Wisdom that is From Above – A Summary

“But wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17 NKJV)

Consider this:

“Wisdom that is from above is first pure…” – Jesus is first pure:

• Jesus is God (John 1:1, 14) and God is pure (Proverbs 30:5, 1 John 3:3)
• Jesus was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:22-23, Luke 1:30-35)
• Jesus’ purpose was pure (Matthew 1:21, Luke 2:49, John 6:38, Hebrews 10:9)
• Jesus lived a life of purity (Hebrews 7:26, Hebrews 4:14-15)

“…then peaceable…” – Jesus is peaceable:

• Jesus came to bring peace between God and man (Ephesians 2:11-13, Colossians 1:20-21)
• Jesus brings peace between man and man (Galatians 3:26-28, Ephesians 2:14-18) All who can hear the gospel, can obey the gospel – no matter gender, social status, income, or ethnicity – and become members of one body, the body of Christ, which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23).

“ …gentle…” - Jesus is gentle:

• Jesus was gentle (ex: when helping people, Luke 8:43-48, and when He was being hurt, 1 Peter 2:21-23 and Isaiah 53:7)
• Jesus’ way is gentle (ex: Matthew 11:28-29) Remembering that ‘gentle’ means moderate, mild, and doing what is appropriate, read and consider Jesus’ offer of help.
• Jesus’ teaching methods were gentle (ex: John 8:2-12, Luke 22:54-62 and John 21:15-19)
• Jesus remains gentle (Hebrews 4:14-16, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 John 2:1) He sympathizes with our weaknesses and He is our Mediator and Advocate.

“…willing to yield…” - Jesus was willing to yield:

• Jesus was ready and willing to yield to His Father’s will (Hebrews 10:7, John 5:30; 6:38, Matthew 26:39, Philippians 2:8, John 17:4)

“…full of mercy and good fruit…” – Jesus was full of mercy and good fruit:

• Jesus was full of mercy and showed compassion on individuals (ex: Luke 7:11-17, Matthew 8:14, John 11:17-44), on multitudes (ex: Matthew 9:35-38, 14:13-21, 15:32-39), and on the whole world – all who would exist in the world’s timeline (John 17:20-26, Hebrews 9:11-15; 23-28, 10:1-39, 12:1-2).
• Jesus was full of good fruit (He showed us how to “walk in the Spirit”, Galatians 5:16-25): love (John 15:12-13, 1 John 3:16), joy (John 15:9-11, Hebrews 12:2), peace (John 14:27, 16:33, “Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6-7), longsuffering (ex: Matthew 8:18-20; 23-27, 23:37, 26:1-27:56), kindness (Luke 7:11-17, 18:15-17), goodness (His entire character and purpose were good, see Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and consider Psalm 34:8), faithfulness (John 17:1-5, 12), gentleness (Matthew 19:13-15, Luke 18:15-17, Mark 5:21-43), and self-control (Matthew 21:12-16, Luke 9:51-56, 22:41-42, 23:1-25).

“…without partiality and without hypocrisy.” – Jesus was without partiality and without hypocrisy:

• Jesus was without partiality (ex: Matthew 9:10-13, Luke 19:1-10, John 4:1-26, 1 John 2:1-2, consider Isaiah 55:1-3)
• Jesus was without hypocrisy (John 5:16-47, 10:1-18, John 14:1-6, 1 John 2:3-6, God the Father declared Jesus as His Son, Matthew 3:17/Matthew 17:1-8/Romans 1:1-4, Jesus fulfilled all that was spoken of Him in the Law and the Prophets, Luke 24:44-49, and He now sits at the right hand of God, Acts 2:14-39)

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” (1 John 2:3-6 NKJV)

    Jesus is our perfect example of wisdom that is from above; He had it, and proved it through unwavering use throughout His life. If you want to know more of what this wisdom means and how to apply it, you need only look to Him: read the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), and then read Acts through Jude, and the book of Revelation, too! “These things were written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that you believing you may life in His name.” (John 21:31)

