Romans 15:4 "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
73 1-5 No doubt about it! God is good— good to good people, good to the good-hearted. But I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness. I was looking the other way, looking up to the people At the top, envying the wicked who have it made, Who have nothing to worry about, not a care in the whole wide world.
6-10 Pretentious with arrogance, they wear the latest fashions in violence, Pampered and overfed, decked out in silk bows of silliness. They jeer, using words to kill; they bully their way with words. They’re full of hot air, loudmouths disturbing the peace. People actually listen to them—can you believe it? Like thirsty puppies, they lap up their words.
11-14 What’s going on here? Is God out to lunch? Nobody’s tending the store. The wicked get by with everything; they have it made, piling up riches. I’ve been stupid to play by the rules; what has it gotten me? A long run of bad luck, that’s what— a slap in the face every time I walk out the door.
15-20 If I’d have given in and talked like this, I would have betrayed your dear children. Still, when I tried to figure it out, all I got was a splitting headache . . . Until I entered the sanctuary of God. Then I saw the whole picture: The slippery road you’ve put them on, with a final crash in a ditch of delusions. In the blink of an eye, disaster! A blind curve in the dark, and—nightmare! We wake up and rub our eyes. . . . Nothing. There’s nothing to them. And there never was.
21-24 When I was beleaguered and bitter, totally consumed by envy, I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox in your very presence. I’m still in your presence, but you’ve taken my hand. You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me.
25-28 You’re all I want in heaven! You’re all I want on earth! When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful. Look! Those who left you are falling apart! Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again. But I’m in the very presence of God— oh, how refreshing it is! I’ve made Lord God my home. God, I’m telling the world what you do!
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Is God out to Lunch or Taking a Long Vacation?
Psalm 73:10-14 New American Standard Bible 1995
10 Therefore [a]his people return to this place, And waters of abundance are [b]drunk by them. 11 They say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge [c]with the Most High?” 12 Behold, these are the wicked; And always at ease, they have increased in wealth. 13 Surely in vain I have [d]kept my heart pure And washed my hands in innocence; 14 For I have been stricken all day long And [e]chastened every morning.
Verse 11 … They say, “How does God know? And is their knowledge with the Most High?” Verse 13 … Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence; verse 14 For I have been stricken all day long and chastened every morning …”
This is indeed, quite the lament of a heart and soul that is securely padlocked into doubt – One might believe this heart and soul is confined to a solitary cell.
Alone, and deep into its own thoughts by something hardcore, whatever it is.
Something is drawing someone’s faith into a state of doubt, deep questioning.
Someone’s faith journey is taking a whole bunch of body blows to their guts.
Someone’s faith seems to be on a heavily greased descent into someplace it definitely does not want to be. Its descent seems to be growing unstoppable.
Is this somewhere we ourselves find ourselves slipping and sliding into? Is our faith unable to gain any traction of any kind that we might stop its fast descent?
Are we asking ourselves, shouting to ourselves at the very top of our lungs to God for answers to questions which are going through our souls at warp speed?
Except that the slipping and sliding is only getting much faster by the moment?
11-14 What’s going on here? Is God out to lunch? Nobody’s tending the store. The wicked get by with everything; they have it made, piling up riches. I’ve been stupid to play by the rules; what has it gotten me? A long run of bad luck, that’s what— a slap in the face every time I walk out the door.
Psalm 73: Psalm for a Slippery, Sliding Faith
Doubt is guaranteed. We will doubt.
Psalm 73 begins by affirming a core teaching: “Surely God is good to Israel.”
Then doubt comes in tidal waves. The psalmist faith is slipping. He’s trying to keep faith, but he’s tottering on a miles deep precipice. He has a bad case of vertigo, that dizziness some people feel when they look down from a high place.
The psalmist thought God was good to Israel, but something he saw made his head start spinning.
We’ve seen things like that too.
The baseball team with the most respectable players doesn’t necessarily win the World Series.
The quarterback with the best moral character doesn’t always start on the college team.
The stock market takes a sudden nose dive taking someone’s education fund.
Someone’s spouse suddenly walks out without any notice, taking the children and the bank accounts are suddenly empty and the spouse in not taking calls.
Upheaval at the 2019/2024 General Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Disarray …. Disarray …. Disarray …. Every measure of it is flung off the charts!
Oddly, seems some arrogant, ungodly people often prosper with the greatest of ease and have no troubles or suffering. But then people who love God and try to serve him seem to get nowhere, slapped, face all kinds of trouble and suffering.
Whole bunch of people are severely questioning: “Is God taking a lunch break?”
Asaph, the writer of this psalm saw this. So do we.
A common reaction to unhappiness is to wonder, “does God even know what’s happening?”
When He doesn’t intervene as we’d prefer, our habit is to question His goodness and His power.
According to the writer Asaph, those who abandon faith (Psalm 73:10) tend to soon follow the prosperous wicked (Psalm 73:1–3) also will tend to rationalize their decision to follow the wicked, question God’s knowledge of the situation.
In one sense, this means questioning whether God is aware of their pain. In another, it’s an expression of arrogance: that God isn’t going to notice their sin.
The truth is … God notices everything …
Psalm 139:1-12 New American Standard Bible 1995
God’s Omnipresence and Omniscience.
For the choir director. A Psalm of David.
139 O Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know [a]when I sit down and [b]when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. 3 You [c]scrutinize my [d]path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. 4 [e]Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all. 5 You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in [f]Sheol, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will [g]overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,” 12 Even the darkness is not dark [h]to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.
Even today, those who find themselves undergoing times, seasons of great pains of doubt, may question whether God knows or cares what is happening.
That’s an understandable reaction, but it’s deeply flawed.
This verse Psalm 73:11 is purposefully ironic.
It’s self-defeating to address God as “the Most High” while also questioning His knowledge. God not only knows what happens to His people, He also cares.
James 5:1-12 New American Standard Bible 1995
Misuse of Riches
5 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. 2 Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! 4 Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of [a]Sabaoth. 5 You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have [b]fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and [c] put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you.
Exhortation
7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until [d]it gets the early and late rains. 8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Do not [e]complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing [f]right at the [g]door. 10 As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the [h] endurance of Job and have seen the [i]outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but [j]your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.
James addressed the rich, wicked farmers who abused their Christian workers; he told them, “the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts” (James 5:4).
1Peter 5:6-9 urges us to cast all our anxieties on the God because He cares for us.
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 [a]But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your [b]brethren who are in the world.
The end of the wicked (be very careful about who you call or refer to as being “wicked” Matthew 7:1-3) is ruin.
Matthew 7:1-3 New American Standard Bible 1995
Judging Others
7 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2 For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and [a]by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
And while God doesn’t promise to make his people wealthier or healthier, he does promise he is always working for the heart and restoration for the soul.
John 5:14-17 New American Standard Bible 1995
14 Afterward Jesus *found him in the temple and said to him, “Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” 15 The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16 For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.”
In Father, Son, Spirit’s presence and care, we have everything we truly need.
We are under God’s constant continuous observation … Psalm 23, Psalm 121
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
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.
Psalm 121The Message
121 1-2 I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.
3-4 He won’t let you stumble, your Guardian God won’t fall asleep. Not on your life! Israel’s Guardian will never doze or sleep.
5-6 God’s your Guardian, right at your side to protect you— Shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moonstroke.
7-8 God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
To the Chief Musician. With [a]flutes. A Psalm of David.
5 Give ear to my words, O Lord, Consider my [b]meditation. 2 Give heed to the voice of my cry, My King and my God, For to You I will pray. 3 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.
4 For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil [c]dwell with You. 5 The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. 6 You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
7 But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; In fear of You I will worship toward [d]Your holy temple. 8 Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before my face.
9 For there is no [e]faithfulness in their mouth; Their inward part is destruction; Their throat is an open tomb; They flatter with their tongue. 10 Pronounce them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own counsels; Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, For they have rebelled against You.
11 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You [f]defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. 12 For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
At one place in his book Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis suggests that each morning starts the same way for everyone. When we wake up, rise up, all the thoughts about what we hope to accomplish that day flood our mind. Lewis writes that our plans for the day resemble wild animals that rush toward us.
I don’t know, nor can I speak, if this describes how a day typically begins for you. But Lewis goes on to describe something that everyone should experience each morning. He encourages us to pay attention to another reality: the deeper, more intimate life we have in our Savior Jesus Christ. Instead of all our fretting over the concerns of the new day, we should allow God’s peace to flow into us.
That sounds like a wonderful description of morning prayer.
It’s what David, in Psalm 5 describes as being a two-way conversation between us and God our Father. We wake up, We rise up, We speak up, and we listen up.
We pray it up, and we wait. We act, and we receive. We begin our day with God.
We are informed by God Morning prayers sets the tone for the day that follows.
If the morning begins with worry first, that will only increase as the day moves along. But if we start out by “Good Morning God!” enjoying time with God and receiving strength from God, we will more likely remain in his peace as the day continues. God teaches there’s no better way to begin the day than with prayer.
“God, as I pass through my day …” Transformative Things That Will Enhance Your Prayer Life Today
Psalm 34:17-19 New King James Version
17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as [a]have a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
As I opened my morning devotional first thing this morning, the Scripture for the day is from Psalm 34 of which I have pulled out the verses that spoke to me.
It wasn’t long before I was reminded of the many issues before me, struggling with responses to the chaos in the world with grace-filled thoughts, prayers.
I felt the Lord whispering unto me that I should be deepening my prayer life.
I was surprised since I thought I had a consistent prayer time every morning before I sit down, gather my thoughts, engage the Lord, and write my blog.
What could the Lord possibly mean by this?
Soon, God started revealing exactly how my prayer life was going to be enlarged and enhanced, which would hopefully, prayerfully, also fill me with more grace and appropriate responses to situations. Let me share with you ways the Lord led me to try enhancing my prayer life that will perhaps resonate with you also.
Actively Anticipate and Expect that the Lord will be Moving in Your Prayer Life.
Philippians 1:3-7 New King James Version
Thankfulness and Prayer
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.
Sometimes, we allow ourselves to become overwhelmed by everything happening in our personal lives and in the world.
Things that might cause anxiety, worry, doubt, fear, maybe even hopelessness in our soul.
It’s easy to forget that those are the very times we need to take everything to the Lord in prayer.
I mean everything!
I’ll readily confess that’s not always my normal response, but it should be. So many occurrences in our daily lives are actually calls from the Lord to pray about them instead of trying to figure out how to fix them ourselves. God is trying to move us all to a deeper dependence on him in all circumstances.
I’m not saying the Lord purposely puts situations in your path to pray over, but sometimes we stumble over them instead of lifting them up to God for answers.
We’ve all been around prayer warriors who break out into prayer continuously and spontaneously. Petitioning and praising. I have friends like that and when I’m around them, as a consequence, I soon realize just how little I actually pray.
Many of us relegate our prayers to morning devotionals and before meals, but then we might set God aside for the day while we busily deal with life instead of anticipating opportunities to call on God like the Scriptures remind us to do.
