Tag: jesus

Now that we have been brought very near to Him, I do not suppose anyone is going to suddenly slam the brakes on their ‘junkyard jalopy’ lifestyles? Ephesians 2:11-16

Ephesians 2:11-16 English Standard Version

One in Christ

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ,  alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were  far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace,  who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16  might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

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.

Our devotional text for today, Ephesians 2:13 emphasizes that through the blood of Christ, those who were once far from God have been brought near, highlighting the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Today’s verse serves as a reminder of the grace which reconciles believers to God and to one another, fostering unity and hope.

Ephesians 2:13 (KJV) states: “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

Our single verse today encapsulates the profound truth of our transformation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

It contrasts our previous state of separation from God with the now intimate closeness we experience through Him.

Our devotional, will explore what it means to be ‘far off’ and how the blood of Christ brings us near to God, enabling a deeper relationship with our Creator.

Themes of the Verse
  • Reconciliation: The verse emphasizes the reconciliation between God and humanity. It illustrates how Jesus’ sacrifice bridges the gap created by sin.
  • Grace: The transformation is not based on human effort but solely on God’s grace. This underscores the importance of faith in Christ for salvation.
  • Unity: Ephesians 2:13 also points to the unity among believers, as those who were once ‘far off’ separated (like Gentiles) are now part of God’s family.

To understand the significance of being ‘far off,’ we must first examine the context of Ephesians.

The Apostle Paul wrote this epistle to the believers in Ephesus, highlighting both Jewish and Gentile divisions.

Before  Christ’s atoning work, Gentiles were alienated from the promises of God, and likewise excluded from the covenant community of Israel.

They were considered outsiders, lost to the life and love of God.

Paul’s use of “far off” paints a vivid picture of not only distance but a growing and ever widening chasm of hopelessness and despair.

However, the verse pivots dramatically with the phrase,

“But now in Christ Jesus.”

This transition is monumental.

It signifies a change in position and status.

‘But now’ signals a divine intervention which brings with it hope, redemption, and reconciliation.

The word “now” is a fascinating word that holds great significance in the Bible.

It refers to the present moment or without any further delay.

Throughout the Bible, the Holy Spirit inspired the writers and translators to use this word frequently.

Let’s explore seven instances where the word “now” appears in the Scriptures.

The Present Sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26)

Hebrews 9:26 Amplified Bible

Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer over and over since the foundation of the world; but now once for all at the consummation of the ages He has now appeared and been publicly manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

During the last 2000 years, starting with Christ’s first coming, we have come to understand He came to earth as a sacrifice for the sins of the entire world.

Christ’s sacrifice is complete and perfect, needing no repetition (Hebrews 10:10, 12).

Through Christ alone, we can approach the Father in heaven.

There is no other way.

The Assurance of Safety (Jude 1:24)

Jude 24 Amplified Bible

24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling or falling into sin, and to present you unblemished [blameless and faultless] in the presence of His glory with triumphant joy and unspeakable delight,

The Bible assures us Christ is able to keep believers from falling and failing.

We are secure in God’s care through the powerful cleansing blood of Christ and the sealing and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

If you are a genuine Christian, you can experience a sense of safety now, not just after death.

We are safe in the arms of the Father and Son, whether we live or die on earth (John 10:28-29).

The Peace of Serenity (Romans 15:13)

Romans 15:13 Amplified Bible

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that now by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.

In this verse, we learn that God fills us with joy and peace as we trust in Him.

Even in the midst of challenging circumstances, every believer can experience divine joy, peace, and hope.

Trust in the Lord, for He is the God of peace.

His peace gives us hope all will be well in His timing because He is Almighty and in control (Isaiah 26:3).

The Certainty of Faith (Hebrews 11:1)

Hebrews 11:1 Amplified Bible

The Triumphs of Faith

11 Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

It allows us to perceive the invisible and understand what is beyond the natural realm.

Faith is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and comes by hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17).

The Present Sonship (1 John 3:2)

1 John 3:2 Amplified Bible

2 Beloved, we are [even here and] now children of God, and it is not yet made clear what we will be [after His coming]. We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children] be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory].

We are told that we are now the children of God.

We can be confident that we have been spiritually born and are now God’s children. The testimony of God’s Spirit assures us of our divine sonship (Romans 8:15-16). Do you have the assurance of being a child of God now?

The Urgency of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2b)

2 Corinthians 6:2Amplified Bible

2 For He says,

“At the acceptable time (the time of grace) I listened to you,
And I helped you on the day of salvation.”

Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”—

Delaying or procrastinating personal salvation is unwise.

We never know when it might be too late to be saved.

We should accept Jesus as our Savior now because life is passing by, and Jesus is calling.

Each rejection of Jesus may make it harder to be saved later on.

That’s why God says, “Now is the day of salvation.”

If you are not yet saved, pray for God’s mercy and salvation (Psalm 69:13).

The Danger of Stubbornness (2 Timothy 3:8)

2 Timothy 3:8 Amplified Bible

8 Just as Jannes and Jambres [the court magicians of Egypt] opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, unqualified and  worthless [as teachers] in regard to the faith.

This verse refers to Pharaoh’s chief magicians, Jannes and Jambres, who opposed Moses and Aaron during the Exodus.

When they resisted God’s truth spoken through His messengers, it was as if they were fighting against God Himself (1 Timothy 6:5a).

As believers, we should avoid stubbornness and be open to God’s truth.

In Christ, all barriers established by sin and separation are breached.

The cross of Jesus acts as an indestructible bridge for reconciliation;

He took our sins upon Himself, allowing the rift to be healed and estrangement to be transformed into fellowship.

Next, we must reflect on the phrase “made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

Blood, throughout the Scriptures, signifies life, sacrifice, and covenant.

In the Old Testament, sacrifices were made to atone for sin, allowing temporary reconciliation with God.

Yet, these sacrifices were wholly insufficient to fully remove the barrier of sin.

The blood of Christ, however, fulfills this need completely.

It provides complete atonement for our sins, cleansing us and enabling us to draw near to God.

This is the crux of the Gospel—the perfect sacrifice of Jesus was necessary to bring us close to where we belong.

Suggested Reflection Points
  • Personal Transformation: Reflect on your own journey of faith. Consider how you have experienced being “brought near” to God through Christ.
  • Community: Think about the unity within your faith community. How can you foster relationships that reflect the reconciliation described in this verse?
  • Gratitude: Cultivate a spirit of thankfulness for the grace that has allowed you to draw near to God.

What does it mean to be made nigh or brought near?

It means that we now have access to a personal relationship with God.

No longer are we mere strangers or distant acquaintances; we are now children of the Most High.

We can approach God with confidence, knowing we have been accepted and beloved in Christ.

This nearness transforms our identity, calling us from spiritual isolation into a community of believers bound by the love and grace of God.

Meditating on this incredible truth, it is essential to acknowledge the impact of the blood of Christ.

Many of us may feel far from God due to past mistakes, guilt, or shame.

Ephesians 2:13 reminds us that the sacrifice of Christ is wholly sufficient.

As believers in Christ, we possess several blessings that unbelievers do not have: sacrifice, safety, serenity, certainty, sonship, and salvation.

However, stubbornness should not be among our attributes.

If you are unsure of your salvation, you can be 100% certain right now. Embrace the power of “now” and experience the transformative work of God in your life.

Through it, we are no longer far off!

This truth should evoke tremendous gratitude and awe in our hearts.

Christ’s blood not only covers our sin but assures us of our standing before God.

Finally,

Ephesians 2:13 serves as a powerful reminder of the transformation Christ accomplished for us.

Reflecting on our journey from separation to intimacy is crucial in nurturing our faith.

Let us live in the light of this incredible truth—no longer ‘far off’ but drawn near, drawn nigh, by His love and sacrifice.

As we go about our days, let’s remember that we carry this nearness with us, empowering us to share His love with others who may still feel lost, distant.

