Show Humility to All Men

 

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Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. Titus 3:1-2 (NKJV)

Paul’s words to Titus whom he describes as a “true son in our common faith.”

Paul lays groundwork here for believers to follow.

* To submit to rulers and authorities.

* To not speak badly about anyone.

* To live peaceful lives.

* To show humility to all we know.

Paul makes some very strong points, getting to the core of human relationships. He writes these words to a pastor who is young. Titus faces a huge task, that of establishing churches.

As we go through our days, we must follow these words of guidance from Paul. We are tasked to helping enlarge the kingdom of God, however, we must learn to daily practice gentleness.

This is a very difficult thing to do. Recently, I received a phone call from a friend who lives in my neighborhood. She wanted my advise on something. She told me her feelings on an issue and I told her that if she felt uncomfortable doing what she was asked, then maybe she should not do it. She had some good reasons about why she felt the way she did. I could have been more gentle about certain related issues she spoke of. I intend to be more careful in the future.

Do we always find ways to show humility to those around us?

Sorrow turned to Joy

 

Grace Fellowship Chapel

 

Therefore, you now have great sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. And in that day, you will ask me nothing. Most assuredly, whatever you ask the Father in my name He will give you.  Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:22-24 (NKJV)

                              

Jesus speaks to His disciples. The words He uses speak volumes to those who believe in Him.

 

 you now have great sorrow

 

            The disciples thought that they would have more time to learn from Jesus, to aid Him in preaching and observe Him healing those who came to Him.

 

            In a similar way, when we lose someone in death, we are never fully prepared. We go through a time of grief.

 

 I will see you again

 

Jesus states these words to the disciples were not fully comprehending His words.

 

 your heart will rejoice

 

Jesus tells them that they will be overjoyed when they will see Him. They must have been confused by these words. How can someone be sad and then rejoice? I imagine they looked at each other with the same question in their minds. “How can this be?”

 

 your joy no one will take from you.

 

Jesus tells them, and us, that the joy we will have when we see Him is so great that it is permanent in our souls. He gives us our joy.

 

 whatever you ask the Father in my name He will give you.

 

Jesus instructs the disciples that His Father will honor all supplications and requests that they make, in Jesus’ name to Him.

 

Praying to God for anything in Jesus’ Name tells God that we are praying in the manner that Jesus would.

Joy—Jesus, Others, Yourself

 

Aleigha C. Israel (blog)

 

                A woman in one of the churches I belonged to gave a group of us a secret to living the Christian life.

 

            It is quite simple. Basically, we try to live for Jesus. Every day, in as many ways as we can. We try to help others in a like manner. Then, we seek our needs and wants last.

 

On another website that I frequent, someone asked how he could pray for other people. In my comment to him, I told the story of the lady in my former church and her message to us, Jesus, Others, Yourself.

 

 Jesus

 

We don’t always see people working for Jesus. I always wonder about the reason we see this lack of interest in working for the Lord.

 

 Others

 

I do see a lot of ministry groups reaching out to those who are in need. Food pantries, Christian centers, Rehabilitation centers, Habitat for Humanity, just to name a few. One in our city assists men who have been incarcerated—providing skills to allow those men to have jobs. This ministry group also provides a time of worship and prayer each day.

 

 Yourself

 

I often wonder if I have done as I should when I choose not to pray for myself very often. That lady’s thought has come to me more than once.

 

 Prayer:

 

Father God: Please guide us through our days and help us to remember to follow the sage advice of that lady so long ago. Help us to prioritize our lives in such a way that we follow that precept the rest of our days here on this earth. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen

A Priest Prepares

 

ezraministry.org.nz

               

                For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.  Ezra 7:10 (NKJV)

 

Ezra, a priest and a scribe in Israel prepared his heart before he began to help rebuild Israel after the first Babylonian exile.