Romans 12:3-8 New King James Version
Serve God with Spiritual Gifts
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Do Not be Afraid and Follow Through When Prayer Assignments Are Discerned and are then Revealed
James 5:13-18 New King James Version
Meeting Specific Needs
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 [a]Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, [b]fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
A prayer assignment occurs every time we sense someone, something, or even an issue which is in need of prayer. It could be illness, job loss, death, problem children, finances, work decisions even world events…really the list is endless.
Our tendency is to express an appropriate measure of concern or condolences and say, “I’ll pray for you,” whether it’s in person, by phone or on social media.
But could it be that our assignment is to pray in the moment?!
Ask the person if you could pray for them right at the time. If it’s on social media, text, or email, write out a short prayer response. When you hear bad news on the media, drop to your knees and pray, especially when you want to throw something or yell at the monitor screen. Take it to God in prayer instead.
Seek His Kingdom First, A true Watchman for God, Be on the Alert Look for the Opportunities to Pray More.
2 Samuel 18:24-27 New American Standard Bible 1995
24 Now David was sitting between the two gates; and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall, and raised his eyes and looked, and behold, a man running by himself. 25 The watchman called and told the king. And the king said, “If he is by himself there is good news in his mouth.” And he came nearer and nearer. 26 Then the watchman saw another man running; and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold, another man running by himself.” And the king said, “This one also is bringing good news.” 27 The watchman said, “I [a]think the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “This is a good man and comes with good news.”
It’s wonderful to stop, watch and pray for those revealed prayer opportunities, but our prayer life will become even more vibrant when we also consciously and consistently seek out opportunities to observe and declare when to pray. With the chaos, upheaval in our world today, it is not hard to find occasions to pray.
With practice and diligence, we can all become beacons of hope, courage, love, compassion and grace when we extend to others and to ourselves the gift of offering prayers to our Lord and Savior. How that blesses him, others, and us.
Ask yourself How much larger, More beautiful, could God’s Kingdom become?
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 16 New American Standard Bible 1995
The Lord the Psalmist’s Portion in Life and Deliverer in Death.
16 Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You. 2 [b]I said to the Lord, “You are [c]my Lord; I have no good besides You.” 3 As for the [d]saints who are in the earth, [e]They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight. 4 The [f]sorrows of those who have [g]bartered for another god will be multiplied; I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood, Nor will I take their names upon my lips.
5 The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. 6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.
7 I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; Indeed, my [h]mind instructs me in the night. 8 I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely. 10 For You will not abandon my soul to [i]Sheol; Nor will You [j]allow Your [k]Holy One to [l]undergo decay. 11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
14 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.
2 The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. 3 They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one.
4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, Who eat up my people as they eat bread, And do not call on the Lord? 5 There they are in great fear, For God is with the generation of the righteous. 6 You shame the counsel of the poor, But the Lord is his refuge.
7 Oh,[a] that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord brings back [b]the captivity of His people, Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
High and Low, Is there Not Even One to be found?
So, do we reflect on incentives God gives us for seeking him?
Can we see that the rewards for engaging in such a search are priceless?
Are we even minimally prepared, they are what we all, deep down, really crave?
The problem is that we often look for the right things in the wrong places.
And, worse, as we endeavor to be more like our Savior Jesus Christ, learn from heaven’s point of view, not even one of us is willing to look in the right place?
We are completely stuck on trying to do things our own way, not God’s way?
So when God looks down from heaven (Psalms 27, 139, 2 Chronicles 16:8-9) searching to and fro for even one person searching for him, he finds no one.
8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubim an immense army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the Lord, He delivered them into your hand. 9 For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars.”
A Psalm of Fearless Trust in God.
A Psalm of David.
27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the [a]defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? 2 When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I [b]shall be 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 [c]beauty of the Lord And to [d]meditate in His temple. 5 For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His [e]tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; 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 in His tent sacrifices [f]with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
7 Hear, O 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, “Your face, O Lord, I shall seek.” 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, O God of my salvation! 10 [g]For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the Lord will take me up.
11 Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me in a level path Because of [h]my foes. 12 Do not deliver me over to the [i]desire of my adversaries, For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence. 13 [j]I would have despaired unless I had 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.
“GOD FINDS NO ONE?!”
That’s beyond astounding, that is so far beyond comprehension, isn’t it?
Or does it come as no surprise to anyone discerning, observant enough?
There is so much spirituality these days—and, in fact, there always has been.
We will rigorously, vigorously, defend the claim we are “incurably religious” “incurably spiritual.”
The world is full of cathedrals, temples, mosques, shrines, churches, and synagogues. Songs, liturgies, dramas, art—all are laced with appeals to God.
But when God looks down on all this “god–seeking religion and spirituality” he announces to all of us he really does not see any true god–seeking in any of it.
What people are looking for is a god to serve them, automatically affirm all of their whims, all of their so called “God seeking” and politicalized agendas.
And, truly, God is a great help to us all. He is our only help and strength.
But God is seeking people who are authentically looking for the God they can trust with their whole life and future, rather than simply a god they can use for their own personal self centered, finite temporary temporal illogical purposes.
Sadly, none of us surrenders on our own.
It takes God’s grace to lower our knees.
God Does Not, Has, Will, Never, Accept Any Bribes
Isaiah 1:13-20 New American Standard Bible 1995
13 “Bring your worthless offerings no longer, Incense is an abomination to Me. New moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies— I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly. 14 “I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts, They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 “So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are [a]covered with blood.
16 “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, [b]Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.
“Let Us Reason”
18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. 19 “If you consent and obey, You will eat the best of the land; 20 “But if you refuse and rebel, You will be devoured by the sword.” Truly, the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
The sins of Judah were beginning to resemble those of Sodom and Gomorrah.
God’s people didn’t understand the holy will of their God.
Injustice against the weak and vulnerable was becoming rampant.
God’s people thought they could make up for their sinful actions and appease God’s holiness by sacrificing animals, doing other self serving religious rituals.
But they continued in their evil ways of injustice and oppression against weak and vulnerable people.
The society had become dominated by rich powerbrokers who thought nothing of accumulating wealth and gaining more clout over the poor and powerless.
In addition, the judges and religious leaders did not condemn them but instead enjoyed their generous bribes and elaborate parties, manipulated their people.
But those who are being manipulated, trampled under the heel of oppression of the self serving creators of their own “about God” agendas have God on their side. God doesn’t accept bribes, doesn’t run a revolving court open to bribery.
And God expects nothing less of his people in return. Addressing the leaders of Judah, the prophet Isaiah demanded, “Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widows and orphans.”
That is our calling still today.
Beyond supporting those who only want to hear their own voices, who’ll only want to hear, listen to and be told how right they always are, no disagreements only unconditional support for their own brand of ideologies and theologies, preach, teach from their own interpretations, representations of God’s truth.
Where opposition is suppressed, underrepresented, cancelled out, minimized.
Where rational, logical reasoning like God expects from us, is shouted down.
Our practice of compassion and justice anticipates the coming day when the Lord himself will come in person to “give decisions for the poor of the earth” (Isaiah 11:4).
Isaiah 11:1-9 New American Standard Bible 1995
Righteous Reign of the Branch
11 Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3 And He will delight in the fear of the Lord, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear; 4 But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. 5 Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, And faithfulness the belt about His waist.
6 And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion [a]and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them. 7 Also the cow and the bear will graze, Their young will lie down together, And the lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den. 9 They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea.
Kingdom Agenda: A World Where God Is Known
Isaiah 11:6-9New American Standard Bible 1995
6 And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion [a]and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them. 7 Also the cow and the bear will graze, Their young will lie down together, And the lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den. 9 They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah likens the Messiah’s kingdom to the sea.
He says peace will be the order of the day because “the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.”
In the righteous kingdom of God, life is at full tide.
Buoyed by currents of the knowledge of the Lord, life will be full and colorful.
In that day, no one will need to “teach his neighbor … saying, ?Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me,” says God (Jeremiah 31:33-34).
33 “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the Lord, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the Lord, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”
Imagine a world in which everyone knows the riches of God’s wisdom and each person has tasted God’s grace and understands how to give it. (Psalm 34:8-10)
8 O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! 9 O fear the Lord, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want. 10 The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing.
Isaiah’s imagery also suggests something about our mission in a world that is not yet full of God’s glory. We who have this knowledge must make God known by our words, actions, until the day God’s glorious kingdom vision is realized.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
Let us Pray,
Psalm 34 New King James Version
The Happiness of Those Who Trust in God
A Psalm of David when he pretended madness before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed.
34 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. 6 This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The [a]angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! 9 Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no [b]want to those who fear Him. 10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.
11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. 16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, To [c]cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as [d]have a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all. 20 He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken. 21 Evil shall slay the wicked, And those who hate the righteous shall be [e]condemned. 22 The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
2 (1) How long, Adonai? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 3 (2) How long must I keep asking myself what to do, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long must my enemy dominate me?
4 (3) Look, and answer me, Adonai my God! Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death. 5 (4) Then my enemy would say, “I was able to beat him”; and my adversaries would rejoice at my downfall.
6 (5) But I trust in your grace, my heart rejoices as you bring me to safety. (6) I will sing to Adonai, because he gives me even more than I need.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
That God Given Gift of my Frustrated Heart
Psalm 13 The Message
13 1-2 Long enough, God— you’ve ignored me long enough. I’ve looked at the back of your head long enough. Long enough I’ve carried this ton of trouble, lived with a stomach full of pain. Long enough my arrogant enemies have looked down their noses at me.
3-4 Take a good look at me, God, my God; I want to look life in the eye, So no enemy can get the best of me or laugh when I fall on my face.
5-6 I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms— I’m celebrating your rescue. I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers.
This lament of David is a cry of the heart from someone who feels that he is alone and forsaken.. isolated, forgotten and cut off from the favor of the Lord.
Young Shepherd, Mighty King, Husband, Father, David’s soul is crying out in bitter anguish of mind and inner confusion of the soul because the Lord seems to have forgotten all about him, apparently hidden, His face from His servant.
From deep within himself David’s heart and soul could not understand why the Lord was now delaying that help he desperately needed.. and so his heart was grieving and his soul cried out in bitterness and distress – how long O Lord?
David felt that the enemy , we do not know who, or even when or why, was triumphing over him while the Lord seemed to have distanced Himself far away from His faithful servant.. so he challenged the Lord with multiple questions:
How long O LORD.. will You forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
David wanted to know how long the bitter trial and manifold difficulties that were flooding into his life would go on, before the Lord would finally step in.. to reveal His face, reveal His Justice and right the wrong and comfort His servant.
And we look upon these days of disaffiliation, division, and dysfunction, and in this day which the Lord just gifted unto us and or these God given gift days of highest distress and difficulties we too often find ourselves in David’s position..
calling out in desperation to the Lord as we become increasingly submerged by the struggles and sorrows of our day – as we all cry out to an iron-clad heaven and we find ourselves wrestling inwardly with the same rhetorical questions that burdened David’s heart and flowed from his pen, three thousand years ago.
A Heartfelt Prayer for those Moments When God’s Great and Greatest Things Feel Too Small for You
Psalm 118:17-29 The Message
17-20 I didn’t die. I lived! And now I’m telling the world what God did. God tested me, he pushed me hard, but he didn’t hand me over to Death. Swing wide the city gates—the righteous gates! I’ll walk right through and thank God! This Temple Gate belongs to God, so the victors can enter and praise.
