The Prophetic Cry Over a Nation of Lies What brings you to tears? For the prophet Jeremiah, it was the fact that he lived within a nation of lies. The people in Jeremiah's world were no longer " valiant for the truth " (Jeremiah 9:3). They didn't stand for what was right and true. They bounced from one wicked thing to the next. And God says, " They don't know me " (Jeremiah 9:3). The God of Truth and a People of Lies This kind of knowing is not just knowing that God exists, but it is relational. How could they know the God of truth when there is no truth in them? These people would deceive anyone if it was convenient or expedient. They became tired from the many ways they found to sin. Lying wasn't just a problem of the ancient world. It is too often a common problem of today. Living Truth in a World of Deceit Many of us have problems with telling the truth. Living truth in a world of deceit can be difficult. Sometimes we think it's just easier to tell a lie and hope no one will get hurt. However, when we aren't honest, it isn't just others that get damaged; it is ourselves. Lying separates us from God, as all sin does. We pray that God will convict us, if this is an area we struggle with. We need to pray that the Holy Spirit will show us our sin and help us to do better. Our goal is to pursue holiness and the truth of our Lord. And as much as we want to think this is rare, the numbers tell a different story. 2021 Survey on Lying: Reasons and Victims A survey on lying was conducted in 2021 (1). It found that people lie for many reasons. The top 3 reasons were: to avoid others; as a joke; to protect themselves The top three groups of people that were lied to were: family; friends; business and school colleagues Everyday Deceit in Society and Scripture’s Warning Does this surprise you? We have all seen people routinely lie. I have seen it among many of our politicians, government leaders, family members, coworkers, and sadly sometimes even church members. Have we forgotten how much God despises lying? The truth about lies is that it is an abomination to God (Proverbs 12:22). In Revelation 21:8, we see that liars among others will be thrown into the lake of fire. Lying will be more prevalent as we enter the days before the coming of the Lord. Scripture warns us of this, and we need to take it seriously. Biblical Warnings Against Slander and Falsehood 2 Timothy 3:1-5 lists the characteristics of people in the last days. The list includes slanderers. Slandering means lying about someone in order to damage their reputation. I must say, it is difficult to read the list and not see modern society. But it’s not just unbelievers. Christians must also be careful. Paul tells us in Colossians 3:9 not to lie to one another. We are not to be like the world. The Deep Spiritual Problem of Lying Jeremiah tells us that his nation had taught themselves to speak lies (Jeremiah 9:5). Being good at lying takes practice. Anyone can spot a bad liar. They always get tripped up in the details, but a good liar can fool many people. They've been at it for a long time. They've taught themselves well. We also see this addressed in the New Testament. In John 8:44, Jesus tells the Pharisees that their father is the devil, and he is the ' father of lies .' Deceit is not just a problem in society but a deep spiritual one that is in direct contradiction to the truth of Christ. The Cost of Living a Life of Deception The deceit these people lived in caused them to actually refuse to know or acknowledge God. The father of lies doesn't like to share space with the God of Truth. God might require them to have some backbone. God might require them to be valiant. Liars don't like facing truth. The Dangers of Hypocrisy and Two-Faced Behavior The people Jeremiah was around spoke one way to their neighbor but in their hearts they were thinking something entirely different. You and I would say that they were being two-faced. James 1:8 puts it this way, "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." But judgment comes on those who turn to lies. Divine Judgment for Forsaking Truth The punishment for forsaking truth so totally would be destruction. Jerusalem would become nothing but a ruinous heap (Jeremiah 9:11). Even the animals would forsake it. There was no shame in Jerusalem, God's city, for their many sins (Jeremiah 6:15) and so, destruction would come. But Why Such a Harsh Punishment? But why such a harsh punishment? Because God said they had " walked according to the dictates of their own hearts " (Jeremiah 9:14). They hadn't been obedient. They had abandoned truth. They had worshipped false gods. They had utterly forsaken God's laws. They had done what was right in their own eyes (Judges 17:6). And so, because of all this, they would be scattered among the gentiles, and a sword would be sent to destroy them (Jeremiah 9:16). A Vivid Picture of Divine Destruction Their destruction is vividly described. They would be plundered and thrown out of their homes (Jeremiah 9:19). Death would come for children, for young men, and the dead would lie in the fields, not even buried (Jeremiah 9:21-22). Jeremiah then tells us what the Lord said the people had wrongly gloried in. Warnings Against Worldly Glories In Jeremiah 9:23, The wise were told: don't glory in your wisdom. 