The day had arrived. It was beyond sad. It was solemn, and it was heavy. Without hesitation we were there to support, to console, and to be present. In what seemed like a dream, we were getting ready to speak at the funeral of our dear friend who had just lost her battle to cancer. She had just rounded the corner past 25 years old, and was in every other way a healthy beautiful young lady. But, her life on this earth was over. She was surrounded by her husband who served her until she drew her last breath, she was nurtured and cared for by parents whose baby girl passed before their very eyes, and she was loved and admired by so many friends and family for not only the life she lived, but the strength exhibited in the way she died. This dear friend was a Christian. She loved Jesus, and she served others. She wasn’t ostentatious, and she wasn’t callous or judgmental. She displayed dignity and compassion. Always quick to listen and slow to speak, she was endearing and she carried herself with class. You wanted to be around her, because she was characterized by  joy . Her life exuded joy, and she displayed it until her Lord called her home. And it was into this untimely and tragic situation that her mom, whose name is Joy, has wisdom for us today. When Joy–months after her daughter’s passing–had others praying for her to have a “better year”, she responds by saying,  “A better year? You cannot give me a better year. This was the best year of my life.” How can a mom–who stared down and continues to stare down the reality that her baby girl is gone–say that? This is almost too much to bear, but it is nevertheless the resolve of this mother when considering the loss of her daughter’s life on this earth.   1.    “Joy”  is a noun that is here preceded by the adjective “all”. Thus, implying an un-mixed or unsoiled-ness to experiencing joy. But, the word is also preceded by another word, consider. Which means to think. In other words, while this joy is certainly an unmixed experience of gratefulness, it is also something that you set your mind to. It’s a conscientious choice that–after the evaluation of your circumstances–you choose to live in this unmixed joy. Hence, Joy’s resolve for joy as she considers her daughter’s life and death. 2.    “Trials”  are not  if , but  when . The reality of our world–riddled with sin–is that we face trials of varying proportions and causes everyday. To prove this, James places the preceding word, various, before trials, which essential means manifold. In other words, the trials that are faced are not going to be the same. It’s as if we live in a world that has built-in and diverse challenges to face. 3.    Thus, we are needy. We are vulnerable. And we are unable to do this alone. And so, it was into this manifold trial-filled world that God sent His Son. It was into this world that we have One who overcame sin and death, and therefore promises those who love Him that their death won’t be the final say about their life. No, no, Joy–the mother to the dear lady who passed–knows that her daughter may not be here in person, but she lives on in her (and many other minds), and that her daughter simply passed from life to life. Joy knows that she will be reunited with her daughter because of Christ; and so, she chooses–considers it all–joy. Glory, because of Christ there can be joy. We can have true joy beyond, outside of, and above our circumstances. Glory. What is the personal benefit to choosing joy amidst trials? Ultimately, trials are an inevitability of what it means to live in a broken world made up of broken people. But God, in His wisdom allows trials to be the filter through which He cultivates joy in the life of His followers. Not merely for the sake of the struggle, but instead what the struggle produces. Consider for a moment your own life. Consider the trials and struggles you have endured. Certainly, there are elements of the struggle(s) that you would eliminate, but can you nevertheless agree that it was through struggles that something good was produced in you or in those around you? Maybe you’ve said,  “I’m glad I went through that, because it produced _____, but I sure wouldn’t want to endure it again.” ? There are many things in my life I wouldn’t want to endure again, but I can say that those things certainly changed me–for the better. And so, after James instructs followers of Christ to consider their struggles with joy, he then goes on to help us understand  why  they should do just that…   “…Knowing that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”   In so many words, James reveals that the trials are a testing ground of faith. It is where the rubber meets the road. Life–for the Christian–is not about the milk toast, but instead about the struggles that test one’s faith for the production of something. That something that is produced–James says–is endurance. The word endurance means literally to bear under. In other words,  “the capacity to hold out or bear up in the face of difficulty”  (BDAG, 1039). What James is instructing the follower of Christ is that the reason you should consider your various trials with joy is because the trials produce the ability to bear up in difficulties. In other words, it is through the trial that the strength is given to remain faithful. How Does This Apply To Us Today? 1.    It is through the trial(s) that God grows the faith of His followers–the stick-to-it-ness of His people. 2.    Jesus endured to give us grace to endure. This grace is His free gift extended to a broken humanity to be received by us in faith. In other words, a follower of Christ is one who looks to Christ in the midst of his trials as the answer to their questions of “ why me, why us, why now, etc. “. Christ’s endurance is not only an example to follow, but the means of grace through which to lay hold of and believe it is available to His followers even today.  “The grace of God has appeared…”  Titus 2:11.