 

What does it mean that Ezra prepared his heart? My NIV translation says it like this:” For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”

  

  What does that tell us today? We must spend time in the Word of God in order to understand what we see happening in our nation and our world. We must also observe those commandments of God and commands that Jesus makes for us.

 

We all have something in our lives that we need to alter in order to prepare our hearts for God to work through us.

 

My Life Application Bible has a note on this verse and the ones preceding it. “He was effective because he was a well-versed student of the Law of the LORD, and he was determined to obey those laws. He taught through both his speaking and his example.” (Page 784)

 

Personally, I have developed a lot of bad habits during this COVID pandemic. I plan on doing something about them and replace them with good, godly ones.   

                  

 

Rest Gives Confidence

 

                            

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                 I heard, and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Habakkuk 3:16-18 (NIV)

 

After a conversation with God, Habakkuk prays. In that prayer he speaks of destruction and torment on the earth. Toward the end of his prayer Habakkuk describes his reaction to all he saw. He concludes that he will wait patiently for the invaders of his land to receive calamity.

 

I see Habakkuk’s willingness to be patient as a gift from God. Only God can give a person that quality.

 

Habakkuk then paints a bleak word picture of what he believes his world will be like. Still, he says he will rejoice in the LORD, joyful in God his Savior.

 

Since July of 2019, I have assisted a couple from my high school graduating class keep track of those who have passed on. As of the day before I write this, we have had 15 pass away since then, six of them this year. We must praise God that they were some part of our school experience.

 

All believers must rest in the LORD during good times as well as trying times.

He Carried Jesus’ Cross

 

Spread Jesus.org

 

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 (NIV)

 

We read these words, but do we really pay attention to what Jesus says here? Let us look at one who carried Jesus’ cross along the road to Golgotha.

 

Who is Simon of Cyrene?  

Simon attended the Passover Feast in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion.

 

Why did he do it? 

He was ordered to by the Roman centurion in charge of the journey to Golgotha.

 

Where is Cyrene? 

Cyrene was what is now modern-day Tripoli, located on the northern coast of Libya. (Daily Bible Commentary, Gospel of Luke, William Barclay p.335)

 

Why was he in Jerusalem?

To observe the Passover. He may have saved for a long time to be able to make this pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Barclay tells us, Simon, most likely. saved for many years to make this pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover. The account of the Simon’s conscription for this task by Mark tells us he had two sons, Alexander, and Rufus. 

 

How did Simon feel when he was ordered to carry Jesus’ cross? 

He could have felt anger toward the Roman centurion for making him do this task against his will. Maybe he had hard feelings against Rome (for taking over the government of Jerusalem). 

 

How might he have felt when he was at Golgotha?

Was he caught up in the crowd that wanted to see Jesus crucified? He knew that crucifixion was a criminal’s death. Did he have compassion for Jesus that grew as He walked alongside Him, carrying His cross?

 How did he react to what he heard?

 “Father, forgive them.” Did Simon wonder how Jesus, a perfect man, could ask God to forgive the people for this travesty?

 “They know not what they do.” Did Simon wonder what Jesus meant by saying this? These people were causing life to end for no reason.

 “Mother, here is your son.” Jesus Christ made provisions for Mary to be taken care of in her later years of life. He voiced his wishes for everyone in the crowd to hear. Did Simon marvel at Jesus’ words?

“Here is you mother” Jesus spoke these words to John, but did Simon realize what was happening with these words? He may have had lots of time to ponder these words.

 

How did he feel when he heard that Christ had risen?

Simon must have realized that Jesus was truly the Son of God. We are told that Simon and his family became believers in Jesus. The Apostle Paul writes to the Romans they are to “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. (Romans 16:1)

We can conclude that Simon and his family became believers because of this event at the Passover Feast. The task Simon was ordered to do was not one he would have volunteered for. Because of that task, the kingdom of God was enlarged.

