Tag: faith

For Levi 100% Change is inevitable, For Matthew, Resistance to change was inevitably, virtually nonexistent. Luke 5:27-39

Luke 5:27-39 New American Standard Bible

Call of Levi (Matthew)

27 After that He went out and looked at a tax collector named [a]Levi sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, “Follow Me.” 28 And he left everything behind, and got up and began following Him.

29 And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and other people who were reclining at the table with them. 30 The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling to His disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and [b]sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous to repentance, but sinners.”

33 And they said to Him, “The disciples of John often fast and offer prayers, the disciples of the Pharisees also do [c]the same, but Yours eat and drink.”  34  And Jesus said to them, “You cannot make the [d]attendants of the groom fast while the groom is with them, can you? 35 But the days will come; and when the groom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.” 36 And He was also telling them a parable: “No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and puts it on an old garment; otherwise he will both tear the new, and the patch from the new  garment will not match the old. 37 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. 38 But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39 And no one, after drinking old wine wants new; for he says, ‘The old is fine.’”

Word of God for the Children of God

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

Today, we are going to look at the challenge of change in our spiritual lives.

We see Levi, a tax collector, who chose to leave his comfortable but corrupt life to follow Jesus.

This decision highlights the significant shifts we might face when we commit to living for Christ.

Change can be difficult, as it often meets resistance both from within ourselves and from the World.

Like Levi, we also have the choice to let go of our past and embrace a new, unknown path of faith.

As we reflect on Levi’s story, we can ask ourselves what holds us back from fully responding to God’s call.

Are we stuck in habits, relationships, or mindsets that prevent our spiritual growth?

Jesus encourages us to let go of the old ways and make space for new faith.

He invites us to rethink what makes us comfortable and to envision what it means to live in His grace.

Today, let us open our hearts and spirits unto the .001% possibility of change, knowing that while it will 100% be mightily challenging, to giving ourselves, to surrendering to change, Jesus can lead us to a life filled with hope and purpose.

Luke 5:27-28

Change your…

1. Association.

The calling of Levi (Matthew) highlights how changing our associations can transform our spiritual lives.

When Jesus asked Levi, a despised tax collector, to follow Him, it not only changed Levi’s job but also placed him in a new community centered on faith and purpose.

This scene illustrates God’s desire for us to leave behind past associations and accept a new identity in Christ.

Just like Levi left his old life, we need to examine the relationships in our lives and see if they bring us closer to God or pull us away.

On a practical level, changing our associations means looking at the influences around us, (our friends, social and professional circles) making solid choices that reflect our faith.

This doesn’t mean we have to cut ties with those who don’t share our beliefs, but rather we should seek out relationships that help us grow spiritually.

By surrounding ourselves with people who encourage us to be better, we can create an environment that fosters change.

Being part of a community of believers provides the support we need to reflect Christ’s love in our lives.

Embracing these changes can lead to much stronger relationships and a clearer understanding of our identity in Christ, showing that even the most hard core, and soul rending challenges of change are both deeply personal and communal.

Luke 5:29-30

Change your…

2. Perspective.

Levi/Matthew invited Jesus and His disciples to a feast at his home, illustrating a significant change in perspective.

As a tax collector, Levi was often viewed as an outcast, but he embraced his new identity in Christ and shared this transformative moment.

In contrast, the Pharisees represent a narrow-minded view that limits God’s grace to the inherently “righteous.”

This story teaches us that changing our perspective allows us to experience God’s love more fully and share it with others. Jesus calls us to shift from exclusion to inclusion and from judgment to compassion, encouraging us to rise above traditional societal norms and personal biases in our faith journey.

On a practical level, altering our perspective means making a conscious effort to understand and empathize with others.

We should challenge our preconceived ideas and approach people with grace, recognizing that everyone has their own unique struggles.

This could involve reaching out to someone we find difficult to connect with or engaging with marginalized individuals in our community.

By doing this, we follow Christ’s example of love and acceptance, creating spaces where others can feel the Gospel’s warmth.

A changed perspective not only transforms our own hearts but also fosters a more inclusive and compassionate community, enabling us to authentically live out our faith and reflect Christ’s love in our everyday actions.

Luke 5:31-32

Change your…

3. Priorities.

Jesus showed how His Ministry changed the priorities of those who follow Him.

He teaches that repentance is not just about stopping sinful behaviors; but about rethinking what is truly important in our lives.

By spending time with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus revealed that God’s grace is for everyone.

This challenges us to reconsider who we prioritize, encouraging us to focus less on status and wealth, more on love, mercy, and compassion for those in need.

Shifting our focus from rituals to relationships can foster spiritual growth and create a genuine community.

To change our priorities in line with Jesus’ teachings, we must intentionally take action that reflects His values.

This means dedicating time to service, building connections with those who struggle, and examining our commitments to ensure they align with our faith.

We can start by identifying areas where we might be prioritizing pursuits that don’t align with Christ’s heart.

Regular reflection through prayer, studying Scripture, engaging with mentors can help us determine where God wants us to invest our time and resources.

By aligning our priorities with Jesus’ mission, we not only respond to His call but also become instruments of His love and grace in a World that needs it.

Luke 5:33-35

Change your…

4. Traditions.

Jesus confronts the problems that arise when long-held traditions clash with the life-changing message of the Gospel.

The Pharisees were fixated on their customs, especially regarding fasting.

This passage teaches us that while traditions can be helpful, they shouldn’t obstruct God’s work in our lives.

The challenge to “change your traditions” encourages believers to examine whether these practices, (although well-meaning) are hindering their spiritual growth or pushing away those wanting to know Christ.

Jesus reminds us that His presence introduces something new, urging us to regularly reassess our rituals and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our choices.

Practically, changing traditions can happen in different ways within our lives and communities.

It might involve rethinking how Church Services are held or how outreach is conducted, focusing on the very heart beat of the Gospel instead of rigid forms.

Additionally, individuals should regularly reflect on their personal worship habits- Are there routines that have become dry and disconnected from God?

Embracing change can foster a welcoming environment for new believers, deepen relationships, and enhance genuine worship experiences.

Ultimately, this change honors the past while ensuring our traditions truly express Christ’s transformative love rather than mere routine.

Luke 5:36-39

Change your…

5. Heart.

Jesus illustrates the need for an inner transformation through the parables of new wine and old wineskins.

He teaches that changing our hearts is essential to embracing new ways of living according to the Gospel, which emphasizes love, grace, and mercy.

A heart stuck in quicksand’s of old traditions cannot fully accept this fresh message, so we must be open to God’s transformative power.

This change isn’t just about altering our behavior; it’s all about realigning our desires with God’s will. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can break free from outdated ways of thinking and living, evangelizing, praying and worshiping.

Practically, changing our hearts means committing to activities that promote spiritual growth.

This could involve regular prayer, reading, studying Scripture, worshiping with community, and serving others in love.

When our hearts are aligned with God’s, we are driven by hope rather than fear, allowing us to welcome positive changes in our lives.

Additionally, being in a supportive community encourages, inspires our growth and helps us navigate struggles together.

