Do you apologize?
Is it hard to be completely honest with yourself and others?
Do you think the Bible is hard to believe?
Believing cannot be done by human reason or strength, yet there’s help regarding how to believe the Bible.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5 (read more)
John 3:16-17
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| “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 ESV |
Consider what it looks like to be fooled by sin, the world, and the devil.
If you’ve never read the Bible, listened to a Bible app, or attended a Christian church, you may not initially understand what I am about to say about being fooled. Since the fall, the world is corrupt, human nature falls for temptations and calls what is evil, good. Roads which should be safe, when blocked by sin, become dangerous. We stumble, fall and become injured. When unfaithful to God’s Word, we can be tricked into holding grudges, digging pits and slinging mud. It’s possible to get tightly stuck in dark rigid boxes we build for ourselves to protect our fragile egos while in denial of our need for God’s mercy. Choking life out of us, know-it-all and entitled attitudes creep up and grow out of haughty refusal to be vulnerable about truth. Attacking others and isolating from people make things worse because we are created to genuinely know, love and care about them. Conversations aren’t balanced to communicate effectively. The hoax of pride wrecks healthy relationships God designed to be good for us. The devil continuously feeds lies to steer us where he wants us in a distant place of timidity, mistrust and fear of embarrassment. Off the faithful safe path, carelessness of God’s commands takes over. We refuse to forgive people who’ve apologized; rather, punish by depriving them of due respect. Misled apart from generosity and kindness, character becomes hard, cold, blind to our own need to be forgiven and helped. Division derives from evasion of self-reflection in light of God’s Word while pointing a finger at others. Antagonistic menacing harsh behaviors flare up to twist or deny full-truths in effort to silence and hurt others which is especially devastating when it happens while falsely claiming to serve God. The list of specific ways humanity can be fooled goes on. The devil doesn’t want you to know that life depends on trusting in a good and gracious God. I pray the Spirit of Truth will inspire you to get into Scripture, reveal and help you through everything that is tripping you up.
Thankfully, nothing is hidden from God.
Mental, emotional and spiritual abuses won’t have the last word because sin, death, devil and hell are all conquered for all people connected to Jesus who did what no one else can accomplish. He perfectly lived
without sin and carried out Our Heavenly Father’s plan to save humanity. Believing in Jesus is exactly the what it
takes for us to get back on our feet, be healed, and eventually get to eternal perfection God will make new for all who trust the Word. Before creation, God the Father knew we’d all fall short of deserving His glory so He sent His Son to overcome evil and forgive sins. Faithful to His promises—knowing how foolish and ugly we behave toward each other and how squeamish, weak, injured and burdened we become due to our sin—God sent The Spirit to shine protective and guiding Light. Our Lord demands our attention for our own good. Baptism is one of the miraculous means of grace (together with God’s written and spoken Word) through which God creates the gift of faith in a person’s heart. He opens ears to hear the wisdom of His Voice so we’ll crave more of His Truth to flow into the soul, satisfy the gut with strength and encouragement. Faith receives God’s good will and compassionate mercy; then by grace, motivates sharing. Welcoming the truth of everyone’s failures and shortcomings by Christian education and exposure to the Light, we discover the complexity of sin and its consequences, how to fight against wavering, stand in truth, and walk by grace with Faith-opened eyes with insight for repentant thoughts and behaviors such as
- feeling and expressing sorrow over what is my bad, as well as what others are doing or have done to have negative impact
- receiving forgiveness and patience from the Lord and offering these to others
- realizing I and others cannot recognize and carry out all the details of God’s perfect ways
- handle Sacred knowledge tenderly with genuine concern for others
- carefully listening to each whom I’ve offended
- asking questions for better understanding
- patience while being shunned, estranged and slandered
- reflection on all good things
- remembering that putting the best construction on everything does not require agreement on everything
- turning to ask for help and blessings from God and people He places to support each other
- remembering that eagerness to help and bless people does not give license to control them
- in weakness, believing Christ’s unconditional grace is sufficiently, richly perfect
Thinking outside the box, in true repentance, is a virtuous gift from God.
Patiently trusting our Creator who holds the universe together is the best place to start each day. While suffering, faith reminds us we are strengthened in spaces occupied by truth, grace, and entrusting God’s sovereign will in His Son, who willingly was lifted high on the cross, took punishment for all sin and redeemed the world. Whoever believes is not condemned by God, but saved and built-up through Jesus!
John 4:24
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| God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24 ESV |
Why not experience Light the Church gives for salvation?
Thankfully, the Savior of the world who shattered darkness at the cross and empty tomb comes to live in all who receive the Water of Baptism with the Word. Nothing stands in the way to The Way once faith takes charge to remind us Christ’s work is finished so the evil foe has no power over us. God repeatedly forgives, repairs and renews the broken vessels we are. How wonderful it is to be refreshed daily in prayerful personal devotion and study as well as week-after-week in the divine worship service during this time of grace. God’s mercies are new every day and that is why Christians rejoice in the Lord.
