Archive for October, 2022
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.
Micah 7:18, ESV
We must get over our ideas of a God who loves completely unconditionally or lets all people “in”.
Our God forgives and loves, but it came at a great price. And what other god has ever done that? Only our great God!
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you“
Matthew 6:14, ESV
We must change our thinking.
If we are unwilling to forgive others, why should God be willing to forgive us?
Evidence of our forgiveness will be the grace given to us that we share with others.
“There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.”
1 Samuel 2:2, ESV
We must get over ourselves and this world. We are not in control nor able to save ourselves.
There is one God, our sovereign King, Creator, and Savior.
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24, ESV
What is our mindset?
Are we basing our worldview on what the world tells us, that we can know truth and earn our own way based on “what feels right”?
Or do we see the world through the lens of Scripture, accepting God’s truth and that Jesus is our only way to righteousness and eternal life?
I have thought about this recently. My last biological grandparent (my mom’s mom) passed on January 1 this year (in her 90’s). This past week, my wife’s last grandparent has given us all a ‘scare’ (89 years old), and may be on her way (or may last another few years). This is the grandma whose husband was a Lutheran pastor for years, and when I was ordained I was given his ordination cross (3 years after he passed).
We have all had good relationships. Yeah, this has not been a great year in terms of death in the family, but everyone has been found in Christ so far, giving us that comfort.
Daniel
This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: Pray for those who lost someone in their family this year. This week I learned that the person that discipled me when I was 18 years old has just passed away. He had a lot of health issues the last few years. […]
This Sunday at Church: Pray for those who lost someone in their family this year
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8, ESV
Honestly, this world is scary and evil, and it can be easy to be overwhelmed and become cynical.
God wants us to focus on the good things – not ignore the bad, but focus on God, His goodness, and the goodness spread by His Church and goodwill.
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
1 John 4:18, ESV
We know we are freed from God’s wrath, but do we still give in to fear of what others think of us? Do we love God and them enough to share the truth of the gospel, fearing God’s disapproval more than theirs?
a simple man of God 