Honor God . . .the struggle.

Don’t you know that people who do wrong will not receive God’s kingdom? Don’t be fooled. Those who commit sexual sins will not receive the kingdom. Neither will those who worship states of gods or commit adultery. Neither will men who sleep with other men. Neither will thieves or those who always want more and more. Neither will those who are often drunk or tell lies or cheat. People who live like that will not receive God’s kingdom. Some of you used to do those things. But your sins were washed away. You were made holy. You were made right with God. All of this was done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was also done by the Spirit of our God. 

Some of you say, “I have the right to do anything.” But not everything is helpful. Again some of you say, “I have the right to do anything.” But I will not be controlled by anything.  Some of you say, “Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food. And God will destroy both of them.” But the body is not meant for sexual sins. The body is meant for the Lord. And the Lord is meant for the body.  By his power God raised the Lord from the dead. He will also raise us up.  Don’t you know that your bodies belong to the body of Christ? Should I take what belongs to Christ and join it to a prostitute? Never!  When you join yourself to a prostitute, you become one with her in body. Don’t you know this? Scripture says, “The two will become one.” (Genesis 2:24) But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one with him in spirit. Keep far away from sexual sins. All the other sins a person commits are outside the body. But sexual sins are sins against their own body.  Don’t you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit? The Spirit is in you, and you have received the Spirit from God. You do not belong to yourselves. Christ has paid the price for you. So use your bodies in a way that honors God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-20)

This is an outline for how a CHRISTian should live. Our sin nature has been removed by the blood sacrifice of Christ upon the cross and His bodily resurrection from the grave. Yet we still struggle with sin! Paul wrote about his struggles after Christ saved him. (Romans 7:14-25) Yet we still must agree with God and daily repent of our sin. However, we cannot justify our sins! Take a good look at our lives. Admit the struggles. Repent. Seek forgiveness . . . .daily. Do not accept a lifestyle of sin and guilt! By His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6), we can and will honor God!

Here is hope . . .If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Your work, Your glory, our God...even through the pain!

 

Let Your work appear to Your servants, and Your glory to their children.
17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90: 16-17)

Your work . . .Your glory . . . our God, yes Lord it is all about YOU! At a time when a lot of people want all the focus on them, what a reminder that it is all about God for those of us who have the wonderful privilege know Him. 

It is so easy to get caught up in the winning, the awarding, the crowning, the confetti, the parade, and the promoting. I always had a heart for the ones who do the best they are able every day yet no one notices. I think of the lineman and special team players in football, the bench players in basketball, the utility player in baseball, the mail room clerk at work, the employee who shows up every day on time, does all that is required of him or her, yet never gets noticed, even the church member who faithfully serves behind the scenes never to be seen but by God. I am sure that God knows however!

Moses reminds us all to allow God to shine through us all . . . let Him establish our works and allow Him to receive glory. So if you miss out on the honor roll . . . if you did not receive the promotion . . . if every name was called but yours . . . if the one you serve received the honor . . .  then praise God! It can hurt, it can bruise, it can even scar when we are not noticed or even neglected. Praise God anyway!

Keep plugging away not for the earthly prize, but for the glory of God! My pastor gave me this advice recently: "Let us tend to the battle and allow the Lord to tend to our wounds. Your heavenly rewards are surpassingly greater than your scars."

 

Comfortable in our CHRISTian life?

Are we comfortable in our CHRISTian life? 

Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. (John 15:20)

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)

I read an interesting article this morning when looking at God's Word for encouragement. I was researching how we can be comfortable being in Jesus in a sinful world and read some rather challenging words, ones I have been focused upon since the recent political campaigns, election and subsequent protests and riots here in the U.S. cities, in particular here in nearby Washington, DC.

"If you’re all-in with one political party and never feel any tension whatsoever with your Christian faith, it probably means your faith is too comfortable. Whether you’re a lifelong Democrat or a diehard Republican, a robust Christian faith should create dissonance with politics at various points. A faith that aligns perfectly with one political party is suspiciously convenient and lacks prophetic witness." (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/8-signs-your-christianity-is-too-comfortable/)

C. S. Lewis once said, “If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.”

So, what or whom are all-in with today . . . .Republican, Democrat, Socialist, Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, BLM, right-wing, left-wing, conservative, radical, fill-in-the-blank __________ organization, or Kingdom agendas?

