformation.
Big Idea 3: Grace Becomes the Foundation of Your Identity and Confidence
Paul ends this passage with a warning and a promise.
He will not nullify the grace of God.
If righteousness could come through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
This truth guards your heart against replacing grace with effort.
Grace secures your identity, anchors your confidence, and reminds you that Christ’s sacrifice was complete and all-sufficient.
Grace does not make you passive.
It makes you grateful.
Grace frees you to obey out of love rather than fear.
It removes the pressure to perform, replaces it with the joy of living in Christ.
When grace becomes your foundation, prayer life deepens, hope strengthens, and your confidence rests no longer in yourself but in the One who loved you and gave Himself for you (Philippians 2:5-11).
Philippians 2:5-11 Revised Standard Version
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant,[a] being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
You and I live in the freedom of a love which cannot be earned, won at any high stakes poker game or with a spin from a roulette wheel, will not be withdrawn.
Christ’s death declares your worth.
His life within you declares your purpose.
When I reflect on my life and who and where I once was, it’s easy to see how I’ve tried to define myself by my past, my mistakes, and the roles I’ve played.
There were times when I thought my whole identity was tied to my job, my achievements, or even how others saw me.
I struggled as I compared myself with others, thinking that who I was could only be measured by external success or someone else’s approval.
But then I found freedom in Christ.
Galatians 2:20 became a truth that I can hold on to—I no longer have to define myself by my past or even by what I’ve done.
I am now defined by the life Christ lives in me.
In him, my identity is secure.
No more striving to earn a sense of worth; no more living under the weight of expectations that I cannot hope to meet.
In Christ, I am a new creation.
This new identity in Christ does not mean I don’t/I won’t still struggle with old habits or old thoughts.
But it does mean I have a foundation that is not built on shifting sand.
Matthew 7:24-29 Revised Standard Version
Hearers and Doers
24 “Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; 25 and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; 27 and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it.”
28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
I can live with peace because the indelible truth is that I belong to Savior Jesus.
My identity is wrapped up in his love, his grace, the work he has done for me.
Galatians 2:20-21 pulls you into the center of the gospel and your identity.
You are crucified with Christ.
You are raised with Christ. Christ lives in you.
His grace sustains you, his love defines you, and his presence empowers you.
This is more than belief.
It is reality.
It shapes your decisions, your relationships, your purpose, and your confidence.
As you walk with God today, let this truth settle deeply into your heart.
John 14:22-27 Revised Standard Version
22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me does not keep my words; and the word which you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.
25 “These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Christ died for you, He was resurrected for you, Christ lives in you, those truths changes everything.
“In the name of God, the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen”
Praying ….
Psalm 91Revised Standard Version
Assurance of God’s Protection
91 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, 2 will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” 3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; 4 he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 5 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you. 8 You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge,[a] the Most High your habitation, 10 no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.
11 For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways. 12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
14 Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. 15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him, and 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.
6 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 [a] Far from it! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become [b]united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be [c]in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old [d]self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be [e] done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for the one who has died is [f]freed from sin.
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.
Romans 6:1–14 explores how Christians should think about and respond to sin now that we are in Christ and our sins are forgiven.
In explaining this, Paul reveals new information about what happened when we put our faith in Christ. In a spiritual sense, we died with Him, and to our sin.
What does it mean to let sin reign in your body?
Sin remains in the body and if it is not kept in check, it will reign in the body.
Sin is not dead, but the Christian must be diligent to remain dead to sin.
The Christian is encouraged to yield the body as a slave to righteousness and holiness and not allow sin to reign, for God provides a way out.
What does Paul mean when he says we are dead to sin?
Being “dead to sin” means we renounce it once and for all.
This is called “repentance,” or changing your mind toward sin.
It means you were once the lord of your own life.
However, from this point forward, you are going to do a 180 degree about-face, follow Jesus as the Lord of your life. Repentance is the essence of conversion.
What does Romans 6 verse 4 mean?