1 Corinthians 3:18-20 tells us that the wisdom of the world is foolishness to God. The mighty men were told: don't glory in your might. 1 Peter 5:5 tells us that God resists the proud. The rich men were told: don't glory in your riches. Proverbs 11:28 tells us that he who trusts in riches will fall. Glorifying God Alone: Our True Source of Satisfaction The only thing we should ever glory in, God says, is that we understand and know Him, as much as possible (Jeremiah 9:24). Whatever we glory in is what brings us the most happiness and satisfaction. The three things we should glory in are God's loving kindness, His righteousness, and His judgment. God knows us . The people had failed God by choosing empty worldly glories over the glory of knowing Him. What do we glory in today? Judgment and Scattering of God’s People Because of their sins, falsehoods, lack of obedience, and their forsaking of God's laws, His circumcised people would be scattered among the uncircumcised, the Gentiles (Jeremiah 9:25). The Lord looks at our heart . Because His people had what God hates the most—an uncircumcised heart, an unchanged heart, a worldly heart—destruction would come (Jeremiah 9:26). Historical Judgment: Israel’s Past and Its Lessons God sent Jeremiah to warn His people of the coming judgment, but not just Jeremiah, he also sent Daniel and Ezekiel. They listened to none of them, and as we know, Jerusalem was laid waste, the Temple destroyed, and the people exiled seventy years to Babylon. Modern Implications of Divine Judgment And today, how does God view us? I won’t presume to speak for Him, but I urge you to think about the reasons judgment fell on Israel—because they walked in deceit, abandoned truth, and refused to listen. God does not change. God doesn't just judge individual nations. Think about the reasons judgment came to Israel. Eventually, the whole world will be judged and those who don't know Christ as their Savior will have no advocate before God. Their sin will not be covered by the blood of the Lamb. There will be no escape, just as there was no escape for Israel. An Urgent Call to Turn to Truth and God's Lovingkindness If ever there was a reason to mourn as Jeremiah did, that will be a reason. To waste our precious lives living only for ourselves, denying God and reaping a just punishment, when it could all be avoided, is tragic. But it’s a tragedy that can still be prevented. It’s like standing in a burning house while the door is wide open and the fireman is calling your name. You don’t have to stay. But pride, fear, or stubbornness keeps you frozen. And before long, the smoke becomes suffocating, and the flames close in. That is what it’s like to reject truth—to ignore the call of a Savior who has already made a way of escape. Where there is no truth , there is no love of God. Reach out for the truth, forsake the father of lies, and live while you still can for the God of lovingkindness. Jeremiah Weeps Over Jerusalem by Rembrandt People Also Ask Where was Babylon? Babylon was the capital of modern day Iraq. It was located about 55 miles south of modern Baghdad. At the time of the Jewish exile it was the capital of the neo-Babylonian empire. The exile ended when the Persians, under Cyrus the Great, conquered the neo-Babylonian's. (1) Serota, K. B., Levine, T. R., & Docan-Morgan, T. (2021). Unpacking variation in lie prevalence: Prolific liars, bad lie days, or both? Communication Monographs, 89(3), 307–331. https://doi.org/10.1080/03637751.2021.1985153"

