I am thankful to announce the release of “Birdland,” a children’s book with 275 bird illustrations, thousands of fun facts, original poems, and scientific information. I recommend it for children of all ages and adults. It would make a wonderful holiday gift.
I lost a friend this morning. I knew him briefly at a local church. He was vibrant, loving, and kind. I will miss him. I do believe that prayer is vital while we are on earth. I continue to pray for his wife and family. This morning I was comforted by my Father’s love and truth. I’ve been reading five psalms each day—here is what I read this morning.
God loves to make us whole. He wants our bodies healthy, our minds clear and alert, our spiritual understanding enlightened. He is our Savior and sent His Son to be our savior. That is what “Jesus” means in Hebrew: Jehovah saves. The title Jehovah is used many times in the Bible and shows God’s willingness to help us. In the Bible, God also uses the title Elohim to show that He is able (as Creator) to meet our every need. He is both willing and able to care for us.
I read this in the Bible this morning. It seems to me an apt commentary on our times.
Proverbs 29:16:
When bad men are in power, then crime increases; but good men shall yet gloat [rejoice] over their downfall.
This has been the case in America in recent years. Those leaders who turn from God and His truth cause crime to rise. When these unscrupulous fall, good men rejoice that once again they have freedom.
I have often been astounded at the matchless love of Jesus. Not at his love now, reigning as Lord in a new spiritual body at the Father’s right hand. But as a man on earth, tempted in all ways like us—yet never having sin. He could have failed, but he didn’t. He gave his life for us. My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ work and righteousness.
Some people like to “put the cart before the horse.” At times, I’m one of them. But I’ve been learning that things don’t pull well that way. God’s way is always best.
A Similar Sermon—but Different!
Of course, we remember the great Sermon on the Mount. It was Jesus’ first teaching recorded in the gospels. We arrive this time in a plain, having just descended from the mountain following Jesus and his newly appointed twelve apostles. Once there, we join with a crowd of his disciples and a great multitude from all around.
How does God want us to live each day? Many people only respond to what their five senses tell them. But God gives His spirit to those who believe that He raised Jesus from the dead and make His Son their Lord. And we are then to live by the spirit of God within us. The Apostle Paul wrote about this in his letter to the Romans. Let’s look at how “spirit” is used in chapter 8 of that epistle.
Lord, I know I don’t deserve, any of Your grace,
Please read this last chapter from James’ letter all the way through. It is from the Lamsa translation of the Aramaic and has good insight for our lives.