As to the Lord . . .

 

Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.  And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.  But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. (Colossians 3:22-25)

As to the Lord  . . . . what an easy thing to say and pray, but so challenging to live out day to day. As Christ-followers, we are to obey law enforcement, the government, supervisors, teachers, and parents for sure . . . . yet only as it pleases God! When the law or rules come into conflict with the Word of God, we are to obey God. 

I think we all agree with that premise, would you agree?

However, what about why we obey? Do we find ourselves working hard at the job, doing all of our assignments, or even obeying laws to honor God, or to receive the applause of people? If we are honoring God, then why do you and I get so upset when people do not see our efforts, approve of our work, or reward us with special recognition?  

Ouch . . . that hurts! I am talking about us now . . . you and me! Let's take a hard look at our why!

Why do we do what we do every day . . . to please God or man?

The heart and soul of our children

 

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you . . . . unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified. (2 Corinthians 13:5-6)

Students sometimes panic when grades come out. Parents too shudder to open the envelope, or as is the case today, the email. Much depends upon the students' grades; passing to the next level, graduation, scholarships, even discounts on car insurance! But do we put too much emphasis on grades rather than the heart and soul of our children? 

Paul addresses the church at Corinth in the letter above. He is administering a test. This test is crucial for eternity however, not simply a grade. Oh there is some studying required and some knowledge needed . . . that of the Scriptures! 

Paul is sure of His relationship with Christ. He has been put to the test! But I ask you . . .

Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?

What abut your children?

What choices are you facing today

“I have written to you, young men (and women!), because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.” (1 John 2:14)

 I realize living a Godly life is tough for our youth today . . . so many varied views of what a CHRIST-led life looks like and so many false images as well as outright lies. But here is a great story:

Right-hander Branden Kline, the Frederick, Md., native who overcame a litany of arm injuries to make 37 relief appearances for his hometown Orioles over the past two seasons, announced his retirement on Wednesday.

“Dear Baseball, we both knew this day would eventually come......Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, and my family, over the past 25 years!” Kline wrote on Instagram. “You’ve given me great friends, life-changing experiences, as well as a career that I’ve cherished for the last 8 years. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and being more involved in spiritual matters.”

This young baseball player struggled to make the majors and after just one full season, he had the opportunity to decide his path forward. He chose to follow God's path . . . not riches and glory. He chose faith and family over popularity and fame. He missed seeing his wife and children, attending bible studies and SONday worship. Imagine that . . . .

What choices are you facing today . . . tomorrow? Choose Christ!

How many know God's power?

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV)

Be very wise before celebrating victories . . .listen closely to the words spoken but also follow the actions.  Write down the promises made and count the promises fulfilled. In a world of great need, great challenges, and great wounds that need healing, there is only One I know Who has and will fulfill every one of His promises and heal every broken heart and sick soul. . . do you know Him?

Many use words from the Bible. Many will quote scriptures. Many others will offer prayers and even mention a god now and then. Yet I wonder how many know God's power? How many know the person of Jesus Christ? It is by His name that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess . . . and all to His glory! (Romans 14:11)

Be wary of joining hands and hearts with others. Be sure to make allegiances clear. Be separated from any form of ungodliness.  (2 Corinthians 6:17) Continue to pray . . . . .

 

Under God!

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."  

Here is an interesting fact on this very peculiar day in our Nation . . . . (https://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm).  

Despite the history of the Pledge, today I hold my hand over my heart and pledge allegiance to a flag that stands for a Nation under God! I realize the negative history behind our Nation and the flag, but it is not a flag I honor! I honor and pledge loyalty to a country based upon Godly principles and His laws. I live by those principles and laws. Despite our challenges, the laws were put in place to create a Nation free of prejudice and injustice. We still have hope . . . we can still fulfill the dreams . . . we have the promises of the same God!

I know the plans I have for you,” announces the Lord. “I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come." (Jeremiah 29:11 NIRV)

Let's not give politics or politicians our loyalty. Let's not make programs or policies our goal. CHRISTians . . .let's commit to CHRIST and His values and live our    HIS-tory! 

It's time!!!!!!!

A tribute to Rev/Dr. King: A believers responsibility to the poor.

