Mark Bible Sketches

Help! I can’t fix things.

 

How do I cope with what’s on my plate?

 

The therapist says, “Remember, words matter.”

Apathy, lies and challenges too tough to swallow make us hunger for just a sliver of solution to crack and break through dysfunction. Things have gotten so bad that one finally asks a counselor for help; another, lacking enthusiasm, tags along with a belligerent disposition. The counselor’s goal isn’t to provide coping skills so to fester in a harmful environment; she wants to train her patients to utilize good manners and work together toward mutual kindness. By emphasizing the value of improving communication, she hopes to make a safe place to grow and repair damage. Her reasonableness sounds so good to only one patient.

With all the wishful thinking in the world, often there’s no human fix to stop all hurting between people. When issues are exposed, sometimes, things get dangerously worse. Good intentions are twisted and rejected. Continual misplaced blame piles up until it outweighs the more innocent’s survival mode. Capability to carry on is crushed by the weight of it all. One can be caught in the middle of two opposing parties. The scope is wide on topics that strain relationships and bring on sadness.

• one’s own error and fault may be quickly recognized, confessed and corrected; or may rarely or never be admitted
  
• apologies may be immediately forgiven and dropped; or forgiveness is denied and the subject will be remembered for later use as ammunition
  
• one desires professional advice for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health improvement; yet to the irresponsible, help is unwelcome and won’t penetrate sin-plugged ears 
  
• misunderstandings—one is eager to discuss and learn; yet the contrary declares evidence inadmissible
  
• interactions range from hospitable to hostile
• levels of maturity have less to do with age than to do with selfish ambition or conceit in contrast to empathy and compassion for one another
  

Joyful benefits of goodwill and favorable virtues such as humility, encouragement, comfort, affection and sympathy are lost by failure to make an effort to

• repent of resentment and bitterness
• consider others’ needs more important and urgent than my own
  
• confess that I, individually need help, without pointing at another
  
• get help for myself so that I can enjoy healthy, thriving relationships with others
  

When we aren’t walking by the Spirit in an attitude of fear, love, and trust in God who empowers and motivates us and is greater than anything in the world, then we fall to temptations (sin). Greedy, corrupted minds say

• there’s no personal problem I have that can’t be blamed on something or someone else, even on God
  
• there’s no reason to change since my [worst] character traits serve me well
• leave me alone and let your problem fade away
• I can use whatever [spiteful harsh, hollow] words I want
  
• you should be like __ (fill in name of another person)
  
• I’m smarter, bigger, and have more power than you, so I can
  
  • cut you down or cut you off
    
  • insist you think exactly like me
  • manipulate you to do what I want whenever I want

Broken trust is real, whether it be 

• a person stops trusting that God loves them
  
• a person stops trusting that another person loves them 

Advice such as let sleeping dogs lie or don’t poke the bear remind us how vital it is to remember that when you’re in unhealthy dangerous situations, God’s Words of love matter more than the silence of estrangement or noisy, senseless raging words that ring in ears and damage souls. The Author and Perfecter of Faith hasn’t promised to remove every difficulty or problem of this world; yet He does promise to help us through these experiences. Thankful for our Creator’s good will, in Jesus Name we may pray for

• people who persecute us
  
• ability to recognize lies and stand firm in truth
  
• protection from harm and deliverance from temptations which flow from being bitten
  
• a repentant heart with clarity of own failures
• desire to listen to God’s responses to prayers: you’re forgiven, yes, no, or not yet
  
• faith to receive God’s grace even when people refuse to offer grace
  
• motivation to be kind when others are cruel
• healing
• peace and confidence, acknowledging God is in control 

…and believe the authority of God’s will be done.

As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”—Mark 11:20-25

…And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
—Mark 13:37 (watch/listen/read more)

Mark 4:21-22

And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. Mark 4:21-22

Transparency is key to unlock closed doors and move toward light. 

Hiding is useless. No thought, word or deed can be hidden from God. Honesty is the best policy. All of us can pray to resist temptations to

• hide behind closed-minded stubborn lies such as: I don’t have to listen to anyone, or consider anyone’s feelings, or change my ways—I’ve read books on this, or experienced enough to know—I’m right and you’re wrong, period.
• be dishonestly blind to the reality of how own actions affect other people
  
• cut off healthy communication
• think too highly of oneself without looking in the mirror of Truth 
  
• refuse to forgive, apologize, empathize, and show compassion
• harbor a vengeful attitude
• put the worst construction on situations
• doubt Savior Jesus removes sin
• deny the power of the Holy Spirit changes people
  

Behind the fog of human passion, desire, pride, arrogance and mask of self-isolation, immaturity takes risky directions from the principalities of evil which surround and tempt us to spin on slippery surfaces and slide into the ditch. Power-trips, provoking others and wasting precious time puts oneself and innocent people at risk. Without restoration by the Word to return to the new way of life, truth, and Christlike love, we can get lost, crash, burn and end up eternally dead.

Jesus defends us from the fear of our enemies and provides everything needed for life now until eternity.

Thank our Heavenly Father for His perfect planning around our mistakes and hard times. He utilizes everything for His good purposes, entrusting those who love Him with influential means for growth toward His Son. Because we can only see dimly in this world and have no super-power to fix things, we permit the Spirit of Truth to lead and encourage faith. God is Almighty and we are not. In His cross He carried the full weight of every sin—thought, word, and deed—of all people, past, present and future. He nudges, fills us with His breath of life which draws us to take refuge by bringing our heavy concerns to Him and praying others would do the same. In our weakness, the Spirit of Truth helps us pray and intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Jesus serves everyone, including those with whom He disagrees and exclaims from the cross, “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.” Have you ever wondered what to do or why is this happening? Our freedom is in reliance on The Only Way to be guided on our journey to the safe place He provides. Christ’s humiliation and exaltation creates plenty of space for us to receive His benefits of redemption, mercy, deliverance, restoration and healing. We praise and adore Him for this work!

By the Holy Spirit’s power, we’re drawn outside of ourselves and given certain hope. 

