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."
1 I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety! 2 The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right. 3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?”
4 But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. 5 The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence. 6 He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds. 7 For the righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
It’s possible for all of us to read certain passages or verses of Scripture many times yet miss goldmines of truth. Sometimes we pass by and or skim over because we think we’re overly familiar with what we’ve read, and other times it’s because we don’t take the time to meditate and savor the wealth before us.
So let’s take this glorious opportunity God has just gifted to us to dwell on the truth that “the LORD is in his holy temple.” This simple truth offers both comfort and chastening. Its reality is 100% affirmed in many places in the Old Testament (for example Habakkuk 2:20; Psalm 18:6; Micah 1:2), but David provides some additional angles from which to consider it here in Psalm 11.
The first is that “the LORD’s throne is in heaven,” absolutely making Him the exaltedLord. He reigns not as a mortal with limited perspective and control but as the all-powerful, immortal, all-knowing God, Creator of heaven and earth.
He always and forever outlasts all rulers, all nations are as nothing before Him.
Second, God is the observing Lord: “His eyes see.”
From the exalted position of His heavenly throne, nothing is hidden from God’s sight. No good thing done in His name goes unobserved, and no impure motive or thought is secret to Him. (Psalm 139)
What a comfort to know every day of our lives, going back to when we were merely “unformed substance,” is visible to God (Psalm 139:15-16)!
And what a sobering reality to realize every word, thought, and deed is laid bare before Him!
Third, God is the examining Lord: “The LORD tests the righteous.”
His tests are not always or often easy, but they are always precisely what we need. None of us will ever reach heaven without tests and trials along the way.
This may be our all time most unpleasant reality to consider, but it should be most precious to us, for it means we will not panic when God, in His sometimes inscrutable wisdom, narrowly routes a path thru a valley shadowed by death.
God’s tests are never sent without a glorious purpose; they are always for the sake of preparing us for the day when we too shall see Him in His holy temple.
Keep the truth of this verse in mind the next time you feel as though “the foundations are destroyed” (Psalm 11:3).
The instability we sometimes feel is meant to remind us that worldly stability is only an illusion and that true security is found in God alone. He alone is exalted, He alone sees all, and He alone directs our lives and tests us for our good.
When our foundations tremble, crumble, we can remember that this world is not our home and that our sovereign God is leading us to one day inhabit a city with foundations that will not shake (Hebrews 11:10; 12:28). You can know that He is in His holy temple—and He has promised to bring you to that very place.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
Psalm 46 Authorized (King James) Version
Psalm 46
To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. 6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. 9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. 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.
7 A good name is better than precious ointment, And the day of death than the day of one’s birth; 2 Better to go to the house of mourning Than to go to the house of feasting, For that is the end of all men; And the living will take it to heart. 3 [a]Sorrow is better than laughter, For by a sad countenance the heart is made [b]better. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
“For this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.” – Ecclesiastes 7:2
This is one of those verses in the Bible that serves as a sober reminder to all of us that we will, one day, die, and that day could be any moment of any day.
It could be today for any one of us.
Now think about James 4, which just reminds us that our life is a mist, it’s a small gust of wind, barely visible vapor. It’s here one second and gone the next.
That’s part of the picture in Ecclesiastes 7,“This is the end of all mankind,” and listen to this phrase, “The living will lay it to heart.” Those who live who are wise, remember Ecclesiastes, this is a big part of wisdom literature in the Bible.
Reminded of God’s Wisdom
Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 The Message
Don’t Take Anything for Granted
7 A good reputation is better than a fat bank account. Your death date tells more than your birth date.
2 You learn more at a funeral than at a feast— After all, that’s where we’ll end up. We might discover something from it.
3 Crying is better than laughing. It blotches the face but it scours the heart.
4 Sages invest themselves in hurt and grieving. Fools waste their lives in fun and games.
There is wisdom that’s found in living daily, with the reality that none of us is going to be guaranteed any more tomorrows, and so we make the most of today.
Doesn’t this just lead us like, “Oh, just think about how this leads us to pray and then to live”?
What if you knew today was your last day, how would that change the way you love the people around you, the way you then speak to those people around you, the way you prioritize, rationalize, reprioritize any number of different things?
Now, obviously, there’s a sense in which that kind of thinking falters a bit. I mean if you knew today was the last day, you might not go to work, or do email, or this or that in the same way that… Well, we need to do sometimes on a daily basis in our jobs as we faithfully follow the Triune God and provide for families.
Ecclesiastes 7:2 Helps Us Honor God
Psalm 23 The Message
23 1-3 God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
We go to school, raise our families, whatever it might be, but it is good to think, “Okay, how can I live, love, work today in a way I’m ready to see Jesus’ face?
How can I relate to others today in a way that I’m ready to see Jesus’ face, and they are ready to see Jesus’ face?”
It changes the way you live when you lay it to heart, your life is a vapor, a mist.
So we pray, God, help us today to make the most of the day we have.
And if we’re listening to this prayer tonight, tomorrow, to make the most of each moment, each day with you.
Before you God, we want to be found faithful before you, when we want to stand before you on that day.
And if it’s today, hear you say, “Well done, good, and faithful servant.”
Ecclesiastes 7:2 Leads Us to Pray for God’s Grace
Isaiah 40:8 The Message
6-8 A voice says, “Shout!” I said, “What shall I shout?”