Now, beloved of God, may we rejoice in being made nigh by the blood of Christ!

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

Praying,

Prayer for Victory over Enemies.

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

20 [a]May the Lord answer you (David) in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high [and defend you in battle]!
2 
May He send you help from the sanctuary (His dwelling place)
And support and strengthen you from Zion!
3 
May He remember all your meal offerings
And accept your burnt offering. Selah.

4 
May He grant you your heart’s desire
And fulfill all your plans.
5 
We will sing joyously over your victory,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

6 
Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand.
7 
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
But we will remember and trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8 
They have bowed down and fallen,
But we have risen and stood upright.
9 
O Lord, save [the [b]king];
May the [c]King answer us in the day we call.

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

https://translate.google.com

Struggling with staying motivated? Enough to do everything you have to do? Our battles to overcome apathy. Ephesians 5:11-16

Ephesians 5:11-16 Living Bible

11 Take no part in the worthless pleasures of evil and darkness, but instead, rebuke and expose them. 12 It would be shameful even to mention here those pleasures of darkness that the ungodly do. 13 But when you expose them, the light shines in upon their sin and shows it up, and when they see how wrong they really are, some of them may even become children of light! 14 That is why God says in the Scriptures, “Awake, O sleeper, and rise up from the dead; and Christ shall give you light.”

15-16 So be careful how you act; these are difficult days. Don’t be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good.

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.

Are we struggling with staying motivated enough to do even the most basic tasks we have to do?

Too much stress or too much frustration or discouragement in this fallen world can leave us physically and spiritually burned out. In such a state of mind, like dragging a diesel locomotive, to care about what God wants us to care about.

We may still go through the motions of daily life. We can even complete most of your responsibilities and keep moving forward even when you feel apathetic.

But it’s exhausting to lose your enthusiasm for life. Both your mental health and our relationship with God can suffer when we’re struggling with apathy.

Apathy

Apathy, also referred to as indifference, is a lack of feeling, emotion, interest, and/or concern about something. It is that state of indifference, and/or the suppression of emotions such as concern, excitement, motivation, or passion.

An apathetic individual has an absence of interest in or minimal concern about their emotional, social, spiritual, philosophical, virtual, or physical life and the world. Apathy can also be defined as a person’s lack of clear goal orientation.

  • Disengagement from work and hobbies
  • Lack of emotional expression
  • Reduced interest in social interactions
  • Difficulty initiating or completing tasks

The Bible describes apathy as a spiritual sleep. It urges us to wake up from that sleep as if we are rising from the dead.

Then it promises that “Christ will shine on you.”

God doesn’t intend for us to live in a kind of spiritual sleepiness, where we’re alive but not fully aware of the life God wants us to enjoy.

God designed and created our body, mind, and spirit to be connected.

All those important parts need rest and care regularly for us to be well.

God’s invitation in Ephesians 5:13-14 isn’t meant to shame us.

Through these words, God is gently calling us back into the light of Christ, where we can start to recover.

This Bible passage points out that light makes things visible.

When light enters a dark room, it reveals what we couldn’t see physically.

In the same way, the light of Christ helps us see what’s happening spiritually in your life.

Sometimes that light illuminates areas where we’ve grown spiritually tired.

Other times, it reveals habits which drain our energy or thinking patterns that weigh down our minds.

Instead of leaving us in the dark, Christ’s light offers something much better:  renewal and revival.

The call to “wake up” is really an open invitation to step back into that light.

You can start waking up with just small steps.

Caring for our physical and mental health in simple ways – like getting the rest we need, spending time outside in nature – we make progress toward recovery.

At the same time, we can take small steps closer to God. Pray! ask him to help us overcome apathy.

Try a new prayer discipline, or starting a discipline of reading the Bible again every day in a manageable way, such as just one verse a day.

God will meet us where we are, to keep walking toward the healing we need.

We just need to reach out for help and rely on the guidance and strength that God will send us.

The more we let Christ’s light shine into our lives, the more we’ll experience how light can overcome darkness in this world. Over time, Christ’s light will restore your energy and motivation.

We’ll feel less indifferent and start to care more about what matters most.

Our thoughts will become brighter.

Oour sense of purpose will start to return.

Step by step, the light of our Savior Christ will reach every part of our lives.

Then we can thrive in every way – spiritually, mentally, and physically.

All we have to do to start our healing process is reach out to God for help.

John 1:1-5 New American Standard Bible

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 [a]He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him [b]not even one thing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind. 5 And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not [c]grasp it.

He is ready to meet us where we are and gently motivate us back into His light.

So, beloved of God, arise, wake up, rise, and let Christ’s light shine on us again.

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

Praying …

God’s Omnipresence and Omniscience.

For the music director. A Psalm of David.

139 Lord, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know [a]when I sit down and [b]when I get up;
You understand my thought from far away.
3 You [c]scrutinize my [d]path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
4 [e]Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, Lord, You know it all.
5 You have encircled me behind and in front,
And placed Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot comprehend 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 up 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 take hold of me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will [g]overwhelm me,
And the light around me will be night,”
12 Even darkness is not dark [h]to You,
And the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are alike to You.

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

https://translate.google.com

Renounce Retaliation; do you have it in you? to get along with everybody? Not insisting on getting our revenge? Romans 12:17-19

Romans 12:17-19 Amplified Bible

17 Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious  and proper in the sight of everyone. 18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

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.

Romans 12:17-19 states,

“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

This text from the book of Romans offers much needed, highly valued guidance to Christians of any generation on how to live in accordance with their faith and values, their morals and ethics particularly in their interactions with others.

Our reading begins with an admonition; “Recompense to no man evil for evil.”

This call for non-retaliation stresses the importance of responding to negative actions or treatment with kindness and forgiveness rather than revenge.

This principle reflects the teachings of Jesus, who urged his followers to

“turn the other cheek” and to love their enemies (Matthew 5:38-48).

Revenge is one of our most natural instincts.

Unfortunately, it is fast becoming how our world preferably works, for we live in a “dog eat dog” world, where if you get in my way I will forcibly remove you.

It is a natural response to being our wronged, then—but it is not a Christian one. Therefore, we should guard against it continuously. Even if we avoided it yesterday, a dangerous circle that’s not guaranteed we will do so again today.

Perhaps the sports arena is the place where we see most how easily revenge becomes the motivator for our plans and actions.

If an opposing player fouls you and it is not picked up on and punished by the referee or umpire, what are you and I most apt todo?

Our natural instinct is to find a way to get them back. So we plot and plan and pick our moment and “make it even.” And as it goes on the sports fields, so it goes in life—at least in our imaginations if not in any of our actual behaviors.

But then the Scripture cuts across, looking to permanently separate that natural instinct from our consciousness with the words “Never avenge yourselves.”

The passage then urges individuals to “whenever possible live peaceably with all men,” recognizing the value of our maintaining peaceful relations with others to the best of one’s ability.

This demonstrates our commitment to fostering harmony and understanding in relationships, even in the face of hardcore adversity or conflict.

Our pursuit of peace aligns with the broader biblical message of reconciliation and our promotion of unity among all believers and the broader community.

Paul did not only outlined the principle; he demonstrated it.

He was ministering in an environment giving him every reason for lethal retaliation: he himself was defamed, beaten, mocked, and imprisoned.

He was most likely still alive when Emperor Nero and his government were on a blood lust rampage turning the Christians into torches in the palace backyard.

They tied faithful followers of Jesus to stakes, drove those stakes deep into the ground, covered them in wax, and set them on fire—and still the command was “Never avenge yourselves!”

These verses provide a powerful reminder to believers, urging them not to take vengeance into their own hands.

Instead, they are most strongly urged to yield to the divine prerogative of justice, as it is written,

“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

Deuteronomy 32:34-36 New American Standard Bible

34 ‘Is it not stored up with Me,
Sealed up in My treasuries?
35 Vengeance is Mine, and retribution;
In due time their foot will slip.
For the day of their disaster is near,
And the impending things are hurrying to them.’
36 For the Lord will vindicate His people,
And will have compassion on His servants,
When He sees that their [a]strength is gone,
And there is none remaining, bond or free.