Paul means to communicate a real spiritual transaction took place when we were saved.
On a spiritual level, we experienced death and burial with Christ.
Then God gloriously raised us from that spiritual death just as He raised Christ from physical death.
I. A Whole New You
What do you think of when you hear the phrase, “a whole new you”.
What if we were to type that phrase into an online search engine?
What kinds of sites do you think we would be directed to by that phrase?
Well, I did just that the other day and I bet you can guess the kinds of subjects, the kinds of services, that were being promoted with that very phrase.
There were sites, of course, about health and fitness and dietary wellness.
There were sites about all manner of cosmetic surgeries.
There were sites recommended having to do with continuing education, and time-management, fashion, an idea called “the power of conscious breathing”.
But why…why are people interested in discovering “a whole new you”?
And will any of those things I just mentioned from those search results, will anything of those things really, authentically, produce “a whole new you”?
Let’s bring these very questions to God’s word this morning.
Turn with me back to Romans 6.
II. The Passage: “Walk in Newness of Life” (6:1-7)
Romans 6:1-7 Christian Standard Bible
The New Life in Christ
6 What should we say then? Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply? 2 Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness[a] of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be[b] in the likeness of his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self[c] was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin[d] might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, 7 since a person who has died is freed[e] from sin.
One of the most powerful truths of the Christian faith is that we don’t have to stay the same.
Through Jesus, we have been given the gift of new life—right here, right now.
We are not just slightly improved versions of our old selves.
We have been made new from the inside out.
Paul’s words in Romans 6 remind us just as Jesus was raised from the dead, we too are invited into resurrection living.
That means the habits, thought patterns, and shame that once held us back no longer have to define us. The past no longer has the final word.
Grace does.
Of course, walking in newness doesn’t always feel instant.
Often it means taking one small step of faith at a time.
But every step forward in obedience is a declaration that you belong to the risen Savior Christ and that your life is a living testimony to his transforming power.
Have you ever felt “undone” in the presence of God?
If so, what happened or what came as a result?
Is there a space for you that feels holy?
Where and what is it about that space?
HEART How can we live a life which is more sensitive to the holy that is all around us?
Why do you hold the site of true Godly holiness may cause a fear response in us?
When we feel undone, unworthy before the almighty, how should we respond?
HANDS If love and holiness are tied together, how may you be able to seek to be more loving like Jesus is loving (turning the other cheek, praying for those who will persecute you/your enemies, forgiving, involvement ministry and mission?
Matthew 10:1-8 New American Standard Bible
The Twelve Disciples; Instructions for Service
10 Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.
2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew; and [a]James the son of Zebedee, and his brother [b]John; 3 Philip and [c]Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; [d] James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the [e]Zealot, and too Judas Iscariot, the one who also betrayed Him.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, “Do not go on a road [f]to Gentiles, and do not enter a city of Samaritans; 6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, [g]preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.
The 1981 movie The Blues Brothers, small-time criminals Jake and Elwood Blues receive a vision in church to reunite their band in order to save their former orphanage. To convince some of the band members to join them, they have only one message to convey: “We’re on a mission from God.”
In a sense, Jesus was doing the same with his disciples. He gathered them together and told them they were on a mission from God.
What was the mission?
They were invited to change lives in the name of Jesus.
Jesus empowered those twelve disciples to do amazing things in his name..
They were authorized to drive demons away and heal people from all kinds of sicknesses.
Jesus was not interested in making a name for himself, or building up his poll numbers.
He was announcing that the kingdom of God was on the move.
It was time for God’s agenda to be known in the life and actions of the Savior.
He gave his followers a mission from God, and the world will never be the same because of it.
That includes you and me too.
We have been sent into our neighborhoods to share the story of forgiveness in the name of Jesus. We have been sent into the places of trouble and despair to model the life-affirming witness of the Savior. We are on a mission from God!
Who in your life needs a gesture of God’s love this week to strangely warm their souls, how will you participate in helping God communicate HIs love for them?