 Repost from Monday, January 18, 2020 (Dr. King Remembrance)

A tribute to Rev/Dr. King: A believers responsibility to the poor.

In honor of Rev/Dr. King, I thought it would be appropriate to reference scripture as to a believers responsibility to the poor. As Dr. King's son talked about another dream (see link below), we should be challenged to care for the poor, the homeless, the hungry and those feeling alone and depressed.  Especially during this pandemic, with so many more experiencing poverty, hunger, unemployment and eviction notices, we as a CHURCH BODY are called by God to sacrifice and serve. It is not Washington's job to provide, but to protect. It is our job to provide, care, comfort and LOVE.💔 We have failed greatly! What will we do? 

 

My wife and I (Carroll Family Outreach) are missionaries/teachers coaching up teens to serve the immediate community and others, so we can ultimately reach others for Christ. The teens have served several families with food baskets this past Thanksgiving and sponsored fifteen children with CHRISTmas gifts this past year.  Our goal is to spend several days serving a local community this Spring/Summer in a community outreach. You may support the work through $Cashapp at $tadcarr.

Please prayerfully read the scriptures below and take a close and intimate assessment of how we have reacted recently. Have we been selfish or sacrificial . . . helping or hoarding . . . concerned or callous . . .? 

 

“[Jesus] stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’”               (Luke 4:17-19)

.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”(1 Timothy 6:18)

 

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” (Proverbs 19:17)

 

“Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.'”(Matthew 8:20)

 

Listen to the son of Dr. King: 

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/18/opinion/mlk-income-inequality.html 

God bless you as you give . . . .

Join us as we coach up teens for a life of service! $tadcarr!!!

A tribute to Rev/Dr. King: A believers responsibility to the poor.

In honor of Rev/Dr. King, I thought it would be appropriate to reference scripture as to a believers responsibility to the poor. As Dr. King's son talked about another dream (see link below), we should be challenged to care for the poor, the homeless, the hungry and those feeling alone and depressed.  Especially during this pandemic, with so many more experiencing poverty, hunger, unemployment and eviction notices, we as a CHURCH BODY are called by God to sacrifice and serve. It is not Washington's job to provide, but to protect. It is our job to provide, care, comfort and LOVE.💔 We have failed greatly! What will we do? 

My wife and I (Carroll Family Outreach) are missionaries/teachers coaching up teens to serve the immediate community and others, so we can ultimately reach others for Christ. The teens have served several families with food baskets this past Thanksgiving and sponsored fifteen children with CHRISTmas gifts this past year.  Our goal is to spend several days serving a local community this Spring/Summer in a community outreach. You may support the work through $Cashapp at $tadcarr.

Please prayerfully read the scriptures below and take a close and intimate assessment of how we have reacted recently. Have we been selfish or sacrificial . . . helping or hoarding . . . concerned or callous . . .? 

 

“[Jesus] stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’”               (Luke 4:17-19)

.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”(1 Timothy 6:18)

 

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” (Proverbs 19:17)

 

“Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.'”(Matthew 8:20)

 

Listen to the son of Dr. King: 

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/18/opinion/mlk-income-inequality.html 

God bless you as ! you give . . . .

Join us as we coach up teens for a life of service! $tadcarr!!!

God does actually know and care!

 

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Many of the young people (even not-so-young) are so worried about so many things . . . . present grades, college acceptances, relationships, losing loved ones, vaccines and medications, what will be next?

I know it sounds trivial, but God does actually know and care! He has already done so so much for us all. Take a minute to count His blessings. In fact, if we are still on this side of heaven (or hell), it is a blessing. If we are getting a quality education,, it is a blessing. If we are working or at least still receiving income, it is a blessing. If we have food today, it is a blessing. If we have someone to talk to today, it is a blessing. If we know Jesus as Lord and Savior, well that is an ETERNAL blessing indeed!!!!

So we must trust God today and tomorrow! He can help us pull up a struggling G.P.A. He can restore relationships. He can provide for college (oh, YES HE CAN!). He can heal. He can allow for the medical community to provide medications and vaccines. He can even heal a Nation if we come to Him humbly. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Trust God like never before! His peace, a peace that is beyond human comprehension, will provide a calmness like no other. 

Remember, God does actually know and care!

God's Word . . . . Equipping, Correcting, Preparing, Satisfying!

