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."
6 Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, 7 so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me[a] were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved.[b] They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Identity theft is a growing threat today. High tech scammers anonymously try to steal our personal information and gain access to our financial accounts.
In the spirit world, another identity thief lurks as well. The master deceiver, Satan, tries to rob believers of the assurance of their new identity in Christ.
He continuously tries to sow seeds of doubt, despair, confusion, and insecurity within us. If he cannot possess us, the devil wants at least to wear us down and make us feel defeated, and weak, limiting our service for God and his kingdom.
Make no bones about it; Satan is our most vicious adversary whose mode of operandi is to seek and to destroy.
If he cannot keep us from being saved, he strives to keep us from being used.
Satan is forever seeking opportunities for his savage attacks therefore we are to not be fearful rather on our guard. While Satan is most definitely far out of our league in power, he is certainly not out of God’s authority– Hallelujah for that!
But we are not alone.
We have the presence of God in our hearts, and we have God’s Word to assure us and strengthen us with the truth.
Jesus promises that we will have life to the full, and no one can snatch us out of his hand (John 10:28-30).
28 And I give them eternal life, and they will never, ever [by any means] perish; and no one will ever snatch them out of My hand. 29 [a]My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are One [in essence and nature].”
The Lord and his Word remain our best protection, affirming that we are not defined by past successes or failures but only by our union with Christ.
Through faith, we receive his righteousness and become the children of God.
We are forgiven, cleansed, commissioned to be his representatives in the world.
As God’s handiwork, as God’s masterpiece, we are expertly woven together, created to do good works that honor the Lord and bring blessing to others.
As God reassures us through his Spirit and his Word, we are redeemed, beloved, and empowered to live out his purposes with confidence and grace each day.
How do I apply John 10:10 to my life?
To abundantly live the John 10:10life is to live a life committed to Christ. It takes deliberate discipline, continual conversion, and a life thoroughly rooted in Scripture and the sacraments. When we choose this life and ignore the many thieves surrounding us, we’re sure to have a life of abundance, hope, and peace.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
Psalm 23 The Message
23 1-3 God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
31 What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies; 34 who is to condemn? Is it Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us?[a]35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written,
“For thy sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
In times of uncertainty, upheaval and seeming chaos, it’s natural for people to extend themselves seek out a strong leader to restore order, to bring resolution.
It may be a military hero, a political figure, or a charismatic leader.
We all too often rush to look to our own resources to bring stability to a volatile situation, don’t we?
Yet when we discover the ultimate victor and King, Jesus Christ, we learn, as he states in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:31-33 Amplified Bible
31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now [at last] believe? 32 Take careful notice: an hour is coming, and has arrived, when you will all be scattered, each to his own home, leaving Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
Through his triumph over sin and death, Jesus declares victory over every force that opposes God and his plan of restoration. His victory brings hope to believers, promising peace and triumph despite the trials and struggles they may endure.
In light of this, Paul boldly proclaims in Romans 8, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
The adversity believers experience is nothing new (Romans 8:36).
Do not be surprised when you suffer for Christ’s sake.
This happened to the godly saints in the Old Testament and the New Testament (Psalm 44:22; Hebrews 11:36-38; 2 Timothy 3:12). Nothing that enters our life is able or sufficient to separate us from God’s love demonstrated at the cross.
God’s love allows the believer to be a conqueror in adversity (Romans 8:37).
God walks with us through every adversity and hardship. We do not merely survive or squeak by. We do not just succeed. We are more than conquerors!
In Christ, we are super-conquerors. This verse emphasizes the absolute and overwhelming victory that God gives to the believer through Christ. Believers are supremely victorious because of their abiding relationship with Christ.
God allows nothing to separate us from his love (Romans 8:38-39). The victory Jesus won through his death and resurrection is now shared with his followers.
Our identity in Christ transforms us into victors who have new, full life forever in Christ. When we align with Jesus, no other power or influence can defeat us or keep us down. Don’t let, don’t allow suffering cause you to doubt God’s love.
What should you do with this wonderful passage?
First, you should make sure these wonderful truths apply to you.