“These people are nothing but grass, their love fragile as wildflowers. The grass withers, the wildflowers fade, if God so much as puffs on them. Aren’t these people just so much grass? True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade, but our God’s Word stands firm and forever.”
God, we pray for your grace to live before you, that could happen today, and to live before others like this.
Triune God makes echelons more sense, not that it didn’t before, but your great commandment. Still covenanted to love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and I love others as ourselves.
Triune God, help us to do that today, help us to love you wholeheartedly and love others selflessly, and seems like the wisest way to live today if we knew it was going to be our last. So, God helps us to do this, help us to love you, love others, care for others, speak to others in a way that points them to you, walk in holiness before you, share the gospel, to share the good news that has all of the power to transform people’s lives around us for all of eternity.
Called to Share the Gospel with Urgency
Acts 2:14-21 The Message
Peter Speaks Up
14-21 That’s when Peter stood up and, backed by the other eleven, spoke out with bold urgency: “Fellow Jews, all of you who are visiting Jerusalem, listen carefully and get this story straight. These people aren’t drunk as some of you suspect. They haven’t had time to get drunk—it’s only nine o’clock in the morning. This is what the prophet Joel announced would happen:
“In the Last Days,” God says, “I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people: Your sons will prophesy, also your daughters; Your young men will see visions, your old men dream dreams. When the time comes, I’ll pour out my Spirit On those who serve me, men and women both, and they’ll prophesy. I’ll set wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth below, Blood and fire and billowing smoke, the sun turning black and the moon blood-red, Before the Day of the Lord arrives, the Day tremendous and marvelous; And whoever calls out for help to me, God, will be saved.”
God, we pray that you would help us to live like that, knowing that the people around us are not guaranteed tomorrow either, that they could be gone tomorrow.
And so help us to share the gospel with urgency today as we pray for unreached people all the time.
God, we pray for the spread of the gospel to billions, three billion-plus people who have little to no knowledge of the gospel right now, many who will not make it to tomorrow, without ever hearing the good news of your grace.
Help us in our lives and our families and churches to make this gospel known among all the nations in the little bit of time you’ve given us on this earth. God, we pray you’d help us to live with the end in mind and to lay all of this to heart today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Why is it better to go to a funeral than a party?
Why is a funeral better than a party? Because it reminds us that everyone dies, and the living need to take this to heart.
Seeing someone ready to be buried makes us think about life’s brevity. We realize death is coming for all, and this should affect how we live.
What does it mean sorrow is better than laughter?
The New Living Translation says that the reason why sorrow is better than laughter is because “sadness has a refining influence on us.”
As unenjoyable as sorrow might be, it actually has the power to affect me in a profound, life-changing way that laughter has never been capable of doing.
Book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament written by King Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived. He wrote much of the Book of Proverbs as well.
He had experimented in his youth with living life to the fullest.
Chasing after all kinds of pleasure: food, drink, women; trying to find the meaning of life in his riches or in his great accomplishments.
But he always came back to the same theme – You have heard what he wrote: “Vanity of Vanities, all is vanity.” It is all Chasing after the Wind.
He knew life was empty and meaningless and futile when viewed “under the sun” = without a personal relationship with God who alone can give meaning to our lives.
So in this short verse he gives us God’s perspective on dealing with our mortality.
Laughing and feasting provide a escape from the pressures of life but they do not prepare us for death.
Something about contemplating death turns our thoughts towards the eternal rather than the temporal and makes us ask the tough questions.
What are some of those tough questions?
Remember Solomon tells us it is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting.
1) Tough Question #1: What’s so valuable about coming face to face with death?
Somehow what we are experiencing together today, despite the mourning, the grief, the sorrow, is more valuable than times of feasting and happiness.
How can that be? There’s an illustration in the Bible that I think provides the answer.
Apostle Peter writes in his second epistle people in our day will end up mocking the promise of Jesus coming back to earth, will hold men accountable.
Where is the promise of His coming? People scoff.
We are just eating and drinking and having a grand old time. We don’t have to answer to God.
But Peter points back to the days of Noah – just before God brought judgment via a worldwide flood – people were ignoring God in similar fashion. Forcing us to face the reality of death in a service like this helps prevent God’s judgment from taking us by surprise.
2) Tough Question #2: Why are we all headed for death anyway?
Death entered into this world back when sin entered into this world.
Death physically is the separation of the body from the spirit.
But even more importantly, death spiritually involves our separation from the God who created us who is perfectly holy.
We are all sinners. That should be no surprise to anyone here. I have been blessed already with 1 grandkid. I love them to death. But I’m not surprised to find that they all can be selfish and disobey their parents. You have to teach kids to behave and share their toys; you don’t have to teach them how to sin.
So it’s no surprise that as adults we wrestle with selfishness, with pride, with various appetites of the flesh.
No matter how hard we try, we are not going to escape sin.
The wages of sin is death.
Wages are what you get for what you do. [I’m retired now, so I don’t get any more financial wages. I hope that doesn’t mean I’m not doing anything.]
After death comes the judgment where we stand accountable before God.
There is no escaping that accountability.
We can deny that reality.
We can hide behind a life of pleasure – of escapism – of trying to avoid the unpleasantness of death.
We can even try to stay young by watching our diet and exercising.
But we won’t escape death.
3) Tough Question #3: How can we be prepared to face God? How can we who are sinners end up spending eternity with a God who is holy?