We honor the One who has no limitations when we acknowledge our own and trust that He cares. The Bible reveals that by our own reason or strength, it’s impossible to do what’s needed to save ourselves from the power of evil. The Spirit of Life gives faith to repent and trust Jesus who already defeated sin, death and evil. God’s Word corrects false notions that individually on our own, a counselor, parent, child, friend, teacher—any person we know—science, or government could solve problems for us. Believing what’s served to us in bread and wine, we receive absolute forgiveness as well as strength to trust Christ has done for us—what we are unable to do for ourselves and for others. Jesus knows our afflictions. We may cling to righteousness won for us at His cross of crucifixion. Believers who are forgiven and healed by the power of His passion and resurrection, will also be bodily resurrected on the Last Day! Empowered in our weakness and equipped with grace sufficient for each day, we share His purpose by showing mercy to others, even those with whom we disagree. Grasping grace, walking in the Spirit of Truth, we effectively transfer trustworthy wisdom revealed in God’s Word for us and all people.

The same Word gets different reactions from various people. 

The Holy Spirit, received by the faith given in Baptism with the Gospel, can be handled two ways:

1. Believe and take to heart the work of the Holy Spirit—the body of believers of the One True God pray according to His will, regularly receive His gifts, praise Him, take refuge and share the Good News of the grace of God who will save them on the Last Day.
2. Not wanting help, ignore and refuse the work of the Holy Spirit—join unbelievers who become their own god or invent their own gods. Cannot please or be heard by the One True God. Will be welcomed by Satan in hell on the Last Day.
   

For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38

Without the light of Christ people are walking in darkness. Imagine the feeling of being alone in a cold, dark, scary cave. There’s a Psalm to pray for this situation.

With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him. When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me. Psalm 142

How bright and wonderful is humble transparency mingling with the Light-of-the-World’s atoning perfection! We need salvation no matter how old we are, so we prayerfully bring babies to the baptismal font to be given faith. Then, by grace, we raise them up to be shaped by God in His Word for their spiritual well-being. The Lord, faithful to His promises, gave His life as a ransom for all people.

But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Mark 10:14

A child isn’t born innocent. We are all under the power of the devil, lost, until Christ claims us as His own when we are reborn and named as God’s own child.

“Conceived and born in sin” is the way the Scriptures put it (Ps. 51:5). Every human is born spiritually blind, dead and an enemy of God (see 1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:1; Rom. 5:10). The theological term is “original sin.” What is Sin? by Rev. Herbert C. Mueller

The very first thing every infant in this world learns is their need for help. All they do is receive, like our dependence to receive gifts from God who provides daily bread, faith, forgiveness (to be no longer held accountable for sin, making us forgivers of others), rescue from temptation, freedom from guilt of being entangled with consequences of sin. We need help from other Christians. [explore how guilt and forgiveness affect a person’s health]

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” Mark 10:25-26

Mark 10:27

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

 

God is full of love for people who don’t deserve it.

God’s sacrifice saves people who are undeserving to enter the kingdom of God. Only by the merit of Jesus, anything is possible. Doing good things for everyone, especially those in the body of Christ, and making good decisions is great, yet it isn’t what qualifies us for faith or a spot in heaven. The Counselor, working through The Church, helps us hear, believe and receive Christ’s redeeming work. Jesus willingly took punishment we deserve and finished what was planned before creation—the ultimate solution at the cross of crucifixion for mankind’s salvation—His perfect shed blood and sovereign risen body. So much better than just a sliver or a full slice of pie—beyond anything of our making or served on our plate—our Heavenly Father sees contrite sinners through the lens of His Holy Son who

• knows sorrows
  
• cancels debts
• richly forgives
  
• calms the storms of life
  
• strengthens faith to resist growing weary
  
• gives wisdom to live in the Word
• blesses with gifts of righteousness, grace, mercy, patience, integrity, comfort, refuge…heaven
  
• shines light, joy and peace through each person who receives and loves Christ [learn more]
• is love, joy, peace, patience, kind, good, faithful, gentle
  

“The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!” —Jesus (Mark 1:15)

Mark

• Overview video
• Intro audio
• Sermonette
• Law and Gospel lesson  

Prayer Hymn

Our Father, Who from Heaven Above —LSB 766

Matthew Bible Sketches

Need a refresh?

 

Are you living the very best life?

 

With so much to celebrate about life, have you noticed certain things are off-kilter?

Our loving Creator writes on our hearts ability to identify right and wrong. Still, in this dark world where death reigns because of one man’s sin, try as we may, on our own, we can’t fully get on top of the moral sense we’ve been given.

Matthew 1:23

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:23

Have you heard God the Father lowered his Son Jesus by birth into humanity—not to condemn the world—but in order that the world might be saved through him?

By faith given us, we take responsibility to confess our own condition and confess to others what we believe about Jesus who stepped up to take away our guilt. A God-given conscience, doing what it is designed to do, turns toward our Savior, respectfully, prayerfully seeking help to resist temptation and bless others.

Messes exist in weakness or lack of faith. Efforts we propose to improve relationships don’t always make it happen. Battles are lost when the bar is set high, opposition is harsh, impure thoughts, frightening actions and selfish attitudes enter the picture. Harm done isn’t repaired, nor bullying prevented. Inability to articulate, precisely, each point where one and another has gone wrong proves the complexity of our predicament. Nitpicking doesn’t correct the problem, but only compounds it. Disrespect, mistrust and conflicts remain unresolved. Irresponsibility shows up when we

• value our own perspective more than Christ’s mercy
  
• have a cold heart, turned hard, hostile to the Gospel
• reject, deny or aimlessly wander from Truth

Abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness to reign in life is through the one man Jesus Christ. Word and water of baptism is for all nations—all people, including infants to receive God’s gift of faith. It’s possible to misunderstand how faith comes to us [not we come to faith]. People may let go of it and reject the faith received in baptism; yet, it’s still available to return to, hang onto and be changed by.

Our good thoughts, words and actions won’t come close to earn what Jesus accomplished for us. Gratitude for faith’s gift of righteousness in Christ motivates capacity to live rightly. A life-long process of maturity begins by meditating on pure teaching of the Bible which tells of God’s good purpose to restore people as He created them. The Spirit of Truth teaches us to acknowledge and hate sin, as well as how to live in the grace of Christ. Knowing Jesus is dependable to intercede for us, forgiving and removing sin, we enjoy the peace our Heavenly Father wants for us even now in the fallen world this side of heaven! Faith is a beautiful and mysterious gift given to and for us because our Creator knows and loves each of us more than we can imagine.

