Tag: jesus

In Excelsis Deo! Let all Heaven and Nature Sing their Mighty Chorus at their revelation of God’s Character. Romans 1:19-20

Romans 1:18-23 The Message

Ignoring God Leads to a Downward Spiral

18-23 But God’s angry displeasure erupts as acts of human mistrust and wrongdoing and lying accumulate, as people try to put a shroud over truth. But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn’t treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand.

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 Creator’s qualities are always and forever on full display in creation.

Without fail, each and every time we go outside to explore nature, we can learn something new, exciting, awe-inspiring, wonderfully different about God.

Romans 1:19-20 explains that those who want to know more about God can discover his qualities in the natural world:

“For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

Whenever we are immersed in the wonder of nature, we are reminded that we have a wise and loving Creator who sustains all of creation – including us – in powerful ways which will forever and ever, echelons beyond our own creativity.

Here’s how five aspects of nature commonly found around the world – the sun, water, rocks, trees, and flowers – serve to reveal the wonder of God’s character,

1. The Sun Reveals God’s Life, Hope, and Wisdom

God is the ultimate light, and the sun shines a spotlight on that reality.

The sun symbolizes life coming from a loving Creator who cares for creation.

It shows us the full length, breath, depth, and height of God’s fiery love, which motivates him to give us life and sustain our lives.

The Bible calls God the “sun of righteousness” in Malachi 4:2, “true light” in John 1:9, “light of the world” in John 8:12, “consuming fire” in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Hebrews 12:29, “refiner’s fire” in Malachi 3:2, and “bright morning star” in Revelation 22:16.

Just as all forms of life on Earth need sunlight to grow physically, we need the light of unbreakable loving relationships connected to God to grow spiritually.

The sun sheds light on how God shines hope into the darkness of this fallen world.

The Bible uses light imagery in Ephesians 1:18-19 when describing the hope God offers: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you.”

Physically, light always overpowers darkness. The photons in light can dispel darkness, but darkness cannot dispel light. You can see this by entering a dark room and turning on a flashlight there. The light will be visible in the darkness, even if there’s just a small amount of light in a greater amount of darkness.

This same principle applies spiritually, as the light of hope is always stronger than the darkness of discouragement and despair.

No matter how dark our circumstances are, God can change them for the better by shining his light of hope into our lives.

Also, the sun reveals how God enlightens us with wisdom to know the truth and make the best choices.

The Bible connects light with wisdom in 2 Corinthians 4:6, proclaiming that God “made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

Jesus says he is the source of enlightenment: “‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12).

2. Water Reveals God’s Salvation Work, Clarity, Purity, and Mercy

Water splashes God’s salvation work into our focus.

In John 4:10, Jesus uses the term “living water” to declare his role as the world’s Savior.

A few verses later, Jesus uses the imagery of water to describe his gift of salvation: “but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14).

Water, which is essential for our bodies to thrive, points us toward saving relationships with God so our souls can thrive.

Water is constantly moving around our planet through natural cycles such as precipitation; evaporation; freezing, melting; currents in oceans, rivers, and lakes; the flow of groundwater, etc.

God is moving in our lives in every single moment, often unseen but always at work. Water contains wondrous power that people tap into for hydropower energy, which reminds us of God’s even greater power to transform our lives.

Water, which has reflective qualities, also shows how the Holy Spirit counsels us with wise guidance.

God does so when we reflect on our lives and ask for his help to live well.

Water symbolizes clarity and purity.

It inspires us to look clearly at our lives and purify them by working with God for positive change to happen. 

Finally, water symbolizes God’s great mercy toward us. (Psalm 23:2)

Just as water cleanses our bodies from dirt, God cleanses our souls from sin.

The ancient practice of baptism in water shows this.

As people immerse themselves underwater, they accept God’s forgiveness and let their sins wash away.

As they rise from the water, they celebrate God’s salvation gift through Christ, made possible by his resurrection.

3. Rocks Reveal God’s Trustworthiness, Handiwork, and Eternal Yet Dynamic Nature

Rocks, which are reliably strong, point to the fact God is trustworthy.

The Bible calls God “rock” in First Corinthians10:4, “living stone” in 1 Peter 2:4, and “cornerstone” in Isaiah 28:16.

Any type of rock can inspire awe in us, which deepens our trust in God.

As Deuteronomy 32:4 declares: “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.”

The wonder of God’s handiwork is on display in every rock – from small pebbles at a creek to huge boulders on a mountain.

Beautiful gemstone rocks called crystals display God’s craftmanship in special ways.

Chapter 28 of the Book of Exodus describes how God instructed Moses to have the Hebrew people make a breastplate with 12 different gemstones.

Each gem stone represented one of the 12 tribes of Israel and included crystals with a deep beauty people continue to admire today: amethyst, ruby, sapphire, emerald, topaz, turquoise, and more.

Rocks also reflect God’s eternal yet dynamic nature.

The 3 different types of rocks on Earth all have long-lasting durability yet are formed through dynamic processes.

Metamorphic rocks come from intense heat and pressure, igneous rocks result from volcanic explosions, sedimentary rocks form when layers of sediments compact together and harden.

Rocks literally and figuratively set the ancient history of our planet in stone. 

4. Trees Reveal God’s Wisdom, Protection, and Connected Presence

Trees grow our perspective so we can understand more of God’s wisdom and protection for us. 

Jeremiah 33:15 uses tree imagery in a prophecy about Jesus coming to Earth in the future.

“In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land.”

Trees, which stand tall as silent guardians of all around them, can help us put deep roots into the solid unshakeable ground of God’s loving care for us.

Experiencing the wonder of trees can teach us invaluable lessons when we take the time to learn them. Trees, which tower over us, easily exceed our lifespans, enlarge our perspective. They show we are each part of something much bigger, echelons more ancient than ourselves, can look beyond circumstances to God.

Since trees stand in the same places for years, they also reflect God’s constant presence in our lives. God’s love constantly flows through the living branches of relationships between us and other people. Trees remind us our personal stories are firmly connected, rooted to a greater story of what God is doing on Earth. 

5. Flowers Reveal God’s Order, Fun, and Beauty

Flowers make our minds blossom with an awareness of God’s beauty.

They display the mix of God’s orderly intelligence with fun, playful ideas.

The wonder of flowers reminds us that God is the ultimate master gardener.

God formed the first human being out of soil (Genesis 2:7) – the same environment that nourishes flowers – and loves to see us grow and bloom.

Jesus empowers that to happen when we’re in relationship with him.

He compares himself to a flowering plant (a vine) when he says,

“I am the true vine and my father is the gardener” (John 15:1) and “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Jesus was resurrected from a garden tomb, redeeming humanity’s fall that had happened in the Garden of Eden.

All flowers have short lives.

They bloom briefly, only to decay soon afterward.

Yet God sees value in the wonder of all creation – even a lowly flower.

The Bible compares people to flowers numerous times and describes God’s care for both:

“Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you – you of little faith!” (Luke 12:27-28).

Flowers are living reminders of the beauty of our Creator’s love for creation, and the wonderful joy we can each experience when we’re connected to him.

The wild beauty of nature resonates deep in our souls, reminding us that a powerful Creator cares for us.

Whether we’re hiking through a forest, swimming in a lake, or sniffing a rose, God will meet us there. Simply going outdoors in any natural setting can reveal something echelons beyond wonderful to us about God’s perfect character!

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

Let us Pray,

Psalm 19 Authorized (King James) Version

Psalm 19

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
2 Day unto day uttereth speech,
and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language,
where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven,
and his circuit unto the ends of it:
and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul:
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes 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 for ever:
the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold:
sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned:
and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors?
cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright,
and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord,
my strength, 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.

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What insights might we glean from Joseph’s obedience to the command of the angel in God’s nativity story? Matthew 1:18-25

Matthew 1:18-25 New International Version

Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[d]  (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

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.

It’s easy to overlook Joseph’s role in the Christmas story. However, when you look ever more closely to the text, you realize his obedience to God was a critical component of the story. In fact, without his obedience, we can wonder how this story would have played out. Thankfully, we don’t have to wonder about that.

Joseph is commanded by God to by faith, step into a role that truly is beyond extraordinary, and he does it with an immense measure of counter cultural courage. He listens, responds to God’s call repeatedly, with a resounding yes.