The Lord tells us very plainly what He thinks about lying. "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight." Proverbs 12:22 Lying is an abomination to the Lord. An abomination is something that is hated or loathed by God. So then why do so many people, even those who call themselves Christian, do it? In modern society if you asked a Christian is lying as bad as certain sexual sins, they would probably say no. But God says they are both abominations. The Command Against Bearing False Witness We are told in the Ten Commandments not to bear false witness. What does that mean? It means don't tell lies about other people. Liars aren't trusted. Haven't you heard that old expression, "You can't believe a thing he says."? In the list of abominations, things God hates, in Proverbs 6. We are told that God hates " a lying tongue " (Proverbs 6:17) and a " false witness who speaks lies " (Proverbs 6:19). Two of the seven abominations are concerned with lying. The truth about lying is made plain by God, He hates it. In Proverbs 26:28, we are told that liars hate the people destroyed by it and that flattering mouths brings things to ruin. We may think we can lie to someone and still care about them but that is a lie as well. When you lie to someone you are showing them your true feelings. You are really treating them hatefully, whether you want to accept it or not. The Root of Lies: Satan's Influence Ultimately all lies have their roots in Satan. He is the great deceiver. Jesus, speaking of Satan, tells us that " he is a liar and the father of it " (John 8:44). When we tell someone a lie do we stop and think, really realize, that the truth about lying is (1) That this lie has its foundations in the Devil. (2) That to lie to someone means that I hate them. (3) That what I just said is an abomination to God! Peter's Denial: A Lesson in Truth and Forgiveness One of the saddest stories in the Bible about lying is when Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. This story can be read in all four of the gospels. Peter's denial came after Jesus's arrest. Jesus had predicted that Peter would deny him, but Peter told Jesus if he had to die with Jesus he would before he would deny Him. Of course Peter's boast didn't happen. After the rooster had crowed the third time, Peter realized that Jesus had known all along that he would deny Him. In Luke 22:61-62, the Bible records this touching scene. "And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times. ”So Peter went out and wept bitterly." To have the Savior look you in the eyes after denying Him, a look not of hatred but of love, caused Peter to weep bitter tears. Peter must have been nearly brought to his knees at the realization of who he had betrayed. Peter had lied about his friend, his Savior whom he loved, not once but three times. Later in John 21:15-17, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. Each time Peter replies yes. No doubt Peter thought back to that day and those three big lies he had told. This was a moment that for each lie, Peter could affirm to Jesus that he did love Him. Peter could feel the healing forgiveness of Jesus's love for him. Who do we lie to? To our spouse? To our boss? To people who we work with? To our friends? If we are in a position of influence and power, do we lie to those beneath us? Do we think we will never be found out? Do we think we don't have to answer to anyone? Does it not put a holy fear in us that God will see and God will hear? The Truth about Lying - We are Called to Speak Truth God wants each of us to speak truth. Jesus said " I am the truth ". If we have done nothing wrong, if we care for our neighbor, we will tell the truth. Zechariah 8: 16 tells us God wants us to speak truth to our neighbor. A Prayer for Honesty and Wisdom We pray that we speak truth, no matter how difficult that might be. We pray that we don't use idle words. Holy Father, Thank you for sending your Son, the Way, the Truth and the Life into the world for us. We pray Father that our lips would only speak truth to others, that we would speak Your truth to others and that You would give us wisdom on when to remain silent. In your Son Jesus's name, Amen The Truth About Lying

God’s Unfailing Love: Our Great Redeemer and Creator As Christians, we believe that God is our great Redeemer, the Creator of everything, who knows all about us and loves us, but at the same time we seem to doubt that He will really take care of us. Like the Israelites we can look back at our lives, even in times of rebellion against God, and see His hand working in our lives. Trusting in God’s Care Through Life’s Challenges And yet, when a new problem arises we often act as though we think it is not worthy of His attention, or worse that He is really unable to act on our behalf. In Isaiah 40: 27-31, we learn that God knows our needs, sustains us in the middle of trials and weariness, and reaches out to us in our weakness. This passage reminds us to trust in Him, knowing He renews those who turn to Him. He is strength for the weary. Biblical Assurance: Learning from Isaiah 40:27-31 Isaiah tells us that God "neither faints nor is weary ". The Creator of all that is doesn't get tired watching over His children. Such a thought is ridiculous. God is not limited like a man! Each of us is known and loved whether we know it or not. God's understanding is unsearchable; He lacks nothing in His ability to understand us. God