Here’s where people have invented all types of humanistic and religious systems to attempt to erase their sins and wipe the slate clean.
They all center around some type of works approach to do enough good so that we can earn God’s favor. But the truth is we can never be good enough.
It’s not about going to church. It’s not about being baptized or confirmed.
It’s not about reading your Bible and praying.
Don’t get me wrong; those are good activities. But they can’t save you.
What you need is to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
In the name of God, the father and God the Son and God, the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
Psalm 84 The Message
84 1-2 What a beautiful home, God-of-the-Angel-Armies! I’ve always longed to live in a place like this, Always dreamed of a room in your house, where I could sing for joy to God-alive!
3-4 Birds find nooks and crannies in your house, sparrows and swallows make nests there. They lay their eggs and raise their young, singing their songs in the place where we worship. God-of-the-Angel-Armies! King! God! How blessed they are to live and sing there!
5-7 And how blessed all those in whom you live, whose lives become roads you travel; They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks, discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain! God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and at the last turn—Zion! God in full view!
8-9 God-of-the-Angel-Armies, listen: O God of Jacob, open your ears—I’m praying! Look at our shields, glistening in the sun, our faces, shining with your gracious anointing.
10-12 One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship, beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches. I’d rather scrub floors in the house of my God than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin. All sunshine and sovereign is God, generous in gifts and glory. He doesn’t scrimp with his traveling companions. It’s smooth sailing all the way with God-of-the-Angel-Armies.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
One of the greatest obstacles to the spread of the gospel today is divisiveness in the church. This problem is not new, but that doesn’t make it any less serious. Paul indicates that the division between Jew and Gentile followers of Jesus was problematic in the early church.
Though we need not agree or know about everything, the Bible emphasizes that all followers of Jesus Christ should demonstrate unity. We can achieve this by following the example of Jesus as we serve one another. We should pray that God will give us “the same attitude of mind toward each other that Jesus Christ had.” We should also praise God for the privilege of Christian relationships.
This will bring glory to God.
Paul instructs his readers to praise, rejoice, and sing hymns to express their unity and to glorify God for his mercies.
Shouldn’t we who have received God’s great salvation in the one Savior, Jesus Christ, lift up our voices to praise him in unity?
One of my great privileges has been to listen to that worship of God with sisters and brother from many different lands, but also to participate. Though often I cannot understand the words being sung nor the culture and traditions from which it is being inspired from, I know we are one in the Spirit and in the Lord.
It thrills my heart to no end to not just sing praises to God, but also to preach the Gospel with these believers because I was invited to. I know the fiery power of the Holy Spirit is 100% there with us as we worship Savior, Jesus, together.
What is the meaning of Romans 15 5?
All Christians must please each other and not themselves.
After all, Christ didn’t come to please Himself.
With God’s help and encouragement, everyone in the church can live together in harmony and glorify God with one, unified voice, as they all serve each other ahead of themselves.
What is the meaning of Romans 15 6?
Romans 15:6, “that with one accord you may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” emphasizes the importance of unity, harmony among believers, calling them to praise God with a unified voice and heart.
Unity of Mind and Voice: The verse highlights the need for Christians to be united in their thinking and expression, both in their hearts and in their words.
Glorifying God: The ultimate purpose of this unity is to glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Harmony and Agreement: The verse suggests that Christians should strive for harmony and agreement in their worship and actions, reflecting the unity they share in Christ.
Transcendence of Differences: This unity should transcend cultural, ethnic, and other differences, allowing believers to come together in praise and service to God.
A Prayer for Unity: Some interpret this verse as a prayer from Paul, seeking that the church in Rome would be united in their faith and worship.
Importance of Worship: The verse emphasizes the importance of public worship and the need for believers to come together to praise God with one voice.
Serving God Together: The idea of unity in worship and service is also linked to the concept of serving one another, as Christians are called to live in harmony and support each other.
Reflecting Christ’s Love: The unity called for in this verse is a reflection of the love and unity Christians share in Christ, and its intended to bring glory to God.
In what ways do you and I strive for unity and community with other believers?
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
Psalm 133 Authorized (King James) Version
Psalm 133
A Song of degrees of David.
1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
33 Pilate went back into the palace. He summoned Jesus and asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others spoken to you about me?”
35 Pilate responded, “I’m not a Jew, am I? Your nation and its chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?”
36 Jesus replied, “My kingdom doesn’t originate from this world. If it did, my guards would fight so that I wouldn’t have been arrested by the Jewish leaders. My kingdom isn’t from here.”
37 “So you are a king?” Pilate said.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this reason: to testify to the truth. Whoever accepts the truth listens to my voice.”
38 “What is truth?” Pilate asked.
Release of Barabbas
After Pilate said this, he returned to the Jewish leaders and said, “I find no grounds for any charge against him.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Jesus’ statement here about truth is in line with everything he has taught. Jesus stands before Pilate “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). He is the bread of life; the living water; the way, the truth, and the life; the only way to know God the Father (John 6:35; 7:38; 14:6).
As he stands before this Roman governor, Jesus offers Pilate the chance to experience the truth and enter into a relationship with him—like one of his disciples.
But doing that would be very costly for Pilate. If Pilate were to accept what Jesus has to say, he would have to make the truth more important than Rome. Or political power. Or wealth. If Pilate accepted Jesus’ claims and set Jesus free, he would be throwing away his credibility with the Jews, if not his entire career.
