Tag: faith

Who is My Family? These are my mother and brothers. Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys my heavenly Father’s will are my brother, my sister, and mother. Matthew 12:46-50

Matthew 12:46-50 New Revised Standard Version

The True Kindred of Jesus

46 While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, ‘Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’[a] 48  But to the one who had told him this, Jesus[b] replied, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ 49 And pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’

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.

Can I begin to imagine this scene? Jesus’ beloved family comes by as he is preaching. Here He seizes the chance to widen that fortunate group.

He is not callously denying or ignoring family ties, but is instead, extending them into the Kingdom of God with a gesture that is like an ordination. When he points to the group of disciples, can I imagine that I am standing among them?

What is there to reflect on, to meditate over, pray to the Holy Spirit for clarity?

Reflection:

Belonging to God is basic relationship, prior to all human relations. We came from God before we came from father and mother. (Psalm 139:13-18)

Psalm 139:13-18 Revised Standard Version

13 For thou didst form my inward parts,
    thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise thee, for thou art fearful and wonderful.[a]
    Wonderful are thy works!
Thou knowest me right well;
15     my frame was not hidden from thee,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately wrought in the depths of the earth.
16 Thy eyes beheld my unformed substance;
    in thy book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious to me are thy thoughts, O God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
    When I awake, I am still with thee.[b]

Still there are times during our journey of life when family goes second to God.

How would Mary have taken this statement?

Was she being diminished?

Her faith was deep and was strong enough to know her spiritual relationship to her Son was stronger even that the human mother-son relationship.

Reflection:

The relationship we have with Jesus is founded on something deeper than even the deepest human relationships of family.

We are the family of God and are brother and sister to Jesus when we try to do God’s will and to make God’s kingdom come.

Prayer deepens our appreciation of the values of the kingdom of God: justice, holiness, peace, compassion, faith, and love – all central to the life of Jesus.

Reflection:

I wonder what did his mother and family want to speak to him about?

The evidence is they were coming from home to take him back home. Jesus, with his radical teaching, and challenging religious views, was becoming an embarrassment if not a danger to his family.

Jesus’ way of life would lead him into opposition with those closest to him, his family.

Reflection:

Jesus counts me among his closest, his next-of-kin.

I show that this is my identity as I do the will of God.

When you hear the word family, what usually comes to mind?

Where I grew up, a family was generally made up of a husband and wife and their biological children.

Some families also had adopted children. Some couples did not have children, and some parents were separated or divorced. But the most common family in that time and culture was the nuclear family. In the Bible and in today’s world, though, it’s less common to find families fitting that biblical description.

When Jesus’ family tried to get a message to him as crowds gathered around him, he saw an opportunity for a teaching moment and said, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Jesus was helping his followers to describe a new kind of family, a community bound by something more powerful than the blood in our veins.

This is not a rejection of the biological family. It’s an invitation to a bigger, richer family—the family of God, with whom we live in the kingdom of God.

By this narrative text you and I are invited to meet family members in your own community/neighborhoods where you work and live, in my biological family, and in other family groups that are too often a hidden or invisible part of life.

May God’s Holy Spirit work in us all to recognize the beautiful gift of his family in the relationships and communities we are a part of—no matter how different or diverse they might be.

Reflection

I pray that I may do the will of God with joy and courage, perhaps praying the ‘Our Father’ as I now ask that God’s will be done in this world as it is in heaven.

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

Praying …

Psalm 103:11-18 Revised Standard Version

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.

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

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Today’s Reminder is to please let the peace of God reign inside your hearts. Colossians 3:15–17

Colossians 3:15-17 The Message

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

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 do football, soccer, basketball, tennis, and baseball have in common?

They all involve some sort of referees whose sole purpose is to enforce the rules of the game.

These rule-keepers play a critical role.

Authority has been given to them to ensure the game is fairly played and can proceed without confusion or disruption.

In Colossians 3:15, describes how followers of Jesus should live:

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

What does it mean to let the “peace of Christ” rule?

