Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 12:13

Proverbs 12:13 English Standard Version

13 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,

    but the righteous escapes from trouble.

Morning Scripture Reading - Isaiah 46:3-4

Isaiah 46:3-4 English Standard Version

3 “Listen to me, O house of Jacob,

    all the remnant of the house of Israel,

who have been borne by me from before your birth,

    carried from the womb;

4 even to your old age I am he,

    and to gray hairs I will carry you.

I have made, and I will bear;

    I will carry and will save.

Evening Scripture Reading - Romans 12:14-16

Romans 12:14-16 English Standard Version

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 117

Psalm 117 English Standard Version

The Lord's Faithfulness Endures Forever

1 Praise the Lord, all nations!

    Extol him, all peoples!

2 For great is his steadfast love toward us,

    and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the Lord!

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 12:12

Proverbs 12:12 English Standard Version

12 Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers,

    but the root of the righteous bears fruit.

Morning Scripture Reading - Titus 2:11-14

Titus 2:11-14 English Standard Version

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Evening Scripture Reading - Ephesians 5:15-20

Ephesians 5:15-21 English Standard Version

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 51:13-17

Psalm 51:13-17 English Standard Version

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,

    and sinners will return to you.

14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,

    O God of my salvation,

    and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.

15 O Lord, open my lips,

    and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;

    you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

    a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:21

Proverbs 20:21 English Standard Version

21 An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning

    will not be blessed in the end.

Morning Scripture Reading - Colossians 3:12-17

Colossians 3:12-17 English Standard Version

12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Evening Scripture Reading - Jeremiah 31:31-34

Jeremiah 31:31-34 English Standard Version

The New Covenant

31 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. 33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 51:10-11

Psalm 51:10-11 English Standard Version

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,

    and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from your presence,

    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:20

Proverbs 20:20 English Standard Version

20 If one curses his father or his mother,

    his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.

Morning Scripture Reading - Romans 8:28

Romans 8:28 English Standard Version

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Evening Scripture Reading - Acts 20:33-35

Acts 20:33-35 English Standard Version

33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 51:7-9

Psalm 51:7-9 English Standard Version

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;

    let the bones that you have broken rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins,

    and blot out all my iniquities.

Mid-Week Message - The Bigger Mystery

 "If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing."  1 Corinthians 13:2  (MSG)

I enjoy a good mystery.  In fact, I almost titled this message, "Who Killed Hank Pittleman" because that is the question in the book I am now reading.  But the eternal mysteries, those that we don't have the ability to understand completely, are not of this world but of God, and I don't want to cast any earthly shadow over any of them.  

How can the human mind grasp fully that the Lord has no beginning and no end?  Everything in our world has a beginning and an end.  Even though we say the right words when asked about His existence, we can't really understand it.  

And how can three be one?  The Trinity consists of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  God in three persons, as the song says.  If Jesus is God, then how was God still in heaven while Jesus was on earth?  If Jesus is God, then why does Jesus pray to God the Father?  

How is He able to be everywhere at once?  With the billions of people on the earth, how can He hear us all at the same time?  

Mysteries.  And there are Bible scholars who can explain it all, up to a point.  

According to today's verse, all that knowledge is worthless if we don't have love.  And there are many who proclaim to be "Christians" who refuse to reach out to those who are hurting or lonely or hungry.  

There are some behind the pulpit who are terrific orators.  They can deliver a biblical message that will knock your socks off.  And some of those churches grow to unbelievable numbers.  However, one on one with some of these preachers will reveal that they actually take no interest in anything except the messages they preach.  They rely on assistant pastors to do all the "people" work because they take no interest in what their flock is going through.  

And that is the bigger mystery to me.  I don't worry about how God created the universes, or how He does any of what He does.  It is enough for me that He knows and I have placed my faith in Him and trust Him completely.  But I cannot figure out how someone could be filled with the Holy Spirit and not love their fellow human beings.  Which makes me wonder if they are truly Christians or not.  

This world is in pain.  A quick look at the news will reveal that no matter where we go, there are those who are crying out for someone to care.  If we are to be like our Savior, if we are to make any difference at all, then we must be willing to reach out with the love He has demonstrated and placed within us.  That is our purpose.  We bring glory to our Creator when we minister to those who are in need of His touch.  