    In following in Jesus’ footsteps and walking as He walked we, too, will become pure (having washed away our sins in baptism, Acts 22:16, we work to overcome obstacles, and repent and confess our sin each time we stumble, Acts 8:14-24, 1 John 1:7-10) and we will walk in purity (Matthew 5:8, 1 John 3:1-3, Psalm 24:3-5). In appreciation of the peace Jesus’ sacrifice brought about, we will do our best, in humble obedience, to maintain the peace established between ourselves and God (1 John 1:1-9, Acts 26:20), and to bring peace to the situations we find ourselves in (1 Timothy 2:1-4, Romans 12:18, James 3:18, Matthew 5:9). Following Jesus’ example of gentleness we need to correct with gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24-26) and be patient and longsuffering with others (Galatians 6:1-2). Are we willing to trust the Father as Jesus did? To willingly yield to God’s word and will when we hear it (1 Thessalonians 2:13, Matthew 7:21-23, 1 John 5:2-3, don’t be like those in Romans 10:2-3)? Let’s value the mercy we receive daily from God through Jesus and develop a heart that is full of mercy for others (Matthew 10:42; 18:21-35, Luke 10:25-37) and let’s work toward flourishing with fruit, proving that our nutrients come from the good Source (John 15:1-8, Matthew 7:15-20; 12; 12:35-37). And let’s be sure that we are without partiality (partiality being cliques within congregations/favouring certain members over others, being kind or friendly on only a part-time basis, picking and choosing who we shine our light around/who we share the gospel with, etc.), and let’s be certain that we are without hypocrisy because we represent God and His way to the world (Romans 12:1-2), and we represent His church to the community we live in (Revelation 3:14-19, 1 Corinthians 6:1-11). We are members of one another (Ephesians 4:14-32); so as much as depends on us, let’s not let others down nor let opportunities pass where another soul may be helped through our words or example (Matthew 5:13-16, 1 Peter 3:15-17, Daniel 12:3).

    Are you ready to walk just as Jesus walked and flourish in wisdom that is from above?

You can do it! So can I!! 

Sing and Make Melody - Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen

    This week, we will look at a spiritual song that teaches us as we sing:

"Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen"

Written by Albert W T Orsborn (1916) 

Stanzas 2-3 written by George L Johnson (1934)

Let the beauty of Jesus seen in me,

All His wonderful passion and purity.

May His spirit divine all my being refine;

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

When somebody has been so unkind to you,

Some word spoken that pierces you through and through,

Think how He was beguiled, spat upon and reviled,

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you.

From the dawn of the morning to close of day,

In example, in deeds, and in all you say,

Lay your gifts at His feet, ever strive to keep sweet,

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you.

    Jesus exemplified the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We need to walk as He walked (1 John 2:3-6) so that the fruit of the Spirit can be developed in us as well!

    This song, I believe, is based on 1 Peter 2:18-24. I encourage you to read this passage. I will highlight some of the thoughts written there:

    First, Peter speaks of servants submitting to their master, the kind masters and also the harsh. He says in verse 19, "...this is commendable if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully." "...when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God." (v. 20)

    What?? Why??

    Here's why: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow His steps." (v.21)

• Jesus committed no sin
• There was no deceit (deception/fraud) found in Jesus' mouth
• When Jesus was reviled (criticized in an angry, abusive, and insulting way), He did not revile in return
• When Jesus suffered, He did not threaten
• Jesus committed Himself to "Him who judges righteously"

    Think about that for a moment. Jesus was in the middle of a trial for His life and saw and heard all the hate-filled lies being said about Him and instead of reacting, He committed Himself to the only One who knew the truth - the One who judges righteously - His Father in heaven.

    Do we trust that God knows the truth? Do we trust that He knows our heart and our clear conscience in a matter when we are being accused of wrong? Do we commit to Him in these situations, knowing He is the righteous judge who sees what man does not/cannot?

    Jesus bore our sins on the cross. Why did He do that? Why did He suffer wrongfully?
Why did He silently allow these things to happen to Him?

    So that we, having died to sins (Romans 6:2-4), might live for righteousness!! It was by Jesus’ suffering/death that we have a hope - that we have healing!!