In a sporting event, the person with the most authority is given responsibility to enforce the rules of the game.

In the Christian life, Jesus has that authority.

When all of our individual opinions and desires are subjected to Him, He brings us together allowing peace to rule over us. When His peace rules, we will “bear with each other,” “forgive one another,” and will “put on love” (vv. 13–14).

As members of one body, we are to be mindful of and thankful for the rules we have been given by God.

They help us relate to one another in a spirit of thanksgiving (v. 15).

Paul explains how this happens through teaching and worship:

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (v.16).

Notice how a spirit of thankfulness and gratitude is woven through these verses. We are told to sing to God “with gratitude in your hearts” (v. 16).

Paul says that “whatever [we] do, whether in word or deed,” when done in Jesus’ name, demonstrates our thankfulness to God (v. 17).

Go Deeper

Are you able to say you are experiencing the peace of Christ in your heart? In what ways is the peace of Christ being displayed in your life toward others?

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

Praying, ….

Philippians 4:6-9 The Message

6-7 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

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

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I Have a New Identity in Christ; ‘The thief comes only so that he can steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’ John 10:6-10

John 10:6-10 New Living Translation

6 Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, 7 so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me[a] were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved.[b] They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

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.

Identity theft is a growing threat today. High tech scammers anonymously try to steal our personal information and gain access to our financial accounts.

In the spirit world, another identity thief lurks as well. The master deceiver, Satan, tries to rob believers of the assurance of their new identity in Christ.

He continuously tries to sow seeds of doubt, despair, confusion, and insecurity within us. If he cannot possess us, the devil wants at least to wear us down and make us feel defeated, and weak, limiting our service for God and his kingdom.

Make no bones about it; Satan is our most vicious adversary whose mode of operandi is to seek and to destroy.

If he cannot keep us from being saved, he strives to keep us from being used.

Satan is forever seeking opportunities for his savage attacks therefore we are to not be fearful rather on our guard. While Satan is most definitely far out of our league in power, he is certainly not out of God’s authority– Hallelujah for that!

But we are not alone.

We have the presence of God in our hearts, and we have God’s Word to assure us and strengthen us with the truth.

Jesus promises that we will have life to the full, and no one can snatch us out of his hand (John 10:28-30).

28 And I give them eternal life, and they will never, ever [by any means] perish; and no one will ever snatch them out of My hand. 29 [a]My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are One [in essence and nature].”

The Lord and his Word remain our best protection, affirming that we are not defined by past successes or failures but only by our union with Christ.

Through faith, we receive his righteousness and become the children of God.

We are forgiven, cleansed, commissioned to be his representatives in the world.

As God’s handiwork, as God’s masterpiece, we are expertly woven together, created to do good works that honor the Lord and bring blessing to others.

As God reassures us through his Spirit and his Word, we are redeemed, beloved, and empowered to live out his purposes with confidence and grace each day.

How do I apply John 10:10 to my life?

To abundantly live the John 10:10 life is to live a life committed to Christ. It takes deliberate discipline, continual conversion, and a life thoroughly rooted in Scripture and the sacraments. When we choose this life and ignore the many thieves surrounding us, we’re sure to have a life of abundance, hope, and peace.

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

Praying …

Psalm 23 The Message

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

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

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

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

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

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I Am more than a Conqueror; ‘But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.’ Romans 8:31-39

Romans 8:31-39 Revised Standard Version

God’s Love in Christ Jesus

31 What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies; 34 who is to condemn? Is it Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us?[a] 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written,

“For thy sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Word of God for the Children of God

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

In times of uncertainty, upheaval and seeming chaos, it’s natural for people to extend themselves seek out a strong leader to restore order, to bring resolution.

It may be a military hero, a political figure, or a charismatic leader.

We all too often rush to look to our own resources to bring stability to a volatile situation, don’t we?