What is one way you have seen or experienced UNITY…? What about inside the church? Why would UNITY be important?  THE ORIGIN OF UNIT Y What is the ORIGIN of UNITY? The Trinity Consider first, the distinct roles of the Godhead, yet their oneness… John 17:22-23 “…that  they  may be one,  just as We are one ; I in them and You in Me, that they may be  perfected in unity …” Furthermore, we see it exemplified through Christ: Beginning of His public ministry  – Matthew 3 & 4 – The Holy Spirit, the Son, and the Father are together testifying to Christ’s move toward the Triune God’s mission of redemption. HOW UNITY IS MAINTAINED How is UNITY is maintained? Humility, Gentleness, Patience, and Love Ephesians 4:1-3 “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” HUMILITY Spiritually bankrupt…the opposite of pride… Christ’s Life is our example: Philippians 2:1-8 “…Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” GENTLENESS Bridled strength …riding a horse… opposite of self exertion Christ’s Life is our example:  Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” PATIENCE Patience in greek is hupomeno ( hupo: under – meno: to abide)  an abiding under… You stay the course, despite circumstances… Christ’s Life is our example:  We remain steadfast…just like Christ waiting for recompense… Hebrews 10:13 “…waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet.” LOVE Looking beyond  the action, the motive, and the expression, and seeing an image-bearer of God that He sent His Son to die for. Christ’s Commandment is our standard: John 13:34-35  “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” THE PURPOSE FOR UNITY What is the PURPOSE for UNITY? Maturity & Evangelism MATURITY Ephesians 4:11-16 “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;  until we all attain to the unity of the faith , and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.  As a result: we are no longer to be children,  tossed here and there by waves carried about by every wind of doctrine,  by the trickery of men,  by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” EVANGELISM Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer  – John 17:22-23 “…The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity,  so that  the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me…” CONCLUSION POINT 1: THE  ORIGIN  OF UNITY The Trinity… POINT 2: HOW UNITY IS MAINTAINED Humility … Gentleness … Patience…. Love… POINT 3: THE PURPOSE FOR UNITY Maturity… Evangelism… How does the Gospel speak to UNITY today? It bears us up to accomplish UNITY… It brings us low if we think we are accomplishing UNITY in our own strength… No GUILT…NO PRIDE… Can we accomplish this on our own? If we think we are doing “good” at unity, on whose strength are we relying? We need the power of the Gospel, that is the Holy Spirit sent by Christ to invade every cavern of our soul….we can’t keep unity in the mind…we are lying to ourselves, it must be in the hands, feet, and mouth… God help us!

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 When the time was just right–being fulfilled according to God’s Divine decree–God sent His Son into His created world to become the man the rebellious world always needed, but never wanted. In so doing, He did not limit His Godhead, diminish His humanity, nor coax a high-handed humanity into believing in Him. He was the perfect man–the God-man–sent into a broken, dying, and darkened earth. He opened eyes, softened hearts, and prepared the way for a new humanity. His mission was to communicate to this confused world the riches of His grace, to set the example of everyday living for a recalcitrant humanity to follow, and to conquer–once and for all–sin and death through His bodily-sacrifice and grave-resurrection. Although His life was short, it was full. Although His ministry was brief, it was effective. Although His friends abandoned Him in His greatest hour of need, He forgave them. This was the anticipated Messiah–the Anointed One–the Light of the world. No man-made power could stand against His strength. No man-made plan could thwart His mission. No military could out strategize His rescue plan. No political influence could overturn His decree. No darkness could overcome His light. None. Zero. Never. He would fulfill to perfection the Triune God-head’s purposes. No matter how bleak. No matter how hopeless. No matter how seemingly impossible. He would win. His light would shine. He would bring to man his most important solution for his most greatest need. This was the Light sent to shine in the darkness, and no matter the resistance He would prevail…He was the true light which gives light to everyone. “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” –  John 1:11-13 His light shone into darkness, and ignited in His new people a flame that will not flicker…a spark that will not fade…and a magnanimous light that  will  prevail. The Messiah came not to serve, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many…that we might be lights in the darkness…shining until He calls us home or until He returns. Until then…we remember…we celebrate His first advent…we anticipate His second advent!