    How do you live for righteousness?

    You follow Jesus' example!

    Though you may face times of struggle and hurt you do not revile nor spit out angry, abusive, insulting words. You do not threaten - nor even think it in your heart! You trust that God sees and God knows, allowing you to be still. You let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you!

    Pray to the One who judges righteously! Ask Him for wisdom and help to live like Jesus, in the beauty and holiness of humble obedience!

    Meditate on 1 Peter 2:18-14 this week and let this song remind you of Jesus' beautiful example and His desire for you to live for righteousness!!

You can do it! So can I!!

“Let us” Have Faith, Hope, and Love

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus… …let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works…” (Hebrews 10:19, 22-24 NKJV)

Side Note on Context: The writer of Hebrews spends his time encouraging the Hebrew brethren not to return to the old ways (the Law of Moses and its works/rituals), but to understand who Jesus the Christ was and is and to follow the New Covenant He established at His death (see Hebrews 10: 5-10). The writer states that the sprinkling (of blood on the altar, Leviticus 17:6, 11) and the washing in water (for ritual cleansing, Leviticus 16:24) – rituals the Hebrews were all familiar with - have been replaced with something better when Jesus offered something greater than the continual sacrifices of bulls and goats: His own self, once for all (Hebrews 10:10, 10:4, 9:11-15).

Jesus, by His sacrifice, allowed them, and us, access to the Holiest (consider Hebrews 4:16, John 14:6). The Hebrew brethren would have known that the Holiest (or Holy of holies) was the one place that only the High Priest was allowed to go and only when it was required (see Leviticus 16:1-2, Hebrews 9:7-8) but Jesus grants us all access wherever and whenever we need it and we, like the Hebrew brethren, need to cherish and respect that blessed access.

 Faith:

    Since Jesus has granted us access to the Holiest (God the Father), “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Faith comes from hearing the gospel –the “good news” of Christ (Romans 10:17). We, like the eunuch in Acts 8:26-39, can hear the good news and understand that baptism is a necessary part of salvation; “…having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (see also 1 Peter 3:21-4-2). Baptism brings us into the body of Christ (the church, Romans 6:3-4, Galatians 3:26-29, Ephesians 1:22-23). So, we, who now offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2) continue to get closer to God (live fully in His light, John 3:20-21, Ephesians 5:8-14) with sincere intent (not carelessly or mindlessly, Matthew 15:8, Psalm 78:36-37), in abundance of faith and trust (“full assurance” means abundant and most certain confidence). When we approach God, as His child, with a heart and mind motivated by sincere and confident faith we will be prepared to wholly obey all His commands as we cling firmly to the hope we have through His Son.

 

Hope:

    “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Referring back to Acts 8, the eunuch made a confession before he was baptized: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (v37) – his hope was found in believing that Jesus is the Son of God – in believing this he also believed what Jesus said: “…if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24) and “[h]e who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). The eunuch after being baptized into Christ went on his way rejoicing (v39). We who have been baptized have all made a confession of our hope – let’s hold fast to it, bind ourselves to it and never let it go! “Without wavering” means we have a firm hold on it – so much so that we can share the reason for our hope with others who ask (1 Peter 3:15-16). God is faithful – our hope is not in vain – all that God has said, He has done and will do (Joshua 21:45, 1 Corinthians 1:9) – let’s hold fast to our hope, trust God, and remain faithful to Him!

Love:

    With our full assurance of faith and unwavering hope, “let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.”  Considering one another is more than “being nice” to those you worship with, it means to be attentive to, fixing your eyes and your mind on them so that you may stir them up to love and good works. Take note that “stir up” literally means to jab (cut) someone so that they must respond. Think of a prod or goad used to push animals in the right direction; it provokes them to action, incites them to do the work, and rallies them to actively participate.  We are to stir up love and good works. The entirety of the New Testament declares why love is a vital part of a Christian and in knowing that we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10) we realize the importance of action (1 John 3:18, James 1:25, 4:17, Matthew 5:16, Titus 2-3). Love in action = good works! Good works are defined as actions that are beautiful, honourable, noble, praiseworthy, pure, virtuous, just, and truthful (think Philippians 4:8 – there are many good reasons to be meditating on these things!) 