Yet when we discover the ultimate victor and King, Jesus Christ, we learn, as he states in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:31-33 Amplified Bible

31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now [at last] believe? 32 Take careful notice: an hour is coming, and has arrived, when you will all be scattered, each to his own home, leaving Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.  33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

Through his triumph over sin and death, Jesus declares victory over every force that opposes God and his plan of restoration. His victory brings hope to believers, promising peace and triumph despite the trials and struggles they may endure.

In light of this, Paul boldly proclaims in Romans 8, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

The adversity believers experience is nothing new (Romans 8:36).

Do not be surprised when you suffer for Christ’s sake.

This happened to the godly saints in the Old Testament and the New Testament (Psalm 44:22; Hebrews 11:36-38; 2 Timothy 3:12). Nothing that enters our life is able or sufficient to separate us from God’s love demonstrated at the cross. 

God’s love allows the believer to be a conqueror in adversity (Romans 8:37).

God walks with us through every adversity and hardship. We do not merely survive or squeak by. We do not just succeed. We are more than conquerors!

In Christ, we are super-conquerors. This verse emphasizes the absolute and overwhelming victory that God gives to the believer through Christ. Believers are supremely victorious because of their abiding relationship with Christ. 

God allows nothing to separate us from his love (Romans 8:38-39). The victory Jesus won through his death and resurrection is now shared with his followers.

Our identity in Christ transforms us into victors who have new, full life forever in Christ. When we align with Jesus, no other power or influence can defeat us or keep us down. Don’t let, don’t allow suffering cause you to doubt God’s love. 

What should you do with this wonderful passage?

First, you should make sure these wonderful truths apply to you.

This magnificent promise of God’s love is only for those who have a personal relationship with him made possible through faith in Jesus Christ. If you know Christ as savior, you can be confident that God’s love for you is unchanging.

You must meditate on and rehearse this marvelous passage in your mind so that you’ll be convinced of this truth. As you’ll face suffering, hardship, persecution, allow the trials to drive you, empower you directly into the loving arms of God.

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

Praying …

20 1-4 God answer you on the day you crash,
The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm’s reach,
Send reinforcements from Holy Hill,
Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies,
Exclaim over your offerings,
Celebrate your sacrifices,
Give you what your heart desires,
Accomplish your plans.

5 When you win, we plan to raise the roof
    and lead the parade with our banners.
May all your wishes come true!

6 That clinches it—help’s coming,
    an answer’s on the way,
    everything’s going to work out.

7-8 See those people polishing their chariots,
    and those others grooming their horses?
    But we’re making garlands for God our God.
The chariots will rust,
    those horses pull up lame—
    and we’ll be on our feet, standing tall.

9 Make the king a winner, God;
    the day we call, give us your answer.

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

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I Am A Seed-Planter; “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters his seed on the ground.” Mark 4:26

Mark 4:26-34 English Standard Version

The Parable of the Seed Growing

26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

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.

When Jesus came to live and teach among us, it was common for a farmer to sling a bag of seed over his shoulder and to walk through his fields reaching in to the bag and busily scattering handfuls of seed onto the freshly tilled soil.

As Jesus explains the process of the seed sprouting and growing in this parable, we can see that the seed symbolizes the good news of salvation, bringing the potential for new life.

As Paul explains similarly in Romans 1:16, “The gospel . . . is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”

The gospel is a potent unstoppable force, capable of transforming lives and entire communities. Like seed hidden beneath the surface, its message takes root out-of-sight, deep within the human heart. There it grows and matures, eventually breaking through our soils and yielding a harvest of righteousness.

Luke 12:13-21 New American Standard Bible 1995

Covetousness Denounced

13 Someone [a]in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” 14 But He said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” 16 And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. 17 And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ 18 Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night [b]your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ 21 So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

Hoarding the Gospel seeds – Locking it away in our “Silos”

Rather than hoarding and locking the seeds of the gospel in a silo, we are called to freely, openly and visibly scatter it all generously as we journey through life.

We widely scatter seed by supporting missionaries or mission organizations, volunteering for a church community service project, inviting a neighbor over for coffee, a barbeque, a swim party, and more – a worship service in the park.