Jesus prayed for himself. So should you! His prayer in John 17:1-5 gives us a model for how we should pray for ourselves. Jesus starts His prayer with a request for the Father to glorify Him. He then moves to praying for His disciples and their actions within the world. Finally, He prays for the unity of all those who might believe in Him unto the salvation of their souls. This prayer is nestled at the end of His life and conclusion of His public ministry–which only lasted approximately three years. All throughout His public ministry, His message was consistent and clear,  “…a kingdom is coming.”  Listen to His words as He began His ministry… “…Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven is near.” Matthew 4:17 The problem for those who were hearing this message then, as well as for those of us today is that no one is able to enter into this kingdom because of its high standards of entry. The gate isn’t swung open for anyone to just drop in. No, no, there is a standard of righteousness required for any and all people. In other words, you have to be as righteous as God to enter His kingdom. And that’s where and why Jesus entered our world. Thus, God, in His wisdom, sent His Son into our world so that through His perfect–righteous–life, He could offer Himself for us who are not righteous, in order to stand as a substitute in our place–paying the penalty for all our sin (incidentally, a penalty is incurred, because the Law or standard has been broken–by everyone. God doesn’t turn His head or wink at anyone breaking His standards). And so, the result of His perfect–righteous–life sacrificed on behalf of (or in the place of) unrighteous people means that His righteousness is now available to any who—by grace through faith—believe that His sacrifice (dying on the cross) was for them in particular–and they accept and believe that this is God’s only provision made for them in order to be a part of His kingdom. No law to keep. No standard to maintain. No sin to avoid. It’s a simple yet God-sparking recognition of who you are in light of who God is, and a turning from depending upon yourself to be righteous (i.e. trying your best to be good), and turning to God’s provision–Jesus. The standard (or Law of God) of entry into God’s kingdom is not intrinsically bad or an impossible requirement handed down by a hateful god, but was rather given because of transgressions that served as a tutor until Jesus came, as well as pointed (as a copy and shadow) to its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. And so, Jesus spent His earthly ministry preaching about the coming kingdom, as well as keeping its standard of entry (the Mosaic Law) for us! In the meantime, He trained His disciples for His departure. And, it was at the end of this training–just before Jesus’ sacrifice for all humanity–that John’s gospel provides insight into a most intimate moment of…The Prayer of Jesus. Jesus’ Prayer for Himself “Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” John 17:1-5 Jesus begins His prayer acknowledging that His life—His purpose—has reached its final point. He thus requests that God glorify Him as a result of the completion of His earthly work in fulfilling the kingdom’s standards (God’s Law) perfectly. This glory request is not strange for Christ to ask of the Father, because He had previously (and eternally) dwelt in the same glory with the Father before the world  existed  as the second person of the Trinity. Since Jesus  emptied  Himself of this glory by becoming a servant and sacrifice in order to fulfill the kingdom’s standards (or Law), He is now requesting that it be restored. In other words, Jesus is stating in so many words that all of history has pointed to this moment, and its ultimate fulfillment is now reaching its apex. Mankind’s righteousness has always been short of God’s righteousness, and as history has unfolded this reality has only proven its point. Therefore, Jesus–the God-man–came to deal with it, and to offer His life of righteousness to all who are unrighteous, so that those who are unrighteous could enter into His kingdom without fear of its perfect righteous standard. Therefore, the prayer of Jesus begins with profound importance–God is dealing with mankind’s failure…Jesus is proclaiming this new reality for all of humanity… Thus, Jesus prays… My mission is reaching its completion… Restore my glory… Amen and Amen. How Does This Apply To Us Today? Because Jesus ended perfectly what He began (thus fulfilling His mission on earth), you and I now have hope for life after death, as well as purpose (and mission) in (and for) our life today. Our Lord–King Jesus–is not a defeated god, but One who reigns in all His glory, and who stands in our place–ever mediating on our behalf. That’s our God…that’s our Lord…that’s our King, Jesus! Mission fulfilled. Glory restored. Amen! Therefore, worship. Worship your King Jesus who forever receives worship! Worship Him, and let the world see you do it! www.staffandstones.com.  Used by permission.

