Message from Scripture: 6/30/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 Cor. 10:12; “So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall.”
This passage of Scripture is offered by Paul in the context of the nation of Israel, and how God’s people then often stumbled into sin, which brought serious consequences with it. Some fell into idolatry, others in immorality, and some even grumbling against God. Twice Paul said they served as examples to us who live under the covenant of grace in Christ. We are not to desire those sinful things that would mislead us and cause us to be deceived into think such practices are of no consequence to God.
These failings are to serve as teaching tools for us. When Paul said they were written for our instruction, the term means any word of encouragement or reproof that leads to correct behavior. He wants us to understand we are not superior to those who have gone before us when it comes to being tempted, to giving in to temptation, to being hardened by the influence of sin that, instead of standing firm in our faith, we fall into sin.
The Hebrew writer put it this way. “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness” (Heb. 3:13). James also reminds us, “Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (Jas. 1:14-15). Sin does not offer anything good to us! It works through deceit, it drags us off and destroys our relationship with God as it destroys us. God offers us a better way, but only if we recognize what is happening to us, that we can let go of sin, run back to God, and find His forgiveness again.
We should measure our lives by the fulness of the life of Christ (Eph. 4:13), and never let Satan have a foothold in our thoughts or our feelings. Watch out so you don’t fall. God bless.
Robert
Bible
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Monday, June 29, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/29/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from John 14:15; “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
It really is an amazing thing to stop and consider how much God loves us, how much Christ loves us. In today’s passage of Scripture, Jesus speaks about love and what our love should mean to Him. To best understand what Jesus says, we need to know what He does not say about love.
First, Jesus did not say, “If you keep my commandments, I will love you.” Some believe a relationship with God is based on doing enough good deeds God will love us and save us on the basis of those works. We need to understand we cannot earn God’s love, that even at our best, we fall short of what God wants us to be. Jesus said, “In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty” (Luke 17:10).
Jesus also did not say, “If you love me you do not have to keep my commandments.” Some people believe God loves us so much He would never condemn us. He would never reprove us, but always accepts us no matter what. Jesus said, “Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? (Luke 6:46).
Jesus did say our love should motivate us to obey Him. Knowing God loved us enough to send His Son to die so our sins should be forgiven, and Jesus loved us enough to obey the will of the Father in coming to earth, how can we dismiss the need from love for our submission to His will? Paul said, “Walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma” (Eph. 5:2).
We would not say God loved us if, having the capacity to bring about our forgiveness, He refused to act on our behalf. In a similar way, if we truly love God, we will show it by how we respond to His will. Have a great day in Christ. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from John 14:15; “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
It really is an amazing thing to stop and consider how much God loves us, how much Christ loves us. In today’s passage of Scripture, Jesus speaks about love and what our love should mean to Him. To best understand what Jesus says, we need to know what He does not say about love.
First, Jesus did not say, “If you keep my commandments, I will love you.” Some believe a relationship with God is based on doing enough good deeds God will love us and save us on the basis of those works. We need to understand we cannot earn God’s love, that even at our best, we fall short of what God wants us to be. Jesus said, “In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty” (Luke 17:10).
Jesus also did not say, “If you love me you do not have to keep my commandments.” Some people believe God loves us so much He would never condemn us. He would never reprove us, but always accepts us no matter what. Jesus said, “Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? (Luke 6:46).
Jesus did say our love should motivate us to obey Him. Knowing God loved us enough to send His Son to die so our sins should be forgiven, and Jesus loved us enough to obey the will of the Father in coming to earth, how can we dismiss the need from love for our submission to His will? Paul said, “Walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma” (Eph. 5:2).
We would not say God loved us if, having the capacity to bring about our forgiveness, He refused to act on our behalf. In a similar way, if we truly love God, we will show it by how we respond to His will. Have a great day in Christ. God bless.
Robert
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/27/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Psa. 119:18; “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”
It’s Interesting, isn’t it, that sometimes our senses can be engaged, but our brain, our reasoning in assimilating what the senses detect, isn’t? Perhaps this is what the Psalmist was thinking when by inspiration he penned these words. Obviously, what is being discussed is the ability to understand Scripture. Understanding is essential for us if we are to appreciate all the wonderful things God reveals to us in His word. After His resurrection, to those He was walking with on the road to Emmaus, “He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). If we are to discover the marvelous things God’s truth has to show us, what do we need to see?
We must see God as we study the word. “For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Pet. 1:21).
We must see ourselves as we read God’s word. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).
We need to see others as we meditate on God’s word. “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves” (Rom. 15:1).
Spend time in God’s word today, and see it for what it is, what it says about ourselves and others, and what we all can be in Christ. May it transform us into the image of Christ. Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Psa. 119:18; “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”
It’s Interesting, isn’t it, that sometimes our senses can be engaged, but our brain, our reasoning in assimilating what the senses detect, isn’t? Perhaps this is what the Psalmist was thinking when by inspiration he penned these words. Obviously, what is being discussed is the ability to understand Scripture. Understanding is essential for us if we are to appreciate all the wonderful things God reveals to us in His word. After His resurrection, to those He was walking with on the road to Emmaus, “He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). If we are to discover the marvelous things God’s truth has to show us, what do we need to see?
We must see God as we study the word. “For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Pet. 1:21).
We must see ourselves as we read God’s word. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).
We need to see others as we meditate on God’s word. “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves” (Rom. 15:1).
Spend time in God’s word today, and see it for what it is, what it says about ourselves and others, and what we all can be in Christ. May it transform us into the image of Christ. Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Friday, June 26, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/26/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Gen. 4:5-6; The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.”
What a contrast we find in this passage of Scripture regarding Cain and Abel. Although these two brothers are part of the original family on earth, human nature doesn’t change. What motivated them to live as they did, still motivates people today, as to how we respond to God’s will for our lives.
Abel’s offering of the firstborn of his flock to God was more than just his being a keeper of sheep; it was of faith (Heb. 11:4a). He was doing the will of God, because “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17). Abel pleased God because he humbled himself to the will of God, and obeyed what God said must be done.
It’s amazing to consider Cain was of the first family on earth, and could have heard the stories from his parents about walking with God and what fellowship with Him in the garden was like. He could also have been told what the consequences of sin were, being forced from the garden, cast out of the paradise they had been given. Cain, however, chose to follow his own will rather than God’s. Cain killed Abel, as if he was showing God He would have to accept his offering, now that his brother was gone. His heart is further revealed when he is cursed by God, but complains about being punished for his actions!
We have one of two choices to make when it comes to having a relationship with God, but it’s only a desire for righteousness that will commend us to God. Let’s choose to be like Abel, and have a real relationship with God that will last for an eternity. Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Gen. 4:5-6; The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.”
What a contrast we find in this passage of Scripture regarding Cain and Abel. Although these two brothers are part of the original family on earth, human nature doesn’t change. What motivated them to live as they did, still motivates people today, as to how we respond to God’s will for our lives.
Abel’s offering of the firstborn of his flock to God was more than just his being a keeper of sheep; it was of faith (Heb. 11:4a). He was doing the will of God, because “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17). Abel pleased God because he humbled himself to the will of God, and obeyed what God said must be done.
It’s amazing to consider Cain was of the first family on earth, and could have heard the stories from his parents about walking with God and what fellowship with Him in the garden was like. He could also have been told what the consequences of sin were, being forced from the garden, cast out of the paradise they had been given. Cain, however, chose to follow his own will rather than God’s. Cain killed Abel, as if he was showing God He would have to accept his offering, now that his brother was gone. His heart is further revealed when he is cursed by God, but complains about being punished for his actions!
We have one of two choices to make when it comes to having a relationship with God, but it’s only a desire for righteousness that will commend us to God. Let’s choose to be like Abel, and have a real relationship with God that will last for an eternity. Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Make the Sacrifice
Christopher Paslay teaches high school English in the Philadelphia School District where he has worked since 1997. He is a frequent contributor to the Philadelphia Inquirer, where his articles on education and school reform often appear. One of his articles expressed how technology has had a detrimental effect on student writing skills. They no longer think and articulate their own ideas, but instead they just copy someone else’s. They do not need to learn spelling and grammar, as their word processor does that for them. They never draft and revise their papers, because with the computer they can edit as they write. The first draft of their paper, updated as it is written, is the last.
“Students today are a product of an instant-gratification society. Writing a quality paper takes time, and most teenagers are not willing to make that sacrifice. Technology has become a way for students to cheat—to bypass hard work and cut right to the end result.” He goes on to say without the imaginative and self-reflective process of pre-writing and brainstorming, a command of the English language and the creative writing process can be lost.
