A continuous news cycle and social media has all but killed the art of conversation and debate. Our exchanges over politics, religion, or any other subject has been reduced to a quick-witted soundbite, or meme. If you can get the last word in and drop a mic you win. Or so the world would have us believe. We see it coming from our friends, co-workers, and even from our government leaders. We’ll see more and more of it as political candidates vie for our votes in fifteen to thirty second ads. Do we ever catch ourselves doing the same? It’s an easy trap to fall into.
God gives us advice on how to communicate effectively. In Ecclesiastes 4 we learn there is a time to speak and a time to be quiet. The first step is to know which of those times we’re facing. And then, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.” (Proverbs 15:1-2). Speak rationally and gently on a subject. And don’t talk foolishly. It never works the way we think it will. “Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.” (Proverbs 23:9).
So then what do we do when the other person doesn’t listen? Jesus tells us we aren’t supposed to worry about it. When Jesus sent out the twelve, he told them if the people they approached wouldn’t listen just to walk away and furthermore, “shake off the dust “of their house or town. In other words, leave it behind and don’t let it dirty up your next conversation. Don’t take offense, they aren’t rejecting us, they’re rejecting Him.
Recently I have seen a dramatic uptick in individuals unhappy in their marriage. This leaves the other spouse hopelessly fighting for the marriage.
Current political and health factors are placing a surge of division in our world. This has resulted in huge forces at work against anything that seeks to unify our world – like marriage and church.
No longer are church leaders held in high honor – Hebrews 13:17 (ESV) — 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
No longer do wives respect their husbands – Ephesians 5:33 (ESV) — 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
No longer do children respect Parents – Ephesians 6:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),
No longer do citizens respect their Police and President – Romans 13:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
Friend, are you part of unifying or destroying our world?
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, 1 Timothy 6:12.
In just a couple weeks, some of Summit’s men will gather at Potter’s Ranch for the annual men’s retreat. One of the topics we always reflect on is how we can take hold of the eternal life God calls us to. Men, the world over, want lives that are significant, full of purpose and power. We want our lives to matter. I dare say this desire is not limited to men only. Read on for some abbreviated thoughts on how to take hold for the eternal life God offers us all.
Be Authentic: Do not make apologies for your faith, but be transparent with those around you. Struggle openly and honestly when trouble comes your way. Don’t hide your gifts, but embrace them in God’s service. In so doing the glow of Christ will shine out of your life.
Be Intentional: Do not waste days or years in aimless living. Know the unique purpose God has for your life and pursue it. Run the race to win, with purpose, not by accident.
Be Present: Half of success in any part of life is showing up. Stick with it when it is hard and you want to quit. Do the work that is in front of you. Make a positive difference in every sphere of your life: marriage, family, work, recreation, Church.
Be Malleable: As we live life with intention and purpose, remain open to God’s shaping of our life and plan. Understand that God’s reality is infinitely better than the best accomplishment of life that we can imagine.
Romans 8:24-25 (NLT) “24We were given this hope when we were saved. If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. 25But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.”
In Romans, Paul presents the idea that salvation is past, present, and future.
It is past because we were saved when we believed in Jesus Christ as our Savior and took Him on in baptism. Our new life begins with Him at that moment! Our salvation is also present because we are continuously being forgiven and cleansed of our sins through Christ’s blood. But at the same time, we have not fully received the benefits and blessings of salvation that will be ours when Christ’s new kingdom is completely established. That is our future salvation!
While we can be confident of our salvation, we still look ahead with hope and trust toward our future reward, we when will be with Christ!
Ephesians 1:18 (NLT) “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called – His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance.”
As a young Christian or better yet a fledgling in Faith, I am learning much daily. I try to reflect on my daily demands, interactions, and routines and then correlate them to my daily bible reading when possible. I have noticed for some odd reason, the sequential patterns of 3 has commonly appeared in my own personal life many times. I also began noticing how embedded in our Christian Faith through reading the bible that the sequential patterns of 3 may also exist. In the Bible, numbers can have many purposes, such as conveying something significant in the narrative: prophetically, spiritually, or symbolically. I know if you reflect for a moment on your biblical exposure to the Power of 3, you will be led immediately and mentally to some obvious sequences such as the Holy Trinity: The Father, Son, & The Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14/Matthew 28:19/John 15:26/ etc.), Jesus resurrection from the Dead on the 3rd Day (Luke 24:7), the bible story of the Wisemen appeared after the birth of Jesus bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). Most notably our Christian Faith that is founded upon the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ our Savior (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
These may have been the most memorable ones we immediately recall mentally, but there are so many more biblical based examples of the Power of 3. Let me list a few I have discovered in my reading and listening to
sermons that might have you say,’ Aha!!!’ Maybe you forgot about one of the sequences of 3 or maybe you did not realize that it existed.