In this book John has been helping us to understand that all we possess on this earth—all our power, influence, and wealth—pales in comparison to the truth of Jesus. The offer Jesus extends is the chance to experience life with God the way we are created to live it. Nothing is more important than that.
Sadly, Pilate rejects Jesus’ offer.
By nature, we rigorously, vigorously believe we have the absolute right to rule and control every last facet of our own lives.
Like Pilate we think that absolutely nobody has the authority to tell us what to do or to rule over us. We legislate our own laws, make all of our own rules, we alone will decide for ourselves, define who we are, and mold our own future.
Yet this is a dreadful path, and it leads only to despair.
For when we let down our guards, look within ourselves, and decide we have to absolutely know what this thing called truth is, against however much we have been told to think positively and to believe in ourselves, we are still confronted by our true needs, our failure, our finite selves, our frailty, and our inadequacy.
And when we look without, we see a divided culture and flawed institutions.
To what, then, should we look?
The Old Testament records Israel’s repeated rebellion against God’s rule.
In an attempt to look just like the nations around them, the Israelites demanded an earthly king (1 Samuel 8:5).
Tragically, all of Israel’s kings eventually crumbled to dust: the mighty Saul, the great David, and the wisest of the wise Solomon, all had failed politically, morally, ethically, religiously and any and all other ways we corrupt our lives.
Surely, the people in the streets were making the same complaints that we hear today: “This is not what we were led to believe, nor to expect, when this person became our leader! There must be someone, anyone who is better than this!”
What about you?
Who or whom makes, legislates, enacts, enforces the rules of your life?
Your “Way, your Truth and your life” means what to you or anyone else?
What might you need to let go of in order to embrace the truth of Jesus?
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
Psalm 8 Living Bible
8 O Lord our God, the majesty and glory of your name fills all the earth and overflows the heavens. 2 You have taught the little children to praise you perfectly. May their example shame and silence your enemies!
3 When I look up into the night skies and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you have made— 4 I cannot understand how you can bother with mere puny man, to pay any attention to him!
5 And yet you have made him only a little lower than the angels[a] and placed a crown of glory and honor upon his head.
6 You have put him in charge of everything you made; everything is put under his authority: 7 all sheep and oxen, and wild animals too, 8 the birds and fish, and all the life in the sea. 9 O Jehovah, our Lord, the majesty and glory of your name fills the earth.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
13 1-4 Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it! Regard prisoners as if you were in prison with them. Look on victims of abuse as if what happened to them had happened to you. Honor marriage, and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband. God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex.
5-6 Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote,
God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?
7-8 Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all. For Jesus doesn’t change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he’s always totally himself.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
True or False: Hospitality Bridges Barriers?
True or False: Hospitality Builds “easy for anyone – soggy paper bag, house of overused cards etcetera, to knock down, no prayer to God required” Barriers?
True or False: Hospitality Builds tall privacy fences between neighbors which promote “friendly but unseen, unheard, unbothered, anonymous relationships?
True or False: Hospitality Builds unknown, hidden, underwater, underground Minefields – waiting for any number of people to blindly, confidently, secretly (with sincerity, with the best of intentions, walk or run into or stumble upon?
True or False: Hospitality can only Build empty Abandoned Haunted Houses?
True or False: Hospitality builds magnificent palatial mansions nobody or just 1 somebody has financial, material resources, to actually occupy as their home?
True or False: Hospitality is a Chivalrous or Warlike White Knight riding a White Majestic Stallion in front of a heavily fortified Castle politely, or not so politely, asking or demanding for the drawbridge to be lowered by the evil Black Knight?
True or False: Hospitality has no self-confidence or self-esteem to even start a building project of any magnitude and stays behind, preferring its anonymity?
True or False: Hospitality is a malicious, evil, serial, malignant liar and a fraud?
True or False: Hospitality is serving a well deserved Life plus eternity, prison sentence in the ultimate inescapable underground maximum security prison?
True or False: We can authentically say with conviction that Hospitality is an authentic Best Friend Forever, or in reality, our very worst all time, enemy?
True or False: As Christians we can easily recognize Hospitality according to the Word of God for the Children of God – and to obediently listen, and learn about living in hospitality and with hospitality, among our neighbors, family of faith?
Hebrews 13:1-8 Amplified Bible
The Changeless Christ
13 Let love of your fellow believers continue. 2 Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers [especially among the family of believers—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as if you were their fellow prisoner, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body [and subject to physical suffering]. 4 Marriage is to be held in honor among all [that is, regarded as something of great value], and the marriage bed undefiled [by immorality or by any sexual sin]; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.5 Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” 6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say,
“The Lord is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?”
7 Remember your leaders [for it was they] who brought you the word of God; and consider the result of their conduct [the outcome of their godly lives], and imitate their faith [their conviction that God exists and is the Creator and Ruler of all things, the Provider of eternal salvation through Christ, and imitate their reliance on God with absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. 8 Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Praying,
Psalm 100 Amplified Bible
All Men Exhorted to Praise God.
A Psalm of Thanksgiving.