That’s why it’s enormously important for us to explore some important lessons from Joseph’s obedience. Going against the grain of what he had been taught, these lessons from his life should mightily inspire you to trust God even more deeply than you do now, to listen closely, and walk confidently, especially when you realize God is ordering your every step of your life and its not a normal step.

Go, and learn what this vital piece of God’s wisdom means …

Proverbs 16:9 New International Version

9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
    but the Lord establishes their steps.

We know what the law will allow us to do and so we seek to obey the laws.

There are specific laws governing the granting of a divorce which comes from the writings and the teachings of the Mosaic laws and its rabbinical applications throughout the years. Joseph, being a man with high integrity sought them out.

Clearly, Joseph was an ardent adherent to these laws not wanting to disgrace his fiancé’ Mary. In obedience to them, he sought out to quietly, but legally divorce.

Then the angel of God interceded … Matthew 1:20-21 NIV

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream  and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”

Now, the inner conflict becomes …

Strict obedience: the Laws of Moses, to the teaching of generations of Rabbi’s which he had been educated and taught in the Temple from his early boyhood?

Strict obedience to the words of an angel, message from God, in one dream?

How seriously should Joseph consider that one specific dream?

Do we take .01% seriously the supposed messages and images from our dreams? seriously enough to dramatically change the course of our lives, families lives?

Can we acknowledge or recognize, confess we believe the dream is 100% divine?

How eagerly are we to acknowledge this dream as being from God, then enter, with everything we have and everything we are (Matthew 22:34-40), to utterly set aside all of what our Father’s and Mother’s and Temple educators taught us? (read, study, apply, pray over too these Words of God-Psalm 16, 23) and choose.

powerful lessons from Joseph’s obedience in Christmas story.

1. Obedience Sometimes Forces You to Make the very Toughest of Decisions.

“Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly” (Matthew 1:19).

When we meet Joseph in the gospel of Matthew, he is facing a dilemma.

The woman he has pledged to marry finds herself pregnant.

Because he knows he didn’t do it, he decides to divorce Mary, but he wants to do it quietly. In Jewish law, being pledged to be married was seen as being married.

According to Jewish law, when Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant, and he was not the father, he had a right to divorce her.

The fact he wanted to do it quietly speaks to his character, because he saved Mary from shame, judgment, and possibly even an egregious death.

Joseph faced a challenging decision because he first had to believe that Mary could be pregnant and still be a virgin.

We look back now and understand, but imagine you were the one the angel told that to. How long would it take you to believe it? Once he overcame that hurdle, his obedience also meant he had to take on the responsibility of raising a child that was not his biological child.

Yet, the Bible does not indicate that he was reluctant or scornful in doing that.

Joseph probably had to deal with his own level of shame because his fiancée winds up pregnant not by relations with her husband but by the Holy Spirit and he must come to a place of total Shalom to accept it. Who knows if others tried to talk him out of marrying Mary, and we don’t know what people said of him.

Yet, his obedience to what God told him to do meant that he was willing to handle all those hard decisions and whatever consequences came with them.

One hard truth about our Christian walk is that God will walk with you through every step. However, obedience does not mean those steps will always be easy.

Joseph most likely faced serious scorn and ridicule for his obedience to God, yet he made the decision, stuck with it and endured it. Ironically, the one child Mary gave birth to also faced scorn and ridicule, and his obedience led him to die on a cross. While obedience is necessary, don’t assume it will always be easy.

When You Know It’s the Lord, Don’t Delay Your Obedience

“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife” (Matthew 1:24).

One quality that stood out in Joseph’s obedience was his immediate response to God’s command.

When God spoke, Joseph didn’t hesitate or question; he moved.

Think about the changes he had to experience in his life.

Here’s a man ready to marry Mary when his life takes a complete turn.

He marries a pregnant woman carrying a child that he did not father.

Yet, instead of arguing or delaying, Joseph trusts God’s voice and takes action right away.

Here is one thing we can learn from Joseph’s obedience – when you know it’s God speaking, the time to act is now.

The longer you delay, the greater the chance that doubt, distractions, or even disobedience can creep in and pull you away from what God wants you to do.

Joseph models for us a powerful principle of quick obedience. When God asks something of us, we may not always understand the “why” behind it. But it is not always about why, more importantly, it is about trusting the “who.”

Joseph may not have understood the entire process, but he trusted the God who was leading him.

Rarely in life will God give us the complete picture, at least not immediately.

However, once you know it’s God leading you, then it is time to move and not put it off.

There is a blessing in obeying without delay, following God’s lead, trusting he knows best, even when the request seems challenging or even overwhelming.

When you obey without delay, like Joseph did, that is when you will see how God’s plan unfolds powerfully in your life.

Sometimes Obedience Requires Sudden Changes

“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’ So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt” (Matthew 2:13-14).

God’s call doesn’t just require immediate obedience.

Sometimes sudden and radical changes accompany it.

This happened to Joseph.

Put yourself in his shoes for a moment. Joseph is settling in Bethlehem, starting his new life with Mary and their child.

Then, out of nowhere, God interrupts with a new command.

He now must leave the comfort of his home and move his family to Egypt.

A new country, new land, and they must go now with no advanced warning.

This was, by no means, not a gradual transition; this was an immediate one.

Think about what that would mean for him and his family.

The journey from Bethlehem to Egypt could have been anywhere from 40 to 300 miles, depending on their starting and destination points.

That’s similar to the distance between NYC and Pittsburgh, but without the convenience of modern transportation.

Joseph couldn’t fly, take a train, or drive. He had to take his young family, likely on foot or on a donkey, all while facing the truest uncertainty of what lay ahead.

However, again we see Joseph obeyed immediately and without complaint.

So what is the message for us?

Sometimes, God’s instructions will require a drastic, sudden change.

There will be times where you may even be in a comfortable position, yet God requires you to move, anyway. Obedience may mean shifting your plans and embracing the unknown, all because you trust God sees what you cannot.

Joseph teaches us to respond to God’s voice, even if it requires sudden, hard moves. Your confidence lies in the fact that when God calls, he equips too, he provides, and in every step, he is right there with you, so you don’t walk alone.

Obedience Requires us; Be in Tune to How God Is Speaking to us

If you think Joseph’s rapid obedience came from nowhere, it didn’t.

Joseph was quick to obey because he understood and recognized when God was speaking to him.

When God spoke to Joseph in a dream, he didn’t hesitate or second-guess; he moved.

Why was he able to do that?

Because he recognized how God was speaking to him.

He didn’t need a second sign or another confirmation.

He knew it was God, and that was enough for him to act immediately.

Joseph’s response challenges me, and I wonder if it challenges you, too. I

n your walk with God, the key to obedience often starts with tuning your heart to hear Him clearly.

Here is the question that is challenging – God still speaks today, but are you listening?

The challenge isn’t God speaking, but do we recognize his voice?

God might speak through Scripture, prayer, a gentle nudge in your spirit, through the counsel of others, or even through the circumstances of life.

But if we’re not familiar with his voice, then we can miss it because we don’t know it is his voice.

Joseph teaches us that if we are going to be in a relationship with the Lord, then we must know his voice.

Listening to God is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing part of your relationship.

As you cultivate your relationship, you will be able to fine tune your ear to his voice and know when he is speaking.

The more familiar you are with his voice, the better positioned you will be to respond, even when he asks something unexpected.

So, let’s make it our priority to tune our ears and hearts to God’s voice and recognize it quickly, just like Joseph did, so we, too, obey without hesitation.

There Cannot Be Great Obedience without Great Faith

Hebrews 11:4-8 New International Version

4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.

5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.”[a] For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.

The last lesson to share with you from Joseph is the reality that there cannot be great obedience without great faith.

We have established that obeying God is not always easy, sometimes it is very hard. Was it easy for Joseph to marry Mary?

Was it easy to pack up his family and move to Egypt without knowing how long they would be there?

These are difficult decisions, and the only way you can follow God in these situations is if you have great faith.

When Joseph did what God asked him, all he had was trust that God would work everything out.

Let’s not pretend his obedience did not come with some trepidation, because it probably did.

After all, he was human, just like you and me.

