Meditation

7^th Sunday of Easter 05-12-2024

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1:1-6; 1^st John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19

In our lesson from Acts, Jesus’ disciples had seen Him taken up into a cloud in the sky and two men dressed in white asked them, “Why do you look up into the sky, you have seen Jesus taken up and He will return in the same manner.” They traveled from the Mount of Olives back to Jerusalem and to where they were staying. Peter stood up in front of the believers (About 120) and said: “According to Scripture, we must select a replacement for Judas, who served as a guide for those who arrested Jesus—-He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” Acts reports that Judas had purchased a field with the 30 pieces of silver for turning Jesus over to the Romans. He had purchased a field and them fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. The field was named the “Field of Blood. Meantime, Peter said they should select between two men (Joseph called Barsabbas, aka Justus and Matthias. These two had been with them since Jesus was baptized in the river. The disciples prayed for God to reveal to them who would take Judas’ place among them. The Holy Spirit gave them the name Matthias, and he joined the disciples. The church must ask God’s guidance when choosing a person to serve God through a particular ministry. Both the church and the Holy Spirit choose those set apart for ministry.

From out Psalm this morning, is concerned with those who have a moral compass, is ethical in all things and is considered blessed (“Blessed” – Hebrew – ‘ashre, meaning happy.) The blessed person lives within the boundary God sets out for life with Him and received observable blessings, sometimes material and always spiritual, which bring happiness. Such blessings are not so much a reward for good acts as the natural produce of life with God. God’s ways are a source of guidance, encouragement, and moral strength for us all. His people portray patterns of integrity to their society and are known for their moral uprighteness based on obedience to God’s Word.

In our Epistle from 1^st John, we come to understand that the Church is a community of people who believe in Jesus Christ as God’s promised Messiah and our Savior. Two major points point in Jesus’ life reveal Him as Son of God: His baptism by water (Mark1:11; and His death, where He sacrificed His blood (Mark 15:39). Jesus remained the same person—Son of God come in human flesh. Jesus did not become God’s Son at any point in His earthly life. He was God’s Son from eternity past and remains God’s Son to eternity future. At no point did He surrender His divine nature and become only human. God provided three witnesses to identify Jesus: His baptism, His death, and the Holy Spirit (Numbers 35:30; Deut 17:6; 19:15).

From our Gospel of John we find that Jesus prayed for His people to the Father and that He would protect His believers in the world. This does not mean we have immunity from problems, but we will have joy and a sense of God’s presence in our trials. Certainly part of our protection in our unity with the body of Christ, but God’s protection is not some kind of a monastic escape from the world; rather, it is a secure participation with God in the world.

At the close of Jesus’ ministry, He prayed for His people. As the Father had sent Him to the world, He was not sending His followers into the world and they needed the Father’s watchcare and guidance so they could become effective witnesses for Him. Jesus committed Himself to the mission and He wants us to have the same level of commitment in our own lives, in order to continue the mission He began. Abba Father sent Jesus to provide salvation and to spread the gospel message, while providing and equipping us with the truth, which is the Word of God. It means we are to take the Word and study it for understanding, so that we can go out into the world to share the Word with the world around us. Are you willing to do this? Have you accepted Christ as your Savior? Then it is time to begin the work necessary!

Meditation

05/10/2024

“Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young off your livestock and the crops of your land. The Lord will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your fathers. If you obey the Lord your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in the Book of the Law and turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 30: 9-10)

God punishes His people when they are unfaithful. He seeks to restore and renew the people. A sign of His restoration is renewed blessings for His people. When God’s people turn away from disobedience to obey God, prosperity is assured. Prosperity is designed in the terms of those who love God, not in terms of the secular world’s Greed. God seeks through His discipline to lead us to repentance. The repent (Hebrew – shub, “turn, return”) is to change life’ directions, trust God, and obey Him. Repentance leads us to salvation.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “Are There Rewards for Faithful Stewardship?” The simple answer is yes. To achieve the rewards is to discipline your own lived, so that we turn into a new person, one who repents of sins, trusts God with all your heart, body and mind, and who have turned away from their former lives in sin. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“I have a friend in a High Place. Do you?”