21-25 Thank you for responding to me; you’ve truly become my salvation! The stone the masons discarded as flawed is now the capstone! This is God’s work. We rub our eyes—we can hardly believe it! This is the very day God acted— let’s celebrate and be festive! Salvation now, God. Salvation now! Oh yes, God—a free and full life!
26-29 Blessed are you who enter in God’s name— from God’s house we bless you! God is God, he has bathed us in light. Adorn the shrine with garlands, hang colored banners above the altar! You’re my God, and I thank you. O my God, I lift high your praise. Thank God—he’s so good. His love never quits!
How often we too find ourselves feeling that God has forgotten us and that like David we seem to have been vigorously scissored off from the favor of the Lord?
How often we now find ourselves, experience deep depression, discouragement of heart, anguish of soul, bitter taste in our mouth, heartache as the enemies of our soul seem to be attacking us from every side.. and we discover ourselves to be increasingly alone, overwhelmed by all that is coming on the earth today.
But David is a man after God’s own heart.. and although that does not preclude him from having to go through the inevitable trials and tribulations of life- his confidence stands firm in the goodness of the Lord and his bitter pleas for help.. came from a man who trusts in God’s loving-kindness; and rejoices in the joy of his salvation. “For this is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice in it!”
However, it was not long before the bitter lament of David in Psalm 13 turned into a hymn of high praise when he remembered the many precious promises of the Lord – for he knew that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the true glory that is to be revealed to us in the days to come.
The same is no less true today.
Indeed those difficulties, dysfunctions and dangers that we face in life today.. should be considered as momentary, light affliction, which are producing for us God’s Gift of an eternal weight of glory far beyond what we could ask or think.
Pondering and Praying those Greatest Gifts of God
James 1:13-18 The Message
13-15 Don’t let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, “God is trying to trip me up.” God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one’s way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.
16-18 So, my very dear friends, don’t get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures.
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing He bled and died to take away my sin
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art.
Music:How Great Thou Art Swedish folk melody, adapted by Stuart K. Hine.
Have you ever looked at the gifts God has given you or the life God’s given you and wondered, “Is this really it?”
This is a spiritually deep, heart and soul searching question; it’s typically laced with all our worrying about what lies ahead, wondering what you could’ve done differently, and filled with vast wishful thinking of what you thought would be.
I believe it’s safe in the arms of God to assume we’ve all been here, but the truth is we can’t stay in these thoughts for long. It will deliver each of us to a place of questioning who God is, what He’s doing, if He really wants good things for us.
“Why would God bring me here? Do I really have something meaningful to offer to the Lord, to the Creator of my very life and Author of my Salvation?
David in the Bible was a shepherd boy, the youngest of his brothers, and nothing was set to come of his life in a big, outlandish way.
Imagine how that felt day after day, might after night, imagine the thoughts that constantly went through his mind on guard, at night. I wonder if, while keeping watch over his sheep for long periods of time, he found himself asking My God (in the same way we do), “Is this really all you have planned for me?”
Little did David know God had many plans for his life.
Plans that David could’ve never imagined for himself.
Plans that could only unfold by the hand of God.
David’s small beginnings and small gifts were just the start of God’s incredible future for His life.
That said, even if the only plan God had for David was to be a shepherd, that would’ve been the perfect life God had penned for his days. But, because of how his life had panned out, we can look unto David’s life to be truly encouraged and know we can trust that no matter what the plans are, they will be for our good.
1 Samuel 16:10-13 New American Standard Bible 1995
10 Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are these all the children?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and [a]bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.”
David Anointed
12 So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.
Here, we see the plans unfolding.
Wow, I can imagine that after this encounter happened for Jesse and his older sons, they found themselves sitting in complete disbelief, probably asking:
“How could God choose the youngest boy?”
“How could God choose the shepherd boy?”
“How could God choose the one who doesn’t look to have a great life ahead of him?”
This might be how you feel about yourself, asking how God could ever choose you and how God will ever open doors for your gifts to be used.
This goes back to what I shared at the beginning; asking these questions are fine only for a moment – lest we find ourselves digging a ditch for daily rest.
We can’t stay stuck here because God wants to use you right where He has you.
God wants you to see that every single day, He is giving you an opportunity to minister and labor and work, sweat, as his shepherd for the Kingdom of God.
I want to invite you to trust what God is doing in your life and to trust that He will continue to open doors for you to use the gifts He’s given you.
It may look radically different than what you pictured; it may even look smaller than what you were hoping and praying for, but the way God pans out and the “small size” of its unfolding doesn’t discount the faithfulness of God to use you.
He is faithful to use His children’s gifts in big and small ways.
Like David, He makes a way in His perfect timing.
Trust Him with your life and with your story.
Trust Him when you’re sitting at the table feeling like the “lesser” one.
Trust Him when you cannot stop feeling looked over.
Psalm 139:23-24 The Message
23-24 Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life.
Let Him investigate your life.
Let Him find out everything about you.
Let Him cross-examine and test you.
Let Him get a clear picture of what you are all about.
Read His Report Card of His findings … make those adjustments.
Let Him lead, guide, and direct your steps.
Follow Him boldly.
He will be absolutely faithful to use you no matter how you feel now!
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
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.
12 “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear [to hear] them now. 13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]. 14 He will glorify and honor Me, because He (the Holy Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Because of this I said that He [the Spirit] will take from what is Mine and will reveal it to you.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Can we bear to hear what the Spirit of Truth is saying?
12 “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear [to hear] them now.
Can the Body of Christ, the Church, Christ’s Church 2024, handle the truth?
Your doctor tells you, after an MRI scan, that there are spots on your lungs.
The Cardiologist tells you that your Widow Making Artery is 99% blocked.
You receive an Email from your Corporate CEO that says Your company must soon file for bankruptcy after you have given them 45 years of loyal service.
Your teenage or your young-adult new graduate must live with you because the job market has flat-lined – after you just received notice of your job collapsing.
Let’s be honest, the truth can sometimes slam us in the gut with the might of Hercules and send our lives reeling into places we never would ever imagine.
We have to admit that the truth is hard to handle without help.
But Jesus helps by providing a helper, the Spirit of truth.
Jesus was preparing to leave his disciples and return to his Father, and his disciples were afraid.
They imagined themselves spending much time with Jesus, learning about his kingdom and having many fruitful years with Jesus finding their places in it.
The truth they could not handle was that Jesus had to leave them. Their lives had to transition from the God they could see to the God who would be in them.
But Jesus gave them truth they could handle.
The Spirit of God would remind them of the truth of Jesus as the only Savior whom they—and we—will ever need.
The Spirit takes us by the hand and helps us to live into the words and actions of the Father and the Son.
Do we have the spiritual capacity, spiritual maturity to handle that truth 2024?
Has the Spirit of Truth been speaking to you this past week, month, year?
Am I, are you, is the Body of Christ, the Church, Christ’s Church, taking his counsel to heart? Letting the Spirit lead you, guide you every step of the way?
Is Our Heart Broken or Strengthened By the Truth?
John 14:1-6 Amplified Bible
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
14 “Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and I will take you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 And [to the place] where I am going, you know the way.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going; so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “[a]I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
Through the Twentieth Century, church membership in America stayed at roughly 70% of adults.
In the last two-and-a-half decades, church membership has declined from 69% down to 48% today.
This shocking schism, this people leaving Protestant denominations, has a direct correlation with politics issues: LGTBQI, morally right or morally wrong; sin or not a sin, ordination of gay clergy, same sex weddings, parental control, parents have a say in what schools teach versus educators making all of the decisions; authority, national versus state control of rights; family formation, live together versus marriage; the right to life, pro-choice versus anti-abortion.
Rather than settle these disagreements (by Philippians 2:1-4) the Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist and Lutheran denominations have chosen to divide their churches. Many are the laity and pastors that ask, “What to do next?”
Last night, I read a stark quote from one Reformation leader, Martin Luther, “The sin underneath all our sins is to trust the lie of the serpent that we cannot trust the love and grace of Christ and must take matters into our own hands.”
Luther was writing about the Roman Catholic Church losing its way.
Do we Protestants have a similar problem today?
Is the schism because some Protestants have trusted in “the lie of the serpent” and taken “matters into our own hands” (Isaiah 53)?
Is the schism about what the scriptures say versus what some want them to say?
To answer these questions, I looked at the denomination with which I have spent my last couple of decades, the United Methodist Church.
In 1786, John Wesley, the foremost leader in the Methodist movement, said,
“I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. However, I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the case unless they hold fast both [to] the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out.”
In my well or ill considered (depending on whose theology you ask) opinion, John Wesley’s fear is now real; we have abandoned “the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out.” We are guilty of defection, apostasy.
John and Charles Wesley, both clergy in the Church of England, started a movement within that church based on the idea being a real Christian rather than a nominal Christian required more than attending church on Sunday.
Real Christianity required “simple living, ministering to the poor, the infirmed and the incarcerated.”
After much thought, after much prayer and study of the truth revealed through the Scriptures, after much conversation with my wife, a ‘fired’ local Pastor in the United Methodist Church, it pains us greatly to accept that our beloved United Methodist Church has moved much too far away from the Methodist movement started by the Wesley brothers and their Holy Club.
Reverend John Wesley’s Stance: Scripture is the primary source and standard for Christian doctrine.
Wesley said, “If you need no book but the Bible, you are got above St. Paul.”
We have gotten above St. Paul.
I am now going to address briefly some of the questions leading to this schism.
There are several articles posted online by some in the United Methodist Church saying that Paul’s words from Galatians 3:26-28 make LGBTQI lifestyles okay.
Galatians 3:26-28Amplified Bible
26 For you [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified and] are all children of God [set apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges] through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union with the Christ, the Anointed] have clothed yourselves with Christ [that is, you have taken on His characteristics and values]. 28 There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority].
My findings:
In that scripture Paul writes, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Scholars have long disputed to what extent the verse actually means to negate all those differences between Jews and Greeks, women and men, and so forth.
However, there is near unanimous agreement that this scripture certainly means that all people who believe have the opportunity to become Christians.
Just Leave it all to God?” Does Galatians 3:26-28 also make LGBTQI “okay?”
Some pertinent illustrations counter this absurdity:
A man engaged in adulterer confesses Christ and joins a church. Is the church to say, if feels good to know that the church says to keep on committing adultery?
A gossiper confesses Christ and joins a church. Is the church to say, you do not have to give up your gossiping, after all, it is amusingly, certainly entertaining.
A person practices one of the LGBTQ lifestyles confesses Christ and joins a church. Is the church to say, continue in that lifestyle?
Thomas a’ Kempis summed up our current dilemma 600 years ago,
“Many people, although they often hear the Gospel, feel little desire to follow it, because they lack the spirit of Christ.”
Look at what the scriptures say about LGBTQ for yourself.
Here is one example:
Drag queens, Deuteronomy 22:5, “A woman shall not wear a man’s apparel, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for whoever does such things is abhorrent to the LORD your God.”
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’”
I am not citing LGBTQI activities because they are different from other sins, no worse no better, but because these are culturally trendy in our time. Do not feel high and mighty because you do not committee these particular sins.
Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
Paul makes this hardcore in your face statement of truth knowing that Jesus gave every sinner a goal, “Go and sin no more”.
After we have accepted Christ, Baptized into the faith, one of our goals is to stop sinning. We, sinner all, are to do our best to grow in sanctification.
“I will rescue you from your people and from the gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
God calls us to be sanctified and open the eyes of others that they may be turned from darkness to light.
Are We “too busy being too rigid” in our Orthodoxy?
Matthew 23:1-12 Amplified Bible
Phariseeism Exposed
23 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and Pharisees have seated themselves in Moses’ chair [of authority as teachers of the Law]; 3 so practice and observe everything they tell you, but do not do as they do; for they preach [things], but do not practice them. 4 The scribes and Pharisees tie up [a]heavy loads [that are hard to bear] and place them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not lift a finger [to make them lighter]. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their [b]phylacteries (tefillin) wide [to make them more conspicuous] and make their [c]tassels long. 6 They love the place of distinction and honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues [those on the platform near the scrolls of the Law, facing the congregation], 7 and to be greeted [with respect] in the market places and public forums, and to have people call them Rabbi. 8 But do not be called Rabbi (Teacher); for One is your Teacher, and you are all [equally] brothers. 9 Do not call anyone on earth [who guides you spiritually] your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 Do not let yourselves be called leaders or teachers; for One is your Leader (Teacher), the Christ. 11 But the greatest among you will be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be raised to honor.
Are we so “heaven bound that we are no earthly good” to our Good Shepherd?
Are we too rigidly legalistically “earthly good that we aren’t heavenly bound?”
That we too soon forget the truth of these words spoken by our Good Shepherd?
John 10:11-18 amplified
11 [a]I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd [b]lays down His [own] life for the sheep. 12 But the hired man [who merely serves for wages], who is neither the shepherd nor the owner of the sheep, when he sees the wolf coming, deserts the flock and runs away; and the wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The man runs because he is a hired hand [who serves only for wages] and is not concerned about the [safety of the] sheep. 14 I am the Good Shepherd, and I know [without any doubt those who are] My own and My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me]— 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My [very own] life [sacrificing it] for the benefit of the sheep. 16 I have [c]other sheep [beside these] that are not of this fold. I must bring those also, and they will listen to My voice and pay attention to My call, and they will become [d]one flock with one Shepherd.17 For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My [own] life so that I may take it back. 18 No one takes it away from Me, but I lay it down voluntarily. I am authorized and have power to lay it down and to give it up, and I am authorized and have power to take it back. This command I have received from My Father.”
Looking carefully, studiously at verse 16 I have [a]other sheep [beside these] that are not of this fold. I must bring those also, and they will listen to My voice and pay attention to My call, and they will become [b]one flock with one Shepherd.
Who exactly did Jesus have so deeply, futuristically, weighing on in mind?
In 2024 and beyond, Who exactly do we think and/or believe are all of those;
“other sheep that are not of this fold, whom he MUST bring, who will then listen to his voice and pay attention to his call and become one flock with one Shepherd?”
Do we too easily forget that Jesus entered the taboo vigorously hated Samaria to talk to the woman at the well about the severe gravity of her sins and invited her
JOHN 4:7-14 AMPLIFIED
The Samaritan Woman
7 Then a woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink”— 8 For His disciples had gone off into the city to buy food— 9 The Samaritan woman asked Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me, a [a]Samaritan woman, for a drink?” (For Jews have nothing to do with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew [about] God’s gift [of eternal life], and who it is who says, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him [instead], and He would have given you living water (eternal life).” 11 She said to Him, “Sir, [b]You have nothing to draw with [no bucket and rope] and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 12 Are You greater than our father [c]Jacob, who gave us the well, and who used to drink from it himself, and his sons and his cattle also?” 13 Jesus answered her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. 14 But whoever drinks the water that I give him will never be thirsty again. But the water that I give him will become in him a spring of water [satisfying his thirst for God] welling up [continually flowing, bubbling within him] to eternal life.”
That when she acknowledged this as truth, that she was known by Jesus even in the depths of the long taboo region of Samaria, she went and told others of Him.
john 4:19-26 amplified
19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I see that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one ought to worship is in Jerusalem [at the temple].” 21 Jesus replied, “Woman, believe Me, a time is coming [when God’s kingdom comes] when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You [Samaritans] do not know what you worship; we [Jews] do know what we worship, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers. 24 God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ—the Anointed); when that One comes, He will tell us everything [we need to know].” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you, am He (the Messiah).”
The taboo Samaritans already knew that “Messiah is coming, He who is called the Christ-the Anointed, was coming, who would tell them everything they needed to know” but the message of that truth would not be coming from the Jews because it was strictly taboo, strictly forbidden, strictly “all hands off.”
Not caring one inch about was is strictly taboo, strictly forbidden, strictly “all hands off,” Jesus entered beyond that border straight into “no man’s land!”
And Jesus calmly said to her:
26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you, am He (the Messiah).”
If as the Body of Christ are covenanted by God, revealed through the indelible authority of His Holy Scriptures alone, to imitate, to be Imitators of Christ;
1 corinthians 4:14-17 Amplified
14 I do not write these things to shame you, but to warn and advise you as my beloved children. 15 For even if you were to have ten thousand teachers [to guide you] in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers [who led you to Christ and assumed responsibility for you], for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the good news [of salvation]. 16 So I urge you, be imitators of me [just as a child imitates his father]. 17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my way of life in Christ [my conduct and my precepts for godly living], just as I teach everywhere in every church.
1 Corinthians 11:1-3 amplified
Christian Order
11 Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
2 I praise and appreciate you because you remember me in everything and you firmly hold to the [a]traditions [the substance of my instructions], just as I have passed them on to you. 3 But I want you to understand that Christ is the head (authority over) of every man, and man is the head of woman, and God is the head of Christ.
Should there exist any place which is taboo, forbidden, untouchable, hands off, to mission and ministry as commanded by Jesus Himself (Matthew 28:16-20?)
You, Me, Church: Confronted by the Spirit of Truth
Matthew 16:13-15 Amplified Bible
Peter’s Confession of Christ
13 Now when Jesus went into the [a]region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they answered, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah, or [just] one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Considering what has just happened within the United Methodist Church, with disaffiliation, the truth of what has happened with the Methodist Church of the Ivory Coast, birth and beginning of the coming together of the Global Methodist Church denomination, the unquestioned complexities and divisiveness of those issues which has vigorously brought us to a point in the history of the Church,
We, who are the current manifestation of the Body of Christ, the Church, of whom Jesus Christ is the only head and the only single absolute authority,
For the sake of all those generations of “Great Clouds of Witnesses” yet to be;
Hebrews 12:1-8 Amplified Bible
Jesus, the Example
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of [a]witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, 2 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, [b]disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].
3 Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
A Father’s Discipline
4 You have not yet struggled to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; 5 and you have [c]forgotten the divine word of encouragement which is addressed to you as sons,
“My son, do not make light of the discipline of the Lord, And do not lose heart and give up when you are corrected by Him; 6 For the Lord disciplines and corrects those whom He loves, And He punishes every son whom He receives and welcomes [to His heart].”
7 You must submit to [correction for the purpose of] discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons; for [d]what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 Now if you are exempt from correction and without discipline, in which all [of God’s children] share, then you are illegitimate children and not sons [at all].
As believers, as the Body of Christ, the church, looking and considering and studying and praying the Word of God, at the forbidden borders of Samaria,
Regardless of personal Ideologies and Theologies, alongside, standing with the disciples on the hill top or the mountain top, looking at Jesus, listening to Jesus, ‘hearing’ Jesus looking down and into the [a]region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
Are we able to truthfully answer the question of “Who do we say Jesus is?”
Whether a “faked, foolish, fraudulent, fabrication of our culture?” (Psalm 14)
Whether “John the Baptist (with and without his head attached)?”
Whether “Jeremiah or some other Prophet, free, or imprisoned in a cistern?”
Or as Peter so courageously confessed at the prompting of the Holy Spirit,
Matthew 16:16-17 Amplified Bible
16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of the living God.” 17 Then Jesus answered him, “Blessed [happy, spiritually secure, favored by God] are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood (mortal man) did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
Then, regardless of our Ideologies and Theologies accept the responsibility, under the authority of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, accountability;
Matthew 16:18-19 Amplified Bible
18 And I say to you that you are [a]Peter, and on this [b]rock I will build My church; and the [c]gates of Hades (death) will not overpower it [by preventing the resurrection of the Christ]. 19 I will give you the keys (authority) of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth [d]will have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth [e]will have [already] been loosed in heaven.”
Without regard for our personal Ideologies and Theologies, without completely melting down, or at the will of God, surrendering unto God, then melting down, handle the weight, the burden of what truth is revealed by the Spirit of Truth?
Without regard for our personal Ideologies and Theologies, can we Koinonia?
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 51 New American Standard Bible 1995
A Contrite Sinner’s Prayer for Pardon.
For the choir director. A Psalm of David, when [a]Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.
51 Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin. 3 For [b]I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me. 4 Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You [c]are justified [d]when You speak And [e]blameless when You judge.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. 6 Behold, You desire truth in the [f]innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. 7 [g]Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; [h]Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 [i]Make me to hear joy and gladness, Let the bones which You have broken rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins And blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create [j]in me a clean heart, O God, And renew [k]a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will [l]be converted to You.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. 15 O Lord, [m]open my lips, That my mouth may declare Your praise. 16 For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
18 By Your favor do good to Zion; [n]Build the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then You will delight in [o]righteous sacrifices, In burnt offering and whole burnt offering; Then [p]young bulls will be offered on Your altar.
Psalm 139:23-24New American Standard Bible 1995
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; 24 And see if there be any [a]hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; for they had made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and to comfort him. 12 When they looked from a distance and did not recognize him [because of his disfigurement], they raised their voices and wept; and each one tore his robe [in grief] and they threw dust over their heads toward the sky [in sorrow]. 13 So they sat down on the ground with Job for seven days and seven nights and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
When you saw I was Sick, and You Cared for Me
Matthew 25:35-40 Amplified Bible
35 For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me [with help and ministering care]; I was in prison, and you came to Me [ignoring personal danger].’ 37 Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38 And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 The King will answer and say to them, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it for Me.’
There are so many excuses people make for paying little or no attention to those who are sick:
“I don’t like visiting people in the hospital, it makes me feel uncomfortable.”
“I can’t take the smell in the nursing home. There is a lady there who keeps yelling, ‘Take me home!’ and I can’t handle it.”
“I don’t know or wont know what to say when I am with that person.”
“Actually, isn’t that the pastor’s job? And, besides, I am too busy.”
Sad to have to confess this, I have tried to make these excuses as well.
Jesus simply cuts through all of the excuses and he says, “I was sick and you looked after me,” or, “I was sick and . . . you did not care to look after me.”
While our health-care systems can help with just about most of a sick person’s physical needs, their critical need for spiritual and emotional needs remain.
Visiting a person who is sick will often make a greater impact than we know.
Other patients, Family, health care workers, and staff also definitely notice when the sick are and are not being visited.
