Meditation

Sermon for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, November 16, 2025

Isaiah 65:17-25; Psalm 98; 2nd Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19

While the book of Isaiah claims to be written in the 8th Century by “Isaiah son of Amoz” Many scholars agree that there were three distinct writings within the book. “First” Isaiah attributed wrote chapters 1-39; “Second” Isaiah supposedly wrote chapters 40-66; and “Third” Isaiah wrote chapters 56-66. In those days many prophets had scribes who after working with their prophets for a while, could easily write in the manner that had become the custom while working with the prophet, thus, the supposition of multiple authors is commonly understood and accepted, but also that they wrote in the “mind of Isaiah.”

In the scripture verses from Isaiah today, they speak of a new creation so glorious it eliminates past memories is the ultimate hope of God’s people. God’s new creation will eliminate mourning and untimely death. Fear and fighting among God’s creatures will vanish, “wow’, wouldn’t that be nice!” God’s new heaven sand new earth for restored Israel were a foregleam of the heavenly home to which we look forward with hope and expectation. The One who created the first will also provide the second. Those who, on earth, follow the Lord in faith shall fellowship with one another throughout eternity. Transformed natures will serve as the basis for spiritual communion. Those who oppose the Lord during their lifetime will not only cease from hindering Him and His people but will also suffer the humiliation and misery of defeat and hopelessness. God’s people are to be glad and rejoice forever in His new creation.

Family renewal was one element of God’s promise to Judah when the people would return to Him in renewed covenant devotion. The text describes family values in Hebrew thought: absence of infant mortality, long life, secure homes, rewarding work, and many descendants. Basic to all of this is the continued presence of God, who hears and answers prayers of His people. God’s plan centers on family relationships on this earth. Eventually, in the eternal family of God, the small family unity will not be needed. Prayer will be an integral part of God’s new creation. The faithful God will respond instantly to His people’s call.

In Psalm 98 God’s saving work is not hidden, a special secret shared only by the initiated. He acts in full view of all people in human history, to provide salvation. He invites all people to accept His saving acts. His awesome holiness does not separate Him from His people, instead it brings us closer and enables Him to bring salvation to us all. God’s saving involvement in Israel’s national and individual lives and even where we all reside in our own communities, does not separate Him from us, it enables Him to freely come to us. Psalm 98 is a psalm of universal music welcoming God’s just judgment. Our close relationship between God’s love and righteousness and salvation. Letting His people see His salvation reveals to all that He is righteous. He acts to save because He loves and is faithful to His purposes and promises. Finally, when God judges the world rejoices, for He will judge justly and fairly for all.

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” This is right out of verse 3 of 2nd Thessalonians and we as His people ought to be able to remember this one, don’t you think? Those who did not follow the rules Paul gave were to be isolated, for they were ignoring the teachings of Jesus Christ as revealed to the apostle. Such teachings were handed down orally by Christian teachers and regarded as authoritative long before achieving written form. The church believed the letter reflected accurately Christ’s teaching and the early church’s preaching. Thus the letter written by human hands could be accepted as God’s truth as Scripture. In the 5th Century, Christians called themselves “followers of the Way.” Part of the way was a code of conduct by which believers were expected to live and this moral tradition was taught to the new Christian generation, and we are to continue this tradition to help members of our congregations continue to live redeemed lives.

As the Gospel of Luke relates, there were a lot of people claiming to be the One Messiah, and how could the people know which one was the true Messiah and those who were not. This would not happen in today’s world, right? We have churches that say anything that feels right to you is ok. Others say that if you do enough good (the old work your way to heaven), well you know how that works out. While still other churches are trying to put on “Performances” and after a while, the people leave because the performances no longer “move them.” And yes, there are churches that actually tell you better liturgical music will put you in the “mood” to worship, wrong! You don’t go to worship services simply to sing your way into heaven, you go to worship God through His Son Jesus Christ! We as clergy, are to preach on the scriptures, to help all understood the principles of our Bibles, how to read them and understand what they say, and then live according to the Word of Almighty God!

This does not happen at the holiday services, this happens at our weekly services whereby we go to confess our sins to God and to try and live according to His Word. He loves us. He wants all of us to accept Him through Jesus, but some just will not do so, and that makes me and I know Him sad. Beloved, I have a dear friend that told me of going to Africa, where people walked three and four hours for services, and they came to hear God’s Word preached and explained to them. Yes they included music too, but they are hungry for the TRUTH. My question is what are you looking for in church? God loves you, love Him back and He will do mighty things in and for you and make you fruitful. Amen!