    Do you have abundance of faith in God that motivates you obey His commands? Do you firmly cling to your hope without easing your grip, wholly trusting God? Do you care for your brethren enough to push them in the right direction so that together you can be actively doing, with love, what is good and right? Then “let us be diligent to enter that rest…” (Hebrews 4:11) and “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”(Hebrews 12:1b-2)!

You can do it! So can I!!    

Pursuing Faith - The Just Shall Live By Faith

    “…the just shall live by faith.”

    This statement is made four times in the Bible: Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and Hebrews 10:38. It is a statement about how those pursuing righteousness would live – by faith.

    The Old Covenant, the Law of Moses, was exclusively for the Jews and had to be kept perfectly; if they transgressed one part of it they were guilty of all (James 2:10, Galatians 2:10) and would need to make daily sacrifices for atonement. The statement, “the just shall live by faith” spoke/speaks of the New Covenant, established at Jesus’ death (Hebrews 8:7-13; 10:9), a covenant allowing both Jew AND Gentile (Romans 10:11-12, Galatians 3:26-28) who believe that Jesus is the Son of God to have life in His name (John 20:30-31, 1 John 5:13). That is why Habakkuk was told to prophesy of this, that one day the just would live by faith – that time began in the 1^st century and continues today.

    Paul the apostle, a man of Jewish descent, declared that following the Old Law would not justify a man in God’s eyes, but rather a man who had faith and believed in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1-2, Galatians 2:16). He begged his Hebrew brethren who had become Christians to not return to following the Old Law, but to continue in their faith of Jesus and the gospel message (Hebrews 10:36-39).

    The righteous live by faith because without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)!

    Faith comes from hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). In God’s word we learn that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, that He died for us, and that God has given us instructions that we must obey (John 14:15; 23-24, 1 John 3:23). God’s grace allows we who believe and obey to be saved, to have our sins forgiven, to live righteously before Him, and have hope of eternal life with Him (Ephesians 2:1-10, 1 Peter 1:3-9)! And EVERYONE in the world has this opportunity! EVERYONE can come to God through faith in Jesus!    

    Jesus came to save us, all of us – that’s how much he loves us! – He desires that you will have faith in Him, in who He is, and that you, through that faith will be obedient to God, living just as He lived, in full obedience (Hebrews 5:8-9, 1 Peter 2:18-25)! Believe Him! Believe in Him! Let go of any of your own notions and fully trust and obey God!

    Flee youthful lusts and pursue faith!                                    

    Let us have a heart that speaks as Paul spoke in Galatians 2:20:

“I have been crucified with Christ; 
it is no longer I who live
but Christ lives in me; 
and the life that I now live 
I live by faith in the Son of God, 
who loved me and gave Himself for me.”  
(NKJV)

You can do it! So can I!!

Follow Jesus and Flourish

"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honour." (John 12:24-26 NKJV)

    Over the course of this year's study - Be More Like the Son in 2021 - we have found that in order to flourish we must let go. Let go of our own notions and ideas and dig into God's word for the truth, let go of our stubborn independence and submit to God and His wisdom and instruction, let go of our selfish desires and live lives that are pure and holy and helpful to others. 

    Like the seed of grain we must have a willingness to be buried (in baptism, Romans 6), so that we, in full submission to God and His commands, can flourish and bear abundance of fruit! We must learn to hate our life in this world ('hate' meaning to love God more than the things in this life), and to look forward with earnest regard for life eternal with Him (2 Peter 3:10-18)!

    Jesus said, "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me..." Follow His steps (1 Peter 3:20-24), don't turn from the path He has created for us (Matthew 7:13-14, Hebrews 10:35-39, consider also Joshua 1:7), carefully learn His steps, His character, His care, and allow yourself to be conformed to His image (Romans 8:29-30) as you put His ways into daily practice!

