🌾 The Second Kernel: God’s Provision – The Hand That Sustains Us

Scripture Reading for this message:

Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

As we continue our journey through the Five Kernels of Corn this November, our thoughts turn once again to that humble feast shared by the Pilgrims long ago. Their table was not adorned with lavish abundance, but with simple gratitude — for they knew the depth of hunger, the ache of scarcity, and the faithfulness of God who had carried them through it all.

The second kernel represents God’s Provision, reminding us that every gift, every breath, every morsel of food comes from His gracious hand. It teaches us to see beyond our cupboards and our fields — to behold the One who provides not only what sustains our bodies, but what nourishes our souls.

When the Pilgrims faced starvation, their trust in God did not waver. They prayed, and He provided. When their crops grew again and the harvest came in, they did not forget the days of want — they remembered that even in the leanest times, God’s provision never ceased.

So too must we remember that all we have and all we are flows from His divine hand.

We live in a world that often measures abundance by the wealth of possessions, yet the Pilgrims learned a deeper truth: that provision is not about plenty, but about presence. When they had little, they found that God was still there. When they lacked, they discovered that His grace was sufficient.

Many of us have walked through similar seasons — times when ends did not meet, when uncertainty weighed upon us, when we wondered how tomorrow’s needs would be met. But just as the Lord provided manna to the Israelites in the wilderness, He still provides daily bread for those who trust in Him.

In Matthew 6:31–33, Jesus reminds us:

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Notice how God’s provision flows not from our striving, but from our seeking. When our hearts are centered on Him, He supplies exactly what we need, exactly when we need it — never too early, never too late.

I can recall moments in my own journey when things seemed uncertain — when bills loomed larger than the bank account, or when the path ahead seemed unclear. Yet time and again, God provided in unexpected ways. Sometimes it came through a kind word, sometimes through a friend’s help, and sometimes through quiet assurance that tomorrow was already in His hands.

God’s provision extends far beyond food and shelter. He provides peace when our minds are troubled, strength when our spirits falter, and wisdom when the way forward is hidden in fog. His generosity is not measured in gold or grain, but in grace.

The Israelites discovered this when manna fell from heaven — enough for each day, never in excess. God wanted them to trust daily, not hoard for tomorrow. In the same way, the Lord still teaches us to depend on Him moment by moment.

Take a moment to reflect on the unseen ways God provides: the job that came when hope was fading, the comfort that arrived at just the right time, the prayer that was answered not in the way you expected, but in the way you needed. Every provision, large or small, whispers the same truth — “Your Heavenly Father cares for you.”

The second kernel calls us to more than gratitude — it calls us to stewardship. God’s blessings were never meant to stop with us; they are meant to flow through us.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:8:

“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

True thanksgiving is not just words of praise, but acts of compassion. When we give, we become the instruments of God’s provision for others. The Pilgrims, having once known hunger, became generous with their harvest. In the same way, we who have tasted God’s goodness are called to share it freely.

Perhaps someone you know is struggling this season — a neighbor, a family member, or even a stranger. A meal shared, a bill paid, or a kind gesture can be the very hand of God working through you.

The second kernel rests upon our plates — small, yet mighty in meaning. It reminds us that our Provider is faithful. Whether the pantry is full or the shelves are bare, His care never fails.

So as you gather around your table in the coming days, remember that every blessing you enjoy has come from the hand of a loving Father who knows your needs and delights in meeting them. Let this truth anchor your heart: God’s provision flows not from the abundance of your circumstance, but from the abundance of His love.

As we reflect on God’s faithful provision, let us become reflections of His generosity. Reach out to those in need, support your local food pantry, and be a vessel through which God’s blessings flow.

If this ministry has nourished your soul, please prayerfully consider supporting our work by clicking the “Donate” button on our website. Your gift allows us to continue bringing messages of faith and hope to hearts around the world — a living testimony of God’s ongoing provision.

So, I say to you,

“May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.”

Brother Jesse

Co-founder & Sr. Chaplain, SFIHG Ministries

✟ Citizens of Heaven: Living with Our Eyes on Christ

Scripture Reading
Philippians 3:17–21 NLT

“Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, offers both a heartfelt encouragement and a sobering warning. He reminds believers that the life we live on earth is not to be consumed with temporary pleasures but aligned with our eternal citizenship in Heaven. As Christians, our eyes are fixed not on the shifting sands of this world, but on the eternal promises of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

“Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.”

Paul sets himself as an example, not out of arrogance, but because his life had been so thoroughly transformed by the grace of Christ. He urges the church to look at faithful believers and imitate their walk. Every Christian leaves footprints in the sand for others to follow—whether toward Christ or away from Him.

As disciples, we must ask: who is influencing us, and whom are we influencing? Are we pointing others toward Jesus, or are we leaving a trail of confusion? The true example we follow should always lead back to Christ.

“For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.”

Paul speaks with tears, not anger. His sorrow reveals the depth of his compassion. Those who live as enemies of the cross are not necessarily loud opponents of Christianity; often, they are people who quietly give themselves over to the passions of this world. Their stomachs, their pride, and their worldly pursuits are the things that rule them.

This warning is for us today. In a society that glorifies indulgence, self-promotion, and material wealth, it is easy to become so entangled with the world that we forget eternity. What consumes our minds and hearts? Are we more concerned with worldly gain than heavenly treasure?

“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”

In sharp contrast to those who think only of this life, Paul reminds us of our true identity: we are citizens of Heaven. Just as earthly citizenship brings rights and responsibilities, so does our heavenly citizenship. Our values, our conduct, and our hope must reflect the Kingdom of God, not the kingdoms of this world.

We eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ. This anticipation shapes how we live. We are called to walk as foreigners and ambassadors here, pointing others to the eternal Kingdom.

“He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”

Paul assures us that our frail, mortal bodies will not remain as they are. At the coming of Christ, they will be transformed into glorious bodies like His resurrected body. This hope gives us courage in the midst of suffering, sickness, and aging. Christ’s power is not only sufficient to change us; it is sufficient to bring the entire universe under His authority.

This promise reminds us that the best is yet to come. Our faith is not in vain, our sacrifices are not wasted, and our struggles will one day give way to glory.

