"The Word", from God's word:
Matthew 9:10-13
"10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.
11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
What do you think Jesus values more, those who appear to have everything together, or those who clearly don't?
Failure at perfection is something we all struggle with. It's inherent in our nature. Do you think concealing your own faults curries favor with God?
Jesus came to save those who knew they needed a savior, not those who thought they had it all together.
God knows your every action, along with the motivation behind it. In our weakness, He is made strong!
Matthew 9:10-13
"10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.
11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
What do you think Jesus values more, those who appear to have everything together, or those who clearly don't?
Failure at perfection is something we all struggle with. It's inherent in our nature. Do you think concealing your own faults curries favor with God?
Jesus came to save those who knew they needed a savior, not those who thought they had it all together.
God knows your every action, along with the motivation behind it. In our weakness, He is made strong!
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At the "Monument Terrace Troop Rally" commemorating our veterans today with the Patriots from Valor Farms
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"The Word", from God's word:
1 Timothy 4:1-5
"1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,
3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer."
Men who devote themselves to asceticism (the attempt to attain to righteousness through abstinence) should be avoided. Not because abstaining from certain things is wrong, but because they attempt to attain to righteousness through behavior, rather than through "faith alone" in Christ Jesus. (Jn. 14:6)
Truth remains true no matter who interacts with it. But truth must be encouraged, while deception must be exposed!
1 Timothy 4:1-5
"1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,
3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer."
Men who devote themselves to asceticism (the attempt to attain to righteousness through abstinence) should be avoided. Not because abstaining from certain things is wrong, but because they attempt to attain to righteousness through behavior, rather than through "faith alone" in Christ Jesus. (Jn. 14:6)
Truth remains true no matter who interacts with it. But truth must be encouraged, while deception must be exposed!
"The Word", from God's word:
Acts 5:27-29
"27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them,
28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men."
What happened with Peter? Wasn't he the guy that denied even knowing Jesus to a young girl, when Jesus' life was threatened?
"Under pressure, people do not rise to the occasion; they fall to the level of their training." Generally speaking, this is true. But even Peter, after 3 years of training directly under Jesus, failed at a pivotal moment.
The difference was that Peter was empowered by the Holy Spirit to testify about Jesus. (v.32). Training in righteousness is achieved through time in the Word, and applied to our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit. Without both, we will never rise to the occasion!
Acts 5:27-29
"27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them,
28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men."
What happened with Peter? Wasn't he the guy that denied even knowing Jesus to a young girl, when Jesus' life was threatened?
"Under pressure, people do not rise to the occasion; they fall to the level of their training." Generally speaking, this is true. But even Peter, after 3 years of training directly under Jesus, failed at a pivotal moment.
The difference was that Peter was empowered by the Holy Spirit to testify about Jesus. (v.32). Training in righteousness is achieved through time in the Word, and applied to our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit. Without both, we will never rise to the occasion!
Gracious Lord, we are at Your mercy continually... Our best is not good enough! Yet because of You Son, Jesus, and the washing of His Blood, we are made right with You! Help us, Father, in our day today... Let us be faithful to the things You have placed right in front of us. Thank You for loving us despite our failures. In Jesus name we pray and agree, Amen!
Back home safe after a great few days with some fantastic guys with big hearts! Thanking God for the opportunity! Press on toward the prize, do everything as unto the Lord!
The Word", from God's word:
Proverbs 6:10-11
"10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
11 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man."
In this incredibly profound proverb, prosperity and ruin are represented in contrast, but both are built little by little. Verses 6-8 describes the ant, how, without anyone telling it what to do, gathers its food for the winter without rest, and when scarcity comes, it's ready. By contrast, the sluggard doesn't arrive at ruin all of a sudden, but little by little.
The same principle applies to sin. No one walks out in the morning saying, "Today, I'm going to cheat on my spouse", "...steal from a client", or "...murder someone who annoys me". Instead, the road to ruin is set in motion with one little harmless thought.
Discipline your mind to stay far away from the "harmless thoughts", and you'll stay off the road to ruin.
Proverbs 6:10-11
"10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
11 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man."
In this incredibly profound proverb, prosperity and ruin are represented in contrast, but both are built little by little. Verses 6-8 describes the ant, how, without anyone telling it what to do, gathers its food for the winter without rest, and when scarcity comes, it's ready. By contrast, the sluggard doesn't arrive at ruin all of a sudden, but little by little.
The same principle applies to sin. No one walks out in the morning saying, "Today, I'm going to cheat on my spouse", "...steal from a client", or "...murder someone who annoys me". Instead, the road to ruin is set in motion with one little harmless thought.
Discipline your mind to stay far away from the "harmless thoughts", and you'll stay off the road to ruin.
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Father please give us the strength to carry on in what You have called us to. Let us forgive those who have wronged us and please Lord let us be quick to forgive! Allow us to sit quietly with You and ask You to minister to our deep wounds and give us life for those places of death... For we know the enemy roams about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour! Thank You for giving us strength for doing what is good and what is right! In Jesus name we pray and humbly ask these things, AMEN!
"The Word", from God's word:
Romans 5:3-5
"3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
What does it mean to "rejoice in our sufferings"? Should we be happy when life takes a difficult turn? When a diagnosis takes something away from us? When we feel betrayed by a close friend or spouse?
It seems unnatural to suggest, but here, Paul speaks specifically of the pressures associated with following Christ. (Pressure in the same sense as a press expels the oil from an olive.)
