When I read about all of these other religions, it always involves this list of things that are practically unattainable that don’t really guarantee anything for you spiritually. What a terrible way to live your life in uncertainty! For us, the Lord wants us to remember what He has done to bring us to a place where we will do what is just, merciful, and walk in humility with Him.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day (Psalm 25:5).
I think if you ask most Christians, they would say they are led by the Lord. We try our best, right? When we are led by the Lord, it means we are following Him in everything. But I think it’s interesting that the Psalmist makes a point to talk about waiting on God. It doesn’t say waiting a few seconds, when I think I am ready, not even an hour. It says I will wait all day long to move if you would have me waiting with you. What are you rushing into? What are you eagerly moving in that God is saying, “Stay here for a moment.” Waiting upon the Lord doesn’t mean you are not doing anything, it means you are learning patience. Wait upon Him.
Patiently seeking Him,
Pastor Sean Boehm
There is nothing more pleasant than to walk into a home where you can immediately sense there is a peace and calm within its walls. When its foundation is wisdom and its walls are held together by understanding then each room will be filled with the precious and pleasant knowledge of our loving Savior.
So maybe your house already stands but take some time to build the kind of home this Proverb is talking about. The benefits and rewards will bless all who dwell within.
That’s a promise,
Pastor Gerard Deleeuw
There are many verses in the Bible teaching the importance of having Jesus in our lives to go to Heaven and this is one of them. It goes along with John 14:6 which says, Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.
Yet it should be understood Jesus in our lives brings not only eternal life, but an abundant life here on earth. That’s not speaking financially but in terms of our satisfaction. Spurgeon said, “Life is a matter of degrees. Some have life, but it flickers like a dying candle, and is indistinct as the fire in the smoking flax; others are full of life, and are bright and vehement.”
Isn’t it a sign of Jesus working in us that we can continue to enjoy life even when things aren’t going well while others who don’t believe can have everything in the world but hate their life? If that’s you today, maybe you need the Son who gives you life.
Living a blessed life,
Pastor Ron Kitchell
Have you ever said to yourself, “I am impressed with the wonderful truths of God’s Word, but He can’t really expect me to live up to that and work all those details into my life!” When it comes to confronting Jesus Christ on the basis of His qualities and abilities, our attitudes reflect religious superiority. We think His ideals are lofty and they impress us, but we believe He is not in touch with reality— that what He says cannot actually be done.
Each of us thinks this about Jesus in one area of our life or another. These doubts or misgivings about Jesus begin as we consider questions that divert our focus away from God. While we talk of our dealings with Him, others ask us, “Where are you going to get enough money to live? How will you live and who will take care of you?” Or our misgivings begin within ourselves when we tell Jesus that our circumstances are just a little too difficult for Him. W
My misgivings arise from the fact that I search within to find how He will do what He says. My doubts spring from the depths of my own inferiority. If I detect these misgivings in myself, I should bring them into the light and confess them openly— “Lord, I have had misgivings about You. I have not believed in Your abilities, but only my own. And I have not believed in Your almighty power apart from my finite understanding of it.”
How about you?
Pastor William Del Casale
The children of Israel find themselves pinned against the Red Sea by Pharaoh and the Egyptian army. After God displayed His mighty power through the 10 plagues, they left Egypt with boldness, but that boldness had now turned to fear. God commands two things for them: One, do not be afraid, and two, stand still. The Bible is replete with the admonishment, “Do not be afraid.” As the saying goes, “God’s got this.” Know that when we think we are facing the insurmountable, God is still in charge and has a plan, and that plan is perfect. So it is best to stay out of the way by standing still and letting God do the work, rather than us making our own plans and trying to step out in our own strength.
Lord, we may not always know what you have in store for us, but may we rest assured knowing that since you see the end from the beginning that your plan is perfect, and may we stand still knowing that you will accomplish your work in our lives.