Beloved, we are not of this world—we are citizens of Heaven. Paul calls us to follow the right examples, to reject the pull of earthly distractions, and to fix our eyes on Christ. The temporary pleasures of this life cannot compare to the eternal glory awaiting us in Him.

Let us live faithfully today as ambassadors of the Kingdom, shining the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs hope. Keep your eyes lifted heavenward, for the Savior is coming again.

If today’s message has blessed you, I humbly ask that you prayerfully consider supporting this ministry. SFIHG Ministries provides messages, prayers, Bible studies, and devotionals free of charge to reach hearts around the world. You can help sustain this work by clicking the Donate Button on our website. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue to share the Word of God faithfully.

So, I say to you, “May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.”

✟ Be Strong and Courageous: The Lord Goes Before You

Deuteronomy 31:7–8 (NLT)
"Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched he said to him, 'Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors he would give them. You are the one who will divide it among them as their grants of land. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.'"

Life is filled with moments when the path ahead is unclear. We may feel as though we are standing at the edge of a wilderness, uncertain if we have the strength to take the next step. For Israel, this was not a theory but a reality. Moses, their long-time leader, was preparing to leave them. The man who had spoken with God on Mount Sinai, who had lifted his staff and parted the Red Sea, was not going with them into the Promised Land. Instead, Joshua—a new leader, younger and less experienced—was chosen to guide them forward.

At this pivotal moment, Moses gives Joshua a charge that still speaks to us today: “Be strong and courageous… Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you.” When life feels uncertain, when resources feel scarce, when tomorrow feels daunting—this is God’s word for us as well.

Moses tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous!” Strength and courage were not optional—they were essential. But this strength was not to come from Joshua’s own abilities or Israel’s numbers. True strength flows from reliance on the Lord.

The Apostle Paul later echoes this truth in Philippians 4:13 (NLT): “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Courage is not the absence of fear; rather, it is choosing to trust God in the presence of fear. Joshua would have moments of doubt and fear, but his courage was anchored in God’s presence, not in his personal qualifications.

So too for us. We are not called to muster courage from within but to lean on the One who strengthens us. When we face challenges beyond our control, God reminds us: “Do not be afraid. I am with you.”

The mission before Joshua was daunting, but it was grounded in God’s promise. The land was not Joshua’s idea, nor Israel’s achievement. It was God’s sworn covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Joshua’s role was not to manufacture success but to faithfully lead God’s people into what God had already prepared.

This is a powerful reminder for us. God’s plans are not dependent on our resources or ingenuity. His promises are sure, and His Word never fails. We may not see how provision will come, but our security rests in the certainty of His promises.

When God calls us to walk forward in faith, we can step boldly, not because we have all the answers, but because He holds the outcome. Our confidence lies not in what we can see, but in the God who has spoken.

The heart of Moses’ charge comes in verse 8: “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

This is the anchor for every believer in seasons of uncertainty: God Himself goes before us. He does not simply send us into the unknown with a pat on the back; He leads the way. His presence is constant—before us to guide, beside us to support, behind us to protect. He will not fail. He will not abandon.

These words are echoed throughout Scripture:

• In Joshua 1:9 (NLT), God tells Joshua directly, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
• In Hebrews 13:5 (NLT), we are reassured, “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’”

What greater security can we have? Even when earthly resources are thin, when human support feels shaky, when tomorrow looms uncertain, God’s presence is the unshakable foundation of our hope.

Though we live centuries removed from Joshua and Moses, the truth of this passage remains the same. The God who went before Israel goes before us today. The Lord who provided manna in the wilderness provides for His children in every season. The Savior who calmed the storm still whispers peace into the hearts of those battered by life’s winds.

Trials refine our faith. They strip away self-reliance and teach us to cling to God’s promises with both hands. In times of transition, in times of need, in times of uncertainty, we discover anew that He is enough.

The words spoken to Joshua ring just as true for us: “Be strong and courageous… Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

So, dear friends, when you face the unknown, hold to this truth: you are never alone. The God who called Joshua to lead, the God who parted seas and toppled walls, is the same God who walks with you today. Be strong. Be courageous. Step forward in faith, knowing that He has already gone ahead of you.

This week, as you encounter challenges, speak God’s promise aloud: “The Lord goes before me. He will never leave me nor abandon me.” Write it down. Pray it over your life. Share it with someone who needs encouragement. And when fear whispers in your ear, answer with the unshakable truth of God’s Word.

So, I say to you, “May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.”

✟ A Cheerful Heart: God’s Prescription for Strength and Service

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

In a world where healthcare advances abound and wellness is a growing industry, the Word of God continues to offer us the most foundational truth about our well-being. Proverbs 17:22 speaks directly into our lives with divine clarity: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.”

Long before studies confirmed the link between mental health and physical well-being, the Scriptures were already offering wisdom that transcends time. God, our Creator, who knit us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13), knows that the state of our hearts—our emotions, attitudes, and spiritual condition—plays a critical role in our overall health and ability to serve Him. This truth beautifully aligns with our Fourth Pillar: Being Healthy to Serve God.

Let us, then, take time to explore how God uses the cheerful heart as His divine prescription for strength and service—and how we are called to cultivate this joy as part of our spiritual health.

The verse opens with a profound assertion: “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” This is not a metaphor alone; it is a reality that speaks to the way God designed us.

A cheerful heart is not dependent on temporary happiness, which comes and goes with circumstance. Rather, it is rooted in joy—deep, abiding, Spirit-filled joy that flows from trust in the Lord. It is the joy of knowing that we are loved, saved, and sustained by the Almighty. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:4 (NLT), “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”

Consider Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25. Beaten and imprisoned, they did not sink into despair. Instead, they prayed and sang hymns to God. Their hearts were cheerful—not because of their circumstances, but because of their faith. That joy became a source of strength and even led to the salvation of a jailer and his household.

The joyful heart, grounded in the promises of God, acts as divine medicine. It brings healing to our souls, lifts our spirits, and enables us to press on in service, even in the face of adversity.