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.  Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'  The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you did for me."  Matthew 25:35-40  (NIV)

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:19

Proverbs 20:19 English Standard Version

19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;

    therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

Morning Scripture Reading - Romans 8:1-4

Romans 8:1-4 English Standard Version

Life in the Spirit

8 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 29:22-24

Isaiah 29:22-24 English Standard Version

22 Therefore thus says the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob:

“Jacob shall no more be ashamed,

    no more shall his face grow pale.

23 For when he sees his children,

    the work of my hands, in his midst,

    they will sanctify my name;

they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob

    and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.

24 And those who go astray in spirit will come to understanding,

    and those who murmur will accept instruction.”

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 51:5-6

Psalm 51:5-6 English Standard Version

5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,

    and in sin did my mother conceive me.

6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,

    and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:18

Proverbs 20:18 English Standard Version

18 Plans are established by counsel;

    by wise guidance wage war.

Morning Scripture Reading - Matthew 6:3-4

Matthew 6:3-4 English Standard Version

3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Evening Scripture Reading - Hebrews 10:23-25

Hebrews 10:23-25 English Standard Version

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 51:3-4

Psalm 51:3-4 English Standard Version

3 For I know my transgressions,

    and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned

    and done what is evil in your sight,

so that you may be justified in your words

    and blameless in your judgment.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:17

Proverbs 20:17 English Standard Version

17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,

    but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.

Morning Scripture Reading - 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 English Standard Version

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

Evening Scripture Reading - Matthew 23:11

Matthew 23:11 English Standard Version

11 The greatest among you shall be your servant.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 51:1-2

Psalm 51:1-2 English Standard Version

Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

51 Have mercy on me, O God,

    according to your steadfast love;

according to your abundant mercy

    blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

    and cleanse me from my sin!

Sunday Praise and Worship Message - Living a Meaningful Life

As I get older, and hopefully wiser, I have a lot of time to reflect on things. As a project manager, one of the things I do, as all good project managers do, is conduct a “lessons learned” event. At the end of a project, the team comes together and they reflect on the positive and negative elements of a project. I often refer to the event as “the good, the bad and the ugly”. Since I enjoy westerns, I like to use that phrase a lot with my own teams.

When conducting a lessons learned event or, if you are more into agile, a retrospective, the big thing is to find out how the project went. By looking at each element of the project like processes, resources, materials and other things, the team is able to provide their assessment of the project and give insights to the next team that will be taking on a similar project. In short, we learn from our mistakes and improve on those things that went well.

We do the same thing in our own personal lives. We reflect on the events of our lives and how we can improve on them. There are a couple of times during the course of a year when we really concentrate on having a more meaningful life by learning from our mistakes and improving on the good. The first event is New Year’s Eve or Day and the second is during a funeral that we attend.

When we start a new year, most of us make resolutions to improve ourselves. We promise to lose weight, eat better and exercise more. These three are the most popular resolutions. We all want to do those things so that we can live longer and have a better life. 

We all start out with good intentions of living up to our resolutions and seeing them to the end of the year. However, things change and soon we find ourselves with broken resolutions and we have gone back to our old habits.

The second event, a funeral, really drives home our mortality and how we have spent our lives. When you read the obituaries of some individuals, you find that they may have done a lot of great things. Their list of accomplishments can fill the entire newspaper or a webpage.

After we read their obituaries or attend their funeral or memorial, thoughts about our own lives begin to fill our heads. Have we led a fulfilling life? When we die, will our lives have meaning? These questions are very natural for all of us. They give us time to pause, reflect and learn. We have a chance to make changes in our lives.

In chapter seven of the Book of Ecclesiastes, the author writes, “A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks only about having a good time.”

There is a reason why a wise person thinks about death a lot. It allows that person to think about all of the events of his or her life to that moment and reflect. Like the lessons learned event, each of us has an opportunity to think about our life experiences and, if necessary, make some changes. Some of those changes can be more physical in nature. We may decide to change our daily habits and exercise more and eat less. Other changes aren’t as visible. These tend to be more spiritual and tend to try to answer the question about the meaning of our lives and what we have done.

If we devote ourselves to just the physical aspect of our reflections, we may live longer, but will it address the bigger question? Instead of just asking the question about the meaning of life, the real question is about the meaning of our own lives. Are you leading a meaningful life?