100 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness and delight; Come before His presence with joyful singing. 3 Know and fully recognize with gratitude that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, [a]not we ourselves [and we are His]. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name. 5 For the Lord is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness [endures] to all generations.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
33 The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them. 34 When Jesus went [a]ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. 35 And when it was already late, His disciples came up to Him and said, “[b]This place is secluded and it is already late; 36 send them away so that they may go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves [c]something to eat.” 37 But He answered them, “You give them something to eat!” And they *said to Him, “Shall we go and spend two hundred [d]denarii on bread, and give it to them to eat?” 38 But He *said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go look!” And when they found out, they *said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 And He ordered them all to recline by groups on the green grass. 40 They reclined in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves and He gave them to the disciples again and again to set before them; and He divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied; 43 and they picked up twelve full baskets of the broken pieces of bread, and of the fish. 44 There were five thousand [e]men who ate the loaves.
Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
When Jesus directed the disciples to feed a crowd of 5,000 men, plus women and children, with nothing but a young boy’s five loaves of bread and two fish, they faced a seemingly impossible situation.
As Andrew questioned, “What are they for so many?” (John 6:9).
But the Twelve did as Jesus directed them: they sat the people down, separated them into groups, and then they divided the loaves and fish. And divided. And divided. And before they knew it, a miracle of satisfaction had just unfolded.
The five loaves and two fish managed to feed thousands—and not just with the tiniest servings of food but with such an abundance that “they all ate and were satisfied.”
In truth, in a rather miraculous turn of events, there were even twelve wicker baskets of leftovers – 1 for each of the disciples to carry over their shoulders and go among the roadways and back alleys of neighboring villages to feast upon.
Just as God had done centuries earlier with the manna in the barren wilderness (Exodus 16), here the Great Shepherd of Israel proved His identity and provided for His people’s needs, both literally and symbolically.
It should be impossible for us to consider this story and not recognize that God takes unmanageable situations and unbelievably limited resources and greatly multiplies them for the well-being of others and the glory of His name. And He can miraculously do this with our lives and with our neighbors lives as well.
Perhaps, if you are the only Christian, practicing Christian, in your family, in your class, or at your job, you may rigorously, vigorously wonder, like Andrew, “What am I to do among so many? What should I say? What can I hope do?”
Mark 12:41-44 New American Standard Bible
The Widow’s Coins
41 And Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and began watching how the [a] people were putting [b]money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large amounts. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two [c]lepta coins, which amount to a [d]quadrans. 43 Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all [e]the contributors to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their [f]surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, [g] all she had to live on.”
Jesus and His disciples watch a widow put coins into the treasury offering box.
But here is the real question to ask:
“Have I truly offered up my “meager” resources to God—my time, talents, my energy, gifts, and finances?” They may not be much. But He can multiply them!
Christian missionary Gladys Aylward lived in London with no education and no savings.
What she had, though, was a passionate longing to go to China to share the gospel.
This small-statured lady, who had long, straight, black hair, thus began a journey by train and then by ocean liner, and eventually ended up in Shanghai.
As she stood on the deck, looking out on the city, she saw all the small-statured Chinese people with their straight, black hair, and suddenly realized that God had had a plan and purpose for her all along.
He’d even established her DNA in such a way she would be perfectly suited to become the “Little Woman” who would reach countless tiny children with the gospel—because she offered up her life to God He multiplied it for His glory.
As you look out on your day and your week, offer yourself to God. Your inability is His opportunity. Your weaknesses and your sense of dependence will form the very basis upon which He shows Himself to be stronger. With nothing but mere loaves and fish, He satisfied thousands. Be in no doubt that He can use you to do great and miraculous things of eternal worth, if you will only pray to Him.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
Psalm 23 Authorized (King James) Version
Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Authorized (King James) Version
9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he ; for he hath not another to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
What is Ecclesiastes trying to tell us?
Ecclesiastes explores the incomparably vast futility of ‘chasing’ worldly pursuits and the importance of fearing God and enjoying life’s simple gifts, ultimately suggesting that the truest meaning and purpose are found in a knotted relationship with God, not in material success or fleeting pleasures.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
The Futility of “Under the Sun”: The book uses the phrase “under the sun” to describe life without God, where everything seems meaningless and ultimately unsatisfying.
Vanity and Meaninglessness: The author, traditionally believed to be Solomon, explores various aspects of life, including wisdom, knowledge, pleasure, work, and time, and concludes that they are all ultimately “vanity” or “meaningless” when considered apart from God.
The Importance of Fearing God: Ecclesiastes emphasizes the importance of “fearing God” which means trusting, obeying, and serving God, rather than relying on oneself or worldly achievements.
Enjoying Life’s Gifts: While acknowledging the limitations of life, the book also encourages people to enjoy the simple gifts of life, such as good food, good company, and the beauty of creation.
Finding Meaning in God: The book suggests that true meaning and purpose are found in a relationship with God, not in material possessions, achievements, or fleeting pleasures.
Hope for God’s Judgment: Ecclesiastes also reveals the surest hope for God’s judgment that will destroy evil and bring justice, which fuels a life of honesty and integrity, despite life’s mysteries.
What is the main point of the book of Ecclesiastes?
The book reveals the necessity of fearing God in a fallen and frequently confusing and frustrating world. Humans seek lasting significance, but no matter how great their accomplishments, humans are unable to achieve the lasting significance they desire.
How do I apply Ecclesiastes to my life?
8 Lessons From Ecclesiastes
Everyone Faces Challenging Times. …
Be Cautious of Busyness. …
Uncertainty Is a Part of Life. …
A Relationship With God Gives Life Meaning. …
Focus on God’s Gifts. …
The End Is More Important Than Life. …
God Is in Control. …
Follow God’s Commandments.