You are not who you used to be.
By God’s grace, you are becoming more of the person he has called you to be.
“In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen”
Praying ….
Psalm 15 New American Standard Bible
Description of a Citizen of Zion.
A Psalm of David.
15 Lord, who may reside in Your tent? Who may settle on Your holy hill? 2 One who walks with integrity, practices righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart. 3 He does not slander [a]with his tongue, Nor do evil to his neighbor, Nor bring shame on his friend; 4 A despicable person is despised in his eyes, But he honors those who fear the Lord; He takes an oath to his own detriment, and does not change; 5 He does not [b]lend his money [c]at interest, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. One who does these things will never be shaken.
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.
21 I thank thee that thou hast answered me and hast become my salvation. 22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. 23 This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save us, we beseech thee, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech thee, give us success!
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.
Good morning this is the day the Lord has made!
Depending on how your day or week is going, you may not be too excited for me to give you this awesome welcome to a new day.
Still, as the scriptures do proclaim His truth; today is the day the Lord has made.
We all have days which rain down mixed blessings and Psalm 118 is all about finding the blessing in the midst of trials that bring those feelings of anxiety.
So let’s rejoice in the promises of God’s blessings and still remain glad in them.
How can our struggling countenance rejoice and be glad in our days when your life feels full of unlimited measures of both chaos, frustration and sadness?
What does it mean in Psalm 118:24 that this is the day that the Lord has made?
Psalm 118 is a very important Messianic psalm points directly to God whose goodness and grace lasts forever, and it identifies Jesus as Israel’s coming Messiah who has become their strength and stay.
And Jesus is our Redeemer as well. This is a psalm that rejoices over our great salvation and points directly to the Lord Jesus as our mighty Deliverer.
This is a song that is attached to the very core of God’s own heart, for it is referring to the scheduled day when the Lord Jesus Christ will sit upon His heavenly-ordained throne as David’s rightful heir in the holy city of Jerusalem.
THIS is the day the Lord has made.
THIS is the day of Christ.
THIS is the day of Israel’s redemption when His people cry out to the Lord Jesus: “Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna!”
THIS is the day when the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our GOD and of His Christ.
This is the song of rejoicing and praise which Israel will sing on that thrilling morning when their long-awaited Messiah rides into Jerusalem in power and great glory at His second advent.
Then He will set up His eternal kingdom in the midst of His people Israel, as King of kings, Lord of lords, the Messiah of Israel and Savior of ALL.
What a day that will be.
When the psalmist says, “This is the day that the LORD has made,” it’s not just about sunny skies and good vibes. It’s a declaration that no matter what the day holds, it is still God’s.
It means that God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness are already waiting for you in this day. Even when life feels unpredictable, God’s love doesn’t waver or stop.
Rejoicing doesn’t mean pretending that everything is fine. It means choosing to trust the One who made the day—and who holds you in it.
Each morning brings a new opportunity to rest in God’s love, to find joy not in perfection but in God’s presence.
You don’t have to carry yesterday’s weight into today. God’s love is new each morning—and it will meet you again tomorrow.
What rejoicing will flood the earth for this is the great day towards which the Lord’s plan of redemption has been steadily moving for millennia.
This is the day when God’s favor towards mankind will reach its fulfilment.
This is the day when there will be a resounding chorus of great joy, as all God’s people unite together with one great chorus of praise, as we sing in unison:
“This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His mercy endures forever.”
At His first coming Jesus came to His own people, but they rejected Him; and yet He was the royal Son of David, the Anointed of God.
He was the Stone which the builders rejected, yet He is the One who became the chief Cornerstone.
The man who falls on the Stone will be broken to pieces (saved by grace through faith) BUT on whosoever that Stone falls (unbeliever) will be scattered like dust.
At His first advent, they disapproved of His birth.
They criticized Jesus because He was from Galilee.