As you read this message, you have an opportunity to reflect on your life and what you have done to this point. If you have devoted your life to the pursuit of wealth and fame and nothing else, you may have concentrated on those things and forgotten about other things like taking care of those around you. It doesn’t take much to make a difference in a person’s life, but if you haven’t even done the simplest of things, like offer others food, shelter or something to drink, your life may have no meaning to others. 

While you see yourself as living a meaningful life, others may not see it that way. They may think of you as being self-absorbed and selfish. To them, your life may not have any meaning at all. I hate to be that brutal, but it may be true. Looking through the eyes of others and considering what they see is important when you reflect on your life. Instead of seeing a successful individual, others may see only a self-centered person interested in his or her own comfort and not the needs of others.

The author of the Book of Hebrews, in chapter thirteen, writes, “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?’”

I’m not saying that you should not work and make money, but money is only a means to an end, a nobler end. If you are just concentrating on making money and spending it all on yourself rather than helping others, can you honestly say that you’re leading a meaningful life?

When you spend all of your time and effort in pursuing money or whatever earthly desires you have, you aren’t spending time with the Lord and you aren’t living a Christ-like life. Once again, I’m being brutally honest with you. 

James, in chapter four of the book that bears his name, writes, “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.”

Our lives are truly like the morning fog. In time, we will all stop breathing, die and turn cold. It is just part of life. We weren’t made to live forever in a fallen world. The Book of Ecclesiastes tells us that there are seasons of everything. There is a season for every event in our lives including a season for us to die.

When we are born, we are already beginning our journey to our final destination, death. Each day we live is another step closer to the end of that journey. I ask that you look back at each step that you have made to this moment and think about each of them. Have the steps you have taken made an impression in the lives of others? 

Living a meaningful life is more than fame, wealth and prestige. It is living a life dedicated to being Christ-like each day. We should devote ourselves to doing only those things that are righteous in the eyes of the Lord.

Paul, in chapter four of his letter to the Ephesians, tells us exactly how we should live a Christ-like life, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”

If you live your life by following the example of Christ Jesus in everything that you do and say, you can rest assured on that day when you take your final step that you can look back at all the steps and say that you have lived a meaningful life. At that very moment, you will take the first step to the Father and stand firm in His grace for all eternity. 

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

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:16

Proverbs 20:16 English Standard Version

16 Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,

    and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.

Morning Scripture Reading - Job 2:3-4

Job 2:3-4 English Standard Version

3 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.” 4 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life.

Evening Scripture Reading - Titus 1:7-9

Titus 1:7-9 English Standard Version

7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 50:22-23

Psalm 50:22-23 English Standard Version

22 “Mark this, then, you who forget God,

    lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!

23 The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;

    to one who orders his way rightly

    I will show the salvation of God!”

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:15

Proverbs 20:15 English Standard Version

15 There is gold and abundance of costly stones,

    but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

Morning Scripture Reading - Romans 6:15-18

Romans 6:15-18 English Standard Version

Slaves to Righteousness

15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.

Evening Scripture Reading - 2 Timothy 1:13-14

2 Timothy 1:13-14 English Standard Version

13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 50:16-21

Psalm 50:16-21 English Standard Version

16 But to the wicked God says:

    “What right have you to recite my statutes

    or take my covenant on your lips?

17 For you hate discipline,

    and you cast my words behind you.

18 If you see a thief, you are pleased with him,

    and you keep company with adulterers.

19 “You give your mouth free rein for evil,

    and your tongue frames deceit.

20 You sit and speak against your brother;

    you slander your own mother's son.

21 These things you have done, and I have been silent;

    you thought that I was one like yourself.

But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:14

Proverbs 20:14 English Standard Version

14 “Bad, bad,” says the buyer,

    but when he goes away, then he boasts.

Morning Scripture Reading - Lamentations 3:22-23

Lamentations 3:22-23 English Standard Version

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

    his mercies never come to an end;

23 they are new every morning;

    great is your faithfulness.

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 49:5-6

Isaiah 49:5-6 English Standard Version

5 And now the Lord says,

    he who formed me from the womb to be his servant,

to bring Jacob back to him;

    and that Israel might be gathered to him—

for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord,

    and my God has become my strength—

6 he says:

“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant

    to raise up the tribes of Jacob

    and to bring back the preserved of Israel;

I will make you as a light for the nations,

    that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 50:12-15

Psalm 50:12-15 English Standard Version

12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you,

    for the world and its fullness are mine.