Yet the proverb does not stop with joy. It also warns us of the opposite condition: “...a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.”

A broken spirit is more than sorrow. It is the erosion of hope. It is the weariness of a soul that has lost its focus on God. It comes through constant anxiety, unresolved guilt, prolonged bitterness, or the relentless attacks of the enemy.

Many people today carry this brokenness silently. They go through the motions of daily life, even ministry, but their strength is gone. Like a branch cut from the vine, they wither because they are no longer drawing from the Source—Christ Himself.

When we neglect our spiritual health, it affects our physical vitality. When we allow the burdens of the world to replace the joy of the Lord, we lose our strength to stand, to serve, and to live purposefully.

This is why Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) exhorts us: “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” A guarded heart is one that nurtures cheerfulness in the Lord and refuses to allow the enemy to take root in despair.

Let us now return to the Fourth Pillar of our God-centered life: Being Healthy to Serve God.

Wellness is not only physical; it is emotional, mental, and spiritual. If we are to serve God with vigor, with clarity, and with compassion, then we must take care of the whole vessel He has entrusted to us.

A cheerful heart plays a vital role in this stewardship. When we allow God to fill us with His joy, we become more resilient, more compassionate, and more capable of encouraging others. We are no longer weighed down by every trial, nor are we paralyzed by fear or worry.

Joy is not weakness; it is strength. Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) declares, “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” It is this strength that sustains those who visit the sick, who teach the Word, who raise godly families, and who carry out the ministry of reconciliation.

How, then, can we cultivate a cheerful heart?

• Practice Daily Gratitude. Begin each day by naming three blessings and thanking God for them. As the hymn reminds us, “Count your blessings, name them one by one.”
• Surround Yourself with Uplifting Fellowship. Seek out friends and fellow believers who speak life and encouragement, and be one who does the same.
• Engage in Worship. Whether in music, Scripture, or prayer, let your soul rejoice in the presence of God.
• Care for the Body. Physical activity such as a walk in God’s creation, especially when accompanied by Scripture meditation or prayer, refreshes the heart and clears the mind.
• Guard Your Inputs. Limit media and influences that drain your joy. Instead, feed your soul with what is noble, pure, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

By embracing these practices, we begin to experience the fullness of the joyful heart that God so desires for His children.

Dear friends, the world offers many counterfeit forms of joy—fleeting pleasures, empty amusements, and false securities. But the joy that God gives is lasting, healing, and empowering.

Proverbs 17:22 is more than a proverb—it is a prescription. A cheerful heart is God’s good medicine, not only for our bodies but for our souls. And when our hearts are full of this joy, we are made strong for His service.

In this season of your life, no matter your age or stage, I urge you to choose joy. Embrace the cheerful heart. Guard against the broken spirit. And remember: Your joy in the Lord is not only for your healing—it is for the blessing of others and for the glory of God.

This week, I encourage you to take three specific steps:

• Write down three things each day that you’re grateful for, and thank the Lord for them.
• Do one joyful thing intentionally—something that uplifts your spirit and brings laughter and lightness.
• Reach out to someone who may be struggling with discouragement and be the cheerful heart they need today.

Your joy is a witness. Let your cheerful heart serve as good medicine to the world around you.

So, I say to you, "May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence."

Mid-Week Message - A Worthy Struggle

"I want to know Christ - yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.  Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:10-14 (NIV)  

I appreciate the life that Paul led and the letters that he left behind so that we could know how dear the Lord was to him and how everything he did was done with Heaven in mind.  Of course we know the story that previous to meeting Jesus, Paul, or rather Saul, was a persecutor of Christians.  But when he met the Savior, everything changed.  His life was spent spreading the Good News, for which he endured unspeakable suffering.  But he didn't give up and he found joy in the struggles he encountered because he knew that there was a reward awaiting him that would be greater than he could imagine.  

I wonder how many of us are able to keep that in mind as we encounter the difficulties of daily life.  I have many friends in full-time Christian service and it isn't an easy life.  Moreover, I hear and read stories of missionaries in foreign lands who endure great hardship, including the threat of torture and even death.  They chose to leave behind the conveniences and comfort of their lives here in order to carry Christ's love to those who haven't had the chance to hear that there is a Redeemer who laid down His own life so that we on earth could have an everlasting future with Him.  

Several times a day I utter the words, "I'm tired."  And I am.  My body doesn't work the way it used to and just going through whatever the day requires of me is tedious at best.  Some days, my pain level makes me want to sleep the day away because when I am asleep is the only time that I am truly pain free.  Yet, if I give in to that desire then I am unable to focus on what is more important.  If I am sleeping, I am not praying for the many on my prayer list.  If I am sleeping then I am not reaching out to others that I know need encouragement.  And I am reminded that my life is not my own, but belongs to the One who paid an enormous price to redeem it and therefore deserves for it to be used for His glory.  

Paul set an example for each of us to follow.  No matter what he encountered, whether it be shipwrecks, beatings, illnesses, imprisonment or attempts on his life, he kept praising the Lord and sharing His message with everyone that was around him.  He didn't give in to pain or let exhaustion cease his efforts.  He knew that his time on this planet was temporary and that he had a limited amount of time to accomplish as much as he could for Jesus.  He seized every moment handed to him to make an eternal difference.  I'm sure he had moments of discouragement, moments of saying, "I'm tired."  But then he put them aside and continued on what he knew to be the better path.  

We have a finite time upon this orb.  Our days are limited.  If we do not fill our days with Heavenly purpose, then we are missing the mark.  God has us planted us where we are for reasons we may not be aware of.  Our response should be to take hold of the resources and opportunities that come our way and use them for His glory.  We each have a mission field.  We just have to realize it, and, with our hands firmly in His, go forth and boldly represent Him.  If we need a guide to show us how to take each step then we can read about Paul and, as he did, press forward toward the goal to win the prize that is waiting for us when we are called home.  It will be worth any struggle we encounter, no matter how tired we may get.  God bless.