 

Sometimes in our Christian walk, we will be faced with a task we really do not want to do. We find ourselves doing it because we feel we must. Later, we find that we have grown from the experience. God uses even the tasks we find distasteful to enlarge His kingdom.

God in Us

Sallman

 

 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not dismayed.

 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (NIV)

 

I referred a friend to part of this passage on a Friday night. I found myself recalling it the next day. I chose to journal about the message. Doing that helped me get going and get some baking done.

 

 this treasure

God’s power, given to us because of His grace.

 

 jars of clay

 our weak, frail, and fallible bodies.

 

 hard-pressed on every side

the world sometimes presses in on our spirits. One thing after another seems to wear us down.

 

 not crushed

 the love of God and His guidance, along with the prayers of His people keep us going.

 

 perplexed

we can become puzzled by what we experience while we are in this world.

 

not in despair

we are able, with God’s help to keep ourselves on the right path.

 

 persecuted

there will always be those who pick us apart, constantly pointing out our faults.

 

 not abandoned

God tells us He will NEVER leave or forsake us.

 

 struck down

Yes, sometimes we feel we are ‘down for the count’.

 

 not destroyed

When we ask Him for help or someone intercedes for us in prayer, God always speaks to us, showing us what to do and guiding us through the tough times.  

Freedom: Walking in Freedom

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I will walk about in freedom,

for I have sought out our precepts.

I will speak of your statutes before kings

and will not be put to shame,

for I delight in your commands

because I love them.

Psalm 119:45-47 (NIV)

The Psalmist bares his soul to God in this passage. He tells the LORD that he will walk freely (ESV says “in a wide space). What does he mean?

In context, the writer tells God, “I will keep your law continually forever and ever.”He pledges to ALWAYS honor the LORD and his laws.

Why would the writer vow to do this? He has sought God’s laws in order to live in his world. When we choose to follow God’s Word, we seek His governance over our lives.

The Psalmist commits to speaking of the Lord before the rulers of the nation and not be ashamed for doing it. He vows to do this because he finds happiness in God’s decrees which he loves.

The writer states he will honor the LORD’S commandments and will think deeply on the Lord’s laws.

In our world today, we need to learn to seek out God, study His Word, apply what we learn, and speak to others in all walks of life, especially those who are leaders in our governments.

Sometimes, I believe that there is more that I should be doing to further God’s kingdom. Do you feel that way?

Book Review: Exhale

Subtitle: Lose Who You’re Not, Love Who You Are, Live Your One Life Well

230 pages

 

Authors: Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory

Authors Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory share from their hearts about how they learned to love themselves as they learned of Jesus. This new-found love came about as they learned that they did not have to be controlled by their to-do lists or their day planners. Their book explores different scriptural passages that they have experienced as they walked along with Jesus.

At the end of the book, the include a glossary containing terms appearing in their work that were new to me. I appreciated that feature. Also, at the end of this book, they include a personality quiz. This quiz also can be accessed online along with other items that may be of help to those who study this book. Among those items is a format for a group study.

I would recommend this book for any Christian woman who wants to learn how to love and respect herself and for those who should learn how to be more relaxed in their lives. This would also be a valuable study tool for groups who desire to minister to those who struggle with not knowing who they are in the sight of God.

I received this book free from the publisher Bethany House. All they asked that I do was give an unbiased review.

Exhale: Lose Who You’re Not, Love who You Are, Live Your One Life Well is available on Amazon

June Reflections

  

Bing.com images.

June has been a very busy month. I participated in an interdenominational women’s meeting in our city. A wonderful time with those ladies.

Our friends’ group was small this month, but as usual, we had a great time just being together. We won’t meet again until August.

Our youngest diner

This is me.

Mother of our youngest dinner

Our Eldest diner

The one who gets us together

Our women’s circle met and collected a large number of items needed by a retirement community and assisted living facility in our city. These two entities have a parent organization that was created by several churches in town. These two places are the only locally owned facilities here. Our ladies decided we would collect items they need for this year.

