Weekly Verse and Song for Tonight Weeks 485 - 493
April 26, 2023
Week 480
1 Peter 4:12-13
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
When Ordeals Come Our Way
I have been thinking lately about the things that trickled down in life for me. One day I was going along doing a good job at work, with teaching, with my workouts, and with my diet, things seemed to be going along pretty well life seemed simple and ordered. Then I was working out one Thursday late morning and suddenly I hurt myself and my world changed. In tonight's verse, we come to 1 Peter 4:12:
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
To pin an analogy on this would be my mom. My mom lived a life in India with mom's dad, then one day my mom got married and moved to the United States, where things didn't go well, Mom found mom's herself divorced, with five kids and all alone. Yet God took care of my mom and all of us throughout, God provided through every fiery ordeal and obstacle, and we came out better.
Suddenly my life changed and I found myself in hard circumstances where everything was so hard and different. Yet even though right at this very moment I don't see why God is allowing all this, I can rest in God, He will take care of me through this as He is providing for me and I will come out better, just as He has done in the past. For any Christian who is going through an ordeal rest knowing that God is with you, knowing that as you take part in the sufferings of Christ and you will be overjoyed upon His return. So the lesson here is in every fiery ordeal to keep your focus on God He will carry you through.
Love you mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One we rejoice in
Katy Nichole - "In Jesus Name (God of Possible)" (Piano Version) [Official Lyric Video]
Week 480
1 Peter 4:12-13
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
When Ordeals Come Our Way
I have been thinking lately about the things that trickled down in life for me. One day I was going along doing a good job at work, with teaching, with my workouts, and with my diet, things seemed to be going along pretty well life seemed simple and ordered. Then I was working out one Thursday late morning and suddenly I hurt myself and my world changed. In tonight's verse, we come to 1 Peter 4:12:
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
To pin an analogy on this would be my mom. My mom lived a life in India with mom's dad, then one day my mom got married and moved to the United States, where things didn't go well, Mom found mom's herself divorced, with five kids and all alone. Yet God took care of my mom and all of us throughout, God provided through every fiery ordeal and obstacle, and we came out better.
Suddenly my life changed and I found myself in hard circumstances where everything was so hard and different. Yet even though right at this very moment I don't see why God is allowing all this, I can rest in God, He will take care of me through this as He is providing for me and I will come out better, just as He has done in the past. For any Christian who is going through an ordeal rest knowing that God is with you, knowing that as you take part in the sufferings of Christ and you will be overjoyed upon His return. So the lesson here is in every fiery ordeal to keep your focus on God He will carry you through.
Love you mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One we rejoice in
Katy Nichole - "In Jesus Name (God of Possible)" (Piano Version) [Official Lyric Video]
May 3, 2023
Week 481
Psalm 56:3-4
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise--
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
When Fear Comes
It's been about a month now and I started a new job. This job for some reason has me waking up every morning asking myself why: "Why did I come here", "Why didn't just stay where I was ", "Why did I make this decision", and "Why did God allow me to come here". Well, I am realizing daily that it is because of fear that I ask "Why". In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of Psalm 56:3-4:
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise--
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
Growing up I can only now see more clearly how my mom might have been feeling when fear came because mom was raising mom's kids on mom's own. Mom must have woke up daily fearful. I believe this as I equate having a level of fear with things that are happening in my life currently. The thing however is my mom had a strong trust in God that carried mom through.
Coupled with that fear I just came out of a meeting that I sort of ran but could have done better. However, in my situation, the verse for tonight brings me comfort and peace, as it shows me that level of fear I have but placing my trust in God is what I am called to do and by doing so it brings me comfort. You see God leads us in directions that He has for us, (Psalm 37:23-24), our role is to trust in God. What could people here do to me? My trust is in God who carried me through the trials of life in the past, He is carrying me through in the present and in the future. For anyone who has fear over a situation whatever that may be, review Psalm 56:3-4 know that God is with you as you place your trust continually in Him. Our God is faithful (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One we Trust in
Anne Wilson - Sunday Sermons (Official Music Video)
Week 481
Psalm 56:3-4
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise--
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
When Fear Comes
It's been about a month now and I started a new job. This job for some reason has me waking up every morning asking myself why: "Why did I come here", "Why didn't just stay where I was ", "Why did I make this decision", and "Why did God allow me to come here". Well, I am realizing daily that it is because of fear that I ask "Why". In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of Psalm 56:3-4:
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise--
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
Growing up I can only now see more clearly how my mom might have been feeling when fear came because mom was raising mom's kids on mom's own. Mom must have woke up daily fearful. I believe this as I equate having a level of fear with things that are happening in my life currently. The thing however is my mom had a strong trust in God that carried mom through.