Mid-Week Message - When God Said "No"

"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.  And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (AMPC)

God said "no" today.  It has happened many times before, but today hit me rather hard.  This "no" followed what I had interpreted as a "yes" and because of that I was disillusioned.  My words to my husband were, "I can't trust anything anymore."  Now that a few hours have passed and I have had some time to think, I realize that I heard the "yes" because it was what I was wanting to hear and not anything that the Holy Spirit had conveyed to me. 

See, I took my attention off of the Lord.  I transferred my trust onto what I thought I heard in my heart rather than leaving it where it needed to be.  Only the Lord knows what tomorrow holds.  By His side is where I need to keep myself.  Had I done that, I would not have experienced the distress because I would have known that although this was not His provision, His perfect provision is coming.  

It is not His will that we be anxious about our lives.  He wants us to lean on Him and to trust Him for everything we need in life.  Today should have been a time of thanksgiving and acknowledgement and of seeking peace over the future.  Just as He provided manna for the children of Israel, so He will take care of our needs.  I love the verse for today, and specifically in the Classic Amplified version because it conveys a mighty picture of our hearts and minds being guarded.  We can all have that protection.  It is readily available.  All we have to do is ask God for that peace then we don't have to worry about what is yet to come.

I know I am not the only one that has found themselves in this predicament.  We all go through periods in which we wonder about tomorrow.  What will the medical report say?  How did the interview go?  When will that check come in?  And we find ourselves asking if God truly knows what we are going through.  Does He know how worried we are?  Does He care?  

As I have had to assure myself today, I will now assure you.  Indeed He does care.  He loves us more than we will ever be able to understand.  That is why He reminds us not to fret or worry.  All good things come from the Father above.  Everything belongs to Him.  Whatever situation we find ourselves in He is mighty and loving enough to guide us through.  He has answers that we cannot even dream of and at the correct time, His time, He will reveal them.  Until then, He asks that we rest and allow Him to be in charge.  

I pray that each of us is able to find that peace that transcends all understanding as we go through this week.  With great love and thanksgiving, God bless you.

Mid-Week Message - Easter Thoughts

"Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  Philippians 2:9-11 (NLT)

Probably the most meaningful Easter service I ever attended was held in a mausoleum.  It was a sunrise service and I and a couple of other ladies were asked to sing.  I wish I could convey the feeling of standing amidst those entombed there while singing praises to Jesus and recognizing that He had defeated death's power.  I could just imagine other voices, some long gone, joining in.  

This weekend we will observe the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord.  There are dates each year set aside to do so.  We dress up in our finest, gather together to worship, then feast on a well prepared meal.  Children hunt for eggs and love awakening to find that the "Easter Bunny" has left a basket full of goodies. Night comes and we close our eyes while saying another "thank you" to our Savior.  

Then what?  Monday comes.  The alarm clock goes off, we reluctantly get up and dress ourselves for another day.  The "holiday" is over and we return to our daily routines.  School, jobs, activities, chores and relationships claim our lives physically, mentally and emotionally. Any decorations we have had up come down and are stored back in their boxes until the Easter season rolls around again next year.

My point is simply that when Jesus sacrificed Himself for us, it was for eternity.  His birth, life, arrest, torture, crucifixion, death and resurrection were all for you and for me.  It was the focus of His entire being.  There wasn't a time when He put it all behind Him and "returned to normal."  Even now He intercedes for us before the Father.   How do we honor that?  

Social media is full of beautiful poems, pictures and messages of praise this week.  It is always a joy to see that avenue used to exalt the name of the Lord.  However, once Sunday is over, the posts will change.  Why?  What changes from Sunday to Monday except the date on the calendar?  If it wasn't acceptable to use foul language publicly on one day, then why would people think it is acceptable on the next?  Do we have a firm grasp on what all the Son of Almighty God did for us?  Do we understand the eternal significance?  Why don't we live our lives for Him every day?  

My prayer is that each of us will spend some time reflecting on how we worship Him.  Do we daily walk in joy and praise or do we compartmentalize our faith and blend in with the world around us?  Are we living lives that please Him?  May each of us who identifies themselves as Christian examine our hearts and allow Him to show us any changes that need to be made.  The most important thing is to glorify our Lord.  God bless.

Mid-Week Message - More Like Jesus

"He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less."  John 3:30  (NLT)

Social media is everywhere.  It seems that almost everyone has an account on a site where they can share what's going on in their lives.  Selfies, pictures of the food that is being served, families posing together, babies, home decor and the list goes on.  But there is one thing that is most notable about these sites.  They provide a place for us to indulge our egos.  

I will admit that there have been times when I have posted something and then checked again and again to see who is "liking" or "loving" what I have posted.  I had to get over that because if it was something really dear to me, like a picture of my child, then I was upset if I either didn't get a lot of responses or if more people only "liked" rather than "loved."  My ego was hurt.  Why?  Because my purpose in sharing was all about me. 

If we stay within ourselves, if we keep our focus inward, then how can we reach out to anyone else?  If we are more concerned with all things personal rather than spending our time in concern for what those around us need, then not only will we miss a lot of joy, but we will also be sinning.  

Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Our goal, as Christians, is to be like Christ.  If we study His life, how often do we see Him more worried about Himself than He is those around Him or those in the crowds that came to hear Him?  Granted, He was fully God and fully human and we are only fully human.  We aren't perfect as He was perfect, however, through His grace and mercy, if we spend more time learning about Him and walking with Him, then He will begin to change our hearts and teach us how be more like Him.

Simply put, it needs to be more and more about Jesus and less and less about ourselves.  Rather than posting attention getting selfies, we can use our social media time to honor our Savior.  It is far greater to have His approval than that of man. 

There are so many opportunities to show His love.  Many people need prayers and encouragement.  It costs nothing more than a little bit of time to reach out and be supportive. 

This week my challenge is that we all take inventory of how we represent ourselves and the Lord in any of our interactions with others.  What is our focus?   Are we seeking personal approval or are we pointing the way to the One who loves us more than any person on earth ever will?  God bless. 

Mid-Week Message - Focus on Him

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."  Philippians 4:8  (ESV)   

There is war between Ukraine and Russia.

The Queen of England has died and a new King named.

Violence is becoming more rampant as the criminals find that they won't be punished.

Inflation continues to rise and the national deficit continues to increase.  

