To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
He had to be made like them, fully human in every way ... — Hebrews 2:17
In the Christmas song “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” we might recognize the words “veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity.” And if we’re in a thoughtful mood, we might wonder at the mystery of the Word becoming flesh, of God becoming one of us.
But as for me and my household, we will serve (avodah) the Lord. – JOSHUA 24:15
Avodah. One Hebrew word. Three simultaneous meanings.
The concept of “Avodah” means work, worship and service. Whatever it is – our work, our worship, or our service if led by the Holy Spirit, is honoring to God.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.
— PSALM 90:17
Trading a daunting night of work for life-giving time with the Lord.
Life’s trials are tough, but desert seasons are downright scary – especially when they impact our work. Our identity is challenged, our ability to provide for ourselves and our family is threatened, and any security we may have experienced previously goes out the window. You never know how long it will last, or how it will turn out. It’s as if a sandstorm of uncertainty gets stirred up, making it almost impossible to see even just the next step.
Nobody wants to be that guy. No one would wish what Job went through on their worst enemy. Yet, he was chosen to be tested. Here was a guy that had done everything right. His reputation was stellar. He was known to be blameless, a man of integrity, God fearing, avoided evil, a family man and a successful business man who had earned a great amount of wealth.
By NewSpring Church
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. — ROMANS 15:5-6
When January rolls around, it seems as if people everywhere are working toward big, lofty goals. They’re going to read more, get fit, and obtain career success all at the same time. However, instead of joining everyone in their pursuits, I often find myself pushing against such aspirations. Whether it’s fear of failure, skepticism, or just a hardness of heart, I resist the “new year, new me” mentality.
Life has some similarities to a football game. Our lives are broken up into 4 quarters with some people living in overtime. Like a football game, the goal is to finish well, assuring that you leave all you have on the field with no regrets. What can be easily overlooked is the purpose God has for each quarter.