 

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Whenever one begins a new job, new school, or even a new friendship,  one wants to

be ready, prepared, or properly equipped. There is training and specific skills required for a job. Each level of school has prerequisites. Friendships grow and are developed through time and experience. Well, scripture . . . the Word of God . . . trains and equips us for every aspect of life, but more importantly for life eternal!

God speaks through the writers of scripture to every aspect of life. Whether we are two or twenty-two, we can lean upon His Word to learn of life and be prepared for all it offers. It comforts, corrects, teaches and satisfies. 

Are you ready for the day? Have you received His advice? Well . . . . LET'S GO!!!!!

Looking back . . .Moving Forward!

 So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord! How long? And have compassion on Your servants. Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days! Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, the years in which we have seen evil. Let Your work appear to Your servants,  and Your glory to their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,  and establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:13-17)

Most theologians agree that this psalm was written by Moses, thus the oldest psalm written. After years of wandering in the wilderness, Moses leads the people of Israel in prayer . . . a prayer of looking back and moving forward! 

Since God called Abraham to start a Nation, His people have a HIS-tory of rebellion/repentance/restoration. God had given them guidelines and as they rebelled, He would have to correct them. He would always have compassion upon them and restore them.  This unfortunately is our HIS-tory as well!

As we look back on 2020 and move forward to 2021, we are surely able to see God's hand in it all . . . a hand of correction and affliction as well as mercy. We have witnessed evil. We have seen failures. Yet we have also been a witness to His beauty and provision.

Take time to look back . . . take time to plan ahead. 

Identify (number) failures and corrections. See where we have wandered from God's plan. Seek His forgiveness and mercy. Also identify (number) where God has provided, supplied needs, granted mercy and even surprised us! Allow Him to direct your path forward. (Proverbs 16:9) 

As a Nation, as teachers, as students, as husbands, wives, moms, dads, students and children . . . . allow the past year to teach. It is time to count our blessings and move forward in Christ. (Jeremiah 29:11)

From beginning to end . . .stay focused! The TRUTH reigns . . . .

 

 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. (2 John 4-8) 

We live in a deceptive and dangerous world, no doubt. I am burdened for my students and young adults as they are faced with this deception. Many ask as Pilate did when face to face with Jesus (John 18:38), "What is truth?" 

Truth has a name . . .Jesus Christ! His Word is Truth. He is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) Even among "church" folk, there are deceivers who do not fully believe the Gospel. Some use the word god. Some use the name Jesus. Many call themselves Christians. They do not however, as John wrote, confess Jesus Christ as eternal God in the flesh, living and true, and coming again to judge each of us according to what we have dome on this earth.

Be encouraged. Keep walking in Truth and allow the Spirit of the Living God in you to move and breathe within you. Steer clear of deceivers. I know He lives . . .He lives in me and in you! May others "see" Him in us and come to embrace Truth!

Exercise yourself toward godliness. . . .

But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.  These things command and teach. (1 Timothy 4:7-11)

Sports was my life . . . . since I can remember, around five years old, it was constant baseball, basketball, football. I was in organized sports since then, played into college, and coached for some thirty years after playing. Even into my thirties, playing men's softball and pick up basketball, I played hard, played to win, but did not care who lost or how the losers felt! It was win or nothing.

Since the Lord found me, however, I realized there was more than just winning . . . . there were values to be taught and to learn . . . . eternal values. So as I engaged in Church league softball and coached in CHRISTian basketball and football leagues, it was a different life. I still love to win and prepare to win, but I realize the ultimate goal is to represent Christ! We all win with Him!!!

So I still love to exercise with my wife, work out, throw the ball around, and shoot hoops with my grandkids and youngest son. I still love, watch and fanatically support my Ravens and Orioles, but sports is not the end all . . . . Christ is all and all. 

I am a fan of my teams, but a follower of Christ!

 

 

Wake Up!

  . . . if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.  The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.  Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. (Romans 13: 9-14)

I have said it before, we the Church . . .CHRIST followers . . . need to awaken from our vegetative state, our coma-like existence and let people see the real Jesus! No more hiding behind or in churches. No more ignoring what is going on in our society . . . in our families . . . in our government. No more Sunday CHRISTians and weekday cult worshippers, political pawns, or walking dead. WAKE UP!

