Morning Scripture Reading - Hebrews 13:15-16

Hebrews 13:15-16 New International Version (NIV)

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Afternoon Scripture Reading - Psalm 55:22

Psalm 55:22 New International Version (NIV)

22 Cast your cares on the Lord
    and he will sustain you;
he will never let
    the righteous be shaken.

Morning Scripture Reading - Proverbs 16:3

Proverbs 16:3 New International Version (NIV)

3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.

Afternoon Scripture Reading - 1 Kings 4:29-34

1 Kings 4:29-34 New International Version (NIV)

Solomon’s Wisdom

29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. 32 He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. 33 He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 34 From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.[a]

Footnotes:

1. 1 Kings 4:34 In Hebrew texts 4:21-34 is numbered 5:1-14.

Mid-Week Message - Simple Faith

"Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those that brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."  And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them."  Mark 10:13-16 (NKJV) 

"Do, Lord, oh do, Lord, oh do remember me!"  This is the song that was on my mind when I awoke this morning.  It brought back so many wonderful memories.  I learned it in Sunday School as a young child.  I can remember singing it in Vacation Bible School and even belting it out at school during recess.  As I grew older, I sang it to the children I babysat and, eventually, taught it to my own daughter.  It is such a simple little song but its verses remind us of the close relationship we have with our Lord.  

Childhood.  Young minds are open and accepting of what they are presented.  If we teach truth, they learn truth.  If we teach lies, they learn those lies as truth.  As we grow older and encounter the good and bad of life, we handle what is thrown at us with those early teachings as our foundation.  Jesus knew that it was easy for children to believe He was who He said He was.  He took the opportunity to speak words of blessing to them that they would carry for their entire lives.  They hadn't yet begun to question what they were taught.  They took it on simple faith.  

Wouldn't it be wonderful to return to that time when we didn't have to question everything that we see and hear?   Unfortunately this world is filled with those who lie to us and hide their motives for what they do.  Because of that, many of us have become analyzers.  After each encounter we go off and rethink everything that was said and done and develop our own opinions about what was meant.  The problem with that is that our Creator did not give us the ability to know what is in someone else's heart or mind.  Even worse, our habit of analyzing can often bleed over into our relationship with the Lord to the point where we find ourselves questioning His Word as absolute truth.  

In the Lord's presence, we need to allow ourselves to get beyond the walls that the hurt in this world has caused us to build.  God does not, cannot, lie.  In all that He does and says to us we can be assured to find nothing but truth.  We can sing songs like "Jesus Loves Me" and allow that childlike spirit within us to dance in the simplicity and joy that it brings.  We need not fear Him.  Like the children in today's verse, we can feel free to climb upon His lap and know that we will find nothing but pure love.  Simple faith is within our grasp.  Reach out and grab it and don't let go.  

Morning Scripture Reading - Ephesians 3:14-19

Ephesians 3:14-19 New International Version (NIV)

A Prayer for the Ephesians

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a]in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Footnotes:

1. Ephesians 3:15 The Greek for family (patria) is derived from the Greek for father (pater).

Afternoon Scripture Reading - Acts 18:9-11

Acts 18:9-11 New International Version (NIV)

9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” 11 So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

Morning Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 New International Version (NIV)

16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Footnotes:

1. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Or Christ, that person is a new creation.
2. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Or be a sin offering

Afternoon Scripture Reading - Psalms 5:8-11

Psalm 5:8-11 New International Version (NIV)

8 Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness
    because of my enemies—
    make your way straight before me.
9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
    their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;
    with their tongues they tell lies.
10 Declare them guilty, O God!
    Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
    for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
    let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Morning Scripture Reading - Genesis 12:1-3

Genesis 12:1-3 New International Version (NIV)

The Call of Abram

12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

2 “I will make you into a great nation,
    and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
    and you will be a blessing.[a]
3 I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.”[b]

Footnotes:

1. Genesis 12:2 Or be seen as blessed
2. Genesis 12:3 Or earth / will use your name in blessings (see 48:20)

Afternoon Scripture Reading - Nehemiah 9:7-8

Nehemiah 9:7-8 New International Version (NIV)

7 “You are the Lord God, who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and named him Abraham. 8 You found his heart faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him to give to his descendants the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites and Girgashites. You have kept your promise because you are righteous.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Not Far from the Kingdom

While I was doing some reading in the Gospel of Mark, I ran across a passage that had me thinking for weeks on end. As I continued to think about the conversation between a religious teacher and Jesus, Jesus’ last words began to really sink into my heart and soul. 

Jesus said to the teacher in Mark 12, “34 You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”

Let us look at the context of the entire conversation. A religious teacher asks Jesus which commandment is the most important. Jesus replies that each person must “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength.” Jesus is referencing the Book of Deuteronomy, specifically chapter 6:4-5. Almost in the same breath, he adds that it is equally as important to love your neighbor as yourself. He then adds, “No other commandment is greater than these.”