However, when you have faith in God, your faith can calm those fears.

There is something unique about obedience.

The more you obey, the more your faith grows.

Each moment of obedience is an opportunity for God to prove himself faithful and that’s why when you walk in obedience it helps your faith to grow.

As you obediently think about Joseph today, is there something God is asking of you?

Something where you don’t know the outcome and all you can do is trust him?

These are the difficult moments that come with obedience.

I know these decisions are not always easy, but you can trust God because he will not steer you wrong.

You may not see it at first, but God has already worked out the other side of your obedience.

As you walk and obey, then things will become clearer.

If you don’t believe me, just look back at the life of Joseph.

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

Let us Pray,

Psalm 8 Authorized (King James) Version

Psalm 8

To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David.

1 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings
hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies,
that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,
the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4 what is man, that thou art mindful of him?
and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels,
and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands;
thou hast put all things under his feet:
7 all sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8 the fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea,
and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

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

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If I were you in all your ashes, I would immediately appeal to God; would lay my cause before Him, as He performs wonders which cannot be fathomed, miracles which can never be counted. Job 5:8-16

Job 5:8-16 The Message

What a Blessing When God Corrects You!

8-16 “If I were in your shoes, I’d go straight to God,
    I’d throw myself on the mercy of God.
After all, he’s famous for great and unexpected acts;
    there’s no end to his surprises.
He gives rain, for instance, across the wide earth,
    sends water to irrigate the fields.
He raises up the down-and-out,
    gives firm footing to those sinking in grief.
He aborts the schemes of conniving crooks,
    so that none of their plots come to term.
He catches the know-it-alls in their conspiracies—
    all that intricate intrigue swept out with the trash!
Suddenly they’re disoriented, plunged into darkness;
    they can’t see to put one foot in front of the other.
But the downtrodden are saved by God,
    saved from the murderous plots, saved from the iron fist.
And so the poor continue to hope,
    while injustice is bound and gagged.

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.

These verses from Job highlight the miraculous insight the author of Job made thousands of years ago regarding God’s unlimited power. How does one who is living in such ancient of days rightly conclude that Our God is a God of miracles?

When I see countless videos of countless Christmas lights shining brightly on a dark night all over the globe, I like to think about the fact God is constantly up to something miraculous–much higher and more often than I could ever count.

From the very beginning we read, in wonderment we see God’s light is always overcoming the darkness in our world. Do we ever pay attention to notice it? (Genesis 1 and John 1:1-14)

God operates in ways that are far beyond our limited human understanding.

God’s wonders are too great to fully grasp, and this is precisely what makes them so miraculous. When we encounter situations in our lives that seem impossible, we must remember that nothing is too difficult for God to do. 

These verses also speak of the authors incredible insight of God performing so many miracles they can’t be counted. God’s miraculous power is not confined to a few select moments in history. Instead, God is continually doing miraculous work in such an over abundance that we can’t even understand or count it all.

From His timely answering of our prayers to working through creation, God is 1000% performing miracles all the time – even if we don’t always recognize it. 

When you pray about it, over it, try to count how many times you have been protected, provided for, or blessed without even realizing it was God at work?

The breath in your lungs, the beating of your heart, the peace that sustains you through difficult times are all evidence of God’s wonderful work in your life. 

God is always ready and willing to do something wonderful for you, if you ask him to do so. God invites you to walk unto him with your needs and dreams.

He wants you to pour out your thoughts and feelings honestly, and to seek his help. God is approachable, compassionate, and eager to intervene in your life.

We don’t need to hesitate to ask God to perform a miracle when we need one. 

God’s miracles are often linked to faith. While God is not limited by your faith, God loves to know that you implicitly trust him and his vast power to help you.

When you come to God with faith, believing that He is really able to help you, you open innumerable long locked doors for God to do miracles in your life. 

One of the hardest challenges you face is waiting for God’s miracles, especially when you’re going through those difficult seemingly unassailable challenges.

But just because you and I and we don’t see an obvious miracle immediately doesn’t mean that God is not at work.

God’s timing is always going to be different from yours because He sees the bigger picture. God’s delays are not necessarily denials. Instead, they’re divine setups for something immeasurably infinitely, greater than you can imagine. 

Not all miracles are dramatic or spectacular. Some miracles are as simple as a timely word of blessings, encouragement, an unexpected provision, or a broken relationship healing. It’s important to learn to recognize and appreciate these everyday miracles because they’re just as significant as extraordinary miracles.

God never sleeps, God is ever vigilant, is constantly working behind the scenes, constantly, continually orchestrating events for your good. (Romans 8:28) 

So, live life, love life, with the unyielding expectation that God is always ready to do something wonderful in your life. His wonders are beyond what you, I, we, can understand, and believe his miracles are beyond counting. Approach God with faith, lay your causes before him, wait expectantly for God to answer you. 

No matter what you’re facing today – a financial burden, a health crisis, a broken relationship, or a season of uncertainty – know that God is always able to perform miracles beyond what you can imagine. He is not only capable, but also willing to intervene on your behalf, reveal such miracles for others to see! 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you reach for Bibles, read through His promises, consider how God is busy with something wonderful, miraculous in your life, reflect on these questions: 

  • When was the last time you witnessed or experienced a miracle, big or small? How did it affect your faith? 
  • In what areas of your life do you need to appeal to God and lay your causes before him? What is holding you back? 
  • How can you start expecting God to work wonders in your life? 
  • Are there any “small” miracles in your life that you may have overlooked or taken for granted? How can you develop a greater sense of gratitude for God’s daily blessings? 
  • How can you encourage someone else who is struggling to see God’s miracles in his or her life? What testimony can you share to inspire faith?

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

Let us Pray,

Psalm 105:1-6 The Message

105 1-6 Hallelujah!

Thank God! Pray to him by name!
    Tell everyone you meet what he has done!
Sing him songs, belt out hymns,
    translate his wonders into music!
Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs,
    you who seek God. Live a happy life!
Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works;
    be alert for signs of his presence.
Remember the world of wonders he has made,
    his miracles, and the verdicts he’s rendered—
        O seed of Abraham, his servant,
        O child of Jacob, his chosen.

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

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Just what does it mean anymore for anyone to offer unto God one single ‘continuous’ “Sacrifice of Praise”? Hebrews 13:15

Hebrews 13:10-15 The Message

10-12 The altar from which God gives us the gift of himself is not for exploitation by insiders who grab and loot. In the old system, the animals are killed and the bodies disposed of outside the camp. The blood is then brought inside to the altar as a sacrifice for sin. It’s the same with Jesus. He was crucified outside the city gates—that is where he poured out the sacrificial blood that was brought to God’s altar to cleanse his people.

13-15 So let’s go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is—not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus. This “insider world” is not our home. We have our eyes peeled for the City about to come. Let’s take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out the sacrificial blood of animals but pouring out sacrificial praises from our lips to God in Jesus’ name.

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.

True or False …

We have so much to praise God for every day, there’s great power in giving full honor to Him. The Bible is filled with examples of praise and worship when we see His power released, life-changing miracles, dramatic stories of the enemy being halted or defeated, stone hearts being changed and drawn closer to Him?

Yet the supposed reality which we rationalize forward and backwards, is that way too often, we over emphasize or hyper dramatize the 1 daily struggle or 1 constant life demand serving to “crowd out” our praise and worship to God.

We might check the “go to worship” box at church and somehow think we’re good for the week. And yet, all the while, with souls distant and ice cold, we sing our praises, we listen to music and words, and then we go home. Unchanged.

Sometimes it really is a sacrifice to offer praise.

We may not feel like it.

We’re struggling.

We’re weary.

We are not feeling well. Or maybe, we feel like God has let us down too often.

He may seem distant to us, like He doesn’t really care about what we’re now struggling through or worrying about.

Painful life blows and losses may have recently sent us spiraling. We’re still trying to get our feet on the ground and put broken pieces back together again.

Here’s what can make a lasting difference.

When we make that decision to fix our eyes on Him, and daily give Him just one praise, no matter what’s staring us straight in the face, we may suddenly realize that God has already begun to release the grip those struggles can have over us.

We have a myriad of choices and decisions we have to make every day in this life. We can choose to live absorbed in worry and stress, on the fast track of busy, focused only on what surrounds us, and tuned into the roar of the world.

