Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:19

Proverbs 22:19 Holman Christian Standard Bible

I have instructed you today—even you—

so that your confidence may be in the Lord.

Morning Scripture Reading - John 1:29-34

John 1:29-34 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the One I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who has surpassed me, because He existed before me.’ I didn’t know Him, but I came baptizing with water so He might be revealed to Israel.”

And John testified, “I watched the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He rested on Him. I didn’t know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The One you see the Spirit descending and resting on—He is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and testified that He is the Son of God!”

Evening Scripture Reading - Daniel 3:28-29

Daniel 3:28-29 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent His angel and rescued His servants who trusted in Him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I issue a decree that anyone of any people, nation, or language who says anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be torn limb from limb and his house made a garbage dump. For there is no other god who is able to deliver like this.”

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 33:13-17

Psalm 33:13-17 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The Lord looks down from heaven;

He observes everyone.

He gazes on all the inhabitants of the earth

from His dwelling place.

He alone shapes their hearts;

He considers all their works.

A king is not saved by a large army;

a warrior will not be delivered by great strength.

The horse is a false hope for safety;

it provides no escape by its great power.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:18

Proverbs 22:18 Holman Christian Standard Bible

For it is pleasing if you keep them within you

and if they are constantly on your lips.

Morning Scripture Reading - Romans 3:21-31

Romans 3:21-31 Holman Christian Standard Bible

But now, apart from the law, God’s righteousness has been revealed—attested by the Law and the Prophets —that is, God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe, since there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a propitiation through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. God presented Him to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be righteous and declare righteous the one who has faith in Jesus.

Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By one of works? No, on the contrary, by a law of faith. For we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Or is God for Jews only? Is He not also for Gentiles? Yes, for Gentiles too, since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then cancel the law through faith? Absolutely not! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

Evening Scripture Reading - Romans 8:14-17

Romans 8:14-17 Holman Christian Standard Bible

All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 33:10-12

Psalm 33:10-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The Lord frustrates the counsel of the nations;

He thwarts the plans of the peoples.

The counsel of the Lord stands forever,

the plans of His heart from generation to generation.

Happy is the nation whose God is Yahweh—

the people He has chosen to be His own possession!

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:17

Proverbs 22:17 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise,

and apply your mind to my knowledge.

Morning Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 13:1-4

2 Corinthians 13:1-4 Holman Christian Standard Bible

This is the third time I am coming to you. Every fact must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. I gave a warning when I was present the second time, and now I give a warning while I am absent to those who sinned before and to all the rest: If I come again, I will not be lenient, since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me. He is not weak toward you, but powerful among you. In fact, He was crucified in weakness, but He lives by God’s power. For we also are weak in Him, yet toward you we will live with Him by God’s power.

Evening Scripture Reading - Philippians 1:3-8

Philippians 1:3-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible

I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and establishment of the gospel. For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 33:6-9

Psalm 33:6-9 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The heavens were made by the word of the Lord,

and all the stars, by the breath of His mouth.

He gathers the waters of the sea into a heap;

He puts the depths into storehouses.

Let the whole earth tremble before the Lord;

let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

For He spoke, and it came into being;

He commanded, and it came into existence.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:16

Proverbs 22:16 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself,

and giving to the rich—both lead only to poverty.

Morning Scripture Reading - Acts 2:42-47

Acts 2:42-47 Holman Christian Standard Bible

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers.

Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.

Evening Scripture Reading - Ruth 2:8-12

Ruth 2:8-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Don’t go and gather grain in another field, and don’t leave this one, but stay here close to my female servants. See which field they are harvesting, and follow them. Haven’t I ordered the young men not to touch you? When you are thirsty, go and drink from the jars the young men have filled.”

She bowed with her face to the ground and said to him, “Why are you so kind to notice me, although I am a foreigner?”

Boaz answered her, “Everything you have done for your mother-in-law since your husband’s death has been fully reported to me: how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth, and how you came to a people you didn’t previously know. May the Lord reward you for what you have done, and may you receive a full reward from the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 33:4-5

Psalm 33:4-5 Holman Christian Standard Bible

For the word of the Lord is right,

and all His work is trustworthy.

He loves righteousness and justice;

the earth is full of the Lord’s unfailing love.