As companies worry about recessions, some are beginning to lay off employees and halt hiring.  

All this and more.  Such is the state of the world and nation.  We find that it is difficult to concentrate on the good things in life when we are constantly bombarded with news that things seem to be getting worse.  Five minutes of the local news can make your head swim as you work to take in the evil that seems to be prevailing.  Worry filled, sleepless nights occur more often as we wonder how to make ends meet and how to keep our children safe.  

Is peace to be found anywhere at all?  

God, through His Word, has told us that the condition of the world we live in will grow worse as the time of the second coming of Jesus draws nearer.  John 16:33 tells us, "...In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."  

Notice that He doesn't say he WILL overcome the world, but that he HAS overcome the world.  The book of Revelation tells us how the battle between good and evil will end.  This is a war where there is no doubt of the outcome.  Jesus wins!  

We have to keep in mind that where we are now is not where we will be eternally.  If we have repented of our sins and received Jesus into our lives as our Savior and Lord, then we have the promise of eternity with Him, where there is no war, inflation, death, sadness or difficulties of any kind.  

I think that is why today's verse tells us where our focus should be. "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."  

Jesus is all these things.  Our focus should remain on Him and our trust be placed in Him because He has already overcome all the troubles we face.  With earthly eyes it is impossible to see how He will get us through it all but He has promised to do so and because He is Truth, we can have faith that He will do as He has said.  

Fear not.  Concentrate on Him and peace will follow.  God bless.  

Mid-Week Message - Every Knee Will Bow

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  Philippians 2:9-11  (NIV) 

As I write tonight, my mind is at the manger.  I am always in awe when I read the account of our Savior's birth and see pictures of the shepherds who have left their sheep to go and see this newborn baby.  The account in Luke does not say that they bowed to worship Him, but I can only imagine that they did.  We are told that they went from this miracle and spread the word then they returned, "glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."  

Although it is nowhere near the time of year that we usually think about this birth, can you go there with me, witness the scene in your mind's eye and allow your heart to respond to all you see and hear?  This tiny infant, sleeping in a trough made for feeding animals, Mary and Joseph beside Him, began His earthly life in such a place as this.  You can hear and smell the animals and have trouble believing that there was no more suitable place.  

Turn your thoughts away from the surroundings and focus solely on the child.  Maybe he moves His little closed fists.  Maybe He utters a small cry.  Maybe He opens His eyes and looks directly at you.  What is your reaction?  Those tiny eyes peering directly into your soul and touching a part of you that has never been touched before.  Would there be tears?  Would you be on your knees?  

One day, every knee will bow before Him and every tongue will confess that He is the Christ, our Lord.  All will worship Him and this will bring glory to God the Father.  

It may be more difficult to picture the time that He returns than it was His birth.  There is so much we don't understand, and may even fear.  All who have denied His Lordship, or even His existence, will know the truth at this moment.  We all will realize that we are sinners and are unworthy of His salvation.  Yet, for those who have truly repented and believed, eternal salvation is real.  

He isn't a baby anymore and we never know when His return will be, but the time will come. We may have years ahead of us, or we may have only moments.  Whether we are alive on the day of His coming or meet Him after our deaths, the question remains.  Will we be ready to bow?    

  

Mid-Week Message - Active and Alive

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."  Mark 12:30  (NIV)   

Each year after Christmas I urge my readers to leave something out that will be a reminder of the miracle of Christ's birth all year long.  Although that time of year is set aside to celebrate His coming, the fact that He left Heaven to be with us on earth is something that should never be shoved into a box and stored in an attic.  

Likewise, Easter is when we praise Him for His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection.  But sadly, once the weekend has passed, we tend to return to the normality of our lives and store away whatever decorations we have used in order to prepare for the next holiday.  

Unlike Santa Claus and the Easter bunny, Jesus is no fairy tale.  The stories recorded for us in the Bible of His existence are real.  He was with God before creation and is with Him now.  Because of the time He spent on Earth, because of what He gave of Himself to accomplish the will of His Father, we have total forgiveness of our sins available to us if we choose to accept it.  Once we believe in Him as the Son of God, receive Him as our Lord and Savior and repent of our sins we have the promise of eternal life with Him in Heaven.  

How it must grieve Him to be put out of our thoughts as easily as we store away snowmen, wreaths and candy filled eggs.  After all that He went through for our sakes, even as He pleads for us before our Father, once our calendar-planned holidays end, too often so do our praises. 

At any time, Jesus could have said no.  He could have called legions of angels to wipe out those who tortured Him.  Although fully human, He was also fully divine and the nails through His hands and feet held no control over Him.  But He didn't say no.  Philippians 2:8 tells us, "...he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross."   Even for Him, obedience was a choice and he made that choice out of His love for you and for me.  

Our remembrance and our praise should be alive and active just as our Savior is alive and active in our lives.  Our hearts, minds, souls and strength need to remain focused on Him at all times.  All that we do, think and say should be influenced by His example as we allow Him to mold us to become more like Him.

Nothing happens in our lives that He is unaware of.  He is always by our side, ready to take our hands and walk us through whatever conflicts, heartaches, fears or tragedies we encounter.  He promised never to leave us and His promises can be believed.  His death and resurrection didn't take away the hard times in life, but they did give us the assurance that we will never be alone and that death, sorrow, pain and sadness will cease when we join Him in Heaven.  

His love and power cannot be boxed away.  Grab His holy hand and walk with Him today.  God bless.  

Mid-Week Message - Looking Forward

 "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead"  Philippians 3:13 (NIV)

I have only made one New Year's resolution that I have ever kept and I have made many.  I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I start out strong but within a few days I lose my resolve.  This is a time of year that gyms and companies that make diet products make a lot of money from people who vow to lose weight and get fit in the new year.  

Each year is filled with highs and lows, successes and failures.  We have a choice.  We can concentrate on the previous year or we can look forward to the clean slate of the one before us.  If you are like me, you may have had a difficult 2021.  My family faced some challenges that I would never like to face again.  Some of those are ongoing.  However, if we spend our time looking behind us, then we fail to look forward in faith for how the Lord is going to use those issues in our lives for good.  God's Word assures us that He is with us all the time and that He will provide for us.  

