Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 29:22-24

Isaiah 29:22-24 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Therefore, the Lord who redeemed Abraham says this about the house of Jacob:

Jacob will no longer be ashamed

and his face will no longer be pale.

For when he sees his children,

the work of My hands within his nation,

they will honor My name,

they will honor the Holy One of Jacob

and stand in awe of the God of Israel.

Those who are confused will gain understanding,

and those who grumble will accept instruction.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 42:5-8

Psalm 42:5-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Why am I so depressed?

Why this turmoil within me?

Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him,

my Savior and my God.

I am deeply depressed;

therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan

and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.

Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls;

all Your breakers and Your billows have swept over me.

The Lord will send His faithful love by day;

His song will be with me in the night—

a prayer to the God of my life.

Mid-Week Message - Choose Kindness

 "God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into this wicked world to bring us to eternal life through his death.  In this act we see what real love is: it is not our love for God but his love for us when he sent his Son to satisfy God's anger against our sins.  Dear friends, since God loved us as much as that, we surely ought to love each other too.  For though we have never yet seen God, when we love each other God lives in us, and his love within us grows ever stronger."  1 John 4:9-12  (TLB)

We have a nine year old Bichon Frise named Jack.  We adopted him from a rescue group several years ago.  We don't know what all he went through before he came to us.  He was excessively thin and his fur was covered in sticker burrs.  He also did not like men.  Not at all.  When he had only been with me for a few hours, he defended me from my husband when he came home from work.  Jesse had to work a bit to show Jack that he wasn't a threat but now he is the one man that he loves and trusts.  

Because we don't know his history before us, we tend to be a bit gentle with Jack.  He is frightened by loud or unexpected noises and he cringes if someone raises their voice.  We try to pay close attention to our actions and reactions, knowing that he has experienced enough scary things in his little life.  We want him to feel secure and to know that we love him and always will take care of him.  

During our busy lives we encounter numerous people.  We usually have no idea what any of them have been through.  They could have come from the best family on earth or they may have grown up in abusive situations that defy description.  No matter what their background though, one thing is for certain and that is that they need love and acceptance.  It is how we are made.  We also don't know what they will encounter in the future.  However, we have the option of making specific moments, those that we spend with them, times when they feel special.  

One thing that I always told students is that people will always remember how you made them feel.  I know from personal experience that is true and I'm sure you do as well.  We need to be mindful of that and strive to make all of our encounters pleasant ones.  We don't have control over how anyone else speaks or acts but we do have control over our responses.  Kindness can diffuse tense situations so even if we find ourselves in one where we are not being treated kindly, we can still respond in kindness.  

One other point, we need to be teaching our children the same thing.  The best way to do that is by modelling the behavior we want them to develop.  It is a harsh world they have to grow up in.  But they can be the ones to make a difference if we encourage it and if they see by our own behavior that we truly believe it.  Jesus took a lot of abuse but He didn't return that abuse with more abuse.  He exhibited the love of the Father and taught us to love one another.  He set the perfect example.  All we need to do is follow it.  God bless.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:20

Proverbs 25:20 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Singing songs to a troubled heart

is like taking off clothing on a cold day

or like pouring vinegar on soda.

Morning Scripture Reading - Matthew 6:3-4

Matthew 6:3-4 Holman Christian Standard Bible

But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 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 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 42:1-4

Psalm 42:1-4 Holman Christian Standard Bible

For the choir director. A Maskil of the sons of Korah.

As a deer longs for streams of water,

so I long for You, God.

I thirst for God, the living God.

When can I come and appear before God?

My tears have been my food day and night,

while all day long people say to me,

“Where is your God?”

I remember this as I pour out my heart:

how I walked with many,

leading the festive procession to the house of God,

with joyful and thankful shouts.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:18-19

Proverbs 25:18-19 Holman Christian Standard Bible

A man giving false testimony against his neighbor

is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

Trusting an unreliable person in a difficult time

is like a rotten tooth or a faltering foot.

Morning Scripture Reading - 1 Corinthians 12:25-27

1 Corinthians 12:25-27 Holman Christian Standard Bible

so that there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other. So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it.

Evening Scripture Reading - Matthew 23:11

Matthew 23:11 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The greatest among you will be your servant.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 41:13

Psalm 41:13 Holman Christian Standard Bible

May Yahweh, the God of Israel, be praised

from everlasting to everlasting.

Amen and amen.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:14-17

Proverbs 25:14-17 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The man who boasts about a gift that does not exist

is like clouds and wind without rain.