There are those in the Lord’s church who would like to do the same spiritually. Let the preacher and Bible class teachers do the studying of the word. Let others do the work and give of their time and resources. We reflect society in offering as little effort as possible, but we want the maximum return in the end. How many Christians are truly willing to make the sacrifice to be what God wants His people to be? God, however, is not pleased with those who want the easy way out. “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service” (Rom. 12:1). “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 16:25). Clearly, God wants us to offer our best, as He has done for us. Jesus did not take the easy way out for our salvation, nor can we. What does it say of our commitment, our love, and our respect for Him? Interesting how we can find time for anything that appeals to us, but take shortcuts when it comes to our faith. No wonder a knowledge of Scripture is lacking, service in the kingdom deficient, and many missing altogether.
While it is gratifying to serve the Lord, there is no instant gratification in the Lord’s kingdom. It takes dedication and service to “attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). There are no shortcuts. But for those willing to make the sacrifice, the joy of the Lord awaits, along with the crown of eternal life. May we have the attitude of the apostle Paul, and be able to say of our lives, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
Robert
Christopher Paslay teaches high school English in the Philadelphia School District where he has worked since 1997. He is a frequent contributor to the Philadelphia Inquirer, where his articles on education and school reform often appear. One of his articles expressed how technology has had a detrimental effect on student writing skills. They no longer think and articulate their own ideas, but instead they just copy someone else’s. They do not need to learn spelling and grammar, as their word processor does that for them. They never draft and revise their papers, because with the computer they can edit as they write. The first draft of their paper, updated as it is written, is the last.
“Students today are a product of an instant-gratification society. Writing a quality paper takes time, and most teenagers are not willing to make that sacrifice. Technology has become a way for students to cheat—to bypass hard work and cut right to the end result.” He goes on to say without the imaginative and self-reflective process of pre-writing and brainstorming, a command of the English language and the creative writing process can be lost.
There are those in the Lord’s church who would like to do the same spiritually. Let the preacher and Bible class teachers do the studying of the word. Let others do the work and give of their time and resources. We reflect society in offering as little effort as possible, but we want the maximum return in the end. How many Christians are truly willing to make the sacrifice to be what God wants His people to be? God, however, is not pleased with those who want the easy way out. “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service” (Rom. 12:1). “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 16:25). Clearly, God wants us to offer our best, as He has done for us. Jesus did not take the easy way out for our salvation, nor can we. What does it say of our commitment, our love, and our respect for Him? Interesting how we can find time for anything that appeals to us, but take shortcuts when it comes to our faith. No wonder a knowledge of Scripture is lacking, service in the kingdom deficient, and many missing altogether.
While it is gratifying to serve the Lord, there is no instant gratification in the Lord’s kingdom. It takes dedication and service to “attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). There are no shortcuts. But for those willing to make the sacrifice, the joy of the Lord awaits, along with the crown of eternal life. May we have the attitude of the apostle Paul, and be able to say of our lives, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
Robert
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/25/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Matt. 18:21-22; “Then Peter came and said to Him, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’”
We realize God speaks to us today only through His word. In times past, however, God would speak to some people directly. People like Moses, the prophets, and others had the distinct opportunity to hear God’s word spoken to them. Scripture speaks of God speaking “a second time” to certain ones, to offer them a second opportunity to be found in His will, to have another occasion to please Him and find His blessings.
For example, the prophet Jonah clearly disobeyed God’s will by refusing to obey His command to go preach to the people of Nineveh. His rejection of God’s call brought God’s displeasure and chastisement on him. We are glad that God didn’t cut Jonah off completely to where there was no hope for his future. God gave him a second chance, and Jonah did as God commanded. There was a great response to God’s message by the people of Nineveh, which they so needed to hear.
Peter, when Christ was arrested, denied knowing Him three times. Perhaps Peter was too afraid to acknowledge he was one of Jesus’ disciples. Afterward, he thought he was unworthy to have any role in the kingdom of God. Jesus, though spoke to him again and revealed His love for Peter, and that Peter still had a place of service in His kingdom.
Aren’t we grateful God offers us more than just one opportunity to live for Him? If we are willing to listen, He will respond. He speaks to us often, every time we open the Bible and read His word to us. While there is life, there is hope. Let God speak to you today from His word, and find the hope of eternal life He offers. Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Matt. 18:21-22; “Then Peter came and said to Him, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’”
We realize God speaks to us today only through His word. In times past, however, God would speak to some people directly. People like Moses, the prophets, and others had the distinct opportunity to hear God’s word spoken to them. Scripture speaks of God speaking “a second time” to certain ones, to offer them a second opportunity to be found in His will, to have another occasion to please Him and find His blessings.
For example, the prophet Jonah clearly disobeyed God’s will by refusing to obey His command to go preach to the people of Nineveh. His rejection of God’s call brought God’s displeasure and chastisement on him. We are glad that God didn’t cut Jonah off completely to where there was no hope for his future. God gave him a second chance, and Jonah did as God commanded. There was a great response to God’s message by the people of Nineveh, which they so needed to hear.
Peter, when Christ was arrested, denied knowing Him three times. Perhaps Peter was too afraid to acknowledge he was one of Jesus’ disciples. Afterward, he thought he was unworthy to have any role in the kingdom of God. Jesus, though spoke to him again and revealed His love for Peter, and that Peter still had a place of service in His kingdom.
Aren’t we grateful God offers us more than just one opportunity to live for Him? If we are willing to listen, He will respond. He speaks to us often, every time we open the Bible and read His word to us. While there is life, there is hope. Let God speak to you today from His word, and find the hope of eternal life He offers. Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/24/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Micah 5:12-13; “I will remove sorceries from your hands, and you will not have any more fortune-tellers. I will remove your carved images and sacred pillars from you so that you will no longer worship the work of your hands.”
In this passage, God had looked at the lives of His people, and determined those things that needed to be discarded from their lives, what should be removed from their hearts, that something better could take their place. The Christian life involves constant house cleaning, so to speak. Displeasing practices that pile up in our lives need to be discarded. What practices does Micah say needed to be removed, that we today could profit from ridding out of our lives as well?
We must remove from ourselves any idol that destroys trust in God. Anything that takes first place in our hearts and lives other than God, is an idol that destroys trust in God and will someday destroy us as well. John wrote for us to guard ourselves from idols (1 John 5:21). We must set Christ apart from everything else as Lord in our hearts (1 Pet. 3:15).
We must also remove any guidance that destroys trust in God’s word. We may not consult mediums or psychics to make decisions, but how often do we make decisions and do things without thinking about if it fits into God’s will? “This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also works effectively in you who believe” (1 Thess. 2:13). We must always consider what God’s word tells us about how to live life.
God wants us to be our best, that we can have His best for our lives. He knows what needs to be thrown away, and what we need to keep. As the Psalmist says, abundant peace belongs to those who love God’s instruction (Psa. 119:165). Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Micah 5:12-13; “I will remove sorceries from your hands, and you will not have any more fortune-tellers. I will remove your carved images and sacred pillars from you so that you will no longer worship the work of your hands.”
In this passage, God had looked at the lives of His people, and determined those things that needed to be discarded from their lives, what should be removed from their hearts, that something better could take their place. The Christian life involves constant house cleaning, so to speak. Displeasing practices that pile up in our lives need to be discarded. What practices does Micah say needed to be removed, that we today could profit from ridding out of our lives as well?
We must remove from ourselves any idol that destroys trust in God. Anything that takes first place in our hearts and lives other than God, is an idol that destroys trust in God and will someday destroy us as well. John wrote for us to guard ourselves from idols (1 John 5:21). We must set Christ apart from everything else as Lord in our hearts (1 Pet. 3:15).
We must also remove any guidance that destroys trust in God’s word. We may not consult mediums or psychics to make decisions, but how often do we make decisions and do things without thinking about if it fits into God’s will? “This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also works effectively in you who believe” (1 Thess. 2:13). We must always consider what God’s word tells us about how to live life.
God wants us to be our best, that we can have His best for our lives. He knows what needs to be thrown away, and what we need to keep. As the Psalmist says, abundant peace belongs to those who love God’s instruction (Psa. 119:165). Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/23/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Eph. 3:8; “Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”
We are familiar with passages of Scripture that speak of the riches of the blessings God offers us in Christ. Earlier in his letter to the church at Ephesus Paul reminded his readers we have all spiritual blessings in Christ (Eph. 1:3). Peter reminded his readers that God has called us by His own glory and excellence, that He might offers us everything that pertains to life and godliness, that we can be partakers of the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:3-4). While these are magnificent and wonderful to consider, Paul also tells us they are unsearchable.
What does that mean, that the gospel preached offers us unsearchable riches in Christ? The term lit. means impossible to be traced out, unsearchable. Job speaks of it when he said, “Who does great things beyond searching out, and marvelous things beyond number” (Job 9:10). Paul adds, “O the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!” (Rom. 11:33).
Who of us has the mind of God to understand all that He does? To know all that He knows? To grasp how great, how effective, the full extent what God offers us in Christ means and blesses us? The gospel offers us everything, and our ability to comprehend it all, and to apply it all, falls far short of all it provides us, of what it enables us to be in Christ. This much we can know. Our eyes see the glory of the gospel when people are humbled and willing to be immersed into Christ. Our eyes see the glory of God’s providence when opportunities to evangelize are given us. Our eyes see the glory of the power of redeeming love when we sin and yet our Lord offers us opportunities to repent and return.