These verses echo the Old Testament teachings found in Deuteronomy 32:34-36, emphasizing responsibility for administering justice ultimately rests with God.

Leviticus 19:18 New American Standard Bible

18 You shall not take vengeance, nor hold any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.

Surrendering our sinful desires for retaliation, trusting in God’s judgment, we discover His Shalom and release the burdens of carrying out justice ourselves.

The sad truth is too often we fail to distinguish between the application of divine law, which is solely God’s prerogative; the application of criminal law, which is solely the state’s God-ordained responsibility (Romans 13:1-4); and our practice of personal revenge, for which our Bible provides us no mandate.

We are permitted to pursue criminal justice from the state, seek legal recourse in our multi-tiered judicial systems, always remembering it will not be perfect, was not designed to be final; but most of all, though, we are called to entrust ourselves to God’s ultimate divine justice, just as His Son did (1 Peter 2:22-24).

1 Peter 2:22-24 New American Standard Bible

22 He who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; 23 [a]and while being abusively insulted, He did not insult in return; while suffering, He did not threaten, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself [b]brought our sins in His body up on the [c]cross, so that we might die to [d]sin and live for righteousness; by His [e]wounds you were healed.

We must live into and out from our faith remembering that today is probably not the day of final judgment, and we are certainly not qualified as a judge.

We have a supreme calling as citizens of an eternal kingdom rather than any earthly kingdom.

Unbelievers won’t be drawn to Christ if they see His followers proclaiming that, First, God is the only just Judge and then second, acting as though we ourselves are the only ones who have that exclusive right to mete out summary judgment.

Our hypocritical actions will affect those around us who are struggling with sin.

Let it be that they are won to Christ by His love and never be driven away from considering Christ by our misuse of judgment, wholly inappropriate retaliation.

Finally, Romans 12:17-19 offers a timeless, profound message for believers, urging them to embody forgiveness, integrity, and mercy in their interactions.

It calls individuals to relinquish their desire for retaliation and trust in God’s ultimate justice.

By adhering to these principles, believers exemplify the transformative power of the gospel in their lives, fostering harmonious relationships and upholding the values of their faith which is taught, retaught and demonstrated by Jesus.

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

The Works and the Word of God.

For the music director. A Psalm of David.

19 The heavens tell of the glory of God;
And their expanse declares the work of His hands.
2 Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words;
Their voice is not heard.
4 Their [a]line has gone out into all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.
In them He has placed a tent for the sun,
5 Which is like a groom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices like a strong person to run his course.
6 Its rising is from [b]one end of the heavens,
And its circuit to the [c]other end of them;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 The Law of the Lord is [d]perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much pure gold;
Sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, Your servant is warned by them;
In keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.
13 Also keep Your servant back from presumptuous sins;
Let them not rule over me;
Then I will be innocent,
And I will be blameless of great wrongdoing.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

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

https://translate.google.com

The most subtle most blatant lie; the naivete by which it is acknowledged; the ignorance by which we partook; the eternal sin, separation from God. Genesis 3:1-5

Genesis 3:1-5 New American Standard Bible

The Fall of Mankind

3 Now the serpent was more cunning than any animal of the field which the  Lord  God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God really said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; 3 but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’” 4 The serpent said to the woman, “You certainly will not die! 5 For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will [a]become like God, knowing good and evil.”

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.

Sometimes we might hear or even tell little lies in attempts to be polite or to spare someone’s feelings.

Though not recommended, those kinds of lies are far different from lies that are told out of callous disrespect. self-interest for personal gain or even malice to harm others.

Of all the lies told in history, the most blatant, malicious lie of all took place when the devil tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3).

There Satan, appearing as a serpent, lied about the consequences of disobeying God’s command not to eat the fruit of one of the trees in the garden.

In this way the devil aimed to thwart God’s design for his creation and to mar his human creatures forever.

Satan lied about God’s own truthfulness.

His false insinuation awakened a jealousy and desire in our first parents, and the results have reverberated across our world ever since that day, causing hostility, suffering, and death.

Jesus came to save us from the certain destruction we would face, and he called Satan out as “the father of lies.”

How do we overcome the deadly shadow of lies in our world?

We do so by acknowledging God never lies (Hebrews 6:18) and he hates lying.

And we turn to Jesus, the true light and living truth (John 14:6), asking him to help us recognize the truth and to share it with our neighbors everywhere.

Doing so, begins our initiation into God’s redemption plan by learning of and listening to, His Voice of truth, sharing his truthfulness, love with all people. 

The Voice That Should Not Be Heard

Adam had named the animals.

None of them had named him.

None of them spoke.

But here, one does.

Eve should have recoiled.

Her instincts should have screamed.

Instead, she listened ….. “Did God really say…?”

It was not a question.

It was a seed of suspicion.

A carefully baited hook.

God had offered abundance.

The serpent framed it as restriction.

He painted the Giver as a hoarder.

He cast God as the villain.

Eve replies.

She knows what God said.

But already, the wind has shifted.

She entertains the serpent’s tone.

She meets him on his terms.

And once she gives her attention, he gives her a lie:

“You will not surely die.”

The most dangerous lies are the ones that wear truth like perfume.

This one smelled like enlightenment.

But it stank of death.

The Moment the World Tilted

They didn’t fall by accident.

They didn’t stumble into rebellion.

They wanted what God had withheld.

They desired the thing He had called forbidden.

They looked at the serpent, looked at the fruit, and decided that God was not providing enough abundace.

Eve reached.

Adam stood beside her.

Silent.

Watching.

The man who had walked with God chose to follow his wife, who was following a snake.

She handed him the fruit. He took it.

And the earth groaned.

But the fall did not begin with the bite.

The fall happened in the silence.

In the desire.

In the shift of allegiance that happened quietly inside them before the fruit ever touched their lips.

The Tactics Have Not Changed

The serpent has no new tricks.

He still whispers.

He still distorts God’s words, maligns God’s heart, promises what he cannot give. He still makes sin look like freedom and obedience look like slavery.

And fallen hearts still believe him.

We don’t fall like Adam.

We fell in Adam.

He was our representative.

Our federal head.

When he listened to the serpent, so did we.

When he chose sin, so did we.

And since that day, we’ve been born loving what we ought to hate.

We don’t start in Eden.

We start east of it.

The First Fruits of Rebellion

“Their eyes were opened.”

Not to beauty.

Not to wisdom.

But to utter shame.

They saw themselves, and they couldn’t bear the sight.

They grabbed leaves.

They stitched fig and fear into coverings.

For the first time, they felt the need to hide.

Then came the sound.

The familiar footfall of God walking in the cool of the day.

A sound that once brought joy now triggered dread.

They ran.

They didn’t want to be found.

Shame had shifted their compass.

Guilt weighed like stone in their chests.

The One who formed them now terrified them.

The presence that once gave life now promised judgment.

And so they hid in the trees, like children caught in the act.

Their innocence had curdled into fear.

Their openness had twisted into evasion.

The Shattered Illusion of Innocence

All of it…every broken marriage, every hospital room, every open grave…traces back to this garden.

This moment.

The ache of our world is not random.

It has visible roots.

And they grow here.

Sin did not arrive as any grand display of cataclysmic rain, thunder lightning..

It came with a barely audible whisper.

A question. A look. A silence. A bite.

And now every child is born into a world where our shame is native and guilt is inherited. Every conscience carries that imprint of that first slip of the tongue.

Everyone is guilty.

Everyone is exposed.

And no one can ever sew enough fig leaves to become clean again.

The Gospel Truth of this that the Master Gardener Still Walks His garden.

He still comes walking.

Not with a sword, but with a question:

With a still small, quiet voice shouting ….