Coupled with that fear I just came out of a meeting that I sort of ran but could have done better. However, in my situation, the verse for tonight brings me comfort and peace, as it shows me that level of fear I have but placing my trust in God is what I am called to do and by doing so it brings me comfort. You see God leads us in directions that He has for us, (Psalm 37:23-24), our role is to trust in God. What could people here do to me? My trust is in God who carried me through the trials of life in the past, He is carrying me through in the present and in the future. For anyone who has fear over a situation whatever that may be, review Psalm 56:3-4 know that God is with you as you place your trust continually in Him. Our God is faithful (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One we Trust in
Anne Wilson - Sunday Sermons (Official Music Video)
May 10, 2023
Week 482
1 Samuel 30:6
6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
Encouraging Yourself
I think it's normal to get discouraged about life and the things that go on it. I was talking with a friend last night and this morning about many things she felt discouraged about, as she had so many things going on, one after the other. One of the things I was telling her was to practice doing one thing at a time and to repeat that phrase. Another thing I was telling her to do was to pray, essentially I was trying to encourage her. However, sometimes human responses are not enough. In tonight's verse, we come to 1 Samuel 30:6:
6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
When I was younger my mom was in the midst of many obstacles some of these stemmed from loneliness, financial woes, etc. One thing I would see my mom do however is to get in a corner of the house and pray and read mom's Bible. Mom would be encouraging herself in the Lord. One of the things I have found myself doing every morning is listening to Dr. Charles Stanley's sermons as it is surrounded around scriptures, reading my morning devotion, and praying. Essentially this was my way of encouraging myself in the Lord.
I think every day we face obstacles, situations, circumstances, etc. What's important as I see it is to encourage ourselves in the Lord. Just knowing that He is with us and that He understands what we are going through is a great way to relieve yourself of stress. God is with you, remember as Christians God starts a good work in us and He will carry it through to completion (Philippians 1:6). The Lord is with you.
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who is our source of Encouragement.
Anne Wilson - Living Water (Official Music Video)
Week 482
1 Samuel 30:6
6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
Encouraging Yourself
I think it's normal to get discouraged about life and the things that go on it. I was talking with a friend last night and this morning about many things she felt discouraged about, as she had so many things going on, one after the other. One of the things I was telling her was to practice doing one thing at a time and to repeat that phrase. Another thing I was telling her to do was to pray, essentially I was trying to encourage her. However, sometimes human responses are not enough. In tonight's verse, we come to 1 Samuel 30:6:
6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
When I was younger my mom was in the midst of many obstacles some of these stemmed from loneliness, financial woes, etc. One thing I would see my mom do however is to get in a corner of the house and pray and read mom's Bible. Mom would be encouraging herself in the Lord. One of the things I have found myself doing every morning is listening to Dr. Charles Stanley's sermons as it is surrounded around scriptures, reading my morning devotion, and praying. Essentially this was my way of encouraging myself in the Lord.
I think every day we face obstacles, situations, circumstances, etc. What's important as I see it is to encourage ourselves in the Lord. Just knowing that He is with us and that He understands what we are going through is a great way to relieve yourself of stress. God is with you, remember as Christians God starts a good work in us and He will carry it through to completion (Philippians 1:6). The Lord is with you.
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who is our source of Encouragement.