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?    

  

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:15

Proverbs 22:15 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Foolishness is tangled up in the heart of a youth;

the rod of discipline will drive it away from him.

Morning Scripture Reading - John 10:7-10

John 10:7-10 Holman Christian Standard Bible

So Jesus said again, “I assure you: I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

Evening Scripture Reading - Genesis 3:22-24

Genesis 3:22-24 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The Lord God said, “Since man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil, he must not reach out, take from the tree of life, eat, and live forever.” So the Lord God sent him away from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove man out and stationed the cherubim and the flaming, whirling sword east of the garden of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 33:1-3

Psalm 33:1-3 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones;

praise from the upright is beautiful.

Praise the Lord with the lyre;

make music to Him with a ten-stringed harp.

Sing a new song to Him;

play skillfully on the strings, with a joyful shout.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:14

Proverbs 22:14 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The mouth of the forbidden woman is a deep pit;

a man cursed by the Lord will fall into it.

Morning Scripture Reading - 2 Peter 3:8-10

2 Peter 3:8-10 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Dear friends, don’t let this one thing escape you: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.

But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed.

Evening Scripture Reading - Job 42:1-6

Job 42:1-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Then Job replied to the Lord:

I know that You can do anything

and no plan of Yours can be thwarted.

You asked, “Who is this who conceals My counsel with ignorance?”

Surely I spoke about things I did not understand,

things too wonderful for me to know.

You said, “Listen now, and I will speak.

When I question you, you will inform Me.”

I had heard rumors about You,

but now my eyes have seen You.

Therefore I take back my words

and repent in dust and ashes.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 32:10-11

Psalm 32:10-11 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Many pains come to the wicked,

but the one who trusts in the Lord

will have faithful love surrounding him.

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice,

you righteous ones;

shout for joy,

all you upright in heart.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:13

Proverbs 22:13 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The slacker says, “There’s a lion outside!

I’ll be killed in the public square!”

Morning Scripture Reading - John 14:1-4

John 14:1-4 Holman Christian Standard Bible

“Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. You know the way to where I am going.”

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Chronicles 12:18

1 Chronicles 12:18 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Then the Spirit took control of Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said:

We are yours, David,

we are with you, son of Jesse!

Peace, peace to you,

and peace to him who helps you,

for your God helps you.

So David received them and made them leaders of his troops.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 32:8-9

Psalm 32:8-9 Holman Christian Standard Bible

I will instruct you and show you the way to go;

with My eye on you, I will give counsel.

Do not be like a horse or mule,

without understanding,

that must be controlled with bit and bridle

or else it will not come near you.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Do What You’re Supposed to Do

When I’m at work and I have time to sit down for lunch, I try to avoid conversation and spend my time reading the Bible. I tend to flip from book to book and look at passages that interest me or I find that I need to study. When I study a book, I review commentaries and listen to the words of others who have also devoted time and study to a particular book or verse. Earlier last week, I found two verses that piqued my interest and I started going deeper into the book as well as those two verses.

The book that caught my interest was the Book of Ecclesiastes. Many don’t like to read this book due to its depressing nature. For many, it seems to focus on the futility of life and that pleasure ultimately leads to nothingless. If you truly read the book and get through the parts you find depressing, you will find a lot of simple truths that make life wonderful. The book suggests that humans should enjoy the simple things in our daily lives like eating, drinking and taking enjoyment in our work. All of these are gifts from God.

According to rabbinic tradition, King Solomon is credited with writing this book in his old age. This book consists of twelve chapters and is a very easy read. The first chapter sets the tone of the book from the very start.

The author writes, “‘Everything is meaningless,’ says the Teacher, ‘completely meaningless!’”

At this point, most people skip ahead and try to get past the depressing words of the book. I will admit that I have found this book very depressing to read and that it takes a while for me to get through it. But, I believe that is the gift of this book. When you read these passages, you have to stop and therein lies the blessing.

When you stop reading, you begin to ponder the words. They stay with you and you can’t just simply shake them away. No matter how hard you try, you can’t stop thinking about the words. Some will say that the book is nihilistic in nature. While others would suggest that the book is a form of existential nihilism. This form of nihilism has a foundational viewpoint that life is without intrinsic value, meaning or purpose. 