We sow gospel seed when we nurture spiritual conversations with our family members and friends, converse with strangers in a grocery store. We sow seed with colleagues at work, at lunch or dinner. When we spread the good news of our Savior Jesus, we participate in the process of bringing forth spiritual fruit.

The Kingdom of God on earth is progressing toward an end. While we don’t fully understand all that goes on, we can be sure that the Kingdom is growing, and when it comes to full maturity, the season of the great harvest will come.

There is movement and there is mystery, but ultimately, there is harvest.

We also need to understand this about the Kingdom: The power of the Kingdom grows, moves and matures and breaks out into the light of day despite our lack of complete, full, understanding of all that is happening in this work of God.

One thing is certain, however; when all things are ready, the harvest will come.

A question for us is whether or not we will be an active or passive part of this movement and mystery and grow as we should, to be ready for harvest time.

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

Praying …

126 (0) A song of ascents:

(1) When Adonai restored Tziyon’s fortunes,
we thought we were dreaming.
2 Our mouths were full of laughter,
and our tongues shouted for joy.

Among the nations it was said,
“Adonai has done great things for them!”
3 Adonai did do great things with us;
and we are overjoyed.

4 Return our people from exile, Adonai,
as streams fill vadis in the Negev.

5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with cries of joy.
6 He who goes out weeping
as he carries his sack of seed
will come home with cries of joy
as he carries his sheaves of grain.

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

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How can I get right with God? ‘There is no difference at all between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned, fall infinitely short of the glory of God.’ Romans 3:21–24

Romans 3:21-24 New International Version

Righteousness Through Faith

21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in[a] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

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.

Sin stands in the way of our being right with God. We can get right with God by repenting of our sin and trusting in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. By doing so, we receive forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life.

what does the bible say?

The way to be in right standing with God was the same in the Old Testament as in the New Testament—by faith.

Before Christ died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, God gave His people the Law to point out sin, to reveal God’s holy standard, and to show humanity their need for a Savior.

The Law served as a guide to lead people to Christ, highlighting their inability to achieve righteousness, or right standing, through their own efforts.

The Law pointed them to the necessity of God’s grace and forgiveness.

Scripture exhorts us to repent of sin and to believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior who is the path to eternal life.

Paul makes it clear in Romans that no person can get to heaven by his own effort. All sin is an infinite offense against God and deserves God’s wrath.

We need to be made righteous to be in right standing before God. Right standing with God is attained through faith in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work.

The barrier that keeps us from being right with God is sin.

In spite of our sin, God made a way for us to be in right standing with Him, to be declared righteous, to be freely justified by God’s grace, to be forgiven of our sins through the work of Jesus Christ, and to be granted eternal life.

The only solution to being right with God is trusting in Jesus as our Savior.

from the old testament
  • Abram (Abraham) was righteous, or in right standing before the Lord, because Abram believed in Him (Genesis 15:6).
  • God offers cleansing of sin to those who obey and believe in Him (Isaiah 1:18–20).
  • By turning to the Lord and believing in Him, we can be declared righteous, be justified before Him, and be saved (Isaiah 45:21–25).
  • Righteous people who are in right standing with God believe in Him and live by His faithfulness (Habakkuk 2:4).
  • God calls those who have turned away from Him to repent of sin in order to be in right standing with Him, and He promises that He will be gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in loving kindness (Joel 2:12–13).
  • Everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved and in right standing with Him (Joel 2:32).
from the new testament
  • Right standing is given through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22).
  • Humans sin and do not measure up to God’s perfect standard, but those who believe are given the free gift of grace through Jesus (Romans 3:23).
  • Our sins lead to death, but God gave us the free gift of His son, so we can have eternal life (Romans 6:23).
  • We can be right with God and saved from eternal death by declaring that Jesus is Lord and believing that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9).
  • Jesus took on the world’s sins at the cross so that all who believe would be made righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
  • Righteousness comes through faith in God (Philippians 3:9).
  • God gave us His Son so that all who believe would not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
  • If we believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and that He is our Lord and Savior, we are justified before God (Romans 10:9–10).
  • We need to confess our sins to be in right standing with God (1 John 1:9).
  • It is by grace through faith that we are saved and are thus in right standing with God (Ephesians 2:8–9).
implications for today

If you are asking this question, it likely means you feel the burden of your sins.