We are preparing for Vacation Bible School. We have a three-day school in the evenings. I was able to attend the planning meeting in mid-June. I handle the registration and attendance. Starting June 30^th,  a friend and I will station ourselves at a table in our foyer to pre-register children. I will have a table decorated along the lines of the theme. This is sort of a reminder to the parents to get their children registered ahead of time.

Our Theme for this year.

I hope to be able to take pictures of the decorations. Our custodian is working on the decorations. The centerpiece will be an igloo. It requires 400 one gallon plastic milk jugs.  

Our new pastor and his wife have moved into a temporary home across the yard from the church. They surprised us and attended the early worship service on their first Sunday in the area.

 I volunteered to lead Prayer Meeting/Bible Study on one Wednesday night. Before that night came, the chairperson of the Staff-Parish committee asked me if I could do a second Wednesday night. For both planned services, I relied on some blog posts and some thoughts I have for a blog topic for this fall.

Hubby and I plan on spending time with our son down where he lives. This trip is in place of our son coming home for Father’s Day. The rainy weather was a factor at that time. Hubby’s friend from second grade does not seem to be doing well. We plan on seeing him and his wife and possibly his sister and her husband while we are there.

Thoughts on Psalm 51

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As a part of my Lenten devotions, I have studied Psalm 51. I have gained some insights into this chapter. Below are the thoughts that came to me. This post covers verses 1 through 6.

Have mercy on me,  O God,

 according to your steadfast love;

David pleads with God for mercy- God’s love that he and we don’t deserve. He asks this not because he believes he deserves it but because of God’s great love for His children.

according to your abundant mercy

 blot out my transgressions.

David asks, even begs, God to remove his sins from his heart and from his mind. He believes God will do this because of God’s abounding love.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

David realizes that his sin has made him dirty, to the point of filthiness. He beseeches God to remove the nasty junk from him. He wants all that sin removed from him.

and cleanse me from my sin!

The word cleanse implies a deep, down to the root, cleaning. Not just a surface rinsing but a thorough removal of dirt or sin. David recognizes his ownership of his action-- he could have blamed Bathsheba, the enemy his people were fighting, and Uriah but he chose to call it as it was—his sin.

For I know my transgressions,

David knows his sins. Did we notice that he wrote transgressions? He must have taken some time to reflect on what Nathan, the prophet, told him. Either that or God revealed each transgression he committed through visions.

 and my sin is ever before me.

David knows that, although he is a king, he can’t get away from his sin on his own. He realizes that only through God can he move on. Something a lot of us who live today need to face.

Against you, you only, have I sinned

 and done what is evil in your sight,

David realizes that God was the ultimate ‘injured party’ in what he has done. Those sinful acts involved others but, when all things were said and done, God was the one who was hurt.

so that you may be justified in your words

 and blameless in your judgment.

David sees his discipline coming from God. He felt the need to allow God to deal with him for His words and judgment to be appropriate.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,

David reminds God, not that he had to, that he was brought into this sinful world. Why does David state this?

 and in sin did my mother conceive me

.

David confesses his sinfulness has been in him as long as he existed.

 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,

David realizes God seeks the truth from us, complete and whole truth, not lip service.

 and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

David acknowledges that God teaches him through his very being, his soul.

An Interview with Pontius Pilate, part 2

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Today, we continue with our visit with Pontius Pilate. Let's begin.

Q.S.: What were your thoughts about Him? Did anyone in your palace offer any advice as to what to do?

Pilate: When this Jesus stood before me and didn’t respond to my questions, I was amazed. I was torn between what the Jews wanted and the fact that I saw nothing that told me He was guilty of those charges. Then my wife sent me a message. She had experienced a sleepless night She told me not to condemn this man, Jesus. I found it strange. I wasn’t aware she even knew Him.

Q.S.: What was your alternative plan?