This viewpoint is extreme to say the least and fails to truly grasp the wisdom offered by the author. Later in the book, the wisdom about life becomes more apparent and it gives us that glimmer of hope and allows us to truly reflect on our lives. The simple things in life are the things that give us the most amount of pleasure and joy.

As humans accustomed to immediate gratification, we get bored with our lives. We expect things to give us excitement all the time. We want to have our senses pushed to the limits. After that happens, we desire more.

In the article, “Dopamine: The pathway to pleasure”, written by Stephanie Watson, the executive editor of the “Harvard Women’s Health Watch, she writes, “Dopamine is most notably involved in helping us feel pleasure as part of the brain’s reward system. Sex, shopping, smelling cookies baking in the oven — all these things can trigger dopamine release, or a "dopamine rush."

She goes on to say, “The darker side of dopamine is the intense feeling of reward people feel when they take drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, which can lead to addiction.”

We look for excitement in everything we do and by doing that, we overcomplicate our lives. We want to buy things to satisfy our need for pleasure. We fill our lives with more and more stuff to help us enjoy life.

However, the author of Ecclesiastes writes, “Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.”

Stuff can’t bring us happiness. Only the simple gifts that God provides can bring us happiness. It doesn’t cost any money to walk out into a field and see the beautiful world God has created for our enjoyment. The simple things are the best things.

 A couple of nights ago, my wife and I were watching YouTube videos about golden snub-nosed monkeys. The videos we enjoyed showed these cute monkeys enjoying a piece of fruit. They made smacking noises that are too cute to describe. Just watching them eating gave us great pleasure. Our joy came from watching one of God’s creations eating and enjoying a tangerine.

It truly is the simple things in life that give us immeasurable pleasure. This simple bit of wisdom is something that we often miss when reading this book. We should enjoy our lives and not try to fill them with more and more stuff. 

When we use “stuff” to add pleasure to our lives, we soon find ourselves working harder and hating every minute of that extra work. Instead of deriving joy and enjoying the labor of our work, we begin to hate everything we do. Work becomes joyless and leads to looking for something. We begin to spend more time looking for more and not looking to God. In time, we become disobedient and devote ourselves to getting that “dopamine rush”.

At the very end of the book, the author gives us the wisdom that we should live our lives by, “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.”

Just as the simple things in life can bring the greatest pleasures, living a simple life with these words in mind can also lead to enjoyment. By devoting our lives to God and obeying His commands, we soon find that that duty will give us the greatest joy in our lives. 

Everything that we do, whether good or bad, can lead us to the Lord or take us away from Him. In the end, we will be judged for what we have done in our lives. But, if we live a life seeking only the simple pleasures and steer clear of those things that lead us away from God, we can live a life full of pleasure and joy. As we get older, we should reflect on our lives and see the beauty of lives well spent.

Don’t live your life in pursuit of things that will only decay or rust. On average, the most expensive and luxurious cars ever made have a life expectancy of about ten to fifteen years. Some, of course, can last a lot longer, but it takes quite a bit of effort to make them last longer. Instead of having a car for transportation, we become slaves to the cars. We must spend more money and time taking care of them. If, however, we just realize what the purpose of a car truly is, then we can enjoy taking trips and making memories to enjoy. 

Instead of devoting your time to those things, spend your time enjoying the simple gifts of the Lord and obeying His commands, you will be happier and will be able to stand firm in His grace with a smile.

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

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:12

Proverbs 22:12 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The Lord’s eyes keep watch over knowledge,

but He overthrows the words of the treacherous.

Morning Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

2 Corinthians 1:3-11 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so through Christ our comfort also overflows. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is experienced in your endurance of the same sufferings that we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that as you share in the sufferings, so you will share in the comfort.

For we don’t want you to be unaware, brothers, of our affliction that took place in Asia: we were completely overwhelmed—beyond our strength—so that we even despaired of life. Indeed, we personally had a death sentence within ourselves, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and He will deliver us. We have put our hope in Him that He will deliver us again while you join in helping us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many.