A ruler can be persuaded through patience,

and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

 If you find honey, eat only what you need;

otherwise, you’ll get sick from it and vomit.

Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house;

otherwise, he’ll get sick of you and hate you.

Morning Scripture Reading - Job 2:3-4

Job 2:3-4 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? No one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil. He still retains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him, to destroy him without just cause.”

“Skin for skin!” Satan answered the Lord. “A man will give up everything he owns in exchange for his life.

Evening Scripture Reading - Titus 1:7-9

Titus 1:7-9 Holman Christian Standard Bible

For an overseer, as God’s administrator, must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 41:10-12

Psalm 41:10-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible

But You, Lord, be gracious to me and raise me up;

then I will repay them.

By this I know that You delight in me:

my enemy does not shout in triumph over me.

You supported me because of my integrity

and set me in Your presence forever.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Rescue the Righteous

In all my years of study of the Holy Bible, there is one immutable fact that cannot be brushed aside. That fact is that God will go to great lengths to rescue the righteous and provide a path for them to escape.

In today’s world, we are beset on all sides by those who persecute and seek to destroy us. While liquor stores, tattoo parlors and marijuana stores remained open during the pandemic, churches and synagogues were closed to the public. When Christians needed to be close to the Lord, people decided that places of worship needed to remain closed. Some jurisdictions took things further by forbidding singing in churches when they were reopened. It seemed that the world wanted to dispose of not only the virus but also our faith.

But, the one thing that we can rest assured of is that God is not subject to the will of kings, presidents, governors or potentates. He reigns supreme over all. His power is infinite and His love knows no bounds. People will, however, try to get rid of God and establish themselves as ruler of all. Let them have their delusion of power. We, as Christians, know better.

Peter, in chapter two of his second epistle, writes, “For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment. And God did not spare the ancient world—except for Noah and the seven others in his family. Noah warned the world of God’s righteous judgment. So God protected Noah when he destroyed the world of ungodly people with a vast flood. Later, God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and turned them into heaps of ashes. He made them an example of what will happen to ungodly people. But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day. So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desire, and who despise authority.”

No matter what happens in this world, we can count on the fact that God will rescue the godly and punish the wicked. We have seen it time and time again. Peter brilliantly sums up God’s wrath directed to the wicked and His love for the righteous. God will always rescue the righteous from their trials and tribulations. It is that fact we can count on. The wicked, in God’s own time, will face His wrath and receive their punishment.

In chapter one of his letter to the Romans, Paul writes, “But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”

Deep down inside of every man, woman and child, there is a feeling or little voice that tells us that God exists. Since before the beginning of time, God has existed and continues to exist. He truly is the great Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh (I AM WHO I AM). He is the creator of all that we see. 

As we grow older, our view of the world changes. We become corrupted by the things of this world and slowly become part of it. That voice and feeling deep inside of us becomes softer and softer and less pronounced. Soon, we believe in the things of this world and live in sin. 

God has given us all a chance to have a relationship with Him. He gave us His son as our atonement sacrifice and provided a plan of salvation for each of us. That is our way out of sin. We can choose to take the undeserved gift or continue to live our lives in sin. But, remember that there is a consequence to that lifestyle.

In chapter six of Romans, Paul clearly writes, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

It is a choice that we all have to make. We can either accept God’s grace and plan of salvation and return to Him or we can face death, destruction and damnation for our wickedness. God will rescue you from the trials that you face, but you have to accept His gift of salvation. If you don’t and prefer to walk in darkness and live a sinful lifestyle, then you accept the consequences of your choice.

You can follow the path that leads to paradise or stay on the road that leads to ruin. If you choose the latter, then you are doomed to darkness. If, however, you choose the former, then you will be rescued and spend eternity with God the Father. You must make a decision to follow Jesus and accept him as your personal Savior and Master of your life. When you do that, you can stand firm in His grace.

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

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:13

Proverbs 25:13 Holman Christian Standard Bible

To those who send him, a trustworthy messenger

is like the coolness of snow on a harvest day;

he refreshes the life of his masters.

Morning Scripture Reading - Romans 6:15-18

Romans 6:15-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible

What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Absolutely not! Don’t you know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey—either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness? But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching you were transferred to, and having been liberated from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.

Evening Scripture Reading - 2 Timothy 1:13-14

2 Timothy 1:13-14 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who lives in us, that good thing entrusted to you.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 41:4-9

Psalm 41:4-9 Holman Christian Standard Bible

I said, “Lord, be gracious to me;

heal me, for I have sinned against You.”

My enemies speak maliciously about me:

“When will he die and be forgotten?”