(Your Name) … “Where are you?”

Not because He doesn’t know.

But because He wants you to know.

(Your Name) … “I AM is still here … Where are you?”

Still hiding?

Still covering yourself in effort and shame?

Still listening for the hiss of the serpent wrongly saying;

“Did God really promise that He will always with you until the end of time?”

“So, (your name) … where is God’s promise to always be with you now?”

Step out.

He is calling.

The One created us, set our feet in His Garden of Eden, who showed mercy when He clothed Adam and Eve, freely offers robes of righteousness soaked in blood.

The Life Blood of His only Begotten Son … Jesus

John 19:28-30 New American Standard Bible

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, in order that the Scripture would be fulfilled, *said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. 30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

The One who banished Adam and Eve from His Garden, now invites us back…not by works, but by grace.

(Your Name) … are you ready this time to receive of the abundance of His grace?

Are you telling the truth?

Or are you lying to God … still … again?

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

Praying …

Prayer for Protection, Guidance, and Pardon.

A Psalm of David.

25 To You, Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 My God, in You I trust,
Do not let me be ashamed;
Do not let my enemies rejoice over me.
3 Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed;
[a]Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.

4 Make me know Your ways, Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day.
6 Remember, Lord, Your compassion and Your faithfulness,
For they have been [b]from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my wrongdoings;
Remember me according to Your faithfulness,
For Your goodness’ sake, Lord.

8 The Lord is good and upright;
Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the [c]humble in justice,
And He teaches the [d]humble His way.
10 All the paths of the Lord are faithfulness and truth
To those who comply with His covenant and His testimonies.
11 For the sake of Your name, Lord,
Forgive my wrongdoing, for it is great.

12 Who is the person who fears the Lord?
He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
13 His soul will dwell in [e]prosperity,
And his [f]descendants will inherit the [g]land.
14 The [h]secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him,
[i]And He will make them know His covenant.
15 My eyes are continually toward the Lord,
For He will [j]rescue my feet from the net.

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
For I am lonely and afflicted.
17 [k]The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
Bring me out of my distresses.
18 Look at my misery and my trouble,
And forgive all my sins.
19 Look at my enemies, for they are many,
And they hate me with violent hatred.
20 Guard my soul and save me;
Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You.
21 Let integrity and uprightness protect me,
For I wait for You.
22 Redeem Israel, God,
From all his distress.

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

https://translate.google.com

Truth and Justice? The high priest has torn his robes, shouting, “What need do we have of any further well paid witnesses? You have heard that blasphemy. What do we think now?” Mark 14:63-64

Mark 14:63-64 Amplified Bible

63 Then [a]tearing his robe [to express his indignation], the high priest said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? 64 You have heard the blasphemy [that is, His claim to be the Son of God]. What is your decision?” And they all condemned Him to be [guilty and] deserving of death.

Word of God for the Children of God

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

Truth and Justice?

Truth and/or Justice?

Truth without Justice?

No Truth and No Justice?

For a few extra dollars … Truth? Justice?

Exodus 20:16 Amplified Bible

16 “You shall not testify falsely [that is, lie, withhold, or manipulate the truth] against your neighbor (any person).

Courtroom dramas can make for interesting and engaging stories. Why?

Because often in a court of law, two of the most basic concerns for living together in society come into sharp focus: truth and justice.

These two main concepts are the foundational principles behind the ninth commandment: “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”

In settling a dispute between two parties, the ancient people of Israel had neither a police force nor crime labs to produce evidence.

They had to rely on the testimony of witnesses to resolve legal disputes.

This was especially true in high-stakes cases involving murder, treason.

Only on the testimony of at least two witnesses could the truth of a crime be discovered.

Then justice could be served to protect the innocent and hold the guilty accountable. And if a witness was found to be a liar, that person received the harshest of penalties (Deuteronomy 19:16-19).

Deuteronomy 19:16-19 Amplified Bible

16 If a malicious witness rises up against a man to [falsely] accuse him of wrongdoing, 17 then both parties to the controversy shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges who will be in office at that time. 18 The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is a false witness, and he has accused his brother falsely, 19 then you shall do to him just as he had intended to do to his brother. So you shall remove the evil from among you.

Authentic justice in any society is impossible without authentic truth-telling.

When all people ever hear is lies, their life together as citizens and neighbors is severely undermined, reduced to uncertainty and chaos, seriously mistrusted.

Sadly, because of rampant lying and disinformation in our societies today, it’s difficult to trust anything some people say.

True or False or Who Cares or What Difference Will it Make?

We need to have the fullest trust, the utter importance of telling the truth.

God never lies.

Nor should we, as we seek to love him and our neighbors. 

What is there to gain?

What is there to lose?

Who is going to know our testimony is bought and paid for?

Who is going to care our testimony is bought and paid for?

The Shredded Garment: A Reflection on the Weight of Witness

In Mark 14:63, we find a powerful moment in the trial of Jesus: “Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?”

This verse offers profound insight into the intensity of this scene and provides deep theological reflection on the nature of truth, testimony, and the unwitting revelation of the divine.

The act of the high priest tearing his garments is laden with symbolism and significance.

In Jewish culture, such an action signified extreme grief, anger, or protest.

It was a public demonstration of what was perceived to be a blasphemous act by Jesus.

High Priest’s represented the pinnacle of religious authority among the Jewish people, charged with upholding laws and traditions that governed their faith.

Yet here he stands, torn between duty, the growing realization of the professed identity of the one who is now standing in judgment before him. In this tableau of high tension, we witness the clash between human tradition and divine truth.

First, let us examine the significance of witnesses.

The high priest’s question, “What need we any further witnesses?” reveals his desperation for affirmation of his own beliefs.

Faced with the undeniable, unfathomable truth of Jesus’ divine claims, he seeks closure and validation, vastly eager to mark the verdict against the blasphemer.

But do we not also live in a world where we seek validation of our own beliefs?

Are we not often like the high priest—seeking truth not in its entirety but also in fragments that align with our biased assumptions and pre-trial conclusions?

Truth is a rare commodity in the world today.

We are bombarded by social media opinions, yet discerning the objective truth is often clouded by personal biases and societal pressures and political agendas.

The high priest was confronted not only by the man standing before him but also by the incalculable weight of the truth that came with Jesus’ presence.

In tearing his clothes, he revealed not only his “righteous” anger at Jesus, but also the unraveling of Old Covenant practices in the face of the coming of the New Covenant which within a relative short time period, Jesus will embody.

Furthermore, this moment reveals the consequences of human conviction when it meets divine revelation.

The high priest’s need for proof exposes a heart unwilling to recognize the truth directly in front of him—the Messiah.

Jesus had performed miracles, taught with unmatched authority, and fulfilled prophecies long anticipated.

Yet, when it came to the crux of their beliefs, the high priest was ensnared by the fear of losing faith, his power, his wealth and the established temple order.

We, too, in our Christian lives, must ask ourselves: what truths are we unwilling to confront because they threaten our worldview or the comfort of our beliefs?

As followers of Christ, we are called to bear witness to the truth of who He is.

Each of us carries the weight of testimony, not just in grand declarations but in everyday actions and attitudes.

The high priest’s refusal to acknowledge Jesus gives us a sobering reflection on how easily rejection of the truth, truth giver, can lead to spiritual blindness and estrangement from God- how can our orthodoxy be any less true than Christ’s?

Are there areas in our lives where we, likewise, dismiss the truth of God’s word?

Are we resistant to allowing the Holy Spirit to convict us, convert us and lead us into all truth no matter what could, should do to us, promised in John 16:12-14?

In the tearing of his garments, the high priest signified a rending not just the fabric, but a metaphorical tearing of the old ways as he faced the New Covenant being brought forth by Jesus.

In our daily lives, may we be willing to allow the truths of Scripture to challenge us and tear away the misconceptions and falsehoods that bind us.

