Restoring Relationships through Christ: Reciprocity Matters.

Today we need to discover what it means to become new in Christ and the wonderful impact it has in us, our humanity, and our community!

 For a recording of this blog go to: “Restoring Relationships through Christ: Reciprocity Matters.” (Agents of Grace) on Podbean, check it out!
https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-dvxq6-119cc32

Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (NLT): 

“So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. “

The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. 

And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. 

And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

“Forgiveness may be one-sided. But reconciliation requires both parties to be willing to participate in restoring the relationship.” - Reference

1.  RE-Created in Christ - God’s Gift to us!

We are saved for a purpose! Redeemed to reconcile the world in Christ! 

The OLD life is gone and a NEW life has begun! 

We are RE-created in Christ.

—- this new life is filled with eternal values and we live by different principles!

It is the result of a gift to us! 

—- this grace given to us makes us agents of grace … like the spreading of a cure for Illness.

Once we understand this grace (free gift) we are motivated to a purpose! 

In Christian terms, grace can be generally defined as “God’s favor toward the unworthy” or “God’s benevolence on the undeserving.” In His grace, God is willing to forgive us and bless us, despite the fact that we fall short of living righteously. Reference

Grace is the opposite of karma, which is all about getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve. — Justin Holcomb

The word “reconciliation” is less commonly used. And generally, at least in the Scripture, it deals with the relationship between God and humanity. Reconciliation is the Greek word katallagē, meaning “an exchange; reconciliation, restoration to favor.” (Ed Jarrett, CT.com)

This gift to us means that we are motivated to be Agents of Grace!

2. Generosity - Our Response to God’s Gift! 

I love the song of grace: “Grace, Grace - God’s Grace! Grace that will pardon and cleanse within!”

How do we respond to that which was given to us by GOD, in Christ? 

We cannot reciprocate in exact change? It is not apples to apples. 

Our knowing of God’s grace makes us new! We are no longer “transactional” in our response. 

Have you experienced someone’s gift to you and think, how can I repay you? 

• Roadside service (unexpected generosity.)
• Maybe it is like receiving something of value that cannot be simply paid back? 
• Perhaps it is receiving good news when you expected nothing but bad news!! 

As we receive and understand the depths of grace we enter into a deeper way of life — We are transformed!! 

We see life as transformational not transactional. 

** We give because we have been given! ** 

Jesus Calling devotional: 

I AM WITH YOU AND FOR YOU. You face nothing alone--nothing! When you feel anxious, know that you are focusing on the visible world and leaving Me out of the picture. 

The remedy is simple: Fix your eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. Verbalize your trust in Me, the Living One who sees you always. I will get you safely through this day and all your days.

But you can find Me only in the present. 

Each day is a precious gift from My Father. 

How ridiculous to grasp for future gifts when today's is set before you! Receive today's gift gratefully, unwrapping it tenderly and delving into its depths. As you savor this gift, you find Me.

3. Reciprocity - Our gift to others! (Ambassadors of Reconciliation.)

I like to think of reconciliation as reciprocity. It is the act of generosity that is received and then acted upon toward someone else! 

Reciprocity is universal and at the core of civilization! Every culture needs it to survive. 

It goes beyond a fair exchange! 

For Christians: It is defined as the Golden Rule::

My friend, Malcolm Evans (died March 2021) was a businessman that wrote a book on business ethics: Leading Business by the Book.

Family members gathered and reflected stating: (He was) A dedicated family man, businessman, and philanthropist, Malcolm would often say, "You can't outgive God", and lived his life as a testament to this truth found in the scriptures (Malachi 3:8-12).

Quote from Malcolm’s book: 

Whatever city or country you do business in, you'll find a parallel of the Golden Rule- often known as

"the ethic of reciprocity." 

…However, you'll discover that many of these are phrased in the negative sense. 

When Jesus presented the Golden Rule, he presented it in a positive fashion.You see, it's one thing to say, “Don't do to others what you don't want done to you." But it's quite another to follow Christ's words, "Do to others as you would have them do to you" (Luke 6:31).