When one of them comes to visit, he speaks deceitfully;

he stores up evil in his heart;

he goes out and talks.

All who hate me whisper together about me;

they plan to harm me.

“Lethal poison has been poured into him,

and he won’t rise again from where he lies!”

Even my friend in whom I trusted,

one who ate my bread,

has raised his heel against me.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:11-12

Proverbs 25:11-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible

A word spoken at the right time

is like gold apples on a silver tray.

A wise correction to a receptive ear

is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.

Morning Scripture Reading - Lamentations 3:22-23

Lamentations 3:22-23 Holman Christian Standard Bible

ח Khet

Because of the Lord’s faithful love

we do not perish,

for His mercies never end.

They are new every morning;

great is Your faithfulness!

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 49:5-6

Isaiah 49:5-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible

And now, says the Lord,

who formed me from the womb to be His Servant,

to bring Jacob back to Him

so that Israel might be gathered to Him;

for I am honored in the sight of the Lord,

and my God is my strength—

He says,

“It is not enough for you to be My Servant

raising up the tribes of Jacob

and restoring the protected ones of Israel.

I will also make you a light for the nations,

to be My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 41:1-3

Psalm 41:1-3 Holman Christian Standard Bible

For the choir director. A Davidic psalm.

Happy is one who cares for the poor;

the Lord will save him in a day of adversity.

The Lord will keep him and preserve him;

he will be blessed in the land.

You will not give him over to the desire of his enemies.

The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed;

You will heal him on the bed where he lies.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:8-10

Proverbs 25:8-10 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Don’t take a matter to court hastily.

Otherwise, what will you do afterward

if your opponent humiliates you?

Make your case with your opponent

without revealing another’s secret;

otherwise, the one who hears will disgrace you,

and you’ll never live it down.

Morning Scripture Reading - Ephesians 6:10-12

Ephesians 6:10-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 John 4:4-6

1 John 4:4-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible

You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world. Therefore what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Anyone who knows God listens to us; anyone who is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 40:16-17

Psalm 40:16-17 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;

let those who love Your salvation continually say,

“The Lord is great!”

I am afflicted and needy;

the Lord thinks of me.

You are my helper and my deliverer;

my God, do not delay.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:6-7

Proverbs 25:6-7 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Don’t brag about yourself before the king,

and don’t stand in the place of the great;

for it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here!”

than to demote you in plain view of a noble.

Morning Scripture Reading - John 14:27

John 14:27 Holman Christian Standard Bible

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.

Evening Scripture Reading - Deuteronomy 32:1-4

Deuteronomy 32:1-4 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Pay attention, heavens, and I will speak;

listen, earth, to the words of my mouth.

Let my teaching fall like rain

and my word settle like dew,

like gentle rain on new grass

and showers on tender plants.

For I will proclaim Yahweh’s name.

Declare the greatness of our God!

The Rock—His work is perfect;

all His ways are entirely just.

A faithful God, without prejudice,

He is righteous and true.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 40:14-15

Psalm 40:14-15 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Let those who seek to take my life

be disgraced and confounded.

Let those who wish me harm

be driven back and humiliated.

Let those who say to me, “Aha, aha!”

be horrified because of their shame.

Mid-Week Message - Too Much to Carry

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'"  Matthew 11:28-29  (NLT)

When something heavy needed to be moved in our home when I was younger, I was the child that was called upon to help.  I had an older brother but he never quite seemed to be around when these things needed to be done.  I became quite good at moving television consoles, couches, dressers and anything else that was more than a one person job.  I learned how to move most things on my own even, if I needed to do so.  Where there is a will, there is a way.  

Heavy physical burdens are quite familiar to me.  I know what it feels like to be weighed down and to be so overwhelmed with weight that I have found it difficult to move at times.  One of my favorite things to do is to float in a pool.  The feeling of being weightless is sheer joy!  

The physical weights we carry are easy compared to the other burdens that life places upon us.  All of us encounter times of trouble that drive us to our knees.  In the last several years, two of my closest friends have had to endure the death of a child.  I can't even begin to imagine how difficult that has been for them.  As a mother myself, I can think of nothing worse.  Carrying that grief was crushing for them.  They made it through by crying out to the Lord and understanding that they were not alone to bear the sadness alone.  He was with them in the valley they had to traverse.  

Today's verse refers to a yoke, which is a crosspiece that is laid across the shoulders of two animals to lighten a load for each of them.  We are not meant to bear the burdens of life alone.  Galatians 6:2 tells us to, "Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ."  We are to come together to help each other.  When we do not have the strength to continue on our own, we need to be able to reach out to those around us. 