Our sins lead us to death, but take heart—God gave us a way to be forgiven of our sins and to have eternal life!

How can you receive eternal life? Jesus taught that eternal life comes by faith: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

You must believe in Jesus to escape death and the punishment for your sins and to have eternal life in heaven with Jesus.

Genuine faith leads to repentance and a commitment to follow Christ. Salvation is not earned by good works but is a gift from God that is received through faith.

God loves you and created you to have a relationship with Him, to reflect His glory, and to fulfill His purposes.

However, sin separates us from God, and we cannot bridge this gap on our own.

Jesus Christ, God’s Son, came to earth, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.

He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death.

By trusting in Jesus and accepting Him as your Savior and Lord, you can receive forgiveness for your sins and the gift of eternal life with God.

There is no special prayer you must say to get right with God.

However, if you would like to accept Jesus as your Savior and know for certain you have eternal life, you can tell God with a prayer similar to this:

“Dear God, I realize I am a sinner and could never reach heaven by my own good deeds. Right now, I place my faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son, who took the punishment for my sins on the cross and rose from the dead to give me eternal life and restore me to rightness with you. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live for you. Thank you for accepting me and giving me eternal life.”

Have you made a decision for Christ because of what you have read here?

understand

  • Sin separates us from God; faith in Jesus makes us right with Him.
  • Getting right with God has always come by faith, not works.
  • Jesus’s death and resurrection offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who will believe.
reflect
  • How have you seen the weight of sin affect your relationship with God, and how does faith in Jesus bring hope?
  • What does repentance look like in your daily life, and how can you make it a genuine practice?
  • Have you fully trusted in Jesus for your salvation, or are you relying on your own efforts to be right with God?
engage

What role do we play in helping others get right with God?

How can we explain the significance of faith over works in being right with God to someone unfamiliar with the gospel?

What Old Testament examples, like Abraham’s faith, can help us illustrate the consistency of God’s plan for salvation?

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

Praying, ….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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One Grand Story! ‘The Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and His name one.’ Zechariah 14:1-9

Zechariah 14:1-9 English Standard Version

The Coming Day of the Lord

14 Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. 4 On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward. 5 And you shall flee to the valley of my mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal. And you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.[a]

6 On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost.[b] 7 And there shall be a unique[c] day, which is known to the Lord, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light.

8 On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea[d] and half of them to the western sea.[e] It shall continue in summer as in winter.

9 And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.

Word of God for the Children of God

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

Today’s message from Zechariah 14:9 paints a beautiful picture for us: a future where God is the one true King over the whole earth.

Imagine that—a time when everyone is united under His loving rule, and all the disagreements and fights we see now are gone.

This isn’t just a nice thought for the future; it’s a guide for how we should try to live our lives today.

This big promise compels us to think about how we can bring a little bit of that future unity into our world right now.

It’s about our being kind, finding ways to get along with others, and showing the same love to everyone, no matter how different they might seem from us.

We’re being called to act like citizens of God’s kingdom today, working to make peace and help others just like Jesus did.

So, how do we do this?

We can start small, in our families, schools, or workplaces, by being the person or people who truly listens, forgives, and tries to understand where others are coming from. Every act of kindness, every effort to make peace, is like planting fields of the most responsive seeds of God’s future kingdom here in our time.

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

Praying …

Psalm 29

A Psalm of David.