Romans 8:28 teaches, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  All of the good of last year, along with all of the difficult, will be used by our Father in Heaven for our good.  We need to be looking forward in expectation because His love and His plans are always good.  Paul's statement gives us direction.  Forget what has been and strain toward what is ahead.  

As we go through this week, let us spend time in prayer and acknowledge to Him that we are grateful for what has been but that we are eager to see what His blessings for this year hold.  2021 is in the past but 2022 is a year that promises more time in His presence and the great joys that come along with it.  God bless you!

Mid-Week Message - More or Less

"He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less."  John 3:30  (NLT)

Social media is everywhere.  It seems that almost everyone has an account on a site where they can share what's going on in their lives.  Selfies, pictures of the food that is being served, families posing together, babies, home decor and the list goes on.  But there is one thing that is most notable about these sites.  They provide a place for us to indulge our egos.  

I will admit that there have been times when I have posted something and then checked again and again to see who is "liking" or "loving" what I have posted.  I had to get over that because if it was something really dear to me, like a picture of my child, then I was upset if I either didn't get a lot of response or if more people only "liked" rather than "loved."  My ego was hurt.  Why?  Because my purpose in sharing was all about me. 

If we stay within ourselves, if we keep our focus inward, then how can we reach out to anyone else?  If we are more concerned with all things personal rather than spending our time in concern for what those around us need, then not only will we miss a lot of joy, but we will also be sinning.  

Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Our goal, as Christians, is to be like Christ.  If we study His life, how often to do we see Him more worried about Himself than He is those around Him or those in the crowds that came to hear Him?  Granted, He was fully God and fully human and we are only fully human.  We aren't perfect as He was perfect, however, through His grace and mercy, if we spend more time learning about Him and walking with Him, then He will begin to change our hearts and teach us how be more like Him.

Simply put, it needs to be more and more about Jesus and less and less about ourselves.  Rather than posting attention getting selfies, we can use our social media time to honor our Savior.  It is far greater to have His approval than that of man. 

There are so many opportunities to show His love.  Many people need prayers and encouragement.  It costs nothing more than a little bit of time to reach out and be supportive. 

This week, my challenge is that we all take inventory of how we represent ourselves and the Lord in any of our interactions with others.  What is our focus?   Are we seeking personal approval or are we pointing the way to the One who loves us more than any person on earth ever will?  God bless.

Mid-Week Message - Easter Celebration

"Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  Philippians 2:9-11 (NLT)

Probably the most meaningful Easter service I ever attended was held in a mausoleum.  It was a sunrise service and I and a couple of other ladies were asked to sing.  I wish I could convey the feeling of standing amidst those entombed there while singing praises to Jesus and recognizing that He had defeated death's power.  I could just imagine other voices, some long gone, joining in.  

This weekend we will observe the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord.  There are dates each year set aside to do so.  In a year that isn't affected by COVID we dress up in our finest, gather together to worship, then feast on a well prepared meal.  Children hunt for eggs and love awakening to find that the "Easter Bunny" has left a basket full of goodies. Night comes and we close our eyes while saying another "thank you" to our Savior.  

Then what?  Monday comes.  The alarm clock goes off, we reluctantly get up and dress ourselves for another day.  The "holiday" is over and we return to our daily routines.  School, jobs, activities, chores and relationships claim our lives physically, mentally and emotionally. Any decorations we have had up come down and are stored back in their boxes until the Easter season rolls around again next year.

My point is simply that when Jesus sacrificed Himself for us, it was for eternity.  His birth, life, arrest, torture, crucifixion, death and resurrection were all for you and for me.  It was the focus of His entire being.  There wasn't a time when He put it all behind Him and "returned to normal."  Even now He intercedes for us before the Father.   How do we honor that?  

Social media is full of beautiful poems, pictures and messages of praise this week.  It is always a joy to see that avenue used to exalt the name of the Lord.  However, once Sunday is over, the posts will change.  Why?  What changes from Sunday to Monday except the date on the calendar?  If it wasn't acceptable to use foul language publicly on April 4th, then why will people think it is acceptable on April 5th?  Do we have a firm grasp on what all the Son of Almighty God did for us?  Do we understand the eternal significance?  Why don't we live our lives for Him every day?  

My prayer is that each of us will spend some time reflecting on how we worship Him.  Do we daily walk in joy and praise or do we compartmentalize our faith and blend in with the world around us?  Are we living lives that please Him?  May each of us who identifies themselves as Christian examine our hearts and allow Him to show us any changes that need to be made.  The most important thing is to glorify our Lord.  God bless.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Depends on Your Perspective

When I was growing up, my father enjoyed a very unique and rather smelly sandwich called a “stinky”. For those who are unfamiliar with this sandwich, it is made with a big slice of Limburger cheese and red onion on pumpernickel bread. Yes. For most individuals, a stinky is something that would find its way into a garbage can or, better yet, a nuclear waste dump. If it was on a menu, most would pass it up very quickly and ask if people really order it. To my dad, it was the best sandwich in the world. He also enjoyed eating raw oysters. 

As a young man, I didn’t care for either of those things. Just the mere thought of raw oysters or a stinky would have me holding my nose or commenting on how disgusting both are. After growing up, I found myself enjoying both. Like most things in life, we acquire a taste for certain things that we once shied away from. We find that what we didn’t like soon becomes something we enjoy and want more of.

The reason I am sharing this story with you is to illustrate a point that Paul made in his second letter to the Corinthians. I found that the story and what Paul said in chapter two were an interesting parallel. 

Paul writes, “Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?”

Christians remind non-believers of the stench of death and doom. For them, the smell of death and doom is always present. No matter how hard they push them out of their minds, the images keep coming back. When we face our mortality in some way like a car accident that we nearly avoided or another major tragedy, we begin to wonder about our mortality and then begin to wonder what comes after death. When individuals start to do that, a shiver runs up and down their spines. It is a question that has plagued men and women since we walked out of the garden.