Psalm 55:22 tells us, "Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you.  He will not permit the Godly to slip and fall."  We have been created by a loving and caring Creator.  He never desired for us to feel alone.  He wants to be actively involved in our lives.  He cares about everything we encounter.  When we are weighed down, He will be there to lighten the load, to walk with us and to support us.  He can bring healing to the deep wounds that the pain of this life brings.  And He reminds us that a time is coming when we will be free of that pain for eternity.

What are you carrying today that is weighing you down?  Illness?  Financial problems?  Wayward children?  Whatever it is, ask Him to help you through it.  He is faithful and true and will make a way where there seems to be no way.  He adores you and is delighted when you turn to Him. God bless.  

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:4-5

Proverbs 25:4-5 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Remove impurities from silver,

and a vessel will be produced for a silversmith.

Remove the wicked from the king’s presence,

and his throne will be established in righteousness.

Morning Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

2 Corinthians 1:8-11 Holman Christian Standard Bible

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 - John 17:9-12

John 17:9-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible

I pray for them.

I am not praying for the world

but for those You have given Me,

because they are Yours.

Everything I have is Yours,

and everything You have is Mine,

and I have been glorified in them.

I am no longer in the world,

but they are in the world,

and I am coming to You.

Holy Father,

protect them by Your name

that You have given Me,

so that they may be one as We are one.

While I was with them,

I was protecting them by Your name

that You have given Me.

I guarded them and not one of them is lost,

except the son of destruction,

so that the Scripture may be fulfilled.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 40:11-13

Psalm 40:11-13 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Lord, do not withhold Your compassion from me;

Your constant love and truth will always guard me.

For troubles without number have surrounded me;

my sins have overtaken me; I am unable to see.

They are more than the hairs of my head,

and my courage leaves me.

Lord, be pleased to deliver me;

hurry to help me, Lord.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:1-3

Proverbs 25:1-3 Holman Christian Standard Bible

These too are proverbs of Solomon,

which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, copied.

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter

and the glory of kings to investigate a matter.

As the heaven is high and the earth is deep,

so the hearts of kings cannot be investigated.

Morning Scripture Reading - 1 John 3:18-20

1 John 3:18-20 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action. This is how we will know we belong to the truth and will convince our conscience in His presence, even if our conscience condemns us, that God is greater than our conscience, and He knows all things.

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 40:9-10

Psalm 40:9-10 Holman Christian Standard Bible

I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;

see, I do not keep my mouth closed—

as You know, Lord.

I did not hide Your righteousness in my heart;

I spoke about Your faithfulness and salvation;

I did not conceal Your constant love and truth

from the great assembly.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 24:30-34

Proverbs 24:30-34 Holman Christian Standard Bible

I went by the field of a slacker

and by the vineyard of a man lacking sense.

Thistles had come up everywhere,

weeds covered the ground,

and the stone wall was ruined.

I saw, and took it to heart;

I looked, and received instruction:

a little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the arms to rest,

and your poverty will come like a robber,

your need, like a bandit.

Morning Scripture Reading - Acts 2:38-40

Acts 2:38-40 Holman Christian Standard Bible

“Repent,” Peter said to them, “and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” And with many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt generation!”

Evening Scripture Reading - Jeremiah 17:11

Jeremiah 17:11 Holman Christian Standard Bible

He who makes a fortune unjustly

is like a partridge that hatches eggs it didn’t lay.

In the middle of his days

his riches will abandon him,

so in the end he will be a fool.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 40:6-8

Psalm 40:6-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible

You do not delight in sacrifice and offering;

You open my ears to listen.

You do not ask for a whole burnt offering or a sin offering.

Then I said, “See, I have come;

it is written about me in the volume of the scroll.

I delight to do Your will, my God;

Your instruction lives within me.”

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Sin Among the Faithful

Many of you have studied the life of Jesus. You see the Son of God give up his throne on high to come to earth not as a conqueror or as a king or prince. As John most beautifully put it, he became flesh and lived among us. His birth was a simple one. There was no fanfare of trumpets or a national holiday declared. He came into this world in an animal feeding trough surrounded by smelly farm animals and worshiped by even smellier shepherds. Those that came were the common folk. Simple people marveling at the birth of Jesus. 

It is from this humble beginning that Jesus walked among the people and taught them about the love of God and God’s ability to forgive sin. He had no problem or issue with talking with tax collectors, prostitutes or any other outcast of society. In every encounter with those of low social ranking, Jesus showed great compassion and love for them. His mission was to reach out to all people and tell them of God’s love and salvation. However, there was one class of individuals he was extremely harsh to and was brutally honest with. That group of people were the religious leaders of the day. These individuals knew God’s message and taught it to others and, in many cases, they abused their position for their own desires.