Pilate: I offered to let him go in exchange for another criminal. It was the custom for the governing authorities to release one being held in custody during Passover. The crowd said no, (shakes head) they wanted Barabbas, a rebellious thug, A REBELLIOUS THUG, freed...I was desperate, I HAD TO DO AS THE CROWD WANTED.

Q.S: Did you have any options?

Pilate: I had a job to do. If I let Jesus go, it would mean my post. I’d get called back to Rome and would be at my superior’s mercy. I HAD NO CHOICE. I ordered this Jesus scourged. The soldiers mocked him and his claim. After they were through with him. I brought him out before the crowd again. I felt sorry for this Jesus.

Q.S. How did the crowd react to seeing Jesus?

Pilate: The moment the chief priests and the scribes saw him, they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” The rest of the crowd joined in. I declared I found no charge against him—in my sight, he was innocent. I told them they could take him and crucify him themselves. I wanted no part in this.

Q.S.: On what did they base their desire?

Pilate: Those Jews were hard to deal with; they wanted this Jesus dead. They claimed they have a law saying he must die because he has claimed to be the Son of God. I went inside again and questioned this Jesus. He chose not to answer. His not speaking frustrated me. He seemed unconcerned even though I had the power to either let him go free or crucify him.

Q. S.: How did He respond to your questions?

 Pilate: He had told me any power I had, came from above. And those who had handed him over were guilty of a greater sin. I tried very hard to give him back to the Jews, but they didn’t want him. They wanted him crucified. I had no recourse. I had to do as they insisted. I believed he was speaking the truth- he was the Son of God.

Q. S.: Looking back, what was your reason for turning Jesus over to the crowd?

Pilate: Three times I told the Jews of Jesus’ innocence. I couldn’t understand why these people wanted to kill him. But they could make trouble for me with my superiors in Rome. I had to do as the people wanted.

Q.S.: Thank you for stopping by, Pontius Pilate, and for giving us this insight.

A Child is Born

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For unto us a child is born,

to us, a son is given

and the government shall be on his shoulder.

Isaiah 9:6a

Isaiah prophesied the birth of the Savior. What does he say in these words?

unto us

Can we imagine what the original hearers or readers thought when Isaiah communicated these words? “Why would God choose to share anything with us?” “Who are we to receive anything from God?” We now know that God chose to send us this gift because of His love for us.

a child is born,

God chose for a child, His child, to be born into our world. God had previously sent emissaries in the form of prophets to carry His message to the people. It was God’s desire that the people would receive this child, listen to His teachings, and live the life God intended for them. 

the government shall be on his shoulder.

This child was to be the source of all governments. It was God’s desire that all laws were to be based on God’s Word.

As we try to live for Jesus in our daily lives, do we understand the concept that all of our laws should have their basis in God’s word? Even our individual conduct should reflect God and His Word.

The Lord Is... (Part 1)

by Gaye Lynne LaGiure

As I wrote this, I received several attributes of God that have helped me through life. I have made it into two separate entries. It is my prayer that you benefit from reading this post and the following one.

Everlasting

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there will be no end.” Luke 1:31-33 (ESV)

God sent the angel Gabriel to give Mary the news of the impending birth of her baby, the Holy One.

Gabriel tells us that 1.) Her baby would be great. 2.) He would be called the Son of the Most High. 3.) He would reign over the house of Jacob forever. 4.) His kingdom would never end.

In our world, all things come to an end.  Cars wear out, clothes also wear out, Flora and fauna don’t last forever. Friendships can end. Houses sometimes have to be demolished.

The things that last are God and His Word.

Savior

My soul magnifies the LORD,

and my soul rejoices in God my Savior.

For he has looked on the humble estate/of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

Luke 1:46-48 (ESV)

Mary rejoices that God chose her for the task of bearing His son. She calls God her Savior.  He kept her from being stoned. The Hebrew Law had strict words concerning adultery and those caught in the act. Joseph, her fiancé could have divorced her but the angel of God told him to stay with Mary. 

