Mid-Week Message - Feeling Valued

"For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16  (NLT)

In the yearly television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Charlie Brown is sent to choose a Christmas tree for the play that the children are to perform in school.  He and Linus go to a tree lot that is filled with all types of large, beautiful trees.  When Charlie Brown sees a small, scraggly twig of a tree that has obviously been passed over by other customers, he decides that it needs a home.  Although warned by his companion that the other children will not be happy, Charlie Brown sees in this little tree something of value and happily presents it to a group of children who immediately express their displeasure.  Not only do they find fault with the tree, but also with Charlie Brown.  Sadly, he carries it away.  When he arrives home, he hangs an ornament on it and the tree promptly falls to the side.  Assuming he has killed it, Charlie hangs his head and leaves.  Led by Linus who wraps his beloved blanket around its base, the other children decorate the little tree and it becomes beautiful.  Linus declares that it wasn't a bad little tree, it just needed a little love.  

Many people go through times in their life when they feel that they are of no value.  This can lead to isolation from others, depression and even suicide.  God created us to be social creatures.  We all want to fit in, to be accepted and to feel that our presence is desired.  A good example of this is when as children we are told to choose teams for a sport.  Two people are chosen as team "captains" and the other children wait to hear which team they are chosen to be on.  As the names are called, inevitably someone is chosen last.  Were you ever that person?  How did it feel?  

When I was a student in college, one of my professors did an experiment using this same scenario.  He chose two people to choose teams.  He did not indicate what activity the teams were for.  As they went through the process of selection, eventually there were two people left unchosen.  I was one of them.  Having experienced this throughout my school years, all the emotions came flooding back and it was all I could do not to run from the room.  In that moment I began questioning why I was not good enough to be chosen and to wonder why I was of no value.  I don't remember what the experiment was for but, even after all these years, I still remember how I felt in that moment.  

Scripture is full of reassurance that we are loved by our heavenly Father beyond measure but, in my opinion, John 3:16 is the best.  Almighty God, who is lacking in nothing, has no need of anything or anyone, chose to create us, then, out of His amazing love, He chose to redeem us by sending His one and only Son to die for our sins to make it possible for us to share eternity in His presence.  These beautiful words include us all.  No one is singled out or excluded.  He does not love some of us more than others or find more value in one than someone else.  

I don't know what you are experiencing today.  I hope that you are doing well and feeling loved and valued by those around you.  If not, I urge to you pick up your Bible and start reading. Start with the book of John where you will encounter today's verse and you will begin to feel like that little tree.  As you read you will feel like a warm blanket is being wrapped around you and you will see the value the Lord finds in you.  People are imperfect in perception, however your Creator knows all the qualities He placed in you for His purposes and knows your thoughts and emotions intimately.  Allow His Word to bathe you in the knowledge that His love for you is complete.  If you are like me, you will be overwhelmed by what you find.  God bless. 

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 17:19

Proverbs 17:19 New King James Version (NKJV)

19 He who loves transgression loves strife,
And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.

Morning Scripture Reading - Matthew 16:5-12

Matthew 16:5-12 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees

5 Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the [a]leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”

7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have taken no bread.”

8 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you [b]have brought no bread? 9 Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? 10 Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up? 11 How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the [c]leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the [d]doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 16:6 yeast
2. Matthew 16:8 NU have no bread
3. Matthew 16:11 yeast
4. Matthew 16:12 teaching

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Timothy 6:6-10

1 Timothy 6:6-10 New King James Version (NKJV)

6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, [a]and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Footnotes:

1. 1 Timothy 6:7 NU omits and it is certain

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 37:37-38

Psalm 37:37-38 New King James Version (NKJV)

37 Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright;
For the future of that man is peace.
38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together;
The future of the wicked shall be cut off.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 17:18

Proverbs 17:18 New King James Version (NKJV)

18 A man devoid of [a]understanding [b]shakes hands in a pledge,
And becomes [c]surety for his friend.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 17:18 Lit. heart
2. Proverbs 17:18 Lit. strikes the hands
3. Proverbs 17:18 guaranty or collateral

Morning Scripture Reading - 1 Corinthians 15:33

1 Corinthians 15:33 New King James Version (NKJV)

33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Peter 2:1-3

1 Peter 2:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

Our Inheritance Through Christ’s Blood

2 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow [a]thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Footnotes:

1. 1 Peter 2:2 NU adds up to salvation

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 37:34-36

Psalm 37:34-36 New King James Version (NKJV)

34 Wait on the Lord,
And keep His way,
And He shall exalt you to inherit the land;
When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
35 I have seen the wicked in great power,
And spreading himself like a native green tree.
36 Yet [a]he passed away, and behold, he was no more;
Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 37:36 So with MT, LXX, Tg.; Syr., Vg. I passed by

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 17:17

Proverbs 17:17 New King James Version (NKJV)

17 A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.

Morning Scripture Reading - James 1:12

James 1:12 New King James Version (NKJV)

Loving God Under Trials

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 50:4-9

Isaiah 50:4-9 New King James Version (NKJV)

4 “The Lord God has given Me
The tongue of the learned,
That I should know how to speak
A word in season to him who is weary.
He awakens Me morning by morning,
He awakens My ear
To hear as the learned.
5 The Lord God has opened My ear;
And I was not rebellious,
Nor did I turn away.
6 I gave My back to those who struck Me,
And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard;
I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.