In chapter twenty-three of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus called the religious leaders “snakes” and “sons of vipers”. Jesus called them out, because they knew better but did what they wanted out of their own desire. They taught and said one thing to the people and didn’t follow their own teachings. Jesus called them, “hypocrites”. 

Paul did the same thing when it came to the church in Rome. Paul, early in chapter one of his letter, is thankful for each in the church in Rome and wants to visit them again to not only encourage their faith but also his own. As he continues, his tone changes and begins to call out their wickedness. 

Paul, in chapter two, writes, “Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. No wonder the Scriptures say, ‘The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.’”

As Christians, we teach others about God and how to be obedient by avoiding sin, but those words are empty when we, ourselves, commit the same sins that we taught others to shun. People will look at our example and call us the same thing that Jesus called the religious leaders who failed to follow the laws they taught to others, “hypocrites”.

When we continue to live our lives in a sinful way after accepting God’s undeserved gift of salvation, are we truly saved by God’s grace?

Over the past couple of decades, church attendance has dropped in Europe and that trend is happening in the United States. Many have given up their faith for the things of this world. New idols and thoughts have replaced our faith and moral principles. We have accepted the things of this world as gospel and have failed to live by the true Gospel. 

Look at our society. What was once considered taboo and sinful has slowly, over time, become acceptable. We are no longer united as a Judeo-Christian nation based on the foundation of Christian values. Murder, rape and other sins have become commonplace. We have ignored our faith and no longer look to God. He has been replaced with our own gods and idols. What happens when a God-fearing nation turns away from their faith and from God?   

Paul, in chapter one of his epistle to the Romans, writes, “So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So, they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires.”

By allowing our sinful desires to get the better of us and cause us to drift away from God, God gives us over to those desires. If this is what we want, that is exactly what we will get. God is very patient with His children to an extent, but when we move away from Him and the teachings of His son, then that is our own decision and God will allow that. God gave us free will to make our own choices. If we choose to return to our sinful nature, God will not stop us from doing that.

For me, the most painfully hard part of this is that we know better. We have been taught and, yet, we have decided to go down the path of sin that only leads to destruction, death and damnation. It is so easy today for us to wander away from our faith. Sin is all around us each day. We see things we cannot unsee and internalize them. Then, one day, we accept those things as just what they are. Is there a way back?

The answer is “yes”. There is a way back to God. We must accept and live by our faith and return to the path of righteousness. However, there is a time limit. In time, the last trumpet will sound and the judgment of the Lord will be laid upon us. Saints and sinners alike will stand before God’s throne and the Book of Life will be opened.

Will your name be in the book? For those whose names aren’t in the book, they will be cast into the lake of fire for all eternity.

I implore you today to examine your life. Are you living your faith or have you accepted the way of this world as your path? It’s not too late. Give up sin and return to God’s arms. Ask for forgiveness and repent of your sins. God will gladly welcome you back to His kingdom and you can stand firm in His grace.

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

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 24:28-29

Proverbs 24:28-29 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Don’t testify against your neighbor without cause.

Don’t deceive with your lips.

Don’t say, “I’ll do to him what he did to me;

I’ll repay the man for what he has done.”

Morning Scripture Reading - Ecclesiastes 9:17-18

Ecclesiastes 9:17-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The calm words of the wise are heeded

more than the shouts of a ruler over fools.

Wisdom is better than weapons of war,

but one sinner can destroy much good.

Evening Scripture Reading - Ecclesiastes 2:12-14

Ecclesiastes 2:12-14 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Then I turned to consider wisdom, madness, and folly, for what will the man be like who comes after the king? He will do what has already been done. And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness.

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.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 40:4-5

Psalm 40:4-5 Holman Christian Standard Bible

How happy is the man

who has put his trust in the Lord

and has not turned to the proud

or to those who run after lies!

Lord my God, You have done many things—

Your wonderful works and Your plans for us;

none can compare with You.

If I were to report and speak of them,

they are more than can be told.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 24:27

Proverbs 24:27 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field;

afterward, build your house.

Morning Scripture Reading - John 21:15-19

John 21:15-19 Holman Christian Standard Bible

When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.”

“Feed My lambs,” He told him.

A second time He asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.”

“Shepherd My sheep,” He told him.

He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”

Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you love Me?” He said, “Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You.”