• The Savior was born to destroy the works of the devil. 
• Jesus, perfect man while remaining divinely God,
  
• because of His love for us, willingly obeyed His Father’s plan to redeem us.
  
• Violated, abandoned, betrayed,
  
• lifted on the cross of crucifixion, 
• He died, was buried, descended into hell and 
• on the third day bodily rose from the grave!
  
• Jesus ascended to heaven where 
• He prepares a place for people who are living by and dying in the faith,
• whom, together with Christ, will celebrate His victory forever! 

Matthew 5:4

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

As we mourn over our own sins as well as sorrows and suffering we must endure, we are blessed by God’s comfort in the hope He gives.

There are two ways to grieve: with hope or without hope. All who grasp the gift of reconciliation with God, in Christ, will be changed to immortal [or raised imperishable] with a perfect body and soul on the Last Day—separated from unbelievers ignoring the gift of faith who will go on [or be raised] to endure everlasting punishment. Christians urge everyone to be baptized and follow Jesus. We don’t want anyone to be on the unbeliever-path when Jesus returns.

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:13-14

From birth to death, by faith, the Holy Spirit’s secure comfort guides us along the hard path of this life into the wonderful next life. 

“Seek yourself only in Christ and not in yourself and you will find yourself in him eternally.—Reformation Relevance: A sermon on preparing to die

Examples of help to ask for in Jesus Name: 

• to recognize one’s own sin
  
• for strength to flee evil
  
• for grace to receive the balm which heals: forgiveness
  
• for motivation to be in the Word daily
  
• to be guided to a firm stance on the mercy of our Lord
• for integrity and wellness for self and everyone
• for reminders God knows exactly what’s going on and to trust His purposes
  
• to let go of desire to micromanage others
  
• for contentment in unexpected situations
• for assurance of God’s goodness
  
• for encouragement to be thankful and share gifts
  
• for relief from concerns about temptations
• for protection from harm, danger
  
• to increase compassion 
• for wisdom to enrich communication

Jesus is moved with compassion. The work of Jesus washes us clean from our own problems as well as cleanses us from infectious toxins we catch from others. Jesus sympathizes and stands in with those who mourn. Consoled and refreshed in spirit, we trust and praise His holiness.

Matthew 5:9

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9

Our peace-loving brother-friend Jesus gave His life for us. Forgiving the worst in us, He makes us right.

We were created to love God with our whole being and love other people as much as we care about ourselves—easier said than done. We all fall for the devil’s temptations in thoughts, words and deeds. Unchecked sin is failure to admit our own failures and weaknesses. The effect of this kind of pride drains warmth from relationships.

• negligence to care
• squash people for thinking differently than we do
  
• invent selfish schemes which disturb others
  
• impose unrealistic demands
  
• settle into an entitled, bitter, irresponsible mindset
  
• justify participation in quarreling, meddling, isolation or violence
• tune out another’s viewpoint to avoid the whole truth

To deny, hide, or project our own problems onto another is to twist reality. The devil stirs up lies to cause brain fog and clog a clear conscience. Satan uses abusive tactics which aim at coercive control of a target person. The father of lies works night and day to breakdown the faith of as many people as he can snatch. Infected with ill-motives to bypass personal responsibility, we gravitate to

• spread lies, blame or slander
  
• misread someone whom we’ve blamed
• create a tension of walking on eggshells for someone
• expect someone to repent of something that isn’t actually his/her responsibility
• silence someone by refusing to hear him/her
• refuse to answer questions
  
• misjudge
• hold someone in contempt
  

God’s opinion matters most. Experiencing the peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding, baptized children of God abhor what is evil, hold on tightly to what is good, desire to honor and make peace with others. 

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18

 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. Proverbs 15:18 

Matthew 6:9-13

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Matthew 6:9-13

 

The gentle Teacher gives words to pray and take to heart in The Lord’s Prayer. 

Notice how Jesus emphasizes the importance of grace? Jesus desires we ask for everything we need including forgiveness, as we also have forgiven those who’ve embarrassed or wronged us.

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Psalm 32:1-7

In the Name of Jesus, we have opportunity to forgive the one who’s asked to be forgiven as well as forgive and pray for enemies who don’t realize or admit they need care. 

The devil tempts us to form a grudge against someone who embarrasses us or sees things differently than we do. Jesus warns us of the serious consequence of refusal to forgive.

See what Jesus says about denying or carelessly withholding forgiveness. Is ego so big we’ll forfeit God’s mercy? Please, call it what it is and get rid of the grudge!

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14 … Listen to a talk about The Lord’s Prayer 

Satan’s goal is to promote failure of everyone who wants to lead people to Jesus. Generous Christians are the devil’s main targets. He tempts active power-trips which divide, slander, condemn and silence others. The devil would have us hide or minimize our own sinful pride. He wants nothing we do to benefit another, rather hurt or embarrass someone. He’ll tempt us to forget that many people, including the one he wants us to destroy, have mercifully responded gently with compassion toward us. He’ll tempt the owner of harsh, bad behavior to twist it and misplace fault on the innocent. Rather than respond with patience, he’ll tempt us to react rashly. Satan pushes an entitlement mentality which relentlessly mistreats another who isn’t fulfilling unrealistic expectations. He works to oppose dignity and respect.

Faith would have us pray that we aren’t callously wise and intelligent, but only in our own mind.

Quickly resolving issues is always best and leads to restoring relationships. God forces no one to behave properly. In this sinful world when both parties aren’t united in the goal, reconciliation between people isn’t guaranteed. Everyone longs to hear specific, prompt apologies, comforted with assurance of regret regarding the exposed damage. Offering an overdue or repeated apology may or may not increase potential forgiveness. Humans are imperfect and limited at various levels of maturity physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Forgiveness may look far different than how we imagine and expect.

• forgiving is best for everyone
• forgiving someone isn’t dependent on
  
  • trusting them or
  • agreeing with them
• the Spirit of Christ enables grace which forgives and loves unconditionally
• refusing to forgive is disastrous for one’s own soul and distresses others 

Matthew 6:26

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26

The all-knowing Almighty Lord helps us get in tune with His Word to help us understand that we may rest in His provision. As we study Scripture, He guides us to reminders of His grace for us as well as our responsibility to offer grace to others.