Meditation

16th Sunday after Pentecost, September 28, 2025

Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16; Jeremiah 32:1-3, 6-15; 1st Timothy 6:6-15; Luke 16:19-31

“’There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.’ ‘The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, were he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.’ ‘So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me in send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ ‘But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ ‘He answered, ‘Then, I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment. ‘Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ ‘He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Jesus contrasted the destinies of two persons. One died and entered a condition of blessedness. The other died and entered one of misery. Both were presented by Jesus as entering their future condition immediately following death. The suggestion in Jesus’ story is that the spirits of the righteous enter a conscious state of blessedness. Similarly, the spirits of the unrighteous go into a state of conscious torment. Beloved, many do not think the account of he rich man and Lazarus was intended as a detailed eschatological (end times) picture of the afterlife at the end time. Rather, it is a strong statement that the final judgment will save a literal picture not of the final state but of the intermediate state between death and resurrection. In either view Jesus taught that righteousness will be rewarded; unrighteousness will be punished. It is implicit in the account that one’s attitude towards God, revealed in the actions of this life, determines one’s condition in the life to come. Future judgment hinges on the decisions made during this lifetime. The contrast between torment and comfort in the eschatological (end time) estate is visibly drawn. “Hell” (Greek – Hades) is often used simply to designate the abode of the departed dead. Hades sows up in ten New Testament passages. It never speaks of the destiny of believers and is never directly identified with Gehenna, the place of fiery torment. This passage comes closest to doing so, inasmuch as torment, agony, and fire are associated with it. In addition, it is placed in contrast to the place and condition of blessing. It does, clearly state that it is absolute and final, and that Hades cannot prevail over the church. Therefore, death ends the opportunity to confess, repent, and seek salvation. The prayer of the former rich man was unanswerable. It was too late; the Gulf was fixed.

People who persistenly reject salvation in Christ face eternal separation from God in hell. There they will realize how vital it is to receive God’s forgiveness and life. The rich man, even in hell, was so aware of these truths that he wanted someone to tell his brothers of the eternal fate of those who refuse Christ. The lesson is for Christians. It calls us to love the lost who face such judgment. Our witness can lead people to Christ and away from Hell, but they have accept Christ, no one can do it for them.

God has revealed the way to life through Scripture. Spectacular events and unusual messengers will not convert those who choose to live their own selfish way. Faith is always based on more than objective proof. The majority of Judah’s population did not believe Christ’s resurrection. Those who refuse to repent upon hearing God’s Law and His prophets would not repent if one from the dead went to them. People do not need more evidence to repent; they simply must have faith in God.

Although suffering and injustice prevailed for Lazarus in this life, he was rewarded after death. Eternity is the only existence where people do not suffer. Those who do not receive eternal life from God will face eternal suffering, which was pointed out very clearly in our Gospel message today. I know people who have not made their decision to accept God through His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and I bet that you do as well. You might even one who is struggling with this right now. By accepting God through Christ, you will receive the assurance of eternal life from God.

This does not mean you will be without problems, remember Lazarus and the misery he died from, but remember also, that when he died, he entered and immediately enjoyed his reward. I pray each of you will continue to pray for those who need to make their decision, pray that will decide to accept Christ and they will join us. Amen

Meditation

Proverbs

Chapter 31:1-31

09/25/2025

“The sayings of King Lemuel: ‘O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.’ ‘It is not for kings, O Lemuel—–not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. Give been to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.’ The Wife of Noble Character: A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the says of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothes in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ Care is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Rulers have power to cause great evil for others, especially the underprivileged in society. Thus, rulers must exercise discipline in their private lives so they can exercise discipline in their private lives so they can exercise fairness in their public lives. Sexual sins and drunkenness can ruin a leader’s ability to govern people fairly. Much suffering and in justice originates through the evil practices of political and judicial leaders.

Lemuel is not named among the kings of Israel or Judah. Thus, this portion of inspired Scripture was written by a foreigner. The ultimate human source was a woman, the king’s mother. Inspiration here includes a mother’s oral teaching, a king’s writing, and Israelite collection of foreign writing in the Book of Proverbs. Note the influence of other inspired women in Exodus 15:21; Judges 5.

Civil leaders cannot afford to have their judgment and actions impaired from misuse of alcohol. They should refrain from those things which would work against justice being done.