“Feed My sheep,” Jesus said. “I assure you: When you were young, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to signify by what kind of death he would glorify God. After saying this, He told him, “Follow Me!”

Evening Scripture Reading - Philippians 1:9-11

Philippians 1:9-11 Holman Christian Standard Bible

And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you can approve the things that are superior and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 40:1-3

Psalm 40:1-3 Holman Christian Standard Bible

For the choir director. A Davidic psalm.

I waited patiently for the Lord,

and He turned to me and heard my cry for help.

He brought me up from a desolate pit,

out of the muddy clay,

and set my feet on a rock,

making my steps secure.

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear

and put their trust in the Lord.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 24:26

Proverbs 24:26 Holman Christian Standard Bible

He who gives an honest answer

gives a kiss on the lips.

Morning Scripture Reading - Matthew 23:16-22

Matthew 23:16-22 Holman Christian Standard Bible

“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever takes an oath by the sanctuary, it means nothing. But whoever takes an oath by the gold of the sanctuary is bound by his oath.’ Blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the sanctuary that sanctified the gold? Also, ‘Whoever takes an oath by the altar, it means nothing. But whoever takes an oath by the gift that is on it is bound by his oath.’ Blind people! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? Therefore, the one who takes an oath by the altar takes an oath by it and by everything on it. The one who takes an oath by the sanctuary takes an oath by it and by Him who dwells in it. And the one who takes an oath by heaven takes an oath by God’s throne and by Him who sits on it.

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Timothy 1:5-7

1 Timothy 1:5-7 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Some have deviated from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion. They want to be teachers of the law, although they don’t understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 39:12-13

Psalm 39:12-13 Holman Christian Standard Bible

“Hear my prayer, Lord,

and listen to my cry for help;

do not be silent at my tears.

For I am a foreigner residing with You,

a temporary resident like all my fathers.

Turn Your angry gaze from me

so that I may be cheered up

before I die and am gone.”

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 24:23-25

Morning Scripture Reading - Matthew 12:25-29

Matthew 12:25-29 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Knowing their thoughts, He told them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for destruction, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, who is it your sons drive them out by? For this reason they will be your judges. If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you. How can someone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.

Evening Scripture Reading - Philippians 1:3-6

Philippians 1:3-6 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.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 39:6-11

Psalm 39:6-11 Holman Christian Standard Bible

“Certainly, man walks about like a mere shadow.

Indeed, they frantically rush around in vain,

gathering possessions

without knowing who will get them.

Now, Lord, what do I wait for?

My hope is in You.

Deliver me from all my transgressions;

do not make me the taunt of fools.

I am speechless; I do not open my mouth

because of what You have done.

Remove Your torment from me;

I fade away because of the force of Your hand.

You discipline a man with punishment for sin,

consuming like a moth what is precious to him;

every man is only a vapor. Selah

Mid-Week Message - The Most Pleasant Aroma

"Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?"  2 Corinthians 2:15-16 (NLT)

Our sense of smell creates and recalls to mind memories that can both touch our hearts or turn our stomachs.  For instance, I will forever remember the way my mother smelled after she took a bath.  Her blend of bubble bath and bath powder coupled with a hint of perfume would permeate the house.  It was a sweet aroma that made the house feel even more like home.  One evening recently that fragrance came to me.  It was just an ordinary evening but suddenly those memories were triggered by that familiar smell.  I still have no idea from whence it came but it made me feel close to her even though she passed away thirteen years ago.  Not all smells are pleasant however.  I have heard medical professionals speak of the stench of burnt flesh and how it is something they will never be able to forget even though it causes them to feel ill at the very thought of it.  

I love the smell of coffee.  I have been known to stand in the coffee aisle in the grocery store just to take in the wonderful earthy scent as long as I could.  Not everyone likes that smell though.  To me it is a pleasure, to others it is something to be avoided.  This week's verse discusses the dichotomy of our lives being a Christ-like fragrance.  To some it symbolizes life but to others death.  

This has caused me to do some introspection.  What does it mean?  If we are to live lives that are "a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God", what are we to do?  I see in this verse what is ideal. Ideally we are to reflect our Lord as He is.  Ideally, we are to live our lives in such a manner that others will be drawn to us, not because of us, but because of Him in us.  However, most of us do not present ourselves in such a manner at all times, or even most of the time.  We get caught up in whatever is happening in the moment and forget that He is living in us.  We fail to project His love, His hope, His power.  