Evening Scripture Reading - Deuteronomy 11:13-15

Deuteronomy 11:13-15 Holman Christian Standard Bible

“If you carefully obey my commands I am giving you today, to love the Lord your God and worship Him with all your heart and all your soul, I will provide rain for your land in the proper time, the autumn and spring rains, and you will harvest your grain, new wine, and oil. I will provide grass in your fields for your livestock. You will eat and be satisfied.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 32:6-7

Psalm 32:6-7 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to You

at a time that You may be found.

When great floodwaters come,

they will not reach him.

You are my hiding place;

You protect me from trouble.

You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. Selah

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:11

Proverbs 22:11 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The one who loves a pure heart

and gracious lips—the king is his friend.

Morning Scripture Reading - Isaiah 53:4-6

Isaiah 53:4-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses,

and He carried our pains;

but we in turn regarded Him stricken,

struck down by God, and afflicted.

But He was pierced because of our transgressions,

crushed because of our iniquities;

punishment for our peace was on Him,

and we are healed by His wounds.

We all went astray like sheep;

we all have turned to our own way;

and the Lord has punished Him

for the iniquity of us all.

Evening Scripture Reading - Deuteronomy 32:5-6

Deuteronomy 32:5-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible

His people have acted corruptly toward Him;

this is their defect—they are not His children

but a devious and crooked generation.

Is this how you repay the Lord,

you foolish and senseless people?

Isn’t He your Father and Creator?

Didn’t He make you and sustain you?

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 32:3-5

Psalm 32:3-5 Holman Christian Standard Bible

When I kept silent, my bones became brittle

from my groaning all day long.

For day and night Your hand was heavy on me;

my strength was drained

as in the summer’s heat.Selah

Then I acknowledged my sin to You

and did not conceal my iniquity.

I said,

“I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”

and You took away the guilt of my sin. Selah

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:10

Proverbs 22:10 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Drive out a mocker, and conflict goes too;

then quarreling and dishonor will cease.

Morning Scripture Reading - John 20:19-23

John 20:19-23 Holman Christian Standard Bible

In the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because of their fear of the Jews. Then Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!”

Having said this, He showed them His hands and His side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” After saying this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 53:4-6

Isaiah 53:4-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses,

and He carried our pains;

but we in turn regarded Him stricken,

struck down by God, and afflicted.

But He was pierced because of our transgressions,

crushed because of our iniquities;

punishment for our peace was on Him,

and we are healed by His wounds.

We all went astray like sheep;

we all have turned to our own way;

and the Lord has punished Him

for the iniquity of us all.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 32:1-2

Psalm 32:1-2 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Davidic. A Maskil.

How joyful is the one

whose transgression is forgiven,

whose sin is covered!

How joyful is the man

the Lord does not charge with sin

and in whose spirit is no deceit!

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:9

Proverbs 22:9 Holman Christian Standard Bible

A generous person will be blessed,

for he shares his food with the poor.

Morning Scripture Reading - 1 Peter 3:18-22

1 Peter 3:18-22 Holman Christian Standard Bible

For Christ also suffered for sins once for all,

the righteous for the unrighteous,

that He might bring you to God,

after being put to death in the fleshly realm

but made alive in the spiritual realm.

In that state He also went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison who in the past were disobedient, when God patiently waited in the days of Noah while an ark was being prepared. In it a few—that is, eight people—were saved through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now that He has gone into heaven, He is at God’s right hand with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him.

Evening Scripture Reading - John 19:25-27

John 19:25-27 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple He loved standing there, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 31:23-24

Psalm 31:23-24 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Love the Lord, all His faithful ones.

The Lord protects the loyal,

but fully repays the arrogant.

Be strong and courageous,

all you who put your hope in the Lord.

Mid-Week Message - He is Our Portion

 "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."  Lamentations 3:22-24  (NIV)

When I was in college my favorite shampoo was called "Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific."  It was a good shampoo and my hair was left with a pleasant scent but my reason for ever trying it in the first place was that I was attracted by the advertising.  

Do we buy certain brands of macaroni, peanut butter or bologna because they are really the best or because we have fallen prey to how they are presented in the media?  How about the car we drive?  Or the perfume we wear?  