13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls

    or drink the blood of goats?

14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,

    and perform your vows to the Most High,

15 and call upon me in the day of trouble;

    I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:13

Proverbs 20:13 English Standard Version

13 Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty;

    open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.

Morning Scripture Reading - Ephesians 6:10-12

Ephesians 6:10-12 English Standard Version

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 John 4:4-6

1 John 4:4-6 English Standard Version

4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 50:7-11

Psalm 50:7-11 English Standard Version

7 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak;

    O Israel, I will testify against you.

    I am God, your God.

8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;

    your burnt offerings are continually before me.

9 I will not accept a bull from your house

    or goats from your folds.

10 For every beast of the forest is mine,

    the cattle on a thousand hills.

11 I know all the birds of the hills,

    and all that moves in the field is mine.

Mid-Week Message - A Story of Tragedy

 "I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."  Psalm 121:1-2  (NIV)

I recently saw the story of a fifteen year old girl who ran away from home.  She had crossed the state line and had been gone a couple of days when she realized she hated being alone and decided to return.  She had been hitchhiking and at one point had met up with two others who were also thumbing for a ride.  At this point a van with an older man pulled up.  Although the vehicle appeared to be empty, he said he only had room for one and offered a ride to the teenager.  Those with her warned her not to accept his offer, but she was so ready to get back home that she ignored their advice thinking that the man looked like a kindly grandfather.  

After falling asleep for short time, the girl woke and noticed that the signage was wrong.  The man was not going in the direction he promised.  When she asked him about it, he told her he had taken an alternate route.  She became leery and decided she needed to get away.  When the van pulled over for a short stop, she got out and bent over to tie her shoe so she could run away.  However, the "kindly grandfather" hit her in the head with a sledge hammer.  When she came to she found that she was tied up.  I won't go into all that happened in the van except to say that she was begging to be set free.  Finally, he pulled over, and said to her, "Okay, I'll set you free."  Then he took an axe, chopped off both of her arms and threw her over a cliff.

 Thankfully, this isn't the end of the story.  Somehow this young lady was smart enough to stick what was left of her arms down in the dirt to help stop the bleeding.  She then found the strength to climb back up the thirty foot cliff to the highway where she could get help.  A newlywed couple found her, called for help, and a helicopter took her to the hospital.  

Why would I choose this story?  Because she knew that she could not have survived alone.  Although she encountered evil and endured the unthinkable, she credited the Lord for giving her aid.  As in today's verse, she lifted her eyes to the top of the hill before her and knew that without arms, the only way she could get to the highway was if she had His help.  And He was there to cheer her on, to give her the boost she needed to get where she could be rescued.  

We have an ever-present enemy that works hard to dissuade us from believing that our Savior truly cares what happens to us.  He will lie.  He will whisper in our ears that if God truly cared then bad things wouldn't happen to us.  But that isn't true.  Horrible things still happen because of sin and because He gave us free will.  That doesn't mean the He doesn't love us.  That means we all need the saving blood of Jesus.  

I know that I am writing what will be read by many who have encountered tragedy.  I am so sorry for what you have had to overcome.  I pray that you did, you do and you will turn to the Lord for strength and comfort.  His hands are mighty and His promises are true.  

The young lady is now grown, married and has children.  Though she wears prosthetics on both arms, she was not defeated.  She now shares her story with young people to encourage them to find another way through their problems other than running away.  God took the tragedy of  her life and allowed it to bloom into a ministry.  And she is thankful.  God bless.  

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:12

Proverbs 20:12 English Standard Version

12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye,

    the Lord has made them both.

Morning Scripture Reading - John 14:27

John 14:27 English Standard Version

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Evening Scripture Reading - Deuteronomy 32:1-4

Deuteronomy 32:1-4 English Standard Version

32 “Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak,

    and let the earth hear the words of my mouth.

2 May my teaching drop as the rain,

    my speech distill as the dew,

like gentle rain upon the tender grass,

    and like showers upon the herb.

3 For I will proclaim the name of the Lord;

    ascribe greatness to our God!