Teamwork is important.
There is strength and a sense of community in working together toward a common goal.
Working together is essential in overcoming challenges and achieving shared objectives.
Matthew 28:16-20 Authorized (King James) Version
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Teamwork develops synergy, where individual strengths complement each other, leading to greater productivity and creativity.
Through teamwork, various perspectives and skills contribute to thorough problem solving and innovation.
The Bible emphasizes the values of teamwork.
From Moses and Aaron leading the Israelites to Jesus sending out his disciples, cooperation and mutual support are foundational to God’s work. Together we can all encourage, support, and build each other up in faith and good works.
Looking way, way back, I see how teamwork has enriched my personal growth and accomplishments. It has taught me humility, patience, and the spirit filling joy of celebrating collective achievements. Glory to God! Each team effort has strengthened relationships and fostered a sense of community and belonging.
We can embrace collaboration in all areas of life, seeking opportunities to work alongside others, leveraging people’s strengths for the greater good.
Let’s strive to imitate Savior Christ’s example of unity and service, knowing that together we can accomplish far more than we could if we worked alone.
What do now hold is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12?
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 emphasizes, raises, the value of shared companionship and sound teamwork, stating two are better than one because they can help each other succeed, withstand challenges, and find warmth, while also highlighting the strength of a “threefold cord” (relationship with God) is not easily broken.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
“Two are better than one” (v. 9): This verse highlights the benefits of working and living together, as opposed to alone, emphasizing mutual support and shared success.
“For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion” (v. 10): This illustrates the practical advantage of having someone to help when facing difficulties, emphasizing the importance of support and encouragement.
“Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?” (v. 11): This emphasizes the comfort and warmth of companionship, both physically and emotionally.
“And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (v. 12): This verse introduces the concept of a “threefold cord”, often interpreted as a relationship with God, which adds a powerful layer of strength and resilience to a partnership or relationship.
“Threefold cord”: This is a metaphor for a strong and unbreakable bond, often used to describe the strength of a marriage or friendship which includes God.
What is the moral lesson of the book of Ecclesiastes?
It acknowledges that if we could understand why things happen, difficult circumstances would be easier to deal with somehow. Ecclesiastes helps us understand that the ups and downs of life are normal and part of God’s plan and that we each must keep an eternal perspective without having all the answers.
God did not create us to be alone — to be a solitary person trying to make it through life alone in a harsh world.
When we read the Scriptures, we discover that some of God’s strongest servants had trouble when trying to serve Him when alone.
Jesus intentionally sent out his disciples and apostles in pairs to do His work.
In the Torah,God insisted that any legal testimony had to be established by at least two or three witnesses.
In addition, the Lord Jesus emphasized the complete importance of two or three believers gathered together in His name to put aside hatted, sit with God, have tall, active fellowship involved forgiveness, reconciliation, discipline, daily.
So, we shouldn’t be surprised by this insightful proverb found in our verses today. We are better off with a friend to share in our work, and they need us also.
We can help each other up when we’ve fallen, keep warm when it is cold, defend each other when under attack, be a solid and cohesive team when we weave our lives together with God.
And these principles apply to physical, emotional, and spiritual situations!
So, dear brother or sister in Savior Chris Jesus , please don’t try to do the Christian life alone on your own deserted island. Join with other believers and encourage each other.Our mutual support is vital to our faithfulness to Jesus!
In the name of God, the father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Psalm 84
To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.
1 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!
2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. 3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. 4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. 5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. 6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. 9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. 10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk upright
O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
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.
Engaging in meaningful personal reflection leads to self-discovery and growth. Taking quality and quantity of time to just explore our thoughts, emotions, and actions can lead us, move us to redemptive, healing, empowering outcomes.
Then came July 14 – 17th 2023 …
1 failed Cardiac Stress Test
Cardiac Catheterization showing 3 arteries greater than 90% blocked – the “widow making” artery being 99% blocked.
July 17, 2023 Triple Bypass Surgery …
5 and 1/2 hours surgery, 80 minutes of which my heart was deliberately stopped then kept sedated 24 hours in the CICU … woken up and I WAS alive! God is God!
In my own life, I’ve experienced the benefit of reflective practices. Through the examen of Ignatius, for example, I have learned to discern God’s presence in my daily life, identify those areas for improvement, seek God’s guidance for the future. This exercise has brought clarity, peace, and a deep sense of purpose.
From praying Psalm 139:23-24 daily during my recovery, rehabilitation, taking a personal inventory was also very beneficial to me.
By honestly assessing my incoming strengths, weaknesses, and values, I’ve been able to make intentional decisions aligned with my beliefs and aspirations. This self-awareness has led to personal growth and a stronger sense of identity.
Imagination is important in reflective practices.
Envisioning different outcomes or a favorable future can inspire hope, motivate us, and build our resilience.
We can see beyond our current situation and consider new possibilities.
Psalm 139:23-24 reminds me to invite God into my self-reflection, asking him to reveal any areas in our lives that need attention redemption and guidance.
100% Honesty as the only process this process leads us on a path of healing and empowerment guided by the Lord’s wisdom and grace.
1. Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord; abide in him always, and feed on his word. Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak, forgetting in nothing his blessing to seek.
2. Take time to be holy, the world rushes on; spend much time in secret with Jesus alone. By looking to Jesus, like him thou shalt be; thy friends in thy conduct his likeness shall see.