The teacher responds, “This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required by the law.”

After saying that, Jesus then tells him that he is not far from the kingdom of God. These two simple commandments are the ones that should be the basis not only of our faith but also of our teachings.

When we have an opportunity to share the word of God in its purest form, there are no fancy words or need to begin a dissertation on any other points in the Bible. The truth is the truth and, as Jesus states in John 8, “31 You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

As that teacher proclaimed those words of truth, he realizes that no amount of burnt offerings or sacrifices are as important as those two commandments.

When we accept those truths for ourselves, we free ourselves from the ideas of men and truly live as God intended for us to live which is to live in love not only for God the Father but also for our neighbors. 

Remember what Paul writes Timothy in his first letter in chapter 1, “4 Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God. 5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.”

Look closely at the two commandments that Jesus talks about. What do they have in common? The answer is very simple. It is love. Our love should come from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith when it comes to God and our neighbors.

Our lives should not be shrouded in endless discussions regarding religion or what things are more important. Jesus has already given us the lesson. Our place in the kingdom is to teach the Word as it was given to us.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, in chapter 5, says in his Sermon on the Mount, “19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 20 But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” 

In order for us to maintain our great place in the Kingdom of Heaven, we must obey all of God’s laws and teach them as given to all others. We teach the truth, the simple truth given to us in the words of Jesus. We do not add or detract from the Word of God. It is plain, simple and the truth.

Early in the passage, Jesus says, “17 Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.”

Jesus talks about accomplishing their purpose and achieving their purpose. The purpose of the laws is to help us with our relationship with God the Father and our neighbors. The truth that Jesus reveals to us is the guide to reaching the Kingdom of Heaven.

By following the teachings of Jesus, understanding and applying the Word and teaching others the truth, we are closer to the Kingdom just as Jesus stated when the teacher realized the truth revealed in the words of Jesus. We should never engage in myths and spiritual pedigrees. When we do this, we detract from the Word and push our own ideas and agenda on others. We are not here to do that. We are here to speak the truth as it was revealed to us.

As you continue your walk with the Lord, always remember what we are to work towards. We are to keep God’s law by loving Him without condition or reservation and to love our neighbors as ourselves. When we do those things, the other laws are easy to follow and their purpose is achieved and accomplished. It is not enough to hear the words. We must live those words daily by showing them in action.

If you do not have a relationship with God the Father and feel that there is something missing in your life, I ask you to read the words of Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. John writes in Revelation 3, “20 Look! I (Jesus speaking) stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”

All it takes is a simple knock and opening that door to allow Jesus to come into your life. It is a simple act and response to a simple truth. 

Think about the words of Jesus and the purpose of the laws, especially the ones Jesus tells us are the most important. When we understand those laws, we are a step closer to the kingdom and able to stand firm in His grace.

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

Morning Scripture Reading - Isaiah 46:8-11

Isaiah 46:8-11 New International Version (NIV)

8 “Remember this, keep it in mind,
    take it to heart, you rebels.
9 Remember the former things, those of long ago;
    I am God, and there is no other;
    I am God, and there is none like me.
10 I make known the end from the beginning,
    from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
    and I will do all that I please.’
11 From the east I summon a bird of prey;
    from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that I will bring about;
    what I have planned, that I will do.

Afternoon Scripture Reading - Mark 12:32-34

Mark 12:32-34 New International Version (NIV)

32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Morning Scripture Reading - Deuteronomy 4:35-38

Deuteronomy 4:35-38 New International Version (NIV)

35 You were shown these things so that you might know that the Lord is God; besides him there is no other. 36 From heaven he made you hear his voice to discipline you. On earth he showed you his great fire, and you heard his words from out of the fire. 37 Because he lovedyour ancestors and chose their descendants after them, he brought you out of Egypt by his Presence and his great strength, 38 to drive out before you nations greater and stronger than you and to bring you into their land to give it to you for your inheritance, as it is today.

Afternoon Scripture Reading - 1 Kings 18:20-21

1 Kings 18:20-21 New International Version (NIV)

20 So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. 21 Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”

But the people said nothing.

Morning Scripture Reading - Hosea 10:1-4

Hosea 10:1-4 New International Version (NIV)

 Israel was a spreading vine;
    he brought forth fruit for himself.
As his fruit increased,
    he built more altars;
as his land prospered,
    he adorned his sacred stones.
2 Their heart is deceitful,
    and now they must bear their guilt.
The Lord will demolish their altars
    and destroy their sacred stones.

3 Then they will say, “We have no king
    because we did not revere the Lord.
But even if we had a king,
    what could he do for us?”
4 They make many promises,
    take false oaths
    and make agreements;
therefore lawsuits spring up
    like poisonous weeds in a plowed field.