When we accept Jesus as our personal Savior, we are born anew.  The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us and we begin to grow closer to Him and become more like Him.  There are times though that we revert back to our old ways.  Our old speech patterns come back.  Old habits such as worry and defeatism return.  We forget that those around us who do not know Him are watching us to see how we rely on Him to help us through troubled times.  In so doing, we lose the sweet aroma and emit a sour smell of hopelessness.  An unsaved person that witnesses this may conclude that since we say we are Christians yet do not have confidence in Jesus, that there is no reason for them to either.  If we turn to Him, praise Him and openly trust Him, then we present the opposite.  The fragrance will be one that draws others in and creates a desire to know more about our Lord.  It is one that will speak life and joy.

We have an enemy whose main purpose is to snatch us away from Jesus.  He doesn't want us to reach others with the Truth.  He hates anything that points the way to the Almighty.  So he is quite pleased when we fall back into our old ways.  He revels at the stench of death.  Let's not give him that satisfaction.  We belong to Christ.  That needs to be our identity, our purpose and our very breath. 

As we go through this week, let's be on guard so that the fragrance we project is Christ-like.  It will mean being alert and conscious of our words and actions at all times.  That's okay though because we have the Holy Spirit to help us.  Love and blessings to all.  

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 24:21-22

Proverbs 24:21-22 Holman Christian Standard Bible

My son, fear the Lord, as well as the king,

and don’t associate with rebels,

for destruction from them will come suddenly;

who knows what distress these two can bring?

Morning Scripture Reading - John 8:42-47

John 8:42-47 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, because I came from God and I am here. For I didn’t come on My own, but He sent Me. Why don’t you understand what I say? Because you cannot listen to My word. You are of your father the Devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of liars. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Who among you can convict Me of sin? If I tell the truth, why don’t you believe Me? The one who is from God listens to God’s words. This is why you don’t listen, because you are not from God.”

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Chronicles 16:14

1 Chronicles 16:14 Holman Christian Standard Bible

He is the Lord our God;

His judgments govern the whole earth.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 39:1-5

Psalm 39:1-5 Holman Christian Standard Bible

For the choir director, for Jeduthun. A Davidic psalm.

I said, “I will guard my ways

so that I may not sin with my tongue;

I will guard my mouth with a muzzle

as long as the wicked are in my presence.”

I was speechless and quiet;

I kept silent, even from speaking good,

and my pain intensified.

My heart grew hot within me;

as I mused, a fire burned.

I spoke with my tongue:

“Lord, reveal to me the end of my life

and the number of my days.

Let me know how short-lived I am.

You, indeed, have made my days short in length,

and my life span as nothing in Your sight.

Yes, every mortal man is only a vapor. Selah

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 24:19-20

Proverbs 24:19-20 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Don’t be agitated by evildoers,

and don’t envy the wicked.

For the evil have no future;

the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

Morning Scripture Reading - John 14:27-29

John 14:27-29 Holman Christian Standard Bible

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful. You have heard Me tell you, ‘I am going away and I am coming to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens so that when it does happen you may believe.

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 60:1-3

Isaiah 60:1-3 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Arise, shine, for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord shines over you.

For look, darkness covers the earth,

and total darkness the peoples;

but the Lord will shine over you,

and His glory will appear over you.

Nations will come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your radiance.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 38:21-22

Psalm 38:21-22 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Lord, do not abandon me;

my God, do not be far from me.

Hurry to help me,

Lord, my Savior.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 24:17-18

Proverbs 24:17-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Don’t gloat when your enemy falls,

and don’t let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,

or the Lord will see, be displeased,

and turn His wrath away from him.

Morning Scripture Reading - John 3:5-8

John 3:5-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Jesus answered, “I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again. The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

1 Corinthians 15:42-44 Holman Christian Standard Bible

So it is with the resurrection of the dead:

Sown in corruption, raised in incorruption;

sown in dishonor, raised in glory;

sown in weakness, raised in power;

sown a natural body, raised a spiritual body.

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 38:13-20

Psalm 38:13-20 Holman Christian Standard Bible

I am like a deaf person; I do not hear.

I am like a speechless person

who does not open his mouth.

I am like a man who does not hear

and has no arguments in his mouth.

I put my hope in You, Lord;

You will answer, Lord my God.

For I said, “Don’t let them rejoice over me—

those who are arrogant toward me when I stumble.”

For I am about to fall,

and my pain is constantly with me.

So I confess my guilt;

I am anxious because of my sin.

But my enemies are vigorous and powerful;

many hate me for no reason.

Those who repay evil for good

attack me for pursuing good.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 24:15-16

Proverbs 24:15-16 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Wicked man, don’t set an ambush,

at the camp of the righteous man;

don’t destroy his dwelling.