We are bombarded by messages on television, in magazines and online that are meant to spark a desire within us to purchase specific products.  We are led to believe that our lives will be better if we live in certain neighborhoods, wear brand-name clothing, shop in more upscale stores or adorn ourselves with expensive jewelry.  Even our children are targeted by ads.  Retailers know that children will be enticed by new products, such as breakfast cereal or toys, and thereby influence their parents to obtain them.  

This world is full of things that grab our attention and lead us to forget that our sustenance and our joy come from elsewhere.  No matter how many earthly "treasures" we secure, our hearts will still remain empty.  

Several Christian artists have recorded a song entitled "Give Me Jesus."  One of the lines of the chorus says, "You can have all this world, just give me Jesus."  What I love about this song is that it acknowledges that only through the Savior can the holes in our hearts be filled.  Nothing this world offers will ever provide the fullness that He does.  

One of the benefits of age is that we have years of experience to look back upon.  We can see in a mental glance all the times we thought our lives would be perfect if only we had this or that.  And maybe we did have a temporary happiness from whatever it was we tried but it only lasted until the next latest and greatest offer grabbed our fancy.  

Today's verse says, "The Lord is my portion."  Everything earthly will pass away.  All that will last forever is our salvation through Jesus Christ and the relationship we have with Him.  When we enter the gates of Heaven, we will do so with empty hands but our hearts will be filled to overflowing by the gifts that only He can bestow.  

All we need comes through our Lord.  He has promised to provide for our needs during our time on this globe.  We need not fret nor compare ourselves to those around us.  He is our eternal portion.  True satisfaction and fulfillment come through Him.  

May your day be blessed by His presence, His love, His grace and His mercy.  

 

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:8

Proverbs 22:8 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The one who sows injustice will reap disaster,

and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

Morning Scripture Reading - Ecclesiastes 2:14

Ecclesiastes 2:14 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The wise man has eyes in his head,

but the fool walks in darkness.

Yet I also knew that one fate comes to them both.

Evening Scripture Reading - 2 Peter 1:5-11

2 Peter 1:5-11 Holman Christian Standard Bible

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins. Therefore, brothers, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble. For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 31:19-22

Psalm 31:19-22 Holman Christian Standard Bible

How great is Your goodness

that You have stored up for those who fear You

and accomplished in the sight of everyone

for those who take refuge in You.

You hide them in the protection of Your presence;

You conceal them in a shelter

from the schemes of men,

from quarrelsome tongues.

May the Lord be praised,

for He has wonderfully shown His faithful love to me

in a city under siege.

In my alarm I had said,

“I am cut off from Your sight.”

But You heard the sound of my pleading

when I cried to You for help.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:7

Proverbs 22:7 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The rich rule over the poor,

and the borrower is a slave to the lender.

Morning Scripture Reading - Colossians 1:15-20

Colossians 1:15-20 Holman Christian Standard Bible

He is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn over all creation.

For everything was created by Him,

in heaven and on earth,

the visible and the invisible,

whether thrones or dominions

or rulers or authorities—

all things have been created through Him and for Him.

He is before all things,

and by Him all things hold together.

He is also the head of the body, the church;

He is the beginning,

the firstborn from the dead,

so that He might come to have

first place in everything.

For God was pleased to have

all His fullness dwell in Him,

and through Him to reconcile

everything to Himself

by making peace

through the blood of His cross—

whether things on earth or things in heaven.

Evening Scripture Reading - Philippians 4:4-7

Philippians 4:4-7 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 31:14-18

Psalm 31:14-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible

But I trust in You, Lord;

I say, “You are my God.”

The course of my life is in Your power;

deliver me from the power of my enemies

and from my persecutors.

Show Your favor to Your servant;

save me by Your faithful love.

Lord, do not let me be disgraced when I call on You.

Let the wicked be disgraced;

let them be silent in Sheol.

Let lying lips be quieted;

they speak arrogantly against the righteous

with pride and contempt.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:6

Proverbs 22:6 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Teach a youth about the way he should go;

even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Morning Scripture Reading - John 17:1-5

John 17:1-5 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said:

Father,

the hour has come.

Glorify Your Son

so that the Son may glorify You,

for You gave Him authority

over all flesh;

so He may give eternal life

to all You have given Him.

This is eternal life:

that they may know You, the only true God,

and the One You have sent—Jesus Christ.