The accomplishments of a wise and industrious woman are magnificent to behold and a source of strength and encouragement to all who knew her. A wise woman’s potential reaches out to many fields of endeavor, but one with lesser sources of strength, encouragement, and an industrious nature would not be as successful. She is a source of strength to her son, the king, and to those around him an impressive and successful person of discipline in every aspect of her life.

It is worthy to note that women can and do play many roles in a successful family relationship. This appears to be a composite picture of the ideal wife and mother. One would could hardly perform all the functions mentioned with a single day. The woman is equally active in home and business duties. She is trusted by her son the king, and must live with him without a husband. She clearly works hard, makes difficult decisions, earns and invests money well, is compassionate and helpful towards the needy, and is prepared for the future, and has wisdom to teach others. She has earned a high reputation in her family, in the business world, and in the community. All of this is possible because her life is centered on God. The Bible thus challenges women use their talents in as many areas as possible to bring honor to God, their family, and themselves. It does not seek to bring a guilt trip on the woman who cannot succeed. In all these areas. Few can succeed, but all should have the opportunity to try.

More than any other book of the Old Testament, Proverbs stresses the importance of mothers as teachers in the home.

Prayer:

Abba Father, we have concluded the Book of Proverbs. We thank You that this book and all other books of the Bible were written down to help us live our lives in a manner acceptable to You. Forgive us when we falter, but allow us to come before you repenting of our sins and seek Your forgiveness, that our relationship might be restored as You ended. Help us to seek You remember the wisdom of Proverbs, that it might keep us out of trouble and on the straight and narrow path that leads to you. Help us to be successful in our actions, our words, and let Your light shine through us that others will see You in our actions and desire to follow You as well. Amen

Meditation

Proverbs

Chapter 30:1-33

09/25/2025

“The saying of Agur son of Jakeh—-an oracle: This man declared to Ithiel, to Ithel and to Ucal: ‘I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man’s understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know! Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. ‘Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far fro me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. ‘Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will pay for it.’ ‘There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers; those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth; those whose eyes are ever so haughty, whose glances are so disdainful; those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth, the needy from among mankind.’ ‘The leech has two daughters.’ ‘Give! Give’! They cry. ‘There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough!’: the grave, the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire, which never says, ‘enough!’ The eye that mocks a father, that scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.’ ‘There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understaned: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the ways of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden.’ ‘This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I’ve done nothing wrong’ ‘Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: a servant who becomes king, a fool who is full of food, an unloved woman who is married, and a maidservant who displaces her mistress. ‘Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; coneys (are believed to refer to a hyrax, a small mammal that resembles a guinea pig or rabbit.) creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags of rocks; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks, a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet is is found in king’s palaces.’ ‘There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing: a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing; a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king with his army around him.’ ‘If you have played the fool and exalted yourself, or if you have planned evil, clap your hand over your mouth!’ For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.’”

Beloved more than one inspired person contributed to the formulation of Proverbs. Agur is unknown otherwise and illustrates the wide variety of people God used in inspiring Scripture. Agur points to the weakness even of the persons god inspired. They remained deeply aware of human ignorance in the face of God’s mystery.

God’s creative acts establish His control over the world and reveal His surpassing wisdom. God’s wisdom stands at the very heart of His being. Personified wisdom here prepares the way for the deeper New Testament description of Jesus as the Word and Wisdom of God. Wisdom is the basis of all that God does, or ever will do.

The Old Testament Little became a New Testament affirmation. The answer Christians give to each of these question is Jesus Christ. He has gone up to and come down from heaven. The angel of he annunciation identified Him as the Son of God. Jesus was declared to be the Son of God at His baptism. He acknowledged His sonship before the high priest. Paul affirmed the special sonship of Jesus. Peter’s confession identified Jesus as “Christ, the Son of he living God.” This obscure proverb gave early Christians and us as well an opportunity to identify and confess our knowledge of the name.

Honesty and satisfaction are basic values leading to the good life. Daily bread, not assured luxurious retirement, is what we should ask of God; nothing more and nothing less.

Evil is not always apparent to the evildoer. We are too prone to supply our own definitions of evil. They always fit the other person. God and His inspired Word define evil. Setting oneself as superior to another person or doing anything which harms another person is evil. Pride and greed are cornerstones of evil behavior. Lack of individual power is no hindrance to great accomplishment if there is cooperative effort and wise planning, and it will help you avoid evil action.