Or we can ask God to help us take our eyes off all that may be swirling around, our problems and mess, tearing up our insides and the voices of others. We can look up to Him, the One who holds it all together, who holds us in His hands.

Even from within our worst laments (Psalm 13, 137) God always desires our whole heart, without one single regard to the very worst of its inner condition.

He always waits for us to return if we’ve drifted away. He longs for us to know the power of His presence in and through our lives. He desires to bless us more than we could ever imagine. His Holy Spirit urges us onward, calling us closer.

Hebrews 4:12-13 The Message

12-13 God means exactly what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one can resist God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what.

As bad as your heart may now feel in this moment, our first and best effort at our recovery, at our restoration, Continuous streams of prayer and continuous completely ransom outbursts of praise. May He help us to look up again today, remember His goodness, power in our lives, to offer Him worship and praise.

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

Let us Pray,

Psalm 16 The Message

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.

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Blessed to Be a Blessing! When we are asked; What Does a Blessed Life Truly Look Like, how aught we to respond? Genesis 12:1-3

Genesis 12:1-3 English Standard Version

The Call of Abram

12 Now the Lord said[a] to Abram, “Go from your country[b] and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”[c]

The Word of God for the Children of God.

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

When God called Abram to suddenly leave his country for a promised land filled with Milk and Honey, He made one of the most beautiful promises ever.

God promised to make Abram into a great nation and to bless him to become a blessing to all peoples on earth. That nation was the people of Israel, and the promise was fulfilled through the coming of Jesus Christ. Through his coming all peoples on earth are invited to enjoy the salvation of the one true God.

It was a one-time promise to Abram. But God’s covenant of grace made with Abraham has continued through every generation since then.

God’s promise to bless people to be a blessing is also for his New Testament people, the church of Jesus Christ.

God has blessed us with hosts of creatively gifted people and almost unlimited resources. In many lands God has blessed us with the freedom to worship, and today we can use many forms of sophisticated technology to spread the gospel.

Blessed to be a blessing!

God blessed us that we should be the same magnitude of blessing unto others.

That explains why we are privileged to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

That explains why we-through our churches, our congregations. our ministries and other Christian ministries–can work with others to plant churches, extend the hand of God through clothing and food giveaways, hold community events for all age groups, support our communities with resources that educate and inform them, spread the gospel in our neighborhoods, out into many countries, publish Christian literature, and minister in mercy and mission in some of the most remote vulnerable areas on the planet. There are no shortage of blessings.

If We Are Ever Asked; What Does a Blessed Life Truly Look Like?

Perhaps you’ve asked an acquaintance, or been asked by an acquaintance, or by a complete stranger, how we/they’re doing, gotten the reply, “I’m blessed.”

In some ways, it’s tempting to think the term “blessed” is synonymous with any of the other social niceties we hear: I’m doing well, all is great, just fine.

But “I’m blessed” is actually an head turning, far better, richer, and deeper response than any of these others, filled with complex and nuanced meaning about someone’s genuine state of being and right relationship with the Lord.

Blessedness is a state of being that stands beyond every-day, surface-level circumstances. Indeed, a person who is living a blessed life is filled with a sense of true joy, hope, peace, and contentment even in extremely difficult situations.

The word “blessed” used in the New Testament comes from the Greek word  makarios, which means bestowed with God’s favor, happy, or fortunate — not fortunate because of fortune or luck, but because of God’s providence and favor.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, considered herself to be blessed by the honor of carrying the Christ child (Luke 1:48). In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus called “blessed” those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are meek and merciful, who are peacemakers, hunger and thirst for righteousness and so on.

While on earth these things might not always seem like obvious blessings to everyone for those countless future generations, God has a different standard.

Let’s a take a look at what a blessed life truly looks like.

A State of Hope

A blessed life is a life spent in righteous relationship with God. One who is blessed understands life is far more that the days we spend on this earth.

They know we’re what the apostle Paul termed “citizens of heaven,” with one foot in this world and one in the next (Philippians 3:20). We long for God’s goodness, long to do our best to stay in alignment with God and on his path.

While we might inevitably stray, we correct our course as best as possible and then return to him. We value what God values: love, peace, justice, and mercy.

Because of this, and because we devote ourselves to God’s way, we are assured of our salvation. We know that whatever might befall us in this life — sickness, suffering, persecution, poverty, etc. — our eternal reward awaits us in heaven.  

As the psalmist writes in Psalm 1:1-3,

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers.”

Blessedness does not mean everything is perfect in their life.

It simply means they know how their story will end, and who they belong to — the Lord. Because of this, they can live their days filled with blessed hope no matter what measure of adversity comes knocking on their door. (Job 1:20-21)

20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

A True Relationship

A blessed life is also one that transcends feeling. Blessedness, like hope and joy, doesn’t necessarily mean happiness, though one who is blessed may feel happy.

In fact, like Job, often people who are blessed are experiencing deep affliction and difficulty. Still, they take this in stride, understanding that their joy and hope and faith are steadfastly rooted in the Lord, not today’s circumstances.

They hold fast to what Jesus taught in John 16:33:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

They know genuine contentment doesn’t come from things of the flesh, from material items or worldly success, but a personal relationship with the Lord.

An Internal State of Well-Being

Sometimes, blessedness feels a little like “opposite day,” a game I played when I was a kid. On opposite day, I’d say, “Bad evening,” when I meant to say “good morning,” or “No” when I meant “yes.”

Jesus began the Sermon on the Mount by flipping upside down what many people of his day thought about a life favored by God.

Back then, people thought if you had a lot of money or kids, perhaps a lot of land or cattle to pass on as a legacy, then you were somehow favored by God.

Perhaps many of us think the same thing today, that worldly prosperity is somehow interictally tied up with God’s favor and His high regard for us.

But Jesus taught us that blessedness is actually an internal, not an external, state of well-being, and sometimes those who are most “blessed” are those who seem to have very little.

As he said,

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3-10).

Later, in Matthew 19:23-25, Jesus said it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God — worldly prosperity isn’t the blessing we think it is, are led, taught to believe.

In fact, it’s too often a hindrance.

True blessedness is living life in line with Jesus, following him and making him Lord of our whole lives. (Psalm 23)

23 (0) A psalm of David:

(1) Adonai is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
2 He has me lie down in grassy pastures,
he leads me by quiet water,
3 he restores my inner person.
He guides me in right paths
for the sake of his own name.
4 Even if I pass through death-dark ravines,
I will fear no disaster; for you are with me;
your rod and staff reassure me.

5 You prepare a table for me,
even as my enemies watch;
you anoint my head with oil
from an overflowing cup.

6 Goodness and grace will pursue me
every day of my life;
and I will live in the house of Adonai
for years and years to come.

A Filling of the Spirit

Perfect unity with Jesus is the goal of a truly blessed life. While Christians are those who follow Jesus and strive to live as he commanded, the true mark of a Christian life is someone who is filled with the Holy Spirit. Everyone who believes has a part of the Triune God, the Holy Spirit, alive inside their hearts.

As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:16, we are God’s temple, and God’s Spirit dwells within us.

He elaborated on this in Ephesians 1:13-14, noting,

“When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession — to the praise of his glory.”

We who believe are blessed because we have a portion of the Lord within us, steering and guiding us through all of life’s rocky situations.

The Holy Spirit is our friend and our advocate, a gift from God, (John 14:26).

Whatever we do, and wherever this earthly life takes us, we can implicitly trust we’re 100% blessed because this immense, extravagant gift is with us always.  

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve appeared to live in a state of perfected blessedness, one with the Lord and able to talk and walk with him freely.

Their sin drove a wall between them and God, and God exiled them from his perfect garden. While he loved his creation, they no longer lived in a state of perfect favor and blessedness because they had broke sacred trust with him.

Today because of Jesus, we have the opportunity to have that blessed state restored. We, who were sinners, are now forgiven because of Christ.

And because we believe in Christ as our Savior, we’re made right with the Lord once more.

That is the epitome of blessedness.

So this coming Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, New Year’s eve, or New Years Day, the next time someone asks you how you are, take a look at your heart. Are you a believer, filled with the Holy Spirit and doing your best to walk in the way, truth of the Lord? If so, then you can rest assured that you are indeed blessed.