We must create a line of demarcation between true believers and those trapped in the world and be the Light they need to see. We cannot side with darkness or partner with revelry and destruction. We must seek restoration and reconciliation, laying aside our fleshly lusts and lewdness. 

WAKE UP! It is time to put off the world and put on Christ!

Therefore, “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18)

 

Whose are we anyway?

I am appalled, angry, mad and disappointed in my Nation and even in many fellow "believers" I am tired of hearing folks take sides. I am tired of folks dropping the Bible and picking up the rhetoric of political parties and left-wing or right-wing agendas. When will the Body stand up for Christ and be The Body . . . active and involved . . . and biblical?

I lean upon Dr. Tony Evans this morning . . .He is a voice we must listen to today . . .

Today’s (Wednesday,January 6) political violence was a tragic illustration of what happens to a nation when it abandons God’s person, principles and policies. America is undergoing the passive wrath of God which takes place when His standards are compromised. (Romans 1:18-32.)

The result is chaos, conflict and lawlessness. Only a radical return to God by His people will change this. The answer to saving America is not in the White House - it is in the church house.

 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;  who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:18-32)

I am tired of having CHRISTians and CHRISTian leaders taking sides as well or simply ignoring the issues! It is time to be real . . . Whose are we anyway?

He Who was God then for the Jews is our God today . . .New year, same God!

 

Thus says the Lord God: “On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will also enable you to dwell in the cities, and the ruins shall be rebuilt. The desolate land shall be tilled instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass by. So they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ Then the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, the Lord, have spoken it, and I will do it.” (Ezekiel 36:33-36)

Hey, I know it's rough these days . . . . Covid illnesses and deaths . . . political unrest . . . . social injustice . . . . schools, restaurants, and churches closed or limited in operations . . . . plans put on hold. All around we experience desolation, ruin, waste, depression, isolation, depression, and yes death. Yet as with the Israelites, there is hope in the person of our Father (Deuteronomy 30:3-13) . . . . Jehovah . . . . the same God then is the same God now . . .. Immanuel, Jesus, God with us, Who gave His Spirit so graciously to comfort, console, and restore! (John 14:15-31) 

In 2021, may we trust in God to provide (Jehovah Jireh), heal (Jehovah Rapha), to look over us (El Roi), and to protect us and fight for us (Jehovah Sabaoth). He Who was God then for the Jews is our God today . . .New year, same God!

Grace, Mercy and Love . . . . New Year, Same God!

 

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to [b]buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12: 7-10)

I read these words this morning when searching for scriptures for my students: The grace, mercy and love that he unconditionally laid out for us in 2020 is still there today. Through all of this year, his thoughts and unconditional love for us have not changed. It may be a New Year, but he’s still the same God.

2021 brings this idea of a New Year, New Me. We plan to place ourselves in the driver’s seat of our lives. We are going to change things! We can all agree that 2020 was a challenging year to say the least! Whether we want to admit it or not however, we will not be in control of 2021 either! God is!

Yet the most reassuring thing, for us is that when the phrase New Year, New Me ultimately fails, we hold onto this: New Year, Same God!

He is still in control . . .still sitting on the Throne . . . still full of grace, mercy and love for the asking! Let's trust God with our lives . . . 

Eagerly waiting . . .Hoping in Who and what is to come!

 

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.  For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. (Romans 8:18-25)

Ok . . .the CHRISTmas Season has come and gone. What a different time it was! Many suffered through loneliness, isolation and even Covid-19. Everyone felt some sort of result of the pandemic for sure! Now we are in to the New Year of 2021.What will be different? What are we hoping for in 2021?  What are we expecting . . . waiting for eagerly?

Graduation? Travel? Vaccinations? Healing? Gatherings? Normalcy? Well, as Paul writes to the Romans above, the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us!

As followers of Jesus Christ, we hope in not present things we can see, but in Who and what is to come . . .eagerly awaiting our redemption and eternal glory with Christ. While it is quite natural to desire to be free from the pangs of this pandemic, it it even more desirable to be free from this world and this body of sin and sickness! 

Yes, we, along with the entire world are groaning with pain and suffering in this present world. Yet despite it all, we who know Christ await eagerly, knowing that better is coming!

Happy and blessed 2021 everyone.