Yes, visiting with people who are ill can sometimes be challenging ministry.
It pushes us outside of our comfort zones.
But, as with many things, it usually gets easier with practice.
And we will often find that we are blessed by making a visit!
And what greater blessing can there be than to hear the Lord say, “When you saw that I was sick and you came to me, ministered to me, looked after me”!
Engaging Visitation Ministry: Hard Lessons We Must Learn from Observing the Actions of Job’s Friends.
Job 2:11-13 The Message
Job’s Three Friends
11-13 Three of Job’s friends heard of all the trouble that had fallen on him. Each traveled from his own country—Eliphaz from Teman, Bildad from Shuhah, Zophar from Naamath—and went together to Job to keep him company and comfort him. When they first caught sight of him, they couldn’t believe what they saw—they hardly recognized him! They cried out in lament, ripped their robes, and dumped dirt on their heads as a sign of their grief. Then they sat with him on the ground. Seven days and nights they sat there without saying a word. They could see how rotten he felt, how deeply he was suffering.
Some of my very biggest regrets stem from not responding to friends’ and family members’ pain with the true compassion and support they needed.
Unfortunately, there’ve been one too many uncomfortable times when I’ve attempted to “easily fix” a situation rather than simply remaining present.
The problem is, when I focus on solutions, I tend to feed my pride and form inaccurate assumptions. Worse, such behavior usually causes the other person to feel judged, imposed upon, unheard, and likely, very minimized and alone.
Perhaps this is why I’m so intrigued by Job’s friends in the book of Job.
I find their sincere efforts, words and conclusions convicting, not because of their accuracy, but rather, because of the discomfort they reveal within me.
Maybe you can also relate? Many of us long to love like Jesus but, sadly, find ourselves clumsily acting like Job’s friend’s Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.
Here are four lessons we can learn from Job’s friends about Visitation Ministry.
1. Recognize and Remain Alert to Compassion Fatigue
Galatians 6:9-10 The Message
9-10 So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.
When someone we care about experiences hardship, we often reach out with heartfelt empathy.
Initially, we might even operate well from that sympathetic place.
Over time, however, our discomfort with discomfort can trigger within us a strong desire to escape our own unpleasant emotions.
This, in turn, can cause us to become dismissive, callus, or judgmental.
Evaluating Job’s friend’s behavior, I wonder if they suffered from compassion fatigue.
This occurs when someone else’s trauma leads us to become spiritually and emotionally exhausted.
I could understand why Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar might have felt this way.
They obviously cared a great deal for Job.
After all, they each planned for, traveled some distance to offer him solace.
Notice their reaction upon arriving.
Job 2:11-13 NIV says,
“When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.”
They expressed intense, unfiltered emotion.
Then they sat with him, in silence, for a full week — 168 hours.
I’ve never remained present with someone for even half that time, or one tenth of that time let alone trying such a marathon visit without ever even speaking.
How long can anyone really maintain a marathon of silence when with friends?
But then, perhaps feeling a degree of safety with his friends, Job expressed the depth of his grief.
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar listened for 26 verses, without interrupting or correcting.
By chapter four, however, it appears as if Eliphaz reached his empathetic limit.
He spent the next two chapters, 48 verses, sermonizing and chastising Job.
I can understand why he might have felt compelled to do this.
It hurts to sit with those who are in pain.
Our empathy makes us want to do something!
If, as was the case with Job, there’s nothing we can do to ease the person’s sorrow, we might try to argue it away.
However, when we enter the situation alert to our shortcomings, we’re more apt to kindly excuse ourselves from the room to regain our emotional capacity.
Then, we can return with a renewed ability to remain present.
Or, we might recognize that we’re unable to quietly sit with them in their pain.
If so, it’s often kinder to ourselves to excuse ourselves, offer condolences and pray with them, leave than to speak words that will cause further wounding.
2. Don’t just Assume God Wants You to Speak for Him
Job 4:12-21 The Message
12-16 “A word came to me in secret— a mere whisper of a word, but I heard it clearly. It came in a scary dream one night, after I had fallen into a deep, deep sleep. Dread stared me in the face, and Terror. I was scared to death—I shook from head to foot. A spirit glided right in front of me— the hair on my head stood on end. I couldn’t tell what it was that appeared there— a blur . . . and then I heard a muffled voice:
17-21 “‘How can mere mortals be more righteous than God? How can humans be purer than their Creator? Why, God doesn’t even trust his own servants, doesn’t even cheer his angels, So how much less these bodies composed of mud, fragile as moths? These bodies of ours are here today and gone tomorrow, and no one even notices—gone without a trace. When the tent stakes are ripped up, the tent collapses— we die and are never the wiser for having lived.’”
In Job 4, we see an additional reason for Eliphaz’s prideful statements.
He tells of a “secret word” he received in the middle of the night and a “spirit” that “glided past [his] face” (v. 15).
This supernatural being told him, in essence, that no mortal, all of whom God charges with error, can be more righteous than God (vs. 17-19).
While this is true, that doesn’t mean the Lord wanted Eliphaz to speak these words to Job.
Considering the self-righteousness and pride evident in Eliphaz’s lengthy monologue, it seems more likely God meant this revelation for him.
In my experience, the Lord much prefers to speak to His children directly.
That doesn’t mean He never calls us to share truth. But may this always come only from extensive prayer, self-evaluation, and a humble and cleansed heart.
I’m likewise reminded of Jesus words in Matthew 7:1-5, where He said,
A Simple Guide for Behavior
7 1-5 “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
Notice, He didn’t say ignore your brother’s sawdust.
But He did tell us to deal decisively with our “holier than thou” selves first.
This helps remove our self-deception and biases and correct our perspective.
3. Check Your Theology against the Holy Scriptures
2 Timothy 2:8-18 New American Standard Bible 1995
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, 9 [a]for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. 11 It is a trustworthy statement:
For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; 12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we [b]deny Him, He also will deny us; 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
An Unashamed Workman
14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for [c]it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their [d]talk will spread like [e]gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.
Based on what we read in Job, his friends adhered to what scholars refer to as retribution theology.
In short, they believed God punished the sinful through suffering and always showered the righteous with blessings.
According to this, a person deserved their afflictions.
Sadly, many today hold the same view, often referred to as the prosperity gospel.
This biblical distortion claims that God longs for all of His children to enjoy a bountiful, pain-and-sickness-free life.
Therefore, one only needs to pray with faith to receive total healing from whatever ails them.
Often, this perspective stems from building a worldview around a few passages, such as Isaiah 53:5, while ignoring or downplaying other sections of Scripture, such as when Jesus said all His followers would forever experience suffering.
John 16:29-33 New American Standard Bible 1995
29 His disciples *said, “Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not [a]using a figure of speech. 30 Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
I’m convinced this is one of the reasons God included the book of Job in Scripture.
He wanted us to see a “blameless and upright” man endure more trauma than most of us will ten times over.
I’m certain He intended for us to gain comfort in Job’s spiritual wrestling, and to recognize how this increased his intimacy with God.
And through his friends’ callous responses, He exposes and convicts our inner Pharisees — the parts of us too quick to pass judgment and slow to show mercy.
4. Unburden your heart, Trust Jesus to Be the Savior
John 14:1-6 New American Standard Bible 1995
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
14 “Do not let your heart be troubled; [a]believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way where I am going.” 5 Thomas *said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” 6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
This was something I struggled with as an only son.
When my mom was dying from heart attacks, I longed to take and shield her from all the pain and to quickly eradicate whatever suffering she did experience.
God continually reminded me, however, of the unbridled joy He was building into her soul. While He never restored her, He did use this to transform her children into the godly, courageous, compassionate adults we each are today.
It was in my darkest seasons that I most needed to trust and believe that God held her close, led her to his side, and had far more beautiful plans for her.
While my role as her son indeed was to nurture and protect her, my greatest task was to point her to Jesus. I am not, was not, never could be her Savior.
That role belongs to Christ and Him alone, and He’s more than capable of tending to my daughter’s deepest needs — and of caring for all mankind.
Job’s friends seemed to experience something of a role reversal.
Instead of their encouraging Job to pray, continue to seek and wrestle with God, they rushed in with all their extremely primitive self help “logical” solutions.
If only Job would follow their advice, repent of whatever unconfessed sin they felt certain led to his heartache, God would restore him to health and wealth.
Imagine how different their conversation might have looked and sounded had they simply prayed first, asked Job, “What is God saying to you in this season?”
And, instead of blasting Job with all manner and measure and burden of illogic; “What do you most need from me now?”
What if they had first determined to listen to Job, pray with Job, intercede for Job and then did the Psalm 46:10: wait for the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit.
I recognize this isn’t easy.
It is not supposed to be easy.
It is just supposed to be most humble and more Christ like than man made.
Proverbs 3:5-12 New American Standard Bible 1995
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your [a]body And refreshment to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord from your wealth And from the first of all your produce; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine. 11 My son, do not reject the [b]discipline of the Lord Or loathe His reproof, 12 For whom the Lord loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.
It’s hard to see those we love hurt.
In our shrinking congregations, in diminishing and disappearing churches, our “get-fixed-quick” culture, we can easily fall into the same traps as Job’s well intentioned friends, which will only risk leading us into a further wounding.
Or we can pray to God, process and deal with our discomfort and compassion fatigue and to resist trying to act like the Holy Spirit in someone else’s life.
May we also study scripture, consider where we might have holes or distortions in our theology and remember that our friends and family don’t need us to be their Savior because they’ve already got one in Jesus. And may we remember, when someone is hurting, they all need our presence more than our solutions.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Jesus, we are experts at making excuses. Please fill us with compassion instead of excuses, and help us to truly care for one another. We pray in your name. Amen.
Psalm 8 New American Standard Bible 1995
The Lord’s Glory and Man’s Dignity.
For the choir director; on the Gittith. A Psalm of David.
8 O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth, Who have [a]displayed Your splendor above the heavens! 2 From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established [b]strength Because of Your adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.
3 When I [c]consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have [d]ordained; 4 What is man that You [e]take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him? 5 Yet You have made him a little lower than [f]God, And You crown him with glory and majesty! 6 You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, 7 All sheep and oxen, And also the [g]beasts of the field, 8 The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth!
31 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; 33 and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38 And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’
41 “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ 44 Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not [a]take care of You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
In a Season of Missions: Caring for People in Need
Matthew 25:35-36 New American Standard Bible 1995
35 For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’
Summer is just around the corner which means schools are off until the fall and the children have three months or so of fun in the sun or freedom of mountains.
It is a time families will spend all year planning for those well earned vacations.
Please do enjoy yourselves in whatever those fun and freedom adventures are.
However, fun stuff is never going to be the only business opportunity in town.
For churches, it is also the time to be about the business of helping and caring for others – whether it be in local missions, driving or flying to another region or state for in country missions or going abroad to another country to help out.
News reports have noted that the world has an overabundance of used clothing.
In many ways, that is a good thing. Even the poorest of the poor can have access to clothing! But does that make Jesus’ statement irrelevant in the 21st century?
No. The clothing that people may have is not always suitable. A warm parka in subzero weather is a necessity! There is also another sense in which people who sleep inside a wet cardboard box in the dead of winter are in need of “clothing.”