Are there times when you feel a strong pull to say or do something to fit in or to be liked or to control someone’s perception of you? At some level we all experience this temptation–goodness sakes–we’re human. But, it’s not ok to be ok with this. In other words, sort of giving up the struggle on battling against doing things, saying things, or trying to control our perception of others is a white flag you can’t afford to raise. Why? You have unique gifts, personality, temperaments that may not be understood by everyone, but certainly can be appreciated and even respected by all people. God made you exactly the way you are to be the exact person he made you to be. You have less stress and strain when you are not having to “put on” or “be on” for others. How do I begin to break free of the temptation to fit in? When you continue remember that you having nothing to lose and everything to gain. Nothing to lose and everything to gain… This is one beautiful facet of the gospel (good news that God has made a way to be in fellowship with Him through Christ where there previously was no way). The gospel explains to the Christian that they were loved, cherished, and chosen not on the basis of their built-in goodness or righteousness, but because God made a way to them where there was no way. He provided the means to a sick, sour, and sordid person (you and me) in the midst of our sin, so that we would see everything as a gift from Him. In other words, because God loved us and brought us to a relationship with Him, as new children of His we then become stewards of everything (including relationships with people, our families, our money, etc.). I like to think of it as a little child adopted into a loving family, and for the first time they realize the love, care, and charity they received from their new parents. They hear of the previous plight that they were rescued from, and they shudder to think of the lifestyle and despicable condition they would have been forced to live in. It’s at this point that they realize that everything they have from these new parents is given to them not because they were a perfect kid, but because their new parents chose them and bestowed a new life to them. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The Christian’s story is very similar to this one above. In the depths and sorrows of our sin God  rescued  us  brought  us forth. Incredible! We were saved from a life of sin, and given a  new life  in  Christ . Thus, as the Christian remembers this new life in Christ, and that they nothing to lose in life, but everything to gain, they are able to see relationships for what they are…a means to love as they were loved, a means to express forgiveness as they were forgiven, a means to express acceptance as they received acceptance, and a means to be committed as God through Christ is committed to them. Therefore, the margin left to fitting in is gone. There’s just no room for it to survive as the Christian remembers his new life in Christ, and forgets the old life as a sinner. Are you meditating on this reality? That in Christ you have everything, and thus you have nothing on this earth to lose (be it reputation, misunderstandings, misperceptions, etc), but everything to gain. In Christ, you are God’s son or daughter, you are loved, you are accepted–forever and always. That’s enough to alleviate any human’s unacceptance of you. May we remember this…we’re accepted in Christ by our faith in His finished work on our behalf, and we can now walk as God’s unique creation and not as the constant chameleon! Glory!

Do you ever feel the pinch of a life under pressure? Do you wonder in those moments how you’ll find the time to consider God and His work in your life, in your family’s life, or in the life of those you hold dear? Have you forgotten that darkness comes before the dawn? Furthermore, does your gaze ever make its way into our culture–even our Christian culture–and you see pain, division, and sometimes defeat? Have you ever been let down by someone that you trusted? Have you ever been betrayed or deceived by institutions or organizations that should stand for truth and what is right? Does your own life reveal a questionable commitment to Jesus and His commands? Are there times when you do the things you shouldn’t and don’t want to do? Do you, in those seasons of intense pressure and confusion, long for a better world, a better place wherein righteousness dwells? Me too. Where then do you turn? When the pressure is turned on…when the culture is confusing…when your own life lets you down? Christ. He alone–sent by the Father–pierced through the darkness, and promises rest. He is the One who will (and does) make all things right, He is the One whom the Father sent to once and for all deal with the pressure, the confusion, and the sin that permeates our world and lives. It is Christ. He is the One. And so, we remember. We reflect. We press on. No matter the season  we hang in there , because a day is coming when Christ will return to take back and make right all that humanity has defaced, destroyed, and demeaned. The sun is moving on its course, and the dawn of a new day looms on the horizon…it’s coming…hang on…lean in…and run to Him, because He is worthy! Glory! “And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”” Revelation 5:2-5