Thus, as we meditate on Mark 14:63, let it remind us not only of the urgency of our witness but too sacred, call to take off our shoes or sandals and embrace the truth of Jesus passionately and courageously, purposefully and authentically.

Let us be people who will intentionally discern truth from falsehood, willing to allow God’s transformative work to ‘rend’ our hearts toward Him and propel us forth as witnesses of the Gospel message and testimony of His grace and love.

May we be ready to embrace the truth, which is not just a set of beliefs but the very person of Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

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

Praying ….

Psalm 16 Complete Jewish Bible

16 (0) Mikhtam. By David:

(1) Protect me, God,
for you are my refuge.
2 I said to Adonai, “You are my Lord;
I have nothing good outside of you.”
3 The holy people in the land are the ones
who are worthy of honor; all my pleasure is in them.

4 Those who run after another god
multiply their sorrows;
To such gods I will not offer
drink offerings of blood
or take their names on my lips.

5 Adonai, my assigned portion, my cup:
you safeguard my share.
6 Pleasant places were measured out for me;
I am content with my heritage.

7 I bless Adonai, my counselor;
at night my inmost being instructs me.
8 I always set Adonai before me;
with him at my right hand, I can never be moved;
9 so my heart is glad, my glory rejoices,
and my body too rests in safety;
10 for you will not abandon me to Sh’ol,
you will not let your faithful one see the Abyss.
11 You make me know the path of life;
in your presence is unbounded joy,
in your right hand eternal delight.

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

https://translate.google.com

O’ God! Your righteousness is always eternally right, Your revelation is the only truth I require. Psalm 119:142

Psalm 119:137-144 Complete Jewish Bible

צ (Tzadeh)

137 You are righteous, Adonai;
and your rulings are upright.
138 You have commanded your instructions
in righteousness and great faithfulness.
139 My zeal is destroying me,
because my foes have forgotten your words.
140 Your word is refined to complete purity,
and your servant loves it.
141 I may be small and despised,
but I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is eternal righteousness,
and your Torah is truth.
143 Trouble and distress have overtaken me,
but your mitzvot are my delight.
144 Your instruction is righteous forever;
give me understanding, and I will live.

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.

Eternal Truth: The Righteousness of God

142 Your righteousness is eternal righteousness,
and your Torah is truth.

In our chaotic, ever-changing world, where truths can often feel fluid, we find ourselves grabbing our compasses and endlessly walking from one horizon to another in search of a foundation that withstands the shifting sands of popular opinion and circumstance.

The Bible, divine in nature, offers such a stabilizing force through the words of the psalmist in Psalms 119:142, which proclaims,

“Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.”

This powerful declaration invites us to delve deeper into the nature of God’s righteousness and the enduring truth as manifested, as revealed, in His law.

Understanding God’s Righteousness

To comprehend the impact of the psalmist’s assertion, we must first explore the nature of God’s righteousness.

Unlike human righteousness, which is very subjective and swayed by culture or circumstance, God’s righteousness remains constant—eternal and unchanging.

In Psalm 119, we are reminded that His righteousness is “everlasting.”

This indicates that it transcends time, existing before creation and enduring beyond the end of the world.

This aspect of God’s character offers us many assurances.

In a world rife with injustice, confusion, ethical and moral ambiguity, we can take solace in the fact that God’s standards of right and wrong do not shift.

They remain steadfast, providing a reliable guide for living.

Furthermore, God’s everlasting righteousness reveals His justice and holiness.

The law He established ensures we draw closer to understand the significance of righteousness in our relationship with Him and with one another.

The Law as Truth

“Thy law is the truth.”

This statement emphasizes that God’s law is not merely a set of rules to follow; rather, it embodies the very essence of truth.

In John 14:6, with uplifted untroubled hearts, we discover that Jesus Himself is the way, the truth, and the life.

Just as Jesus is the fulfillment of the law, the law reflects God’s character and His desire for humanity to live in steadfast harmony with His will.

The law conveys God’s expectations, reveals sin, points to the righteousness that is fulfilled through Christ.

In every commandment and statute, we see a glimpse of the divine nature.

Thus, when we adhere to God’s laws, we align ourselves with the eternal truth that leads to abundant life and blessing.

The law exposes deceit, protecting us from the falsehoods that seek to ensnare our hearts.

Living in Response

How then, should we respond to such profound declarations about God’s righteousness and truth?

First, we must cultivate a heart that seeks after His righteousness.

Matthew 5:6 reminds us, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

Psalm 34:8-10 Amplified Bible

8 
O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good;
How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him.
9 
O [reverently] fear the Lord, you His saints (believers, holy ones);
For to those who fear Him there is no want.
10 
The young lions lack [food] and grow hungry,
But they who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing.

This hunger is not passive; it generates action and determination to know God’s Word and apply it in our lives.

Moreover, acknowledging that God’s law is truth propels us into intentional obedience.

It compels us to study His Word daily, seeking wisdom and understanding to navigate the complexities of life.

As we grow in wisdom, knowledge, we are reminded that obedience to God’s commandments is not burdensome but a pathway to freedom (John 8:31-32).

John 8:31-32Amplified Bible

The Truth Will Make You Free

31 So Jesus was saying to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].”

In Psalm 119:142, we encounter a profound reminder of God’s nature as a righteous judge and the law as His unwavering truth.

As we diligently reflect on this verse, let us strive to embrace His everlasting righteousness and walk in His truth with devoted hearts.

May we likewise find strength and courage to proclaim His righteousness and adhere to His truth—daily living as beacons of His hope in a world yearning for genuine justice and authenticity and His Shalom.

May our lives reflect the righteousness of God, anchoring ourselves in His eternal truth and without hesitation, freely sharing that light with others.

Psalm 19 Amplified Bible

The Works and the Word of God.

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

19 The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And the expanse [of heaven] is declaring the work of His hands.
2 
Day after day pours forth speech,
And night after night reveals knowledge.
3 
There is no speech, nor are there [spoken] words [from the stars];
Their voice is not heard.
4 
Yet their voice [in quiet evidence] has gone out through all the earth,
Their words to the end of the world.
In them and in the heavens He has made a tent for the sun,
5 
Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.
6 
The sun’s rising is from one end of the heavens,
And its circuit to the other end of them;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 
The law of the Lord is perfect (flawless), restoring and refreshing the soul;
The statutes of the Lord are reliable and trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 
The precepts of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true, they are righteous altogether.
10 
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 
Moreover, by them Your servant is warned [reminded, illuminated, and instructed];
In keeping them there is great reward.
12 
Who can understand his errors or omissions? Acquit me of hidden (unconscious, unintended) faults.
13 
Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous (deliberate, willful) sins;
Let them not rule and have control over me.
Then I will be blameless (complete),
And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
14 
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable and pleasing in Your sight,
O Lord, my [firm, immovable] rock and my Redeemer.

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

https://translate.google.com

Would that I could see the limits to everything human, no horizons can contain God’s boundless commands! Psalm 119:89-96

Psalm 119:89-96 New King James Version

ל LAMED

89 Forever, O Lord,
Your word [a]is settled in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
You established the earth, and it [b]abides.
91 They continue this day according to Your ordinances,
For all are Your servants.
92 Unless Your law had been my delight,
I would then have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget Your precepts,
For by them You have given me life.
94 I am Yours, save me;
For I have sought Your precepts.
95 The wicked wait for me to destroy me,
But I will [c]consider Your testimonies.
96 I have seen the consummation of all perfection,
But Your commandment is exceedingly broad.

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.

Psalms 119:96 encapsulates a profound truth about the limitations of human understanding and the infinite horizons of God’s commandments.

“I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.”

This verse invites us to reflect on the contrast between the fleeting nature of human achievements and the boundless wisdom of God’s word.

In a world where perfection is often sought yet seldom attained, this scripture reassures us that while human endeavors will fall short, God’s teachings are boundless and provide guidance that transcends all time and circumstances.