Though we cannot grasp the full extent of God’s riches for us in Christ, we rejoice in how great they are, in what they enable us to be and do, and the glory they lead to in eternity. Let that thought help you have a great day in Christ. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Eph. 3:8; “Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”
We are familiar with passages of Scripture that speak of the riches of the blessings God offers us in Christ. Earlier in his letter to the church at Ephesus Paul reminded his readers we have all spiritual blessings in Christ (Eph. 1:3). Peter reminded his readers that God has called us by His own glory and excellence, that He might offers us everything that pertains to life and godliness, that we can be partakers of the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:3-4). While these are magnificent and wonderful to consider, Paul also tells us they are unsearchable.
What does that mean, that the gospel preached offers us unsearchable riches in Christ? The term lit. means impossible to be traced out, unsearchable. Job speaks of it when he said, “Who does great things beyond searching out, and marvelous things beyond number” (Job 9:10). Paul adds, “O the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!” (Rom. 11:33).
Who of us has the mind of God to understand all that He does? To know all that He knows? To grasp how great, how effective, the full extent what God offers us in Christ means and blesses us? The gospel offers us everything, and our ability to comprehend it all, and to apply it all, falls far short of all it provides us, of what it enables us to be in Christ. This much we can know. Our eyes see the glory of the gospel when people are humbled and willing to be immersed into Christ. Our eyes see the glory of God’s providence when opportunities to evangelize are given us. Our eyes see the glory of the power of redeeming love when we sin and yet our Lord offers us opportunities to repent and return.
Though we cannot grasp the full extent of God’s riches for us in Christ, we rejoice in how great they are, in what they enable us to be and do, and the glory they lead to in eternity. Let that thought help you have a great day in Christ. God bless.
Robert
Monday, June 22, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/22/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Mark 11:7-9; “And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
When Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He did so in a way calculated to get attention. The symbolism of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, then, is that of the Prince of peace, the one who would bring peace, a resolution for the problem of sin and what it does to people’s lives. The crowds, however, while shouting hosannas to His name, did so in seeing Him as a political Messiah, one who would overthrow the power of Rome rather than the power of Satan; this is why they could shout “hosanna” at the first of the week, and “crucify Him” at its end.
What do we learn from this? Sometimes we see the show, but miss the main event. It’s easy to focus on the here and now and forget about the hereafter, to get distracted with everyday living and not living every day for Christ. Jesus is not our “King for a day,” but “Lord for life.” If we truly honor Christ, we must offer Him our full selves, an unqualified surrender to Him, living in His example, which offers His best to us. Paul remind us, “Walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God” (Eph. 5:2).
May we not become so distracted with what’s going on in life, that we forget what life is all about. Let’s not miss the main event! God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Mark 11:7-9; “And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
When Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He did so in a way calculated to get attention. The symbolism of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, then, is that of the Prince of peace, the one who would bring peace, a resolution for the problem of sin and what it does to people’s lives. The crowds, however, while shouting hosannas to His name, did so in seeing Him as a political Messiah, one who would overthrow the power of Rome rather than the power of Satan; this is why they could shout “hosanna” at the first of the week, and “crucify Him” at its end.
What do we learn from this? Sometimes we see the show, but miss the main event. It’s easy to focus on the here and now and forget about the hereafter, to get distracted with everyday living and not living every day for Christ. Jesus is not our “King for a day,” but “Lord for life.” If we truly honor Christ, we must offer Him our full selves, an unqualified surrender to Him, living in His example, which offers His best to us. Paul remind us, “Walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God” (Eph. 5:2).
May we not become so distracted with what’s going on in life, that we forget what life is all about. Let’s not miss the main event! God bless.
Robert
Saturday, June 20, 2020
What It Means to Be a Father
What does it mean to be a father? It means more than having children. It speaks of the relationship you are to have with your children, and your wife as their mother. The responsibility of a father to his children extends beyond Father’s Day, and the honor due fathers by their children should continue long after today. Father’s Day does, however, cause us to focus on the role the father has to his family, and the honor a godly father should receive.
God is intentionally depicted to us in Scripture as a heavenly Father. He is a provider and protector to us, who loves us and seeks only that which is best for us, which has our good at heart. He has clearly revealed His will to us, that we may know good from evil, and choose the way of life. He offers us all spiritual blessings in Jesus, and gives us assurance that He has an eternal home prepared for us after this existence is over. Sometimes He disciplines us, but only because He loves us. He wants our faith to grow in Him, for us to become more like Him, to find what life in Him has to offer. His greatest joy is in our relationship with Him.
Our heavenly Father exemplifies those qualities that should be found in earthly fathers. A father should be a provider and protector to his family, seeking only that which has their good at heart. His love should be exemplary, especially when he disciplines. He should want his children to make right choices, have a good life today, and a looking forward to eternal life. His joy should be his relationship with his family.
A father’s legacy is not the material possessions (house, car, money, fame, etc.) he leaves behind, as they are only things, and will perish. His time, character, and love are gifts that will endure for generations. A father who knows the love of the heavenly Father, and seeks to imitate Him, is the kind of father needed in families today. He deserves the honor his family gives today, and everyday. “Listen to your father who gave you life...” (Prov. 23:22).
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
Robert
What does it mean to be a father? It means more than having children. It speaks of the relationship you are to have with your children, and your wife as their mother. The responsibility of a father to his children extends beyond Father’s Day, and the honor due fathers by their children should continue long after today. Father’s Day does, however, cause us to focus on the role the father has to his family, and the honor a godly father should receive.
God is intentionally depicted to us in Scripture as a heavenly Father. He is a provider and protector to us, who loves us and seeks only that which is best for us, which has our good at heart. He has clearly revealed His will to us, that we may know good from evil, and choose the way of life. He offers us all spiritual blessings in Jesus, and gives us assurance that He has an eternal home prepared for us after this existence is over. Sometimes He disciplines us, but only because He loves us. He wants our faith to grow in Him, for us to become more like Him, to find what life in Him has to offer. His greatest joy is in our relationship with Him.
Our heavenly Father exemplifies those qualities that should be found in earthly fathers. A father should be a provider and protector to his family, seeking only that which has their good at heart. His love should be exemplary, especially when he disciplines. He should want his children to make right choices, have a good life today, and a looking forward to eternal life. His joy should be his relationship with his family.
A father’s legacy is not the material possessions (house, car, money, fame, etc.) he leaves behind, as they are only things, and will perish. His time, character, and love are gifts that will endure for generations. A father who knows the love of the heavenly Father, and seeks to imitate Him, is the kind of father needed in families today. He deserves the honor his family gives today, and everyday. “Listen to your father who gave you life...” (Prov. 23:22).
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
Robert
Message from Scripture: 6/20/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from John 2:15-16; “After making a whip out of cords, he drove everyone out of the temple with their sheep and oxen. He also poured out the money changers’ coins and overturned the tables. He told those who were selling doves, “Get these things out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”
It is interesting that our Lord, both at the beginning of His earthly ministry (John 2), and then at the end (Matt. 21), saw the need to cleanse the temple. In both instances, there were issues with money changers and those selling animals for sacrifices. In both instances, Jesus gained their attention in a dramatic way and spoke of what it was God desired from those who worshipped him. What was it Jesus desired to be true of those who approach God?
As with everything in life, there should always be a sense of awe and respect for God. Being in the temple wasn’t to be, as Jesus said, like being in a den of robbers, but a place of communion with God, of reverence for the holy. Sometimes we too can get lost in the motions of our routine and forget the nature of the holy God we serve, of the reverence and awe being in the presence of God should bring.
We should also understand there is always a cost to have a relationship with God. There was more of driving the herds and flocks through the temple happening here, than considering the quality of the animal to be offered to God. When Jesus calls us to follow Him, it isn’t just the activity of service He wants, but a loving and committed heart from which it comes, the quality of a life that is being offered to Him.
Never forget God is interested in who we are and what we do, because He is interested in us. He wants to come first with us, and in doing so, we allow Him to do His best for us. Seek first the kingdom, and find God’s best today, every day. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from John 2:15-16; “After making a whip out of cords, he drove everyone out of the temple with their sheep and oxen. He also poured out the money changers’ coins and overturned the tables. He told those who were selling doves, “Get these things out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”
It is interesting that our Lord, both at the beginning of His earthly ministry (John 2), and then at the end (Matt. 21), saw the need to cleanse the temple. In both instances, there were issues with money changers and those selling animals for sacrifices. In both instances, Jesus gained their attention in a dramatic way and spoke of what it was God desired from those who worshipped him. What was it Jesus desired to be true of those who approach God?
As with everything in life, there should always be a sense of awe and respect for God. Being in the temple wasn’t to be, as Jesus said, like being in a den of robbers, but a place of communion with God, of reverence for the holy. Sometimes we too can get lost in the motions of our routine and forget the nature of the holy God we serve, of the reverence and awe being in the presence of God should bring.