4 “The Rock, his work is perfect,

    for all his ways are justice.

A God of faithfulness and without iniquity,

    just and upright is he.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 50:4-6

Psalm 50:4-6 English Standard Version

4 He calls to the heavens above

    and to the earth, that he may judge his people:

5 “Gather to me my faithful ones,

    who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”

6 The heavens declare his righteousness,

    for God himself is judge! Selah

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:11

Proverbs 20:11 English Standard Version

11 Even a child makes himself known by his acts,

    by whether his conduct is pure and upright.

Morning Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

2 Corinthians 1:8-11 English Standard Version

8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

Evening Scripture Reading - John 17:9-12

John 17:9-12 English Standard Version

9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 50:1-3

Psalm 50:1-3 English Standard Version

God Himself Is Judge

A Psalm of Asaph.

1 The Mighty One, God the Lord,

    speaks and summons the earth

    from the rising of the sun to its setting.

2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,

    God shines forth.

3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence;

    before him is a devouring fire,

    around him a mighty tempest.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:10

Proverbs 20:10 English Standard Version

10 Unequal weights and unequal measures

    are both alike an abomination to the Lord.

Morning Scripture Reading - 1 John 3:18-20

1 John 3:18-20 English Standard Version

18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Timothy 6:6-10

1 Timothy 6:6-10 English Standard Version

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 49:16-20

Psalm 49:16-20 English Standard Version

16 Be not afraid when a man becomes rich,

    when the glory of his house increases.

17 For when he dies he will carry nothing away;

    his glory will not go down after him.

18 For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed

    —and though you get praise when you do well for yourself—

19 his soul will go to the generation of his fathers,

    who will never again see light.

20 Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Live a Quiet Life

Over the past couple of months, I have read news articles discussing the effects of social media on young people, specifically girls and how it is affecting their perception of themselves. As if growing up wasn’t difficult enough, our children are bombarded daily with images being pushed upon them to act or dress in a certain way. If they don’t, they are social outcasts. The same holds true for adults. If you don’t own the right car or dress in a particular way, you won’t be popular and people will no longer like you.

Since the 1950s, we have been subjected to a steady stream of nonsense from advertising firms. Back then, there was no social media. Newspapers, magazines, radio and television were filled with images of things we needed to have to be popular. The advertising firms fed us a steady, unrelenting diet of tripe about what we should be doing in our spare time, what we should be eating and how we should be dressing. Imagine how things would have been if social media had existed back then. I would probably guess that things would be a lot worse than they are now.

It is so very easy to complicate our lives by adding to our daily headaches by following silly trends. What is popular today soon becomes a fading fad tomorrow. It is a never ending cycle. Something new will pop up and we start the whole thing over again.

The best example I can give is the toy industry. About six months before Christmas, there will be a toy that all children have to have. It will sweep the world in its popularity. If a child doesn’t have that particular toy, they literally will be ostracized by their peers. So, children run to their parents with their wish lists in their hands and demand that particular toy be delivered on Christmas. This cycle happens every year and continues to repeat itself in almost every household around the world.

As parents, we will literally do anything to get that item for our children. We have all seen the news reports on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, where people rush to do their early Christmas shopping and look for deals. In those reports, we see people literally beating one another for the last item on the shelf. They fight over every single thing in the store and delight in the fact that they were able to get the last one. 

Is this how life is supposed to be? Life is hard enough for each of us and when you add this stress to what we face daily, life becomes even more complicated.

There have been so many times in my own life when I have longed for the simpler times when we had very little, but we had so much spiritually. It seems that the more we have; the less we have spiritually. Instead of following the Lord daily, we follow trends and fads. 

In chapter four of his first epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul writes, “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.”

We should all strive to live simple lives and make a point to mind our own business. If we worked on just doing those two things, life would be a lot easier. 

Minding our own business doesn’t mean that we should not care for one another. Far from it. What it means is that we should adopt a policy of “live and let live”. Our responsibilities to one another are very simple. We are to help those in need and provide for them as we can.

John, in chapter three of his first epistle, writes, “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?”

If our needs are being met, then why should we look for more or for other things? As long as we have a roof over our heads, food on the table and clothing, we have been blessed. If God chooses to bless us with more, we should share that bounty with others. All that we have received comes from His hand and we should, with humbleness, accept those blessings and share them with all.