This magnificent promise of God’s love is only for those who have a personal relationship with him made possible through faith in Jesus Christ. If you know Christ as savior, you can be confident that God’s love for you is unchanging.
You must meditate on and rehearse this marvelous passage in your mind so that you’ll be convinced of this truth. As you’ll face suffering, hardship, persecution, allow the trials to drive you, empower you directly into the loving arms of God.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
20 1-4 God answer you on the day you crash, The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm’s reach, Send reinforcements from Holy Hill, Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies, Exclaim over your offerings, Celebrate your sacrifices, Give you what your heart desires, Accomplish your plans.
5 When you win, we plan to raise the roof and lead the parade with our banners. May all your wishes come true!
6 That clinches it—help’s coming, an answer’s on the way, everything’s going to work out.
7-8 See those people polishing their chariots, and those others grooming their horses? But we’re making garlands for God our God. The chariots will rust, those horses pull up lame— and we’ll be on our feet, standing tall.
9 Make the king a winner, God; the day we call, give us your answer.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”
33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
When Jesus came to live and teach among us, it was common for a farmer to sling a bag of seed over his shoulder and to walk through his fields reaching in to the bag and busily scattering handfuls of seed onto the freshly tilled soil.
As Jesus explains the process of the seed sprouting and growing in this parable, we can see that the seed symbolizes the good news of salvation, bringing the potential for new life.
As Paul explains similarly in Romans 1:16, “The gospel . . . is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
The gospel is a potent unstoppable force, capable of transforming lives and entire communities. Like seed hidden beneath the surface, its message takes root out-of-sight, deep within the human heart. There it grows and matures, eventually breaking through our soils and yielding a harvest of righteousness.
Luke 12:13-21 New American Standard Bible 1995
Covetousness Denounced
13 Someone [a]in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” 14 But He said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” 16 And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. 17 And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ 18 Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night [b]your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ 21 So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
Hoarding the Gospel seeds – Locking it away in our “Silos”
Rather than hoarding and locking the seeds of the gospel in a silo, we are called to freely, openly and visibly scatter it all generously as we journey through life.
We widely scatter seed by supporting missionaries or mission organizations, volunteering for a church community service project, inviting a neighbor over for coffee, a barbeque, a swim party, and more – a worship service in the park.
We sow gospel seed when we nurture spiritual conversations with our family members and friends, converse with strangers in a grocery store. We sow seed with colleagues at work, at lunch or dinner. When we spread the good news of our Savior Jesus, we participate in the process of bringing forth spiritual fruit.
The Kingdom of God on earth is progressing toward an end. While we don’t fully understand all that goes on, we can be sure that the Kingdom is growing, and when it comes to full maturity, the season of the great harvest will come.
There is movement and there is mystery, but ultimately, there is harvest.
We also need to understand this about the Kingdom: The power of the Kingdom grows, moves and matures and breaks out into the light of day despite our lack of complete, full, understanding of all that is happening in this work of God.
One thing is certain, however; when all things are ready, the harvest will come.
A question for us is whether or not we will be an active or passive part of this movement and mystery and grow as we should, to be ready for harvest time.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God, the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
126 (0) A song of ascents:
(1) When Adonai restored Tziyon’s fortunes, we thought we were dreaming. 2 Our mouths were full of laughter, and our tongues shouted for joy.
Among the nations it was said, “Adonai has done great things for them!” 3 Adonai did do great things with us; and we are overjoyed.
4 Return our people from exile, Adonai, as streams fill vadis in the Negev.
5 Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy. 6 He who goes out weeping as he carries his sack of seed will come home with cries of joy as he carries his sheaves of grain.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in[a] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Sin stands in the way of our being right with God. We can get right with God by repenting of our sin and trusting in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. By doing so, we receive forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life.
what does the bible say?
The way to be in right standing with God was the same in the Old Testament as in the New Testament—by faith.
Before Christ died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, God gave His people the Law to point out sin, to reveal God’s holy standard, and to show humanity their need for a Savior.
The Law served as a guide to lead people to Christ, highlighting their inability to achieve righteousness, or right standing, through their own efforts.
The Law pointed them to the necessity of God’s grace and forgiveness.
Scripture exhorts us to repent of sin and to believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior who is the path to eternal life.