We should also understand there is always a cost to have a relationship with God. There was more of driving the herds and flocks through the temple happening here, than considering the quality of the animal to be offered to God. When Jesus calls us to follow Him, it isn’t just the activity of service He wants, but a loving and committed heart from which it comes, the quality of a life that is being offered to Him.
Never forget God is interested in who we are and what we do, because He is interested in us. He wants to come first with us, and in doing so, we allow Him to do His best for us. Seek first the kingdom, and find God’s best today, every day. God bless.
Robert
Friday, June 19, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/19/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Ex. 2:24-25; “And God heard their groaning; and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob; and God saw the Israelites; and God knew.”
Most people have difficulty, to one degree or another, remembering some things. We can forget important dates, or important events, or important tasks we have to do. It would seem this is just part of what it means to be human. So, to read this passage from Exodus, that God remembers, might be disconcerting to some. Does that mean it is also possible for Him to forget the great promises He makes to us?
That God remembers doesn’t mean God is forgetful, but rather that God, knowing all things, is ready to intervene in the history of his people. God knew it was now time for Him to act on behalf of the Israelites and send Moses to deliver them out of Egypt, to fulfill his promise to them.
God remembers all He has in store for us today as well, meaning at the right time He acts and responds on our behalf. As the Hebrew writer reminds us, “For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints” (Heb. 6:10). On the other hand, God remembers our forgiven sins no more (Heb. 8:12).
When days are dark, don’t think God has forgotten you. He remembers. As David said, “Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your lovingkindness remember me, For Your goodness' sake, O Lord” (Psa. 25:7). Now that truly is the best way to have a great day! God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Ex. 2:24-25; “And God heard their groaning; and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob; and God saw the Israelites; and God knew.”
Most people have difficulty, to one degree or another, remembering some things. We can forget important dates, or important events, or important tasks we have to do. It would seem this is just part of what it means to be human. So, to read this passage from Exodus, that God remembers, might be disconcerting to some. Does that mean it is also possible for Him to forget the great promises He makes to us?
That God remembers doesn’t mean God is forgetful, but rather that God, knowing all things, is ready to intervene in the history of his people. God knew it was now time for Him to act on behalf of the Israelites and send Moses to deliver them out of Egypt, to fulfill his promise to them.
God remembers all He has in store for us today as well, meaning at the right time He acts and responds on our behalf. As the Hebrew writer reminds us, “For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints” (Heb. 6:10). On the other hand, God remembers our forgiven sins no more (Heb. 8:12).
When days are dark, don’t think God has forgotten you. He remembers. As David said, “Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your lovingkindness remember me, For Your goodness' sake, O Lord” (Psa. 25:7). Now that truly is the best way to have a great day! God bless.
Robert
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/17/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Phil. 4:12; “I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.”
If anyone knew about dealing with the varied circumstances in life, it’s the apostle Paul. In today’s Scripture, he speaks about having more than what is necessary for life, and having less than what one needs. He knew what it was to be hungry, and to have plenty to eat. No matter what life dealt him, he was confident in how to face life and live triumphantly.
Life offers us all kinds of experiences, some positive, some negative. There are days we feel we’re on top of the mountain, and then other days where we are in the valley of despair. Christ, however, is the great equalizer to all of this. Paul would add in verse 13 he could do all things through Him who gives him strength. Knowing God was at work in his life for good (Rom. 8:28), he could face life. Knowing God in Christ had heaven waiting for him, he could face eternity. What a difference Christ made in his life, no matter what.
We need to allow Christ to have that degree of influence in our lives as well. Life can be good because God is in control, because Christ gives us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). Even with the problems of life, we know God is still blessing us, and there is something so much better waiting for us. We too can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! Because of the victory God offers us in Christ, we are more than conquerors. Let come what may, we can succeed, because we know the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Have a great day today, because you are a child of God and the recipient of the love of Christ. Nothing can defeat us if Christ is at work in us. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Phil. 4:12; “I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.”
If anyone knew about dealing with the varied circumstances in life, it’s the apostle Paul. In today’s Scripture, he speaks about having more than what is necessary for life, and having less than what one needs. He knew what it was to be hungry, and to have plenty to eat. No matter what life dealt him, he was confident in how to face life and live triumphantly.
Life offers us all kinds of experiences, some positive, some negative. There are days we feel we’re on top of the mountain, and then other days where we are in the valley of despair. Christ, however, is the great equalizer to all of this. Paul would add in verse 13 he could do all things through Him who gives him strength. Knowing God was at work in his life for good (Rom. 8:28), he could face life. Knowing God in Christ had heaven waiting for him, he could face eternity. What a difference Christ made in his life, no matter what.
We need to allow Christ to have that degree of influence in our lives as well. Life can be good because God is in control, because Christ gives us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). Even with the problems of life, we know God is still blessing us, and there is something so much better waiting for us. We too can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! Because of the victory God offers us in Christ, we are more than conquerors. Let come what may, we can succeed, because we know the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Have a great day today, because you are a child of God and the recipient of the love of Christ. Nothing can defeat us if Christ is at work in us. God bless.
Robert
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/16/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Esther 4:14; “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?'”
Most of us are familiar with the story of Esther, and her uncle Mordecai, and how God used them in a desperate time for their people during the days of Ahasuerus, or Xerxes, king of Persia. Haman had devised a plan to destroy the Jews, but Mordecai was told of this plot, and went to convince Queen Esther to intervene on their behalf. Esther at first was afraid, because approaching the king without him calling her could lead to her death. In the end, she knew the role she could play as God’s servant on behalf of her people, and helped bring about their deliverance. The words of Mordecai, however, no doubt played an important part in encouraging her to do the right thing.
Although Mordecai trusted in God, he knew the part people play in fulfilling the will of God, and of the influence Esther had. Although he didn't know God's purpose for her life, he did know she could be a vessel of service for the Lord at this time. We live at this point in time, knowing we all have a part to play in God’s kingdom. We should trust in the knowledge that God is still in control of His world, and that His purpose will be accomplished. Although we may not know why we are here now, and not some other time, we do know each of us can be a make a difference in the sphere of our influence, here and now, for the Lord.
As children of God, we each have a role to play in fulfilling His will. We should be instruments of righteousness, vessels of service, useful for the Master (2 Tim. 2:20-21). May we be receptive to the opportunities God provides to us for service, to be blessed, and be a blessing to others, in the name of our Lord, to His honor and glory. Working together, we can accomplish much in the Lord. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Esther 4:14; “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?'”
Most of us are familiar with the story of Esther, and her uncle Mordecai, and how God used them in a desperate time for their people during the days of Ahasuerus, or Xerxes, king of Persia. Haman had devised a plan to destroy the Jews, but Mordecai was told of this plot, and went to convince Queen Esther to intervene on their behalf. Esther at first was afraid, because approaching the king without him calling her could lead to her death. In the end, she knew the role she could play as God’s servant on behalf of her people, and helped bring about their deliverance. The words of Mordecai, however, no doubt played an important part in encouraging her to do the right thing.
Although Mordecai trusted in God, he knew the part people play in fulfilling the will of God, and of the influence Esther had. Although he didn't know God's purpose for her life, he did know she could be a vessel of service for the Lord at this time. We live at this point in time, knowing we all have a part to play in God’s kingdom. We should trust in the knowledge that God is still in control of His world, and that His purpose will be accomplished. Although we may not know why we are here now, and not some other time, we do know each of us can be a make a difference in the sphere of our influence, here and now, for the Lord.
As children of God, we each have a role to play in fulfilling His will. We should be instruments of righteousness, vessels of service, useful for the Master (2 Tim. 2:20-21). May we be receptive to the opportunities God provides to us for service, to be blessed, and be a blessing to others, in the name of our Lord, to His honor and glory. Working together, we can accomplish much in the Lord. God bless.
Robert
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/13/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Eph. 4:32; “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
We live in a society where hurt runs deep in people’s lives. We are hurt as a nation, we are hurt as groups of people, we are hurt individually. The hurt can be expressed in feelings, words, and actions. Scripture reveals it’s not just the worldly-minded who are hurt and hurt others, but even in the body of Christ. Barnabas and Paul had a “sharp disagreement” or “contention” over taking John Mark on a second mission effort, which could have reference to an angry dispute. Paul wanted Eudodia and Syntyche to live in harmony (Phil. 4:2), indicating such was not the case with them. He asked an unknown true companion to help them get past whatever was causing the lack of harmony in their lives. Even Jesus’ disciples argued about which one of them was greatest (Luke 9:46).
The way to get past the hurts of life, whatever form they may take, is to remember our hurts cannot compare to the hurt we each have brought to God. Paul reminds us we all have sinned and are in need of forgiveness (Rom. 3:23). Our sins caused God to send Christ to the cross, and Christ to willingly go to the cross, that His blood could wash away our sins. What pain He endured, what humiliation He went through, what a separation from the Father He faced as He bore our sins. We all need forgiveness, as we all need to forgive.