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

Let us Pray,

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.

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And having been found in fashion as a man, HE humbled Himself, and HE became the real, genuine, reason for a joyful Christmas. Philippians 2:5-8

Philippians 2:5-8 The Message

5-8 Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

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

In the beginning, it began looking allot like Christmas …

Do any of us plan on taking the time this Christmas to tell your children or our friends about the real purpose of Christmas? If so, what will we tell them?

Although we usually meditate on the birth narratives of Jesus from Luke and Matthew’s Gospels at this time of the year, His true purpose in coming to earth was not to give us the sweet picture of a baby in a Bethlehem manger. That little baby was born to die for you and for me and thus pay for the forgiveness of our sins. He was announced by the angels, the Messengers of God, conceived of the Holy Spirit, Immanuel, God with us, born with a singularly unique purpose no one else would ever have-die on the Cross that we might be reconciled to God.

That is a whole lot to absorb when we are too busy trying to absorb all the food list we will have to go shopping for, for all of the people who will be coming to our lunch or dinner tables from everywhere across the world where there is a place to travel from. Shall we similarly receive Christ who came from eternity?

For this reason, as the opportunity arises, declare to folks, “Don’t just think of a baby in a manger” at Christmastime, don’t just brag and boast and gloat over all the effort it took just to travel through all kinds of terrible weather conditions. I would not want to be first to brag about all the sacrifices I always have to make!

Christmas is about so much more than that. It is about God coming to earth in human flesh so He could die on the Cross to pay for our salvation and destroy all the sinister works of the devil in your lives! That is what Christmas is all about!

People rarely think of the Cross at Christmastime because it is the time set aside to celebrate Jesus’ birth. But in Philippians 2, Paul connects those two thoughts.

As Paul writes about God becom­ing a man, he goes on to express the ultimate reason God chose to take this amazing action.

Paul says in verse 8, “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Because today is one day closer to family and friends gathering for Christmas Eve, I want to use this Sparkling Gem of a moment to share that real reason for Christmas, which is contained in the truths carefully weaved into this verse.

Philippians 2:8 says that Jesus was “…found in fashion as a man….” That word “fashion” is the Greek word schema. This is extremely important, for this was precisely the same word that was used in ancient times to depict a king who exchanged his kingly garments for a brief period of time for the clothing of a beggar.

How wonderful that the Holy Spirit would inspire the apostle Paul to use this exact word! Did, would, anyone of us, take the time to teach others this truth?

When Jesus came to earth, it really was a moment when God Almighty shed His glorious appear­ance and exchanged it for the clothing of human flesh.

Although man is fearfully and wonderfully made, his earthly frame is nothing more than temporal dust and cannot be compared to the eternal and glorious appearance of God.

However, for the sake of an indescribable measure of love, for the sake of our redemption, God laid aside all of His radiant glory, He sacrificed, took upon Himself human flesh, was manifested in the very likeness of a human being.

This is the true story of a King who traded His kingly garments and took upon Himself the clothing of a servant.

But the story doesn’t stop there. Jesus – our King who sacrificed His royal robes for the itchy, tattered temporary clothing of flesh – loved us so much that He “…humbled himself, became obe­dient unto death, even the death of the cross”! OMG

The word used here “humbled” is the Greek word tapeinao, and it means to be humble, to be lowly, and to be willing to stoop to any measure that is needed.

This describes the attitude God had when He took upon Himself human flesh.

Think of how much humility would be required for God to shed His glory and lower Himself to become like a member of His creation.

Consider the indescribable greatness of God’s love that drove Him to divest Himself of all His splendor and become like a man. This is amazing to me, particularly when I think of how often the flesh recoils at the thought of being humble or preferring someone else above itself. God sent His Son, Jesus who humbled Himself “became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

The word “obedient” tells me that this was not a pleasurable experience that Jesus looked for­ward to in anticipation. To have humbled Himself to this extent, from eternity down to fragile humanity required Jesus’ deliberate obedience.

As preexistent God, Jesus came to earth for this purpose. But as man dressed in flesh, He despised the thought of the Cross (Hebrews 12:2) and could only endure its shame because He knew of the results that would follow. For Jesus to be 100% obedient as a man, He had to choose to obey the eternal plan of God.

The word “obedient” is used to describe Jesus is the Greek word hupakouo, from the word hupo, which means under, and the word akouo, which means I hear.

When these two words are com­pounded together, they picture someone who is hupo – under someone else’s strictest authority, and akouo – listening to what that superior is speaking to him. After listening and taking these instructions to heart, this person then always carries out the exacting orders of his superior.

Thus, the word hupakouo tells us that obedient people are

1) always under authority, 2) always listening to what their superior is saying, and 3) always carrying out the very exacting orders that have been given to them. 

This is what the word “obedient” means in this verse, and this is what truest obedience means for you and me. But how many of us are teaching this truth?

You see, even Jesus had to come to this place of obedience. Although He knew that He was the perfect Lamb slain before the foundation of the world, that didn’t mean His flesh was excited about dying as the Lamb of God on the Cross.

According to this verse in Philippians 2:8, Jesus had to humble Himself and become “obedient” in order to follow God’s very exact and exacting plan.

He wasn’t looking forward to the expe­rience of death on a Cross; He made a choice to humble Himself, to go to any and every single measure in order to exactingly, obediently accomplish the complexity of His Father’s great plan.

Part of the Father’s plan was for Jesus to humble Himself “…unto death, even the death of the cross.”

The word “unto” is from the Greek word mechri, which is a Greek word that really means to such an extent.

The Greek word mechri is sufficient in itself to dramatize the point, but the verse goes on to say that Jesus humbled Himself unto death, “…even the death of the cross.”

The word “even” is the Greek word de, which emphatically means EVEN! 

The Greek carries this idea: 

“Can you imag­ine it! Jesus humbled Himself to such a lowly position and became so obedient that He even stooped low enough to die the miserable death of a Cross!”

I heartily recommend you take the time today to read the Passion Narratives again in order to refresh your memory on the full extent, process of crucifixion.

It was genuinely the worst death a person could ever endure. For Jesus to choose to humble Himself to the point of gruesome death, EVEN the death of the Cross, demonstrates how much He was willing to humble Himself to redeem you, me.

Just think of it

– Almighty God, clothed in radiant glory from eternity past, came to this earth formed as a human being in the womb of a human mother for one purpose: so He could one day die a miserable death on a Cross to purchase our salvation!

All of this required humility on a level far beyond anything we could ever want to comprehend or anything that has ever been remotely requested of any of us.

Yet this was the reason Jesus came; therefore, He consciously chose to be 100% obedient to the very end, humbling Himself to the point of dying a humiliating death on a Cross and thereby purchasing our eternal salvation.

So as we go to every imaginable extravagance to celebrate Christmas, be sure to go to similar lengths to extravagantly remember the real purpose of Christmas.

It isn’t just a time to reflect on the quality or quantity or hilarity of our gifts.

But on quality and quantity of the gift of baby boy who was born in Bethlehem so long ago.  That baby was God manifest in the flesh. He was born to die for you and for me. Jesus was so will­ing to do whatever was required in order to redeem us from Satan and sin that He humbled Himself even unto death on a Cross! 

That is what Christmas is all about!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Lord, I thank You for the sacrifices you made – coming to earth so You could redeem me. When I think of the extent to which You were willing to go in order to save me, it makes me want to shout, to celebrate, and to cry with thankfulness. You love me so much, and I am so grateful for that love. Without You, I would still be lost and in sin. But because of everything You have done for me, today I am free; my life is blessed; Jesus is my Lord; Heaven is my home; and Satan has no right to control me. I will be eternally, extra extravagantly thankful to You for everything You did to save me!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY 

I sacrifice my ego to now confess that Jesus Christ loves me! He demonstrated His love to me by leaving behind Heaven’s glory and taking upon Himself human flesh. And He did it for one purpose: so that one day He could go to the Cross and die for me and thus reconcile me unto God. There is no need for me to ever feel unloved or unwanted, because Jesus went the ultimate distance to prove that He loves me!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

Psalm 100 The Message

100 1-2 On your feet now—applaud God!
    Bring a gift of laughter,
    sing yourselves into his presence.