As we release those past hurts and hardened fears, we inevitably make room for God’s new teachings, empowering, enriching our faith journey and deepening our relationships with Him and with one another.

Conclusion:

The challenge of change is a wide open invitation from Christ to transform our hearts and minds, not just our circumstances.

Almost immediately Levi, the tax collector, left his old life behind to follow Jesus, and we too are called to almost immediately step out of our own comfort zones and embrace the uncertainty that comes with faith.

While change can be intimidating, it is in these moments we experience God’s grace, who walks with us, encourages us, to trust Him as we move forward.

Additionally, we recognize that change is not something we face alone; it involves our community of believers supporting one another.

Just as Jesus reached out to Levi and the outcasts, we are called to extend grace to those around us.

In embracing change, we become sources of hope and transformation in our families and communities.

Let us authentically accept this challenge with the love of Christ empowering us to live authentically, trusting that through Him, we can turn fears into faith.

May we move forward with courage, ready to embrace the new life He offers us.

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

Praying …

Psalm 8 Complete Jewish Bible

8 (0) For the leader. On the gittit. A psalm of David:

2 (1) Adonai! Our Lord! How glorious
is your name throughout the earth!
The fame of your majesty
spreads even above the heavens!

3 (2) From the mouths of babies and infants at the breast
you established strength because of your foes,
in order that you might silence
the enemy and the avenger.

4 (3) When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and stars that you set in place —
5 (4) what are mere mortals, that you concern yourself with them;
humans, that you watch over them with such care?

6 (5) You made him but little lower than the angels,
you crowned him with glory and honor,
7 (6) you had him rule what your hands made,
you put everything under his feet —
8 (7) sheep and oxen, all of them,
also the animals in the wilds,
9 (8) the birds in the air, the fish in the sea,
whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

10 (9) Adonai! Our Lord! How glorious
is your name throughout the earth!

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.

https://translate.google.com/

For that person must never suppose that they will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, doubting all, unstable, in all his ways. James 1:5-8

James 1:2-8 J.B. Phillips New Testament

The Christian can even welcome trouble

2-8 When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realise that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character with the right sort of independence. And if, in the process, any of you does not know how to meet any particular problem he has only to ask God—who gives generously to all men without making them feel foolish or guilty—and he may be quite sure that the necessary wisdom will be given him. But he must ask in sincere faith without secret doubts as to whether he really wants God’s help or not. The man who trusts God, but with inward reservations, is like a wave of the sea, carried forward by the wind one moment and driven back the next. That sort of man cannot hope to receive anything from God, and the life of a man of divided loyalty will reveal instability at every turn.

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.

Truth or False: There is a kind of prayer that receives nothing from God?

It is the prayer of the doubter, the one who does not “ask in faith.”

When James says we are to make our requests to God “with no doubting,” he’s not saying we must never have any uncertainty or confusion in our minds, ever.

To doubt in the sense that James uses the term here is more than simply saying, “I am struggling, wavering to be certain about this” or “I guess almost know this to be maybe 1% true but, ugh however, maybe sometimes I wonder it is not even less”; refusing to firmly ground themselves, entrust ourselves to our Father’s care.

It is to make a back-up plan that relies on our efforts even as we ask God for His intervention, or to ask for something that deep down we do not really want.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1252/nasb95/mgnt/0-1/

J.B. Phillips paraphrases this verse in a helpful way: “He must ask in sincere faith without secret doubts as to whether he really wants God’s help or not.”

James is addressing the issue of divided loyalty, describing the doubter as one whose prayers and desires are clearly at hard core odds with each other.

This person comes before God and asks for things that he or she has no intention of doing, much as the great 5th-century theologian Augustine famously prayed prior to his conversion: “Lord, make me pure, but not yet.”[1]

1 Confessions, 8.7.17.

God knows exactly when we are simply playing the game, using the language, singing the song without any truth or desire to match up our lives to our words.

He knows whether we really want His help, are secretly reserving the right to do only exactly what we feel like doing if His wisdom does not lead, move, us in the only direction we naturally desire.

Faith says no to this kind of deliberate insincere hypocrisy, which prays for wisdom but acts only in complete foolishness. The faith James describes is therefore more than comprehension; it is an expression of trust and devotion.

Honesty lies at the heart of any genuine appeal, whether to an earthly father or our heavenly Father.

When you come before God, you must “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22).

With this kind of sincerity, you will make it clear in your own soul and to God that you are fully trusting Him to be faithful to His promises and that you are serious about acting on whatever wisdom He provides.

In what area of your life are you particularly aware that you absolutely need God’s wisdom?

Entrust yourself to your heavenly Father and be ready to follow His guidance, so you will walk steady in your faith and joy, and not be tossed about by the wind.

When You Not so Simply Don’t Know What to Do

James 1:5-8 Amplified Bible

5 If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [God’s willingness to help], for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind. 7 For such a person ought not to think or expect that he will receive anything [at all] from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable and  restless in all his ways [in everything he thinks, feels, or decides].

Throughout my ministry I’ve had people come to me and say, “I just don’t know what to do. I want to do God’s will, but I don’t know what he wants for me.”

And, really, how do you know for sure what school to go to, or what job to take? How do you know when to move, or not to move, what cars, homes to buy?

How do you know what person you should marry, when to start a family, or whether you should adopt?

More than once when we had to make an important decision, I found myself wishing that God would send a clear message to guide us.

So how do we know God’s will?

James 1:5 gives the answer, at least in part: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God …” By ourselves we don’t have the wisdom to know what God plan has in mind for us. And that’s the reason we need to ask God, “who gives generously.” If you don’t know what to do, ask God for wisdom.

God gives us his wisdom through the Bible.

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).

God gives us wisdom through the people in our lives. Don’t be afraid to ask other people for their insight. God gives us wisdom through open and closed doors and through doors closing, doors slamming, changing life circumstances.

We have to ask, and then we need to observe closely as God provides answers.

Truth or Nonsense?

When praying …

12 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in My name [[b]as My representative], this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified and celebrated in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name [as My representative], I will do it.

Authenticity (Psalm 51) of our hearts 100% does not, will not, matter to God?

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

Praying …

Psalm 137 Complete Jewish Bible

137 By the rivers of Bavel we sat down and wept
as we remembered Tziyon.
2 We had hung up our lyres
on the willows that were there,
3 when those who had taken us captive
asked us to sing them a song;
our tormentors demanded joy from us —
“Sing us one of the songs from Tziyon!”

4 How can we sing a song about Adonai
here on foreign soil?
5 If I forget you, Yerushalayim,
may my right hand wither away!
6 May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth
if I fail to remember you,
if I fail to count Yerushalayim
the greatest of all my joys.

7 Remember, Adonai, against the people of Edom
the day of Yerushalayim’s fall,
how they cried, “Tear it down! Tear it down!
Raze it to the ground!”

8 Daughter of Bavel, you will be destroyed!
A blessing on anyone who pays you back
for the way you treated us!
9 A blessing on anyone who seizes your babies
and smashes them against a rock!