Anne Wilson - Living Water (Official Music Video)
May 17, 2023
Week 483
Luke 9:62
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
Looking Back
Just this past Sunday I was reading an article about a person who was working two full-time jobs. I thought the article was insightful, however immediately my mind went to looking backwards and some decisions I made this year. In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of Luke 9:62:
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
These are the words of Jesus to a man who promised to follow him after saying goodbye to his family. See when I was growing up my mom always took care of us and as such there were many times when we did not have a lot. For me, I was looking backward seeing that the job I left might not have been the right choice and at the same time maybe it was. Essentially I was looking back and feeling a sense of regret, loss of income, and more. These thoughts have been plaguing me all week and at the same time as caused a lot of angst.
This is something I tend to do after making decisions, and if you're like me this may be something you might do as well. One of the ways to overcome this is by doing the following:
1. Understand that God is in charge of your life and assumes responsibility for you.
2. Recognize that God would not badger you but these "looking back" thoughts are from the enemy.
3. Know that God actually guides your decisions and that whatever you left behind God wanted you to leave it. In due time you may come to know what that is.
Doing this I found to be very fruitful in helping me not look back at decisions I make with regret.
Trust God, put the above list into work after making a decision and I think you'll find that looking back is a thing of the past and you'll find yourself looking forward.
Love you Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One we look forward with.
Anne Wilson - Something About That Name (Lyric Video)
Week 483
Luke 9:62
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
Looking Back
Just this past Sunday I was reading an article about a person who was working two full-time jobs. I thought the article was insightful, however immediately my mind went to looking backwards and some decisions I made this year. In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of Luke 9:62:
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
These are the words of Jesus to a man who promised to follow him after saying goodbye to his family. See when I was growing up my mom always took care of us and as such there were many times when we did not have a lot. For me, I was looking backward seeing that the job I left might not have been the right choice and at the same time maybe it was. Essentially I was looking back and feeling a sense of regret, loss of income, and more. These thoughts have been plaguing me all week and at the same time as caused a lot of angst.
This is something I tend to do after making decisions, and if you're like me this may be something you might do as well. One of the ways to overcome this is by doing the following:
1. Understand that God is in charge of your life and assumes responsibility for you.
2. Recognize that God would not badger you but these "looking back" thoughts are from the enemy.
3. Know that God actually guides your decisions and that whatever you left behind God wanted you to leave it. In due time you may come to know what that is.
Doing this I found to be very fruitful in helping me not look back at decisions I make with regret.
Trust God, put the above list into work after making a decision and I think you'll find that looking back is a thing of the past and you'll find yourself looking forward.
Love you Mom, and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One we look forward with.
Anne Wilson - Something About That Name (Lyric Video)
May 24, 2023
Week 484
Job 12:12
Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?
Wisdom As We Age
I live close to a High School, and this past weekend there was a graduation ceremony. As I walked by the school during a weekend hike and saw all the students and parents coming over to the graduation I was reminded of my own time as a senior in High School the feelings I felt, which included the excitement, the sadness, the uncertainty, and the fun. One thing it also reminded me of was I'm getting old.
In tonight's verse, we come to Job 12:12:
"Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?"
Growing up with my mom I saw a lot of things from mom, from mom helping us with homework, to cooking, cleaning, mom would exercise, etc. However, in mom's later years, mom needed help and we even had a nurse that would come over and check on mom. I recall after mom passed the nurse told us how wise mom was. For me, the statement I have written above "I'm getting old" reminds me that even in my old age God will sustain me and carry me through everything (Isaiah 46:4), and in my old age also comes wisdom and understanding.
So this is a benefit those high school kids who were crossing the stage receive. As they are crossing the location they are crossing the stage of life and with that are growing older, and at the same time, we who are older can impart wisdom to benefit them, most likely how others who were before us imparted wisdom. This brought me now great comfort in knowing that with comes wisdom and with that wisdom, it can be imparted onto others and the cycle continues as we know this wisdom comes from the Lord (Proverbs 2:6-8).
As we impart this wisdom to others know that the imparting will bring forth a long-lasting reward for those who receive it (Galatians 6:9).
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One we learn from.
Red Rocks Worship - Be Still (Acoustic) (Live)
Week 484
Job 12:12
Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?