Paul makes it clear in Romans that no person can get to heaven by his own effort. All sin is an infinite offense against God and deserves God’s wrath.
We need to be made righteous to be in right standing before God. Right standing with God is attained through faith in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work.
The barrier that keeps us from being right with God is sin.
In spite of our sin, God made a way for us to be in right standing with Him, to be declared righteous, to be freely justified by God’s grace, to be forgiven of our sins through the work of Jesus Christ, and to be granted eternal life.
The only solution to being right with God is trusting in Jesus as our Savior.
from the old testament
Abram (Abraham) was righteous, or in right standing before the Lord, because Abram believed in Him (Genesis 15:6).
God offers cleansing of sin to those who obey and believe in Him (Isaiah 1:18–20).
By turning to the Lord and believing in Him, we can be declared righteous, be justified before Him, and be saved (Isaiah 45:21–25).
Righteous people who are in right standing with God believe in Him and live by His faithfulness (Habakkuk 2:4).
God calls those who have turned away from Him to repent of sin in order to be in right standing with Him, and He promises that He will be gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in loving kindness (Joel 2:12–13).
Everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved and in right standing with Him (Joel 2:32).
from the new testament
Right standing is given through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22).
Humans sin and do not measure up to God’s perfect standard, but those who believe are given the free gift of grace through Jesus (Romans 3:23).
Our sins lead to death, but God gave us the free gift of His son, so we can have eternal life (Romans 6:23).
We can be right with God and saved from eternal death by declaring that Jesus is Lord and believing that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9).
Jesus took on the world’s sins at the cross so that all who believe would be made righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Righteousness comes through faith in God (Philippians 3:9).
God gave us His Son so that all who believe would not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
If we believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and that He is our Lord and Savior, we are justified before God (Romans 10:9–10).
We need to confess our sins to be in right standing with God (1 John 1:9).
It is by grace through faith that we are saved and are thus in right standing with God (Ephesians 2:8–9).
implications for today
If you are asking this question, it likely means you feel the burden of your sins.
Our sins lead us to death, but take heart—God gave us a way to be forgiven of our sins and to have eternal life!
How can you receive eternal life? Jesus taught that eternal life comes by faith: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
You must believe in Jesus to escape death and the punishment for your sins and to have eternal life in heaven with Jesus.
Genuine faith leads to repentance and a commitment to follow Christ. Salvation is not earned by good works but is a gift from God that is received through faith.
God loves you and created you to have a relationship with Him, to reflect His glory, and to fulfill His purposes.
However, sin separates us from God, and we cannot bridge this gap on our own.
Jesus Christ, God’s Son, came to earth, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.
He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death.
By trusting in Jesus and accepting Him as your Savior and Lord, you can receive forgiveness for your sins and the gift of eternal life with God.
There is no special prayer you must say to get right with God.
However, if you would like to accept Jesus as your Savior and know for certain you have eternal life, you can tell God with a prayer similar to this:
“Dear God, I realize I am a sinner and could never reach heaven by my own good deeds. Right now, I place my faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son, who took the punishment for my sins on the cross and rose from the dead to give me eternal life and restore me to rightness with you. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live for you. Thank you for accepting me and giving me eternal life.”
Have you made a decision for Christ because of what you have read here?
understand
Sin separates us from God; faith in Jesus makes us right with Him.
Getting right with God has always come by faith, not works.
Jesus’s death and resurrection offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who will believe.
reflect
How have you seen the weight of sin affect your relationship with God, and how does faith in Jesus bring hope?
What does repentance look like in your daily life, and how can you make it a genuine practice?
Have you fully trusted in Jesus for your salvation, or are you relying on your own efforts to be right with God?
engage
What role do we play in helping others get right with God?
How can we explain the significance of faith over works in being right with God to someone unfamiliar with the gospel?
What Old Testament examples, like Abraham’s faith, can help us illustrate the consistency of God’s plan for salvation?
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Praying, ….
19 1-2 God’s glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon. Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening.
3-4 Their words aren’t heard, their voices aren’t recorded, But their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere.
4-5 God makes a huge dome for the sun—a superdome! The morning sun’s a new husband leaping from his honeymoon bed, The daybreaking sun an athlete racing to the tape.