3. Take time to be holy, let him be thy guide, and run not before him, whatever betide. In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord, and, looking to Jesus, still trust in his word.
4. Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul, each thought and each motive beneath his control. Thus led by his spirit to fountains of love, thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.
Take Time to Be Holy,Text: William D. Longstaff, 1822-1894 Music: George C. Stebbins, 1846-1945
In the name of God, the father, God the son and God, the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
Psalm 15
A Psalm of David.
1 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. 4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. 5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
15 Then Moshe and the people of Isra’el sang this song to Adonai:
“I will sing to Adonai, for he is highly exalted: the horse and its rider he threw in the sea.
2 Yah is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. This is my God: I will glorify him; my father’s God: I will exalt him. 3 Adonai is a warrior; Adonai is his name.
4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his army he hurled into the sea. His elite commanders were drowned in the Sea of Suf. 5 The deep waters covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone.
6 Your right hand, Adonai, is sublimely powerful; your right hand, Adonai, shatters the foe. 7 By your great majesty you bring down your enemies; you send out your wrath to consume them like stubble.
8 With a blast from your nostrils the waters piled up — the waters stood up like a wall, the depths of the sea became firm ground.
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.
Exodus 15, often called the Song of Moses, teaches us to praise God for His mighty deliverance and power, as well as the importance of trusting Him even in the midst of life’s challenges, celebrating God’s protection and provision
Exodus 15:2 encapsulates the essence of a profound spiritual declaration, one that has guided and uplifted countless souls across millennia.
It is an ancient verse that serves as a reminder of God’s enduring presence in our lives, offering strength, joy, and salvation.
What is the message of Exodus 15-2?
It is an encouraging statement of how we can rely on God’s strength, which is so much greater than our own. It is an eternal reminder that God is our mighty salvation from ALL our problems… big and small. But looking closely, this verse is framed with the rightful context for our lives that can be easy to forget.
What does “song” mean in Exodus 15-2?
The song of Moses that we have in Exodus 15 is characterized by praise and celebration for God’s delivery of His people from the army of Pharaoh which God caused to be swallowed up in the Red Sea.
What are two key lessons from Exodus?
Exodus shows how God kept Pharaoh from continuing to oppress the Israelites and from destroying them.
The book also shows how God moved the people of Israel into the wilderness to begin the ages long process of developing them into the nation he wanted them to become. This is a good reminder that after deliverance comes development.
Here’s a deeper look at the lessons Exodus 15 imparts:
Praise and Worship: The chapter is a powerful song of praise, highlighting God’s triumph and victory. The Israelites, after being rescued from the Red Sea, express their joy and gratitude for God’s intervention.
God’s Power and Glory:Exodus 15 portrays God as a mighty warrior, demonstrating His ability to overcome enemies and provide salvation. The song emphasizes God’s holiness, awfulness, and miraculous power.
Trust in God: The Israelites’ experience in the Red Sea serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of trusting in Him, even when faced with difficult situations.
God as a Savior: The song reminds us that God is our strength, song, and salvation, offering comfort and guidance in times of trouble.
God’s Covenant Love: The song highlights God’s love and commitment to his people, a promise of protection and guidance as they journey towards their destiny.
Lessons for Today:Exodus 15 encourages us to continually, constantly sing praises to God, trust in His strength, and find solace in His presence, reminding all of us to approach life’s challenges with a heart full of gratitude and faith.
How can I apply the many profound lessons from Exodus into my life today?
Some, but immeasurably far from all, inspiring, profound lessons from Exodus.
Freedom is a divine right: The story of Exodus is about the Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt.
God can use broken people: God can use people who have done bad things.
God cares about justice and mercy: God provides rules and structure so we can succeed as His people.
God’s mighty acts show He is the one true God: God’s mighty acts show He is the Lord of all Creation.
How to apply Exodus to our 21st century Christian life;
Be willing to experience the Exodus in your own life.
Let God take you from captivity to freedom.
Hold onto your faith and have courage as you wait on deliverance.
Celebrate as you wait, knowing that your deliverance will lead you to a greater place, role, or position.
Trust in God through it all.
Remain as a foreigner because He’s with you.
His promises are true.
His mercies are new every morning
Great is His Faithfulness.
Here’s an even deeper dive into the devotional message of Exodus 15:2:
God as Strength and Song: The verse declares God as the source of strength and joy (“my strength and my song”). In times of difficulty, we can find solace and power in knowing God is our source of strength.
Salvation: The Israelites, having just experienced a miraculous deliverance from Pharaoh, understand God as their savior. This verse reminds us of God’s transformative presence in our lives, emphasizing that we are saved by Him.
Personal Testimonial: This isn’t just a general statement, but a personal declaration: “This is my God, and I will praise Him”. It’s an affirmation of faith and a recognition of God’s personal involvement in our lives.
Praise and Exaltation: The verse encourages praise and exaltation of God, recognizing Him as the God of our fathers and forefathers. This demonstrates the legacy of faith and the importance of honoring God.
Trust in God’s Power: The Israelites had seen God’s power displayed in the Red Sea miracle, and they understood God as their strength and their defense. We should remember that God is our strength and our defense in every part of our lives, even in difficult times.
God is our Refuge: Exodus 15:2 reminds us to remember that God is our refuge in times of trouble, just as He was for the Israelites. We can trust that God will guide us through every storm and difficulty, and that his love and grace are always with us.