“He also chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from the care of the ewes with suckling lambs He brought him to shepherd Jacob His people, and Israel His inheritance. So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them with his skillful hands.” Psalm 78:70-72 It’s hard for the modern man or woman to see themselves as a shepherd. In fact, it almost seems irrelevant to even consider one as such. However, while many might not be shepherds in the true sense of the word, each of us are responsible to steward some-thing or some-one or two or three, etc. And so, if the principle is true (which it is) that each of us has a responsibility of shepherding (or stewardship), then wisdom beckons us to consider those who have shepherded before us… To do that, we turn to Israel’s shepherd from long ago. What can we learn from David, the shepherd of Israel? Three general observations: Before a larger responsibility is given, faithfulness in smaller responsibilities must be proven… David, a man after God’s own heart, was faithful as a shepherd over sheep before he was a steward over God’s chosen people. David didn’t choose to be a shepherd; no, no, it was simply something he inherited, and he took his responsibility serious. Therefore , every sphere of influence or responsibility we have is something we all–in some form or fashion–inherit, and we should take it serious. Shepherding entails integrity of heart… While having personal agendas and aspirations can be helpful in shepherding, there must always be a fight against the temptation to make it about yourself. We get this, and should therefore steward with pure motives focusing on the interests of those we’re shepherding. Therefore , having integrity of heart, which means completeness or good faith, should be our aim or disposition as we steward those within our care. Shepherding also entails skillful hands… Having skillful hands means having understanding. In other words, a shepherd is a student of those within their care or spheres of influence. Our default is to assume we know by intuition; however, learning is always required to shepherd with understanding. Therefore , make it your aim to study those within your care. How Does This Apply To Us Today? The first step to being faithful in the great and grand things is to learn contentment with the spheres of influence you have already received. Aim for a pure heart, seeking the interests of others as you shepherd or steward. Remain a student of those within your care. Be one who learns the art of asking questions. May we all, with pure hearts and skillful hands, shepherd and steward each sphere of influence unto the glory of God. www.staffandstones.com.

“ Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8 Years from now, when I think about the impactful memories that stood out during the COVID-19 contagion, the following will certainly come to mind: Our pastor running to the Bible—teaching pretty much every day of the week to a virtual audience. ·   Lesson : when everything around us changes, we run to the thing that doesn’t change—God’s Word. Our church staff, shepherding the church-body. ·   Lesson : know who God has called you to care for and tend, and meet their needs to the best of your ability. My family, worshipping together through a live-stream in our jammies (well, at least I was half the time ;)). ·   Lesson : stay consistent in attending church—even if it’s virtual, and make the most of your time with your family. The days are long, but the years are short. ZOOM meetings, the hours spent in virtual fellowships and meetings. ·   Lesson : adapt to the circumstances with poise…that is to say, remain composed in chaos. My quiet times in the morning with a good cup of coffee. ·   Lesson : build consistency in meeting with God through His Word—even if you don’t feel like it. Selling our house in Denton and watching friends and family come around us to help us move to our new home in Aubrey. ·   Lesson : express your needs…enlist others’ help…and let them receive a blessing from their sacrifice. Early morning jogs. ·   Lesson : prioritize time to be active…there’s something about a little sweat that helps calm the nerves. Here’s a challenge: Take a moment, and with pen and paper: Reflect on some of the good times that happened during this stressful time in  2020. Write out some of the lessons (like above) that you can take hold of (from the impactful moments). May God use this  shelter-in-place  season to grow us all, mature us all, and equip us all for building up His Kingdom…for serving others…and for loving well! www.staffandstones.com www.dentonbible.org

“In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. “He trusts in God; let God rescue Him now, if He delights in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” Matthew 27:41-43 The irony of the informed… At the moment of Christ’s apparent weakest hour those who were to be the most instructed and informed are, in the greatest irony, articulating the opposite of their understanding. The chief priests, scribes, and elders were the leaders of the Jewish nation, they held the oracles of God, and they were to be the shepherds of the people leading them to the greenest pastures. So they were… However, God, in Ezekiel 34 had previously indicted the Jewish leaders of their failure as the shepherds of God, and some things never change… “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock?” Ezekiel 34:2 In other words, the leaders of Israel have from the moment they entered the promised land failed as the shepherds of God. This was to be. Why? No human could ever shepherd the people of God as God would shepherd His people. They were destined to  fail , and God had a rescue plan to not only show them, but also to save them. However, the shepherds missed their mission–with all their information they missed the ancient plan previously foretold. Even though they failed to be shepherds