I have glorified You on the earth

by completing the work You gave Me to do.

Now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence

with that glory I had with You

before the world existed.

Evening Scripture Reading - Genesis 50:15-21

Genesis 50:15-21 Holman Christian Standard Bible

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said to one another, “If Joseph is holding a grudge against us, he will certainly repay us for all the suffering we caused him.”

So they sent this message to Joseph, “Before he died your father gave a command: ‘Say this to Joseph: Please forgive your brothers’ transgression and their sin—the suffering they caused you.’ Therefore, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when their message came to him. Then his brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!”

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. Therefore don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 31:9-13

Psalm 31:9-13 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Be gracious to me, Lord,

because I am in distress;

my eyes are worn out from angry sorrow—

my whole being as well.

Indeed, my life is consumed with grief

and my years with groaning;

my strength has failed

because of my sinfulness,

and my bones waste away.

I am ridiculed by all my adversaries

and even by my neighbors.

I am dreaded by my acquaintances;

those who see me in the street run from me.

I am forgotten: gone from memory

like a dead person—like broken pottery.

I have heard the gossip of many;

terror is on every side.

When they conspired against me,

they plotted to take my life.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Don’t Live Like the Others

When I was a lot younger and did things that were wrong, Dad would often ask me what possessed me to do what I did. Being a child or teenager, I would tell him my friends or other children or teenagers were doing the same thing. He would then ask me the same question that other parents and those before them asked, “If they all jumped off a cliff, would you?”

He would stop his lecture and leave me with that thought. To a child or a teenager, it didn’t really sink in. When I got older, I learned exactly what it meant and soon found myself asking the very same question of my daughter.

When you consider the question, you begin to realize that what people do as a collective may not be the right thing to do. Many will say that what they are doing isn’t really hurting anyone, but that really isn’t true. Actions always have intended or unintended consequences. It may not be apparent for a period of time, but those consequences do pop up.

For example, a famous singer got very upset with a photographer who photographed her house and then posted it to an obscure website that hardly anyone visited. In time, she found out about it and decided to sue the photographer. Due to her celebrity status, her lawsuit not only drew a lot of attention but it also called attention to the website with the picture of her house. More and more people visited the website and downloaded the picture. By the time the case came to trial, everyone knew about her house. If the singer had just left well enough alone, the picture would have remained on an obscure website in the backwash of the Internet.

Sometimes the action we perceive as the best thing to do often comes back and bites us. Once again, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. This is always the case. This law not only applies in physics but also in life. Isaac Newton, through his third wave of motion, may not have realized that he described human action. By changing a few words, we could say that every action has an intended or unintended consequence.

With that “law” in mind, we can easily see that what we do, by following others, can often lead to something that hurts people and shows disobedience to God’s will. When some see what we are doing, they may decide that the actions we are taking are good especially if we profess ourselves to be Christians. This only causes confusion to others and takes away from our Christian life.

Paul, in chapter four of his epistle to the Ephesians, writes, “Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.”

The action of others should not lead to a consequence in our lives. We have given up our sinful life and have been justified in God’s eyes by His son, Christ Jesus, when we accepted him. By continuing to follow the others in their earthly ways, we not only confuse other people but also confuse ourselves. The consequences to our actions can’t be calculated. We slip back into our old, sinful ways and we become a bad model for others. They see our lives and what we are doing and they justify their actions through our actions. You see how our actions can cause issues for others. All of this started by living our lives like we used to live.

We all once walked in darkness and did whatever we wanted to do. Our goal was only pleasure and we didn’t care who or what we hurt in the process. But, when we accepted Jesus into our lives, things changed. We walked in light and became a temple for God to show His love and power through. We no longer wandered away from Him, but, rather, drew near to Him. His son taught how to live a righteous life as a child of God. We no longer possessed hearts of stone but hearts full of life and love as Christians.

So, my brothers and sisters in Christ, don’t follow the ways of others or return to your old ways. That old life is dead and you should be living in life and light as a child of God. Our actions can either lead others to God or produce confusion not only in our lives but also in the lives of others. God has given us a brand new start and has washed away our sins. Don’t let the actions of others be your guide and your excuse. Live as an example and testament for others to see God’s love and abundant grace that will give them peace like no other can give.