Imagine how the Maker and Giver of all good things is hurt when one, for whom Jesus died to remove sin’s shame, rejects The Spirit of Truth. God has authority to determine who believes and who rejects Him. Only He knows when opportunities to receive faith in this life will end for each and all of humanity.
Our bad thoughts, words and deeds distress everyone. We need forgiveness when we
- are faithless
- ruminate on things which aren’t ours to control
- ungratefully reject gifts given in love
- refuse to receive God’s generosity in Word and Sacrament
- consider ourselves judge of others
- maintain discontent
- expect entitlement to more (or less) than we are given
- are impatient with others, knowing God has been patient with us
- ignore or reject apologies by refusal to forgive
- expect gentle kindness, but neglect to offer it
- blame-shift, try to hide or minimize faults
- take on status of a non-apologist refusing to ask for mercy while knowing it is possible that we can be wrong and not recognize our own faults
- think we’re good enough on our own rather than depend on Christ and people He equips to provide help
- abuse and perplex those who worship in spirit and truth
- reject mercy offered by God and those who’ve generously forgiven in the Name of Jesus
Faith endures and matures. Depending on Jesus is a lifetime process of growing to trust God’s Word. Gracious kindness stems from proper acknowledgement of God’s plan and promises. Christ died and was resurrected to pay for our sins so that we won’t be held accountable and sent to hell, but will be raised to eternal life on the Last Day.
In our dark box wedged between a rock and a hard place, faith encourages us to cry for help.
The Father is listening because His empathetic Son, who knows us well, is thinking of us. He hears each cry for help and praise of thanksgiving. Faith reminds us to tap into the power of Truth. Taking comfort in safe, warm, brightly lit places, His love allows us to practice becoming good listeners, learn from others, and be there for friends. God is always helping those who love Him, working good in unexpected ways. His peace flows from knowing that pain, tears and all bad will be completely wiped away when Christ returns for believers.
Having a humble mind, we recognize bad behavior in ourselves. By the grace of God we take responsibility by apologizing and putting the other person first. When irresponsibility is apparent, someone habitually becomes incapable of apologizing; so we can pray for them and for their relationships.
- without the expectation to change the one who makes it clear they don’t want to change
- to receive help with ideas of how to help a non-apologist
- for reminders
- healthy suggestions may, or may not, be received and carried out
- the cycle of abuse may, or may not, stop spinning from one generation to the next
- to thank God for using Christ-goggles to see interiors beneath stubborn-as-a-bull
exteriors
- that forgiveness reigns for believers redeemed in the passion of Jesus
“By Jesus’ death the last enemy is disarmed, for where the forgiveness of sins reigns, death is deprived of its sting. …All of us will die. Unbelievers die in their sins. The consummation of such dying is hell. Believers die to their sins. The consummation of such dying is heaven. The forgiveness of sins bestows the gift of the resurrection to life everlasting.” Mercy at Life’s End
John 6:37
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| All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. John 6:37 ESV |
There’s no rejection in Christ.
Pray for those who cast the first stone—prayer may be the only way to love them. Remember, it is only God who gives strengthened faith, repentance and forgiveness for eternal life. His grace warmly welcomes sinners to receive tangible gifts which renew and transform!
So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. John 6:53-57
John 8:31-32
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| So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 ESV |
God cannot lie.
His Word is Truth and freedom! It is a wonderful thing, to ask about being Freed in Christ that your joy may be full.
John 8:36
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| So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 ESV |
By His blood, Jesus defeated sin, death and the power of the devil.
Side-by-side, all believers have victory in Christ Jesus who will return in glory for each and every repentant miserable sinner. Forgiven and given power to resist temptations, believers with a willing spirit sing a new song! Not achieving perfection on our own, we move forward, regularly receiving desperately needed transformation and renewal by grace and strength to live now and forever. Christ is risen indeed, alleluia, praise the Lord!
John 9:3b
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| “…this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:3 NIV |
The Holy One is in charge and caring for those suffering disabilities and burdens.
The world is where the blame game is often played. Historically, and still today, some leaders condemn themselves in the battle for power.
John 10:9-11
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| I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:9-11 ESV |
Jesus the Good Shepherd laid down His life to protect those who hear His voice.
Complaining is like saying God’s wisdom, grace and power aren’t sufficient. It’s better to stop grumbling and start listening to the One who created and rules over all. Actually hearing the Word, inwardly digesting it, stirs up gifts of forgiveness, growth and strengthened faith to trust the Spirit of Truth is safely guiding believers forward through the most perplexing situations. Anticipating an eternal future with God, we breathe in the sounds and sweet flavors of grace, exhale the noise of fear, and wash away the bitterness of sin which has been taken away at the cross.
John 10:10
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| The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 ESV |
Being ripped-off by disrespect won’t lead to despair while trusting Jesus who allows us to live abundantly.