    "If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honour."  Just reading that statement is thrilling, but it is a promise that God can/will/does fulfill! Read and think on passages like Romans 8:12-17 where we find that we, who are led by the Spirit (letting God's Word, the Bible, be our guide), are children of God "and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together" (v17) and also Ephesians 1:3-14 where we discover all the spiritual blessings we have when we are in Christ (in the church, His body, Ephesians 1:22-23)!

    Are you determined to Be More Like the Son in 2021? Are you willing to follow Jesus's steps?

You can do it! So can I!!

     

Jesus Patiently Endured - We Should Too (Part 2)

      Jesus quietly endured the mounting hatred and hostility and did not complain, He patiently heard the slanderous speeches and remained kind; He handled the ill-treatment of those close to Him with calm composure. 

    Can we say the same for ourselves?

    Some of us may be more like Peter who was quick to grab a sword and start swinging (consider Proverbs 12:18). We want to wage a holy war the very moment our "righteous indignation" is ignited - or at least we act that way - maybe we are not so reactive as to lash out in the moment, but we carry it around with us and complain constantly about our experience (sometimes even online), we harbour our irritation and purposely behave in negative ways so that unknowing people feel obliged to ask us what is wrong and give us yet another opportunity to "vent."

"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." (James 1:19-120 NKJV)

    In following Jesus' example we learn that He did not burden His family nor His friends with complaints of unfairness or ill-treatment, He quietly went to His Father (who is the righteous Judge of every situation, 1 Peter 2:19-24), and surely prayed for help, comfort, peace, strength, and wisdom - just as we should be doing (1 Peter 5:7, Hebrews 4:14-16, Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Colossians 1:9-11, James 1:5). 

"Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." (Psalm 62:8 NKJV)

    Jesus asks us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him - to walk in His steps means to do what He did - endure patiently without complaint. We need to teach ourselves to run to God when we feel hurt or mistreated, lay our bruised and broken parts out before Him and discover the wondrous way in which He can heal them!

    You want to be more like the Son on 2021? Put away complaining and begin praying, so you can learn to patiently endure and use your words for edifying others (Ephesians 4:29-32)!

You can do it! So can I!!

"Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon the earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. ...it is good for me to draw near to GOD, I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Your works." (Psalm 73:25-26, 28 NKJV)   

    

     

Jesus Prayed Often - So Should We!

      

    Jesus prayed early in the morning, in the evening, and even through the night. Many of us follow this pattern with prayers soon after we open our eyes in the morning and prayers again before we close our eyes at night (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). Just as the Psalmist wrote that he would declare God's lovingkindness in the morning, and His faithfulness every night (Psalm 92:1-2) Jesus, desiring to honour His Father, would have been thankful to Him, given praise to Him, and given Him the glory due His name.  

    Some of us may have even been through times of great concern and upheaval in which we have either stayed up to pray through the night or prayed every time we woke from our troubled sleep. Just as Jesus would have experienced, we too, can find great comfort and strength in casting our cares on God (1 Peter 5:7) and pleading with Him for His mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16, Luke 18:1-7).

    Jesus prayed before, after, and sometimes during big events in His life. Jesus prayed at His baptism (Luke 3:21), after healing people all evening (Mark 1:35), before walking on the water (Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:46, John 6:15), before choosing the twelve apostles , at the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-29), 3x in the Garden of Gethsemane before He was tried and crucified (Matthew 26:36-46), and 3x while on the cross (Luke 23:34, Matthew 27:46, Luke 23:46). 

    We need to teach ourselves to go to God in prayer before big decisions are made or big events are planned AND after decisions are made and events happen. We should work toward it being our first thought and greatest comfort to seek God's help, strength, and wisdom for all that we do, so much so that we pray to Him even while in the middle of big events and as decisions are being made.  

Side note: Jesus also left us an example to pray for blessing and give thanks to God for our food before we eat: feeding the multitudes (Matthew 14:19, 15:36), at His institution of the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:26-27), and at the supper in Emmaus after His resurrection (Luke 24:30-31). Consider Romans 14:6.  