God through Jesus Christ saves us from our sins. He takes our hard stone-like and replaces it with a tender heart “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV)

God also saves us from personal danger as we go through life. I once heard the story of a man who overslept and went in late to his factory job a bit late one day. When he arrived on the assembly line, he learned that a baking furnace that sat next to where he worked had exploded before he arrived. God watched over him and saved him from severe injury.

Pray

daytonafaith.com

She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” Hannah was speaking in her heart” “I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD.” 1 Samuel 1: 10-11, 13, 15 (ESV)

This is one of the passages included in my prayer folder for Lent. As I read it, I realized a connection between how Hannah prayed and what God told the people at the dedication of the Temple. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Hannah humbled herself. She was not afraid to shed tears. (v.10) She sought God’s face. She prayed from her heart. (v. 13) She more than likely confessed what was on her heart what she felt about the way Peninnah treated her. She poured her soul before the LORD. (v. 15)

God answered her prayer. Hannah kept her vow. The LORD then rewarded her by giving her three sons and two daughters. (1 Samuel 2; 21)

Since I made this discovery, I have thought about my prayer habits. I sometimes do what some people call, “pray on the run.” When I have something I think more pressing going on. But, I realize my need to focus on God and let the other activity wait a bit. Sentence prayers are nice but there are times when I need to spend quantity time with God. I am not looking for the same kind of reward from God. I want what God has in mind for me, nothing more, and nothing less.

Book Review: Awaken by Terry Nance

Subtitle: Letters of a Spiritual Father to This Generation

               Pastor Terry Nance has penned 13 letters to the generation who will very soon lead the church for the Lord. Although he speaks to younger Christians, I found the messages relevant to those of my generation who desire to serve God.

               I especially liked an observation Terry made; “If all you do is complain about your circumstances, then all you will have is more circumstances to complain about,” This touched me in my heart.

               Pastor Nance writes from his heart. In the preface, he says he is going to be very real in these letters. In them, he deals with such topics as what is the definition of leadership. God took him to Hebrews 11:32-38. He states that after he read it, “The Holy Spirit stopped me, and said, ‘You asked Me for My definition of leadership. There it is—men and women ‘of whom the world [is] not worthy.’” (Hebrews 11:38.

 

               Another feature of his book is the way he sets important points apart from the general text. When I saw the set-apart sections, I knew he had something important to tell his readers.

               I recommend this book to any mentoring pastor who has a congregant who believes God has called them to His service. I also recommend it to anyone who wants to grow closer to the LORD.

               I received this book free of charge from Whitaker House publishers through the Book Club Network. All they asked of me was that I give an unbiased review.

On a Pilgrimage

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“Blessed are those whose strength is in you,

who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.”

Psalm 84:5 (NIV)

Pilgrimage-- a journey, especially a long one, made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion: a pilgrimage to Lourdes. ⁽¹⁾

When we learn to rely on the Lord God for our needs, He smiles down and grants us favor— His kindness.

As we grow in the Lord, we learn that we walk with Him and He with us. At times, those paths are straight and the going is easy; we enjoy that time with our Savior.

However, we have times when that walk is uphill, maybe just a slight rise. Then we have step hills, small mountains, to climb. We still keep plodding, not really moving forward but we continue to put one foot in front of the other. We become weary and frustration mounts inside of us.

All at once, the path levels out and we can see our destination ahead. We look back and see that area we have come through. We breathe a prayer of thanks and praise to God and we realize that He gave us the strength for the journey.

As I posted this message, I realized that I have been on a pilgrimage, most of my adult life. I can say that God has guided me through so many of those uphill climbs .I thank him for loving me enough to stay with me during those tough days.

1.)   Dictionary.com /browse/pilgrimage (accessed Aug. 1, 2016