By walking daily along the path of righteousness, you help others to find the way back to the Father. When you do those things, you are being obedient and are able to stand firm in His grace.

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

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:5

Proverbs 22:5 Holman Christian Standard Bible

There are thorns and snares on the path of the crooked;

the one who guards himself stays far from them.

Morning Scripture Reading - Luke 15:8-10

Luke 15:8-10 Holman Christian Standard Bible

“Or what woman who has 10 silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she finds it, she calls her women friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found the silver coin I lost!’ I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”

Evening Scripture Reading - Hebrews 3:1-6

Hebrews 3:1-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Therefore, holy brothers and companions in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession; He was faithful to the One who appointed Him, just as Moses was in all God’s household. For Jesus is considered worthy of more glory than Moses, just as the builder has more honor than the house. Now every house is built by someone, but the One who built everything is God. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s household, as a testimony to what would be said in the future. But Christ was faithful as a Son over His household. And we are that household if we hold on to the courage and the confidence of our hope.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 31:6-8

Psalm 31:6-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible

I hate those who are devoted to worthless idols,

but I trust in the Lord.

I will rejoice and be glad in Your faithful love

because You have seen my affliction.

You have known the troubles of my life

and have not handed me over to the enemy.

You have set my feet in a spacious place.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:4

Proverbs 22:4 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The result of humility is fear of the Lord,

along with wealth, honor, and life.

Morning Scripture Reading - Philippians 3:12-14

Philippians 3:12-14 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

Evening Scripture Reading - Nahum 1:7

Nahum 1:7 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The Lord is good,

a stronghold in a day of distress;

He cares for those who take refuge in Him.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 31:1-5

Psalm 31:1-5 Holman Christian Standard Bible

For the choir director. A Davidic psalm.

Lord, I seek refuge in You;

let me never be disgraced.

Save me by Your righteousness.

Listen closely to me; rescue me quickly.

Be a rock of refuge for me,

a mountain fortress to save me.

For You are my rock and my fortress;

You lead and guide me

because of Your name.

You will free me from the net

that is secretly set for me,

for You are my refuge.

Into Your hand I entrust my spirit;

You redeem me, Lord, God of truth.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:3

Proverbs 22:3 Holman Christian Standard Bible

A sensible person sees danger and takes cover,

but the inexperienced keep going and are punished.

Morning Scripture Reading - Matthew 16:5-12

Matthew 16:5-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The disciples reached the other shore, and they had forgotten to take bread.

Then Jesus told them, “Watch out and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

And they discussed among themselves, “We didn’t bring any bread.”

Aware of this, Jesus said, “You of little faith! Why are you discussing among yourselves that you do not have bread? Don’t you understand yet? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the 5,000 and how many baskets you collected? Or the seven loaves for the 4,000 and how many large baskets you collected? Why is it you don’t understand that when I told you, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees,’ it wasn’t about bread?” Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the yeast in bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Timothy 6:6-10

1 Timothy 6:6-10 Holman Christian Standard Bible

But godliness with contentment is a great gain.

For we brought nothing into the world,

and we can take nothing out.

But if we have food and clothing,

we will be content with these.

But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 30:11-12

Psalm 30:11-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible

You turned my lament into dancing;

You removed my sackcloth

and clothed me with gladness,

so that I can sing to You and not be silent.

Lord my God, I will praise You forever.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:2

Proverbs 22:2 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The rich and the poor have this in common:

the Lord made them both.

Morning Scripture Reading - 1 Corinthians 15:33

1 Corinthians 15:33 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Peter 2:1-3

1 Peter 2:1-3 Holman Christian Standard Bible

So rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, desire the pure spiritual milk, so that you may grow by it for your salvation, since you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 30:6-10

Psalm 30:6-10 Holman Christian Standard Bible

When I was secure, I said,

“I will never be shaken.”

Lord, when You showed Your favor,

You made me stand like a strong mountain;

when You hid Your face, I was terrified.

Lord, I called to You;

I sought favor from my Lord:

“What gain is there in my death,

if I go down to the Pit?

Will the dust praise You?

Will it proclaim Your truth?

Lord, listen and be gracious to me;

Lord, be my helper.”