Psalms 119:96 delves deep into the recognition of human limitations.

The psalmist acknowledges that while humanity strives for perfection—whether in moral actions, achievements, or societal standards—there exists a uncrossable boundary to such endeavors.

This recognition of “a limit to all perfection” serves as our humbling reminder that teaches no matter how hard we try, we will inevitably encounter flaws and failures, imperfections and incompleteness in our lives.

In contrast, psalm 96 celebrates the boundless nature of God’s commandments.

The phrase “your commandment is exceedingly broad” suggests that divine instruction extends far beyond human comprehension and capability.

It implies God’s law is not only extensive in its scope but rich in depth, offering wisdom and direction which leads, guides, and moves individuals through the intricate complexities of life.

This verse encourages believers to seek solace and guidance within the depths of God’s word, which stands firm and reliable when our human efforts falter. 

Additionally, verse 96 underscores the importance of divine guidance in navigating life’s challenges.

While human understanding is finite, God’s commandments offer infinite living wisdom that can lead to a more meaningful fulfilling transformed life.

The psalmist expresses an intense love for God’s law and reflects upon the inexhaustible blessings coming from a believers adherence, obedience to it.

Throughout the psalm, there is a recurring emphasis on the need for guidance, understanding, and the transformative power of God’s word.

In this context, verse 96 serves as a pivotal reflection on the limitations of our human endeavors compared to the incalculable vastness of divine instruction.

Reflecting on Psalms 119:96 invites us to confront the nature of perfection in our own lives.

In a society that often glorifies success and perfection, this verse challenges us to embrace our imperfections and recognize the limits of our understanding.

It encourages us to shift our focus from striving for unrealistic standards to our seeking guidance in God’s word, which is evermore-relevant and applicable. 

This verse prompts us to consider how we can integrate God’s commandments into our daily lives.

Are we allowing the teachings of scripture to test and transform our thoughts, inform our decisions, shape our characters, and influence our relationships?

The Psalmist’s acknowledgment of God’s commandments “exceedingly broad” informs, suggests, teaches, there’s always going to be more to learn and apply, encouraging a lifelong engagement, roller coaster journey of  spiritual growth.

Moreover, Psalms 119:96 can serve as an invaluable source of comfort during moments of our greatest temporary failures and our deepest disappointments.

It reassures us that while we may face limitations, God’s guidance is infinite and can lead, guide and direct us to greater understanding and fulfillment.

By embracing the breadth of God’s commandments, we find peace and purpose, knowing we are guided by a wisdom that far transcends our human experience.

As we each day try to navigate through all of our life’s complexities, may we continually seek the boundless richness of God’s law, allowing it to illuminate our paths and transform our hearts, reminding us that true perfection lies not in our temporary achievements but in our eternal relationship with the divine.

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

Praying ….

18-20 “Come. Sit down. Let’s argue this out.”
    This is God’s Message:
“If your sins are blood-red,
    they’ll be snow-white.
If they’re red like crimson,
    they’ll be like wool.
If you’ll willingly obey,
    you’ll feast like kings.
But if you’re willful and stubborn,
    you’ll die like dogs.”
That’s right. God says so.

61 1-2 God, listen to me shout,
    bend an ear to my prayer.
When I’m far from anywhere,
    down to my last gasp,
I call out, “Guide me
    up High Rock Mountain!”

3-5 You’ve always given me breathing room,
    a place to get away from it all,
A lifetime pass to your safe-house,
    an open invitation as your guest.
You’ve always taken me seriously, God,
    made me welcome among those who know and love you.

6-8 Let the days of the king add up
    to years and years of good rule.
Set his throne in the full light of God;
    post Steady Love and Good Faith as lookouts,
And I’ll be the poet who sings your glory—
    and live what I sing every day.

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

https://translate.google.com

Exactly, how familiar are we with this command to the ancients, Go! get to the heart of the matter, anger doesn’t mix well with personal relationships. Matthew 5:21-26 

Matthew 5:21-26 New King James Version

Murder Begins in the Heart

21 “You have heard that it was said to those [a]of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother [b]without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’[c] shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, [d]‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of [e]hell fire. 23  Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24  leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly,  while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

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.

This passage is part of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, where He addresses the deeper implications of the commandment against murder.

Matthew 5:21-26 is discussing the teachings of Jesus regarding anger and reconciliation. Jesus emphasizes being angry with someone is as serious as murder and instructs we should seek reconciliation before offering gifts at the altar.

Jesus likewise teaches that anger and insults can be as serious as murder in God’s eyes, warning that such displays of unchecked anger leads to judgment.

He urges us to make quick reconciliation with others before offering worship.

There are very serious spiritual implications to be aware of …
  • Anger as Sin: Jesus equates anger with murder, highlighting the seriousness of harboring ill feelings.
  • Reconciliation: Immediate reconciliation is crucial before engaging in worship, indicating relationships with others are vital to one’s relationship with God.
  • Judgment: The passage sternly warns of judgment for unresolved anger and disputes, dramatically stressing the need for strict personal accountability.

This teaching encourages believers to cultivate shalom and resolve conflicts promptly, reflecting the heart of Jesus’ message about love and community.

What implications of anger in Matthew 5:21-26 for modern relationships?

Matthew 5:21-26 emphasizes that anger is equated with murder, highlighting the real seriousness of unresolved anger and the critical need for reconciliation.

Other biblical teachings, such as those in Proverbs and Ephesians, also stress the very real importance of our managing anger and seeking peace, reinforcing the idea that our displays of unchecked anger can lead to destructive outcomes.

A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath (Proverbs 15:1 New King James Version)

15 A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 12:16 New American Standard Bible

16 A fool’s anger is known at once,
But a prudent person conceals dishonor.

Proverbs 14:29 New American Standard Bible

29 One who is slow to anger has great understanding;
But one who is [a]quick-tempered exalts foolishness.

Proverbs 19:11 New American Standard Bible

11 A person’s discretion makes him slow to anger,
And it is his glory to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 27:3-6 New American Standard Bible

 A stone is heavy and the sand weighty,
But the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them.
4 Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood,
But who can stand before jealousy?
5 Better is open rebuke
Than love that is concealed.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But [a]deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.

What historical context influenced Jesus’ teachings on anger and reconciliation in Matthew 5:21-26?

Jesus’ teachings on anger and reconciliation Matthew 5:21-26 were influenced by the Jewish understanding of the law, particularly the commandment against murder, which was repeatedly interpreted by the ancient scholar’s narrowly.

He expanded this interpretation to include the inner condition of anger and contempt, emphasizing the highest importance of reconciliation and those serious, even violent, consequences of unresolved anger in relationships.

Matthew 5:21-26 addresses the seriousness of anger and its consequences, emphasizing that being angry with a brother or sister is subject to judgment, equating it with murder in terms of moral, ethical, spiritual accountability.

Jesus teaches the unrelenting importance of reconciliation, urging individuals to settle disputes quickly to avoid greater consequences, highlighting the need for inner purity and peace in both our individual and community relationships.

Key Teachings
  • Anger and Judgment: Jesus equates anger with murder, stating anyone who is angry with a brother or sister is subject to judgment. This highlights the deep seriousness of harboring anger in one’s heart.
  • Reconciliation: Jesus instructs if someone recalls a grievance while offering a gift at the altar, they should first reconcile with that offended party before continuing with their offering. underscoring the priority of resolving conflicts.
Consequences of Anger
ActionConsequence
Being angry with a brotherSubject to judgment
Insulting a brother (e.g., “Raca”)Answerable to the court
Calling someone a foolIn danger of hellfire
Practical Application
  • Settling Disputes: Jesus advises settling matters quickly with adversaries to avoid escalation and potential legal consequences. This teaches the value of addressing conflicts promptly. (Matthew 5:43-45, Acts 13:9-11, Romans 12:19-21)
  • Inner Purity: The passage emphasizes that true righteousness involves not just external actions but also the inner condition of our hearts. Maintaining peace and purity in relationships is essential for establishing fulfilling spiritual lives.