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

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

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

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

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I Am a Steward; “It’s also like a man going off on an extended trip. He has called his servants together and has delegated responsibilities to them.” Matthew 25:14-18

Matthew 25:14-18 New International Version

The Parable of the Bags of Gold

14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

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 steward is someone who takes care of and manages someone else’s property or belongings. The steward is not the owner but is responsible to the owner for all that the owner has entrusted to them.

The Bible includes many examples of stewardship. When God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, he charged them with its care (Genesis 2:15).

Since the beginning, humans have been entrusted by God to steward his creation, his blessings, and the very lives he gives them.

In Jesus’ parable in our Bible reading today, three servants received bags of gold from their master before he left on a journey.

They were expected to be productive, innovative, and enterprising with what they had been given.

Specifically, they were to invest their master’s resources in worthwhile ventures, aiming for growth and multiplication.

While two servants faithfully embraced this responsibility, one did not. The master’s approval clearly fell upon the two who were faithful.

As the Lord’s stewards, we don’t possess anything on our own.

All we have is entrusted to us by our gracious heavenly Father.

Yet while we live and breathe, we are called to nurture and care for what God has given us, using it for his glory.

What does Matthew 25:14 teach us?

Jesus’ servants must work diligently for Him while waiting for His return, not wasting the talents and resources which they have been given. Jesus uses two additional parables to illustrate a state of constant readiness for His return after He has gone. His followers should be diligently working for Him while waiting.

What is the meaning of Matthew 25:18?

This represents God’s intent for the skills, abilities, and resources He gives to His people: to be used prudently, wisely and for God’s benefit. To do otherwise is to “waste our talents.” Here Jesus describes the servant, given a single talent.

What is the moral lesson of Matthew 25:14-30?

The point of the parable is that we are to use whatever we have been given by God exclusively for God’s purposes. The severe consequences to the lazy and unproductive servant, far beyond anything triggered by mere blind business mediocrity, tells us that we are to heavily invest our lives, not waste them.

Then one day we too will hear the Master’s words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

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

Praying …

16 1-2 Keep me safe, O God,
    I’ve run for dear life to you.
I say to God, “Be my Lord!”
    Without you, nothing makes sense.

3 And these God-chosen lives all around—
    what splendid friends they make!

4 Don’t just go shopping for a god.
    Gods are not for sale.
I swear I’ll never treat god-names
    like brand-names.

5-6 My choice is you, God, first and only.
    And now I find I’m your choice!
You set me up with a house and yard.
    And then you made me your heir!

7-8 The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake
    is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I’ll stick with God;
    I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go.

9-10 I’m happy from the inside out,
    and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed.
You canceled my ticket to hell—
    that’s not my destination!

11 Now you’ve got my feet on the life path,
    all radiant from the shining of your face.
Ever since you took my hand,
    I’m on the right 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.

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Why Should I Believe The Bible? ‘In addition, we have the most reliable prophetic word, and we would all do very well to pay close attention to it.’ 2 Peter 1:19-21

2 Peter 1:19-21 Amplified Bible

19 So we have the prophetic word made more certain. You do well to pay [close] attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and light breaks through the gloom and the [a]morning star arises in your hearts. 20 [b]But understand this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of or comes from one’s own [personal or special] interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

Word of God for the Children of God

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

Brother’s, Sister’s, Friends, welcome. It is such a blessing to gather together today and delve into the profound truths in God’s Word. We encounter in 2 Peter 1:19 an affirmation of the uniqueness, power, and authority of the Bible.

Peter writes,

“We have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

The Bible isn’t just any book; it’s a divine revelation, a lamp guiding us through life’s darkest valleys.

Rev. Dr. A.W. Tozer said,

“The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.”

This quote underlines the uniqueness, power, and authority embedded by God in the Bible, which we will further explore today.

Let’s bow our heads in prayer.

Dear Lord, we thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we now study Your Word today, give us hearts that are receptive, minds that are attentive, and spirits that are willing to obey what You reveal to us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Now, let’s open our hearts and minds to the divine truths that the Lord wants to reveal through His Word today.