Prayer:

Abba Father, we pray continually for your guidance, as we place our trust and faith in You alone. Help us to seek You in prayer before we take the risk of taking actions that would hurt another or others, for we desire to serve You and honor our relationship at all times. Help us to be successful in our actions, our words, and let You light shine through all we do, so that others will see You working through us for all others. Amen

Meditation

Proverbs

Chapter 29:1-27

09/24/2025

“A man remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—-without remedy. When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. A man who loves wisdom rings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down. Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet. An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad. The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger. If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. Bloodthiristy men hate a man of integrity and seek to kill the upright. A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked. The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: ‘The For gives sight to the eyes of both.’ If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will always be secure. The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. When the wicked thrive, so does sin but the righteous will see their downfall. Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul. Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law. A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond. Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. If a man pampers his servant from youth, he will bring grief in the end. An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; he is put under oath and dare not testify. Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that man gets justice. The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.”

We can fail to learn through indifference and apathy. “The learners self-discipline is more important than externally imposed discipline. The presence of good teaching does not guarantee learning, for learning is an active process in which learners seek truth and apply themselves to the task.

In modern society one who has technical knowledge may be regarded as highly educated, without any regard to moral standards and practice. In Scripture, wisdom has a definite moral component. A person who has true wisdom does not associate with prostitutes or show other signs of moral illiteracy.

Wicked people cannot stand the presence of righteous people. The righteous become murder victims because their presence witnesses to the guilt of the wicked.

The absence of God’s revelation leads to the loss of controls and discipline living. The word for revelation (Hebrew – chazon) normally refers to prophetic visions. People who maintain the laws of life, revealed by God are blessed, for they have found the genuine meaning of life. Within this wisdom writing is affirmation of prophetic vision and the law, thus a combination of the three major sections of the Hebrew Bible (Law, Prophets, Writings). All three types of inspired literature seek to bring people to know and do God’s will so they will have meaning in their lives.

Cautious use of language is necessary to succeed in any area of life. Constant speaking without thinking or listening will lead you nowhere. Beloved, words can hurt or heal. Wise use of the power of words leads one to know the importance of timing, both knowing when to speak and when to listen. Language backed by the integrity of the speaker builds confidence and leaves lasting results.

Prayer:

Abba Father, we pray continually for your guidance, as we place our trust and faith in You alone. Help us to become the kind of people that you already know that we can be. It is so very important that we learn the discipline of listening to others before speaking, and at times we ought to ask them to clarify what it is they are saying, before we respond. This attribute alone will get us so very much further, than if we just blurt out a response that doesn’t really address the comments made to us in the first place. Language is very important, as wars have been started because of a lack of understanding of what we are saying correctly, and what the other side actually heard! This we pray in Your holy name. Amen

Meditation

Proverbs

Chapter 28:1-28

09/23/2025

“The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understand and knowledge maintains order. A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops. Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them. Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully. Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse. He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgrace their fathers. He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor. If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable. He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance. A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him. When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding. He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people. A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life. A man tormented by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive till death; let no one support him. He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fail. He who works in his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. To show partiality is not good—-yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him. He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue. He who robs his father or mother and says, ‘It’s not wrong’—-he is partner to him who destroys. A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper. He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them received many curses. When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.”

Marks of righteousness are those actions which reflect perseverance, courage, compassion, consistency, integrity, peace, joy, and a sense of what is appropriate. The rewards are the respect of your neighbors and the care of Almighty God. Wickedness generates fear; righteousness brings joy. The stingy rich show by their actions where their hearts are. They care little for those without material things. They reveal little true wisdom. Poverty of spirit awaits them even though they may amass a fortune. Only generous, giving persons are truly rich.

Confessing our sins is uncovering our sins before the Lord and renouncing them, which leads us, and it is the only way of feeling His grace and mercy. We do it for Him, though he already knows all of our sins, but by confession, we are forgiven.

God’s people do no set their sights on material prosperity. God’s people seek to be faithful to Him, to be fair an just with other people, and to help others. These attitudes lead to God’s blessings. Selfish commitment to wealth leads to eventual ruin.

We need to be cordial and tactful in confronting others, but we need to face differences honestly. In the long run confrontation gains more respect than saying simply what the other wants to hear.