KNOWING GOD:

“One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but come to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11: 24-25)

Our motives for giving usually determine the rewards we expect. Like a generous merchant who dispenses a heaping measure of gain, God pours out live and blessings to those who exhibit love for others by gracious giving. The greatest reward to the faithful giver is the joy of participating in Christ’s ministry and seeing the results. Christ taught that rewards are gifts from God. They cannot be earned and are primarily spiritual rather than material. God may choose, beloved, to provide material blessings as well as all spiritual blessings, but we have no right or reason to demand or expect material gifts. The lives of Jesus and Paul illustrate this. The wealth of joyous faith and fulfilling life are the greatest rewards possible and it is where we find our joy in life.

SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“Cornelius answered: ‘Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.” (Acts 10: 30-31)

Good stewardship shown in care for the needy demonstrates devoton to God. God rewards such devotion through His presence and attention. Good stewardship does not guarantee God will answer our prayers in the way we might think He should or even want. It does, however, lead us to a relationship with God in which we know God listens and answers prayers as He sees best.

Meditation

05/09/2024

“Araunah said to David, ‘Take it! Let my lord the king do whatever please him. Look, I will give the oxen for the burnt offerings, the threshing sledges for the wood, and the wheat for the grain offering. I will give all this.’ But King David replied to Arunah, ‘No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.’” (1^st Chronicles 21: 23-24)

There was a plague in the area, and King David wanted to sacrifice to the Lord in hopes of stopping the plague. However, gifts to God that cost the giver little tend to have little significance. Giving to God should represent personal sacrifice. David’s refusal to offer a sacrifice that cost him nothing reflected both his reverence for God and the significance of giving.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “How Important is for Giving in Worship?” In the story of Arunah and King David, Arunah offered to give his king anything to make a sacrifice, but King David understood the concept of giving not out of abundance but that it should be given in reverence and yes, maybe it should “hurt” a little as well. In this way the giver gives both in reverence and also that it ought to “hurt” a little as well. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“Often man’s disappointments are God’s appointments.”

KNOWING GOD:

“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off. If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fail, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.” (Psalm 37: 21-26)

Grasping things for self characterizes the wicked. The righteous give generously. Giving is the nature of persons who are close to God, for giving is God’s nature.

SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5: 23-24)

Giving is such a sacred and worshipful act that it should not be thwarted by a person’s wrong relationship with another. God so values showing mercy and achieving reconciliation that it justifies temporarily postponing the act of giving. This makes the gift and the worship more meaningful to the individual and more pleasing to God.

Meditation

05/08/2024

“Hezekiah assigned the priests and Levites to divisions—-each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—-to offer burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, to minister, to give thanks and to sing praises at the gates of the Lord’s dwelling. The king contributed from his own possessions for the morning and evening burnt offerings and for the burnt offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moons and appointed feasts as written in the Law of the Lord. He ordered the people living in Jerusalem to give the portion due the priest and Levites so they could devote themselves to the Law of he Lord. As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything. The men of Israel and Judah who lived in the towns of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks, and a tithe of the holy things dedicated to the Lord, their God, and they piled them in heaps. They began doing this in the third month and finished in the seventh month. When Hezekiah and his officials came and saw the heaps, they praised the Lord and blessed His people Israel. Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the heaps; and Azaiah the chief priest, from the family of Zakok, answered. ‘Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over.’ Hezekiah gave orders to prepare storerooms in the temple of the Lord, and this was done” (2^nd Chronicles 31: 2-13)

The people generously provide for the Levites’ needs through tithes and first-fruit offerings. Temple storehouses had to be built to save the excess goods until they were needed. This “milestone moment,” marked the beginning of the “storehouse” idea upon which many appeals for support of the church are based. God’s people do not have to spend offerings immediately. They may be saved and stored for later needs. Just because a church is storing funds for the future does not excuse members from continuing to bring tithes and offerings.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “How Important is Saving funds from Tithes and Other offerings for a Later Time?” In the story from 2^nd Chronicales, we see that an appeal for tithes and first-fruit offerings, in order to help out the Levites. The response was overwhelming, but it presented a new problem of too much at one time. King Hezekiah ordered storehouses to be built, to put the excess tithes and first-fruit offerings. Thus, a problem of wasting money and food unneccessarily turned into a model program for all churches. If you don’t have to spend the money, save it. If you can store the other first-fruit offerings and keeping it from spoiling, then save it for a later time when it can then be distributed. Towards the next need. This is lesson is being good stewards of all that is donated. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“Christ changed my lie, and He can change yours as well!”