Confucius said, "Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you" (Analects 15:23). 

The Hindus teach, "This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you" (Mahabharata 5:1517). 

Other religions seem to reflect Christ's positive view in concept

but not in practice. For example, Islam teaches: “None of you [truly]

believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself" (Number 13 of Imam Al-Nawawi's Forty Hadiths). *

Christianity goes beyond simply a reply …. We call it being a blessing!

The law of blessing says that we will always reap what we have sow. This is, in part RECIPROCITY!

The way to develop RECIPROCITY is through GENEROSITY!  

Let me illustrate this from Malachi’s perspective: 

Malachi 3:11-12 (We find an IF-THEN principle …. Test GOD in our generosity! 

“Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.”

—-

As agents of grace we can bless others because of what GOD did on our behalf! 

We are called to live out the Law of Blessing:

Maybe it is a waitress.

Perhaps it is being courteous to others and even to the cashier.

It is going the extra mile in our generosity!

As you do unto the least of those among you! It is doing for someone who cannot reciprocate in the same way! Yet, it is like giving the gift of “treating them as God’s creation!”

— We are called to be Agents of Grace!

— We are called to the ministry of reconciliation! 

On 2/2/2022 reports tells us that Winter will continue for 6-weeks according to Punxsutawney Phil

He has made his 2022 Groundhog Day prediction: winter is here to stay! 

The furry rodent saw his shadow Wednesday morning in Punxsutawney, Pa., therefore predicting six more weeks of winter.

Perhaps you took those couple of days off due to the snowstorm that we just had and watched a few new movies like Groundhogs Day.

Groundhog Day is a 1993 American fantasy comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and written by Ramis and Danny Rubin. It stars Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell and Chris Elliott. Murray portrays Phil Connors, a cynical television weatherman covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, who becomes trapped in a time loop, forcing him to relive February 2nd repeatedly. 

“It is only when Phil stops using the loops to indulge his own desires and instead uses them to selflessly help others that he is freed.[11] In repeatedly failing to save the old homeless man, Phil is also forced to accept that he is not a god.[134] Similarly, regardless of how much knowledge he gains about Rita, and despite his accomplishments learned throughout the loops, he is unable to impress her enough to earn her love. He wins her over only once he stops trying to do so, when he demonstrates genuine care for helping others without fakery or self-interest, knowing that the day will likely reset and it will have all been for naught. Only then does Rita return his affections.[10][11][129] 

The aspects of Rita that Phil mocked at the start of the film have become qualities he admires and respects, and in turn, Phil receives Rita's love not because he desires it, but because he has genuinely become the type of person that Rita could love.”

I love what can summarized this topic by Ed Jarrett of CT.com — 

He writes: “Reconciliation involves forgiveness. But it goes beyond forgiveness. When I forgive someone, there is no guarantee that we will have a restored relationship. It may well be that even after I have forgiven someone that we remain estranged. Reconciliation, however, restores the relationship.

Forgiveness may be one-sided. But reconciliation requires both parties to be willing to participate in restoring the relationship. It is always possible, and expected, for me to forgive. 

But reconciliation will not be possible if the other party is not willing to participate.

Yet, as we receive God’s Grace, we become people of Generosity (a response to God’s love that transformed us) — And we then can bless others (even if they don’t reciprocate) because it points to the same hope of transformation that GOD offers!

For a recording of the message go to: “Restoring Relationships through Christ: Reciprocity Matters.” (Agents of Grace) on Podbean, check it out!

https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-dvxq6-119cc32

Selah! It’s Worth Thinking About!

There are many questions in the Bible that aren’t easy to answer. The origin and meaning of words are very significant, yet,  even theologians disagree on it’s meaning. Nevertheless, it is worth pursuing and thinking about to come up with a meaningful understanding.

The Bible is filled with mystery and curious wonders. Most people simply skim across does headlines and rarely consider its depth of meaning. It is worth thinking about!

The word Selah is one of those words that we find that is unclear of its origin and meaning. It is worth thinking about! You better understand this word I did a little bit of study but I thought I’d share with you today.