3 Know this: God is God, and God, God.
    He made us; we didn’t make him.
    We’re his people, his well-tended sheep.

4 Enter with the password: “Thank you!”
    Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
    Thank him. Worship him.

5 For God is sheer beauty,
    all-generous in love,
    loyal always and ever.

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

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How Well do we grasp Struggling and Surrendering unto God is the hardest part of the Christian faith? Psalm 57

Psalm 57 Complete Jewish Bible

57 (0) For the leader. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” By David, a mikhtam, when he fled from Sha’ul into the cave:

2 (1) Show me favor, God, show me favor;
for in you I have taken refuge.
Yes, I will find refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the storms have passed.
3 (2) I call to God, the Most High,
to God, who is accomplishing his purpose for me.

4 (3) He will send from heaven and save me
when those who would trample me down mock me. (Selah)
God will send his grace and his truth.

5 (4) I am surrounded by lions,
I am lying down among people breathing fire,
men whose teeth are spears and arrows
and their tongues sharp-edged swords.

6 (5) Be exalted, God, above heaven!
May your glory be over all the earth!
7 (6) They prepared a snare for my feet,
but I am bending over [to avoid it].
They dug a pit ahead of me,
but they fell into it themselves. (Selah)

8 (7) My heart is steadfast, God, steadfast.
I will sing and make music.
9 (8) Awake, my glory! Awake, lyre and lute!
I will awaken the dawn.

10 (9) I will thank you, Adonai, among the peoples;
I will make music to you among the nations.
11 (10) For your grace is great, all the way to heaven,
and your truth, all the way to the skies.

12 (11) Be exalted, God, above heaven!
May your glory be over all the earth!

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.

continually surrender to God when a blank canvas is before you. 

2 (1) Show me favor, God, show me favor;
for in you I have taken refuge.
Yes, I will find refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the storms have passed.
3 (2) I call to God, the Most High,
to God, who is accomplishing his purpose for me.

Surrendering to God is an indelible, unavoidable part of the Christian faith.

We know because countless times Scripture reminds us of our need to repent, turn from sin, crucify selfish desires, so we may be attuned to the will of God.

Surrender isn’t just a “one and done” common struggle people face when fully engaged in their trusting of God in the beginning of their faith, but as they grow and experience the most diverse trials, and develop in their walk with Him too. 

While many of us would like the apparent ease of “raising their arms or falling to their knees” surrendering to be a one-and-done phenomenon, it just isn’t.

Surrender is something required day after day.

It’s a continual, progressive, and life-long sacrificial pursuit of chipping away at our hyper graffitied self until all that’s left is Christ and His desires for us. 

To understand surrender, we have to biblically define the task itself: Letting go of our over active self control, yielding to God’s purposes—no matter the cost.

Understanding Surrender to God 

In Mere Christianity, writer, scholar, and theologian C.S. Lewis pens these words:

“Christ says ‘Give me All. I don’t want so much of your time, and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. . . Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked–the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours.’”

In Psalms 57:2, the King James Version reads:

“I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.”

This verse, attributed to David as the author, is a heartfelt plea to God for help and protection. In this verse, David acknowledges the sovereignty and power of God, expresses his ‘white flag’ trust and dependence on Him in times of trouble.

The theme of trust and reliance on God is central to this verse.

David, who often found himself in perilous situations throughout his life, regularly turned to God for guidance and protection.

In this verse, he affirms his faith in God as the “most high” and the one who “performeth all things” for him.

This demonstrates David’s unwavering confidence in God’s ability to intervene, work His healing on his behalf, no matter what circumstances he may be facing.

The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its significance. David composed this psalm while fleeing from King Saul, who was seeking to kill him.

Despite being in a perilous situation, David’s focus remains on God and his unwavering faith in His ability to save and deliver him.

This psalm serves as a reminder that even in the midst of adversity, we can find comfort, strength, in turning to God’s wisdom versus our own, asking for help.

The symbolism of God as the “most high” conveys his supreme authority and power. This title highlights the transcendence of God and serves as a reminder of His ability to rule over all things.

By addressing God as the “most high,” David acknowledges his subordination to Him and affirms his abiding belief in God’s capacity to intervene in his life.

Additionally, the phrase “God that performeth all things for me” emphasizes God’s role as the ultimate provider and sustainer.

This recognition of God’s sovereignty and control over all things reflects David’s unwavering trust in God’s ability to orchestrate events in his favor.

David’s acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty serves as an inspiration for today’s generation of believers, all generations yet to be, to wave their ‘white flag’ trust in God’s providence and faithfulness, even in the face of adversity.

This verse also carries a universal message about the nature of God and His willingness to respond to the prayers of those who seek Him. It serves as a comfort to believers, reminding them they can confidently bring their concerns and needs before God, knowing that He is able and willing to act on their behalf.

Psalms 57:2 is the Psalmist’s powerful declaration of ‘waving his white flag’ trust and reliance on God, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

David’s unwavering faith and trust in God’s ability to intervene and provide for him serves as a model for believers of all generations to struggle to emulate.

This verse serves as a reminder of the sovereignty and faithfulness of God and encourages believers to turn to Him in times of trouble. Through its themes of struggle, surrender, faith, trust, dependence, and the sovereignty of God, this verse offers that fortress of comfort, strength to those who seek refuge in Him.

While there are numerous examples of surrender in the Scriptures, Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and Abraham’s willingness to leave his homeland for a promised land of “milk and honey” sacrifice Isaac are 2 of the most profound.

In Matthew 26:36-46, Jesus’ desires matched God’s.

We often have a misconception that surrender means God will make you do things you hate. I spent years wrestling with the idea of getting out of nursing because I was fearful it was my life’s purpose, God’s will, and I am being selfish.

But friends, the wholehearted desires God’s given us should, can, bring us joy.

If we believe in Jesus and fully trust Him with our lives, our hearts and desires should align with His. Yes, He may ask us to do impossible, scary and confusing things, but never without true reason or cause. Just look at Jesus and Abraham.

Jesus died on the cross for our sins because He loved us and trusted that God must have something better for Him. It wasn’t painless, pretty, enjoyable, or fun for Him to endure. But He surrendered His life to the point of death for us.

Meanwhile, Abraham had been promised a son.

And not just any son, but a son through which his descendants would be named.

When God commanded him to put his promised Isaac on the altar as a sacrifice, he surrendered to God, he didn’t falter. Abraham knew what God had promised but also trusted if this was God’s plan He must have something better in store.

In both of these biblical examples of surrender, we learn that faith plays a role.

Surrender isn’t just about blind obedience but steadfast trust and unwavering respect. It’s our struggle; trusting God’s goodness and sovereignty that as we grow in our relationship with Him, the desires of our hearts will match His.

1. Realize that surrender doesn’t mean throwing your dreams out the window. 

2. Know that God asks us to surrender for our good. 

3. Focus squarely on the Word of God and God’s indelibly faithful promises. 

4. Acknowledge and confess the absolute sovereignty of God in all things.

5. No one is more righteous than God, is smarter or more wiser than God.

6. We can never be perfect, or more perfect or more powerful than God.

7. God’s purpose for us will always be better than any purpose we “design.”

8. God is always going to have His “way” His “truth” and His “life” with us.

9. We can never overpower God nor can we ever outlive him, out create Him.

10. Therefore, cease striving, know that only God is, can be, will be, GOD!

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

Let us Pray,

Psalm 29 Complete Jewish Bible

29 (0) A psalm of David:

(1) Give Adonai his due, you who are godly;
give Adonai his due of glory and strength;
2 give Adonai the glory due his name;
worship Adonai in holy splendor.

3 The voice of Adonai is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
Adonai over rushing waters,
4 the voice of Adonai in power,
the voice of Adonai in splendor.

5 The voice of Adonai cracks the cedars;
Adonai splinters the cedars of the L’vanon
6 and makes the L’vanon skip like a calf,
Siryon like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of Adonai flashes fiery flames;
8 the voice of Adonai rocks the desert,
Adonai convulses the Kadesh Desert.
9 The voice of Adonai causes deer to give birth
and strips the forests bare —
while in his temple, all cry, “Glory!”
10 Adonai sits enthroned above the flood!
Adonai sits enthroned as king forever!
11 May Adonai give strength to his people!
May Adonai bless his people with shalom!