The Old Testament displays the following notable sequences of three:
· 3 Patriarchs- Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob (Matthew 22:32)
· On the 3rd Day the Earth rose from the water (Genesis 1:9-14)
· Noah had 3 Sons (Genesis 6:10)
· Job had three friends that tried to comfort him during his time of hardships (Job 2:11-13)
The New Testament displays the following notable sequences of three:
· Jesus spoke of being tempted 3 times by the devil during his 40 days in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11)
· It is noted Jesus raised the dead on 3 separate occasions besides himself (Luke 7:15/Mark 5:42/ John 11:44)
· Peter denied Christ 3 times (Luke 22:54-62)
· Jesus goes back to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane three times (Matthew 26:4).
· Jesus repeats the phrase “feed my sheep” to Peter three times (John 21:15-17).
· 3 times Jesus affirmed his love (John 21:15-17)
· 3 hours of darkness fell upon the earth during the crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:45/Mark 15:33/Luke 23:44-45)
· Jesus stated he could tear down the temple and rebuild it in 3 days (John 2:19/ Mark 14:58)
We can also coincidentally apply (THE POWER OF 3:) with these thoughts knowing we are blessed currently with 3 Elders in our church. We have 3 weekly worship services typically (Sunday morning, Sunday evening, & Wednesday evening). All of this supports the fact that (The Power of 3:) is or has been importantly noted throughout the Christian Faith and possibly embedded in some of our routines. Reflect for a moment what 3 nails had done to Gods chosen son specifically for us. Our Eternal lives hung in the balance of those 3 Nails that had suspended upon the Cross our Lord, Savior, Jesus Christ.
This resonates so deeply in my mind and hopefully in the minds of all Christians. With further reflection we can see how our lives/ souls also hang in the balance of those 3 nails. These nails were used to fulfill prophecy and hold a top that cross the Sacrificial Lamb of God our Lord, Savior, Jesus Christ for the remission of our Sins and the chance for us to obtain eternal life in Heaven through his Death, Burial, and Resurrection.
John the Baptist came into this world as a messenger with a mission – “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” (Mark 1:2 ESV).
It seems like Satan invents new “crooked paths” every day. This morning our local Fox 19 broke the story of “shade pages” on Instagram (t.ly/lJx1). These “shade pages” allow teens to post rumors and gossip about anyone in their school.
Can you imagine being a teen going to school during COVID-19? They must recognize that their anxiety is normal. To cope they must create distractions. They must find new ways to connect socially – but keep it to groups of less than 10 and remain 6ft apart! Wow! Who wants to shout – “are you kidding me”!
Then, as if this is not hard enough, someone invents “shade pages”.
Many years ago, “Saul of Tarsus” was instructed to go to a street named Straight. There God helped him to regain his sight and set him forever on a straight path.
A little later, after traveling a straight road from Salamis to Paphos he came across a crooked Jewish Prophet called Bar-Jesus (nickname was Elymas). This “magician” was with the Proconsul, Sergius Paulus – an intelligent man whom Paul was trying to teach. Here is the rest of the story from Acts 13 (ESV):
8 But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not STOP MAKING CROOKED THE STRAIGHT PATHS OF THE LORD? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
It is significant that Paul changes this man’s name from “Son of Jesus” to “son of the devil”.
Father God, help us to step out of the shade as we strive to walk in the light, never placing any stumbling blocks on your Straight narrow path.
How many goals do we have that we want to come true? How many times have we faced criticism for those goals? How often have we been told our deficiencies are too much to overcome to reach our goals (ex’s: Not smart enough, too old, too young, too slow, too tall, too short, etc.)? It can hurt to have people not only doubt our goals but, to say we are not good enough. These situations can be discouraging. As we strive to achieve our goals, there needs to be several factors in play. A certain level of skill must correlate with opportunities present along with the amount of work and effort put forward.
What cannot be forgotten in the process of working towards personal goals is that God is with each of us. If we look at Romans 8, we can see the value of having God on our side. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
If we go down a few more verses, there is a reason for confidence. Romans 8:31-32 says, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”
No matter the challenges or criticism we may experience, God will be with us. We need to seek God and allow Him to work through us. With this type of mindset, we can accomplish what we have in mind.