Matthew 7:15-20

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. Matthew 7:15-20

 

Legal experts criticized Jesus for eating with sinners.

Have you ever been annoyed with someone’s actions (or lack of actions) and were unable to have effective communication with them? Did you choose to give it to the Lord in prayer? Did you add insult to injury, throw a fit, yell, behave violently? Did you calmly talk “at” them without asking questions, listening or caring about their issue? Have you stomped away to skip a meal rather than dine with them? Have you ever felt embarrassed by someone’s action (or lack of action)? Have your hurt feelings excused your choice to unfriend and estrange them? Do you complain about things that aren’t yours to control? Do you dominate conversations in a way that silences and offends another? 

Self-centered focus disappoints. Delusion expects another could read our mind or be able to make things just right for us. Conceit misconstrues respect, honor, and gratitude. No one is meant to be a robot, doormat, nor anyone capable of humanly-defined perfection. Unrealistic divine expectations of a person puts them on a pedestal, above God. All people are sick with sin. It’s hard to admit we are wrong. Jesus is still there, willing to eat with us. He patiently desires we 

• pray to resist temptations to make ourselves and others into idols
  
• pray His will be clarified, and for patience
  
• ask Him to reveal our own sin, and lead us to repent 
• trust He provides grace and mercy; receive it gratefully
  
• thank Him in all circumstances, even suffering which produces endurance, character and hope that looks forward to what’s coming in Christ

The Creator knows every detail of exactly when and how, in all things, He works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Studying the Word guides us while mysteries either unfold or remain hidden. Lack of Gospel causes chaos.

Matthew 9:12-13

But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:12-13

Jesus the carpenter’s son is our Great Physician who prescribes His humility so that we may flee evil and safely walk with Him.

Thankfully, Jesus always forgives when, by faith, we are compelled to repent. No matter how badly we are injured, we may come to our trustworthy Creator. Mercy, refuge and rest restores us back to health and energizes us with humility to forgive others. Though someone dishonorably harbors resentment or whatever the rift may be, we are blessed in forgiving them. We can’t hold our breath while waiting for reconciliation to happen with another, since it isn’t ours alone to control. It takes two. Christ doesn’t force anything. He makes safe space for vulnerability, desiring we come to cherish the cleansing value of reconciliation. Being quick to forgive is a blessed way of life for those who value the reconciliation God offers.

The Almighty Caregiver died for us to make us well, build us up and save our life from the pit. He invites us to His House for bread and wine, Ordinary Means, Extradordinary Gifts. The Church is a hospital for sinners who don’t deserve, yet are eligible to participate in Jesus’s paid plan, offered free for us. The needy family of faith come to get full coverage, protection and relief of anxiety. Even sorrows of this world cannot stop joyful celebration of mercy, grace and debt-free living. All of us have two options

1. trust Jesus’s propitiatory plan and live forever
   
2. decline Christ’s atonement and pay the price of eternal death
   

The open enrollment period is limited, a time unknown to everyone except our Heavenly Father. Wisdom would grab the divine opportunity immediately! If you aren’t familiar with spiritual wellness received by the water of baptism and Word, ask about it. You’re always welcome to show up at God’s house where you can check into His healthcare package that fills participants with the Spirit of Truth! 

God’s gifts are grasped when, giving up an inclination to control others and situations to get what we want, instead, we trust Jesus for all that is needed—resting in honesty and treating people with sympathetic warmth. 

Like infants depend on someone to take care of them, we can completely trust God cares to hear from us about our own wrongs and inadequacies as well as every troubling situation. 

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

At the moment we receive the faith given to us by baptism into Christ’s death, we are reconciled with God! Having an intimate relationship with Him in the Word, receiving grace to repent and understanding about perfection in Christ, He points us to look forward to full restoration when Jesus returns. 

“…As I live my ordinary Christian life, is it possible—God forbid—have I turned myself into a walking, talking temptation for a fellow Christian? If so, there’s only one thing for me to do—to repent and throw myself on the mercy of Jesus Christ, our Savior. He is the only one who can take away the sin of all of us, both the tempted and the tempters. He is the only one who can clean up these impossible messes and set us free to be pure, kind, honorable children of God.…” Dr. Kari Vo

Human capability, alone, can’t cure the cause of pain. 

We can’t repent enough or do enough to save ourselves; if we could, we would never sin again. We need Jesus who has authority to supply us with humility. Freeing us to reveal every mistake, concern, trouble, pain, fear, dark thought, He cleanses us of each ill and failure that stains us. The Divine Doctor’s manner is compassionate, forgiving, and safe. Always on call, nothing is impossible with Him while under the protection of His plan. He defeated sin, death and the power of the devil for us. 

The Church dispenses regular doses of Jesus. 

Direction and companionship to exercise the faith are part of God’s wellness plan for us. Along with hearing how wrong it is to blow-off our faults and weaknesses, we get encouragement, confidence, freedom to repent, and just enough strength for each day. We need to hear we are absolutely forgiven in Christ. It’s such a blessing to hear this, often! The Gospel is a life-giving spiritual antidepressant with zero side effects. Christ’s humility serves us peace which surpasses understanding as we trust His promises.

Matthew 10:16

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16

“Jesus warns His disciples to expect persecution as they carry out their mission of being His witnesses. This opposition to the Gospel is evidence of sin’s grip on the human heart. When we experience abuse because of our loyalty to Jesus, we have his assurance that the Holy Spirit will help us to speak the right words. He will use our Gospel testimony to soften the hard hearts of unbelievers. • Holy Spirit, help me to stand firm to the end and faithfully witness to Christ in word and deed. Amen.”
The Lutheran Study Bible

In this world, we expect to be mercilessly challenged physically,  mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Jesus suffered all of the effects of our damaging behaviors. Our Lord compassionately understands prayers for protection from temptation as well as prayers for deliverance from evil to escape harm’s way. Satan’s employed wolves in the world try to taint humility, crush contentment and seduce us to selfishly seek the false notion of a perfect life here and now. 

