A hard lesson

Lessons will be learned by anyone running their first marathon, where physical and mental prowess are put to the test. As with God’s calling, one must first learn of His great salvation, before he may begin to enter the field of service. The service or ministry of the Lord is often where one’s convictions are tested. Most begin with honorable motives, seeking to better know and please the Lord. However many begin this battle using the wrong weaponry. A Spiriual war must be fought with spiritual weapons provided by God. In the spiritual arena, the old man of flesh is greatly challenged by a hard fought or losing battle. Eventually some grow weary and lose heart. Some may even begin to question if it is all worth it. In layman’s terms, if one finds it difficult to love and serve God when it is easy, what will happen in the occasion persecutions arises or there is a need for self sacrifice. Good news! The Lord has not asked any to enter the field of service alone. In fact, He states in Matt 28:20, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. God’s presence and promises bring us peace, comfort and renewed strength.

Jeremiah delivers this powerful illustration in this verse. May all consider the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who loved us to the end.

Jer 12:5 If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you,
Then how can you contend with horses?
And if in the land of peace,
In which you trusted, they wearied you,
Then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan

Faith that can not be shaken

Luke 6:47 “Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like:
48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.

As our world continues to go through rapid change, one is left to question what will be tomorrow. Consider the succession of advavnces in personal technology, such as, communications, healthcare, banking, entertainment. The World Wide Web was created in 1989-90, but did not come to find mass appeal until the mid 90’s. In 2007, the IPhone
and it’s contemporarys, brought mass market pocket computers to nearly every man, woman and child. Now many are investing in crypto- currencies that have no allegiance to any nation or government. How does one discern the future?

Let the Bible student remember, these things must happen. Let us take comfort in the solid rock, our firm foundation, Jesus Christ and His word.

Heb 12:28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;
29 for our God is a consuming fire.

Clashing Cultures

Around the world, from place to place ideas, customs and social behaviors vary. What is considered acceptable in the United States may be found unacceptable, offensive and wrong in other parts of the world. Time is another influence on cultures. Change can be a heavy burden when it come to culture. As values change, ideas, emotions and behaviors collide. One important value taught in the Holy Scriptures is the fear of The Lord. This teaching is often hard to understand causing many to stumble. However, the Scripture speak of great blessings promised to the one who fears The Lord.


Psalm 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
And by the breath of His mouth all their host.

7 He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;
He lays up the deeps in storehouses.

8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.9 For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.


Psalm 25:12 Who is the man who fears the LORD?
He will instruct him in the way he should choose.

13 His soul will abide in prosperity,
And his descendants will inherit the land.

14 The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him,
And He will make them know His covenant.

Today’s message of Hope

Psalm 130:1 Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD.

2 Lord, hear my voice!
Let Your ears be attentive
To the voice of my supplications.

3 If You, LORD, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?

4 But there is forgiveness with You,
That You may be feared.

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait,
And in His word do I hope.

6 My soul waits for the Lord
More than the watchmen for the morning;
Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning.

7 O Israel, hope in the LORD;
For with the LORD there is lovingkindness,
And with Him is abundant redemption.

8 And He will redeem Israel
From all his iniquities.