of God, they could have at least pointed to the Shepherd when He arrived. But, their desires were for things of this world, and as they spoke those  words , they demonstrated where their understanding of the things of God resided. Jesus didn’t come as the conquering King, but instead came as the  suffering Servant . His entrance was not in opulence, but in a lowly feeding trough. His exit was not one of political overthrow or military strategy, but one of rejection and humiliation. He was the God-man who must endure the life and death of His mission-plan, and in so doing  conquer  the thing (sin) through His death and resurrection–that was the only way to restore what had been previously broken. God’s solution to man’s greatest problem was that He would send His Son to live the life that man could not live, accomplish the righteousness of God through keeping requirements of the God’s law, and then as a lamb set for slaughter would lay down His life in order to die in the place of His people and receive the punishment for their sin. God made a way for mankind to be saved where there was otherwise no way. The leaders, the elders, and the chief priests—the shepherds of God—missed the mission…the so-called informed missed the plan. And so, the irony of the so-called informed failed to embrace the humility, the mission, and the plan of their Savior. How Does This Apply To Us Today? Are there times in your life where education, intelligence, or information has served as a blinder instead of a conduit into and of the things of God? What about your growth in your spiritual life? What about your parenting of your children (if you have them)? What about how you interact with your spouse…your boss…your co-workers…your neighbors…your friends…overwhelming situations, etc.? The reality is, we all have been blinded at some point by a pride of information. We all can relate to wanting to be in the know so bad that we miss the point of the knowledge–to know God. And that’s what we see taking place in Jesus’ time. The leaders who had all the information failed to see that their King would come first in humility. Their desire for momentary power blurred their vision for their Messiah. How do you see Jesus? Do you read your Bible to “know” more or to “know” more about Him? What if? What if today you and I read, prayed, and thought more about what Christ accomplished on our behalf? What if we thought about how He broke free the chains that bind and bound us to sin and selfishness and pride and lust and pleasure and power and _____? What if we rested in His love today, in His humility, in His grace? What if we walked as Christians identified with the suffering Servant, and sought to emulate that in all of our lives, as well as share it with others? We may be informed, we may be knowledgeable, and may we also be humble, like our Lord. Glory!

Everyday…I’m amazed at how crafty the Enemy of God is in his attempts to bring about the Christian’s destruction. It doesn’t matter if it’s discouragement, discontentment, doubt, fear, insecurity, worry, anxiety, or complacency, etc. Everyday…he’s setting new traps to remove followers of Christ from fulfilling the  Great Commission  and  Great Commandment . At some level, we all relate to these traps, but there’s something more to explore about his traps that relate less to how  we  feel and more to how we cultivate relationships with other Christians. Paul addresses–at the beginning of the second chapter of the book of Corinthians–one trap in particular that Satan is setting before the Christian…everyday. It is a subtle trap. An ancient trap. It is a trap that many often fall into and nurse and keep falling into far too long and far too many times. It is a trap that holds its victim even when it begins to stink and fester. It is a trap that is so subtle and easily overlooked. What trap are we referring to? It is the trap of  un-forgiveness . At the  beginning  of Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth, he’s dealing with a difficult sin situation inside this church. In essence, a man was caught in sin, was finally removed from the congregation through discipline, but apparently was not welcomed back after his apparent confession and repentance. In other words, the church was failing to forgive this man who was apparently seeking to be restored. They were not forgiving him. Thus, Paul warned… “But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ, so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 In other words, Paul told the church to forgive the repentant offender, which would reaffirm their love for him. However, the consequence of not doing so would give Satan an advantage. This would be nothing less than division among God’s people. And so, Paul warns against Satan’s subtle trap of un-forgiveness, and it echoes still today… How Does This Apply To Everyday Life? Have you fallen into the trap of un-forgiveness? Consider Jesus’ words to Peter:  “Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22 Have you stayed too long in the trap of un-forgiveness? Consider Jesus’ words to His disciples:  “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.”  Matthew 5:23-24 Now, take some time to reflect on God’s forgiveness extended to you. In so doing, apply the same measure of forgiveness you received from God to others. What you’ll find yourself experiencing is a freedom of gospel-living and release from the trap of un-forgiveness. It may not be experienced right away, but give it time…stay in the Word…and let God move in and through you to others. May God give us the grace to do so and more…until we see Him! Amen.