Paul goes on in Eph. 5:1 and tells us to be imitators of God. We have so much to learn, to embrace and to give up, to be like our Lord. His words from the cross touch us all, when He asked the Father, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Father, forgive us all, and help us all be more like You and Your Son. We can change the world, we can change the church, we can change our lives, with kindness, a tender heart, a forgiving spirit. May it begin within each of us. In Jesus' name, amen. Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Eph. 4:32; “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
We live in a society where hurt runs deep in people’s lives. We are hurt as a nation, we are hurt as groups of people, we are hurt individually. The hurt can be expressed in feelings, words, and actions. Scripture reveals it’s not just the worldly-minded who are hurt and hurt others, but even in the body of Christ. Barnabas and Paul had a “sharp disagreement” or “contention” over taking John Mark on a second mission effort, which could have reference to an angry dispute. Paul wanted Eudodia and Syntyche to live in harmony (Phil. 4:2), indicating such was not the case with them. He asked an unknown true companion to help them get past whatever was causing the lack of harmony in their lives. Even Jesus’ disciples argued about which one of them was greatest (Luke 9:46).
The way to get past the hurts of life, whatever form they may take, is to remember our hurts cannot compare to the hurt we each have brought to God. Paul reminds us we all have sinned and are in need of forgiveness (Rom. 3:23). Our sins caused God to send Christ to the cross, and Christ to willingly go to the cross, that His blood could wash away our sins. What pain He endured, what humiliation He went through, what a separation from the Father He faced as He bore our sins. We all need forgiveness, as we all need to forgive.
Paul goes on in Eph. 5:1 and tells us to be imitators of God. We have so much to learn, to embrace and to give up, to be like our Lord. His words from the cross touch us all, when He asked the Father, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Father, forgive us all, and help us all be more like You and Your Son. We can change the world, we can change the church, we can change our lives, with kindness, a tender heart, a forgiving spirit. May it begin within each of us. In Jesus' name, amen. Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Friday, June 12, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/12/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Jer. 6:16; “Thus says the LORD, "Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'”
People, for as long as there have been people I suppose, have had to get from here to there and back again. There have always been paths, roads, passages that people have journeyed. In Jeremiah’s day, paths and roads were important as well, but not necessarily just for getting from here to there. Some paths that had been abandoned needed to be rediscovered, for the spiritual journey of life was better traveled on them.
The ancient paths are the good way, where we find rest for our souls. The ancient path Jeremiah is referring to is the Law of Moses, God’s covenant for His people. When Israel would walk this path, the good way, they found rest, peace, and all that God had to offer them. To walk any other path was to leave the way of God for that which would only condemn.
Jesus spoke of the narrow path that would lead to life, that few would find (Matt. 7:13-14). It’s the gospel path, which we enter by the blood of Christ, that offers us all the blessings God provides today. This path isn’t just any path, but that which is commended by the Lord Himself. “So that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory (1 Thess. 2:12).
There are, spiritually speaking, only two paths one can take; one is broad enough to accommodate every false teaching and every evil way, but it leads only to destruction. God’s path has always been narrow, in that it is well-defined as to what one believes and how one should live. It alone leads to eternal life.
Like the poem “The Road Not Taken” talks about, we should take the road less travelled by, the narrow road, as it alone offers a walk with Christ, a walk to eternal life. Which path do you take? Choose Christ. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Jer. 6:16; “Thus says the LORD, "Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'”
People, for as long as there have been people I suppose, have had to get from here to there and back again. There have always been paths, roads, passages that people have journeyed. In Jeremiah’s day, paths and roads were important as well, but not necessarily just for getting from here to there. Some paths that had been abandoned needed to be rediscovered, for the spiritual journey of life was better traveled on them.
The ancient paths are the good way, where we find rest for our souls. The ancient path Jeremiah is referring to is the Law of Moses, God’s covenant for His people. When Israel would walk this path, the good way, they found rest, peace, and all that God had to offer them. To walk any other path was to leave the way of God for that which would only condemn.
Jesus spoke of the narrow path that would lead to life, that few would find (Matt. 7:13-14). It’s the gospel path, which we enter by the blood of Christ, that offers us all the blessings God provides today. This path isn’t just any path, but that which is commended by the Lord Himself. “So that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory (1 Thess. 2:12).
There are, spiritually speaking, only two paths one can take; one is broad enough to accommodate every false teaching and every evil way, but it leads only to destruction. God’s path has always been narrow, in that it is well-defined as to what one believes and how one should live. It alone leads to eternal life.
Like the poem “The Road Not Taken” talks about, we should take the road less travelled by, the narrow road, as it alone offers a walk with Christ, a walk to eternal life. Which path do you take? Choose Christ. God bless.
Robert
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Live in Peace
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone…” (Heb. 12:14).
At this point in time in our nation’s history, now more than ever, peace is needed in the lives of so many people. Peace of mind is one of the most needed, and one of the most sought after, attributes of our society, as peace of mind leads to peace in lives as a whole. There is such a lack of peace in people’s lives today, seen in attitudes, actions, every aspect of everyday living. The spirit of the age is all about a lack of peace, with violence, hatred, and so many attacks on people’s character, people’s occupations, and most distressingly, people’s lives. This lack of peace in our world comes from a lack of genuine spirituality.
Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth, “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33). Disorder and confusion are the opposite of peace. They are traits that fill many people’s lives, but their origin is not of God. “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (Jas. 3:16). Sin creates confusion and destroys peace, in our own lives, in our relationship with others, and especially in our relationship with God.
What is the way to find peace? The answer is Jesus. “For he himself is our peace…” (Eph. 2:14). When we obey the gospel and are cleansed of our sins by the blood of Christ, we can have peace. We have peace with God, as our sins are forgiven. We have peace in ourselves, knowing the guilt of sin is removed. We can have peace with others, as we respond to them in love, not from sinful motives and attitudes.
So, peace is something God provides in Christ, but something we must seek, as well. The Hebrew writer understood the need for his readers to positively respond in living the gospel if peace were to be a reality. Of course, those who reject God’s will, who still live in sin, cannot know God’s peace in Christ. This is why Jesus could say, "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" (John 16:33). We can be at peace with Christ, which helps us deal with those who remain in sin, which creates disorder and strife.
What can we do to encourage peace in others? Let them see Christ in you. What kind of example do they see? Do you live in godliness, or do they see sin fill your heart and actions? What kind of language do you use? Do you speak kind words, or words that create strife? “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov. 15:1). To a large extent, how we respond to others determines whether we can find peace with others.
If we have peace through Christ, we should try to be at peace with those around us. There will be some who, by allowing sin to influence them, refuse to know peace. However, Christ living in us should make a difference in how we treat others, in whether or not we have, and share, peace.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.”
Robert
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone…” (Heb. 12:14).
At this point in time in our nation’s history, now more than ever, peace is needed in the lives of so many people. Peace of mind is one of the most needed, and one of the most sought after, attributes of our society, as peace of mind leads to peace in lives as a whole. There is such a lack of peace in people’s lives today, seen in attitudes, actions, every aspect of everyday living. The spirit of the age is all about a lack of peace, with violence, hatred, and so many attacks on people’s character, people’s occupations, and most distressingly, people’s lives. This lack of peace in our world comes from a lack of genuine spirituality.
Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth, “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33). Disorder and confusion are the opposite of peace. They are traits that fill many people’s lives, but their origin is not of God. “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (Jas. 3:16). Sin creates confusion and destroys peace, in our own lives, in our relationship with others, and especially in our relationship with God.
What is the way to find peace? The answer is Jesus. “For he himself is our peace…” (Eph. 2:14). When we obey the gospel and are cleansed of our sins by the blood of Christ, we can have peace. We have peace with God, as our sins are forgiven. We have peace in ourselves, knowing the guilt of sin is removed. We can have peace with others, as we respond to them in love, not from sinful motives and attitudes.
So, peace is something God provides in Christ, but something we must seek, as well. The Hebrew writer understood the need for his readers to positively respond in living the gospel if peace were to be a reality. Of course, those who reject God’s will, who still live in sin, cannot know God’s peace in Christ. This is why Jesus could say, "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" (John 16:33). We can be at peace with Christ, which helps us deal with those who remain in sin, which creates disorder and strife.
What can we do to encourage peace in others? Let them see Christ in you. What kind of example do they see? Do you live in godliness, or do they see sin fill your heart and actions? What kind of language do you use? Do you speak kind words, or words that create strife? “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov. 15:1). To a large extent, how we respond to others determines whether we can find peace with others.
If we have peace through Christ, we should try to be at peace with those around us. There will be some who, by allowing sin to influence them, refuse to know peace. However, Christ living in us should make a difference in how we treat others, in whether or not we have, and share, peace.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.”
Robert
Message from Scripture: 6/11/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Psa. 119:5; “If only my ways were committed to keeping your statutes.”