Wisdom As We Age
I live close to a High School, and this past weekend there was a graduation ceremony. As I walked by the school during a weekend hike and saw all the students and parents coming over to the graduation I was reminded of my own time as a senior in High School the feelings I felt, which included the excitement, the sadness, the uncertainty, and the fun. One thing it also reminded me of was I'm getting old.
In tonight's verse, we come to Job 12:12:
"Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?"
Growing up with my mom I saw a lot of things from mom, from mom helping us with homework, to cooking, cleaning, mom would exercise, etc. However, in mom's later years, mom needed help and we even had a nurse that would come over and check on mom. I recall after mom passed the nurse told us how wise mom was. For me, the statement I have written above "I'm getting old" reminds me that even in my old age God will sustain me and carry me through everything (Isaiah 46:4), and in my old age also comes wisdom and understanding.
So this is a benefit those high school kids who were crossing the stage receive. As they are crossing the location they are crossing the stage of life and with that are growing older, and at the same time, we who are older can impart wisdom to benefit them, most likely how others who were before us imparted wisdom. This brought me now great comfort in knowing that with comes wisdom and with that wisdom, it can be imparted onto others and the cycle continues as we know this wisdom comes from the Lord (Proverbs 2:6-8).
As we impart this wisdom to others know that the imparting will bring forth a long-lasting reward for those who receive it (Galatians 6:9).
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One we learn from.
Red Rocks Worship - Be Still (Acoustic) (Live)
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May 31, 2023
Week 485
1 Corinthians 10:13-14
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.
Being Tempted
Sometimes I wonder as a Christian what the Lord is showing us through tempting circumstances that may cause us to question whether we are saved. In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of 1 Corinthians 10:13-14 for the answer:
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.
Most of us are tempted by something. It could be as a kid getting your hand caught in that cookie jar, it could be a relationship that is not godly, it can be anything. When I was a kid I was tempted sometimes to do the wrong thing, knowing fully that my mom would not like it, but I may do it anyway and disobey. So being tempted is constant throughout our lives. But look at verse 14 above, it reads: "Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry."
Looking up the word idolatry it means this: Essentially, an idol can be anything that takes the place of God as the most important focus and priority in our life.
We are called to flee from anything that takes the place of God, knowing that temptation can be something that can come to us and cause us to replace our devotion to God with something that is not of Him, should be run away from. Understand however that God will protect and keep you from the temptation and provide a way out. The important part is to see the way out and take the course of action. This means and looks different from anyone, for example for me when I am tempted I pray and remember Christ's sacrifice on the cross and I run to it remembering the nails He took in His hands and feet and that He did it just for me. It causes me to run to Jesus and honor Him.
Remember that Jesus knows how you feel when you are tempted and use His example. When the Spirit led Jesus to the wilderness to be tempted He overcame Satan's attack with the Word of God (Matthew 4:1-11). Christ knows how you feel seek Him whenever you are tempted. Think about these things about God and know through prayer, and being proactive in our life towards God will prevent us from falling into those temptations (Matthew 6:13).
What the Lord is showing us is to rely on His strength through the temptation, not ours.
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who delivers us from temptation.
Cody Carnes - Run To The Father (Live at Motion Conference)
Week 485
1 Corinthians 10:13-14
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.
Being Tempted
Sometimes I wonder as a Christian what the Lord is showing us through tempting circumstances that may cause us to question whether we are saved. In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of 1 Corinthians 10:13-14 for the answer:
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.
Most of us are tempted by something. It could be as a kid getting your hand caught in that cookie jar, it could be a relationship that is not godly, it can be anything. When I was a kid I was tempted sometimes to do the wrong thing, knowing fully that my mom would not like it, but I may do it anyway and disobey. So being tempted is constant throughout our lives. But look at verse 14 above, it reads: "Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry."
Looking up the word idolatry it means this: Essentially, an idol can be anything that takes the place of God as the most important focus and priority in our life.