The Amplified Bible adds “pause and calmly think about that” to each verse where Selah appears. It is an intentional act of waiting in contemplation call has been written.

When we see the word Selah in a psalm or in Habakkuk 3, we should pause to carefully weigh the meaning of what we have just read or heard, lifting up our hearts in praise to God for His great truths. “All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name. Selah!” (Psalm 66:4).

One person theorized that the root of this word has an early connection to Latin and Greek and even potentially coming from the language of the Philistines. Not much is known of even that people group except that the people of God fought again against the Philistines.

Even David defeated their greatest warrior, Goliath which increased his notoriety and eventually kingship. It’s a good working theory and you could see his video here.

In Keith Massey’s video he connects the themes related to music and even the early understanding that derives its historic connection to 1 Samuel 16:18. David was musical. If his theories are correct then even the word solo get derive its meaning from this root connection. It’s obvious that the word solo is connected to someone singing a part or alone. This theory makes sense of the use and even gives us a deeper understanding of what it means to pause and reflect.

Each of these meanings do not drift terribly far from one another. They still carry a similar thread thunder standing. Ultimately each usage of the word Salah points back to the glory and praise of God. In a sense, we are to reflect upon the truth of God‘s message and even give him praise both as an individual and as a collective. 

It is curious, that although we may not use the word Selah in our daily vocabulary, we find the idea of meditating and waiting woven all throughout Scripture. In our instant pot culture where we find ourselves hurried we miss out on truth if we do not pause and consider as well as pause to worship. 

Selah! It’s worth thinking about.

To find more on this consider following website: Got Questions!

Selah is found in two books of the Bible, but is most prevalent in the Psalms, where it appears 71 times. It also appears three times in the third chapter of the minor prophet Habakkuk. So, since it’s mentioned so many times, it stands to reason that we would think about it and discover some of its truth.

Many different translations attempt to break this down with a significant clarity to its meaning. One such example is in Psalm chapter 3 in this word is used three times. It’s as if we are instructed to break in consider what has been written. Some translations use the word, interlude while others may reference it as a chorus that is familiar. Some believe it to be a pause to worship the truth of the verse. In the case of this chapter, we find three different courses or interludes.

Beyond this the word Selah is used in many other places has a particular theme associated with it.

When The World is Against GOD, He Laughs.

There are three words you find in Psalm 2: Rebellion, Righteousness, & Redemption

We find in this chapter 3 main characters:

Kings, the Lord, and the King of Kings!
This is divided into four sections like 4 verses in a hymn… but there are three distinct voices that we here when we read this passage. 

Listen to recording here: Podbean Recording.

One. This is the voice of Rebellion. (vs 1-3)
Two. This is the voice of the Righteous One. (vs 4 - 9)
Three. This is the voice of the Redeemer (& judge). (vs 10-12)

This Psalm is considered to be a Messianic passage - pointing to the One :: Jesus Christ. 

It’s believe that this was actually the first psalm that David wrote. The first chapter is a bit of an overview by king Solomon as he put together these books that we know as part of the wisdom literature. Psalm and Proverbs are part of that wisdom literature as is the book of Job.

Who are these kings? As illustration we could look to the leader of the Philippines: “President Rodrigo Duterte faced growing outrage today in his largely Catholic nation after calling God “stupid”, the latest of his candid speeches was sparked with an unfiltered broadside. Duterte took aim at the biblical creation story during a speech, raising the question of why God would create Adam and Eve and then expose them to temptation.

Acts 4:24-26
And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM, who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said,
‘WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS?
‘THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.’ (See also Eph 1:21-23)

Psalm 2 & Proverbs 2

N.T. Wright once wrote of special occasions in his reading of the Psalms.

 Trying to pick out individual psalms and their particular impact is like trying to remember particular breakfasts that I have eaten. Cereal and toast, bacon and eggs, pancakes and syrup, coffee and juice—whichever it is, it’s important, and if I have to skip it for whatever reason, the day gets off to a bad start. I remember the breakfast I had in the observation car on a Canadian Pacific train as the sun came up over Lake Superior. I remember staying with my grandparents in the country and having boiled eggs freshly laid by the hens that morning. I well remember breakfast on the first morning of our honeymoon. It’s the special occasions that stand out. So if the psalms I’m now going to talk about have to do with particular occasions, that doesn’t mean that they haven’t all sustained me, day by day and week by week. These are just a few small snapshots from what could be a much larger album.