Following Christ involves obedience born in love and appreciation for what He's done for us. But walking in that obedience faithfully can require enduring incredible pressures.
The spiritual benefits of being trained by hardship are eternal, and far exceed the promises of this world!
Romans 5:3-5
"3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
What does it mean to "rejoice in our sufferings"? Should we be happy when life takes a difficult turn? When a diagnosis takes something away from us? When we feel betrayed by a close friend or spouse?
It seems unnatural to suggest, but here, Paul speaks specifically of the pressures associated with following Christ. (Pressure in the same sense as a press expels the oil from an olive.)
Following Christ involves obedience born in love and appreciation for what He's done for us. But walking in that obedience faithfully can require enduring incredible pressures.
The spiritual benefits of being trained by hardship are eternal, and far exceed the promises of this world!
"The Word", from God's word:
Proverbs 2:1-5
"1 My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God."
How much do you actually value biblical wisdom?
Growing up, if my dad ever heard excuses for my lack of action on a particular matter, he would say to me, "we make time for the things that are important to us".
The truth of that reality always stung a little, but generally speaking, that's completely true. If punctuality is important, relationships are important...you prioritize them. If biblical wisdom is important, you value it above any other insight.
Virtually every source of info around us promises us wisdom. But true wisdom (Js. 3:13-18) can only be found in God's word.
Proverbs 2:1-5
"1 My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God."
How much do you actually value biblical wisdom?
Growing up, if my dad ever heard excuses for my lack of action on a particular matter, he would say to me, "we make time for the things that are important to us".
The truth of that reality always stung a little, but generally speaking, that's completely true. If punctuality is important, relationships are important...you prioritize them. If biblical wisdom is important, you value it above any other insight.
Virtually every source of info around us promises us wisdom. But true wisdom (Js. 3:13-18) can only be found in God's word.
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Lord, we are not deserving of your grace and mercy but I ask this morning that You help us be a light to those around us. Let us focus on what You have placed immediately in front of us and be faithful with that! You promise to hold our hands and walk with us, please give us strength for this day. In Jesus name, the one who brings us life and abundance in spirit, Amen!
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"The Word", from God's word:
Jeremiah 17:5-8
"5 Thus says the LORD:
“Cursed is the man who trusts in man
and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD.
6 He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.
7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.
8 He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Trust in this passage means "to set one's confidence in". Confidence in what? Fruit. Fruit of what? Obedience. Who produces the fruit that comes from your obedience? God.
The Christian life cannot be lived by relying on your own capabilities to produce the necessary fruit. Faith in God is essential to produce fruit, here and in eternity to come!
Jeremiah 17:5-8
"5 Thus says the LORD:
“Cursed is the man who trusts in man
and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD.
6 He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.
7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.
8 He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Trust in this passage means "to set one's confidence in". Confidence in what? Fruit. Fruit of what? Obedience. Who produces the fruit that comes from your obedience? God.
The Christian life cannot be lived by relying on your own capabilities to produce the necessary fruit. Faith in God is essential to produce fruit, here and in eternity to come!
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"The Word", from God's word:
Galatians 6:1-3
"1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself."
Ever wonder what the proper instructions are for dealing with someone caught in sin? Maybe the shoe has been on the other foot and you've wondered if things were handled the right way.
In this passage, restoration is intended for those belonging to the "family of God" (Eph. 2:19) NOT unbelievers, and should be administered by those who are mature in Christ. (v.1) In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus describes the prescribed method for confronting sin in those with whom we experience Christian community, and it should be done with gentleness, caution, wisdom, patience and in the proper way. And obedience doesn't guarantee a favorable response!
Galatians 6:1-3
"1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself."
Ever wonder what the proper instructions are for dealing with someone caught in sin? Maybe the shoe has been on the other foot and you've wondered if things were handled the right way.
In this passage, restoration is intended for those belonging to the "family of God" (Eph. 2:19) NOT unbelievers, and should be administered by those who are mature in Christ. (v.1) In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus describes the prescribed method for confronting sin in those with whom we experience Christian community, and it should be done with gentleness, caution, wisdom, patience and in the proper way. And obedience doesn't guarantee a favorable response!
"The Word" from God's word:
Romans 11:6
"6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace."
We will all stand before a holy and perfectly righteous God one day in judgement and Scripture tells us that "all of our works will be laid bare".(2 Peter 3:10)
Does that thought concern you? It should! It concerns me. I want to please God with all I do, and that desire comes only from God. (Phil. 2:13)
But by whose righteousness do you hope to be judged? Jesus' works, or your own?
I can't answer for you, but I'm fully aware that my own sinful tendency unfortunately permeates everything that I do(Rom.7:14-22), and so my righteousness will never be enough to render me "righteous" before a God that requires perfection.(Rom.3.21-26)
Who do you rely on?
Romans 11:6
"6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace."
We will all stand before a holy and perfectly righteous God one day in judgement and Scripture tells us that "all of our works will be laid bare".(2 Peter 3:10)
Does that thought concern you? It should! It concerns me. I want to please God with all I do, and that desire comes only from God. (Phil. 2:13)
But by whose righteousness do you hope to be judged? Jesus' works, or your own?
I can't answer for you, but I'm fully aware that my own sinful tendency unfortunately permeates everything that I do(Rom.7:14-22), and so my righteousness will never be enough to render me "righteous" before a God that requires perfection.(Rom.3.21-26)
Who do you rely on?