We do not have to walk far, extreme poverty still exists. There are countless people in the world with insufficient resources to pay for housing, buy food, and access medical care—not to mention paying for education and other costs to maintain a livelihood. What should our response be in the face of poverty?
The world is blessed with many organizations that strive to meet urgent needs and to uproot the causes of poverty. Issues are complex, and solutions are difficult to find. Though we may feel, and maybe often be, powerless to create completely effective solutions to these issues, a godly love for mercy calls for prayerful compassion, a missional heart when tempted to turn two blind eyes .
We genuinely need to seek God’s help and wisdom in caring for people in need.
Matthew 25:40. The fragrant aroma of your heart
40 The King will answer and say to them, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it for Me.’
This verse is often used in teaching that we are to aid, help the poor and less fortunate people — and we absolutely should at every Kingdom opportunity.
However, there’s a part of this verse that is almost not noticeable.
Jesus says, “inasmuch [to the extent] that as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren…”
So, who exactly are His brethren?
Did He mean the disciples?
His half-brothers that Mary and Joseph had after Him?
His earthly relatives?
Those who sat down on and around the Mount of Beatitudes to hear his words?
Those whom Jesus had compassion for, whom he told his disciples: “you feed them!” those thousands upon thousands who came, showed up to receive the abundance of bread and fish from the meagerness which the disciples brought?
All those whom the Gospel Narrative identified, considered to be, untouchable?
How about all those folks called “Samaritans” who were avoided at all costs?
And if we were to go over to Matthew 12:50, we find that “Whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
His brethren are His followers who seek to do God’s will – just about everyone.
We should care for all those “least of these.” We should treat His brethren with humble compassion as we recognize they are His servants carrying out His will.
How we treat them expresses our love for and commitment to Jesus Himself.
But when we treat them harshly, it exposes our lack of devotion to Him.
Jesus holds us accountable in how we live our lives.
If we claim to live for Christ but our actions demonstrate differently, we need to examine the validity of our salvation.
With Christ living in us, we should be a mirrored reflection of His character.
Jesus cared, treated others with love, kindness and grace – and so should we.
When His character shows through our actions, we put Him on display to the world around us.
Jesus commanded too in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Ways our Actions will Speak Louder Than our Words
James 1:19-25Amplified Bible
19 Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; 20 for the [resentful, deep-seated] anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God [that standard of behavior which He requires from us]. 21 So get rid of all uncleanness and [a]all that remains of wickedness, and with a humble spirit receive the word [of God] which is implanted [actually rooted in your heart], which is able to save your souls. 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth]. 23 For if anyone only listens to the word [b]without obeying it, he is like a man who looks very carefully at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he immediately forgets [c]what he looked like. 25 But he who looks carefully into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and faithfully abides by it, not having become a [careless] listener who forgets but [d]an active doer [who obeys], he will be blessed and favored by God in what he does [in his life of obedience].
Most of us are familiar with the saying, “Actions speak louder than words.”
This is a true saying and something that we need to reflect on in our daily lives.
Although this saying is not in the Bible, it is in full agreement with the Bible.
As James tells us, we cannot only read the Bible; we have to also do what it says. (James 1:19-25).
In this way, we can see that our actions speak louder than our words.
Just as James says that we need to do what the Bible says rather than to just read it, we also need to also convey in, and through our actions, what our words say.
Words don’t mean as much if our actions fall flat, fail to show them to be true.
If we claim we love someone, yet we are mean to them, put them down, and speak badly of them, then we are not really showing them love. Instead, we are merely claiming we love them while our actions are doing the exact opposite.
As Christians, can we see how this can get dangerous.
We need to always ensure that our actions and our words are in alignment with the commandment of God; to Love God and each other with all of our strength.
In other words, we don’t need to say one thing and do the exact opposite.
This is true for our dealings with loved ones, acquaintances, people we don’t know, and God.
In everything we say and everything we do, we need to make sure our words and actions are in maximum agreement with God and each other.
With this said, there are also times when our actions speak louder than words.
This can be seen as both a good thing and bad thing, depending on the context.
If your actions are speaking louder than your words in a good way, then it is going to be something positive in your life. However, if your actions are speaking louder than your words in a negative way, then it is going to be a negative thing in your life.
As we look at these things, we can see that your actions speaking louder than your words may or may not be a good thing.
Depending on the circumstances and the situation, you should be able to tell if it is a good thing or a bad thing.
As Christians, we need to always strive that our actions speak louder than our words in a good way.
Here are five suggested ways our actions are speaking louder than our words.
1. In Apologies
Phillipians 2:1-4 amplified
Be Like Christ
2 Therefore if there is any encouragement and comfort in Christ [as there certainly is in abundance], if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship [that we share] in the Spirit, if [there is] any [great depth of] affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same [a]love [toward one another], knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose [and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel—the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ]. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. 4 Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Considering the weight and the burdens of the fallout from General Conference 2024, the weight of the negativity of rhetoric, accusations being thrown about and the vast ranges of offence perceived and emotionally delivered, expressed, it is probably not a bad idea that someone break into those impasses that now exist between all sides and simply humble themselves before God and repent.
One way your actions speak louder than your words is in your apologies to God the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit for grieving them so badly.
Anybody can cry, say, and repeat ad nauseum “I’m sorry,” but your actions before God and His throne room are what determines if you actually mean it.
Crying, Saying, “I’m sorry” does not prove anything. Many of us are taught to say “I’m sorry” from the time we are children, even if we don’t mean it at all.
This is something we need to exercise greatest initiative to change because we should not be saying we are sorry if we don’t actually repent and truly mean it. (Individual and Corporate Church Psalm 51 measure of genuine repentance!)
If we are truly sorry, we will show it in our actions. As an example, maybe a man was unfaithful to his wife. He couldn’t just come up to her and say he was sorry.
Apologizing is appreciated, but it doesn’t help in his case-it must go far deeper.
Instead, he has to repent before God whom he offended, show in his prayers, his humility and actions exactly how sorry he is. He should still apologize to all aggrieved parties; however, he also has to authentically show it in his actions.
He can do this by being extra caring with his wife, taking any steps she needs to heal, and going to couples therapy if this is something she wants to do. He also has to be willing to step aside and accept her decision to end the marriage.
While this would be painful for both of them, he has to absolutely respect her decision, continue to show in his actions how sorry he is, even after the divorce if that is how they decide their relationship comes to a mutual conclusion.
It could be that if he showed in his actions how much he loves his wife and is sorry for what he had done, perhaps she will be able to forgive him, and he will forgive her, they’ll be able to continue to work on the hardcore healing process.
2. Being There for Others, Bearing others burdens.
Proverbs 27:17-18 Amplified Bible
17 As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion]. 18 He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit, And he who faithfully protects and cares for his master will be honored.
A second way your actions speak louder than your words is when you are there for someone.
After we have gone through a difficult time, we often need someone to be there for us while we are just trying to make heads or tails out of all of that adversity.
We can say all day that we would be there for someone, but when the time would actually come, would we really be there?
I had many friends who said they would be there for me no matter what, only to have no visible source of support in my early days of my heart surgery recovery.
As you can see, their words and actions did not match. Through their actions, I was hearing the message that I didn’t always matter to them the way they did to me. Maybe you have also been through the same thing, and it really hurts you.
Know that your feelings are valid even if other people have invalidated them in the past. It was wrong of your friends not to be there as, when you needed them and as you can see, in that moment their actions spoke louder than their words.
This is why we need to ensure our actions are speaking louder than our words in a good way. Being there for others can be difficult, but as much as we truly love them, we should make every possible effort not see them as an inconvenience.
At times I saw myself an inconvenience because of how my friends treated me.
Pray! We need to ensure that we never make anyone feel bad about themselves through our actions. This is what happens when our actions hurt others. People observe us, assess us, pay attention to what we all do — not to just what we say.
3. In our steady march towards the Faith of Abraham
Hebrews 11:17-19 Amplified Bible
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested [that is, as the testing of his faith was still in progress], [a]offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises [of God] was ready to sacrifice his only son [of promise]; 18 to whom it was said, “Through Isaac your descendants shall be called.” 19 For he considered [it reasonable to believe] that God was able to raise Isaac even from among the dead. [Indeed, in the sense that he was prepared to sacrifice Isaac in obedience to God] Abraham did receive him back [from the dead] figuratively speaking.
A third way our actions speak louder than your words is in our faith journey.
The Apostle John tells us, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
1 John 3:18-20 Amplified Bible
18 Little children (believers, dear ones), let us not love [merely in theory] with word or with tongue [giving lip service to compassion], but in action and in truth [in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love are more than words]. 19 By this we will know [without any doubt] that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart and quiet our conscience before Him 20 whenever our heart convicts us [in guilt]; for God is greater than our heart and He knows all things [nothing is hidden from Him because we are in His hands].
As the Apostle John teaches us, we do not need to love only with words but in action and in truth. This applies to all areas of our lives, including in our faith. We can’t claim to be a follower of God if we are denying Him in our actions.
We have to listen to what the Bible says and obey it.
It is of no benefit if we do not follow what the Bible says.
If our actions are speaking louder than our words, then we should be showing in our lives our love for Christ rather than occasionally saying we are Christians.
Individuals should know we are Christians based on our actions.
As the Gospels teach us, following Jesus means loving others, respecting them, and extending forgiveness to them as God extended His forgiveness unto us.
Matthew 9:10-13 Amplified Bible
10 Then as Jesus was reclining at the table in Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and [a]sinners [including non-observant Jews] came and ate with Him and His disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Master eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but [only] those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this [Scripture] means: ‘I desire compassion [for those in distress], and not [animal] sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call [to repentance] the [self-proclaimed] righteous [who see no need to change], but sinners [those who recognize their sin and actively seek forgiveness].”
Through all these things, we will be able to ensure our actions speak louder than our simple words. We would not be known as followers of Christ just by “proclaiming” ourselves to be true Christians in the New Testament times.
Rather, the Lord tells us by their fruit we will recognize them (Matthew 7:16).
Matthew 7:15-20Amplified Bible
A Tree and Its Fruit
15 “Beware of the false prophets, [teachers] who come to you dressed as sheep [appearing gentle and innocent], but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them [that is, by their contrived doctrine and self-focus]. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the unhealthy tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them [as false prophets].
If we take our faith in Jesus seriously, it will decisively show in our daily lives.
However, if we choose to not take our faith seriously, we will be giving a bad name to our Savior and Lord.
4. Listening to Others
James 1:19-22Amplified Bible
19 Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; 20 for the [resentful, deep-seated] anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God [that standard of behavior which He requires from us]. 21 So get rid of all uncleanness and [a]all that remains of wickedness, and with a humble spirit receive the word [of God] which is implanted [actually rooted in your heart], which is able to save your souls. 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth].
A fourth way your actions speak louder than your words is in your listening skills. If you are truly listening to others, you will respect what they say.
On the other hand, if you only say you are listening to others, but deny it in your actions, your negative actions will be conveyed in your dealings with others.
People are quick to notice if you are not truly listening to them. If a loved one kindly asks you to be respectful of their space and you claim to say you will, yet then later invade their personal space, you are not really listening to them.