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

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What if I do Surrender All of Myself? Starting and Continuing the Struggle, Allow God Fullest Access to my heart and Soul, Receiving His Restoration? John 21:15-21

John 21:15-19 Christian Standard Bible

Jesus’s Threefold Restoration of Peter

15 When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John,[a] do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.”

“Feed my lambs,” he told him. 16 A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.”

“Shepherd my sheep,” he told him.

17 He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”

“Feed my sheep,” Jesus said. 18 “Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” 19 He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.”

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.

Stuck in the Concrete of Guilt, Restored to Discipleship

On the fateful night Jesus was arrested, Peter had surrendered his discipleship.

Under sudden and overwhelming (perceived) threat, in the High Priest’s courtyard he had hardcore denied three times that he was a follower of Jesus.

Then came the piercing eye to eye contact with His Messiah. When he realized the gravity of what he had just publicly done, Peter went out and wept bitterly (Matthew 26:69-75). He was severely overwhelmed by his shame and guilt.

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the Lord asked Peter a question. But the question wasn’t “Why did you abandon me when I needed you?” or “Why didn’t you have the guts to stick up for me?” It was simply “Peter, Do you love me?”

Jesus had died on the cross for Peter’s sins.

What he wanted to know, three times now, was whether Peter, looking up from the bottomless pit of his shame and guilt, still loved him. Jesus is saying to him; that Peter’s sins were in the past; Peter’s restored love would shape his future.

When Peter said, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you,” Jesus, the conqueror of sin and death, the Lord of life, Restorer of spirits, graciously invited him to once again “gird up his loins” take up his discipleship and follow him into His future.

Psalm 103:11-13 Christian Standard Bible

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his faithful love
toward those who fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed
our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

If we were the one’s on the receiving end of this priceless exchange, Jesus doing the same with us, I pray that we recognize that Jesus is astonishingly gracious.

He doesn’t try to bury us, bringing up our past sins, betrayals, or infidelities. He simply wants for us to know “if we love him.” For that makes all the difference.

Anyone ever tried to measure exactly how far distant is the east from the west?

Anyone ever tried measuring exactly how far apart is the north from the south?

Anyone ever measure the exact length, width, height, depths of God’s Creation?

Do I Give Myself Away … So God may, in THEIR fullness, use me?

Isaiah 61:6-7 Christian Standard Bible

6 But you will be called the Lord’s priests;
they will speak of you as ministers of our God;
you will eat the wealth of the nations,
and you will boast in their riches.
7 In place of your shame, you will have a double portion;
in place of disgrace, they will rejoice over their share.
So they will possess double in their land,
and eternal joy will be theirs.

Against the backdrop of John 21:15-19, how close do we resemble Peter?

How closely do we identify with the depths, the whole of Peter’s experience?

Are we even .01% ready to sit with Jesus, remaining with him, eating with him, not returning to our catastrophically poor impulse control – but humbling self?

Are we ready to surrender to God 1% the darkest depths of our shame, our guilt?

Are we ready to be confronted by the reality of the disaster we’ve made of self?

Are we prepared to receive the magnitude of change Jesus is offering to Peter?

Do we 1% seek His Restoration with 110% of our hearts, minds, soul, strength?

Are we authentically seeking Jesus?

Do we authentically love him?

Do we 110% realize that He still invites us to go out and serve him today?

Forgiving, Gracious, compassionate, merciful, 100% ready to cast with the very heaviest millstone, our guilt and shame into the deepest depths of the great sea of forgetfulness? Never be seen nor heard from or be remembered ever again?

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

Let us Pray,

Psalm 42 Complete Jewish Bible

Book II: Psalms 42–72

42 (0) For the leader. A maskil of the descendants of Korach:

2 (1) Just as a deer longs for running streams,
God, I long for you.
3 (2) I am thirsty for God, for the living God!
When can I come and appear before God?

4 (3) My tears are my food, day and night,
while all day people ask me, “Where is your God?”
5 (4) I recall, as my feelings well up within me,
how I’d go with the crowd to the house of God,
with sounds of joy and praise from the throngs
observing the festival.

6 (5) My soul, why are you so downcast?
Why are you groaning inside me?
Hope in God, since I will praise him again
for the salvation that comes from his presence.
7 (6) My God, when I feel so downcast,
I remind myself of you
from the land of Yarden, from the peaks of Hermon,
from the hill Mizar.
8 (7) Deep is calling to deep
at the thunder of your waterfalls;
all your surging rapids and waves
are sweeping over me.
9 (8) By day Adonai commands his grace,
and at night his song is with me
as a prayer to the God of my life.
10 (9) I say to God my Rock,
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
under pressure by the enemy?
11 (10) My adversaries’ taunts make me feel
as if my bones were crushed,
as they ask me all day long,
‘Where is your God?’ ”

12 (11) My soul, why are you so downcast?
Why are you groaning inside me?
Hope in God, since I will praise him again
for being my Savior and God.

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

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Hypothetically, our entertaining the practice of bringing the Greatness of God into Others lives This Christmas. Luke 1:26-28

Luke 1:26-28 New King James Version

Christ’s Birth Announced to Mary

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; [a]blessed are you among women!”

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.

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to take a message to a virgin named Mary.

The angel Gabriel was obedient to God and brought the message into the life of Mary and for countless subsequent generations later, bringing, both directly, decisively, into the life, living narrative of God’s kingdom in this 21st century.

28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; [a]blessed are you among women!”

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1525/nkjv/tr/0-1/

The angel Gabriel bringing with him the message of the greatness of God, but not just bringing the message but actually speaking it into the humanity of a previously anonymous, soon to be married Israelite peasant girl named Mary.

Not any particularly complicated message, nothing complex nor theologically overwhelming as might be heard in an higher academic university lecture hall setting to new divinity, theology, seminary students or doctoral candidates.

I mean, examine the context of the biblical text. Mary is a teenage girl, probably naïve, going about her regular daily chores, she is not being trained, mentored by any one Temple priest named Rabboni Gamaliel – Saul’s mentor and teacher.

She is not destined to deliver any commencement address at any synagogue of any note or the Temple or at any famous Ivy League university of this century.

Regular Mary to be married by family arrangement to Joseph of the lineage and house of someone named David – of the lineage and house (not royal) of David.

The message the angel Gabriel brings with him into the narrative of mankind;

Greetings,

Rejoice,

Highly favored one …

the Lord is with you; 

[a]blessed are you among women!”

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30)

In one precise moment of time, young Mary’s life was forever changed. As the angel of the Lord spoke directly about her future, Mary went from an obscure Jewish teenager to the hand-selected mother of the long-awaited Messiah.

O’ how suddenly everything changed when she understood her destiny.

Mary didn’t know power or popularity, wealth or fame; we don’t even know her last name. Yet she was chosen by God above all the women throughout time to bring the greatness, goodness, of God’s salvation and healing into this world.

It’s the kind of salvation needed by both princes, paupers and kings and queens and presidents, rich and poor, black, white, known and back alley’s obscure too.

And such healing would become the spark of life in the darkness of dead men’s souls, and bridge the great divide between our lost humanity and a loving God.

Yet her journey was not without difficulty as she had to deal with practical facts:

not fully understanding God’s plan, judgmental people speaking lies about her, her own doubts and fears, and trusting God to vindicate and protect her. Mary’s sudden “what do you mean by so confidently saying nothing to be afraid of in your face” story was a hardcore test of faith. Yet she made it through and so can we.

Because like Mary, we are all, in our own God-ordained way, called to bring something extraordinary the greatness and goodness of God, into the world.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

But to do so, we must make that brief interactive moment between God, the angel Gabriel and Mary and consciously learn something from experience.

Commit to Personal Righteousness

“Personal righteousness” refers to a disciplined commitment by believers to live consistently with God’s high calling to carry His light into a lost world.

We must commit to display integrity, purity, honor, respect and holiness.

Our lives should be examples for others to emulate – not perfect lives without fault, failure or messiness, but lives that are consistent with being called and sent on a mission for God Himself.

We must hold grace, not as an excuse to sin, but as a motivating force to live honorably before God.