Prayer:

Abba Father, You expect justice from Your followers. We truly are expected to treat others as our brothers and sisters in Christ, to make them feel as honored guests in our homes, as equal human beings with the same feelings that we feel, to treat others around us as the next person or persons whom need to hear the Word of God, both with their ears and by what they see in us. We pray continually for your guidance, as we place our trust and faith in You alone. Help us to become the kind of people that you already know that we can be, and let us praise You at all times Abba, for we love you and strive to live as you have instructed to live, and honor our relationship with You. This we pray in Your holy name. Amen

Meditation

Proverbs

Chapter 27:1-27

09/22/2025

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but provocation by a fool is heavier than both. Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can sand before jealousy? Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet. Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from him his home. Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel. Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother’s house when disaster strikes you—-better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt. The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if he does it for a wayward woman. If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse. A quarrelsome wife is like constant dripping on a rainy day; restraining here is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored. As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are he eyes of man. The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives. Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding him like grain with a pestle, you will not remove his folly from him. Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the priced of a field. You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls.”

Individual hope does not come in length of days or accomplishment of all plans. God controls each individual’s destiny. We will never fulfill all our plans. Our only source of pride and security is in God. The destiny. Everyone needs friends who are supportive and honest.

The strange sounding advice of this verse (v 10), is actually being practiced by older adults today. Friends are often called upon for assistance when family members live at a distance. Because of he value of friends to family relationships, nurturing friendships is important to marital and family happiness. Being friends with one’s mate is celebrated by the lover in Song of Solomon 5:16.

Genuine friends in honest discussion whet the skill and wisdom of each other. We can never be so wise we do not need to learn in dialogue with others of opposing viewpoints.

No life is without its catastrophies, the last one of which is death, the end of life itself. Human greed is as easily satisfied as the graveyard. A wise person learns the limits of material needs and lives within those rather than constantly responding to the drive of personal wants, which are never satisfied.

Prayer:

Abba Father, Life’s quest for meaning is brief and frustrating at times. People should lean to live as responsible stewards. The foolish fail the test of life and face God’s judgment. We pray continually for your guidance, as we place our trust and faith in You alone. Help us to become the kind of people that you already know that we can be, and let us praise You at all times Abba, for we love you and strive to live as you have instructed to live, and honor our relationship with You. This we pray in Your holy name. Amen

Meditation

15th Sunday after Pentecost – September 9-21-2025

Psalm 79:1-9; Jeremiah 9:18-9:1; 2nd Timothy 2:1-7; Luke 16:1-13

Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’ “The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg—-I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.’ “So he called in each one of his master’s debtor. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ “Eight hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.’ “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?’ “’A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied. “He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’ “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone you will be welcome into eternal dwellings.” “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”

We didn’t cover chapter 15:11-32, which is the “Parable of the Lost Son.” This is the youngest son of two sons, who went to his father and asked for his inheritance from his father. His father divided up what his inheritance would amount to and gave it to his youngest son, only to see him leave and he literally blew every bit of his money on squandered everything he had on wild living and found himself being hired to feed pigs, and who desired to eat the pods of the pigs for he had absolutely nothing! He realizes even his fathers hired men had food in abundance and set out to apologize to his father for his wayward ways and offer himself to work for his father as a hired man. Instead, his father saw him coming from a distance and ran towards his son and had a ring placed on his finger and a new robe, and then had the fattened calf to celebrate his lost son’s return from death to life and it was celebrated. Though it may seem the father was being overly easy on his younger son, it was his God-like love that kept the family together, thus saving the whole family and keeping all together.

Unsaved persons are lost, as lost as was the prodigal son. God is the loving Father, who like the father of the prodigal son that was lost. God is the loving Father, who like the son’s father, yearns for all lost prodigals to be saved. Saved persons should want to see lost persons saved as much as God the Father does. The prodigal had sinned against his father, wasting resources, betraying confidences, straying into a wicked life-style and disgracing the family name. He recognize that sin against family is ultimately sin against God, for we miss the target God has set for our lives. A ruined life is not an unforgivable sin against God. The Heavenly Father waits for each of us to return and repent of our sins.

In our Gospel lesson today, money is a means to other ends and not an end in itself. It should be used to establish relationships with people rather than for the accumulation of things! Its us must display our honesty and trustworthiness. Serving the Master, not money, is the central value of life. Such values go directly opposite to normal human, world values, but they win God’s approval.