As long as we are breathing, we can seek true wisdom and utilize God-given discerning brains to believe Jesus shelters from hell everyone who trusts Him. Difficult experiences and weariness are met with power received in Gospel growth and rest, knowing the best and perfect life is yet to come when Christ returns.

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30

Heaviness and labor pains are difficult like

• child bearing
  
• hard work to make a living
• taking to heart God’s commands

Being joined to Jesus turns restlessness to rest. He was sent to pull us out of the anxious messes we keep falling into. 

The faith, reminding us it’s not always going to be this hard, gives freedom to enjoy His peace while we allow Him to walk with us and help us live in love for Him and love for one another.

Matthew 12:20

a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; Matthew 12:20

Satan’s deception creates arrogance and jealousy in attempt to smother truth, humility and contentment. Christ works the very opposite way and has already won the contest with evil.

Gentle Jesus did not come to quarrel and make a big deal out of who He is, but to protect, heal, restore our dignity and establish peace on earth by removing sin, guilt, and the sting of death. The lasting victory of justice He’ll bring in a moment when the trumpet sounds on the final day. His judgement will separate believers firm in the faith to eternal life with Him, from unbelievers to eternal punishment with Satan.

Matthew 25:8

And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ Matthew 25:8

Give me oil in my lamp, keep it burning while we watch and wait for Jesus to call our name upon His return! Grace-Faith-Scripture-Christ meets our every need. The Holy Text prescribed has unlimited refills. Read the Bible or begin with a summary designed to train people in the faith. God’s plan goes beyond death we all must face to assurance of eternity with our Creator, restored to perfection, separated from every evil, ill, tears and death.

Spiritually illuminated, frequently absorbing the Light of the Bible, we pray to hunger for Truth. Apart from anything we decide or accomplish ourselves, we depend on our Redeemer according to His will. Jesus Is The Mediator of the New Covenant. In baptism and believing, the Holy Spirit’s true faith sets us free by the work of Christ. Our Heavenly Father desires mercy, not sacrifice.

“The ‘good life’—yes, the very best life—is lived knowing our Creator.” —What is the good life? by Matthew C. Harrison

More Matthew

• Summary
  
• Intro
  
• Sermonette
• Study
• Insight
  

Malachi Bible Sketch

Why are flaws exposed?

 

Where is your joy?

 

Go beyond courage and imagination.

During a curious time of my life, I often focused energy to fill my closet by fashioning garments I’d enjoy wearing. Depending on the textile, a bolt holds roughly 100 yards of fabric. Inch by inch, it’s cut as needed to achieve the goal of each buyer. Excitement of finding the perfect fabric on a thin bolt may disappointingly measure up short of what’s called for. You learn to improvise with a new choice. Alterations, as well as matching plaids and stripes, call for extra fabric. Before cutting off the bolt, watch for damage because the tight pattern-piece layout on a specific fabric allowance, doesn’t forgive flaws. The clerk understands, graciously removes flawed material and saves it for the remnant bin along with bolt end-pieces. Grandma, Mom and I were talented seamstresses, though we weren’t born with ability to sew well-tailored garments. The Lord had planned opportunities for us to receive creative skills through training, practice and forgiveness. We learned details—make two rows of long stitches to gather, a whip-stitch mends and hides a hole, zig-zag finishes raw edges, back-stitch prevents unraveling, clip or cut notches on curves, under-stitch facings and linings, etc. Messes of pins, threads, snippets ended up all over the room and needed to be cleaned up. Rolled-up leftover cloth, tied with a string of selvage, was stored away to await hope of a new creative purpose. Valuable life lessons, by the methodical process of sewing, include mental concentration, motor skills, self-confidence, creativity, design, and self-discipline.

Faith (in Christ) changes the way you live.

Intriguing words such as remnant in the Bible and childhood memories remind me of the faith given me in Baptism (listen to this helpful review of what the Bible says about Holy Baptism).

“Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:18-19

The written Word, (spoiler alert) is a glorious salvation plan, all about Jesus who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power. Being intricately knit together in my mother’s womb is among many descriptions of how our awesome Creator works. Then, allowing us to grow and learn from mistakes, the Spirit of Truth teaches us to live in His gentle peace and harmony, wrapped up in His love!

Malachi 4:2

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. Malachi 4:2 ESV

Disputes include claims, disagreements, and God’s response.

There are two sides of the fence where each of us will be found when Jesus returns. God, always with us, knows exactly what is happening at every moment and wants us to end up on the side with Him forever. He utilizes difficult situations to point out personal corruption and idolatry. He treasures us and desires to drive us toward green pastures and sunshine. 

Things aren’t easy, nor well, when the heart is penned in with dark suspicion, doubt, betrayal, ingratitude, selfishness, arrogance, jealousy, rivalry and accusations. Our sinful choice to remain stuck in filthy mud of denial, procrastination, ignorance and self-righteousness, contrasts God’s choice to offer us the gift of Christ’s freedom, safety, comfortable flexibility and good fit with others. Thankfully, God has power to turn a curse into a blessing! He reminds us to remember his goodness and that He can be relied upon in all circumstances. He desires justice—treating people fairly. Be kind first. Fairness doesn’t depend on the other being fair first. Confessing our own failures (words, deeds, thoughts) and by turning them in at the cross is what God expects from us. His Word assures us that Christ, who lowered Himself to become one of us, removes sin for us. In His selflessness, we are reconciled with God—privileged to start new, share hope and become reconciled with others! Humbly confronting what is exposed as problems and difficult situations is a daily, life-long process which ultimately depends on forgiveness in Water, Spirit, Word.

Curiosities are wonderfully satisfied when we listen to the Word to discover how to prepare for the Day of the Lord. Confidence is supplied to look forward to Jesus’ glorious return and judgement of the living and the dead. By listening well, being carefully slow to speak and slow to anger, we realize what real friendship is. Receptive of the gift of repentance, we search ourselves to discover our own faults and the hurt we’ve caused, ask for forgiveness, and by grace receive Christ’s peace which surpasses understanding. Facing truth that our own best deeds and intentions are insufficient for salvation, we honor God’s loving character and cling for life to His promise. Christ’s purpose of dying on the cross and rising from the grave was to pay for the insufficiency and sin of the world. Though undeserving, repentant believers are blessed with big, soft, grateful hearts. Forgiven and strengthened by Jesus body and blood, they live with joy in all circumstances and are inspired to serve.