For those of us who have obeyed the gospel, if asked the question, “What is the Bible,” we can answer unequivocally “The inspired word of God” (2 Tim. 3:16); but this is not all that the Bible is to us. In His infinite wisdom, God has given us His word in language we can understand, using our thought patterns, the grammar and patterns inherent in literature and language, so it will be understandable, unmistakable, and undeniable, that we can be committed to keeping His statutes.
Two figures of speech the Bible employs to communicate God’s truth is that of simile and metaphor, strong comparisons, where a word or phrase ordinarily and primarily used of one thing is applied to another. We use these all the time, as in the phrases, “Her tears flowed like a river,” or “All the world’s a stage.” God uses these figures of speech, as well, to clarify and understand what God’s word should means to us in very practical ways.
We learn from this that Scripture is a light. “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path” (Psa. 119:105). In other words, it can lead us out of the darkness of sin into the light of truth, the right way to live. Scripture is also a fire. “But his message becomes a fire burning in my heart” (Jer. 20:9). It motivates us to speak it and live, that its power can be made effective in and through us. Scripture is also a sword. “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit — which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17). It defends the faith and pierces our hearts with its truths.
Scripture is to be many things to us. It is living and active, coming from the God who always lives, always works, always is there to use it to bring us to maturity, to salvation. What is Scripture to you? Spend time in it today, and be blessed.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Psa. 119:5; “If only my ways were committed to keeping your statutes.”
For those of us who have obeyed the gospel, if asked the question, “What is the Bible,” we can answer unequivocally “The inspired word of God” (2 Tim. 3:16); but this is not all that the Bible is to us. In His infinite wisdom, God has given us His word in language we can understand, using our thought patterns, the grammar and patterns inherent in literature and language, so it will be understandable, unmistakable, and undeniable, that we can be committed to keeping His statutes.
Two figures of speech the Bible employs to communicate God’s truth is that of simile and metaphor, strong comparisons, where a word or phrase ordinarily and primarily used of one thing is applied to another. We use these all the time, as in the phrases, “Her tears flowed like a river,” or “All the world’s a stage.” God uses these figures of speech, as well, to clarify and understand what God’s word should means to us in very practical ways.
We learn from this that Scripture is a light. “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path” (Psa. 119:105). In other words, it can lead us out of the darkness of sin into the light of truth, the right way to live. Scripture is also a fire. “But his message becomes a fire burning in my heart” (Jer. 20:9). It motivates us to speak it and live, that its power can be made effective in and through us. Scripture is also a sword. “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit — which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17). It defends the faith and pierces our hearts with its truths.
Scripture is to be many things to us. It is living and active, coming from the God who always lives, always works, always is there to use it to bring us to maturity, to salvation. What is Scripture to you? Spend time in it today, and be blessed.
Robert
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/9/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Rom. 10:17; “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” This is a fascinating verse. The word translated “hearing” doesn’t refer exclusively to the ability to hear, but what is heard. The term “word,” in word of Christ, is the Greek ῥῆμα, which is a declaration or saying. So, it can be translated, “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.”
Since faith comes from what is heard, what message is it that you’re listening to? There are many different messages competing for our attention. The world is a cacophony of ideas and philosophies that so often are in conflict with the message of Christ. Satan is at work in the world, and he would have us believe there are so many different ways to believe, so many paths to take, so many messages that all are valid expressions for life. The problem is, all of the concepts and views offered by the world are variations on the same theme of sin. Paul summed up everything the world offers this way; “Do not be conformed to this age,” or stop being conformed to this age (Rom. 12:2). The message the world offers is really just one message, based in sin, which destroys and condemns.
If we are to develop a strong faith, then what we must hear is the message about Christ. We need a philosophy of life based on Christ, on His love for us, on His sacrifice for us, on His will for our lives. “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude” (Col. 2:6-7). We must spend time daily in Scripture if we are to be spiritually formed into the image of Christ. As the Psalmist reminds us, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You” (Psa. 119:11).
We hear all kinds of messages; make sure you hear the message that can save your soul. Read your Bible every day, and every day will be great. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Rom. 10:17; “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” This is a fascinating verse. The word translated “hearing” doesn’t refer exclusively to the ability to hear, but what is heard. The term “word,” in word of Christ, is the Greek ῥῆμα, which is a declaration or saying. So, it can be translated, “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.”
Since faith comes from what is heard, what message is it that you’re listening to? There are many different messages competing for our attention. The world is a cacophony of ideas and philosophies that so often are in conflict with the message of Christ. Satan is at work in the world, and he would have us believe there are so many different ways to believe, so many paths to take, so many messages that all are valid expressions for life. The problem is, all of the concepts and views offered by the world are variations on the same theme of sin. Paul summed up everything the world offers this way; “Do not be conformed to this age,” or stop being conformed to this age (Rom. 12:2). The message the world offers is really just one message, based in sin, which destroys and condemns.
If we are to develop a strong faith, then what we must hear is the message about Christ. We need a philosophy of life based on Christ, on His love for us, on His sacrifice for us, on His will for our lives. “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude” (Col. 2:6-7). We must spend time daily in Scripture if we are to be spiritually formed into the image of Christ. As the Psalmist reminds us, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You” (Psa. 119:11).
We hear all kinds of messages; make sure you hear the message that can save your soul. Read your Bible every day, and every day will be great. God bless.
Robert
Monday, June 8, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/8/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from 2 Tim. 1:13; “Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
The concept of a pattern plays an important part in the teaching of Scripture. Moses was told to build the tabernacle according to the pattern God was showing him on the mountain where he received the covenant (Num. 8:4). Not just the construction of the tabernacle was to be followed according to God’s pattern, His standard for construction, but the entirety of the Law of Moses was God’s pattern for Israel to live by (Deut. 12:1).
The New Covenant, the gospel of Christ, is God’s pattern for us to live by today. In Rom. 6:17 Paul wrote, “But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over.” We could say Paul is telling us to abandon the pattern of sin, which enslaves us to it and leads to condemnation. We follow instead the pattern the gospel provides, which leads us to liberty from sin and to forgiveness. As Paul goes on to say, “and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness” (Rom. 6:18).
Living by God’s pattern in Christ, we are transformed (Rom. 12:2). Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). There has always been a right way, and a wrong way, to live. God knew, for the Israelites, it would be difficult for them to stay faithful, not to go astray. That’s why He gave them a pattern to live by in the Law of Moses. Today, we need the Biblical pattern found in the New Testament to follow God’s pattern for us today, to have the good life, to live with the assurance of eternal life. Jesus put it this way; “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
Let’s follow God’s pattern in Scripture. Let’s have confidence in the life He offers, today and eternally. Live by the pattern, and find the life really worth living. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from 2 Tim. 1:13; “Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
The concept of a pattern plays an important part in the teaching of Scripture. Moses was told to build the tabernacle according to the pattern God was showing him on the mountain where he received the covenant (Num. 8:4). Not just the construction of the tabernacle was to be followed according to God’s pattern, His standard for construction, but the entirety of the Law of Moses was God’s pattern for Israel to live by (Deut. 12:1).
The New Covenant, the gospel of Christ, is God’s pattern for us to live by today. In Rom. 6:17 Paul wrote, “But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over.” We could say Paul is telling us to abandon the pattern of sin, which enslaves us to it and leads to condemnation. We follow instead the pattern the gospel provides, which leads us to liberty from sin and to forgiveness. As Paul goes on to say, “and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness” (Rom. 6:18).
Living by God’s pattern in Christ, we are transformed (Rom. 12:2). Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). There has always been a right way, and a wrong way, to live. God knew, for the Israelites, it would be difficult for them to stay faithful, not to go astray. That’s why He gave them a pattern to live by in the Law of Moses. Today, we need the Biblical pattern found in the New Testament to follow God’s pattern for us today, to have the good life, to live with the assurance of eternal life. Jesus put it this way; “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
Let’s follow God’s pattern in Scripture. Let’s have confidence in the life He offers, today and eternally. Live by the pattern, and find the life really worth living. God bless.
Robert
Saturday, June 6, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/6/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Matt. 2:11; “And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
Typically, this time of year isn’t associated with the events of Christ’s birth. We don’t know the exact time Christ was born, be we do know He came into this world in flesh and blood, to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for mankind. Some time after His birth, wise men, or Magi, from the East came to worship Him. What they would offer as gifts in homage and adoration would have significance as to who He was, as to where His life would lead.
One gift was gold, which is typically associated with royalty. This gift would be helpful in providing for the needs of this new family, but it also reflected their attitude toward Jesus as King of Kings, as they came to worship Him (Matt. 2:2).
A second gift they brought was frankincense, a fragrant gum that played an important role in the Old Testament priesthood, in the offering of sacrifices to God. It was an ingredient in an incense made only for the Lord (Ex. 30:34-38). It was to be added to grain offerings and offered on the altar to God (Lev. 2:1; 6:15). It was an appropriate gift to offer Jesus as Lord (1 Pet. 3:15).