Jesus’ coming marked a new age in God’s history with His people. With Jesus the kingdom age dawned, forcing people to respond to or reject the call to repent. “Forcing His way” is difficult to understand, beloved. It may mean Satan or human opponents are fighting forcefully against the kingdom or that the crowds are thronging to the kingdom in contrast to earlier response to the prophets. The kingdom initiated by Jesus will fulfill every promise and demand of the Old Testament. Crowds forced their way to Jesus to learn of His kingdom. The people, however, could not follow the legalistic demands of the Pharisees. Greatness in God’s kingdom is determined by humility, faith, and trust. John exhibited these qualities, but Jesus referred to John the Baptist as the end of an era. John did not live to see the triumph of Jesus over sin and death at the cross. This even marked the beginning of God’s reign in a new and very unique way. Today beloved, I call you as Jesus did 2,000 years ago, to a godly life in the kingdom. We must serve the Master, not money or power as the central value of our lives. It’s not wrong to have money, but it must not be the central point of your life! Amen

Meditation

Proverbs

Chapter 26:1-28

09/19/2025

“Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool. Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest. A whip for the horse, a halter for a donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes. Like cutting off one’s feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hands of a fool. Like a lame man’s legs that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool. Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or any passer-by. As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!’ As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turn on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly. Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own. Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, ‘I was only joking!’ Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they down to a man’s inmost parts. Like a coating of glaze over earthenware and fervent lips with an evil heart. A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart be harbors deceit. Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him. A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”

Language does not give us unlimited power. To place another person under an undeserved curse, has no effect on the other person. It does, however, reveal the foolishness of the speaker. The careful listener recognized a foolish speaker. It is a losing battle to attempt to engage such people on their level. The mature person in God attempts to raise the level of conversation and to guide the fool away from foolish conceit.

Beloved, genuine wisdom recognizes its won limitations and is ready to learn more. Self-centered pride robs us of the chance to improve. Making jokes at another’s expense shows foolishness. Playing on another’s emotions and intentions is dishonest and malicious. We need to find better way to gain attention. How do we treat gossip? We are not to give it credence by every responding to it. Such an approach will soon see the end of the gossip and cause us to avoid fights with other persons.

Language can deceive for a while. We need to refuse to trust charmers whose hearts oppose their lips. Charming lies can ruin the speaker and other people. Eventually the charmer is found out. We need to resist all temptations to speak anything but the truth.

Prayer:

Abba Father, it is rather clear that being a sluggard or fool or engaging in gossip is at the very least foolish, but it is also downright harsh to make fun of those who engage as being a sluggard or fool, had other issues and then to add to the mix gossip of them or their actions or words and just not wrong, it is hurtful and they learn nothing by putting them down for their words and actions. As Christians, we must be above such hurtful ways and learn to try to ignore their bad language, their actions that only hurt themselves, and to speak only the truth and by being truthful, we are teaching those who misuse language the proper way of speaking and how to speak, without hurting or making fun of others. And that gossip is not godly in any way. We ask you each and every day to guide us each day to use the wisdom that you have made available to us in all situations that we might find ourselves in, it will help to make wise decisions in future situations. Help us to learn to be the kind of people that you know that we can be, so that we might live better lives and have a positive affect on all those around us, and let all praise and glory go to God. This we pray in Your holy name. Amen

Meditation

Proverbs

Chapter 25:1-28

09/18/2025

“These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah: It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith; remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness. Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among great men; It is better for him to say to you, ‘Come up here,’ than for him to humiliated you before a nobleman. What you have seen with your eyes do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame? If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man’s confidence, or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation. A word apptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is like a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear. Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters. Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give. Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. If you find honey, eat just enough—-too much of it, and you will vomit. Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—-too much of you, and he will hate you. Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor. Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble. Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks. Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. Like a muddled spring or a polluted well is a righteous an who gives way to the wicked. It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor. Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.”

Hezekiah ruled 200 years after Solomon. The collectors of wise comments, most of which are attributed to Solomon, assembled the inspired material to form a recorded witness of God’s revelation over the years. Revelation and inspiration included preserving the material and pass it on from generation to generation in both oral and written form to produce God’s Book.

God’s revelation gives what His people need to know, not all that could be known about God. The unique nature of God is that He is greater than the human mind and imagination. Even kings with all their power and human records cannot search out the mysterious side of God’s nature.

We are to work for good and justice. The results will allow others more possibilities for doing the works of justice. Wicked advisers can destroy a ruler a ruler and in short order.

A message appropriately delivered can lift our spirits. One who boasts actually declares his emptiness of spirit. Unfulfilled words wear us out; good news refreshes us, and self-discipline leads to moderation in all facets of our lives. To falsely convict a person of a crime is to fight a war against our neighbor.

Prayer:

Abba Father, guide us each day to use the wisdom that you have made available to us in all situations that we might find ourselves in, it will help to make wise decisions in future situations. Help us to learn to be the kind of people that you know that we can be, so that we might live better lives and have a positive affect on all those around us, and let all praise and glory go to God. This we pray in Your holy name. Amen