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.

https://translate.google.com/

God is gracious—it is He who makes things right, our most merciful and compassionate God. God takes the side of the helpless; when at the end of my rope, Yes! He saved even me! Psalm 116

Psalm 116 Complete Jewish Bible

116 I love that Adonai heard
my voice when I prayed;
2 because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.

3 The cords of death were all around me,
Sh’ol’s constrictions held me fast;
I was finding only distress and anguish.
4 But I called on the name of Adonai:
“Please, Adonai! Save me!”

5 Adonai is merciful and righteous;
yes, our God is compassionate.
6 Adonai preserves the thoughtless;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 My soul, return to your rest!
For Adonai has been generous toward you.
8 Yes, you have rescued me from death,
my eyes from tears and my feet from falling.
9 I will go on walking in the presence of Adonai
in the lands of the living.
10 I will keep on trusting even when I say,
“I am utterly miserable,”
11 even when, in my panic, I declare,
“Everything human is deceptive.”

12 How can I repay Adonai
for all his generous dealings with me?
13 I will raise the cup of salvation
and call on the name of Adonai.
14 I will pay my vows to Adonai
in the presence of all his people.

15 From Adonai’s point of view,
the death of those faithful to him is costly.
16 Oh, Adonai! I am your slave;
I am your slave, the son of your slave-girl;
you have removed my fetters.
17 I will offer a sacrifice of thanks to you
    and will call on the name of Adonai.
18 I will pay my vows to Adonai
in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courtyards of Adonai’s house,
there in your very heart, Yerushalayim.

Halleluyah!

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.

Believing, Even When We Are Afflicted

Psalm 116:5-11 New American Standard Bible

5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
Yes, our God is compassionate.
6 The Lord watches over the simple;
I was brought low, and He saved me.
7 Return to your rest, my soul,
For the Lord has dealt generously with you.
8 For You have rescued my soul from death,
My eyes from tears,
And my feet from stumbling.
9 I shall walk before the Lord
In the [a]land of the living.
10 I believed when I said,
“I am greatly afflicted.”
11 I said in my alarm,
“All people are liars.”

We long for tranquil lives. We often pray for health, prosperity, and success.

And yet it is often times of physical or spiritual affliction, struggle and difficulty are those which quiet us, push us, bring us, plant us, root us, that much closer to God, along with a significantly greater desire to connect with Him, to humble ourselves to serve Him. That’s a lesson the psalmist brings out in this section.

Afflictions can all too easily result in bitterness, robbing us of joy. As we have already read in Psalm 116, the psalmist has experienced far more than his fair share hardcore trials at the hands of his enemies. Instead of tumbling into the black hole of bitterness, however, the writer gives thanks to God for two things.

First, he has developed a trusting dependence on God. Despite his trials, the psalmist confesses to God: “You are good, and what you do is gracious; I trust you to always be there to watch over me during my times of weaknesses.”

Second, the experience of affliction has driven the psalmist closer to God and more deeply into God’s Word. I long to be obedient, he says. And his search for knowledge and good judgment leads him to affirm the priceless value of God’s Word, saying it is more precious “than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.”

How well do we handle our hardest afflictions? We all experience them, and no, they are not easy. In difficult situations—whatever they may be—we can grow closer to God when we search his Word for the comfort and guidance we need.

God’s ear is turned toward us.

Just as my ears heard right away the screams arising from inside my soul, I too knew the sound of my own cries and almost immediately went towards God.

You and I will certainly face devastating trials and afflictions year after year.

Maybe you are in a season right now where it is all about one affliction after another which always seem to be piling up. It would be easy to avoid God during these times or even be angry with God. What if we, instead, we ran to God? 

Over the last twenty five years I have learned that running to God is actually the best thing I can do. Why? Because I know, I will trust that God’s ear is always turned toward us. Just as my ears heard right away the scream from my insides , I knew the sound of my cries and prayed they immediately went towards him.

The next verses in Psalm 116 details how much the psalmist suffered in body, mind, and spirit, even facing imminent death, but trusted God was his helper.

I love verse ten because it seems to be the pinnacle of the psalm. He says, “I believed, even when I said, ‘I am severely afflicted.’”

What the psalmist is saying is that he did not shy away from telling God all about his afflictions. The worst pain did not keep him from crying out to God.

And the heartache didn’t keep him from believing in God either. There are many critical truths here, that the psalmist hung onto, even when he was afflicted. 

The truths here are things like God’s grace, righteousness, and compassion. (Psalm 116:5)

Where do we those characteristics of God come out in our lives today? Jesus!

Jesus was afflicted, He suffered far more than is imaginable or describable!

Jesus was God’s righteousness for us.

He lived a perfect sinless life because we could not. He allowed His life to take our place so that when God sees you and me, He sees Jesus’ righteousness. 

Jesus is also God’s grace to us. 

Ephesians 2:8-9 say, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— not from works, so that no one can boast.”

Jesus brought grace because He died on the cross, taking all of our places and punishment for us.

Now, we are saved and brought into God’s family through grace once we accept Him as Savior. 

God’s compassion is also evident in Jesus’ life.  

Jesus healed the sick, cured the lame, and even rose people from the dead.

It says in Matthew 20:34, “Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they could see, and they followed Him.” 

Even today, Jesus sits on the throne beside God interceding for us. 

Romans 8:34 says, “Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.”

What unknowable, unsearchable depths’ of compassion for us to think that Christ is always praying and speaking to God the Father about you and me!? 

The troubles and hardships we all face, can sometimes cause us to doubt these truths about God.

Does He love me?

Does He care?

Is He really in control?

Those questions can lead us to look to the Bible. 

This psalm is a great comfort to us because it does not deny that hard things happen.

Psalm 116 points us to the truth that God is loving, righteous, compassionate, and full of grace. In prayer, we can all come to God and remember these things. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Romans 15:1-13New American Standard Bible

Self-denial in behalf of Others

15 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor [a]for his good, to his edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The taunts of those who taunt You have fallen on Me.” 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. 5 Now may the God [b]who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one purpose and one [c]voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Therefore, [d]accept one another, just as Christ also accepted [e]us, for the glory of God. 8 For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision in behalf of the truth of God, to confirm the promises given to the fathers, 9 and for the Gentiles to  glorify God for His mercy; as it is written:

“Therefore I will [f]give praise to You among the Gentiles,
And I will sing praises to Your name.”

10 Again he says,

“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with His people.”

11 And again,

“Praise the Lord all you Gentiles,
And let all the peoples praise Him.”

12 Again Isaiah says,

“There shall come the root of Jesse,
And He who arises to rule over the Gentiles,
In Him will the Gentiles hope.”

13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

After reading Psalm 116, and some verses about Jesus, and from Romans 15 how does this give you any hardcore confidence, go to God with your cries for help?

Knowing God listens to you and hears your prayers, does this cause you to pray more or less? trust more or less? Hope more or less? more fervently or timidly?

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

Praying …

Thirsting for God in Trouble and Exile.

For the music director. A [a]Maskil of the sons of Korah.

42 As the deer [b]pants for the water brooks,
So my soul [c]pants for You, God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;
When shall I come and [d]appear before God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night,
While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
4 I remember these things and pour out my soul within me.
For I used to go over with the multitude and walk them to the house of God,
With a voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude celebrating a festival.