KNOWING GOD:

“’I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,‘ says the Lord Almighty. ‘But you ask, How are we to return?’ ‘Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. ‘But you ask, How do we rob you? In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—-the whole nation of you—-because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, nd fruit, says the Lord Almighty. Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land, says the Lord Almighty.’” (Malachi 3: 6-12)

God deplores the sin of turning away from His decrees. Levitical law required the people of Israel to give ten percent of their agricultural products plus various sacrifices and services to God. Failure to give the tithe and required offerings was robbing God. This Old Testament heritage of required tithes and offerings enriches the Christian understanding of giving. The Old Testament heritage provides a backgound for the greater revelation of life and service that result from faith in Christ. Giving takes on a greater meaning in the lives of those who follow Christ and heed His teachings. Let me say one thing further on tithing, If you are sitting trying to decide whether or not to pay your tithe or pay for groceries or bills, then pay for the food and bills. God does not want you to forego your health or not eat or not meet your bills to keep the lights and heat/air on, If you are on a fixed income, any sudden bill or tax hits you hard. Remember the woman who only had a copper penny? Jesus commended the woman for giving her all, when others gave out of their abundance. It you cannot afford to tithe, then pay what you can, period. Work your way up to that percentage, but not at the risk of your health or life!

SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“At that time men were appointed o be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, first-fruits and tithes. From the fields around the towns they were to bring into the storerooms the portions required by the Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was pleased with the ministering priests nd Levites. They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did also the singers and gatekeeper, according to the commands of David and his son Solomon. For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. So in the days of Zerubbabel and of Nehemiah, all Israel contributed the daily portion for the singers and gatekeepers. They also set side the portion for the other Levites, and the Levites set aside the portion for the descendants of Aaron.” (Nehemiah 12: 44-47)

Keep in mind that the Levites were the only tribe that did not have a inheritance of land or stock , etc., but were responsible for all worship services, special services, officiating at sacrificial services and burnt offerings. They were dependent upon the community donating them food to eat and any and all other things required to perform their duties in the Temple.

Meditation

05/07/2024

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give. These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purpose and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; an onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.” (Exodus 25: 1-8)

Building and maintaining the “house of God” is an important part of biblical faith. The house of God symbolizes God’s presence among His people. It is a place of prayer and public worship to God. God calls us to have willing hears, so we will make freewill offerings to contribute to the construction of a worship building. The New Testament reflects little attention to building since the early churches usually met in homes or available public places.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “How Important is Building the House of God?” God expressed to Moses that the people should provide materials (and gave him a list of what would be needed) for the purpose of building and maintaining a House of God, and that He would come a dwell with them. This itself must have been quite a sight to see, as people began bringing forth materials with which to construct a House, fitting for God to live there among them. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“A Bible falling apart belongs to someone who isn’t!”

KNOWING GOD:

“King Joash commanded the priests and Levites to, ‘Go to the town of Judah and collect the money due annually from all Israel, to repair the temple of God, and to do it now!’ They did not go immediately, and the king summoned Jehoiada the chief priest and said to him, ‘Why haven’t you required the Levites to bring in from Judah and Jerusalem the tax imposed by Moses the servant of the Lord and by the assembly of Israel for the Tent of the Testimony?’ At the king’s command, a chest was made and place outside at the gate of the temple of he Lord. A proclamation was then issued in Judah and Jerusalem that they should bring to the Lord the tax that Moses the servant of God had required of Israel in the desert. All the officials and all the people brought their contributions gladly, dropping them into the chest until it was full. Whenever the chest was brought in by the Levites to the king’s officials and they saw that there was a large amount of money, the royal secretary and the officer of he chief priest would come and empty the chest and carry it back to its place. They did the regularly and collected a great amount of money.” (2^nd Chronicles 24: 8-11)

Maintaining the house of God is an important element in serving God. This is not to be seen as a burden, for it is an honor to be involved in the building up of a house of God, and with the understanding that maintenance is a requirement in order to keep it in good and operational state of functionality at all times.

SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“Some of the heads of the families contibuted to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 drachmas of gold, 50 bowls and 530 garments for priests. Some of the heads of the families gave to the treasury for the work 20,000 drachmas of gold and 2,200 minas of silver. The total given by the rest of the people was 20,000 drachmas of gold, 2,000 minas of silver and 67 garments for priests.” (Nehemiah 7: 70-72)

We are talking about stewardship, and the amount of the treasury was pretty substantial, but in order to maintaining a worship space and schools for youth and adults in todays times can be staggering. As was the case of the building of God’s House, everyone donated what they has and others gave as they could, while still others give in abundance, because it was what God had asked Moses to prepare the people to do, not just once, and regularly, as maintenance is not inexpensive either. I’m reminded of the little girl who when her father was driving down the street after church, was complaining about the lack of something to each. His daughter said, “But Daddy, you ate four doughnuts and drank six cups of coffee and only put a dollar in the plate!” Out of the mouths of babes, as they say. How seriously do you contribute to the church, help out with costs to provide the facilities necessary to have classes, Bible Studies, meeting space for community activities, and also provide the snacks, coffee, juices, etc. on Sunday mornings?!

Meditation

05/06/2024

“If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the Lord your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the Lord your God with your own mouth.” (Deuteronomy 23: 21-23)

Stewardship vows are voluntarily made, but once made become a sacred obligation. Vows may include promises to make sacrificial offerings to God. Failure to fulfill a vow is considered lying to God and is most certainly a sin. A vow to God commits one to a particular course of action. This course then becomes a criterion by which a life is judged and held accountable. So be very careful of making a vow, you are not sure you can fulfill, because it will then become a serious commitment to Him. It’s not like you see on TV where a “slick lawyer” comes in and manages to get your vow dismissed. God does not listen to anyone but you, beloved and you are obligated to fulfill your vow.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “How Important is a Vow to God?” In your times of stress and suffering and turmoil, we’re quite likely to say anything, to be relieved of your current situation. I would therefore recommend you think very hard before making a binding contract with God in order to find that relief. He doesn’t back you into a corner and make you vow to do this or than. That’s the way Satan acts. Our God will listen to you and quite often respond in compassion to help you, but do not then bind yourself to do something that you either cannot do or cannot afford to do. Instead, respond to His help by being honest and truthful, stating you will continue to try and walk with Him, that you appreciate His help and will strive to follow His command in your life as best as you can. The trick is you have to mean it! Never lie to Him. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“Jesus paid a bill He didn’t owe; have you accepted Him?”

KNOWING GOD:

“I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you.” (Psalm 56: 12)

Israelite worship often brought complaints and pleas for help to God. These concluded with a vow of promise to return to the houses of worship, give a thanksgiving offering, and sing thanks to God when He had answered the prayer for mercy. Special thanksgiving offerings are an appropriate way to acknowledge and testify to God’s help in our lives. Several years ago, while working as a Chaplain in my local police department, and I had a young officer come up to me in a busy hallway at the department asking me to pray about something. They had applied for a position as a detective, which took them off of the streets, but it also was for more pay and a upward move in their career. So I said hold my hands and let’s pray. They said, right now, with all these people around? I said, “If you want a prayer, then let us do so now.” So there we stood, holding hands in the hallway, and I prayed for God to look upon the officer who was seeking a new job as a detective, which would get them off of the streets and increase their pay. I prayed that the officer was very good in their job and that they had worked hard to improve their situation at the department, and that if it was in His plan for them, to bless them for this honorable request, and it was in Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen. I then said, did this hurt? The answer was no, and they thanked me and went on their way. A few weeks later, I ran into the officer and noticed a detective shield on the belt. I said congratulations! The response was prayer worked! I responded, now we must say thank you. Hold out your hands. The officer said here, again? I responded that God had done what you asked of Him, it is only right that a thanksgiving prayer was appropriate. This led to a long term relationship with an officer that walked away from God because of peer pressure in their hometown; who had turned back, because they now understood that what others think is not important, what is important, is your relationship with Him. True story, beloved.

SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.” (Numbers 30: 2)

Moses spoke the heads of the tribes of Israel: ‘This what the Lord commands: When a man makes a vow or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.’ Vows are commitments to God to perform some duty or abstain from some activity.

In the Old Testament times of which this pertains to, an unmarried daughter living at home and a married woman living with her husband. In each case the final authority of the male is affirmed here. He had legal responsibility for the home and could either agree with or set aside the vow made by his daughter or wife. However, he had to do is a soon as he heard about it, or his silence was considered to be consent. Only if a woman was living alone as a widow or divorcee could she be the final legal authority in her own household as a woman. Men were the sole source of income in those times and, therefore had to give approval for any commitments made by a daughter or wife whether or not they involved financial consideratons. The New Testament gospel does not diminish the man’s responsibility for the home though it does offer new attitudes toward the husband/wife relationship. I pray this is understood.