Often people site the 23rd Psalm as one that is not only memorable but meaningful in their lives. I on the other hand, have a different take on it from an early formation in my young adult years.

One such memorable experience is when I preached at a nursing home on Psalm 23. I may have taken have told you the story but as I begin to preached I remember hearing a woman in the back of the room at the Wesleyan healthcare begin to cry out loud, “Nurse, nurse!  Get me out of here!” 

She got louder until finally one of the staff assisted her by pushing her down the hall. I figured that I would preach through that situation because that was part of my training and I didn’t think that it mattered to me. 

I remember what crossed my mind however, making this memorable, …at the very moment that I heard the woman yell from down the hall, “I can still hear him!” I thought… 
…to myself, “maybe I need to look for a different Calling!”
The Psalms are like that. There are times in our lives when we are dependent upon the nature of God‘s word to speak to us as an individual.

Let me share a bit of an overview. 
Today we want to talk about three main characters in this book (Psalm 2 & Proverbs 2).

Ps 1 is a summary and overview of the “list of songs” compiled by Solomon.

Psalms 1:1 is a theme passage: 
Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
— 
Perhaps the first Psalm of David’s... 
Ps 1 is Solomon’s preface! 
https://newsandpews.com/my-life-with-the-psalmsby-john-shelby-spong/

1. The kings of the world :: Rebellion.
Psalms 2:1
Why are the nations so angry?
Why do they waste their time with futile plans?

That was in 2018…
Related to this and more recently, the president said that he would resign if just one person could prove to him that there is a God!

Recorded; 
“The 73-year-old leader said if there’s “one single witness” who can prove, perhaps with a picture or a selfie that a human was “able to talk and to see God”, he will immediately resign.”
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2154205/duterte-vows-resign-if-anybody-can-prove-god-exists

This psalm, like others are woven throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament. Even referenced by Paul in the book of acts.

Psalms 2:2

The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
the rulers plot together
against the LORD
and against his anointed one.

Matthew 24:7
Nations will rise against nation, and Kingdom against Kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 
Why do people reject the only answer for their troubles? 
Why do people ignore the solution? 

Psalms 2:3
“Let us break their chains,” they cry,
“and free ourselves from slavery to God.”
People reject biblical answers that begin with God! 

Proverbs 2:14-15
They take pleasure in doing wrong,
and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.
Their actions are crooked,
and their ways are wrong.

2. The Lord (God) : The Righteous One! 

Psalms 2:4
But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
The Lord scoffs at them.
Man’s wisdom is foolishness to God! 

Proverbs 2:22
But the wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted.
New Living Translation

This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. - 1 Cor. 1:25

How then should we respond to a wicked generation? We to hate and despise wicked neighbors? For this is the question that we must answer related to this text. How did God respond? We know that he is capable of judgment, and it’s within his right for sure.

Yet, in Jesus we find a different response. Consider Luke 9:51….. 

“As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:51-55‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.9.51-55.NLT

Psalms 2:7
The king proclaims the LORD’s decree:
“The LORD said to me, ‘You are my son.
Today I have become your Father.

Psalms 2:8
Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
the whole earth as your possession.
The cross is the answer! Ie :: Kairos cross  given as we surrender our identity. 

The Lord the king being Jesus
“Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.”

Psalms 2:9
You will break them with an iron rod
and smash them like clay pots.’”
This speaks to his final coming when he will destroy those who stand in opposition in that final day.

Proverbs 2:5-6
Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD,
and you will gain knowledge of God.
For the LORD grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

—-
Proverbs 2:4-6
If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will discern the fear of the LORD
And discover the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

3. The King of kings! : Redemption.
Psalms 2:11
Serve the LORD with reverent fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
To the earthly Kings we are being told that they should repent and turn to the King of Kings! 