5 Why are you [e]in despair, my soul?
And why are you restless within me?
Wait for God, for I will [f]again praise [g]Him
For the [h]help of His [i]presence, my God.
6 My soul is [j]in despair within me;
Therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan
And the [k]peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls;
All Your breakers and Your waves have passed over me.
8 The Lord will send His goodness in the daytime;
And His song will be with me in the night,
A prayer to the God of my life.

9 I will say to God my rock, “Why have You forgotten me?
Why do I go about mourning [l]because of the oppression of the enemy?”
10 As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries taunt me,
While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
11 Why are you [m]in despair, my soul?
And why are you restless within me?
Wait for God, for I will again praise [n]Him
For the [o]help of His presence, my 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.

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A New Kind of Peace is now standing in our Midst: Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, “let My Peace be with you.” John 20:19-21

John 20:19-21 Amplified Bible

Jesus among His Disciples

19 So when it was evening on that same day, the first day of the week, though the disciples were [meeting] behind barred doors for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “[a]Peace to you.” 20 After He said this, He showed them His hands and His side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with great joy. 21 Then Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you [as My representatives].”

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.

Many of us who have lost someone, suddenly or in an expected way; can recall evenings in the aftermath of loss when it felt difficult even to breathe. We sat there with others, grieving in a silence punctuated every so often by reflection.

On the Sunday evening following Jesus’ death, we can imagine His disciples going through a similar experience.

Maybe one casually said, Do you remember how excited and hopeful we were when He walked on water? Perhaps another sullenly added, I remember Him weeping at the tomb of Lazarus. I won’t ever forget it. 

In all their reminiscence, they doubtless felt a stabbing awareness that they would never again on earth see Jesus’ face.

Of that they were convinced.

They were fearful of the future.

They had just witnessed Christ’s brutal execution, and they had locked the door behind them (John 20:19), mightily worried that they would be the next targets.

Jesus knew this.

Therefore, when He appeared quietly among them that night, the first word to come out of His mouth was “Peace,” or Shalom.

This was a customary Semitic greeting that came with warmth and without rebuke, blame, or disappointment.

Then He showed them His hands and His side. It was Him. The Jesus whom they were convinced they would never see again was actually standing among them!

“Peace be with you” gave the disciples an indication not simply that their gladness should be prompted by the awareness that He was no longer dead but of something far greater: that by His visible resurrection, Jesus had now come to bestow a new kind of peace as a result of His blood shed upon the cross.

And the peace with which He greeted them is the same peace that He gives to every pardoned sinner.

Shalom takes on a whole new meaning for those who discover this peace.

In our weary world, bowing under the weight of all that is difficult and broken, tainted by indifference toward or denial of Almighty God in all His majesty, we know that He still seeks us out.

Just as He came up behind Mary Magdalene at the open tomb (John 20:11-18) and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), so He pursues you and me in love, bidding us find peace in Him, the one at whose birth the angels sang, “Peace on earth, good will towards men” (Luke 2:14, CSB).

In the face of our fear, our world aches for any semblance of peace.

But longing for it and singing about it will not create it. Peace can only be found in Jesus’ words: “In me you may have peace” (John 16:33; emphasis added).

The resurrection doesn’t simply mean there is a Christ. It means that Christ is alive forever and that He gives us peace with the Father and peace in ourselves, today and forever. Whatever storms are raging around you or inside you, make sure you hear the voice of your risen Savior today, saying, “Peace be with you.”

Stuck in Fear, Sent Out With Peace

On Easter Sunday Jesus’ disciples gathered in a room and locked the door. They were so afraid that the people who had killed Jesus would want to get them too.

But Someone came in anyway, as if the door weren’t even there! And the one who came in was Jesus! He said, “Peace be with you!” And he might well have meant, “Peace be with you, you cowering scared, door-locking disciples.”

Then he showed them his hands and side.

For on them were the scars of battle between life and death, between God and the enemy. Jesus had taken everything the enemy could throw in his way and overcame brutality And there he was, alive! “The disciples were overjoyed.”

Then Jesus said again, “Peace be with you!”

And he gave his followers a mission:

“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

Where was Jesus sending them?

Into the world, where people live and die.

Into the world, where men and women are easily overwhelmed and defeated.

Into the world, where it’s hard to experience true peace amidst total chaos.

Jesus doesn’t want his disciples hiding in locked rooms; he wants us out in the world with the message of life on our lips and acts of life in our hands.

And as we tentatively go forth into the chaos, he says, “Peace be with you!”

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

Praying …

Psalm 27 New American Standard Bible

A Psalm of Fearless Trust in God.

A Psalm of David.

27 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom should I fear?
The Lord is the [a]defense of my life;
Whom should I dread?
2 When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh,
My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.
3 If an army encamps against me,
My heart will not fear;
If war arises against me,
In spite of this I am confident.

4 One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
To behold the [b]beauty of the Lord
And to [c]meditate in His temple.
5 For on the day of trouble He will conceal me in His [d]tabernacle;
He will hide me in the secret place of His tent;
He will lift me up on a rock.
6 And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me,
And I will offer sacrifices in His tent [e]with shouts of joy;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

7 Hear, Lord, when I cry with my voice,
And be gracious to me and answer me.
8 When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You,
“I shall seek Your face, Lord.”
9 Do not hide Your face from me,
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not abandon me nor forsake me,
God of my salvation!
10 [f]For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
But the Lord will take me up.

11 Teach me Your way, Lord,
And lead me on a level path
Because of my enemies.
12 Do not turn me over to the [g]desire of my enemies,
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And the violent witness.
13 I certainly believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord.

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

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Death Is but a Doorway? It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Ecclesiastes 7:2

Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 New King James Version

The Value of Practical Wisdom

7 A good name is better than precious ointment,
And the day of death than the day of one’s birth;
2 Better to go to the house of mourning
Than to go to the house of feasting,
For that is the end of all men;
And the living will take it to heart.
3 [a]Sorrow is better than laughter,
For by a sad countenance the heart is made [b]better.
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

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.

“For this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.” – Ecclesiastes 7:2

This is one of those verses in the Bible that serves as a sober reminder to all of us that we will, one day, die, and that day could be any moment of any day.

It could be today for any one of us.

Now think about James 4, which just reminds us that our life is a mist, it’s a small gust of wind, barely visible vapor. It’s here one second and gone the next.

That’s part of the picture in Ecclesiastes 7, “This is the end of all mankind,” and listen to this phrase, “The living will lay it to heart.” Those who live who are wise, remember Ecclesiastes, this is a big part of wisdom literature in the Bible.

Reminded of God’s Wisdom

Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 The Message

Don’t Take Anything for Granted

7 A good reputation is better than a fat bank account.
Your death date tells more than your birth date.

2 You learn more at a funeral than at a feast—
After all, that’s where we’ll end up. We might discover
    something from it.

3 Crying is better than laughing.
It blotches the face but it scours the heart.

4 Sages invest themselves in hurt and grieving.
Fools waste their lives in fun and games.

There is wisdom that’s found in living daily, with the reality that none of us is going to be guaranteed any more tomorrows, and so we make the most of today.