6 That’s how God’s Word vaults across the skies from sunrise to sunset, Melting ice, scorching deserts, warming hearts to faith.
7-9 The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.
10 God’s Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries.
11-14 There’s more: God’s Word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure. Otherwise how will we find our way? Or know when we play the fool? Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work; Then I can start this day sun-washed, scrubbed clean of the grime of sin. These are the words in my mouth; these are what I chew on and pray. Accept them when I place them on the morning altar, O God, my Altar-Rock, God, Priest-of-My-Altar.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
14 Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. 4 On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward. 5 And you shall flee to the valley of my mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal. And you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.[a]
6 On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost.[b]7 And there shall be a unique[c] day, which is known to the Lord, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light.
8 On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea[d] and half of them to the western sea.[e] It shall continue in summer as in winter.
9 And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Today’s message from Zechariah 14:9 paints a beautiful picture for us: a future where God is the one true King over the whole earth.
Imagine that—a time when everyone is united under His loving rule, and all the disagreements and fights we see now are gone.
This isn’t just a nice thought for the future; it’s a guide for how we should try to live our lives today.
This big promise compels us to think about how we can bring a little bit of that future unity into our world right now.
It’s about our being kind, finding ways to get along with others, and showing the same love to everyone, no matter how different they might seem from us.
We’re being called to act like citizens of God’s kingdom today, working to make peace and help others just like Jesus did.
So, how do we do this?
We can start small, in our families, schools, or workplaces, by being the person or people who truly listens, forgives, and tries to understand where others are coming from. Every act of kindness, every effort to make peace, is like planting fields of the most responsive seeds of God’s future kingdom here in our time.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
Psalm 29
A Psalm of David.
1 Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. 2 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters. 4 The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. 5 The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars; yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn. 7 The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire. 8 The voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness; the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh. 9 The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.
10 The Lord sitteth upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever. 11 The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
A steward is someone who takes care of and manages someone else’s property or belongings. The steward is not the owner but is responsible to the owner for all that the owner has entrusted to them.
The Bible includes many examples of stewardship. When God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, he charged them with its care (Genesis 2:15).
Since the beginning, humans have been entrusted by God to steward his creation, his blessings, and the very lives he gives them.
In Jesus’ parable in our Bible reading today, three servants received bags of gold from their master before he left on a journey.
They were expected to be productive, innovative, and enterprising with what they had been given.
Specifically, they were to invest their master’s resources in worthwhile ventures, aiming for growth and multiplication.
While two servants faithfully embraced this responsibility, one did not. The master’s approval clearly fell upon the two who were faithful.
As the Lord’s stewards, we don’t possess anything on our own.
All we have is entrusted to us by our gracious heavenly Father.
Yet while we live and breathe, we are called to nurture and care for what God has given us, using it for his glory.
What does Matthew 25:14 teach us?
Jesus’ servants must work diligently for Him while waiting for His return, not wasting the talents and resources which they have been given. Jesus uses two additional parables to illustrate a state of constant readiness for His return after He has gone. His followers should be diligently working for Him while waiting.
What is the meaning of Matthew 25:18?
This represents God’s intent for the skills, abilities, and resources He gives to His people: to be used prudently, wisely and for God’s benefit. To do otherwise is to “waste our talents.” Here Jesus describes the servant, given a single talent.
What is the moral lesson of Matthew 25:14-30?
The point of the parable is that we are to use whatever we have been given by God exclusively for God’s purposes. The severe consequences to the lazy and unproductive servant, far beyond anything triggered by mere blind business mediocrity, tells us that we are to heavily invest our lives, not waste them.
Then one day we too will hear the Master’s words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
16 1-2 Keep me safe, O God, I’ve run for dear life to you. I say to God, “Be my Lord!” Without you, nothing makes sense.
3 And these God-chosen lives all around— what splendid friends they make!
4 Don’t just go shopping for a god. Gods are not for sale. I swear I’ll never treat god-names like brand-names.
5-6 My choice is you, God, first and only. And now I find I’m your choice! You set me up with a house and yard. And then you made me your heir!