Just as Paul points out, believers smell things a little differently. We don’t smell the stench of death and doom. The fragrance we smell is that sweet, sweet smell of life and salvation. Remember when you first met a Christian who wanted to witness to you, most of us do and would say that it was a very awkward moment. When someone brings up salvation, most people tend to duck away very quickly. We just don’t realize at the time how important that moment really is for us.

But, over time, our perspectives begin to change. What was something we didn’t even want to consider has become something that has allured us. We are drawn to the message and that sweet perfume of salvation. We find it pleasing and want to be around it more and more.

Paul, in chapter four of his letter to the Philippians, describes it this way, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

The saved are drawn to not only the life-giving perfume but they are also drawn to those things that are excellent and worthy of praise. As we continue to grow spiritually and become more Christ-like, we, too, give off that fragrance that is pleasing to our Heavenly Father and also to other Christians. Others who once only knew of doom and gloom will, like bees swarming to the sweet smell of flowers, be drawn to the gift of salvation.

That sweet fragrance of life is to be shared with others especially those who do not believe. We are not to keep it for ourselves. It is to fill the air and give joy to those who seize about its scent. 

In order to be a pleasing fragrance to God, we must live our lives as Christ would. We must not shirk our responsibilities to be obedient and worship God.

The Lord, in chapter six of the Book of Jeremiah, says, “Listen, all the earth! I will bring disaster on my people. It is the fruit of their own schemes, because they refuse to listen to me. They have rejected my word. There’s no use offering me sweet frankincense from Sheba. Keep your fragrant calamus imported from distant lands! I will not accept your burnt offerings. Your sacrifices have no pleasing aroma for me.”

This is not only pleasing to the Lord but the life-saving perfume to those around us. We must not just follow the laws for the sake of following the laws. Our hearts and actions must always have the purest of intentions. Each act done must be done out of love for the Father and His children.

For those reading these words, I ask you to begin changing your perspective. Those things that you didn’t want to consider should now fill your heart. You should be seeking out the sweet aroma of salvation. When you do and you take the first steps to having a relationship with the Lord, you, too, will be a fragrance that rises up to Him and is pleasing. That first step will allow you to stand firm in His grace daily.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - New Normal

In almost every new article or segment that I read or listen to, I hear the same term, “new normal”, used over and over. It has become the new buzz phrase that has come to symbolize this new decade. New social practices such as distancing and reduced capacity are now becoming the new norm. There have even been discussions and suggestions regarding the handshake. Some doctors feel that the accepted and traditional custom should be eliminated from our daily interactions. 

Everything we do from now on will be scrutinized through the lens of the new norm. Although I am not a fan of the term, I believe that we should embrace a new way of thinking and feeling towards one another. As we continue to deal with COVID-19 and its impact in our lives, we should also take a moment to look at our lives through a spiritual lens.   

Last week, I talked about having a new heart and a new spirit. When we accepted Christ Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord, we received the free gift of salvation from our Heavenly Father through the blood of His son, Jesus. As we received that gift, we received a new heart and a new spirit. Our old stony, sin-filled heart was removed and a new one was placed into us. Our old spirit of disobedience was ripped away and a new spirit of love for our Father and for others was put in its place.

After receiving our new hearts and our new souls, we are called to walk with the Lord daily and dedicate our lives to serving Him and to loving one another. There is a new norm for us as Christians. We are no longer to walk in darkness and act disobediently. We have been transformed and we should reject that old, sinful lifestyle by living a life of worship and love.

In chapter two of his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes, “But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.”

In this passage, Paul tells us that there is no way for us to satisfy the requirements of the law. No matter how hard we try, there is no way that we could, on our own, meet the requirements of the law and avoid spiritual death. Our salvation can only come through the blood of Jesus poured out as an atonement for our sins. When we accepted this gift, we were given a new life and a new way to live. 

The grace that we receive has a deep meaning for us. Just like that beautiful song by Isaac Watts, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”, you cannot help but be humbled by the value of that gift of salvation. The son of God the Father came from his throne on high to live among us and show us the way back to the Father. When it came time to lay down his life for our sins, he walked the Via Dolorosa to die upon a cross. While on that cross, Jesus suffered for each of us and bore the world’s sins upon his broken body. When the moment came, the skies grew dark and the stone moaned as Jesus took his last breath and gave up his spirit.

In chapter nineteen of his gospel, John records that final moment of Jesus, “He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”

It is through that act of love for each of us that Jesus made us right with God the Father. As a child of God, Jesus lives in you and walks with you daily. His lessons and his life are ours to guide our daily steps. We are no longer part of the old norm, but, rather, a part of the new norm.

As we walk daily in that new life, let us always remember the life of Jesus and his sacrifice for us and live our lives in accordance to his teachings. This new norm means that we live our lives with a Christ-like attitude daily and devote ourselves to God. 

Paul writes, in chapter two of his epistle to the Philippians, “Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.”

Don’t let Jesus’ sacrifice become meaningless in your life. Live a life dedicated in love and service to the Lord and to those around you. Act in a way that is Christ-like and hold firmly to the word of life. Don’t let anything come between you and that new norm. As you continue your daily walk with the Lord, you will soon find that this new norm will strengthen you for the days ahead and that you will stand firm in His grace. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Be Transformed and Not Conformed

Over the next couple of Sundays, I will be looking at Paul’s letter to the Romans and concentrating on chapter twelve of that letter. As I was reading and doing research on the topic of being a living sacrifice, it came to me that sometimes we forget that we need to devote our lives to Him and in service to Him in accordance to His will and live a life that follows the teachings of His son, Christ Jesus. To say that one is a Christian is easy, but to be and live as a Christian daily is the hardest and most difficult thing to do. 

We are constantly tempted to return to our old sinful ways. We are bombarded daily with false teachings, the sinful nature of this world and with continuous attacks from both Satan and those in this world that would stop at nothing to destroy Christianity and wipe it away once and for all time.

When you think about it, Satan’s goal is to have everyone deny the existence of God and His Son and become disobedient to His will. It is as simple as that. But, remember what Jesus said to the seventy-two that he sent out as “lambs among wolves”.