The Uniqueness of the Bible

The composition:

It was written over a span of approximately 1500 years by more than 40 authors diverse backgrounds, including kings, shepherds, fishermen, tree dressers and nomads, cup bearers, fugitives under sentence of death, fisherman, scholars.

Yet, despite the vast differences in time, background, culture, upbringing and authorship, the Bible maintains a highly remarkable consistency in its message.

This unity amidst diversity points to a divine authorship, a supernatural hand guiding human thoughts, hands of human authors to pen God’s revelation.

The content:

It contains historical narratives, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, law codes, and apocalyptic visions.

Yet, all these diverse genres are carefully woven together to tell one overarching story: God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

No other book presents such a comprehensive and coherent narrative that spans from the creation of the world to the end of time.

Its truth: As Hebrews 4:12 declares,

“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.”

The Bible is unique because it is God’s living Word that penetrates our hearts, convicts us of our sins, and transforms us into the likeness of Christ.

The impact: The Bible has shaped civilizations, inspired great works of art, literature, and music, and transformed countless lives.

It has provided hope to the hopeless, comfort to the grieving, guidance to the lost, and salvation to the sinner.

The Bible’s enduring influence and transformative power attest to its divine origin and authority.

Its survival:

Despite numerous attempts throughout history to destroy or discredit the Bible, it remains the most widely read and distributed book in the world.

Its survival against all odds is a testimony to the truth of Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”

It’s not just a book; it is the living Word of God, a divine revelation that guides us, convicts us, transforms us, and ultimately leads us to salvation in Christ.

The Power of the Bible

It’s transformative:

It has the ability to change us from the inside out.

As we read and meditate on God’s Word, it shapes our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.

It molds us into the image of Christ, helping us to grow in godliness and holiness.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, affirms this when he writes,

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

This transformation happens as we immerse ourselves in the powerful Word of God.

It’s healing:

It brings comfort and peace to troubled hearts.

It provides hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, healing to the broken.

The psalmist testifies to this when he writes, “He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave” (Psalm 107:20).

God’s Word has the power to heal our emotional wounds, mend our broken relationships, and restore our joy.

It’s guiding:

It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).

It provides direction when we are lost, wisdom when we are confused, and clarity when we are in doubt.

It guides us in making decisions, choosing paths, and navigating life’s complexities.

Charles Spurgeon once said:

“A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”

This quote speaks to the power of the Bible in sustaining us through life’s trials and tribulations.

As we cling to God’s Word, it holds, binds, us together, giving us the strength to endure, the faith to believe, and the hope to persevere.

The power of the Bible is not just in its words, but in the God who speaks through them.

As we read, study, and meditate on the Bible, we encounter the living God, who uses His Word to transform, heal, and guide us.

The Authority of the Bible

Its ability to guide us in all areas of life:

It provides us with the moral and ethical standards by which we should live.

It gives us guidance on how to relate to God and to others.

It provides us with a worldview that helps make sense of the world around us.

It gives us hope for the future and comfort in times of sorrow.

It instructs us in the way of salvation and leads us to a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Its ability to change lives:

Throughout history, countless individuals have been radically changed by the message of the Bible.

It has the power to convict people of sin, to bring them to repentance, and to lead them to faith in Christ.

It has the power to comfort, to heal, to guide, and to give hope.

It has the power to change hearts and minds, to transform societies, and to shape cultures.

Grounded in the character of God:

Because God is truthful, His Word is truthful.

Because God is faithful, His Word is reliable.

Because God is powerful, His Word is powerful.

Because God is loving, His Word is life-giving.

The authority of the Bible is an expression of the authority of God Himself.

To submit to the authority of the Bible is to submit to the authority of God.

Conclusion

As we wrap up today, let’s remember that the Bible isn’t just a book.

It’s a divine revelation, a guide through life’s darkest valleys, and a source of spiritual perfection.

Let’s not just randomly pick it up and choose our favorite passages, but let’s strive to understand and obey the whole Bible.

Because nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.

And now, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and forevermore.

