“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?
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27, ESV
In a world hostile toward God and His truth, it is easy to feel anxious and scared.
Yet He has given us His peace to endure and proclaim truth all the more.
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”
Isaiah 6:8, ESV
It is intimidating, even scary to stand for God’s truth.
Yet, our Lord came and willingly went to the cross for truth, so let us follow His example in His strength by the power of the Holy Spirit.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31, ESV
God fights on our side, having come to save us and give us eternal life when we were in rebellion.
Let join His work by being kind to those in the world, even when they hate us.
if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14, ESV
Like our Lord prayed the night He was betrayed, we should be praying for the lost of our world, the unity of the Church, an the strength to sacrifice of ourselves to continue His work in His name.
whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
1 John 2:6, ESV
We are called to sacrifice of ourselves, just as our Lord did, to spread the Gospel and change the world.
I am amazed at the number of single parents that God has put in my path.
May we encourage our single parents around us in the Lord and in life.
Daniel
This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: Pray any pastoral counseling today would be used by God. I have been working all week on preparation for my upcoming overseas travel to teach on biblical parenting. I have been spending a long time thinking about single parents, as one of […]
This Sunday at Church: Encourage a Single Parent in the Congregation
a simple man of God 