We are called to flee from anything that takes the place of God, knowing that temptation can be something that can come to us and cause us to replace our devotion to God with something that is not of Him, should be run away from. Understand however that God will protect and keep you from the temptation and provide a way out. The important part is to see the way out and take the course of action. This means and looks different from anyone, for example for me when I am tempted I pray and remember Christ's sacrifice on the cross and I run to it remembering the nails He took in His hands and feet and that He did it just for me. It causes me to run to Jesus and honor Him.
Remember that Jesus knows how you feel when you are tempted and use His example. When the Spirit led Jesus to the wilderness to be tempted He overcame Satan's attack with the Word of God (Matthew 4:1-11). Christ knows how you feel seek Him whenever you are tempted. Think about these things about God and know through prayer, and being proactive in our life towards God will prevent us from falling into those temptations (Matthew 6:13).
What the Lord is showing us is to rely on His strength through the temptation, not ours.
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who delivers us from temptation.
Cody Carnes - Run To The Father (Live at Motion Conference)
June 7, 2023
Week 486
Psalms 145:14
14 The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
Failure In Temptation
Last week I wrote about temptation and trusting the Lord. This week, I like to talk about failure in temptations. In Church this past week the pastor said something that hit me. The pastor said that we all fail God, but He always forgives us. In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of Psalm 145:14:
"The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down."
For most of us, God gives us parents to reflect Him. This reflection comes from discipline so much so that as a kid when I would disobey my mom there would be consequences for it. Yet at the same time, I knew my mom did not hate me, or disown me and it was out of my mom's love that I would be disciplined. The same is true of God.
When we disobey the Lord and fail to avoid a temptation the Lord disciplines us, and as the verse for tonight states He forgives. There is a key however as we must be humble enough to recognize our failure and ask the Lord for forgiveness. My mom forgave me when I would apologize for my many mistakes, the reflection of this is God, God forgives us.
Today are you struggling with your failure or have you moved past it and dismissed it as nothing? Depending on your answer to each question will determine whether you recognized it. If you have failed in temptation ask God for forgiveness and know that He has forgiven you and will lift you up.
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who forgives our failures.
Anne Wilson - Seventh Of June (Official Music Video)
Week 486
Psalms 145:14
14 The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
Failure In Temptation
Last week I wrote about temptation and trusting the Lord. This week, I like to talk about failure in temptations. In Church this past week the pastor said something that hit me. The pastor said that we all fail God, but He always forgives us. In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of Psalm 145:14:
"The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down."
For most of us, God gives us parents to reflect Him. This reflection comes from discipline so much so that as a kid when I would disobey my mom there would be consequences for it. Yet at the same time, I knew my mom did not hate me, or disown me and it was out of my mom's love that I would be disciplined. The same is true of God.
When we disobey the Lord and fail to avoid a temptation the Lord disciplines us, and as the verse for tonight states He forgives. There is a key however as we must be humble enough to recognize our failure and ask the Lord for forgiveness. My mom forgave me when I would apologize for my many mistakes, the reflection of this is God, God forgives us.
Today are you struggling with your failure or have you moved past it and dismissed it as nothing? Depending on your answer to each question will determine whether you recognized it. If you have failed in temptation ask God for forgiveness and know that He has forgiven you and will lift you up.
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who forgives our failures.
Anne Wilson - Seventh Of June (Official Music Video)
June 14, 2023
Week 487
James 1:2-4
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Pushing Through
Many changes have happened to me since October 2022. When one thing seems to get better another trial comes in a way that feels like a trial. In tonight's verse, we come to James 1:2-4:
"2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Just thinking back and seeing my mom struggle so much in life to take care of us, mom never really seemed to complain. I know that my mom trusted God. Though I'm not 100% sure however I believe that the trials of life that Mom went through were fueled by the desire to see us grow up and be successful. By God's grace, Mom was precisely where God wanted Mom. The perseverance that was produced, produced a level of perseverance, for Mom to finish. In the end, Mom saw Mom's fruit of labor, by His grace.