Do you fling accusations or are you the recipient?
Many years ago, God selected a King from the tribe of Benjamin. Saul looked the part – standing head and shoulders above everyone.
However, after disobeying God three times, the throne was given to another (1 Sam.15:28). God took a young, ruddy, handsome man called David from the sheep pens – from tending sheep to be the shepherd of His people (Psalm 78:70-71).
Would you believe God used Saul’s flinging spear arm to shape David? Those who would fling accusations are usually envious. In Saul’s case it was because people were saying, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” (1 Samuel 18:8 ESV). Saul, who is now suffering from mental illness, is continually suspicious of David. Not only does he personally try to kill David three times (1 Sam.18:11; 19:), he has his military on order to kill him.
David becomes so broken by these constant assaults that he pretends to be insane in the headquarters of his enemy’s backyard (1 Sam.21:13).
Friend, if the world is crushing you right now – who knows but God is preparing you for something great.
Am I a God near, or a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? Jeremiah 23:23
How do you act when your boss is watching you? Do you work harder, faster, or try and be more efficient? Guys, remember when you were dating, did you act different when you were around your girlfriend? Kids, do you act different when your parents are around? We should be Christians 7 days a week and 24 hours a day!
We must believe that our God is: Omniscient (God knows everything) Omnipresent (God is everywhere) and Omnipotent (God has unlimited power, able to do anything).
Whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to reward each according to his ways. Jeremiah 32:19
We can’t hide from God: Remember Adam and Eve in the garden, Cain after he killed his brother, Jonah try to escape from God, Achan tried to hide the gold he took not realizing God was watching!
In Psalms 139, David cries out to the Lord, “The Lord knows me”. David said God knows when I sit down and when I get up. God even knew David’s thoughts before he spoke them. David said God created him, God knit him in his mother’s womb. Even Job, in Job 10, said God shaped and made him and God gave him life.
Brothers and Sisters, we serve a great God! Our theme for this year is “Fix our eyes on Jesus.” With all the dark and gloomy talk about Covid 19, Satan is winning the battle when we lose our focus and take our eyes from Jesus. When was the last time we worshipped as a body? Yes, we live stream our service, but is it the same? We miss talking to our brothers and sisters. I even miss the little kids running around in the foyer after class! There are valid and understandable reasons to avoid worship in the building and to worship at home, but are you taking time to truly worship or are you just going through the motions because you think no one is watching. Remember that God sees your worship and knows your desire to study and learn more. Do not let the change in our lifestyles change your relationship with God.
We cannot hide, or run away from God, he is everywhere, and God knows everything!
For We Are God’s Workmanship, Created In Christ Jesus To Do Good Works! Eph.2:10
Matthew 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: They make wide their phylacteries and enlarge the borders of their garments.
Phylacteryn. small leather box containing Hebrew text, worn by Jewish men during prayer
Phylacteries were small leather boxes that men would put bits of scripture in and wear on leather headbands that would wrap around their heads so that the box hung between their eyes. Another box was attached to the back of their right hands. This was done in order to be in strict compliance with what GOD told them in Deuteronomy 6:8.
Deuteronomy 6:8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between their eyes.
I am convinced that we need to wear Phylacteries today…
We should wear the word of GOD on our hands.This way the word will affect everything we touch.If we carry the word and attach it to our hands, we will be able to avoid those works of the flesh Paul was talking about. The word will cause us not to want to have anything to do with those works.Carrying the word with us will be contagious. If we attach the word, it will affect everything we do. Everything we do will speak to the glory of GOD.
We should wear the word of GOD before our eyes as frontlets.This way the word will affect everything we see. James compared the word to a glass that shows us what we truly look like. In this same manner we can use this glass to see what the world truly looks like. (James 2:23-25) Do we see the depravity of the world? The word will help us.Do we see the immorality of the world? The word will help us.Do we see the world as an OK place and nothing to be concerned about? The word will help us.Do we not see the people in the world for the lost souls that they are? The word will help us.Do we not see through the false teachings and teachers? The word will help us.
Are we wearing the word on our hands and before our eyes?
Are we letting the word affect our works?
Are we letting the word bring everything into proper focus?
It is vital that we carry the word in our hearts so that it does all these things. And just how do we carry the word with us? Study…
II Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