Let’s pray.

Psalm 119:1-16 The Message

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

* * *

9-16 How can a young person live a clean life?
    By carefully reading the map of your Word.
I’m single-minded in pursuit of you;
    don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.
I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart
    so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.
Be blessed, God;
    train me in your ways of wise living.
I’ll transfer to my lips
    all the counsel that comes from your mouth;
I delight far more in what you tell me about living
    than in gathering a pile of riches.
I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,
    I attentively watch how you’ve done it.
I relish everything you’ve told me of life,
    I won’t forget a word of it.

* * *

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

Dear Lord, thank You for Your Word and the truths we’ve explored today. As we go out into the world, help us to remember and live out these truths. Keep our hearts receptive, our minds attentive, and our spirits willing to obey what You reveal to us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Christ at Creation; Realizing Christ Holds It All Together. Colossians 1:16

Colossians 1:15-20 Christian Standard Bible

The Centrality of Christ

15 He is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn over all creation.
16 For everything was created by him,
in heaven and on earth,
the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions
or rulers or authorities—
all things have been created through him and for him.
17 He is before all things,
and by him all things hold together.
18 He is also the head of the body, the church;
he is the beginning,
the firstborn from the dead,
so that he might come to have
first place in everything.
19 For God was pleased to have
all his fullness dwell in him,
20 and through him to reconcile
everything to himself,
whether things on earth or things in heaven,
by making peace
through his blood, shed on the cross.[a]

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.

Imagine a universe in which everything is completely random.

There is no order; there is no consistency; there is no purpose.

What a horrible place that would be!

Yet those who believe in a purely naturalistic explanation for the origin of the universe find themselves in precisely such a place.

I’m thankful that we can know that there is purpose, there is direction, and that there is order in the universe.

This universe was designed, laid out, and is maintained by the Creator, the God of the universe, Himself.

The laws of physics are such a beautiful picture of the great order that God gives to His creation. Not only has God created this world, but He is 100% intimately involved in keeping everything orderly, running according to His perfect plan.

This truth actually brings us great comfort.

I don’t know if you’ve figured this out, but I have noticed many times over the many years that I’ve been alive that life does not actually turn out the way that I thought it would when I was much younger. As a matter of fact, life regularly takes twists and turns that I never would have ever imagined in my early years.

Unexpected tragedies come.

We experience loss.

We experience pain, heartache, sorrow, failure, and despair.

But knowing that God reigns on His throne on high is an incredible comfort.

We can be assured that nothing takes place that is outside of His control.

Take a moment to think about God’s perspective on this universe.

Consider God’s perspective on your problems.

God is not stressed out.

God is not sitting on His throne wringing his hands in worry about how things are going to turn out.

As you go throughout this day, take time to ponder God’s sovereignty.

Meditate on the reality that He is in control of everything.

Take time to ponder His sovereignty and how it makes a difference in your life.

Consider how big of a deal that is.

TODAY’S BIG IDEA: “God is in control, and you can relax and trust in Him.”

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

Praying …

Psalm 24

A psalm by David.

1 The earth and everything it contains are Yahweh’s.
    The world and all who live in it are his.
2 He laid its foundation on the seas
    and set it firmly on the rivers.

3 Who may go up Yahweh’s mountain?
    Who may stand in his holy place?
4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart
    and does not long for what is false[a]
        or lie when he is under oath.
5 This person will receive a blessing from Yahweh
    and righteousness from Elohim, his savior.
6 This is the person who seeks him,
    who searches for the face of the El of Jacob.[b] Selah

7 Lift your heads, you gates.
    Be lifted, you ancient doors,
    so that the Melek of glory may come in.

8 Who is this Melek of glory?
    Yahweh, strong and mighty!
    Yahweh, heroic in battle!

9 Lift your heads, you gates.
    Be lifted, you ancient doors,
    so that the Melek of glory may come in.

10 Who, then, is this Melek of glory?
    Yahweh Tsebaoth is the Melek of glory! 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.

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