Psalms 2:12
Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry,
and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities—
for his anger flares up in an instant.
But what joy for all who take refuge in him!

Proverbs 2:4-6
If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will discern the fear of the LORD
And discover the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:21
For the upright will live in the land
And the blameless will remain in it;

Read part 2 of this study: When The World Is Against You…

“When the World is Against You….” (Ps 3 & Pro 3)

Today’s study will look at the 3rd chapter of Psalms and Proverbs. It’s a reminder that we will face trouble the side of heaven. 

Listen to recording here: Podbean Recording.

The world will not always be on our side nor will it be a comforting companion.

Perhaps that’s why the word test is in testimony.

We look to David because he shared so much of how he felt through his writings. He was transparentinvulnerable. Perhaps that’s why he was considered a man after God’s own heart.

Although he was not perfect, he is an example of … one who conquered battles for God’s glory, triumphed through trial, 

testified of God‘s faithfulness through trouble.

Point 1 — David’s complaint…

Psalms 3:1 -

(Morning Prayer of Trust in God.

A PSALM OF DAVID, WHEN HE FLED FROM ABSALOM HIS SON.)

“O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me.”

—-

The deepest of all grief is evident here by David. We have to understand that he has been betrayed (by his son, Absalom) and is now being Afflicted by those who are making accusations toward him. He wanted to rescue Absalom it was unable to get his heart is truly grieved what is having to deal with.

Spurgeon quote :: deepest pain. 

"If all the trials which come from heaven, all the temptations which ascend from hell, and all the crosses which arise from the earth, could be mixed and pressed together, they would not make a trial so terrible as that which is contained in this verse. It is the most bitter of all afflictions to be led to fear that there is no help for us in God.

-C.H. Spurgeon

Bible commentary reads::

“many ... foes” were surrounding him. In fact forces of the opposition had driven him from the palace and were then surrounding him.

Reminds me of Psalm 23…. In part.

“You prepare me a table IN THE PRESENCE of my enemies…” (I wonder what would it be like to eat your meals and to be able to look into the eyes of your enemy who is ready to attack!”)

Dale, Veteran who scouted with a K-9…. “An athiest prayed” See related video. (Walk point where people are trying to kill you!)

We can never fully understand the depth of God‘s love until we have reached the very depth of pain and anguish. 

Many want to avoid pain and heartache but it’s in that where we find “salvation or deliverance“.

Written on this is Precept Austin: 

“Dearly beloved, Are you facing an insurmountable obstacles and losing all hope of victory? Do you feel overwhelmed and powerless in your present circumstances? Then run into the Strong Tower of Jehovah Sabaoth, crying out to the LORD of hosts. "May Jehovah answer you in the day of trouble! May the NAME of the God of Jacob set you securely on high (see sagab)...Some boast in chariots, and some in horses, but we will boast in the NAME of Jehovah, our God. (Psalm 20:1, 7 Spurgeon) Our Redeemer, the LORD of HOSTS is His NAME, the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 47:4) — https://www.preceptaustin.org/jehovah_sabaoth_-_lord_of_hosts

Point 2 — Salvation = Deliverance

Salvation means deliverance. It is both spiritual and earthbound. David saw the blessings of the Lord as having impact on his winning and losing.

Psalms 3:3

But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.

Psalms 3:6

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, Who have set themselves against me round about.

**Psalms 3:8

Salvation belongs to the LORD;

Your blessing be upon Your people!

(Selah.)

David, twice was told to deliver himself from the grip of Absalom. In both times he refused because he said that the deliverance will be from the Lord!

Point 3 — How shall we respond when the world is against us?

It seems as though David was one filled with compassion for even his enemies. We find in second Samuel 15 through 18 the rebellion of Absalom.

We read in 2 Samuel 19:6 — 

“You seem to love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that your commanders and troops mean nothing to you. It seems that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died, you would be pleased.”

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭19:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.19.6.NLT

And again in 2 Samuel 19:21–23.

“Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shimei should die, for he cursed the Lord’s anointed king!” “Who asked your opinion, you sons of Zeruiah!” David exclaimed. “Why have you become my adversary today? This is not a day for execution, for today I am once again the king of Israel!” Then, turning to Shimei, David vowed, “Your life will be spared.””

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭19:21-23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/2sa.19.21-23.NLT

— 

Psalms 3:7

Arise, O LORD!

Save me, O my God!

For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.

In Psalm three we find that David has asked God to slap his offender & break their teeth. **I have to believe that this can be taken both literally but also figuratively.

Though, if we fear not it is because of our faith in God — it is like breaking the teeth of our enemies. When David fought the lion he was able to subdue it & kill it. When he fought the bear he was able to escape it and kill it.

**The metaphor is that he is saying to break that which has its grip on me.

We can easily cross reference these early writings of Psalm and Proverbs. They almost overlap the theme and ideas. It’s as if Solomon took from David’s writings to compile his own wisdom writings.

Proverbs 3:3-4

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

So you will find favor and good repute

In the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:5-7

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

Proverbs 3:35

The wise will inherit honor,

But fools display dishonor.

——

C.H. Spurgeon — Quote:

"If all the trials which come from heaven, all the temptations which ascend from hell, and all the crosses which arise from the earth, could be mixed and pressed together, they would not make a trial so terrible as that which is contained in this verse. It is the most bitter of all afflictions to be led to fear that there is no help for us in God.

-C.H. Spurgeon

—-

If there is a key verse that unlocks the power and purpose of Proverbs, it is: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). I believe the Lord wants you and me to grow in our relationship with Him and in our knowledge of Him and the way knowledge begins is with the fear of the Lord.

Oswald Chambers has said, "The remarkable thing about fearing God is that, when you fear God, you fear nothing else; whereas, if you do not fear God, you fear everything else."

https://www.marionstar.com/story/news/2021/08/14/rev-street-fear-lord-beginning-wisdom/5536937001/

As we conclude these two related messages we can come to a greater understanding of what it is to walk with God.

1. When the world is against God, He laughs. (Part 1)
2. When the world is against us… (Part 2)

How should we then live? 

• I believe that we should have compassion for the lost. 

• I believe that we should pray and hope for God’s blessing that judgment on our neighbors or any of our enemies.

• I believe that as we experience life‘s most difficult challenges, (when the world seems to be against us), we would draw strength from God alone!

God can do more through your surrender than you can with your control. @RickeCarder

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Read part 1 of this study :: When The World Is Against GOD, He Laughs! 

Just One Hour Can Be Transformational.

I remember my teen years. They were super awkward! I also remember how the church cared about me. It was through my local youth group we called Teen Club, where our mentors would spend time each week listening and showing us the truth of God’s Word applied to life. This was more than just a weekly opportunity to get out of the house. This was one hour that transformed my life.

In my teen years, not that unusual from many others that age, it was not easy. Life was awkward and there were many negative influences. My peers, though they were not criminals, were not always the best influence. I have, yet this day some of the best friends from my teen years.

That one hour in Teen Club was both fun and practical because  we played lots of games and we would study the Bible. It was a place where I could go and share my disappointments and ask my difficult questions. I am sure that our adult mentors saw their role as investing in others that would yield eternal results. 

There were three guiding principles that they tried to teach me:  Honesty. Truth. Faith.

It was through mentors and group interactions that I learned to be honest.

It was through practical teachings from The Living Bible that I learned to know God.

It was through prayer that I learned to develop faith.

Those three guiding values are always included in any of my interactions with youth.

Later in my life I became a mentor for youth. Many of those or opportunities to impact a teen and influence of the ways of God.  My hope is that I taught them to be honest and that I gave practical teaching about God and increased their faith through prayer.

When I was a youth pastor, I had that opportunity to bring other positive adults to the youth group to influence the lives of teenagers. I tried to pass on some of the things that I learned from the sponsors of my useth group growing up in emulate those values in the lives of teens.

When I was a mentor to at-risk youth, those that were on the borderline of police intervention I was able to help them be honest and then advocate for them with police and court authorities.