Jeff Mericle
Mysterious reasons behind our salvation are revealed to us in this amazing verse. The redemption we have obtained through the blood of Jesus, the forgiveness that has been granted us, and the riches of His amazing grace that He has showered upon us are infinitely valuable and completely undeserved. Why has this amazing grace been so lavishly bestowed upon us? Because it is God’s good pleasure to do so, for reasons which He purposed in Himself. In short, He did all this because He wanted to.
Just as it gives parents pleasure to give gifts to our children on Christmas morning, it gives God infinite pleasure to give us grace and mercy. This is why the death of Jesus is so precious, because it is the event that changed everything. Because of God’s infinite holiness, He cannot ignore our God-belittling sin. So grievous is our iniquity that all of us deserve nothing but eternal punishment. So impossible was our desperate and sinful condition, it required the death of His perfectly innocent Son to satisfy His requirement of holy justice.
It is just one of the many mysteries of God’s nature that His seemingly opposite eternal attributes of Justice and Mercy could meet in one event: the death of His Son on the cross. Jesus met God’s requirement for Justice on the cross so that mercy could be extended toward us. Praise His holy name!
Tom Day
The body of Christ consists of many people of many different talents, giftings, and callings. Despite the diversity within all these different types, the goal is for everyone in the church to do their part. When everyone is doing their part, the body grows, it gets stronger and the most distinguishing factor that will be evident when this is all working correctly is love.
At the end of the day, it’s not about us, it’s about Jesus, the head of the body, and what He has called each of us to do. Focus on doing that well, and we are that much closer to showcasing the love that makes the church a beautiful sight to see!
Pastor Jason Witt
A few verses earlier, Paul tells the Philippians to be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6) but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. We have a Father in heaven who loves us; who wants to be in our lives. I know for me, this verse is easy to quote. It’s easy to tell people just to give it to the Lord. It’s also easy to be in a situation when all you can think about is the situation you are currently in.
I do know that these last few months have been a nightmare. I know that worry and anxiety have come into our minds. Instead of thinking of these things, let’s meditate on God’s goodness. I have found myself going back to the cross; going back to those last days Jesus had to endure. Then I find myself going to the resurrection.
You’ve heard it before, “count your blessings.” During all that we have been going through, I have been doing just that. Counting my blessings. Meditating on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, anything that is praiseworthy. I’m able to do that because I have given anything and everything that might cause me to worry or anxious to the Lord.
Give it to the Lord and meditate on His goodness.
Joshua Navarro
Cares. Man, we all have those, don’t we? We care about our loved ones. We care about our finances. We care about ourselves and what the future holds. At times, we find ourselves sunk into predicaments that appear to have no solution. That’s when God’s promises change from words on paper to a lifeboat afloat on a raging sea.
Let’s focus on the word “casting” in this verse. Casting is translated from the Greek word epiripsantes. Literally, it means to throw something upon something else. It is a word that describes action. You and I are to throw our care and our anxiety to Jesus. He wants you to; He will gladly catch that pass. He will hold it, bear it, and deal with it. Why? Because He cares for you. Imagine that, your Creator, your Redeemer, your Savior, your King….He cares for you. Today, let’s step up and throw all of our cares upon Jesus. We don’t have to hold onto them one minute longer.
Jeff Deal
Can you imagine what it would look like to do everything for the glory of God? Everything, not just worship on Sunday mornings, but every aspect of life dedicated to glorifying our Lord. As you step out of bed in the morning, your mind is praising the Lord for His mercies. As you eat, you are thanking God for the food He has provided. As you sit in a traffic jam, you are singing praises to God for your life and that opportunity to be still and know He is God. Yes, anything and everything can be a sweet offering to our Lord when we purpose in our hearts to glorify His Name.
Our purpose and meaning in life is to glorify our Lord and He is blessed as we serve Him with all our heart. So, whatever you do in the course of your day, set your mind on glorifying God and watch as He uses you to be a blessing to others and a witness of His grace.
Pastor Doug Hardin