7-8 The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake is confirmed by my sleeping heart. Day and night I’ll stick with God; I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go.
9-10 I’m happy from the inside out, and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed. You canceled my ticket to hell— that’s not my destination!
11 Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
19 So we have the prophetic word made more certain. You do well to pay [close] attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and light breaks through the gloom and the [a]morning star arises in your hearts. 20 [b]But understand this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of or comes from one’s own [personal or special] interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Brother’s, Sister’s, Friends, welcome. It is such a blessing to gather together today and delve into the profound truths in God’s Word. We encounter in 2 Peter 1:19 an affirmation of the uniqueness, power, and authority of the Bible.
Peter writes,
“We have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
The Bible isn’t just any book; it’s a divine revelation, a lamp guiding us through life’s darkest valleys.
Rev. Dr. A.W. Tozer said,
“The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.”
This quote underlines the uniqueness, power, and authority embedded by God in the Bible, which we will further explore today.
Let’s bow our heads in prayer.
Dear Lord, we thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we now study Your Word today, give us hearts that are receptive, minds that are attentive, and spirits that are willing to obey what You reveal to us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Now, let’s open our hearts and minds to the divine truths that the Lord wants to reveal through His Word today.
The Uniqueness of the Bible
The composition:
It was written over a span of approximately 1500 years by more than 40 authors diverse backgrounds, including kings, shepherds, fishermen, tree dressers and nomads, cup bearers, fugitives under sentence of death, fisherman, scholars.
Yet, despite the vast differences in time, background, culture, upbringing and authorship, the Bible maintains a highly remarkable consistency in its message.
This unity amidst diversity points to a divine authorship, a supernatural hand guiding human thoughts, hands of human authors to pen God’s revelation.
The content:
It contains historical narratives, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, law codes, and apocalyptic visions.
Yet, all these diverse genres are carefully woven together to tell one overarching story: God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
No other book presents such a comprehensive and coherent narrative that spans from the creation of the world to the end of time.
Its truth: As Hebrews 4:12 declares,
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
The Bible is unique because it is God’s living Word that penetrates our hearts, convicts us of our sins, and transforms us into the likeness of Christ.
The impact: The Bible has shaped civilizations, inspired great works of art, literature, and music, and transformed countless lives.
It has provided hope to the hopeless, comfort to the grieving, guidance to the lost, and salvation to the sinner.
The Bible’s enduring influence and transformative power attest to its divine origin and authority.
Its survival:
Despite numerous attempts throughout history to destroy or discredit the Bible, it remains the most widely read and distributed book in the world.
Its survival against all odds is a testimony to the truth of Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
It’s not just a book; it is the living Word of God, a divine revelation that guides us, convicts us, transforms us, and ultimately leads us to salvation in Christ.
The Power of the Bible
It’s transformative:
It has the ability to change us from the inside out.
As we read and meditate on God’s Word, it shapes our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.
It molds us into the image of Christ, helping us to grow in godliness and holiness.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, affirms this when he writes,
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
This transformation happens as we immerse ourselves in the powerful Word of God.
It’s healing:
It brings comfort and peace to troubled hearts.
It provides hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, healing to the broken.
The psalmist testifies to this when he writes, “He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave” (Psalm 107:20).
God’s Word has the power to heal our emotional wounds, mend our broken relationships, and restore our joy.
It’s guiding:
It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).
It provides direction when we are lost, wisdom when we are confused, and clarity when we are in doubt.
It guides us in making decisions, choosing paths, and navigating life’s complexities.
Charles Spurgeon once said:
“A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”
This quote speaks to the power of the Bible in sustaining us through life’s trials and tribulations.
As we cling to God’s Word, it holds, binds, us together, giving us the strength to endure, the faith to believe, and the hope to persevere.
The power of the Bible is not just in its words, but in the God who speaks through them.
As we read, study, and meditate on the Bible, we encounter the living God, who uses His Word to transform, heal, and guide us.
The Authority of the Bible
Its ability to guide us in all areas of life:
It provides us with the moral and ethical standards by which we should live.
It gives us guidance on how to relate to God and to others.
It provides us with a worldview that helps make sense of the world around us.