Meditation

Sermon for 6^th Sunday of Easter – 05-05-2024

Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1^st John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17

In the epistle from Acts today, while Peter was speaking to the gathering at Cornelius’ house and explaining why he had the authority to speak and preach for the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. Those in Peter’s circumsized believers who had come with him were taken aback that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. God had given the Roman centurion Cornelius, a vision to prepare him and to bring Peter from Joppa to share Christ. This story clearly reveals that God is interested not only in geographical or ethnic, but also in people from different racial, ethnic and language backgrounds. He was and still is daring to reach across cultural barriers and is a crucial element in expansion of the kingdom of God to this day.

God’s saving involvement in Israel’s national and individual lives called forth praise from His people and from the nations. They revealed God’s love was more than an abstact idea used by theologians. God’s love gained concrete expression in His historical actions. When God judges, the world rejoices, for He will judge justly and fairly.

In our reading from 1^st John today, we learn that the church is a community of people who believe in Jesus Christ as God’s promised Messiah and our Savior. The church gives evidence of this belief by obeying God’s commands. Such obedience overcomes the temptations thrust at us by the non-Christian world to live by its standards. We can obey only as we place faith in Christ and not in ourselves. The motivation for obedience is love of God. Such love extends then to all other children of God. Obedience, faith, and love thus unites the church, that’s you and me, and love thus unite the church into a true community. There are two major points in Jesus’ life reveal Him as Son of God. His baptism by water (Mark1-11) and His death, where He sacrificed His blood (Mark 15:39). Throughout His ministry Jesus remained the same person—-the Son of God come in human flesh. Jesus did not become God’s Son at any point in His earthly life. He was God’s Son from eternity past and remains God’s Son to eternity future. At no point did He surrender His divine nature and become only human.

In our Gospel message this morning, we learn the profound love that God the Father has for the Son is the source. The love that flows to believers from God the Father and from God the Son, placing a heavy demand upon us: we are to obey God and love each other in the same self-sacrificial manner that Jesus loves us. The The love of God comes to us on the one hand as a freed gift. On the other hand, the love of God comes to us as an insistent demand that we live in love for each other and for God. Beloved, love is the central characteristic of God and must become the central charteristic of God’s people. Joy marks the believer’s life. Human achievement do not produce this joy. Obedience to Christ’s commands is the was to remain in Christ’s love and to experience complete joy. Joy is a distinctive quality of biblical faith in both the Old and New Testaments. It is something that others will see in you and it is what the will desire for their loves. Jesus prayed their joy might overflow in abundance because of their relationship to Him! Our relationship to God through His Son Jesus has the critical element, joy in serving others. There was a time when I looked at someone hurting of hungry or needed a place to stay in winter and often said, “Someone ought to help them out.” However, when God placed the call on me, He changed my heart and my vision, to be able to see those struggling and reached out to them; to look into the eyes and see the hurt and struggle they were going through and sought to talk with them and find out how I could help them with immediate needs. To pray with people I didn’t even know, yet God always gave me the words and the direction to find help for them.

The relationship between Jesus and His disciples became one of friends loving each other. Friendship is a close, intimate relationship in which affection can be expressed freely. The heart of such a friendship is the willingness even to give one’s life for a friend. Jesus included His disciples in His plans and shared the responsibility with them. He gives us the same responsibility of sharing the good news of the gospel. We may regards ourselves as His servants, obeying the Master’s commands, but Jesus makes His servants His friends by trusting us, sharing His plans to love, and entrusting us with ministry. We become Christians on Christ’s initiative. He chose us to bear fruit for Him, that is to live obedient lives and lead other to know Him. Christian love and fruit do not mark extraordinary Christians. They mark all Christians, because you reach a point like I did, and can no longer look away at those struggling in life, for now I understand the someone that should help them is me, and not just me, but all of you and many more sitting in churches all around the world today, that now realize you are being called into a very special ministry, to love and serve those around us every single day. Are you ready? Is your heart reaching out to others more; is you vision changing to see those struggling? God loves you, Jesus loves you, and so do I. Now, go in peace to love and serve the Lord! Amen