The third gift was myrrh, a fragrant substance used for a variety of purposes but two especially in connection with Jesus. As an additive to wine, it was used to deaden pain (Mark 15:23). It was offered to Jesus to deaden the pain of His crucifixion, but he refused to take it, enduring every ounce of suffering our sins brought to Him. It was also used for embalming the dead, and was an ingredient in the spices designed for anointing Jesus' body (John 19:39-40). It played an important part in testifying to Jesus as our sacrifice for sins.
Jesus is our King, our Lord, and our sacrifice. Even from His youth, there is assurance of who He is and what He would accomplish for us. As the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Matt. 2:11; “And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
Typically, this time of year isn’t associated with the events of Christ’s birth. We don’t know the exact time Christ was born, be we do know He came into this world in flesh and blood, to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for mankind. Some time after His birth, wise men, or Magi, from the East came to worship Him. What they would offer as gifts in homage and adoration would have significance as to who He was, as to where His life would lead.
One gift was gold, which is typically associated with royalty. This gift would be helpful in providing for the needs of this new family, but it also reflected their attitude toward Jesus as King of Kings, as they came to worship Him (Matt. 2:2).
A second gift they brought was frankincense, a fragrant gum that played an important role in the Old Testament priesthood, in the offering of sacrifices to God. It was an ingredient in an incense made only for the Lord (Ex. 30:34-38). It was to be added to grain offerings and offered on the altar to God (Lev. 2:1; 6:15). It was an appropriate gift to offer Jesus as Lord (1 Pet. 3:15).
The third gift was myrrh, a fragrant substance used for a variety of purposes but two especially in connection with Jesus. As an additive to wine, it was used to deaden pain (Mark 15:23). It was offered to Jesus to deaden the pain of His crucifixion, but he refused to take it, enduring every ounce of suffering our sins brought to Him. It was also used for embalming the dead, and was an ingredient in the spices designed for anointing Jesus' body (John 19:39-40). It played an important part in testifying to Jesus as our sacrifice for sins.
Jesus is our King, our Lord, and our sacrifice. Even from His youth, there is assurance of who He is and what He would accomplish for us. As the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Friday, June 5, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/5/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from 2 Tim. 1:5; “I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also.” The importance of faith from one generation to another is emphasized here.
The way every human being is created by God is for the purpose of relationships; we need contact with others, personal interaction with others, for us to have whole and healthy lives. If we ever hope to have a chance of eternal life, it will come through the encouragement we receive from others. But what about ourselves? The path of personal interaction isn’t a one-way street, but one that travels to and from us.
How many figures of Scripture commend themselves to us as positive examples of godliness, people who lived by faith and whose lives encourage us to live by faith. Also, we should not be so caught up in ourselves that we forget there are others who look to us as examples, either good or bad. What kind of influence do our lives offer to those who are around us today, to those who will follow us someday? Solomon said in Prov. 17:6; “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” We can draw strength from the faithfulness of others, and those coming up behind us should draw strength from our faithfulness as well.
There is a hymn that expresses these words. “Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful, May the fire of our devotion light their way, May the footprints that we leave, Lead them to believe, and the lives we live inspire them to obey, O may all who come behind us find us faithful.” What do those growing up after us learn about faith, hope, and love in God and Christ? Do they find us faithful? It’s something to think about.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from 2 Tim. 1:5; “I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also.” The importance of faith from one generation to another is emphasized here.
The way every human being is created by God is for the purpose of relationships; we need contact with others, personal interaction with others, for us to have whole and healthy lives. If we ever hope to have a chance of eternal life, it will come through the encouragement we receive from others. But what about ourselves? The path of personal interaction isn’t a one-way street, but one that travels to and from us.
How many figures of Scripture commend themselves to us as positive examples of godliness, people who lived by faith and whose lives encourage us to live by faith. Also, we should not be so caught up in ourselves that we forget there are others who look to us as examples, either good or bad. What kind of influence do our lives offer to those who are around us today, to those who will follow us someday? Solomon said in Prov. 17:6; “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” We can draw strength from the faithfulness of others, and those coming up behind us should draw strength from our faithfulness as well.
There is a hymn that expresses these words. “Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful, May the fire of our devotion light their way, May the footprints that we leave, Lead them to believe, and the lives we live inspire them to obey, O may all who come behind us find us faithful.” What do those growing up after us learn about faith, hope, and love in God and Christ? Do they find us faithful? It’s something to think about.
Robert
An Empty Person
“He feeds on ashes. His deceived mind has led him astray, and he cannot rescue himself, or say, ‘Isn’t there a lie in my right hand?’” (Isa. 44:20).
While we know of individuals who have little of this life’s possessions, or of its prestige, or even the necessities to exist, for others, there is more of everything, and everything tends to be bigger and better; yet amid the fullness of prosperity there lives multitudes of empty people. Many of the extremes of our age are merely efforts to find some meaning for life. Isaiah says of those who worship idols are following after that which is empty, and in doing so become empty people; what about the idolatry modern life causes people to pursue?
A “this life only” philosophy offers a superficial view of life. The phrase, “he feeds on ashes” is a proverbial saying used to refer to that which has no purpose. To feed on ashes means taking a wrong turn somewhere down the path of life and finding oneself following a very artificial way of life. Any view of life that doesn’t include God presents a tragic distortion. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Eph. 2:10).
A “this life only” philosophy is a commitment to a lie. The empty person’s basic fault is not a lack of commitment; it’s a commitment to what is not true. He does not seem able to say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?” The empty person faces the struggles and trials of life with nothing more than a lie in his hand, a lie which somehow believes everything will work out all right (Rev. 3:15-17). The bad news is that, in the end, a life based on all the lies of the world will not work out all right; nothing works out all right apart from God. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
The empty person sees life as an end in itself, but it is not so; life is a battle to determine who, or what, to serve in God’s eternal kingdom. The empty person seeks only to dodge danger and stay alive. The wise person commits himself to the service of the eternal God and loses himself in the life it calls one to live; it’s in this very experience that emptiness fades away and fullness becomes a reality. “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day” (2 Tim. 1:12).
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
Robert
“He feeds on ashes. His deceived mind has led him astray, and he cannot rescue himself, or say, ‘Isn’t there a lie in my right hand?’” (Isa. 44:20).
While we know of individuals who have little of this life’s possessions, or of its prestige, or even the necessities to exist, for others, there is more of everything, and everything tends to be bigger and better; yet amid the fullness of prosperity there lives multitudes of empty people. Many of the extremes of our age are merely efforts to find some meaning for life. Isaiah says of those who worship idols are following after that which is empty, and in doing so become empty people; what about the idolatry modern life causes people to pursue?
A “this life only” philosophy offers a superficial view of life. The phrase, “he feeds on ashes” is a proverbial saying used to refer to that which has no purpose. To feed on ashes means taking a wrong turn somewhere down the path of life and finding oneself following a very artificial way of life. Any view of life that doesn’t include God presents a tragic distortion. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Eph. 2:10).
A “this life only” philosophy is a commitment to a lie. The empty person’s basic fault is not a lack of commitment; it’s a commitment to what is not true. He does not seem able to say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?” The empty person faces the struggles and trials of life with nothing more than a lie in his hand, a lie which somehow believes everything will work out all right (Rev. 3:15-17). The bad news is that, in the end, a life based on all the lies of the world will not work out all right; nothing works out all right apart from God. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
The empty person sees life as an end in itself, but it is not so; life is a battle to determine who, or what, to serve in God’s eternal kingdom. The empty person seeks only to dodge danger and stay alive. The wise person commits himself to the service of the eternal God and loses himself in the life it calls one to live; it’s in this very experience that emptiness fades away and fullness becomes a reality. “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day” (2 Tim. 1:12).
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
Robert
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/4/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Matt. 13:44; “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”
In Jesus’ parable, this person went and sold all he had in his joy. Later in His ministry, Jesus would offer someone the opportunity to go and sell all he had, only for that person to leave in his sorrow (Matt. 19:22). The difference between these two individuals has to do with the value they placed on what they were giving up. The kingdom of heaven has far greater value than any earthly possession, but this rich young man of Matt. 19 placed a greater value on present possessions than eternal life.
The promise of eternal life seems unreal to many, or a distant promise that is unrelated to today’s needs and wants. It is easily discarded for this world’s treasures. But for us as Christians, we must realize life in Christ and service in His kingdom holds promise here and now, as well as eternally. The blessings Christ offers us today far surpass anything the world offers, and in the end, eternal life, which is the greatest gift of all. How can anything compare with the value of that which is to be received in Christ?
Does the spiritual have this kind of value in our lives? Is living the Christian life a source of joy, or does forsaking the way of the world bring sorrow? What we value differs from person to person. May we look to that which is eternal, and rejoice in the riches we have in Christ. May our love for Christ and His grace towards us be our greatest treasure. Have a great day in treasuring your life in Christ. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Matt. 13:44; “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”
In Jesus’ parable, this person went and sold all he had in his joy. Later in His ministry, Jesus would offer someone the opportunity to go and sell all he had, only for that person to leave in his sorrow (Matt. 19:22). The difference between these two individuals has to do with the value they placed on what they were giving up. The kingdom of heaven has far greater value than any earthly possession, but this rich young man of Matt. 19 placed a greater value on present possessions than eternal life.