It gives us hope for the future and comfort in times of sorrow.
It instructs us in the way of salvation and leads us to a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Its ability to change lives:
Throughout history, countless individuals have been radically changed by the message of the Bible.
It has the power to convict people of sin, to bring them to repentance, and to lead them to faith in Christ.
It has the power to comfort, to heal, to guide, and to give hope.
It has the power to change hearts and minds, to transform societies, and to shape cultures.
Grounded in the character of God:
Because God is truthful, His Word is truthful.
Because God is faithful, His Word is reliable.
Because God is powerful, His Word is powerful.
Because God is loving, His Word is life-giving.
The authority of the Bible is an expression of the authority of God Himself.
To submit to the authority of the Bible is to submit to the authority of God.
Conclusion
As we wrap up today, let’s remember that the Bible isn’t just a book.
It’s a divine revelation, a guide through life’s darkest valleys, and a source of spiritual perfection.
Let’s not just randomly pick it up and choose our favorite passages, but let’s strive to understand and obey the whole Bible.
Because nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.
And now, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and forevermore.
Let’s pray.
Psalm 119:1-16 The Message
119 1-8 You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. I’m going to do what you tell me to do; don’t ever walk off and leave me.
* * *
9-16 How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you, I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it.
* * *
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your Word and the truths we’ve explored today. As we go out into the world, help us to remember and live out these truths. Keep our hearts receptive, our minds attentive, and our spirits willing to obey what You reveal to us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and by him all things hold together. 18 He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.[a]
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
Imagine a universe in which everything is completely random.
There is no order; there is no consistency; there is no purpose.
What a horrible place that would be!
Yet those who believe in a purely naturalistic explanation for the origin of the universe find themselves in precisely such a place.
I’m thankful that we can know that there is purpose, there is direction, and that there is order in the universe.
This universe was designed, laid out, and is maintained by the Creator, the God of the universe, Himself.
The laws of physics are such a beautiful picture of the great order that God gives to His creation. Not only has God created this world, but He is 100% intimately involved in keeping everything orderly, running according to His perfect plan.
This truth actually brings us great comfort.
I don’t know if you’ve figured this out, but I have noticed many times over the many years that I’ve been alive that life does not actually turn out the way that I thought it would when I was much younger. As a matter of fact, life regularly takes twists and turns that I never would have ever imagined in my early years.
Unexpected tragedies come.
We experience loss.
We experience pain, heartache, sorrow, failure, and despair.
But knowing that God reigns on His throne on high is an incredible comfort.
We can be assured that nothing takes place that is outside of His control.
Take a moment to think about God’s perspective on this universe.
Consider God’s perspective on your problems.
God is not stressed out.
God is not sitting on His throne wringing his hands in worry about how things are going to turn out.
As you go throughout this day, take time to ponder God’s sovereignty.
Meditate on the reality that He is in control of everything.
Take time to ponder His sovereignty and how it makes a difference in your life.
Consider how big of a deal that is.
TODAY’S BIG IDEA:“God is in control, and you can relax and trust in Him.”
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
Psalm 24
A psalm by David.
1 The earth and everything it contains are Yahweh’s. The world and all who live in it are his. 2 He laid its foundation on the seas and set it firmly on the rivers.
3 Who may go up Yahweh’s mountain? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart and does not long for what is false[a] or lie when he is under oath. 5 This person will receive a blessing from Yahweh and righteousness from Elohim, his savior. 6 This is the person who seeks him, who searches for the face of the El of Jacob.[b] Selah
7 Lift your heads, you gates. Be lifted, you ancient doors, so that the Melek of glory may come in.
8 Who is this Melek of glory? Yahweh, strong and mighty! Yahweh, heroic in battle!
9 Lift your heads, you gates. Be lifted, you ancient doors, so that the Melek of glory may come in.
10 Who, then, is this Melek of glory? Yahweh Tsebaoth is the Melek of glory! Selah
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle[a] and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures— 3 concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David[b] according to the flesh 4 and was appointed to be the powerful Son of God according to the Spirit of holiness[c] by the resurrection of the dead. 5 Through him we have received grace and apostleship to bring about[d] the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the Gentiles,[e]6 including you who are also called by Jesus Christ.