Though a righteous man falls seven times,

he will get up,

but the wicked will stumble into ruin.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Faith is a Full-Time Job

When I was growing up, I heard a term that I really didn’t understand, “fair-weather Christian”. I really didn’t understand its meaning until years later. The term is used to describe a Christian who professes his or her faith when things are great. When things start to go the other way and there are trials and troubles, their faith seems to wane and they blame God for their misfortune or repeatedly demand an answer of why they are going through tough times.

It is very easy for a person who has a weak faith to do this. Faith is like a muscle. It requires exercise and to be pushed in order to grow. If you don’t exercise a muscle, it atrophies and grows weaker until it becomes useless. 

If you expect to grow strong in your faith, it requires that you deal with the things that come into your life by trusting in God and knowing that He will see you through that dark valley. Faith is a full-time job. You don’t have the luxury of “punching out” of the job at the end of a shift. You must live your faith all the time and endure what life throws at you. 

When you accepted Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, he never promised that you will have everything you desire or that you will live problem-free for the rest of your life. If that were so, everyone would be a Christian and faith, as well as God, would be nothing more than ways to a life filled with nothing, but fair weather, smooth sailing and having everything you ever wanted. 

There is an old story that is often cited when it comes to faith. A person prayers and prayers for something every single day and that desire isn’t fulfilled. One day, the person changed the content of the prayer and asked God why the desire wasn’t fulfilled. God replies to the person, “I did reply. The answer was ‘no’.”

It is so easy for many to become disillusioned over their faith. They are taught that all they have to do is donate to a church and ask God for whatever they want. Their faith is based on physical things. They believe in God as long as the blessings of wealth and fame keep coming their way. When God doesn’t deliver, their faith is shattered and they give up on God. They feel cheated and that God doesn’t really listen to His children.

That sort of faith is based on the “prosperity gospel” which is filled with lies that are spewed from the pulpits of churches by ministers who wear Rolex watches and fancy suits and fly around on jets purchased by their congregations. They tell their congregations, when things are not going their way, just pray more and give more.

That is not what God intended for us. Faith alone doesn’t not need validation by God giving you a Bentley and a Rolex. God provides for your needs and isn’t obligated to give you whatever you demand.

Some will cite Psalm thirty-seven and tell you that God will give you the desires of your heart. He will as long as that desire is aligned with His will and isn’t just a demand for something shiny.

James, in chapter four of the book bearing his name, writes, “You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”

We live in a world that makes things easy. We can order groceries via our smartphones and pick up dinner via drive-thru. Many around the world suffer and would be glad to have one-hundredth of what we have in the United States. God has blessed us and, yet, we want more and our faith goes weaker and weaker.

Church attendance is down in a big way and when something bad happens like a tornado or hurricane, many will blame God for not caring. But, when we demand things from God and don’t receive them, that is the deepest cut of all. 

Many are quick to remind God that we are His children and we want something from Him. A few would even go as far to threaten to leave Him over not getting what they want. That is how a spoiled child acts. A person with a strong faith would never act that way or be tempted to do so.

James goes on and writes, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.”

A person who realizes that faith is a full-time job realizes that that his or her life belongs to God. It is His to give and His to take. The primary responsibilities of Christian center entirely around God. He is truly the center of our lives. Without Him, we are nothing and with Him, we are strong and can withstand the strongest storms. We must always remain humble in His presence and be thankful for what we have. 

Building a strong faith requires work and it is something that is done daily. Once you start to build your faith and become stronger, you will most definitely stand firm in His grace.

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

Morning Scripture Reading - Luke 13:28-30

Luke 13:28-30 Holman Christian Standard Bible

There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in that place, when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves thrown out. They will come from east and west, from north and south, and recline at the table in the kingdom of God. Note this: Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

Evening Scripture Reading - James 3:13-16

James 3:13-16 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 38:9-12

Psalm 38:9-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Lord, my every desire is known to You;

my sighing is not hidden from You.

My heart races, my strength leaves me,

and even the light of my eyes has faded.

My loved ones and friends stand back from my affliction,

and my relatives stand at a distance.

Those who seek my life set traps,

and those who want to harm me threaten to destroy me;

they plot treachery all day long.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 24:13-14

Proverbs 24:13-14 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Eat honey, my son, for it is good,

and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate;

realize that wisdom is the same for you.

If you find it, you will have a future,

and your hope will never fade.

Morning Scripture Reading - Luke 23:39-43

Luke 23:39-43 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!”

But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”

And He said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.”