    Jesus prayed when life was unusually busy. Jesus often withdrew from the crowds that thronged Him to pray to His Father (Mark 1 :35; 5:15-16, Matthew 14:23). We don't likely have crowds thronging us, but we may have many obligations that pull us in several directions. Women today wear many hats: being all things to their husband and family, some work outside their home or from home, while others volunteer at school/community groups outside the home in their "spare" time. Just as Jesus purposed reprieve from His hectic schedule to commune with His Father, so too should we purpose time to be in solitude with God, so that we can recharge our spiritual batteries (Galatians 6:9-10, Psalm 138:3, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Psalm 18:32) and refresh our focus (Colossians 3:1-2)!

    Jesus prayed without ceasing (2 Thessalonians 5:17) - He never gave up on prayer - and neither should we! Let us add more prayer to our day ! Let's run to God in good times and bad to seek His help and nourish our souls, to praise Him and honour Him at all times for being our loving Father, and for providing us with the perfect example to follow! 

To be more like the Son in 2021 - pray, pray, PRAY!!

You can do it! So can I!!

 

Jesus Had Compassion For People - We Should Too!

"Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest." (Matthew 9:35-38 NKJV)

    There are hundreds of people all around each one of us who need direction in their life, who need to know God and learn of His way, who need the Good Shepherd to lead them in what is good and right. We need to care for these lost and wandering souls enough that we pray for those who are labouring for the Lord in our areas and pray also that God will send more labourers to our area to work!

    We can and should be praying for those who are labouring for the Lord. We can and should be praying for more men to rise up and work for the Lord. We can and should be encouraging young men to work toward being preachers and bible class teachers. 

    How wonderful would it be, especially here in Canada, to have more congregations of God's people! To have faithful men step up and take on the noble task of preaching God's holy Word!! To have more people reached, to have more souls saved, more people living as Christ lived in humble obedience to God, looking around them with compassionate hearts and praying that the Lord of the harvest would send even more labourers into His harvest!!

     Let's follow Jesus' command and example (read John 17:1-26) and pray for men, young and old, to rise up and choose to preach and teach the Good News of Christ!! 

    You can do it! So can I!!

 

Jesus Didn't Seek Status, He Sought Souls - We Should Too!

    Jesus was often criticized for being "a friend to tax collectors and sinners" (Matthew 11:19) because the world often looks for greatness in status, rank, and popularity, but Jesus did not come to seek prestige - He sought prisoners, He did not seek rank - He sought rejects, He did not seek popularity, He sought plain men and women like you and I.

    Jesus went to the sick, so they could know the Great Physician (Matthew 9:10-12). He spoke to sinners, so they could hear of redemption (Matthew 9:13, Titus 2:14). He taught the lost so they could find the way home (Luke 19:10, Romans 6)!

     To be like Jesus we do not need to have a big house, we do not need to attain high levels of education, we do not need to have high-paying/high-status jobs or mingle with the rich and famous - we can do as He did wherever we are! We can tell our neighbours of God's greatness! We can educate ourselves in God's holy word simply by reading, obeying, and praying for understanding and wisdom! We can share the rich blessings we have received from God when we mingle with our friends, family, and co-workers!

    We need to be careful how much focus and attention we give to earthly pursuits! We need to look around us right now and see the souls that surround us. We can help those around us and those who come into our lives through our every day activities! 

    As a Mom I have a household of souls that I need to be looking to and teaching (and reinforcing my husband's spiritual instruction). My children's friends, their parents, their teachers are all naturally in my realm, as well as near neighbours, my own friends, the grocery cashier, the pharmacy clerk  - all souls in need of a Saviour!     

    Who is in your realm? How can you encourage them today? How can you turn their attention to God and His way? By being more like the Son in 2021!! By simply talking to them, telling them of God's love and care for them!!

You can do it! So can I!!