They disapproved of His lack of formal education and were highly critical when He exposed their hypocrisy, religiosity and man-made traditions.
They condemned Him for being a friend of tax collectors, lepers, crippled, and of talking, drinking water with a Samaritan woman and eating with prostitutes.
They closed their ears to His teaching, their eyes to His miracles and their heart to His Truth, .
At His first coming, a Roman spear pierced His side, from which poured out redemption’s blood-red stream over the sinful race of fallen man – as a dying, sin-cursed earth, groaned beneath the weight of sin, waiting in fervent hope for this special day of redemption.
And the sharp, double-edged sword which proceeds forth from His mouth at His second coming will destroy the wicked in the day of wrath, and the earth will be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.
What does it mean this is the day that the Lord has made?
“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24.
Each day is an unmistakably rich and precious gift from God, with new grace and new opportunities.
Jesus says that we have only this one day, and we must not be anxious for the day tomorrow.
This will be a day of great rejoicing and much joy; a day of blessing and grace; of health and happiness; of righteousness, justice; prosperity; peace and pardon.
This is the day when crowds will gather at the glorious second advent of Israel’s long-awaited Messiah, all nations will join in the joyous celebrations to honor the Lord most high.
This is the day of Christ’s glorious exaltation, which began with His rejection and humiliation at Calvary’s cross, but will climax on His great coronation day.
How we look forward to that day, when together we will sing: “This is the day that the Lord has made. We WILL rejoice and be glad in it!”
How can I apply Psalm 118:24 today?
Psalm 118:24 infuses meaning into today to know that God has made the day and has a purpose for it. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. The God who made us made everything that’s around us on this day that we have to experience. He’s made this day, so let us all rejoice.
In the name of God, the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit …
Praying …
Psalm 103 Revised Standard Version
Thanksgiving for God’s Goodness
A Psalm of David.
103 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good as long as you live[a] so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor requite us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear him. 14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. 17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, 18 to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.
19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word! 21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers that do his will! 22 Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!
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.
20 In those days Hezekiah became [a]mortally ill. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, came to him and said to him, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Set your house in order, for you are going to die and not live.’” 2 Then he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying, 3 “Please, Lord, just remember how I have walked before You wholeheartedly and in truth, and have done what is good in Your sight!” And Hezekiah wept [b]profusely. 4 And even before Isaiah had left the middle courtyard, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 5 “Return and say to Hezekiah the leader of My people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David says: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I am going to heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord. 6 And I will add fifteen years to your [c]life, and I will save you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will protect this city for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.”’” 7 Then Isaiah said, “Take a cake of figs.” And they took it and placed it on the inflamed spot, and he recovered.
8 Now Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the Lord will heal me, and that I will go up to the house of the Lord on the third day?” 9 Isaiah said, “This shall be the sign to you from the Lord, that the Lord will perform the word that He has spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten steps or go back ten steps?” 10 So Hezekiah said, “It is easy for the shadow to decline ten steps; no, but have the shadow turn backward ten steps.” 11 Then Isaiah the prophet called out to the Lord, and He brought the shadow on the [d]stairway back ten steps by which it had gone down on the [e]stairway of Ahaz.
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.
Hezekiah Walked With God
Hezekiah “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his [ancestor] David had done” (2 Kings 18:3).
Hezekiah’s father, Ahaz, had been a king who did evil in God’s sight.
Hezekiah tore down the altars and sacred stones his father had used to worship other gods, and the Lord blessed Hezekiah’s devotion and his zeal by giving him victories over enemy oppressors who tried to ruin God’s people.
But then Hezekiah became critically ill, the Lord said that he would soon die.
So Hezekiah cried. pleaded with God for healing, reminding the Lord in prayer he had always walked before him “faithfully and with wholehearted devotion.”
And he wept bitterly.
God answered Hezekiah’s prayer by adding fifteen years to his life. Hezekiah was thankful, but he did not always use his extra time wisely.