Doesn’t this just lead us like, “Oh, just think about how this leads us to pray and then to live”?

What if you knew today was your last day, how would that change the way you love the people around you, the way you then speak to those people around you, the way you prioritize, rationalize, reprioritize any number of different things?

Now, obviously, there’s a sense in which that kind of thinking falters a bit. I mean if you knew today was the last day, you might not go to work, or do email, or this or that in the same way that… Well, we need to do sometimes on a daily basis in our jobs as we faithfully follow the Triune God and provide for families.

Ecclesiastes 7:2 Helps Us Honor God

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.

We go to school, raise our families, whatever it might be, but it is good to think, “Okay, how can I live, love, work today in a way I’m ready to see Jesus’ face?

How can I relate to others today in a way that I’m ready to see Jesus’ face, and they are ready to see Jesus’ face?”

It changes the way you live when you lay it to heart, your life is a vapor, a mist.

So we pray, God, help us today to make the most of the day we have.

And if we’re listening to this prayer tonight, tomorrow, to make the most of each moment, each day with you.

Before you God, we want to be found faithful before you, when we want to stand before you on that day.

And if it’s today, hear you say, “Well done, good, and faithful servant.”

Ecclesiastes 7:2 Leads Us to Pray for God’s Grace

Isaiah 40:8 The Message

6-8 A voice says, “Shout!”
    I said, “What shall I shout?”

“These people are nothing but grass,
    their love fragile as wildflowers.
The grass withers, the wildflowers fade,
    if God so much as puffs on them.
    Aren’t these people just so much grass?
True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade,
    but our God’s Word stands firm and forever.”

God, we pray for your grace to live before you, that could happen today, and to live before others like this.

Triune God makes echelons more sense, not that it didn’t before, but your great commandment. Still covenanted to love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and I love others as ourselves.

Triune God, help us to do that today, help us to love you wholeheartedly and love others selflessly, and seems like the wisest way to live today if we knew it was going to be our last. So, God helps us to do this, help us to love you, love others, care for others, speak to others in a way that points them to you, walk in holiness before you, share the gospel, to share the good news that has all of the power to transform people’s lives around us for all of eternity.

Called to Share the Gospel with Urgency

Acts 2:14-21 The Message

Peter Speaks Up

14-21 That’s when Peter stood up and, backed by the other eleven, spoke out with bold urgency: “Fellow Jews, all of you who are visiting Jerusalem, listen carefully and get this story straight. These people aren’t drunk as some of you suspect. They haven’t had time to get drunk—it’s only nine o’clock in the morning. This is what the prophet Joel announced would happen:

“In the Last Days,” God says,
“I will pour out my Spirit
    on every kind of people:
Your sons will prophesy,
    also your daughters;
Your young men will see visions,
    your old men dream dreams.
When the time comes,
    I’ll pour out my Spirit
On those who serve me, men and women both,
    and they’ll prophesy.
I’ll set wonders in the sky above
    and signs on the earth below,
Blood and fire and billowing smoke,
    the sun turning black and the moon blood-red,
Before the Day of the Lord arrives,
    the Day tremendous and marvelous;
And whoever calls out for help
    to me, God, will be saved.”

God, we pray that you would help us to live like that, knowing that the people around us are not guaranteed tomorrow either, that they could be gone tomorrow.

And so help us to share the gospel with urgency today as we pray for unreached people all the time.

God, we pray for the spread of the gospel to billions, three billion-plus people who have little to no knowledge of the gospel right now, many who will not make it to tomorrow, without ever hearing the good news of your grace.

Help us in our lives and our families and churches to make this gospel known among all the nations in the little bit of time you’ve given us on this earth. God, we pray you’d help us to live with the end in mind and to lay all of this to heart today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Why is it better to go to a funeral than a party?

Why is a funeral better than a party? Because it reminds us that everyone dies, and the living need to take this to heart.

Seeing someone ready to be buried makes us think about life’s brevity. We realize death is coming for all, and this should affect how we live.

What does it mean sorrow is better than laughter?

The New Living Translation says that the reason why sorrow is better than laughter is because “sadness has a refining influence on us.”

As unenjoyable as sorrow might be, it actually has the power to affect me in a profound, life-changing way that laughter has never been capable of doing.

Book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament written by King Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived.  He wrote much of the Book of Proverbs as well. 

He had experimented in his youth with living life to the fullest. 

Chasing after all kinds of pleasure: food, drink, women; trying to find the meaning of life in his riches or in his great accomplishments.

But he always came back to the same theme – You have heard what he wrote: “Vanity of Vanities, all is vanity.”  It is all Chasing after the Wind.

He knew life was empty and meaningless and futile when viewed “under the sun” = without a personal relationship with God who alone can give meaning to our lives. 

So in this short verse he gives us God’s perspective on dealing with our mortality.

Laughing and feasting provide a escape from the pressures of life but they do not prepare us for death.

Something about contemplating death turns our thoughts towards the eternal rather than the temporal and makes us ask the tough questions.

What are some of those tough questions?

Remember Solomon tells us it is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting. 

1)  Tough Question #1: What’s so valuable about coming face to face with death?

Somehow what we are experiencing together today, despite the mourning, the grief, the sorrow, is more valuable than times of feasting and happiness.  

How can that be?  There’s an illustration in the Bible that I think provides the answer. 

Apostle Peter writes in his second epistle people in our day will end up mocking the promise of Jesus coming back to earth, will hold men accountable.  

Where is the promise of His coming? People scoff.   

We are just eating and drinking and having a grand old time.  We don’t have to answer to God. 

But Peter points back to the days of Noah – just before God brought judgment via a worldwide flood – people were ignoring God in similar fashion.  Forcing us to face the reality of death in a service like this helps prevent God’s judgment from taking us by surprise.

2)  Tough Question #2: Why are we all headed for death anyway?

Death entered into this world back when sin entered into this world.  

Death physically is the separation of the body from the spirit. 

But even more importantly, death spiritually involves our separation from the God who created us who is perfectly holy. 

We are all sinners.  That should be no surprise to anyone here.  I have been blessed already with 1 grandkid.  I love them to death.  But I’m not surprised to find that they all can be selfish and disobey their parents.  You have to teach kids to behave and share their toys; you don’t have to teach them how to sin.

So it’s no surprise that as adults we wrestle with selfishness, with pride, with various appetites of the flesh. 

No matter how hard we try, we are not going to escape sin.

The wages of sin is death. 

Wages are what you get for what you do.  [I’m retired now, so I don’t get any more financial wages. I hope that doesn’t mean I’m not doing anything.]  

After death comes the judgment where we stand accountable before God.  

There is no escaping that accountability.

We can deny that reality. 

We can hide behind a life of pleasure – of escapism – of trying to avoid the unpleasantness of death. 

We can even try to stay young by watching our diet and exercising.  

But we won’t escape death.

3)  Tough Question #3: How can we be prepared to face God?  How can we who are sinners end up spending eternity with a God who is holy?

Here’s where people have invented all types of humanistic and religious systems to attempt to erase their sins and wipe the slate clean. 

They all center around some type of works approach to do enough good so that we can earn God’s favor.  But the truth is we can never be good enough.