7 To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Maybe you heard this question as a child or a teenager.
Our responses usually focus on some kind of career path or occupation.
And as we grow older, we realize that we need some kind of work or career to help us with the costs of living.
Yet consider the nuance of the question.
It doesn’t ask, “What do you want to do?” It asks, “What do you want to be?”
Being has to do with our essence, our character, our identity. And in God’s carefully crafted economy, being goes ahead of doing. We are so that we can do.
The apostle Paul opens his letter to the Romans with a defining statement:
“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God. . . .”
On the face of it, this statement addresses the question “Who am I?”
Yet, looking deeper, we can see that it’s more about “Whose am I?”
Paul’s identity is inseparable from his relationship with Jesus.
Paul identifies himself as a servant—or, more precisely, a bondservant—of Christ Jesus.
What is a bondservant according to the Bible?
A bondservant is one owned by another. They do not have anything that is their own—even their time belongs to their master. They wake up each day seeking to know and do the will of their master above all else. Do we live to do the Lord’s will, doing “all things for the sake of His gospel”?
What is the difference between a servant and a bondservant?
A bond-servant was a slave who had been offered his freedom, but who, of his own volition, who chose to remain a slave and serve his master faithfully.
The master didn’t force him or threaten or coerce him to stay, to do his bidding, but it was the slave who chose joyfully and willingly to take on the role of slave.
What does Paul mean when he calls himself a bondservant?
Paul willingly embraced the title of bondservant because it referenced Christ’s ownership of his life.
Just like a master paid the price to purchase a slave, Christ came and purchased our lives with His own lifeblood. This means we are no longer slaves to sin, but we are slaves to Christ, bound unto a life of service to a perfect, loving Master.
In essence, Paul belongs to Jesus, his Redeemer, who called and commissioned him. He no longer lives to please and serve himself but to please and serve the One who has rescued him.
This radical Christ-centeredness is the character that every believer takes on.
Like Paul’s, our own identity becomes quite literally inseparable from our transformative relationship with Jesus Christ.
What does separated unto the gospel mean?
Paul is saying that the ultimate purpose for his separation to the Gospel was to get lost people saved; to get people to put their faith in the living and glorified Christ Who died for their sins, was buried, rose again for their justification.
What is the lesson learned in Romans Chapter 1?
After telling the Christians in Rome he is eager to come see them and preach the gospel there, Paul declares that the gospel is God’s power to save everyone who believes in Jesus. We need to be saved, because our sin has earned God’s wrath.
As a whole, humanity has rejected God as creator and provider.
How to apply the Word of God to everyday life?
Consider a few suggestions:
Read and meditate daily. Reading and meditating alone will not bring application, but you have to start somewhere. …
Pray for wisdom. As you meditate on the Word, ask the Lord to give you understanding and discernment. …
Ask Questions. …
Look for situations. …
Make changes.
Who am I according to God’s Word?
I am the righteousness of God—I have right standing with Him—in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit; I belong to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19).
I am the head and not the tail, and I only go up and not down in life as I trust and obey God (Deuteronomy 28:13).
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit
Praying …
Psalm 8
God’s Glory, Human Dignity
For the choir director: on the Gittith. A psalm of David.
1 Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is your name throughout the earth! You have covered the heavens with your majesty.[a] 2 From the mouths of infants and nursing babies, you have established a stronghold[b] on account of your adversaries in order to silence the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place, 4 what is a human being that you remember him, a son of man[c] that you look after him? 5 You made him little less than God[d][e] and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: 7 all the sheep and oxen, as well as the animals in the wild, 8 the birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea that pass through the currents of the seas.
9 Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is your name throughout the earth!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.
14 Remind them of these things, charging them before God[a] not to fight about words; this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness. 17 And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them. 18 They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overturning the faith of some.
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 Christians’ most important responsibilities is to study the Scriptures.
Church is essential, and we learn a lot from the man of God in the pulpit, but it is up to us to study and grasp what God says: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”2 Timothy 2:15.
2 Timothy 2:15 teaches us five things about studying the Word of God:
1. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God,”
We get God’s approval when we think it is important enough to study what God has written for us in the Bible’s preserved words.