Moms have concern for the faith of children.

Every mother is also a child and since every child is a gift from God, so is every mom. Christian women pray continuously, from the thought of the possibility of having a child until the time their womb carries a baby and throughout their entire life. They’re thankful their Christian parents pray(ed) for them, too! When their adult child strays, abandons the faith, or acts disrespectfully, the devil tries to work guilt into hearts of mothers. It’s true that some children do reject the faith; however, this is not the fault of moms who brought them to baptism and trained them in the Word. Each must take personal responsibility to receive or reject God’s gifts. Gratefully, lovingly, the mom makes choices to bring the child to adulthood when the child can take on responsibilities. Imperfect mothers treasure the Lord’s gift of prayer during challenging times, trusting all people are held in the grace of a faithful God.

Our Heavenly Father exposes dangers and offenses. Just because we’ve been given the precious faith in Christ, doesn’t mean it’s impossible to let go of it by our own devastating choices. Encouragement and mercy, when offered, aren’t always received; yet, when they are grasped, such sweet, helpful words they are. We can ask adult children, “will you forgive me?” or “where are you at in your life of worship?” or “will you ask [name of trained, willing, responsible person] to discuss with you what is troubling?” or “will you share your life with me?”. Parents can remind children how much God unconditionally loves and calls us to the places where He locates Himself for us—in Word, baptism, and sacraments which forgive, equip and strengthen us. Mutually, we rejoice when Christ’s saving victory is passed on from one generation to the next! 

Our Lord knows our limitations. When we run out of thread to hold things together, are cut down to scraps, are scattered and stomped upon, God’s Word reminds us that every success in our life, and in the lives of those we love, doesn’t depend on us. Our Lord made amends for all the wrongs and injuries of the world. God chose us to redeem and give new life! Our Savior loves our children even more than we do! The Gospel points out flaws of the past to instill trust and joy in God’s faithful plan for our salvation; here and now, we have opportunity to hear, read, ponder, and pray over it! The Word heals broken, torn, weak hearts and cheers with certain hope! God helps and shields His children who trust Him. We focus on Jesus loving kindness, righteousness and healing.

More on Malachi

• Illustrated Summary Video
  
• Intro (3:20)
  
• Study
• Sermon
  
• Devotion

Dear Jesus, thank You for the people in my life who told me about you. Help me to do the same. Forgive me and help me live as God’s child who glorifies You for Your mercies. Protect the precious gift of life You give all people. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.

No matter how severe the ailment or how great the sin, God offers His love, forgiveness, and comfort to all. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding (Ephesians 1:7–8). —Mustard Seed Daily Devotions

Zechariah Bible Sketch

Have you recognized the process of refinement in your life?

 

How does refinement bring peace?

The creative process.

Thank God who created trees for sketchbook paper bound with metal, also markers and watercolor paint to apply. Materials and tools are created by process of development and manufacturing with God-given knowledge, imagination, skill and discipline. Inspiration, research, thought to design, ability to use specific methods and make changes result in drawings which reflect layers of experience, intentional depth and purpose. Rough sketches may be chosen, evaluated, reworked and produced into new forms of presentable artwork or products. Many people enjoy art for self-care and mental health or to share. It can’t be judged objectively—it’s reflected uniquely in the eye of each contemplative beholder.

Life is a process. 

Has your life turned out exactly as you imagined it? Traditions, dreams and habits do have a good and proper place. However, being stuck in a dream, particular state of the past, or obsession will cause frustration for self and contention with those nearby. By the faith given us, we realize how life goes from rough to saved. We can embrace life’s continual changes with growth, insight and guidance to choose healthy words and actions with the help of the Holy Spirit. Holding a perspective based on respecting God, leads us to set goals, explore, and share life using good manners in our society, at home, and at church. Strength is a gift from the Lord who moves us to confess our own failures and speak truth gently. Without love, tendencies are to completely ignore people, point at them, or act like a noisy gong and clanging cymbal. Psalm 139 mentions we were knit together in our mothers’ wombs and we may ask our Creator to lead us in the way everlasting!

Zechariah 13:9

And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’
Zechariah 13:9

Temptations are difficult to resist, especially if we aren’t willing to pray for strength.

The deceiver Satan and his unclean spirits work constantly to break down and destroy relationships. The devil vigorously attempts to sway Christians away from the faith by using various temptations which, when indulged, lead people into hypocritical, harsh, obstinate, malicious, cruel, jealous and heartless behaviors—sadly, often disavowed. When this becomes a rhythm, then its blinding and hardening effects need to be repaired. 

Thankfully, the Almighty cares. We do right when we 

• listen to the common sense God created within us, 
• come with willingness to listen to God’s direction, and most of all, 
• put our trust in Jesus our Savior. 

Jesus knows the same feelings we have of stress and fear and depression. —The Human Jesus by Dr. Kari Vo

The wisdom of Truth prompts us to ask ourselves, “what is my heart like as I worship the Lord and in my relationship actions toward others?” We should not only hear, but also faithfully do the Word of God—be genuine, gentle, amenable, helpful, kind, calm and merciful. Honestly maintaining a humble, repentant disposition is part of the process of receiving God’s grace and power. Faith supplies discernment which is vital when attempting to communicate with those who are unreliable with truth and disavow their failings.

Our Creator, who made everything perfectly in the first place, is grieved over the damage sin causes in the world. Our Lord loves and desires to refine us. He calls us His beloved children even while we are foolish! God is all about a purifying process to serve us so we can connect with Jesus. Our Savior

• willingly took on the nature of humanity like us, except without imperfection
• leaned on Our Father in perfect obedience
  
• suffered betrayal
• was viciously wounded to the point of death by crucifixion
  
• was buried
• declared victory over the devil
• bodily rose from the grave
  
• ascended to heaven
• sent us a Helper, the Spirit of Truth
• promised to return
  

Christ was pierced to rescue, cleanse and renew us. The Spirit of Truth helps us believe beyond reason that God would love in such an extravagant sacrificial way. The work of Jesus is believed by faith which the Holy Spirit gives in Baptism; plus, by hearing the Word taught rightly, the hope in Christ is certain and it comforts. Believing sinners pray to the One who forgives and saves us from messes we make. He always answers—as we expect or in His own way. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV

We are called to be beneficiaries of our Heavenly Father’s work-in-progress plan that we inherit salvation! Our Lord sees the big picture. Troubles draw us near God who builds us up with confidence to endure, standing firm in what is praiseworthy, excellent, good, and proper. Temporary difficulties, seemingly inconvenient to us due to our sinful nature and constricted vision, are beneficial for our own good as well as the development and improvement of others. God refines complex impurities with processing methods much higher than we can know. We may thankfully receive Jesus’ marvelous gifts in the Lord’s Supper and, also, we are free to reject.