Many times I’ve found–after the dust has settled–that things that seemed so significant at the time were really insignificant. The situations or issues weren’t trivial, but they really didn’t bear as much weight as I had initially thought. Have you been there? Have you ever made a bigger deal out of something that looking back was not a big deal at all? If you’re human you have. Why do we do this? We do it, because we can only see right in front of us–we’re forced to live in the present. Therefore, we can’t see tomorrow…we can’t see how things will work together for good…until we’ve lived past those present circumstances, trials, or struggles. And so, we’re confined to the present, but not without hope! What’s the Practical Application? Live in the present, but with the end in mind…! Moses reminds in Psalm 90:12  “…teach us to number our days…that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” . What he’s getting at is a heart that understands their finiteness, is a heart that makes the most of their present circumstances. In other words, at the heart of someone who knows their days are numbered is a heart that acts in wisdom–daily. It’s a heart that understands that death is coming, and they can live ready for that day when they stand before God. One practical way to do this is by journaling. This is a simple way to remind yourself of how your day went, the pursuits you saw to fruition, and a confession of where you failed. It’s simple. It’s not easy. But, it’s value to recalibrate your life to the end of your life is huge! Live in the present, but believe God will one day reward your faithfulness to Him…! Jesus promised in Matthew 5:12: “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” In other words, followers of Christ may suffer in the present, but there is a day when not only will the suffering end, but rewards will be given. One practical way to walk in this is by daily saying no to the flesh and yes to the Spirit. You know the Spirit through reading and living God’s Word. It’s a relationship wrought in love, from God as a gift, and lived out in obedience and confession. You are advancing the gospel in every sphere–forgiving, confessing, not judging, and loving as Christ love–sacrificially–and expecting God’s reward one day. Live in the present, but know that your present investment in God’s work is not weightless…no matter what…! Paul encouraged in 1 Corinthians 15:58:  “…my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. “ In other words, God’s work is the work that bears the weight of significance. Therefore, it is the most important work of all! One practical way to walk in this is by not letting the challenges you face in the work of ministry in any sphere–work, home, friends, etc.–keep you from walking in the steps of Christ. Your reasoning is something like this,  “If Christ can do _____ for me, then I can do _____ for someone else! ” Also,  “If Christ endured ______ for me, then I can endure _____ for someone else.” May we be followers of Christ whose aim is the Weight of Glory…pushing through the significant little insignificants! www.dentonbible.org

“Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.” Genesis 2:15 There’s something about digging in the dirt that connects deep within my soul. I remember when I was a kid, my grandmother–probably to get me and my brothers out of the house and to keep us from harassing her cat–would give us a spoon to go and dig in the dirt. I loved it. Probably spent hours doing it. Fast forward many decades, and I’ve yet to outgrow my love for digging in the dirt. Only now, I’m a little more strategic with the placement of my spoon (or shovel :-)). I still get excited thinking about planting a tree or a vegetable or a plant. I love the smell of the earth. I love the potential of the plant. I love the beautification of the ground. I love the diversity of the colors and the smells. I love the view of the changing scenery throughout the seasons as the plant or tree grows. Well, as God would have it, my family and I finally decided to sell our house in Denton and move to a little more property in Aubrey. What’s incredible is that the property we purchased is from a dear family that stewarded well the land for decades. All over our new property are flowers and trees and plants that were carefully placed to gather the sun and attract different pollinators and beneficial insects. This family had taken their time, invested their energy, and handed to us a legacy of cultivation and stewardship. They did their part, and now it’s up to us to continue the legacy of cultivating and keeping. As you might imagine, we were more than excited to get started. And so, our first step was to plant a little orchard that we hope produces fruit not only for us, but for the next family, as well as for many families to come.   How Does This Apply To Us Today? Steward your land (or your job, or your marriage, or your children, or your time, or your money, or your ____) to honor God… Steward your land (or your job, or your marriage, or your children, or your time, or your money, or your ____) tobless the next land owner … Steward your land (or your job, or your marriage, or your children, or your time, or your money, or your ____) to connect with an ancient and primary responsibility given by God… Be fruitful and multiply…wherever you are… Cultivate and keep any responsibility or sphere of influence given to you with care and love… Wait patiently…cultivate…keep…and let God bring the fruit!