It’s not about going to church.  It’s not about being baptized or confirmed. 

It’s not about reading your Bible and praying. 

Don’t get me wrong; those are good activities.  But they can’t save you. 

What you need is to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

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

Praying …

Psalm 84 The Message

84 1-2 What a beautiful home, God-of-the-Angel-Armies!
    I’ve always longed to live in a place like this,
Always dreamed of a room in your house,
    where I could sing for joy to God-alive!

3-4 Birds find nooks and crannies in your house,
    sparrows and swallows make nests there.
They lay their eggs and raise their young,
    singing their songs in the place where we worship.
God-of-the-Angel-Armies! King! God!
    How blessed they are to live and sing there!

5-7 And how blessed all those in whom you live,
    whose lives become roads you travel;
They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks,
    discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain!
God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and
    at the last turn—Zion! God in full view!

8-9 God-of-the-Angel-Armies, listen:
    O God of Jacob, open your ears—I’m praying!
Look at our shields, glistening in the sun,
    our faces, shining with your gracious anointing.

10-12 One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship,
    beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches.
I’d rather scrub floors in the house of my God
    than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin.
All sunshine and sovereign is God,
    generous in gifts and glory.
He doesn’t scrimp with his traveling companions.
    It’s smooth sailing all the way with God-of-the-Angel-Armies.

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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May God who gives us each patience, steadiness, and encouragement help us to live in complete harmony with each other—each with the attitude of Christ toward the other. Romans 15:6

Romans 15:5-7 Authorized (King James) Version

5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of 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.

One of the greatest obstacles to the spread of the gospel today is divisiveness in the church. This problem is not new, but that doesn’t make it any less serious. Paul indicates that the division between Jew and Gentile followers of Jesus was problematic in the early church.

Though we need not agree or know about everything, the Bible emphasizes that all followers of Jesus Christ should demonstrate unity. We can achieve this by following the example of Jesus as we serve one another. We should pray that God will give us “the same attitude of mind toward each other that Jesus Christ had.” We should also praise God for the privilege of Christian relationships.

This will bring glory to God.

Paul instructs his readers to praise, rejoice, and sing hymns to express their unity and to glorify God for his mercies.

Shouldn’t we who have received God’s great salvation in the one Savior, Jesus Christ, lift up our voices to praise him in unity?

One of my great privileges has been to listen to that worship of God with sisters and brother from many different lands, but also to participate. Though often I cannot understand the words being sung nor the culture and traditions from which it is being inspired from, I know we are one in the Spirit and in the Lord.

It thrills my heart to no end to not just sing praises to God, but also to preach the Gospel with these believers because I was invited to. I know the fiery power of the Holy Spirit is 100% there with us as we worship Savior, Jesus, together.

What is the meaning of Romans 15 5?

All Christians must please each other and not themselves.

After all, Christ didn’t come to please Himself.

With God’s help and encouragement, everyone in the church can live together in harmony and glorify God with one, unified voice, as they all serve each other ahead of themselves.

What is the meaning of Romans 15 6?

Romans 15:6, “that with one accord you may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” emphasizes the importance of unity, harmony among believers, calling them to praise God with a unified voice and heart. 

Unity of Mind and Voice: The verse highlights the need for Christians to be united in their thinking and expression, both in their hearts and in their words. 

  • Glorifying God: The ultimate purpose of this unity is to glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
  • Harmony and Agreement: The verse suggests that Christians should strive for harmony and agreement in their worship and actions, reflecting the unity they share in Christ. 
  • Transcendence of Differences: This unity should transcend cultural, ethnic, and other differences, allowing believers to come together in praise and service to God. 
  • A Prayer for Unity: Some interpret this verse as a prayer from Paul, seeking that the church in Rome would be united in their faith and worship. 
  • Importance of Worship: The verse emphasizes the importance of public worship and the need for believers to come together to praise God with one voice. 
  • Serving God Together: The idea of unity in worship and service is also linked to the concept of serving one another, as Christians are called to live in harmony and support each other. 
  • Reflecting Christ’s Love: The unity called for in this verse is a reflection of the love and unity Christians share in Christ, and its intended to bring glory to God. 

In what ways do you and I strive for unity and community with other believers?

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

Praying …

Psalm 133 Authorized (King James) Version

Psalm 133

A Song of degrees of David.

1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head,
that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard:
that went down to the skirts of his garments;
3 as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion:
for there the Lord commanded the blessing,
even life for evermore.

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

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The Freedom of His Rule, Our witness to His truth, The Forever Freedom of His Way, and His Truth, and His Life. John 18:33-38

John 18:33-38 Common English Bible

Pilate questions Jesus

33 Pilate went back into the palace. He summoned Jesus and asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others spoken to you about me?”

35 Pilate responded, “I’m not a Jew, am I? Your nation and its chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?”

36 Jesus replied, “My kingdom doesn’t originate from this world. If it did, my guards would fight so that I wouldn’t have been arrested by the Jewish leaders. My kingdom isn’t from here.”

37 “So you are a king?” Pilate said.

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this reason: to testify to the truth. Whoever accepts the truth listens to my voice.”

38 “What is truth?” Pilate asked.

Release of Barabbas

After Pilate said this, he returned to the Jewish leaders and said, “I find no grounds for any charge against him.

Word of God for the Children of God

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

Jesus’ statement here about truth is in line with everything he has taught. Jesus stands before Pilate “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). He is the bread of life; the living water; the way, the truth, and the life; the only way to know God the Father (John 6:35; 7:38; 14:6).

As he stands before this Roman governor, Jesus offers Pilate the chance to experience the truth and enter into a relationship with him—like one of his disciples.

But doing that would be very costly for Pilate. If Pilate were to accept what Jesus has to say, he would have to make the truth more important than Rome. Or political power. Or wealth. If Pilate accepted Jesus’ claims and set Jesus free, he would be throwing away his credibility with the Jews, if not his entire career.

In this book John has been helping us to understand that all we possess on this earth—all our power, influence, and wealth—pales in comparison to the truth of Jesus. The offer Jesus extends is the chance to experience life with God the way we are created to live it. Nothing is more important than that.

Sadly, Pilate rejects Jesus’ offer.

By nature, we rigorously, vigorously believe we have the absolute right to rule and control every last facet of our own lives.

Like Pilate we think that absolutely nobody has the authority to tell us what to do or to rule over us. We legislate our own laws, make all of our own rules, we alone will decide for ourselves, define who we are, and mold our own future.

Yet this is a dreadful path, and it leads only to despair.

For when we let down our guards, look within ourselves, and decide we have to absolutely know what this thing called truth is, against however much we have been told to think positively and to believe in ourselves, we are still confronted by our true needs, our failure, our finite selves, our frailty, and our inadequacy.

And when we look without, we see a divided culture and flawed institutions.

To what, then, should we look?

The Old Testament records Israel’s repeated rebellion against God’s rule.

In an attempt to look just like the nations around them, the Israelites demanded an earthly king (1 Samuel 8:5).

Tragically, all of Israel’s kings eventually crumbled to dust: the mighty Saul, the great David, and the wisest of the wise Solomon, all had failed politically, morally, ethically, religiously and any and all other ways we corrupt our lives.