When I was a probation officer, I was able to spend time with youth when they would make poor choices causing them to have court intervention.

I would teach them to be honest and model integrity.

I would help them to understand what the Bible has to say about their life and their understanding of God.

I would also encourage them to pray, the alignment of their will with gods will in order to find God’s best for them and to teach them faith.

Prayer is….

 I love to be part of prayer groups! I have witnessed (in my spirit) the incredible impact of prayer.

It is said that prayer is the alignment of my will with God’s Will. How do we find God’s Will? It is through speaking with God and listening to His voice. Holy Spirit is how God has chosen to interact with us! 

What dreams do you have? How has God shaped those dreams? We know that many shall have vision to see the Hand of God in their lives! How about you?

Jesus is interceding for us, taking our prayer to Father-God! This in itself is incredible! We don’t deserve this incredible act of love in Christ. Yet, God has chosen to not remain silent and distant! 

We can come to God for several reasons. These are gifts to us! 

Asking for HEALING! 

Without God we are forever lost. Our lost world needs a healing! Our bodies and world is broken apart from God. Therefore we need God to heal our land! 

There are many promised God gives us! One such is that of revival to include healing! IF my people humble ourselves and call on the Lord, He will heal our land. 

New Living Translation
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Take time to pray for HEALING! 

Seeking God’s GOODNESS! 

Worry is what robs us of the hope we can have in Christ! It is like taking yesterday’s burdens into tomorrow. 

Yet, we don’t have to bear those burdens alone! God will help us. 

God is good…. We know that His goodness is a blessing that all benefit from. Life itself is how we see His goodness. Jesus said that He has prepared a place for us! In John 14 we can find the hope of eternal life. This is our destination as we walk with God in Christ! 

New Living Translation
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Even now, as you walk with God, what is He saying to you? 

Looking to God for help as we endure the TEST of each testimony. 

In this world we will have trouble! Is is aa if this is guaranteed. Life comes with no warranty. Yet, Jesus said that He will be with us! How have you experienced this truth for yourself?

Life is a test. In fact, our testimony begins with a TEST. The story may be different for everyone but the source of our strength and help is the same for each testimony. The Glory is the Lord’s. Without God, our efforts are futile. 

What test has God brought you through? Big or little, God is in the details! 

God, Who can part the waters… 

Calm the storms… 

Care for the afflicted… 

Lift up the oppressed… 

Protect the vulnerable…

This God is with you! Pray. Seek. Listen. Hole is in the calm and stillness (not just in the storm.)

Write down several ways that God has brought you through. Make notes on the simple and complex ways He has been faithful. Also write down the unanswered prayers and concerns, even now taking these to the Lord. 

Three Vital Relationships

No one is an island. Any one of our actions makes an impact both positive and negative. Everybody needs somebody who can bring balance and perspective in their lives.

Today I want to focus on three relationships that are vital if we want to maintain a healthy attitude filled with humility in our lives. As we interact with others it is important that we recognize that we need help or support along the way.

No matter the age, young or not-so old, it’s important that we have three types of relationships if we’re going to be successful and relevant. You might say that these are mentoring relationships. In biblical terms, we might call these the Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy's in our lives. Mental health specialist will tell us that it will be important to bring balance so that we do not develop narcissism or isolation.

1. Mentoring someone younger. Each of us have an opportunity to help others in their journey in life. It’s important that we invest ourselves into someone else. Not only keeps us relevant but challenges our way of thinking. Mentor relationships often are those that are vulnerable or at risk youth that need guidance in their lives. I like to think of it as each of us need to be willing to mentor someone who is much younger than ourselves.

I need to be a gap in age in order to have an effective mentoring process. A teenager being mentored by a young adult I even middle aged is very helpful. It is that life experience that can be taught and modeled as well as a grasp on humility and integrity that could be passed on to another generation. 

We might think of this as Paul and Timothy. In biblical terms Paul was an elder giving insight to a younger leader in a related field like pastoring or even business. Every profession needs these type of relationships. 