We should neither become judgmental nor a stumbling block to those who desperately need the message of Christ’s love and forgiveness delivered.

Personal righteousness is a battle that we steadfastly commit to fight in order to be living examples of God’s authentic love that helps lead people to salvation.

And I believe “personal righteousness” was a factor in Mary’s selection to bear the Messiah for mankind:

“…to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary” (Luke 1:27).

“Then Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I do not know a man?’” (Luke 1:34).

These verses imply that Mary, who was divinely chosen for this extraordinary task, was chosen partly because of her commitment to personal righteousness.

In fact, the Word makes it clear that there is a connection between personal righteousness and God’s decision to entrust great responsibilities to people.

This also implies lackluster personal righteousness limits the effectiveness of the individual in their success.

“…let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT).

Anything less than focused commitment to personal righteousness will become a giant millstone weight that stands in the way of our God-given assignment.

And I’m convinced if we would fight as vehemently for personal righteousness as we do for social righteousness, or pointing out the sins of the world, we each would make a significant impact in the Kingdom in much more profound ways!

John 14:12-14 Amplified Bible

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

Be Willing to Risk Everything

Think of what Mary risked to bring the salvation of God into the world.

Imagine the dinner conversation with her parents.

Or the angry, too hushed argument raging between her parents and Joseph’s parents. Imagine what it felt like to walk to the marketplace, sit in synagogue or look into Joseph’s wounded eyes.

For Mary to fulfill her God-given assignment, she had to release control and risk it all: her reputation, family and friends, her financial security – even her life. In the culture of that day, she could have been stoned to death for adultery while betrothed to Joseph.

Whatever God entrusts you to bring into the world, regardless of your sphere of influence, your high or low estate, be aware there will be a personal cost, a high degree of personal risk. Jesus did not try to hide this aspect of being His disciple.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me’” (Matthew 16:24).

One of the greatest challenges for many of us, especially in Western society, is seeing ourselves as God’s servants. We forget that as believers, by our Baptism we have given the totality of our lives over to Christ, and we are no longer our own; rather, we have been bought with a price – the lifeblood of God’s own Son.

John 10:22-30 New American Standard Bible

Jesus Asserts His Deity

22 At that time the [a]Feast of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem; 23 it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple area, in the portico of Solomon. 24  The Jews then surrounded Him and began saying to Him, “How long [b]will You keep us in suspense? If You are the [c]Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me.  26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep. 27 My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28  and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 [d]My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are [e]one.”

The Christ who created us and redeemed us from death now has the absolute right to direct our lives and our actions in it, regardless of perceived risk to our plans, social standing or financial well-being. But every person who seeks to have an impact the world in a significant way for God understands this truth.

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

Let us Pray,

Psalm 24 New King James Version

The King of Glory and His Kingdom

A Psalm of David.

24 The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.
2 For He has founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the [a]waters.

3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face. Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King 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.

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Hope! From the very start of creation, God’s ultimate plan for us, His people and His creation, is to dwell with us. His permanent, His forever dwelling place, is with us. Revelation 21:1-5

Revelation 21:1-5 New King James Version

All Things Made New

21 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, [a]John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said  [b]to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

The Word of God for the Children of God.

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

When have we ever not struggled with feeling out of place?

Like the skin you are in doesn’t quite feel like home?

Maybe exhausted from the endless struggles of being a person in a body?

We all long to be in the Presence of the Lord, to spend our eternity worshiping God with the angels. I so fervently pray that we feel this way from time to time, prayerfully, much more frequently, much more significantly than we do now.

But are we recognizing, with a much greater frequency, there are the moments where Heaven just breaks through and we feel a sense of other worldly peace.

Where our souls feel rest, beauty and goodness shine through.

It’s unexpected moments of testifying, witnessing things, as they are meant to be, and even more exciting than that, believing it’s the way they one day will be.

Revelation 21:3 declares, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.’”

God’s ultimate plan for us, his people and his creation, is to dwell with us. His permanent, forever dwelling place is with us. What a crazy thought to ponder while we are stuck here in the middle, advocating for Heaven to touch us but not yet free from the powers of evil that cause grief, strife, struggle, for humanity.

From the exact start of creation, He saw the ending. This is why He could say what He had done – what He had created – was good. He knew this creation would be one that would go through some things, that would wander and stray, go their own separate ways, but at the very end of his story would be a reunion.

All creation groans for his plan of redemption and grace to come to completion. (Romans 8:22)

He made a way to make right the many wrongs that humanity has committed.

By our Baptism, we are each a part of a story which is ultimately leading us to the unification of the holy Creator and his beloved Creation.

How Do We Live in This Place of Waiting?

Right now, all things (including our hearts) are waiting to be made new again!

As we long for God to come down from Heaven and dwell with us again, it can be challenging to see the beauty of his plan. We are his children and we struggle with doubt, a lack of faith. It’s a hardcore fight for us to take him at his Word.

Which is why we must each discipline ourselves, immerse ourselves, saturate ourselves, in his Word so we know it, we believe it, and we grow to rely on it.

While we’re waiting, it’s all our covenant responsibility to get to know him. 

Joshua 1:7-9 New King James Version

7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may [a]prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you[b] shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

John 17:3 tells us, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

Our Eternity starts now and how we see it in the land of the living is through a dynamic, growing relationship with Christ.

This relationship is defined by his love and mercy that chases after us for all of our days (Psalm 23:6).

We don’t know God through a salvation hack, we know him when we give him our hearts and he miraculously changes us so we can experience His freedom.

Knowing God comes when we take time to be in his house and in his presence.

His house is the church and his presence is always available to us, but is best accessed through prayer and praise.

Have you ever felt unsettled and then just stilled yourself in prayer?

How quickly does quiet time with the Lord change our hearts!

What about a moment you felt discouraged and then you gathered with other believers in the church? God so often graciously uses the words of other Christ followers to encourage, inspire us. He does not leave us alone in the waiting.

As we know him, we grow in his love, and then we can share it. 

2 Corinthians 5:14 tells us, “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.”

His love compels us to action.

To share. To serve. To change our thought patterns. To both consider and create goodness and beauty. His love is a transformative power for all who know him.

Knowing Our Future Gives Us Peace in the Present

As you consider the future and the anxiety that sometimes lives out there in the great unknown, remember that God has a plan. He is sovereign over all and his ultimate goal is reunification with us, his beloved creation.

God doesn’t share many things with us, but he has graciously clued us into the most important aspects of his forever plan.

While we face trials and hardships of many diverse kinds, the end of the story is always, ultimately a good one. One day we will dwell with our God! All will know him, see him, and be submitted under his rule. What a future to look forward to!

When you know where you are headed, it gives you strength to overcome trials of many kinds as you journey forward.

This is why at the start of a marriage you begin with vows that point directly to remaining faithful through sickness and health, prosperity and poverty until death do we part. When we share a life together, there are so many holes on the road. But the goal remains faithful devotion until one of you leaves this earth.

God’s promise to us that we will one day dwell in His house with him is like those marriage vows.

It’s a promise that we can cling to when life around us makes no sense. When our needs feel greater than his goodness. When loss tears at the fabric of our hearts. While we still have to walk through the hard, we are overcomers through Christ! We have a promised good future ahead of us that inspires hope for our lost and dying world. Don’t lose sight of the hope that is yours through Christ.

God Is a Relational King

God’s main aim isn’t just to put right all the wrongs for the sake of justice.

If that was true, then humanity would not have lasted long because it would have made more sense to scrap us than to patiently allow us time to find him.

Ultimately, God’s main goal is to be with us.

That’s why he tells us about a forever Heavenly home with him that gets our imaginations excited. He wants us to know that what he cares about most is the chance to one day walk his streets of gold hand-in-hand. Until then, he wants us to live in our homes, to be the guide of our hearts, and to show us his ways.

The God over all Creation loves you and his ultimate dwelling place is with you.

You are not a means to an end, you are the end. You are the gift that he has moved all Heaven and Earth to get to know. Thank you Jesus for that truth. 

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

Let us Pray,

Psalm 100 New King James Version

A Song of Praise for the Lord’s Faithfulness to His People

A Psalm of Thanksgiving.

100 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, [a]all you lands!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
3 Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and [b]not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.

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

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