Surely, the people in the streets were making the same complaints that we hear today: “This is not what we were led to believe, nor to expect, when this person became our leader! There must be someone, anyone who is better than this!”

What about you?

Who or whom makes, legislates, enacts, enforces the rules of your life?

Your “Way, your Truth and your life” means what to you or anyone else?

What might you need to let go of in order to embrace the truth of Jesus?

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

Praying …

Psalm 8 Living Bible

8 O Lord our God, the majesty and glory of your name fills all the earth and overflows the heavens. 2 You have taught the little children to praise you perfectly. May their example shame and silence your enemies!

3 When I look up into the night skies and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you have made— 4 I cannot understand how you can bother with mere puny man, to pay any attention to him!

5 And yet you have made him only a little lower than the angels[a] and placed a crown of glory and honor upon his head.

6 You have put him in charge of everything you made; everything is put under his authority: 7 all sheep and oxen, and wild animals too, 8 the birds and fish, and all the life in the sea. 9 O Jehovah, our Lord, the majesty and glory of your name fills the earth.

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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Listening, Learning about Living in, with, the Family of Faith Hospitably. Hebrews 13:1-8

Hebrews 13:1-8 The Message

Jesus Doesn’t Change

13 1-4 Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it! Regard prisoners as if you were in prison with them. Look on victims of abuse as if what happened to them had happened to you. Honor marriage, and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband. God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex.

5-6 Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote,

God is there, ready to help;
I’m fearless no matter what.
Who or what can get to me?

7-8 Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all. For Jesus doesn’t change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he’s always totally himself.

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.

True or False: Hospitality Bridges Barriers?

True or False: Hospitality Builds “easy for anyone – soggy paper bag, house of overused cards etcetera, to knock down, no prayer to God required” Barriers?

True or False: Hospitality Builds tall privacy fences between neighbors which promote “friendly but unseen, unheard, unbothered, anonymous relationships?

True or False: Hospitality Builds unknown, hidden, underwater, underground Minefields – waiting for any number of people to blindly, confidently, secretly (with sincerity, with the best of intentions, walk or run into or stumble upon?

True or False: Hospitality can only Build empty Abandoned Haunted Houses?

True or False: Hospitality builds magnificent palatial mansions nobody or just 1 somebody has financial, material resources, to actually occupy as their home?

True or False: Hospitality is a Chivalrous or Warlike White Knight riding a White Majestic Stallion in front of a heavily fortified Castle politely, or not so politely, asking or demanding for the drawbridge to be lowered by the evil Black Knight?

True or False: Hospitality has no self-confidence or self-esteem to even start a building project of any magnitude and stays behind, preferring its anonymity?

True or False: Hospitality is a malicious, evil, serial, malignant liar and a fraud?

True or False: Hospitality is serving a well deserved Life plus eternity, prison sentence in the ultimate inescapable underground maximum security prison?

True or False: We can authentically say with conviction that Hospitality is an authentic Best Friend Forever, or in reality, our very worst all time, enemy?

True or False: As Christians we can easily recognize Hospitality according to the Word of God for the Children of God – and to obediently listen, and learn about living in hospitality and with hospitality, among our neighbors, family of faith?

Hebrews 13:1-8 Amplified Bible

The Changeless Christ

13 Let love of your fellow believers continue. 2 Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers [especially among the family of believers—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as if you were their fellow prisoner, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body [and subject to physical suffering]. 4 Marriage is to be held in honor among all [that is, regarded as something of great value], and the marriage bed undefiled [by immorality or by any sexual sin]; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” 6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say,

“The Lord is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid.
What will man do to me?”

7 Remember your leaders [for it was they] who brought you the word of God; and consider the result of their conduct [the outcome of their godly lives], and imitate their faith [their conviction that God exists and is the Creator and Ruler of all things, the Provider of eternal salvation through Christ, and imitate their reliance on God with absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. 8 Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever.

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

Praying,

Psalm 100 Amplified Bible

All Men Exhorted to Praise God.

A Psalm of Thanksgiving.

100 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
2 
Serve the Lord with gladness and delight;
Come before His presence with joyful singing.
3 
Know and fully recognize with gratitude that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, [a]not we ourselves [and we are His].
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 
Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name.
5 
For the Lord is good;
His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting,
His faithfulness [endures] to all generations.

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

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Where is our Total Satisfaction with nothing but a young boy’s five loaves of bread and two fish? Mark 6:41-42

Mark 6:33-44 New American Standard Bible

Five Thousand Men Fed

33 The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them. 34 When Jesus went [a]ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. 35 And when it was already late, His disciples came up to Him and said, “[b]This place is secluded and it is already late; 36 send them away so that they may go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves [c]something to eat.” 37 But He answered them, “You give them something to eat!” And they *said to Him, “Shall we go and spend two hundred [d]denarii on bread, and give it to them to eat?” 38 But He *said to them,  “How many loaves do you have? Go look!” And when they found out, they *said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 And He ordered them all to recline by groups on the green grass. 40 They reclined in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves and He gave them to the disciples again and again to set before them; and He divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied; 43 and they picked up twelve full baskets of the broken pieces of bread, and of the fish. 44  There were five thousand [e]men who ate the loaves.

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 directed the disciples to feed a crowd of 5,000 men, plus women and children, with nothing but a young boy’s five loaves of bread and two fish, they faced a seemingly impossible situation.

As Andrew questioned, “What are they for so many?” (John 6:9).

But the Twelve did as Jesus directed them: they sat the people down, separated them into groups, and then they divided the loaves and fish. And divided. And divided. And before they knew it, a miracle of satisfaction had just unfolded.

The five loaves and two fish managed to feed thousands—and not just with the tiniest servings of food but with such an abundance that “they all ate and were satisfied.”

In truth, in a rather miraculous turn of events, there were even twelve wicker baskets of leftovers – 1 for each of the disciples to carry over their shoulders and go among the roadways and back alleys of neighboring villages to feast upon.

Just as God had done centuries earlier with the manna in the barren wilderness (Exodus 16), here the Great Shepherd of Israel proved His identity and provided for His people’s needs, both literally and symbolically.

It should be impossible for us to consider this story and not recognize that God takes unmanageable situations and unbelievably limited resources and greatly multiplies them for the well-being of others and the glory of His name. And He can miraculously do this with our lives and with our neighbors lives as well.

Perhaps, if you are the only Christian, practicing Christian, in your family, in your class, or at your job, you may rigorously, vigorously wonder, like Andrew, “What am I to do among so many? What should I say? What can I hope do?”

Mark 12:41-44 New American Standard Bible

The Widow’s Coins

41 And Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and began watching how the [a] people were putting [b]money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large amounts. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two [c]lepta coins, which amount to a [d]quadrans. 43 Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all [e]the contributors to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their [f]surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, [g] all she had to live on.”

Jesus and His disciples watch a widow put coins into the treasury offering box.

But here is the real question to ask:

“Have I truly offered up my “meager” resources to God—my time, talents, my energy, gifts, and finances?” They may not be much. But He can multiply them!

https://www.google.com/search?q=Gladys+Aylward&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Christian missionary Gladys Aylward lived in London with no education and no savings.