Meditation

05/03/2024

“They brought the seven bulls, seven rams, seven male lambs and seven male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary and for Judah. The king commanded the priests, the descendants of Aaron, to offer these on the altar of the Lord. So they slaughtered the bulls, and the priests took the blood and sprinkled it on the altar; next they slaughtered the rams and sprinkled their blood on the altar; then they slaughtered the lambs and sprinkled their blood on the altar. The goats for the sin offering were brought before the king and the assembly, and they laid their hands on them. The priests then slaughtered the goats and presented their blood on the altar for a sin offering to atone for all Israel, because the king had ordered the burnt offering and the sin offering for all Israel.” (2^nd Chronicles 29: 21-24)

Sacrifices to God were an important part of he Old Testament people’s giving and worship. God revealed the pattern of giving was pleasing to Him. Persons devoted to the Levitical law sacrificed animals and grain products as a way to seek God’s forgiveness in accordance with His revelation. The giving spirit intended in these acts continues among Christians but with the recognition that Christ made the eternal atonement sacrifice for us, on the cross.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “How Important is Sacrificial Giving?” For those of the Old Testament, is was the way prescribed by God, to atone for their sins, to be restored to a relationship with Him. Those of the New Testament understand that Jesus went to the Cross to be our eternal atonement for sin, though He was without sin. Still, we continue to tithe to the church, to enable the church to meet the needs of the poor, homeless, and less fortunate. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“God loves you, enough said!”

KNOWING GOD:

“They presented the regular burnt offerings, the New Moon sacrifices and the sacrifices for all the appointed sacred feasts of the Lord, as well as those brought as freewill offerings to the Lord. On the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, thought the foundation of the Lord’s temple has not yet been laid.” (Ezra 3: 5-6)

Beloved, giving to God’s work should be done on a regular, continuing basis. Only ongoing cooperation in giving can provide the resources needed for God’s work.

SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“This is the special gift you are to offer a sixth of an ephah from each homer of wheat and a sixth of an ephah from each homer of barley. The prescribed portion of oil, measued by the bath, is a tenth of a bath from each cor (which consists of ten baths or on homer, for ten baths are a equivalent to a homer). Also one sheep is to be taken from every flock of two hundred from the well-watered pastures of Israel. These will be used for the grain offerings, burnt offerings an fellowship offerings to make atonement for he people, declares the Sovereign Lord. All the people of he land will participate in this special gift for the use of the prince in Israel. It will be the duty of he prince to provided the burnt offerings, grain offerings and drink offerings at the festivals, the New Moons and the Sabbaths—-at all the appointed feasts of the house of Israel. He will provide the sin offerings, grain offerings, burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to make atonement for the house of Israel. This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In the first month on the first day you are to take a young bull without defect and purify the sanctuary.” (Ezekiel 45: 13-18)

Stewardship is a part of renewal. Ezekiel described life for a nation restored from exile and captivity. They would give sacrifices to seek atonement and to express worship through praising God as our God now and forever more.

Meditation

05/02/2024

“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. The King of Sodom said to Abram, ‘Give me the people and keep the good for yourself.’ But Abram said to the king of Sodom, ‘I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me—-to Aney, Eshcol and Mamre. Let them have their share.’” (Genesis 14: 18-24)

Blessing is God’s constant provision of daily needs through His invisible presence in our lives. Prayer for blessing is a recognition of God as the provider of food, health, work, and all other available resources. Worship involves asking God for blessing, acknowledging His blessing, and blessing Him or praising Him for being the Source of blessing.

Tithing began before the Old Testament tithe law was ever established. It was common among many religions. Abraham gave the first tithe recorded in Scripture as a worshipful act of gratitude to God for help in battle.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “How Important Are Blessings and Why Do We Tithe?” Beloved, blessing is God’s constant provision of our daily needs, through His invisible presence in our lives. Our tithes are recognition is a worshipful act on our parts as gratitude towards God for His helping us in daily troubles. In truth, it is a reflection of our faith in God, that we feel compelled to honor Him for all that He does for us daily. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“God’s gifts are never loans, they are investments in what we can become, when we fully allow Him to work through us for his purposes.”

KNOWING GOD:

“Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.” (Luke 11: 42)

Tithing should never be substituted for loving God and doing justice. Salvation cannot be bought or earned. Salvation does respond to the needs of others in giving and acting. Attitudes and relationships determine guilt more than specific acts and theological expertise. God does not relate to His people in a legalistic manner, expecting us to know and follow an enormous number of religions rules. Even professional experts cannot remember and obey all the rules. God does expect us to let him change our hearts and revolutionize our attitudes. When love for God, justice, and concern for other people rule our hearts, we will follow the necessary rules.

SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of he cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of deadmen’s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” (Matthew 23: 25-26)

So what does this have to do with tithing? Plenty, as it is our attitudes that are critical. It’s not what we “seem” on the outside, but how we truly are on the inside. Are we in control on the inside of our bodies, if so, then we have not truly given our inside selves to God, so that He can change our hearts and given us an attitude of servanthood towards our fellow human beings. When this takes place, our tithe is given joyfully and for the betterment of mankind. It is becoming the person that has allowed God to change our hearts to seek the common good of others, without any expectation of receiving anything in return. It is time, beloved to give control over to God fully, so that our lives are more fulfilled and we seek to help others to achieve this same goal for themselves. This is true tithing, for we will them give with joy from our hearts in the hope of changing others into fellow servants of Almighty God.

Meditation

05/01/2024

“I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I am do! And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masqueralding as apostles of Christ. An no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. They end will be what their actions deserve. I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then received me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting.” (2^nd Corinthians 11: 8-16)

In Old Testament life, the Temple tithe and offerings primarily supported the Levites or priests (Numbers 18:2-24; Ezekiel 44:28-30). Both Christ and Paul affirmed that supporting God called ministers is the duty of the Christian Church. Paul was anxious to assure the Corinthians that he was not after their money but desired that they know Christ. Paul apologized for permitting them to be “inferior” to other churches by not supporting his ministry His self-support was for their good and was not an example to be followed in all churches. False apostles preach a different gospel (13:4) based on human achievement. They demand payment for their services. They boast in their status and claim a superiority over their fellow Christians. They seek their own success and win influence over Christians by treachery and deceit. The church needs leaders who serve the church by proclaiming the lordship of Christ. As for Satan being deceptive, it has been long known that he would take the form of an angel to deceive people. Only spiritual maturity and insight can protect us form the master of deceit. He uses people in church offices to deceive God’s people. Paul knew false apostles who misled the churches he worked with. Such agency or instruments of Satan have no part in Christian hope (See Ephesians 6:10-20: ‘follower of Christ must struggle with superhuman forms of evil, including Satan. God’s spiritual armor will help the followers in these in these struggles. The enemy causing the evil we face is not a human force we have a change to defeat in our own power. The enemy is an evil spiritual force led by Satan. The enemy includes rulers and authorities, angelic forces created by God through Christ who have reelled against God and exercise temporary power in our universe. Powers my be pagan gods connected with Sin worship. Evil is not a problem limited to life on earth. Spiritual forces represent Satan’s followers who oppose God on His heavenly territory. The Bible assures us God’s victory is guaranteed!

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “Is It Right to Support Ministry and Pay TaxGames?” In the Old Testament times, the Temple Tax and offerings primarily supported the Levites or priests of the Temple as they had no inheritance and no salary. They served God and His people as they had been called to do, and the people were responsible for taking care of the priests. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“When we have done what we can do—-God will do what we cannot do!”

KNOWING GOD:

“Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. They came to him and said, ‘Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in acccordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?’ But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. ‘Why are you trying to trap me?’ he asked. ‘Bring me a denarious and let me look at it.’ They brought the coin, and he asked them, ‘Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?’ ‘Caesar’s,’ they replied. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.’ And they were amazed at him.” (Mark 12: 13-17)

Paul being a Roman, would have argued that Caesar is in effect, a minister, because he is charged with seeing to the just treatment of all people under his jurisdiction. Jesus simply asked them to see a Denarious coin. He looked at it and said, give to Caesar what is his, and give to God what is His. Simple, direct and Jesus left them with nothing to report.

SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“Woe to you, teachers of he law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—-mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—-justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former . You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.” (Matthew 23: 23-24)

In this discussion tithing is given as an example of he Pharisees’ hypocrisy. The Old Testament law of the tithe required that they give 10% of agricultural produce. They had gone to an exaggerated point on this to prove their righteousness—-mercy and justice. Many believers that here Jesus established the tithe as the plan for Christian giving. He commended the Pharisees’ devotion to the law of tithing, but He did not say how this was to apply to His followers. Jesus did say much about giving during His ministry. The Jewish leaders and the teachers of the law were bogged down in how deep the mud was on the road, to consider the people being ok to pay Caesar his tax and then to pay the Temple tax and offerings for the priests. Kind of reminds of the old saying, “The Pharisees and teachers of the law could not see the forest for all the trees!