He had a weakness in that he was proud of all the treasures of his kingdom. And when visitors came from Babylon, he proudly showed them all his treasures.
Later the prophet Isaiah said that one day those treasures would be carried off to Babylon. God’s cure of Hezekiah’s illness did not cure him of his pride.
A mountain-top spiritual experience doesn’t protect us against a fall back into the valley of sin. If you have been to the mountaintop, pray for sustaining grace.
And if you have fallen, Psalm 51 repent knowing God’s forgiving grace is great.
Since the days of David and Solomon, there had not been a king of Judah as faithful as Hezekiah. Not only did he purge idolatry from Judah, but he also humbled himself, trusted the Lord to deliver him from the Assyrian Empire.
Given Assyria’s successful imperial expansion, it would have made more sense, humanly speaking, for Hezekiah to surrender and ask for mercy. But Hezekiah walked by faith, not by sight, and Assyria was turned away (2 Kings 18–19).
We see another example of Hezekiah’s trust in the Lord in today’s passage, which tells us of a critical moment when the king almost lost his life.
At the point of death, King Hezekiah received a visit from Isaiah the great prophet who played a critical role during the righteous monarch’s reign.
Isaiah delivered a message from the Lord that Hezekiah was about to die (20:1).
But Hezekiah did not take God’s words as an unalterable decree; instead, he chose faith over fear, courage not timidity, went to the Lord in prayer (vv. 2–3).
In the vulnerability of King Hezekiah’s desperate prayer, we see the essence of our relationship with God. It’s not about eloquence or perfection but coming to Him just exactly as we are: spiritually broken, seeking strength, being hopeful.
God’s response to Hezekiah isn’t just about the promise of healing; it’s a crystal clear declaration of His congoing, continuous nearness in our deepest struggles.
This interaction reminds us that our tears are never invisible to God. Each one a silent prayer, seen and too understood by Him. In our moments of helplessness, as words fail us, our tears speak volumes to the heart of our Father. Psalm 56:8
This illustrates the reality that not everything the prophets declared from God was part of His unchangeable decree that determines whatsoever comes to pass (Eph. 1:11).
Sometimes the Lord, through His prophets, announced things that He knew would not ultimately occur in order to spur His people to action.
Consider Jeremiah 18:5–10, that the Lord will relent and not fulfill a warning to sinful people when they repent, or He will bring judgment and not fulfill an announced blessing when men and women turn away from heeding His law.
In light of the Lord’s omniscience—He knows all things past, present, and future—God obviously knows how people will respond confronted by crisis.
In Hezekiah’s case, His ultimate intention was to heal the king and not to end his life through the illness described in 2 Kings 20:1–11.
But our actions are one means through which the Lord brings His plans to pass, He makes our decisions meaningful by acting in ways that prompt us to pray.
So, the Lord called for Hezekiah to be restored to health through the means of a poultice made from figs, He even added fifteen years to the king’s life (vv. 4–7).
Moreover, God did not refuse Hezekiah’s request for a sign the healing would be accomplished. This request shows that Hezekiah’s faith was true but imperfect, for he needed confirmation of God’s words when the promise should have been enough. But our Creator is kind, and He bolstered Hezekiah’s faith with a sign (vv. 8–11).
When we pray, we must remember God is sovereign, will answer us according to His eternal purposes. That does not mean, however, we should not be earnest in prayer. Hezekiah prayed earnestly, and he was healed. We should express our needs to God earnestly as well, knowing that He just may grant us what we ask.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Praying ….
Psalm 16
Confidence in the Lord
A Miktam of David.
1 Protect me, God, for I take refuge in you. 2 I[a] said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides you.”[b] 3 As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones. All my delight is in them. 4 The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves will multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips.
5 Lord, you are my portion[c] and my cup of blessing; you hold my future. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I will bless the Lord who counsels me— even at night when my thoughts trouble me.[d] 8 I always let the Lord guide me.[e] Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely. 10 For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay. 11 You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.
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). 