Jesus is the vine and we are branches connected to Him. God prunes us to keep us living in Him and fruitful among others. 

If we choose to pass up nutrition of the Word which gives life, we starve ourselves to death, dry up and we break the connection by our distrust. God gives those who ignore and reject the Holy Spirit what they deserve—eternal death. Dead branches are thrown into fire and burned. Those choosing to reject the gift of repentance won’t be permitted to join Jesus in heaven, nor upon His return, at His ultimate destination for us.

All who believe and are baptized are not lost—even though we wander, doubt, hide, and whine that life is overwhelmingly unfair when things don’t go our way. 

In the merits of Christ, God lifts up those who humbly confess sins. The Lord is more willing to hear and forgive than we are to pray for mercy. Jesus encourages us to ask for His peace, no matter what. He exalts those who humble themselves and humbles those who elevate themselves. Thoughts and actions attempting to usurp God’s Word in its fullness make the Almighty angry. Apart from the faith, the world wants us to deny what is true. Apart from the Truth, delusion and rationalization impacts self-righteousness or a superiority complex to name a only a couple of many bad behaviors.

In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, saying, “The Lord was very angry with your fathers. Therefore say to them, Thus declares the Lord of hosts: Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets cried out, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.’ But they did not hear or pay attention to me, declares the Lord. Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? So they repented and said, ‘As the Lord of hosts purposed to deal with us for our ways and deeds, so has he dealt with us.’” Zechariah 1:1-6 ESV

By grace until Christ returns, faith knows the Holy Spirit is constantly calling us back to Truth and a life of repentance. The divine worship service is an opportunity to hear the clarifying Law so we may acknowledge our need for the Gospel. Regularly receiving this Word, we may even taste Christ’s gifts of forgiveness and feel His strength run through our bodies as God designed! Unless we decide to ignore or deny Truth, we endure to the end and are saved. God’s merciful peace and comfort transforms us into His beloved works-of-art, ready to resist and flee evil. Living in faith, we are inspired to keep on minding our own business when it comes to recognizing and confessing our own faults. Our Creator refines us with specific abilities to grow virtuously and not hold things against others. In thankfulness of Christ indwelling in the heart, compassion and desire flow to sharing His love, forgiveness and grace with others! God loves to hear our prayers of repentance, contentment and gratitude for His glorious process!

More on Zechariah

• Intro
  
• Summary video
• Conversation on chapter 13

Haggai Bible Sketch

What are your priorities?

 

Do you know how sorrow turns to joy?

It is an amazingly complex process believed by faith. Do you know Who turns sorrow to joy?

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

Immanuel means God is with us. Read more… A View into the Temptation via the Two Natures of Christ.

Haggai 1:13

“I am with you, declares the Lord.” Haggai 1:13b ESV

Do you look forward to the ultimate deadline?

When the drop-dead deadline was mentioned at a company where I used to work, we prioritized absolutely everything to set goals and achieve results before the latest time or date by which the process should be completed. Our skilled, dedicated team took the schedule seriously with just a degree of flexibility. My creative work also served to make corrections for mistakes and edits. Mutual gratitude and hearing of the project’s positive impact were rewards of success in meeting or exceeding the client’s expectations.

Individuals, families of faith, larger communities—we are works-in-progress heading toward a personal end of time as we know it. When? No one knows! By faith in Christ we are ready for the drop-dead-deadline Day of Judgement. 

God loves us even though we are sinners. To save us from punishment we deserve for our dark thoughts and selfish way of living, He left His glorious comfort zone to be born as an infant. Jesus grew up doing no wrong and after 33 years He was crucified on the cross to win the victory over guilt and death, hopelessness and despair. God gives His gifts. We receive them. God creates and perfects His gift of faith in Christ in order to pardon our faults, comfort us, and restore our bodies and souls! All who expect to see and welcome Jesus when He comes again on the Last Day will be relieved of their loneliness and pain caused by their own failures and sin of others.

Sadly, some people reject gifts and despise the giver. Imagine what God thinks of this. To put it bluntly: unless they wake up, are baptized or remember their baptism, open their eyes, ears, and hearts to receive the Gospel before it is too late, they will be severely disappointed being outside of the faith or choosing to deny the gift of Holy Spirit.

What happens at the End of Time?

Jesus promised He will return in power and glory to meet humankind in this physical world. Even bodies of all who have previously died will be brought back to life. Though there will be destruction, new heavens and new earth will be created. A division will take place.

1. All who are set free in faith, joined to the Word, will be in God’s perfect new creation for infinity with Him in paradise where there will never be sin to weigh them down—nor tears, nor pain—ever again! 
2. I pray no one reading this post will be misaligned with those judged by God to be rejecting the Holy Spirit’s faith in Jesus. Scripture says they are condemned to suffer eternity with Satan.

What behavioral goals can you set?

Spiritual, emotional, mental and physical health takes effort and gratitude. Reality may not be as easy as we think it is supposed to be. Change is often unwelcome or difficult, yet certain changes are really great! By grace, walk with your Counselor the Prince of Peace. Acknowledge your Friend’s wisdom and power. Trust your life to His Word for

• reliable information for safety, growth and healing
• instructions to act upon
  
• advice to refine
  
• understanding to thrive relationships with mutual love—affirming words, humility and grace 
• warnings to flee evil
• prayer, exercise, rest, nutrition
• beginning with repentance
• perseverance to learn about, receive, and remain in the faith
  

God’s love and mercy never changes. Whether you are new to the faith or have been mercifully following Jesus as long as you remember, be sure that He doesn’t take second place to any god, any person, any idea, or anything we put above Him. To keep us in the faith, He may test; yet, the Holy Spirit does not tempt. 