7 “For the Lord God will help Me;
Therefore I will not be disgraced;
Therefore I have set My face like a flint,
And I know that I will not be ashamed.
8 He is near who justifies Me;
Who will contend with Me?
Let us stand together.
Who is [a]My adversary?
Let him come near Me.
9 Surely the Lord God will help Me;
Who is he who will condemn Me?
Indeed they will all grow old like a garment;
The moth will eat them up.

Footnotes:

1. Isaiah 50:8 Lit. master of My judgment

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 37:32-33

Psalm 37:32-33 New King James Version (NKJV)

32 The wicked watches the righteous,
And seeks to slay him.
33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand,
Nor condemn him when he is judged.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Be God’s Ambassador

As a pastor, I am given opportunities each and every day to either provide God’s message of love and salvation to someone who wants to have a relationship with God or listen to someone’s testimony of how he or she came to have a relationship with God. In either case, I act as God’s ambassador by preaching or listening. Both activities are equally important in our daily walk with the Lord.

By listening to others, God provides His message of love and salvation. Each person who receives Jesus as his or her personal Savior and Lord has a different experience. In my many years, I have heard or read thousands of individual stories of how God spoke to people. Some have experienced the beginning of their relationships quietly while in a church, maybe for the first time. Others may receive God’s love and gift of salvation through a traumatic experience. Each story is very important to all members of God’s family. When we listen to their testimonies, we see God has a special and unique relationship with each person. Each person is special to Him and He treats us His children.

It is through that special and unique relationship that we build upon that foundation that God gave us through His son, Christ Jesus. Jesus is not only that foundation but he is also the cornerstone of our faith. It is upon those elements that we are able to build and improve our lives and our relationship with the Father. Each day is an opportunity to truly take a close walk with Him.

As we continue to grow in our faith, we are given the opportunity to share our stories with all who want to listen. Many will hear the words and not respond or the words may fall on deaf ears. Over time, the seeds that we plant in a person’s heart may grow and yield fruit. As we share our stories with fellow Christians, we help build the body by providing encouragement to others.

With everything that is going on in the world today, fellow Christians, more than ever, need to be encouraged and strengthened daily. It is so easy to be worn down by all of the events that we see in the world. Between violence and the virus, our lives are filled with bad news and stories of horror. We need to stop listening to those stories and listen to the testimonies of other Christians. Their words will help us build upon the foundation and cornerstone given to us through the blood of Christ Jesus.

Instead of listening to all of the bad news that comes at us from all sides, we need to remember the words of John.

John, in chapter five of his first letter, writes, “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” 

 

When you look at the definition of ambassador, you will discover that an ambassador coordinates activities between one organization and another. In the case of a government ambassador, he or she must coordinate activities between two governments. This coordination not only includes talking with another government but also listening to the needs and requests of the other government.

As God’s ambassadors, we share His message to all those who walk in darkness as well as those needing encouragement. You can see just how important it is for us to be God’s ambassadors through sharing and receiving His love and salvation. We remind our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus that we are no longer part of this evil world and have achieved victory through our faith.

The message that we share is very simple and easy to share with all. In fact, the message is not ours; it is God’s message.

In chapter five of his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul writes, “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’”

So, as you go through the rest of this week, I ask you to share God’s message by being His ambassador. Share the Good News with all and share the message of victory with those who have been weakened by temptation or strife. By sharing and receiving God’s message, we plant seeds in the hearts of those who walk in darkness and encourage those who are struggling in their walk with the Lord. When you act as God’s ambassador, you will be doing His will and able to stand firm in His grace.

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

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 17:16

Proverbs 17:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

16 Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom,
Since he has no heart for it?

Morning Scripture Reading - John 15:1-4

John 15:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

The True Vine

15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He [a]takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

Footnotes:

1. John 15:2 Or lifts up

Evening Scripture Reading - James 1:22-25

James 1:22-25 New King James Version (NKJV)

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 37:30-31

Psalm 37:30-31 New King James Version (NKJV)

30 The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom,
And his tongue talks of justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
None of his steps shall [a]slide.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 37:31 slip

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 17:15

Proverbs 17:15 New King James Version (NKJV)

15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just,
Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.

Morning Scripture Reading - Ephesians 4:1-6

Ephesians 4:1-6 New King James Version (NKJV)

Walk in Unity

4 I, therefore, the prisoner [a]of the Lord, [b]beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in [c]you all.

Footnotes:

1. Ephesians 4:1 Lit. in
2. Ephesians 4:1 exhort, encourage
3. Ephesians 4:6 NU omits you; M us