Notice that it says “study” and not “read.”
We are to delve into it like we want to pass life’s tests and know God’s mind.
It is the only source that will help us get through life’s difficulties and learn more about the Father.
Reading is different from studying.
We read scriptures on their surface for a short time, while studying requires much more time for rereading, comparing Scriptures with Scripture, and so much prayer.
It takes “work,”, a labor, a commitment, and a determination to get the most out of God’s Word diligently.
2. “a workman that needeth not to be ashamed ”
When we study the Bible, we will not be embarrassed by believing the wrong things. God will show us what is the Way, Truth, Life. And as we are not afraid to suffer shame for Christ’s now, we will not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
3. “rightly dividing the word of truth. ”
In studying the Word of God, “rightly dividing” implies handling the Scriptures accurately, not just as an intellectual exercise but guided by the Holy Spirit.
John 14:26 declares, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
Through the Holy Spirit, we can understand how the Word is divided and then allow His Word to divide us (Hebrews 4:12). Thus, proper digging into God’s Word will expose our sinful nature and shape our lives to abide in His Word.
God’s Word is called the “word of truth.” It is not a collection of accurate statements, but it is the truth from our Creator.
It is the TRUTH, and we don’t need to justify it because the TRUTH requires no justification. It is the only source of truth on Earth, and God has preserved it for not just the select few but for all to read!
David declares in Psalms 12:6–7: “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.”
The reverse teaching of 2 Timothy 2:15 is that, if one does not study God’s word, he is not approved of God! — That is a hard truth to swallow. Looking at it that way, one should put a higher priority on one’s Bible study.
As we diligently study, rightly dividing the truth, we learn the Word incarnate, Jesus Christ.
John 1:14 echoes this truth: “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”
Every page turned, every chapter we study, and every verse pondered points to the living Word, who brings grace, truth, and the fullness of God’s revelation.
Brethren, as born-again believers in Christ, we are called His “ambassadors.”
We are His “workmanship” (Ephesians 2:8–10).
God expects every Christian to be His “workman”! We are to study the word by rightly dividing the truth, and then allow the Truth to divide us (Hebrews 4:12).
May our studies be more than just academic exercises; let it be a faithful work, digging into the depths of God’s wisdom and the beauty of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 2:1-5 The Message
Climb God’s Mountain
2 1-5 The Message Isaiah got regarding Judah and Jerusalem:
There’s a day coming when the mountain of God’s House Will be The Mountain— solid, towering over all mountains. All nations will river toward it, people from all over set out for it. They’ll say, “Come, let’s climb God’s Mountain, go to the House of the God of Jacob. He’ll show us the way he works so we can live the way we’re made.” Zion’s the source of the revelation. God’s Message comes from Jerusalem. He’ll settle things fairly between nations. He’ll make things right between many peoples. They’ll turn their swords into shovels, their spears into hoes. No more will nation fight nation; they won’t play war anymore. Come, family of Jacob, let’s live in the light of God.
I Am a Student
Always Begin With God…
In the first two to three decades of life, most people are students.
The instruction we receive during that time provides us with the building blocks we need for a productive life.
As believers in Christ, we are also students. We need to learn God’s Word and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Savior.
We need to absorb God’s Word continuously in order to be transformed by the power of his Spirit, who works in us, teaches us, the truth and wisdom of God.
On a daily basis we need to walk in step with the Lord and his Spirit, growing to know God and to share his love with others everywhere.
There’s a tale of a man on a stroll who hears a voice say to him: “Gather some pebbles.” Though he sees no one, the voice persists: “Gather some pebbles and put them in your pocket, and tomorrow you will truly be both glad and sorry.”
Intrigued, the man thinks, “Why not?” So he picks up a few pebbles and puts them in his pocket. The next day he discovers they have all been transformed into diamonds. Then he feels gladness for taking some, and he is sorry for not taking more.
Similarly, our study of God’s Word may not reveal its benefits right away.
Yet over time, nuggets of truth and wisdom will prove to be invaluable treasures—blessing our lives in countless ways.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Praying …
Psalm 19 New American Standard Bible
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.
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). 