By focusing on these teachings, individuals are encouraged to reflect on their attitudes and actions, striving for reconciliation and inner peace.

In my less than stellar moments of anger, hurt, resentment, or sometimes even out of shear frustration and annoyance, I have called others or thought of them as “stupid,” “uneducated” “hopelessly naive” as the religious leaders of Jesus’ day did when they called a spouse, children also brothers or sisters a “fool.”

According to Jesus, this kind of attitude violates the sixth commandment by showing my deeply rooted contempt for others made in the image of God.

I must confess I am too often guilty of automatically diminishing other people.

I need to continually plead, pray, humble myself, in the presence of God, to forgive me, to create within my heart a much deeper, genuine love for others.

What about you? 

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

Psalm 85 Complete Jewish Bible

85 (0) For the leader. A psalm of the sons of Korach:

2 (1) Adonai, you have shown favor to your land;
you have restored the fortunes of Ya‘akov,
3 (2) taken away the guilt of your people,
pardoned all their sin, (Selah)
4 (3) withdrawn all your wrath,
turned from your fierce anger.

5 (4) Restore us, God of our salvation,
renounce your displeasure with us.
6 (5) Are you to stay angry with us forever?
Will your fury last through all generations?

7 (6) Won’t you revive us again,
so your people can rejoice in you?
8 (7) Show us your grace, Adonai;
grant us your salvation.

9 (8) I am listening. What will God, Adonai, say?
For he will speak peace to his people,
to his holy ones —
but only if they don’t relapse into folly.
10 (9) His salvation is near for those who fear him,
so that glory will be in our land.
11 (10) Grace and truth have met together;
justice and peace have kissed each other.
12 (11) Truth springs up from the earth,
and justice looks down from heaven.
13 (12) Adonai will also grant prosperity;
our land will yield its harvest.
14 (13) Justice will walk before him
and make his footsteps a path.

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

https://translate.google.com

Today will always remain tomorrows yesterday. Never to become indebted to all of tomorrow’s troubles today. Matthew 6:25-34

Matthew 6:25-34 The Message

25-26 “If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

27-29 “Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

30-33 “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

34 “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

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.

Matthew 6:27 comes in the middle of Jesus’ teaching about anxiety.

He has already said, “Take no thought for your life” in Matthew 6:25, not because food, drink, clothing, and bodily needs do not matter, but because anxious care is the wrong master for the soul.

Then, in Matthew 6:26, He points His disciples to the birds of the air.

They don’t farm, store up, or build barns, yet the Father feeds them.

The point isn’t that birds are lazy.

Anyone who’s watched a bird work at building a nest knows better.

Consider the complexities of flight for the very tiny Hummingbird …

How Fast Do Hummingbirds Fly? Speed, Wingbeats, and Flight Science
How fast does the average hummingbird fly?

The point is that they live under God’s providential care.

Now Jesus asks a piercing question:

“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?”

Will the tiny Hummingbird add one cubit unto its stature?

F.Y.I. One biblical cubit equals the length of one forearm or about 1.5 feet.

The question exposes anxiety’s false promise.

Worry presents itself as responsible, alert, and necessary.

It acts as though if we think long enough, fear hard enough, and rehearse every possible outcome, we can somehow gain control over life.

But Jesus brings us back to reality.

Anxiety can’t add even a “cubit” to our height, our lifespan, our strength, or our security.

It can, however, drain the body, cloud the mind, and burden the heart, but it can’t actually accomplish what it promises.

The word “stature” may refer to bodily height, though some understand it more broadly as the length of one’s life.

Either way, the meaning is clear.

There are limits we can’t cross by worrying.

A man can’t think himself taller.

A woman can’t worry herself into a longer life.

A believer can’t add one inch to God’s wise design by carrying a burden the Father never commanded them to carry.

This isn’t a rebuke against diligence. 

Scripture praises wise labor, planning, and foresight. 

Proverbs teaches the value of preparation, discipline, and prudent action.

Jesus draws a firm line between responsible stewardship and restless anxiety.

Planning asks, “What has God given me to do?”

Anxiety asks, “What if God doesn’t take care of my needs?”

One is faith working through obedience.

The other is fear trying to enlarge the throne to fit its bloated stature.

Verse 27 also humbles modern pride.

We live in an age that often treats the body, future, identity, and personal fulfillment as things we can fully engineer.

Self-improvement has its place, but Scripture won’t flatter our illusion of control.

We’re creatures.

We’re dependent.

We’re limited.

Which is not bad news when the One who rules over our limits is our heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:38-48 New American Standard Bible

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your [a]tunic, let him have your [b]cloak also. 41 Whoever [c] forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and  the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors, do they not do the same? 47  And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Even the Gentiles, do they not do the same? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Skeptics have interpreted verse 27 as being fatalistic, implying that Jesus is saying that exercising any extra effort is pointless.

But that misses the context.

Jesus isn’t forbidding extra action.

He’s exposing anxiety.

The same Bible which says worry can’t add a cubit also commands our steady honest work, prayer, generosity, and watchfulness.

Proverbs 6:6-8 New American Standard Bible

6 Go to the ant, you [a]lazy one,
Observe its ways and be wise,
7 Which, having no chief,
Officer, or ruler,
8 Prepares its food in the summer
And gathers its provision in the harvest.

Biblical faith isn’t passive resignation.

It’s active trust under God’s authority.

Distorted religious views wrongly interpret verse 27 into a denial of ordinary responsibility, as though trusting God means neglecting work, health, family duties, or wise decisions.

That’s not what Jesus teaches.

Birds still fly.

Farmers still sow.

Parents still provide.

Believers still labor.

The difference is God’s people aren’t called to live as though the universe rests squarely upon their “mightily human” shoulders.

Thankfully, it doesn’t.

We are not the titan Atlas whose eternal burden in holding up the earth.

Most of us have enough trouble keeping our calendars straight; we’re not qualified to run providence nor expected to support more than Titan can.

If honest, many of us spend more time living in tomorrow than we do today.

Our minds wander to the doctor’s appointment next week, the conversation we need to have, the bills waiting to be paid, the future of our children, our careers, our health, or the prayer we’ve been waiting for God to answer.

Before tomorrow even arrives, we’ve already lived it a hundred times in our minds. Since most of tomorrow is overloaded by unknowns, we spend most of our time worrying about tomorrow because far too many what-ifs are at play.

The problem is the things we worry about never happen the way we imagine.

Jesus knew this tendency in the human heart, which is why He asked such a simple yet profound question: Can worrying add a single hour to your life?

Of course it can’t.

Worry doesn’t make us more prepared.

It doesn’t change outcomes.

It doesn’t solve tomorrow’s problems before they arrive.

More often than not, it simply steals today’s peace.

I’ve found myself doing this more times than I can count.

During difficult seasons, I would lie awake imagining every possible outcome, and most of the outcomes I imagined were worst-case scenarios.

I thought that if I could prepare for the worst, it might not hurt as much if it has already happened. But instead of protecting my heart, worry only exhausted it.

I realize that during those times of severe worrying, I spent precious moments carrying burdens that never became reality.

I borrow tomorrow’s trouble, missing the grace God already provided for today.

Or missed out on answered prayers and blessings given today, because I was so focused, preoccupied, on tomorrow.

And if I’m being brutally honest, I missed the joy in today as well. Sometimes worrying about the future would completely ruin my day or multiple days.

How many beautiful moments have we overlooked because our minds were somewhere else in the future? How many answered prayers have we failed to notice, or acknowledge because we were already anxious about the next one?

Jesus isn’t asking us to pretend tomorrow doesn’t exist.

In our Scripture from Matthew’s narrative, He’s asking the question as He invites us to remember who will already be there when tomorrow comes, because worrying does nothing for us; it doesn’t add a single hour to our life.