The promise of eternal life seems unreal to many, or a distant promise that is unrelated to today’s needs and wants. It is easily discarded for this world’s treasures. But for us as Christians, we must realize life in Christ and service in His kingdom holds promise here and now, as well as eternally. The blessings Christ offers us today far surpass anything the world offers, and in the end, eternal life, which is the greatest gift of all. How can anything compare with the value of that which is to be received in Christ?
Does the spiritual have this kind of value in our lives? Is living the Christian life a source of joy, or does forsaking the way of the world bring sorrow? What we value differs from person to person. May we look to that which is eternal, and rejoice in the riches we have in Christ. May our love for Christ and His grace towards us be our greatest treasure. Have a great day in treasuring your life in Christ. God bless.
Robert
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/3/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Eph. 5:1-2; “Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.”
How much do we think about what we say and do, and the impact it will have on others? Recent events in society reminds us how sin is so active, and how seeking what one wants personally doesn’t always align with what God wants, and how destructive it can be. Not just the actions we take, but the motives from which such actions come are important to God. This is why, to counter some of the selfish actions Paul mentions in Eph. 4:25-31, we are asked to follow in the footsteps of Christ, to imitate God and what is godly.
Several years ago I remember seeing a teenager wearing a T-Shirt which said, “I am my own role model.” We understand that such a philosophy only leads to sinful conduct, but so many revel in it today. It is sinful as it only considers what one wants, not the needs of others. It is sinful as it only takes one’s desires into consideration, not the will of God. I will never forget years ago a Christian scream to me, “This is what I want!” with no consideration of its impact on others. I believe at some point in time, this is what we all see in ourselves if we are being honest with ourselves.
Jesus said we must take off the old self to put on the new self (Eph. 4:22-24). He said we must deny ourselves (Matt. 16:24). He said through Paul by inspiration to live is Christ (Phil. 1:21). He said through Peter by inspiration Christ must be Lord in our hearts, that before anything else, He comes first (1 Pet. 3:21). May we humble ourselves and seek first His kingdom, His righteousness. If we will, Christ will truly be our role model. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Eph. 5:1-2; “Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.”
How much do we think about what we say and do, and the impact it will have on others? Recent events in society reminds us how sin is so active, and how seeking what one wants personally doesn’t always align with what God wants, and how destructive it can be. Not just the actions we take, but the motives from which such actions come are important to God. This is why, to counter some of the selfish actions Paul mentions in Eph. 4:25-31, we are asked to follow in the footsteps of Christ, to imitate God and what is godly.
Several years ago I remember seeing a teenager wearing a T-Shirt which said, “I am my own role model.” We understand that such a philosophy only leads to sinful conduct, but so many revel in it today. It is sinful as it only considers what one wants, not the needs of others. It is sinful as it only takes one’s desires into consideration, not the will of God. I will never forget years ago a Christian scream to me, “This is what I want!” with no consideration of its impact on others. I believe at some point in time, this is what we all see in ourselves if we are being honest with ourselves.
Jesus said we must take off the old self to put on the new self (Eph. 4:22-24). He said we must deny ourselves (Matt. 16:24). He said through Paul by inspiration to live is Christ (Phil. 1:21). He said through Peter by inspiration Christ must be Lord in our hearts, that before anything else, He comes first (1 Pet. 3:21). May we humble ourselves and seek first His kingdom, His righteousness. If we will, Christ will truly be our role model. God bless.
Robert
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/2/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Titus 2:14; “He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.”
In Titus 2, Paul speaks of how God is concerned with our response to moral issues, and how He offers us help on responding as we should. Living in sin only condemns us, and God wants to redeem us from sin, from the lawlessness and iniquity we’ve lived in that necessitated sending Christ to begin with. God also wants to call us into a special relationship with Him through Christ, to be His special, or unique, people. The KJV used the word “peculiar,” which, in our day and time, carries the idea of being odd, not usual or normal. The Gk. word used here lit. means “beyond substance;” it carries the idea of abundant, costly, select. It refers to God's people in whom He has a special interest, one which is unique from His common concern for mankind in general.
It occurs to me, that if we are peculiar to God, meaning of special interest to God by our union with Him in Christ, His own people identified by the lives we live for Him, then we will be peculiar to the world, odd, different, out of step with what it values and what it lives for. It is a matter of perspective, isn’t it? The world is enslaved to sin, but has been deceived into thinking that is the right way to live, while we are enslaved to God, knowing it’s truly the right way to live, if one is thinking eternally.
Maybe we should think of ourselves as peculiar, but not as those outside of Christ would. Why live like the world, only to end up condemned eternally? Why not live like Christ, so no matter what the world may think, we know we are special to Him, having a hope eternal in heaven. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Titus 2:14; “He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.”
In Titus 2, Paul speaks of how God is concerned with our response to moral issues, and how He offers us help on responding as we should. Living in sin only condemns us, and God wants to redeem us from sin, from the lawlessness and iniquity we’ve lived in that necessitated sending Christ to begin with. God also wants to call us into a special relationship with Him through Christ, to be His special, or unique, people. The KJV used the word “peculiar,” which, in our day and time, carries the idea of being odd, not usual or normal. The Gk. word used here lit. means “beyond substance;” it carries the idea of abundant, costly, select. It refers to God's people in whom He has a special interest, one which is unique from His common concern for mankind in general.
It occurs to me, that if we are peculiar to God, meaning of special interest to God by our union with Him in Christ, His own people identified by the lives we live for Him, then we will be peculiar to the world, odd, different, out of step with what it values and what it lives for. It is a matter of perspective, isn’t it? The world is enslaved to sin, but has been deceived into thinking that is the right way to live, while we are enslaved to God, knowing it’s truly the right way to live, if one is thinking eternally.
Maybe we should think of ourselves as peculiar, but not as those outside of Christ would. Why live like the world, only to end up condemned eternally? Why not live like Christ, so no matter what the world may think, we know we are special to Him, having a hope eternal in heaven. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). Have a great day. God bless.
Robert
Monday, June 1, 2020
Message from Scripture: 6/1/2020
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Psa. 37:4; “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Many people claim God’s blessings in a variety of activities, thinking that what David expressed in the last part of Psa. 37:4 is some sort of guarantee that God will give us whatever we want. The Hebrew term translated desire carries the meaning of a petition or request. Does God always give us what we ask of Him? Does He approve and fulfill every desire we have? Experience itself tells us this is not true. Paul petitioned God three times for his thorn in the flesh to be removed, but God’s answer was not to eliminate his problem, but provide the grace for him to endure it (2 Cor. 12:8-10).
David isn’t telling us we have carte blanche to say or do whatever we please, and know we have God’s approval. We should not view a relationship with God as one-sided, as God existing to grant us our every wish while we do what we please. God wants something far better than that for us; He wants us to reflect His image today, so we can be with Him eternally.
All that we are, our motives of heart, our words and deeds, must be conformed to the will of God as revealed in the word of God. Living for self and claiming God’s blessings is a pretense, a deceit of Satan. So also is picking and choosing what part of God’s word we obey, and what we choose to ignore. Living for Christ and denying self is our greatest challenge, and with it, our greatest promise.
A passage I am very fond of is Phil. 4:4; “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” If our source of joy is in the Lord, our desires will be for Him and His blessings will be with us. How great it is to have God as our ally, that when His will becomes our will, delight is abundant in Him. Have a day filled with His joy. God bless.
Robert
Today’s message from Scripture comes from Psa. 37:4; “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Many people claim God’s blessings in a variety of activities, thinking that what David expressed in the last part of Psa. 37:4 is some sort of guarantee that God will give us whatever we want. The Hebrew term translated desire carries the meaning of a petition or request. Does God always give us what we ask of Him? Does He approve and fulfill every desire we have? Experience itself tells us this is not true. Paul petitioned God three times for his thorn in the flesh to be removed, but God’s answer was not to eliminate his problem, but provide the grace for him to endure it (2 Cor. 12:8-10).
David isn’t telling us we have carte blanche to say or do whatever we please, and know we have God’s approval. We should not view a relationship with God as one-sided, as God existing to grant us our every wish while we do what we please. God wants something far better than that for us; He wants us to reflect His image today, so we can be with Him eternally.
All that we are, our motives of heart, our words and deeds, must be conformed to the will of God as revealed in the word of God. Living for self and claiming God’s blessings is a pretense, a deceit of Satan. So also is picking and choosing what part of God’s word we obey, and what we choose to ignore. Living for Christ and denying self is our greatest challenge, and with it, our greatest promise.
A passage I am very fond of is Phil. 4:4; “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” If our source of joy is in the Lord, our desires will be for Him and His blessings will be with us. How great it is to have God as our ally, that when His will becomes our will, delight is abundant in Him. Have a day filled with His joy. God bless.
Robert
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