Mid-Week Message - Needing Each Other

 "These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God."  Titus 2:4-5 (NLT)

These verses came to mind the other day while I was in the shower and I knew they were meant for this week's message.  I immediately began thinking about what I would say.  Then, as I was reciting my words out loud, I thought, "I can't use those verses!  I will alienate people!"  However, if God places it on my heart, it is for a reason that maybe I don't need to understand.  

I am well aware that the times we are living in are far different than they were in Bible times.  Women don't just stay at home cleaning house and cooking anymore.  And being "submissive" to anyone is looked down upon by more than just a few.  But I don't think that is why the Lord brought these verses before me.  

It used to be that we were involved in each other's lives.  We drew encouragement and knowledge from each other.  When we had a problem, we had plenty of people to turn to.  Churches used to be the source of help for families in trouble.  We knew our neighbors.  We could walk down the street and chat with each other by name.  Don't you miss that?

God created us to need each other.  But today we are being isolated more and more by technology and busy lifestyles.  Every moment is scheduled and when we do have downtime, we are in front of a screen of some kind.  We don't sit out on our porches and greet passersby and we don't turn to other Christians for assistance.  We "google" what we need to know or turn to an online community full of people we will never even meet face to face.

Although these verses reference women, the same is true for men teaching the younger men.  Older individuals have a lot to offer because of the years they have lived and all they have experienced.  I remember well the days when I had a young child that wouldn't sleep, or was teething or sick and I thought I would never make it through or that I must not be a good mom.  It would have been wonderful to have someone older step in and give me some reassurance and maybe a good healthy dose of advice.  That is what the scripture refers to.  We need to lift each other up and it is impossible to do that if we aren't even aware of what is going on in the lives around us.  We need to step out of our isolation and into each other's lives again.  

It is hard to communicate all I am thinking and feeling in limited space.  Hopefully you were able to catch the gist of it.  I wish for you, and for all of us, an expanding list of God-blessed relationships with those we both learn from and teach.  It is a basic need that God instilled in each of us.  Much love to you.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:1

Proverbs 22:1 Holman Christian Standard Bible

A good name is to be chosen over great wealth;

favor is better than silver and gold.

Morning Scripture Reading - James 1:12

James 1:12 Holman Christian Standard Bible

A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 50:4-9

Isaiah 50:4-9 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The Lord God has given Me

the tongue of those who are instructed

to know how to sustain the weary with a word.

He awakens Me each morning;

He awakens My ear to listen like those being instructed.

The Lord God has opened My ear,

and I was not rebellious;

I did not turn back.

I gave My back to those who beat Me,

and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard.

I did not hide My face from scorn and spitting.

The Lord God will help Me;

therefore I have not been humiliated;

therefore I have set My face like flint,

and I know I will not be put to shame.

The One who vindicates Me is near;

who will contend with Me?

Let us confront each other.

Who has a case against Me?

Let him come near Me!

In truth, the Lord God will help Me;

who will condemn Me?

Indeed, all of them will wear out like a garment;

a moth will devour them.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 30:4-5

Psalm 30:4-5 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Sing to Yahweh, you His faithful ones,

and praise His holy name.

For His anger lasts only a moment,

but His favor, a lifetime.

Weeping may spend the night,

but there is joy in the morning.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 21:31

Proverbs 21:31 Holman Christian Standard Bible

A horse is prepared for the day of battle,

but victory comes from the Lord.

Morning Scripture Reading - John 15:1-4

John 15:1-4 Holman Christian Standard Bible

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.

Evening Scripture Reading - James 1:22-25

James 1:22-25 Holman Christian Standard Bible

But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works—this person will be blessed in what he does.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 30:1-3

Psalm 30:1-3 Holman Christian Standard Bible

A psalm; a dedication song for the house. Davidic.

I will exalt You, Lord,

because You have lifted me up

and have not allowed my enemies

to triumph over me.

Lord my God,

I cried to You for help, and You healed me.

Lord, You brought me up from Sheol;

You spared me from among those

going down to the Pit.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 21:30

Proverbs 21:30 Holman Christian Standard Bible

No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel

will prevail against the Lord.

Morning Scripture Reading - Ephesians 4:1-6

Ephesians 4:1-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love, diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.