In chapter six of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “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.”

Jesus gives us a simple way of life and how we should live it. By concentrating on the most important part, worshiping God above all else and living righteously, God will provide for our needs. He already knows exactly what we need to live and provides those things daily. Instead of looking at the things of this world, we should be seeking Him and spending time with Him daily.

So, my words of advice to you are don’t complicate your life with frivolous things and pursue popularity. Concentrate on those things that will truly make a difference in your life. The things of this world will only add more headaches and make you crave more. Just like the example of the latest toy for children, there will always be something else next year. If you have a child, I ask that you go to his or her toy box and look at its contents. You will see all of the toys that were popular at one time and then quickly fell out of popularity. Thrift and consignment stores are full of those discarded toys. Seek only those things that are, as Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians, “true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable”.

By living a quiet, simple life devoted to those things that truly matter, you can rest assured that you can easily stand firm in His grace. 

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

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:9

Proverbs 20:9 English Standard Version

9 Who can say, “I have made my heart pure;

    I am clean from my sin”?

Morning Scripture Reading - Acts 2:38-40

Acts 2:38-40 English Standard Version

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”

Evening Scripture Reading - Jeremiah 17:11

Jeremiah 17:11 English Standard Version

11 Like the partridge that gathers a brood that she did not hatch,

    so is he who gets riches but not by justice;

in the midst of his days they will leave him,

    and at his end he will be a fool.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 49:13-15

Psalm 49:13-15 English Standard Version

13 This is the path of those who have foolish confidence;

    yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah

14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol;

    death shall be their shepherd,

and the upright shall rule over them in the morning.

    Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell.

15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol,

    for he will receive me. Selah

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:8

Proverbs 20:8 English Standard Version

8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment

    winnows all evil with his eyes.

Morning Scripture Reading - Ecclesiastes 9:17-18

Ecclesiastes 9:17-18 English Standard Version

17 The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

Evening Scripture Reading - Ecclesiastes 2:12-14

Ecclesiastes 2:12-14 English Standard Version

The Vanity of Living Wisely

12 So I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly. For what can the man do who comes after the king? Only what has already been done. 13 Then I saw that there is more gain in wisdom than in folly, as there is more gain in light than in darkness. 14 The wise person has his eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I perceived that the same event happens to all of them.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 49:10-12

Psalm 49:10-12 English Standard Version

10 For he sees that even the wise die;

    the fool and the stupid alike must perish

    and leave their wealth to others.

11 Their graves are their homes forever,

    their dwelling places to all generations,

    though they called lands by their own names.

12 Man in his pomp will not remain;

    he is like the beasts that perish.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:7

Proverbs 20:7 English Standard Version

7 The righteous who walks in his integrity—

    blessed are his children after him!

Morning Scripture Reading - John 21:15-19

John 21:15-19 English Standard Version

Jesus and Peter

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Evening Scripture Reading - Philippians 1:9-11

Philippians 1:9-11 English Standard Version

9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 49:5-9

Psalm 49:5-9 English Standard Version

5 Why should I fear in times of trouble,

    when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me,

6 those who trust in their wealth

    and boast of the abundance of their riches?

7 Truly no man can ransom another,

    or give to God the price of his life,

8 for the ransom of their life is costly

    and can never suffice,

9 that he should live on forever

    and never see the pit.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:6

Proverbs 20:6 English Standard Version

6 Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,

    but a faithful man who can find?

Morning Scripture Reading - Matthew 23:16-22

Matthew 23:16-22 English Standard Version

16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ 17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? 18 And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’ 19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21 And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it. 22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Timothy 1:5-7

1 Timothy 1:5-7 English Standard Version

5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 49:1-4

Psalm 49:1-4 English Standard Version

Why Should I Fear in Times of Trouble?

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.

1 Hear this, all peoples!

    Give ear, all inhabitants of the world,

2 both low and high,

    rich and poor together!

3 My mouth shall speak wisdom;

    the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.

4 I will incline my ear to a proverb;

    I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.

Mid-Week Message - A New Story

 "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."  Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) 

I have a new story to tell of God's protection and faithfulness.  And, while I really prefer for my messages not to be about me, He works personally which means the lessons that I have to share are personal.  