The God who sustained us yesterday will not suddenly stop being faithful in the morning. Maybe that’s why He only gives us enough to sustain us for today.

If He gave us tomorrow’s plan and successful outcome today, we might stop depending on Him tomorrow.

Verse 27 doesn’t minimize our worries.

It redirects them.

It asks us to admit what anxiety can’t do, so we may entrust ourselves to the God who can do all things wisely, righteously, and lovingly.

THREE SUGGESTIONS TO MEDITATE UPON
  1. What future situation have I been carrying that God never asked me to carry today?
  2. How has God faithfully provided for me in past seasons that once caused me anxiety?
  3. What would change about my life if I truly believed that God is already waiting for me tomorrow?

So, instead of trying to solve every unanswered question before we fall asleep, simply place tomorrow back into the hands of the One who already holds it.

Our future has never been safer than it is in the hands of our faithful Father.

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

https://translate.google.com

If? What do we mean by ‘if’? Are there any reasons for anyone uttering such phrases as ‘if,’ among His believers? Mark 9:22-25

Mark 9:22-25 New American Standard Bible

22 It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to kill him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” 23 But Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’  All things are possible for the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was [a]rapidly gathering, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I [b]command you, come out of him and do not enter him [c]again!”

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.

Mark 9:24 Amplified Bible

24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out [with a desperate, piercing cry], saying, “I do believe; help [me overcome] my unbelief.”

This cry came from a man who was heartbroken over the state of his son.

He was desperately hoping Jesus’ disciples could help, when they couldn’t, he began to feel more and more doubt if help was going to materialize for his son.

Jesus’ words that prompted this cry for help were both the gentle rebuke and the reminder that he needed in that moment – refocus on what God can do!

…Everything is possible for one who believes.’ (Mark 9:23)

I have needed to hear that on my Christian journey as well.

For, as much as I love the Lord, there have been times when I’ve veered into doubt. Every other word churning from deep within my crying soul was “if”

If my attitude came out of fear, discouragement, even impatience, it’s revealed a weakness in me. But within the conversations and the healing in this account, I’ve found great reassurance and hope that my faith can mature beyond “if?”.

Becoming stronger in our faith is a lifelong process.

The great news is that we are not expected to mature on our own.

God will do the work in our hearts.

We do have an important part to play in His plan, though.

The Meaning of ‘Lord, I Believe; Help My Unbelief’ in Mark 9:24

What the man shouts here can sound contradictory.

He claims to believe, yet, in the same breath he also confesses to unbelief.

It took me a whole bunch of studying to appreciate the wisdom in his words.

Now I see that this father understood that faith in God is not a one-and-done choice or just a simple switch that God turns on at our moment of salvation.

Early on as a believer, I had been taught the idea that God changes us gradually, as the layers of an onion are peeled off.

This can apply to faith.

How much we grow in our belief over time depends on “if” we are willing to:

  • Let go of trying to control
  • Submit to God’s will
  • Trust in God’s ability
  • being teachable in the truth of the Word of God.
  • believe that the word “if” loses its value when face to face with the Word of God.
  • feast upon the deeper implications from this truth: 30 He (Jesus) must increase [in prominence], but I must decrease. (John 3:30 Amplified)

The father quickly realized he needed to admit his inability to heal his son.

Then he declared that Jesus could do the healing.

“If” He could help. “If” He was inclined to help. “If” He was being truthful.

“If” he would not require a fee for His service – not moving until he was paid.

Mark 9:23 Amplified Bible

23 Jesus said to him, “[You say to Me,] ‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes and trusts [in Me]!”

The result was joyous—his child’s health was renewed, and his faith increased.

“”If” only someone, anyone, would take pity and “Help My Unbelief!””

A (sincere, insincere), prayer for faith that God wants us to give our answer to.

Suggestions and Prayers to Ask God to Help Our Unbelief

This account describes a parent that has been engaged in a long-term struggle for his son’s life.

Most situations we find ourselves dealing with are not quite so dramatic.

But if we can take the principles in Mark 9, apply them to prevent doubt from creeping in during all sorts of momentary or ongoing challenges in our lives.

1. Help My Unbelief About Reconciliation

Relationships are an integral part of God’s design for us.

But as imperfect humans, we can easily find ourselves estranged from Him, and others who are important to us.

In some cases the problems get resolved right away. But on occasion, for whatever reason, we stay separated longer. While a personal connection is “on hold,” we can choose to let pessimism set in, or we can keep pursuing God.

Lord, I admit my doubt that this relationship (with You, with another person) can be reconciled. It has been damaged, and has stayed broken for a long time. Your Word says that Jesus came so that we could be reconciled to You, and calls us to be reconciled to each other. I ask that You help me do my part, and then to rest in expectation that You are working for good here. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

2. Help My Unbelief When I Struggle to Forgive

The command to forgive is woven all through the Bible. But when we are hurt or betrayed by someone, our tendency is to automatically turn far away from that person rather than going toward them. In those difficult moments, we can let our feelings lead us, or we can choose to faithfully obey God’s call to seek peace.

Heavenly Father, I am struggling to forgive, and wonder if I’ll ever be able to. The pain I feel is real, and I don’t know when it will ease. But Jesus taught that we are to forgive others so that we may be forgiven ourselves. So, even as I’m still feeling anger and hurt, Lord, help me to decide to have grace for this person. Please make me willing to release my feelings, trusting that You will take care of both of us in this situation and bring peace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

3. Help My Unbelief About Healing

When we study God’s promises about healing, our natural response to physical or mental health conditions is to sigh in relief, and lift them up. Sometimes an answer to our prayer comes right away. But other times, healing is very slow in coming. We can allow the waiting lead us to despair, or to draw closer to God.

Father God, I confess that I am battling doubt that You will heal me (my family member, friend, etc.). Health conditions are always worrisome, and this one has gone on for a while. I know You promise in Your Word to “heal all our diseases” and make us whole. But as I wait, Lord, let me not fall into despair, but to become more confident that I will see Your goodness. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

4. Help My Unbelief About Provision

Scripture gives us so many great examples of how God cares for His people. But if our needs do not get met as quickly as we would expect, it can be challenging to remain quiet, settled and keep calm in our spirit. We can navigate this season impatiently, in expectation of how God will work. God answers sincere prayers.

Gracious Lord, I come to You and confess my doubt that You will provide for me. All through history, You have watched over Your people, knowing what we need before we ever pray about it. So, Father, help me to believe those truths, and to know in my heart You are already working. Replace my fear with hope. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Mark 9:14-27 is a stirring description of one of Jesus’ miraculous healings.

With His words, He saved a boy from a tormenting spirit. With other words, Jesus brought the father to a new level of belief and faith.

I relate to that father’s plea about weakness, because if I’m honest, it echoes my own. I’m so grateful God invites us to grow, and then walks side by side with us.

Each step we to take, from confession to proclaiming our confidence, pleases Him.

So, “if” we are indeed ready and sincere, let’s start the next part of the journey.

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

Psalm 42

Longing for God
For the choir director. A Maskil of the sons of Korah.

1 As a deer longs for flowing streams,
so I long for you, God.
2 I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night,
while all day long people say to me,
“Where is your God?”
4 I remember this as I pour out my heart:
how I walked with many,
leading the festive procession to the house of God,
with joyful and thankful shouts.

5 Why, my soul, are you so dejected?
Why are you in such turmoil?
Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him,
my Savior and my God.
6 I[a] am deeply depressed;
therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan
and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your breakers and your billows have swept over me.
8 The Lord will send his faithful love by day;
his song will be with me in the night—
a prayer to the God of my life.

9 I will say to God, my rock,
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about in sorrow
because of the enemy’s oppression?”
10 My adversaries taunt me,
as if crushing my bones,
while all day long they say to me,
“Where is your God?”
11 Why, my soul, are you so dejected?
Why are you in such turmoil?
Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him,
my Savior and my God.

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

https://translate.google.com