Apply it to our lives: This verse is a covenant call to action, urging us to declare God is our God and to proclaim His name, recognizing Him as our only refuge and our only sure deliverer, and to place our trust in His power and guidance.
The power of God is always accessible to us, and it is always sufficient for all his purposes for our life—including every single detail.
Every single thing you’re working on and towards for his glory right now.
And when we finally know this, when we truly understand that the Lord will strengthen us sufficiently to help us climb the mountain of life and trudge through each bump and valley—we find great gratitude for this gift.
And as we continue to recognize and praise him for the life-giving gift of strength he keeps pouring out, we begin to swell with increased touches of joy.
A joy of the Lord radiating in us and around us, additional stores of his strength.
Keeping us truly sturdy, steadily moving forward, with him right by our side.
In the name of God, the father and God the Son and God, the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
Psalm 46
To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. 6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. 9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. 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.
14 Turn from all known sin and spend your time in doing good. Try to live in peace with everyone; work hard at it.
15 For the eyes of the Lord are intently watching all who live good lives, and he gives attention when they cry to him. 16 But the Lord has made up his mind to wipe out even the memory of evil men from the earth. 17 Yes, the Lord hears the good man when he calls to him for help and saves him out of all his troubles.
18 The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking; he rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins.
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 my younger days I struggled to express sadness or fear, thinking they made me look vulnerable and weak.
A wise teacher told me, “Emotions are like busy little children. If you don’t acknowledge them, they get louder and louder to grab your attention. Once you acknowledge them, they feel seen and calm down.”
This slowly helped me to see my emotions as valid and to understand myself and my needs.
I remember a former preacher sharing his own struggles with anxiety.
His honesty and reliance on God’s strength gave me the courage to face my own feelings without shame.
This was a powerful reminder that even the people we look up to can experience emotional challenges.
A late friend once confided in me about struggling with depression.
That friend’s openness helped me slowly realize that sharing our emotions with trusted friends can bring comfort and support. Being honest about our feelings can lead to healing and deeper connections. James 5:16
Psalm 34:18 reassures us that God understands our emotions and is present in our struggles. Normalizing our emotions means acknowledging them, sharing them, praying with people we trust, and seeking God’s comfort and guidance.
Feeling a broad range of emotions is normal and healthy. When we embrace our emotions, we can grow wiser, mature from our toughest experiences, leading to greater emotional and spiritual well-being.
Achy Breaky Body and Wildly Disquieted Souls
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Psalm 32:3–4
Those who work in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and social services are often confronted with a strong correlation between what is happening in a person’s heart and mind and what is being displayed in that person’s body.
God’s word speaks into this connection and then goes deeper, for it tells us that there is a connection between the state of our body and the state of our soul.
Psalm 32, David speaks very personally to God, acknowledging the heaviness he experienced when he hid in the shadows and refused to confess his sin against Bathsheba and devised the murder of her husband, Uriah (see 2 Samuel 11).
And through David, the Spirit teaches us that there is a link between a tortured conscience and lack of repentance, and our physical wellbeing.
Those who were in David’s immediate company may not have been aware of what was going on inside him spiritually, but they could not have avoided the obvious indications of what was happening to him physically.
The description he provides adds to the account he gives elsewhere:
“My heart throbs; my strength fails me, and the light of my eyes—it also has gone from me. My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague, and my nearest kin stand far off” (Psalm 38:10-11).
It’s a quite devastating picture.
David recognized his condition for what it was: a punishment.
The Bible makes it clear that there is a natural outcome to lust, excess, and a disregard for the commands of God (see Romans 1:24-25)—all of which David was clearly guilty of.
Frailty, weight loss, sleeplessness, a sense of rejection, melancholy, anxiety, despair often haunt individuals who are seeking to hide their sin from God and deny it to themselves.
What restored David was not a health kick or getting to bed earlier but rather dealing with the root cause—his sin:
“I acknowledged my sin to you … and you forgave the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).
God kept His hand heavy upon David until David placed his sin into God’s hands and asked Him to deal with it.
It is a blessing to us when God does not allow us to forget our sin—when we feel chronic physical heaviness because of our spiritual sickness. It is His means of bringing us to do what we most need: to confess it and ask for forgiveness for it.
Are you harboring sin?
Do not cloak it; confess it. David experienced liberating relief from his pain and distress when he sought God’s forgiveness.
You too can know that joy, for the promise of God’s word is that
“if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
IF ….
IF …
IF …
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
Psalm 46 Living Bible
46 God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble. 2 And so we need not fear even if the world blows up and the mountains crumble into the sea. 3 Let the oceans roar and foam; let the mountains tremble!
4 There is a river of joy flowing through the city of our God—the sacred home of the God above all gods. 5 God himself is living in that city; therefore it stands unmoved despite the turmoil everywhere. He will not delay his help. 6 The nations rant and rave in anger—but when God speaks, the earth melts in submission and kingdoms totter into ruin.
7 The Commander of the armies of heaven is here among us. He, the God of Jacob, has come to rescue us.
8 Come, see the glorious things that our God does, how he brings ruin upon the world 9 and causes wars to end throughout the earth, breaking and burning every weapon. 10 “Stand silent! Know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation in the world!”
11 The Commander of the heavenly armies is here among us! He, the God of Jacob, has come to rescue us!
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). 