For me, this is a constant lesson to learn, that pushing through your trials will produce perseverance so that your work will grow and be complete. There will always be trials that come, in your life, one thing to first know is that wherever you are, and whatever you are doing our Lord has you where you are for His purpose trust that. With that as fuel persevere through your trial until your work is complete, and know that God is with you and one day by His provision the results will show.
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who is with us through our trials.
O, For A Thousand Tongues To Sing
Week 487
James 1:2-4
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Pushing Through
Many changes have happened to me since October 2022. When one thing seems to get better another trial comes in a way that feels like a trial. In tonight's verse, we come to James 1:2-4:
"2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Just thinking back and seeing my mom struggle so much in life to take care of us, mom never really seemed to complain. I know that my mom trusted God. Though I'm not 100% sure however I believe that the trials of life that Mom went through were fueled by the desire to see us grow up and be successful. By God's grace, Mom was precisely where God wanted Mom. The perseverance that was produced, produced a level of perseverance, for Mom to finish. In the end, Mom saw Mom's fruit of labor, by His grace.
For me, this is a constant lesson to learn, that pushing through your trials will produce perseverance so that your work will grow and be complete. There will always be trials that come, in your life, one thing to first know is that wherever you are, and whatever you are doing our Lord has you where you are for His purpose trust that. With that as fuel persevere through your trial until your work is complete, and know that God is with you and one day by His provision the results will show.
Love you Mom and I love you, Lord.
Home with the One who is with us through our trials.
O, For A Thousand Tongues To Sing
June 21, 2023
Week 488
Mark 6:30-31
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Rest: Physical
From studying scriptures over the years the Bible talks about two kinds of rest. The three kinds of rest that the Bible focuses on are physical rest, resting or stopping something, and resting or entering into God's peace. This week I want to start by talking about the physical rest. In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of Mark 6:30-31:
"30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
In these verses and the verses that preceded it (Mark 6:6-12) where the apostles were sent out by Jesus to preach and teach. Upon returning from such tasks, Jesus told His disciples to rest.
When I was younger even in my early twenties my mom would come to me and remind me to "take rest". Of course, I did not always listen to this, but this reminder even now reminds me that as people we need to find time to rest physically. Physical rest should be adequate to keep your focus throughout the day. I am and have learned the harder way over the years how vital rest is. Last night I went to sleep earlier and woke up with a sense of peace and easiness.
I think having physical rest is very important for all of us and finding that is important for us. Jesus even recommended that to His disciples after sending them out. Jesus Himself found time for physical rest as well (Mark 4:38). I know being younger and stubborn I never heeded this idea that mom gave me, but thinking through all of this over the years I realize how important it is. It is something that God wants from us, to adequately do the work He has called us to, so remember that.
Love you Mom, and Love you, Lord.
Home with the One who commands us to rest.
Only King Forever | Live | Elevation Worship
Week 488
Mark 6:30-31
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Rest: Physical
From studying scriptures over the years the Bible talks about two kinds of rest. The three kinds of rest that the Bible focuses on are physical rest, resting or stopping something, and resting or entering into God's peace. This week I want to start by talking about the physical rest. In tonight's verse, we come to the pages of Mark 6:30-31:
"30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
In these verses and the verses that preceded it (Mark 6:6-12) where the apostles were sent out by Jesus to preach and teach. Upon returning from such tasks, Jesus told His disciples to rest.
When I was younger even in my early twenties my mom would come to me and remind me to "take rest". Of course, I did not always listen to this, but this reminder even now reminds me that as people we need to find time to rest physically. Physical rest should be adequate to keep your focus throughout the day. I am and have learned the harder way over the years how vital rest is. Last night I went to sleep earlier and woke up with a sense of peace and easiness.
I think having physical rest is very important for all of us and finding that is important for us. Jesus even recommended that to His disciples after sending them out. Jesus Himself found time for physical rest as well (Mark 4:38). I know being younger and stubborn I never heeded this idea that mom gave me, but thinking through all of this over the years I realize how important it is. It is something that God wants from us, to adequately do the work He has called us to, so remember that.
Love you Mom, and Love you, Lord.
Home with the One who commands us to rest.
Only King Forever | Live | Elevation Worship