What she had, though, was a passionate longing to go to China to share the gospel.

This small-statured lady, who had long, straight, black hair, thus began a journey by train and then by ocean liner, and eventually ended up in Shanghai.

As she stood on the deck, looking out on the city, she saw all the small-statured Chinese people with their straight, black hair, and suddenly realized that God had had a plan and purpose for her all along.

He’d even established her DNA in such a way she would be perfectly suited to become the “Little Woman” who would reach countless tiny children with the gospel—because she offered up her life to God He multiplied it for His glory.

As you look out on your day and your week, offer yourself to God. Your inability is His opportunity. Your weaknesses and your sense of dependence will form the very basis upon which He shows Himself to be stronger. With nothing but mere loaves and fish, He satisfied thousands. Be in no doubt that He can use you to do great and miraculous things of eternal worth, if you will only pray to Him.

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

Praying …

Psalm 23 Authorized (King James) Version

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

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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Teamwork Triumph! There is such strength and a sense of community in working together with God toward a common goal. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Authorized (King James) Version

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he ; for he hath not another to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

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 Ecclesiastes trying to tell us?

Ecclesiastes explores the incomparably vast futility of ‘chasing’ worldly pursuits and the importance of fearing God and enjoying life’s simple gifts, ultimately suggesting that the truest meaning and purpose are found in a knotted relationship with God, not in material success or fleeting pleasures. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

  • The Futility of “Under the Sun”: The book uses the phrase “under the sun” to describe life without God, where everything seems meaningless and ultimately unsatisfying. 
  • Vanity and Meaninglessness: The author, traditionally believed to be Solomon, explores various aspects of life, including wisdom, knowledge, pleasure, work, and time, and concludes that they are all ultimately “vanity” or “meaningless” when considered apart from God. 
  • The Importance of Fearing God: Ecclesiastes emphasizes the importance of “fearing God” which means trusting, obeying, and serving God, rather than relying on oneself or worldly achievements. 
  • Enjoying Life’s Gifts: While acknowledging the limitations of life, the book also encourages people to enjoy the simple gifts of life, such as good food, good company, and the beauty of creation. 
  • Finding Meaning in God: The book suggests that true meaning and purpose are found in a relationship with God, not in material possessions, achievements, or fleeting pleasures. 
  • Hope for God’s Judgment: Ecclesiastes also reveals the surest hope for God’s judgment that will destroy evil and bring justice, which fuels a life of honesty and integrity, despite life’s mysteries. 

What is the main point of the book of Ecclesiastes?

The book reveals the necessity of fearing God in a fallen and frequently confusing and frustrating world. Humans seek lasting significance, but no matter how great their accomplishments, humans are unable to achieve the lasting significance they desire.

How do I apply Ecclesiastes to my life?

8 Lessons From Ecclesiastes

  1. Everyone Faces Challenging Times. …
  2. Be Cautious of Busyness. …
  3. Uncertainty Is a Part of Life. …
  4. A Relationship With God Gives Life Meaning. …
  5. Focus on God’s Gifts. …
  6. The End Is More Important Than Life. …
  7. God Is in Control. …
  8. Follow God’s Commandments.

Teamwork is important.

There is strength and a sense of community in working together toward a common goal.

Working together is essential in overcoming challenges and achieving shared objectives.

Matthew 28:16-20 Authorized (King James) Version

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Teamwork develops synergy, where individual strengths complement each other, leading to greater productivity and creativity.

Through teamwork, various perspectives and skills contribute to thorough problem solving and innovation.

The Bible emphasizes the values of teamwork.

From Moses and Aaron leading the Israelites to Jesus sending out his disciples, cooperation and mutual support are foundational to God’s work. Together we can all encourage, support, and build each other up in faith and good works.

Looking way, way back, I see how teamwork has enriched my personal growth and accomplishments. It has taught me humility, patience, and the spirit filling joy of celebrating collective achievements. Glory to God! Each team effort has strengthened relationships and fostered a sense of community and belonging.

We can embrace collaboration in all areas of life, seeking opportunities to work alongside others, leveraging people’s strengths for the greater good.

Let’s strive to imitate Savior Christ’s example of unity and service, knowing that together we can accomplish far more than we could if we worked alone.

What do now hold is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12?

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 emphasizes, raises, the value of shared companionship and sound teamwork, stating two are better than one because they can help each other succeed, withstand challenges, and find warmth, while also highlighting the strength of a “threefold cord” (relationship with God) is not easily broken. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

  • “Two are better than one” (v. 9): This verse highlights the benefits of working and living together, as opposed to alone, emphasizing mutual support and shared success. 
  • “For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion” (v. 10): This illustrates the practical advantage of having someone to help when facing difficulties, emphasizing the importance of support and encouragement. 
  • “Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?” (v. 11): This emphasizes the comfort and warmth of companionship, both physically and emotionally. 
  • “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (v. 12): This verse introduces the concept of a “threefold cord”, often interpreted as a relationship with God, which adds a powerful layer of strength and resilience to a partnership or relationship. 
  • “Threefold cord”: This is a metaphor for a strong and unbreakable bond, often used to describe the strength of a marriage or friendship which includes God. 

What is the moral lesson of the book of Ecclesiastes?

It acknowledges that if we could understand why things happen, difficult circumstances would be easier to deal with somehow. Ecclesiastes helps us understand that the ups and downs of life are normal and part of God’s plan and that we each must keep an eternal perspective without having all the answers.

God did not create us to be alone — to be a solitary person trying to make it through life alone in a harsh world. 

When we read the Scriptures, we discover that some of God’s strongest servants had trouble when trying to serve Him when alone. 

Jesus intentionally sent out his disciples and apostles in pairs to do His work.  

In the Torah, God insisted that any legal testimony had to be established by at least two or three witnesses. 

In addition, the Lord Jesus emphasized the complete importance of two or three believers gathered together in His name to put aside hatted, sit with God, have tall, active fellowship involved forgiveness, reconciliation, discipline, daily. 

So, we shouldn’t be surprised by this insightful proverb found in our verses today. We are better off with a friend to share in our work, and they need us also.

We can help each other up when we’ve fallen, keep warm when it is cold, defend each other when under attack, be a solid and cohesive team when we weave our lives together with God.

And these principles apply to physical, emotional, and spiritual situations!

So, dear brother or sister in Savior Chris Jesus , please don’t try to do the Christian life alone on your own deserted island. Join with other believers and encourage each other. Our mutual support is vital to our faithfulness to Jesus!

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

Psalm 84

To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.

1 How amiable are thy tabernacles,
O Lord of hosts!

2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord:
my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house,
and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,
even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God.
4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house:
they will be still praising thee. Selah.
5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee;
in whose heart are the ways of them.
6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well;
the rain also filleth the pools.
7 They go from strength to strength,
every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.

8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer:
give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.
9 Behold, O God our shield,
and look upon the face of thine anointed.
10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.
I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God,
than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield:
the Lord will give grace and glory:
no good thing will he withhold from them that walk upright

O Lord of hosts,
blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

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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