I thought I had the flu.  I had been ill for over two weeks.  Fever, no appetite, so very tired, massive headache that I thought was a migraine.  But one evening I found myself unable to catch my breath.  The ambulance drivers tried to dissuade me from going to the hospital with the explanation that they had no rooms and would most likely send me home.  I chose to go anyway.  

The doctor was very apologetic.  She told me I had Covid pneumonia in both lungs.  Then she warned me that there was no way to predict what would happen.  I wasn't afraid.  I told her Jesus was with me.  He made me and He knew what would happen.  

After all the news and fear mongering that has gone on since the pandemic began, the assurance I found was in the faithfulness of the presence of the Lord.  

Lying in my room later, alone, I began thinking about the possibility that things could get worse.  And as I allowed my mind to accept the different possibilities, I realized that I could be meeting Jesus, face to face, soon.  Then the most incredible thing happened.  I had butterflies in my stomach.  Butterflies of excitement.  The realization that my life on earth could end was not one of fear but of anticipation.  

So much is happening around us during each moment of our lives.  It is easy to shift our focus from our relationship with the Lord.  But, His focus never shifts away from us.  So personal is His love for us that He misses nothing.  And while the enemy works to keep our attention away from Jesus, there is our Savior, waiting and watching.  

I've learned a lot over the last couple of weeks, and it has changed me.  When I was truly faced with the possibility that life as I know it could end, I was not worried about whether I would go to Heaven or not.  I knew.  And while others may not be particularly interested in my story, it is one I need to tell.  

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:5

Proverbs 20:5 English Standard Version

5 The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,

    but a man of understanding will draw it out.

Morning Scripture Reading - Matthew 12:25-29

Matthew 12:25-29 English Standard Version

25 Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can someone enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.

Evening Scripture Reading - Philippians 1:3-6

Philippians 1:3-6 English Standard Version

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 48:12-14

Psalm 48:12-14 English Standard Version

12 Walk about Zion, go around her,

    number her towers,

13 consider well her ramparts,

    go through her citadels,

that you may tell the next generation

14     that this is God,

our God forever and ever.

    He will guide us forever.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:4

Proverbs 20:4 English Standard Version

4 The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;

    he will seek at harvest and have nothing.

Morning Scripture Reading - John 8:42-47

John 8:42-47 English Standard Version

42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Chronicles 16:14

1 Chronicles 16:14 English Standard Version

14 He is the Lord our God;

    his judgments are in all the earth.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 48:9-11

Psalm 48:9-11 English Standard Version

9 We have thought on your steadfast love, O God,

    in the midst of your temple.

10 As your name, O God,

    so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.

Your right hand is filled with righteousness.

11     Let Mount Zion be glad!

Let the daughters of Judah rejoice

    because of your judgments!

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:3

Proverbs 20:3 English Standard Version

3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,

    but every fool will be quarreling.

Morning Scripture Reading - John 14:27-29

John 14:27-29 English Standard Version

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 60:1-3

Isaiah 60:1-3 English Standard Version

The Future Glory of Israel

1 Arise, shine, for your light has come,

    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,

    and thick darkness the peoples;

but the Lord will arise upon you,

    and his glory will be seen upon you.

3 And nations shall come to your light,

    and kings to the brightness of your rising.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 48:8

Psalm 48:8 English Standard Version

8 As we have heard, so have we seen

    in the city of the Lord of hosts,

in the city of our God,

    which God will establish forever. Selah

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Chasing Fame and Popularity

The noted American newspaper editor and publisher, Horace Greeley, once wrote, “Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.”

When you think about his quote, there are a couple of key lessons that come out of the quote. First is that all the things of this world, fame, popularity and wealth, are fleeting. They, like a fog, can quickly appear and just as quickly vanish without a trace. However, there is one thing that remains. It is the second lesson. The only thing that endures and that has real value is the character of a person. A person’s character is not just judged while he or she is alive, but it remains as the largest part of his or her legacy after death.

In our digital age, most people are obsessed with the number of followers they have on social media. Social media gives everyone a chance to achieve some level of fame and popularity. There are individuals who truly get depressed when people unfriend or stop following them. These individuals will spend days wondering why people have stopped listening to them. There have been times when I have personally spoken with people who go to great lengths to find out why someone has decided not to be friends with them, stop following them or blocking their content. In fact, several individuals actually broke down and began to cry over the situation. The way they spoke about the situation made it sound like they had lost a loved one to an illness or through an accident.