In the same way, if a wife tells her husband she feels she is not being heard, he needs to start paying attention to what she is saying.
His wife is saying she is not feeling heard because her husband is not displaying in his actions what she has spoken to him about.
As we can see, yet again, it is important that our actions speak louder than our words because they can easily go in the opposite direction.
Listening to others is a good way to show that you are truly taking time out of your day to be present with your loved ones.
Don’t only listen to them — fully engage yourself in what they are saying and allow your actions to reflect what you listened to.
If your loved one asked you to give them a drive home from work, do this.
In the same way, if your loved one asked you to pick up some groceries from the supermarket or medicine from the pharmacy, you will show in your actions you were listening when you returned home with the bags of groceries, medicine.
All of these things cause our actions to be louder than our words.
We just have to make sure they are louder than our words in a good way.
Never allow your actions to speak louder than your words in a negative way because it can really hurt people in your life.
Invest in spending time with your loved ones and truly listen to them.
By listening to them, it will shape your actions in a way that you can fully show them you love them.
5. Serving God together in Mission and Ministry
Acts 2:43-47 Amplified Bible
43 A sense of awe was felt by [a]everyone, and many wonders and signs (attesting miracles) were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed [in Jesus as Savior] [b]were together and had all things in common [considering their possessions to belong to the group as a whole]. 45 And they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing the proceeds with all [the other believers], as anyone had need. 46 Day after day they met in the temple [area] continuing with one mind, and breaking bread in various private homes. They were eating their meals together with joy and generous hearts, 47 praising God continually, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were being saved.
A fifth way your actions speak louder than your words is in the way you serve God. If we claim to be serving God, we must likewise prove it in our actions.
Anybody could say they are a follower of God, but their actions for the Kingdom of God are what will truly tell us if they are or are not serious about serving God.
Living for God is not a one-time thing.
Rather, it is an everyday life decision.
If we are truly focused on serving God, we will show it in our actions.
If you want your actions to be louder than your words in your service to God, you have to obey God’s teachings in the Bible.
They should become part of your life and it will not be a burden if you are genuine in the way you want to serve God.
The Lord tells us to not lie, cheat, steal, or endorse sin.
We cannot say we are truly living in a way for our actions to speak louder than our words if we are doing these very things.
Living for God by serving our neighbors in their neighborhood , will be shown in our actions if you are genuinely wanting to serve Him. Don’t only claim to serve God — make sure you are actually serving Him with your entire heart.
You will have a much better life , a more abundantly blessed life if we choose to serve God with our life rather than just “claiming” to know Him in your words.
Your actions will speak louder than your words if you are faithfully living in accordance with God’s Word.
God will take definitely notice of this and He will be pleased with your actions.
Matthew 25:14-28 Amplified Bible
Parable of the Talents
14 “For it is just like a man who was about to take a journey, and he called his servants together and entrusted them with his possessions. 15 To one he gave five [a]talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and then he went on his journey. 16 The one who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he [made a profit and] gained five more. 17 Likewise the one who had two [made a profit and] gained two more. 18 But the one who had received the one went and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19 “Now after a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 And the one who had received the five talents came and brought him five more, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted to me five talents. See, I have [made a profit and] gained five more talents.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’
22 “Also the one who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have [made a profit and] gained two more talents.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’
24 “The one who had received one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a harsh and demanding man, reaping [the harvest] where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter seed. 25 So I was afraid [to lose the talent], and I went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is your own.’
26 “But his master answered him, ‘You wicked, lazy servant, you knew that I reap [the harvest] where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter seed. 27 Then you ought to have put my money with the bankers, and at my return I would have received my money back with interest. 28 So take the talent away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’
Obey His teachings, such as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).
Considering the weight of current circumstances of the church, this can be a challenging daunting subject for many, yet it is something Jesus calls us to do.
Concerning ministry and missions, we can only serve Him by either going ourselves, sending/being with others, or donating to mission organizations.
God wants us to be involved with missions because it involves helping the lost come to know Him. You can demonstrate in your actions that you are truly serving God by obeying all aspects of His teachings, including the hard ones.
Your actions always speak louder than your words, and this is why we need to ensure that our actions are speaking louder than our words in a positive way.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
133 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil [of consecration] poured on the head, Coming down on the beard, Even the beard of Aaron, Coming down upon the edge of his [priestly] robes [consecrating the whole body]. 3 It is like the dew of [Mount] Hermon Coming down on the hills of Zion; For there the Lord has commanded the blessing: life forevermore.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested [that is, as the testing of his faith was still in progress], [a]offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises [of God] was ready to sacrifice his only son [of promise]; 18 to whom it was said, “Through Isaac your descendants shall be called.” 19 For he considered [it reasonable to believe] that God was able to raise Isaac even from among the dead. [Indeed, in the sense that he was prepared to sacrifice Isaac in obedience to God] Abraham did receive him back [from the dead] figuratively speaking.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
There are many times the LORD has promised me great things, but for some reason, I have always received things that I thought were just too mediocre.
I try to be content with all that the LORD has given. But, it always bothered me why am I not receiving the great things that the LORD has promised, why do I always end up with the things that are not what actually the LORD promised…
Recently few things happened in our family and by the grace of our LORD, we will be able to provide witness to those events for the glory of our LORD. Still, it bothered me we did not receive the promises of the LORD as He has promised.
When I asked the LORD, the only answer was: “Have the faith of Abraham.”
Okay, first of all, I don’t think nor believe that I can have a faith like Abraham.
I mean, he is called the father of all faithful for a reason, right? I mean, even today, after knowing all I know about our LORD, I don’t think I would be willing to ever sacrifice my children, but Abraham, he could, he would and he sure did.
But then the LORD made me realize that He was talking about some other angle.
Isaac was born when both Abraham and his wife Sarah were really old.
Now, the LORD was asking Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac.
We all talk about the unquestioning obedience of Abraham and how he did not hesitate to do the LORD’s command, then to have Isaac gather up the kindling.
The LORD is not expecting us to do the same. But there is something else we must learn from this. Till then, no one had ever be risen from dead, so Abraham had no reason to believe that. What would then be the best alternative to that?
It would have been easier for me in 2024 to believe that even if young Isaac was killed, the LORD would be able to give another child to Abraham and Sarah. That would obviously be a whole lot easier than resurrecting someone from death.
But Abraham did not seek an alternative. He believed in the Word of the LORD. He believed in the Word of the LORD as it was. The LORD’s original promise was that it was through Isaac, his offspring would be reckoned. (Hebrews 11:18)
If Isaac was sacrificed, then God could always give another child for Abraham and start a new covenant. But Abraham did not budge from his obedience. He believed the original promise of the LORD. So, his faith was on only one thing: even if I had to sacrifice Isaac today, the LORD would assuredly resurrect him.
That’s exactly the steadfastness of faith the LORD is directly asking from us.
Say the LORD has given you a promise, you are waiting eagerly for that promise.
But somehow things go unexpectedly wrong, the doors are shut and instead of great things the LORD has promised, you receive some lesser thing. It is not as great as the LORD has promised, but it is still better than what you had before.
What could you, would you, suggest to do?
What could you, would you, recommend?
Will you automatically or begrudgingly settle for this, that, and thank the LORD for providing at least this? Or, will you hardcore hold on to the original promise, keep moving forward with faith that the LORD will fulfill His Word as He has promised?
Your well considered answer will decide the blessings you receive in your life.
Believe in the Word of the LORD and believe in every letter of the Word.
The Business of Being in God’s Unchanging Word
Hebrews 4:11-16 Amplified Bible
11 Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], so that no one will fall by following the same example of disobedience [as those who died in the wilderness]. 12 For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged [a]sword, penetrating as far as the division of the [b] soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, and revealed to the eyes of Him with whom we have to give account.
14 Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. 16 Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].
In too many ways, from too many directions, life can feel overwhelming.
Every day brings new challenges even as old ones continue without resolution.
It’s easy to allow our faith to trip on the stumbling block of our own lack of understanding of our circumstances—to take the baton of faith, as it were, toss it to the ground, saying, “no more steps, I’m finished. I can’t run any further.”
1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Amplified Bible
The Mystery of Resurrection
50 Now I say this, believers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit nor be part of the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable (mortal) inherit the imperishable (immortal). 51 Listen very carefully, I tell you a mystery [a secret truth decreed by God and previously hidden, but now revealed]; we will not all sleep [in death], but we will all be [completely] changed [wondrously transformed], 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at [the sound of] the last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [who believed in Christ] will be raised imperishable, and we will be [completely] changed [wondrously transformed]. 53 For this perishable [part of us] must put on the imperishable [nature], and this mortal [part of us that is capable of dying] must put on immortality [which is freedom from death]. 54 And when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then the Scripture will be fulfilled that says, “Death is swallowed up in victory (vanquished forever). 55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin [by which it brings death] is the law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].
In those moments, God’s word speaks directly and decisively, encourages us to remember that the witness of the Christian faith is a testimony, enduring faith that remains resolute. It is so possible to remain obedient to God’s commands even when everything around us seems to contradict what He has promised.
Until the cross, perhaps nowhere in Scripture do we find a more hardcore, thoroughly overwhelming moment than with Isaac in the life of Abraham.
It was a moment that occurred entirely at the instigation of God:
“[God] said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you’ … When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son” (Genesis 22:2, 9-10).
God’s command to Abraham was clear—and yet it seemed to contradict God’s sure and ironclad promise that through Abraham’s offspring
“all the nations of the earth” would “be blessed” and that “through Isaac shall your offspring be named” (Genesis 22:18; 21:12).
Believe it! The fulfillment of God’s promises depended upon Isaac’s survival.
If Isaac was to die, how could the promise possibly be fulfilled?
Yet Abraham still obeyed. Even though his circumstances could have led him to doubt and question God’s word, by faith Abraham said,
God has a plan in this. His promise is that through Isaac all the nations of the earth will be blessed. Therefore, He must be going to resurrect him—to raise him up from the dead (Hebrews 11:19).
This is why earlier, as Abraham had left to perform the commanded sacrifice, he had said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you” (Genesis 22:5, emphasis added).
What an expression of faith! Do not miss this: when the command was given to Abraham, he obeyed it. Although it seemed to directly contradict the promises God had made, Abraham did his business, and he determined to let God do His.
We can do so too.
As difficult as it is do not allow your circumstances, however daunting they may be, to lessen your obedience or cause you to call God’s promises into question.
Centuries after Abraham and Isaac climbed up, and down, this mountain, and carried their wood, God’s own Son rose from the grave on the side of that same mountain, as the ultimate testimony to the truth that God keeps His promises.
So you and I and the Church in all of its rancor and rhetoric can face whatever today brings confidently, hopefully, and prayerfully, saying, “I can keep going. I’m not finished, God is not finished. God will do His part, so I can do mine.”
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 46 Amplified Bible
God the Refuge of His People.
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah, set to soprano voices. A Song.