The fallen angel Satan lies and tempts. His goal is to destroy everyone’s faith in Jesus through various forms of isolation. Only God’s power prepares us to confess and helps us resist all types of sin which hurts us and others.

• tunnel vision
• injustice
• apathy
• vain intentions
  
• selfish distractions
• imperious manipulative demanding
  
• estrangement
• malcontent
• ingratitude
• insolence
  

You name it, the list goes on. Satan is always working—especially on Christians—to prevent fruitful planning that would turn toward God in repentance, connection, grace, healing and growth.

“I find that naming the sin for what it is, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, and envy, is an aid in squashing it, and an aid to my own confession of sins.” —Jealousy in the Brotherhood, The Rev. David H. Petersen

Instead of believing lies which separate us from God, we must believe Jesus defeated the devil and provides the way out of temptations which are traps to get us stuck apart from the faith.

Although God’s law is a beautiful loving way, it can never deliver what it demands: perfection. Thankfully, Faith of Christ works through love to achieve what the law commands!

Salvation doesn’t depend on results of an effort to obey, or resolve to follow through on a self-made decision. If it did, who could ever do enough or be holy enough for our Creator’s demand of perfection? No one could rest in peace.

Thankfully, God cares! He works in our messes. His faithfulness to His promises is for all people. Everyone’s had at least one type of challenge, trouble or need—if not noticed yet, it might catch up to you when you aren’t expecting it. Before we were born, God had already called us His own and planned a way to bless us by Christ’s holy compassionate work for us. He listens to prayers and instills courage to not sin. Deep trust to receive help to confess failures and freedom to live by the Spirit’s way comes from God. Faith

• hears and takes to heart what God commands
  
• remembers God’s love covers failures
• finds comfort in the Gospel
  
• prays for all people
  
• is eager to become more equipped through Bible study
  
• recognizes need for Christ’s humility
  
• asks God to forgive and strengthen
• asks people to forgive
• utilizes a teachable mind to receive help available
  
• generously forgives those who offend
  
• seeks opportunities to communicate about God’s gifts
  
• knocks that God will open the door to His leading and protection
  
• serves others, in love, with gentleness and a soft heart
  
• appreciates discipline
• endures patiently
  
• expects God’s plan to function in unexpected ways
• remains calm and content, dependent on Jesus
  
• waits expectantly
  

 

The Source of hope and joy cannot be taken away by anything the world throws at us.

Truth is, faith believes our holiness depends completely on the perfect love of God who became man to save us. Born of a humble virgin over 2000 years ago, Jesus lived perfectly although He was tempted by the devil, plus He was tortured and mocked by people just like you and me. He suffered and died for us, that we may have eternal life. He defeated the power of the devil and destroyed death when He rose from the grave and ascended to heaven. This is how God rescued us from punishment we deserve for breaking and failing to live up to His perfect and good law. 

The ultimate humble praise is to receive forgiveness through God’s glorious gifts.

Christ’s perfection is given to us in Baptism along with hearing the Word of God which seals faith and penetrates hearts to love. The Holy Spirit works to provide insight to what God wants us to know. It’s found in accurate, ancient literature, the Bible. Everyone has an open invitation to receive God’s power to change life. Eternal life begins at Baptism when God’s Spirit enters and remains unless it is rejected. Peace is in Jesus Light-of-the-World who shines truth in darkness, forgives, heals brokenness, teaches, comforts, and protects from suffering eternal punishment in hell. 

In four elements at the sacrament of Holy Communion, the faith which was received in Baptism is fed. Humbly received, it forgives and strengthens the hope it gives. If you aren’t sure about all this, please find a church. Talk with a Christian friend or pastor. Ask for help to learn more.

The Lord is with us and His love is better than life. It’s our responsibility to receive His gifts so that we believe Jesus as Savior and Deliverer. We bring God glory, praise, obedience, worship—all within freedom of the will and opportunity to make our own choices. While there is grace moment-by-moment, we may seize every opportunity to live in the Light.

Neglecting to make a priority of receiving Christ’s forgiveness and strength brings one dangerously closer to missing the most important deadline of this life. How dreary and dark are the short- and long-term consequences of having no remorse or sorrow over 

• passing judgement on someone
• perpetually falling for the same temptation
  
• rebellion to trust the authority of God’s Word
  
• refusal to listen and change
  
• aimless procrastination
  
• stubbornly spin wheels stuck in the rut of self-satisfaction
  
• minimizing and denial of wrongs done and good actions left undone

It is possible to develop a cold, diamond-hard heart that pushes God’s grace away. Keeping Him at a distance, know-it-all thinking, risks doubt creeping in until denial of God’s love and atonement completely sets in.

Don’t lose hope. God wants to draw us close and give His peace right here and now. He erases fear of the deadline by protecting and promising to take those who trust Him into eternity!

Thanks be to God for continually making change which calls us back to Him in the faith. His mercy gives rest which covers worry, broken dreams, and hardships. Clarity for the need to continually focus on trusting Him is found in the Word which blesses us where He is and fills us with resilience. His will is done for us so we can be excited about our present and future! Christ’s peace emits gratitude and desire to do whatever He gives us to do. We are God’s instrument, given privilege to love, share life, and tell what He has done to provide forgiveness to us. We ask Him to help us respectfully turn to Him. The Holy Spirit reminds us to thank Him for mercy and show mercy to others.

Why not allow God to meet you at church where He serves His Word, forgiveness, strength, growth and encouragement?! If you have questions, be brave and ask for information about new membership class and Bible study class opportunities!

We are adopted as children of God in Baptism, beloved, just as He called Jesus His “beloved Son.” God makes His children a priority.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God” 1 John 3:1a

The Heavenly Father’s children

• look to Him in wonder, awe, reverence and humility
• are open to grace
• pray for contentment
• take it all in, soak up the Word, keep learning more
• learn how to respond and thank their Creator at all times in life
  
• know He loved us first
• accept help, connect, share this kind of love with one another

Free pdf: A Bible Study and Discussion Guide for An Inexpressible Treasure, The Theology and Practice of Holy Baptism

More on Haggai

• Intro
• Video
• Discuss chapter 1
• Discuss chapter 2
• Bible study
• Law and Gospel