When individuals become that obsessed it is easy for them to focus on things that really don’t matter. They concentrate on their image more than the things that matter most like character. They obsess over popularity, fame and wealth. They use those things to show the world how successful they are and why others should follow or be friends with them. Instead of devoting themselves to those things that are higher and nobler, they work harder and harder to garner more fame, popularity and wealth. It becomes a never-ending cycle for them. Acquire more to be more.

Our lives should not be defined by the things of this world. We should devote ourselves to serving one another and truly doing all that we can do to serve God. It is not enough to pay lip service to our faith and just pretend to be Christians. We must live our lives as followers of Christ Jesus and follow his example daily.

Paul, in chapter twelve of his epistle to the Romans, writes, “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”

When we concentrate on other things, it is so very easy to pretend we love others and we focus on ourselves rather than the needs of others. It is our responsibility to truly love one another with genuine affection. When we do that, we honor one another. We shouldn’t care about what others think of us or concern ourselves with how many people will follow or friend us. If you are concerned by that and only do things to increase the number of people who follow or friend you, then you are not truly loving others. You are using them as a means to a selfish end.

In chapter four of the Book of Ecclesiastes, the author writes, “It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice. Such a youth could rise from poverty and succeed. He might even become king, though he has been in prison. But then everyone rushes to the side of yet another youth who replaces him. Endless crowds stand around him, but then another generation grows up and rejects him, too. So it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind.”

The passage illustrates the pointless chasing of fame, popularity and wealth. You can work hard to gain all that you desire in life and people will flock to you and admire you. However, admiration can disappear as quickly as it appears. History tells us how fickle a mob can be. One day you are at the top and the next day you are nothing more than a footnote.

Henry Miller, an American writer and artist, once wrote, “Fame is an illusive thing - here today, gone tomorrow. The fickle, shallow mob raises its heroes to the pinnacle of approval today and hurls them into oblivion tomorrow at the slightest whim; cheers today, hisses tomorrow; utter forgetfulness in a few months.”

Social media has made it easier than ever to celebrate a person as a hero one day and then cast them aside in less than a day. It doesn’t take long at all for people to quickly change their minds about you and throw you on to the ash heap of history. The mob is truly fickle and shallow.

My words to you are simple. Don’t pursue fame, popularity or wealth. Devote yourself to living a Christ-like life and follow the example of Jesus. He is indeed the architect of our faith and is our role model. Friend and follow Jesus. Don’t allow the opinions of others to guide your steps.

In chapter two of his first epistle, Peter writes, “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”

As you walk daily with the Lord, devote yourself to the only thing that truly matters, doing good. Follow Jesus’ footsteps and live for him rather than living for “likes”. When you take those steps to rid your life of those distractions, you can rest assured that you will be able to stand firm in His grace.

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

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:2

Proverbs 20:2 English Standard Version

2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;

    whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.

Morning Scripture Reading - John 3:5-8

John 3:5-8 English Standard Version

5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

1 Corinthians 15:42-44 English Standard Version

42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 48:4-7

Psalm 48:4-7 English Standard Version

4 For behold, the kings assembled;

    they came on together.

5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded;

    they were in panic; they took to flight.

6 Trembling took hold of them there,

    anguish as of a woman in labor.

7 By the east wind you shattered

    the ships of Tarshish.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 20:1

Proverbs 20:1 English Standard Version

20 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,

    and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

Morning Scripture Reading - Luke 13:28-30

Luke 13:28-30 English Standard Version

28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

James 3:13-16 English Standard Version

Wisdom from Above

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 48:1-3

Psalm 48:1-3 English Standard Version

Zion, the City of Our God

A Song. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.

1 Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised

    in the city of our God!

His holy mountain, 2 beautiful in elevation,

    is the joy of all the earth,

Mount Zion, in the far north,

    the city of the great King.

3 Within her citadels God

    has made himself known as a fortress.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 19:29

Proverbs 19:29 English Standard Version

29 Condemnation is ready for scoffers,

    and beating for the backs of fools.

Morning Scripture Reading - Luke 23:39-43

Luke 23:39-43 English Standard Version

39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”