 

Jesus Knew The Scriptures - And We Should Too (Part 2)

     Jesus used His scripture knowledge to disarm the devil and nullify the temptations set before Him (Matthew 4:1-11). He truly exemplified Romans 12:21 in this encounter! In so doing He also teaches us how we too can avoid temptation: by putting our focus on God and keeping in mind our spiritual growth (Psalm 119:59-60, Colossians 3), by trusting God’s love and patience rather than testing them (Romans 6:14, 2 Peter 3:9), and dedicating ourselves wholly to Him, giving Him due honour and respect through proper worship (John 4:24).

    We need to be prepared to do what Jesus did – use Scriptures to counteract the devil’s lures – but also hear what these Scriptures teach – prioritize God and humbly honour and obey Him - so we are wise to temptations! Consider:

• Man should live by every word that proceeds from God's mouth. Prioritize the spiritual over the physical (Matthew 5:6, John 4:31-34; 51, 57) 
• You should not tempt/test God. Use your time in proving God's wisdom through humble obedience, don't waste your time trying to disprove or question God (His existence, nor His commands) through man-made doubts and theories (Deuteronomy 6:16, Exodus 17:2, 7)
• Worship God and serve only God.  Give your time and devotion to your holy Creator not anything created by men (consider Matthew 6:19-21; 24, 33, 1 Timothy 6:3-10; 17-19)

    Those who work in identifying counterfeit currency do not study every aspect of the counterfeits, they study the authentic! They know the genuine article so well that they can spot deceptions and discrepancies quickly.

    The devil is a master counterfeiter. He tries to pass off his lies as truth so we need to know the genuine article – we need to know the Truth (John 8:31-32), not a man-made version of it (Matthew 15:8-9), not a hearsay version of it (Matthew 7:21-23) – we need to read God’s Word, the Bible (Psalm 119:160, John 17:17); we need to know it so we can understand it, and use the knowledge we have gained from it to be wise to the devil’s lies and resist him (James 4:7, Hebrews 5:14)  

    Jesus knew the authentic – Jesus was the authentic! – but we can be like Him by diligently studying God’s word, to understand Him better, so we can worship and serve Him more accurately and mindfully! So that we can know the Truth and not be lured away by the lie!

    To Be More Like the Son in 2021 let’s do all we can to increase our Bible knowledge!

    From wherever you are right now - BEGIN! 

Helpful Links

Bible Reading Plans:

• Classic Read-through-the-Bible (365 days, find it here)
• Read through the New Testament (90 days, find it here)
• Read Old and New Testament (365 days, find it here)
• Stay on Track Plan (364 day, weekday only, weekends can be used to catch up, find it here)
• The Busy Life – 2 year Read-through-the-Bible Plan (find it here)
  

Note: Six years ago, I followed the classic plan (at top of list), the next year I followed a chronological reading plan (find it here). I felt well-established in my new daily habit by that time so for the past four years I have made up my own daily reading plan  (one chapter from Old Testament and one chapter from New Testament) that allows me to read through sections of the Old Testament and the complete New Testament 3-4 times in a year.

Find one that works for you so you can get into God’s word every day! Do your best to create new reading habits - it is well worth your time and effort!! You can do it! So can I!!

Be More Like the SON in 2021

    Many of you know that my Dad is a preacher. Growing up, I remember Dad often wrote a New Year's theme sermon and its title, as per his style, would rhyme with the new year number; something like: "Increase Our Faith in Thee in 1983." 

     As you can tell from the title of this post, I am following suit. I realized then when my dad was creating those annual themes and I know now that when something rhymes people are more apt to remember it (consider the ability to recall song lyrics), so, our theme for this year is...

Be More Like the SON in 2021

    God calls us by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14) to be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29-30). All that Jesus did, all the He endured and suffered, He did to leave us an example so we could follow His steps (1 Peter 1:21)!

     Whether you are a seasoned Bible student who has studied Jesus many times, a beginning bible student who is wanting to know more about Him or you find yourself somewhere in between, I believe that there is always room for improvement, there is always more we can learn from Jesus and the example He left for us to follow!

     Consider this theme as you go through your week - and let this song (with rhyming lyrics!) prepare your mind and heart to Be More Like the SON in 2021! 

  Click the link below to listen to "Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me"