In chapter ten of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus sends seventy-two disciples, in pairs, to visit cities and towns that he planned to visit. In short, they were to prepare the way just as John the Baptist cried out in the wilderness and prepared the way for the one “coming soon who is greater than I am”.

Upon returning to Jesus, those seventy-two disciples joyfully reported that even the demons obeyed them when they used Jesus’ name. Jesus told them that they had been given authority over all the power of the enemy. So, Satan and his minions have no authority over you. You have been given the power to rebuke him and to stand firm while being covered with the armor of the Lord. 

With that, we are empowered to live a life devoted fully and completely to the Lord and should live life as a “living sacrifice”. A sacrifice, in this sense, is to be done by giving thanks and being thankful at all times. We should rejoice and be glad in all those things we do in the Kingdom of the Lord.

That means that we should not be copying the behaviors and customs of this world. When we do, we give in to temptation and begin to move away from the path of righteousness. It is so easy to do. Think about how many times daily, if not hourly, that you are tempted to do things that are contrary to the laws and the will of God. I am not immune to those temptations. None of us are. We are constantly under attack. But, we have been given authority over Satan. We have the power to rebuke him at every attack. We are covered in the armor of God and no spiritual attack can penetrate or compromise His armor.

Remember God has transformed you from one that walks in darkness to His child that has been made holy. You are His and he gave up so much for you. 

Paul, in chapter twelve of Romans, writes, “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Being a living sacrifice starts by changing the way you think. If you think about the things of the world constantly, you will fall prey to the temptation of this fallen world. If you think about God’s gift of salvation and realize that you are nothing without Him, then you will seek out His will in all that you do.

When we change our mindset, we consciously decide not to follow the ways and customs of this world and we live a life devoted to God and in His service.

Jesus, in his parable about the sower in chapter thirteen of the Gospel of Matthew, tells us, “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.”

If you don’t change your mindset and look to God’s will which is good, pleasing and perfect, then you will soon find yourself slipping back into your old ways and the behaviors and customs of this sinful world. 

Paul, in chapter four of his epistle to the Philippians, writes, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”

Once again, it starts with a mindset change that results from being transformed by God and not being conformed to the behaviors and customs of this world. 

Devote yourself to what is good and pleasing to the Lord in all that you do and say. Don’t allow the enemy a foothold in your life. He will exploit it and work to deceive you and help crowd out the message by tempting and luring you with wealth and the worries of this life.

Remind yourself daily that you are a child of God and He is there with you. Rely solely on His strength and not your own. If you trust in the flesh, it will disappoint you every single time. If you place your trust in God, He will lift you up in victory and protect you. Remember God has given you His armor and provides you with all that you need physically and spiritually. 

In 1997, Apple launched a simple, but effective marketing campaign with an equally simple and straightforward message. It consisted of two simple words that changed the minds of individuals - “Think Different”. That marketing campaign struck a chord inside people and changed their minds not only about Apple but also their concept of personal computing. The difference between a good marketing campaign and a great one is profoundly changing the minds of people forever. That campaign did just that.

In keeping with a simple message that has a profound impact, I ask you to “think godly”. When you do that, I can assure you that you can stay true to the Lord by being a living sacrifice and stand firm in His grace.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Adulation

We all, or most all, know the story of Jesus’ birth. We know that Mary, who was with child, and Joseph made a journey to Bethlehem. Upon arriving in this little town, Mary and Joseph found shelter in a stable. During the course of the night, a small child’s cry could be heard piercing the silence. Angels heralded the birth of the Messiah and told shepherds of this special birth. Later, in the story, a star guided three wisemen to the King of Kings. Both shepherd and king alike came to behold their newborn king and do one thing, show their adulation for him. In short, both came to bow down and worship him.

No matter whether they were prince or pauper, they came to give themselves to this one small child. Although he was born in the simplest of conditions, it did not matter to him. In the twenty-second chapter of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus declares, “But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.”

Jesus came into this world in the lowest of all possible stations. He came as a child of a poor family. His princely estate was an animal stable and his cradle was a food trough. Yet, all who truly knew him came to bow before him. The lowest to the highest who knew him came as equals to worship him.

As he lived his life, Jesus became the servant to all and took the lowest places. In chapter nine of Luke’s gospel, Jesus replied to someone who said that he wanted to follow Jesus, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

The reason I remind you of this story is not because of the season, but the very fact of why Jesus came into the world in such a low station and how he lived his life. Jesus did not come into this world as a prince destined for an earthly throne. He did not live with a silver spoon in his mouth nor did he grow a ministry receiving donations that allowed him to travel in style. 

John writes in the third chapter of his gospel, “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”

Jesus did not come into this world to build an earthly kingdom or serve as a king. He came to save the world from its sin and provide a way back to the Father. He showed those who thirsted for the living water the way to that water. Jesus showed those who hungered for the daily bread the way to it.

In probably one of the most memorable passages of the Bible, Jesus, in chapter fourteen of the Gospel of John, says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”

It is only through the life of Jesus who came into this world without fanfare that we are saved by the grace of the Father. He was born to give rest to all those who come to him. He gave of himself freely and became a servant. As we bow down and humble ourselves before him, let us remember his example. We are here to serve those who thirst and hunger spiritually. It is only through our selfless example and imitating the life of Christ Jesus in all that we do and say that the light that came into this dark world can shine in our lives.

Paul, in the second chapter of his epistle to the Philippians, writes, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” 

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, in the fifth chapter of Matthew’s gospel, told those listening, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Christmas is celebrated with lights. Those lights twinkle and illuminate. Think of your life as one of those little lights. Remember the children’s song, “This Little Light of Mine”. Let your life and light shine to all and lead those who walk in darkness to the “light of the world” that came to save and not to condemn. Jesus left his throne from on high and entered this world to serve all and to be the way to the Father. Live your life in accordance to the will of God and in keeping with the example of Jesus. Humble yourself and give all glory and praise to the Father.

As we approach the joyous day that we celebrate as the birth of Jesus, let us always remember that he came into the world for all, rich and poor, saint and sinner. All come to bow before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. All come to worship him and to know that he came into the world to provide us a way to the Father so that we can stand firm in His grace.  

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.