46 God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas, 3 Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains tremble at its roaring. Selah.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her [His city], she will not be moved; God will help her when the morning dawns. 6 The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered and were moved; He raised His voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has brought desolations and wonders on the earth. 9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow into pieces and snaps the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. Selah.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
2 Timothy 3:10-17 New American Standard Bible 1995
10 Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, [a] perseverance, 11 persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is [b]inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for [c] training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Transformation Through the Word
2 Timothy 3:16-17 New American Standard Bible 1995
16 All Scripture is [a]inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for [b]training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
The study of God’s Word is the secret discipline for spiritual formation.
Other books may be useful for information, but the Bible was given for transformation.
Timothy had the privilege of reading, studying, and memorizing God’s Word from infancy. He learned firsthand how the much Scriptures transform us.
Paul explains that God’s Word is profitable “for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
It is a guide that helps us fine-tune every part of our being.
Teaching focuses our mind and shapes our thinking.
Rebuking pricks our conscience so that we don’t travel the wrong direction.
Correction molds our will so that we see the wisdom of God’s plans.
Training in righteousness shows us how to act more like Christ.
In this way the Word of God initiates a four-step process of transformation.
Put simply, teaching tells us what is right, rebuking tells us what is not right, correction tells us how to get right, and training shows us how to stay right.
The Holy Scriptures are the breath of God.
If you want to be productive, useful, and fertile as a Christian, get into the Word of God. Reading the Bible for its teaching, studying Scripture systematically, meditating on God’s Word devotionally, and memorizing it faithfully—each of these are invaluable transforming activities that you will truly not want to miss.
For Example: Those Verses Surrounding John 3:16
John 3:16 Amplified Bible
16 “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] [a]only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.
One of the most well-known Bible verses is John 3:16.
This is such a powerful message, but it is always important to look at the context. If we just focus on John 3:16, then we miss out on the whole picture. Have you ever wondered what was said right before and after John 3:16? Today, we are going to learn about the incredible verses which surround John 3:16.
John 3:1-21 is often titled, “Born Again.”
The famous verse comes smack dab in the middle of the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus.
Nicodemus was a dedicated Jewish Pharisee who would have known the law and the Old Testament accounts.
Nicodemus was looking for the Messiah, but missed the fact that Jesus was ultimately who he was searching.
In this secret meeting, Jesus revealed the truth:
John 3:13 Amplified Bible
13 No one has gone up into heaven, but there is One who came down from heaven, the Son of Man [Himself—whose home is in heaven].
Jesus says here that He is God.
This is a huge deal.
Sometimes people will argue that Jesus never claimed to be God.
But, this verse is one example He, the Son of Man, came down from heaven.
This is also significant because He uses the phrase “no one has ascended.”
At that point in history, not a single person had gone up to heaven.
There was no forgiveness for sins by the Messiah.
No person could get back to God without the help of God Himself.
We could no longer approach Him after the garden; we were exiles.
However, Jesus came to us.
Here we read of Jesus revealing His deity and salvation plan without Nicodemus even minimally catching on to the huge significance of what he had just heard.
John 3:14-15 Amplified Bible
14 Just as Moses lifted up the [bronze] serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross], 15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life [after physical death, and will actually live forever].
Here, Jesus points Nicodemus toward Old Testament Prophesy.
Jesus knew His audience. Nicodemus was a scholarly Jew.
He would have known the story of Moses backwards and forwards.
Jesus refers to Numbers 21 when the Israelites were bitten by venomous snakes in the wilderness.
The only solution was to look at the snake on the cross.
Everyone who did not look at the cross died. Everyone who gazed upon the bronze snake on the cross lived. This is such a powerful representation of the living gospel. Jesus became sin for us so we could have His righteousness.
2 Corinthians 5:20-21 Amplified Bible
20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God. 21 He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness].
Jesus was perfect, but He took on our sins so we could be freed and forgiven.
When we ponder the parallels of the garden here – the snake, the bite, and death – we cannot help but be amazed at the fulfillment of His covenant.
Jesus was revealing Himself as the Savior in how He was about to fulfill the prophecy of the past and provide the way to eternal life in the future.
During this current moment, He was on this earth well before His death and resurrection. He was in the middle of His time on earth. Nicodemus was given the true answers to His greatest questions, but he had a response to decide.
Jesus Gives Nicodemus the Promise of Eternal Life
John 3:16 Amplified Bible
16 “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] [a]only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.
After this, John 3:16 says,
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Jesus shares that God loved the entire world in the way that this snake on the cross was provided for the Jewish people.
God gave His only Son for everyone who believes in Him.
There is a promise of eternal life.
Just like the people with the snake bites were all doomed for death, we are all doomed for hell and eternity away from God.
However, Jesus became the “snake” for us and everyone who looks to Him (Jew or Gentile) will have eternal life with Him and be spared eternal death.
This is a huge deal.
We need to realize the weight of what Jesus is saying.
We need to be busy pointing others towards the cross of Christ in hopes that they too will look and be rescued from the coming death.
Just like a venomous snake bite means death unless we receive the antidote, we are hopeless.
Science Nordic reveals that it takes on average between 20 minutes and 72 hours to die from a venomous snake bite.
This means that when we ponder the time of the Israelites in the wilderness, death was occurring all around them at different rates.
Just like here on earth, we are all destined to die, but Jesus steps in and provides the way to eternal life.
We all have the “bite” of sin, but we do not all have to die and go to hell.
Jesus provides a way for all who look to Him to go to heaven and be restored.
This is the hope of the gospel.
Jesus Has Already Given Us the Victory
John 3:17-18Amplified Bible
17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because [a]he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him].
Here we read of God’s heart. He did this not to send judgment, but to send salvation. We read of another visit from Jesus in the second coming, which will be a time of judgement, but this visit to earth was for hope and forgiveness.
Jesus makes it clear that anyone, meaning any person who believes in Him, is not condemned.
I love how this is present tense.
There is a peace that every believer can have right now that Jesus has already given them the victory. There is no reason to wait to celebrate.
Instead, we invite others.
Jesus here describes Himself as the one and only Son of God. In other words, He is the only God. He is the only Way to heaven (John 14:6).
6 Jesus said to him, “[a]I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
Jesus Shares the Ultimate Truth
John 3:19-21 Amplified Bible
19 This is the judgment [that is, the cause for indictment, the test by which people are judged, the basis for the sentence]: the Light has come into the world, and people loved the [a]darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20 For every wrongdoer hates the Light, and does not come to the Light [but shrinks from it] for fear that his [sinful, worthless] activities will be exposed and condemned. 21 But whoever practices truth [and does what is right—morally, ethically, spiritually] comes to the Light, so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are—accomplished in God [divinely prompted, done with God’s help, in dependence on Him].”
Jesus does not hide this truth.
He shares that darkness is real and the light (Himself) has come into the world.
People chose sin, but He is the truth that sets them free.
His life and sacrifice would be done so that people would know that He Himself truly was who He claimed.
Jesus was and is and always will be God.
These verses surrounding John 3:16 are powerful.
As we reflect on the beauty of Jesus claiming to be God, acknowledging the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, the salvation plan is revealed.
The gospel is, no exceptions for everyone, and Jesus is the Light of this world.
Glory to Jesus our Savior and thank you Lord for Your Holy and Perfect Bible.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us 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.
5 1-3 I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it’s like to be a leader, in on Christ’s sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here’s my concern: that you care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.
4-5 When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—
God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people.
6-7 So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
A Word to the Church: Seeking His Kingdom First?
1 Peter 5:1-7 Amplified Bible
Serve God Willingly
5 Therefore, I strongly urge the elders among you [pastors, spiritual leaders of the church], as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory that is to be revealed: 2 shepherd and guide and protect the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not [motivated] for shameful gain, but with wholehearted enthusiasm; 3 not lording it over those assigned to your care [do not be arrogant or overbearing], but be examples [of Christian living] to the flock [set a pattern of integrity for your congregation]. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd (Christ) appears, you will receive the [conqueror’s] unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you younger men [of lesser rank and experience], be subject to your elders [seek their counsel]; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another [tie on the servant’s apron], for God is opposed to the proud [the disdainful, the presumptuous, and He defeats them], but He gives grace to the humble.
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, 7 casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].
Anxiety can creep up at times when we least expect it and quickly overwhelm us.
Or it can take up unwelcome and apparently permanent residence in our lives.
Few people do not experience it; few Churches will not have to contend with it.
All those inevitable cares and concerns will take on different faces, manifest themselves very deeply throughout the life of the church and may be propelled by different circumstances, but overall, the issue itself is remarkably common.
When we face anxiety, we often try to ignore it by distracting our minds:
“Let me listen to some different liturgy, or to worship music. Let me go for a drive, look for a church that meets my vision of the correct Kingdom of God. Let me run one mile or a marathon. Let me do something… just let me run away!”
Notice, though, that in verses 6 and 7, Peter does not say we are to deny, ignore, or flee from anxiety. Instead, we should be “casting all [our] anxieties on him.”
The Greek word for “cast” here is a decisive, energetic action word.
It could be used to describe vigorously throwing out a heaping bag of trash.
We don’t put painstaking effort into moving it; we simply grab it and hurl it with great force into the bin. Likewise, instead of going through our days pressed down by the burden of anxiety, we throw it, we hurl it, upon the Lord.
To do this requires us to give up our pride—our desire to control and triumph over circumstances – seek Ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Being humble is what enables us to give our worries to God: humility’s presence leads to anxiety’s absence.
When, with our own perverted righteousness, we attempt to take matters into our own hands through too much worry, we indicate an absence of humility.
We are significantly more concerned with ourselves than with our heavenly Father, or more determined to navigate our own course than to leave it to Him.
There will always be a circumstance that can make we the Church very anxious.
Peter doesn’t address any specific circumstances, though; rather, he addresses the anxiety produced by the circumstances which are specific to his own time.
Considering How We Grow and Mature in Christ?
Luke 12:13-34 English Standard Version
The Parable of the Rich Fool
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: 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 ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
Do Not Be Anxious
22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[a]26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,[b] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his[c] kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
We the Church of today, have to navigate with God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirits guidance and direction – the complexities of our stuff.
The vast complexities of our anxieties being gender issues, sexual orientation, racism, clergy sex abuse and the Boy Scouts sex abuse against our children, the shrinking and closure of our churches, and left – right theological extremism, the right to life, the freedom of choice, abortion, false teachers, and much more.
Our mountains and oceans of anxiety itself is what we ought to be casting upon the Lord, doing exactly what the Bible says to do: repenting, bowing, kneeling, humbling ourselves under God’s hand, saying, “My Father knows best. He cares for me better than I can care for myself.” When worries weigh us down, we can refuse to be burdened by them by calling to mind the Lord’s willingness to help.
Churches, their leaders and their congregations are very definitely struggling through today, seriously wondering how they’re going to make it to tomorrow.
Perhaps it’s been a long time since they knelt beside their altars and truly cast their burdens upon the only One who is able to carry it, saying, “God, I cannot, my Church cannot live its life with this burden on our back. Take it. It’s all Yours.”
If that’s you, if that’s your Church, for Kingdom’s sake don’t hesitate any more.
Pray, seek God’s Will, Kingdom first, Cast your anxieties into the loving arms of your heavenly Father and to experience the freedom, peace only He can provide.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 91 tHE MESSAGE
91 1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path.
14-16 “If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 