2. The second relationship is that of a peer, someone close to your age. It’s always a good idea to have an individual that can relate to those things that you are tempted by or trying to seek an understanding with. This is somebody who is of your generation.

A person that is within your generation will understand the times of which we live. But more important is a person that can understand your Temptations and needs. This might be someone who is a part of your social group yet they are someone willing to be honest with you about things they may see you are in need of.

Are you might think of this as someone like Paul and Barnabas. They are someone of equal status in life and perhaps from a similar background and profession. Barnabas was known for being a person who is an encourager but is also someone willing to be confrontational when necessary. Nevertheless, this is someone that can equip you in real time and help sort through related issues. 

3. Choosing an older mentor. The third is necessary the many don’t understand how to develop this kind of a relationship. Let me try to illustrate a little bit. I am midway in my years of life. For the last 25 years or so I have had a friend in my life who is actually 25 years older than myself. This is a senior counsel to me, a mentor that I’m willing to bring insights and suggestions as well as someone I could ask the tough questions. 

I’d like to think of this as the perspective of Timothy with Paul. You see, Timothy was a young man who has been mentored by Paul in his aging years. Timothy was just at the beginning of his ministry while Paul was nearing the end. The amount of advice being offered in this exchange allowed Timothy to further develop and grow in his profession and ministry.

Each of these three relationships are vital if we are going to maintain humility and find success. If we are going to grow and develop professionally and spiritually, these three relationships are very helpful. It requires that we be intentional and building these three relationships indoor lives.

For those who mentor younger people we are able to stay in touch with relevant issues of a next generation. For those days those relationships that are equal to us both in age and profession, it helps to have someone call us out when needed and someone we could talk to about life disappointments and temptations. It is someone who can be honest with us. The third relationship with someone that we choose that is much older than ourselves. It is a senior advisor, one who has greater life experience that our own.

These three relationships create the three strands that are not easily broken as talked about in Proverbs. They build strength as they are interwoven into the fabric of our life. Leave one of these out weekends who we are. The intent is to help us be strong as we carry the load of living in a complex world.

Revival Is Not A Pep-Rally

John Wesley taught that, “GOD does nothing except in response to believing prayer.” Prayer is the very basis for revival and it has few beginnings apart from prayer. Revival is not a pep rally but a sincere act of faith through prayer! 

Evidenced by what GOD has done in the past we find that the movement of the Holy Spirit is ushered in by the believer praying. The power is the Lord’s but the quickening and awakening of the heart is done in us. 

Reminders and prompting to pray is refreshing as we see and hear the body of believer, without an agenda, in prayer. 

Is GOD preparing His church to be readied for revival? Indeed it is His pleasure. Yet, believers must respond to the promptings of God through His Holy Spirit. 

Promptings in prayer include a ready heart. It also includes convicting desire to pray! Perhaps have starts with a remnant that prayers with persistence. It is a work that meets with an obedience to pray. 

Tonight we were challenged to prayer through a 21-Day commitment. Jim Lo encouraged everyone to wait in the Lord and prepare our hearts. Mark Gorveatte, District Superintendent along with others encouraged us to pray for the lost, those in our communities that need the Lord. Chris Williams challenged us to be salt & light as we live & work in communities!  

What does revival look like? I think of the many examples we can find in the Bible when GOD moved and people responded. In the Old Testament we find examples of mighty expressions of His Hand at work for those who follow GOD! In the New Testament we find example during the earthly ministry of Jesus as well as the Acts of the Holy Spirit all throughout each book of the Bible. In History we find unity in prayer that transformed communities (big and small) and nations (of all kinds). 

I also find that one incredible passage says that when GOD moves, young men and women will have visions and those who are old will dream again! It is the prompting of the Lord that causes His people to be renewed! 

Joel 2:28-29:: 

“It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions “Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days”

Revival is not piety but passion to hear from GOD. It is pleading and persistent. It is not a religious act but a genuine heart-felt expression and response from GOD. 

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These are a few notes gathers as the Crossroads District met to pray for revival with the 21 Days of Prayer emphasis. Several churches gathered on this date to pray!