Suffering, confusion and being burned by hurtful behaviors—these will always exist in the world as we know it, yet thankfully they cannot kill joy of knowing they’ll have no part in the next. Do you ever wonder, “Does God will and even cause suffering? Or does He merely ‘allow’ it to happen?” The Word supplies all that is needed and good.
John 11:25
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| Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, John 11:25 ESV |
As we stumble through darkness in this life, we wait to be taken by The Light into the next.
Moment-by-moment, one-day-at-a-time, trusting Christ for forgiveness, patience, courage and strength—the Bible gives confidence to live this life inspired by a future that is brighter than we can imagine!
John 11:35
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| Jesus wept. John 11:35 ESV |
Emotions are created and experienced by God.
It is okay to cry, weep, and grieve. It is a process. Death, the severing of the body and soul, is a felt pain. Our Lord Jesus is deeply moved, troubled and understands tears resulting from all types of sorrow, grief and loss. Understanding the pain He would endure, He acknowledged the cross comes before glory.
I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. John 12:46-47
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:3
Be Still, My Soul
Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then you will better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe your sorrows and your fears.
Be still, my soul; your Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
LSB 752 verse 3, Hymnary.org
Learn more:
John 14:6
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| Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 ESV |
Exclusively the way, God glorifies Himself as He brings blessings upon Himself, enabling and calling us to worship.
One Way simplifies everything. Christianity lifts the weight every other religion carries as they erroneously believe salvation depends on what they do, leaving them always wondering if they have done enough. With Jesus, salvation is not earned, it is a gift, humbly and gratefully received. God wants all people to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4). Until a person has the Holy Spirit, he/she can’t have faith to trust the Gospel which is 100% from outside of self. The Word of the Bible is for everyone and with the Holy Spirit’s help, those who get into it will never stop learning while studying and growing in it.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26
John 14:27
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| Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV |
Jesus is generous with peaceful rest.
Christ’s power resists insults, lies and troubling fears. Faith opens eyes and minds to truth. He humbles hearts to calmly rest in peace. Faithful prayers are heard and Jesus prays for us. God’s good will works in hidden ways to keep us safe and secure.
Just as you don’t know the path of the wind, or how bones develop in the womb of a pregnant woman, so you don’t know the work of God who makes everything. Ecclesiastes 11:5
John 15:5
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| I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 ESV |
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| I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 ESV |
Abiding in Jesus means allowing His Word take control of our lives, trusting His power and good will for all to have joy and love.
Come, heav’nly Bridegroom, Light divine, and deep within our hearts now shine; there light a flame undying! In Your one body let us be as living branches of a tree, Your life our lives supplying. Now, though daily earth’s deep sadness may perplex us and distress us, yet with heav’nly joy You bless us. Lord, when You look on us in love, at once there falls from God above a ray of purest pleasure. Your Word and Spirit, flesh and blood refresh our souls with heav’nly food. You are our dearest treasure! Let Your mercy warm and cheer us! O draw near us! For You teach us God’s own love through You has reached us. —LSB 395 v 2-3
John 15:12
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| “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 ESV |
Do you see the fish created by the two hearts connected and centered on the cross?
Faith, hope, charity, and love that rejoices in truth comes from God in His Son the Savior. The love He gives you, He wants you to give to other members of the body of Christ. He delights in us and we delight in each person’s God-created uniqueness. Joy comes from thinking of others ahead of what we want. As friends of Jesus, we love people the way He loves us and extends branches out to everyone in the entire world.
Those in Christ do not obsess on pain, but concentrate focus on eternity when Jesus returns. We may ask our Heavenly Father anything as we rest in His promises on the basis of our brother Jesus. God turns the sorrow of Christ’s death to remove sin, into joy that cannot be taken away in the day we are made like Him.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV
In the midst of doubts, violence, shame, fear and all terrible things, Jesus gives His peace as we leave authority in His pierced hands. Together in the faith, our tasks are to
- carry one another’s burdens
- share each other’s joy
- pray for our church family and for those who mistreat us
God’s Word does what He says it will do. It isn’t powerless against disbelief and doubt.
John 17:17
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| Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 ESV |
God empowers truth, safety, comfort and encouragement.
Jesus prays that His joy is fulfilled in believers—those set apart in
the truth of the Divine Word—in knowledge He came from The Father who
sent Him to make us holy in Truth and Love. God’s Word encourages daily life filled with quick apologies and forgiving hearts. Born of God by faith the Holy Spirit gives, believers are
no longer of the world, though they are in the world.
God the Father keeps His children unified in faith and sends us to shine in the world. Jesus intimately knows all who
receive, tend, keep the Word close—those He plans to keep forever!
Pray
Dear Creator, you do not change, yet humans are always changing. Thank you for placing opportunities to gather with loving families, giving
us friends who are close—for
providing us supportive communities who help us to realize how
full life is with those treat us with respect and
dignity which flows from Your Truth. We praise You for those who already have or in the future will come
into our lives in the name of Your love, and also for the ways we are allowed to return Your love. Enlarge our minds with Your truth. Draw us into the
mystery of Your love and the resurrected life to come. Amen.
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