perfectly knows us . Embracing Weakness: How Humility Invites Divine Strength Isaiah 40:29 reminds us that it is the weakest among us that He desires to give strength to. Why the weak? Not just because they need it the most, but those who acknowledge their weakness before Him come to Him in humility. He honors that. In 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10, Paul says this, in part, " Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. " It is in Paul's weakness that Christ's power rests on Him. If you think life is too hard, think on this. If you believe Jesus is asking too much of you, remember this! Strength for the Weary: Encouragement from Isaiah 40 Isaiah 40:30 tells us that the ones among us that are the ablest and the strongest, even they will become weary. This contrasts against God who never does. The only way to regain strength is to rely on our God who is always strong. Life can be hard—mentally, physically, and spiritually— but what Isaiah wants to remind us is that it doesn't have to be, if we reach out to our Lord. The encouragement from Isaiah 40 is that God offers strength for the weary if we seek it. The Power of Prayer and Community in Spiritual Renewal " Those who wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength," Isaiah explains in the next verse. This thought is repeated in Psalm 27:14, "Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!" But what is meant by " waiting on the Lord "? When we wait on the Lord we remember His promises and faithfulness. We acknowledge His timing is best in all things. We understand that He knows what we don't know. And we know that He desires our good (Romans 8:28). We can wait on the Lord with confidence and trust. We build these characteristics by spending time with God in prayer and His word. We can surround ourselves with uplifting brothers and sisters in Christ who can encourage us. An encouraging church community strengthens faith . We can remind ourselves of God's faithfulness to us in the past. Our hope isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s firmly grounded in the unshakeable truth of God’s promises. In all these ways, our strength is renewed. Not just found for the first time, but ' re newed'. That first, fervent strength we had when we became a Christian, that revived person we became after struggling and coming out on the other side of a trial, that is the strength we can find again. Running the Race of Faith: Encouragement from 1 Corinthians 9:24 Isaiah 40:31 beautifully describes the results of this renewal, this revival, if you will, of our soul. We shall mount up like eagles, reaching upward toward God and His heaven. When we run, we will not feel weary. We won't grow tired of being obedient. We will desire to do His will no matter the cost. 1 Corinthians 9:24 encourages us to run in such a way that we will win the race of faith. Finally, Isaiah says when we walk we won't faint. 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us that we don't walk by sight, but by our faith in Jesus. Trusting in Him and His gift of salvation gives us the ability to walk without fainting. In other words, to walk without giving up hope. In Psalm 69:3, we see these principles in action. David cries out to God that He is weary with crying. He has waited for God for so long to answer His pleas. But David has learned that in his weakness and weariness to praise God. In verse 30, David says, " I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving. " David says if we seek God, our hearts will live. I surely want my heart to be alive, don't you? David knows that he must wait on the Lord and that God is above all faithful and true. Overcoming Weariness: Biblical Insights on Doing Good Weariness can even come from doing good. Are you tired of trying to do good things for others and getting no thanks? Do you grow tired from the many things you are asked to do in the name of doing good? Are you exhausted from people not understanding your motives? Are you weary from the effort of trying to get closer to God? Galatians 6:9 warns us not to grow weary of doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 also admonishes us to not grow tired of doing good. Hebrews 12:3 reminds us to remember what Christ endured for us, so that we won't get " weary and discouraged. " Isaiah 41:10 tells us why we shouldn't get tired. In this verse he reminds us that it is God who is with us—strengthening, helping, and upholding us. When we are tired of waiting for an answer, when we begin to doubt that God is who He says He is and that He cares for us, we must humble ourselves before Him, acknowledge our weaknesses, seek His face and " magnify Him with thanksgiving " as David knew to. When weariness overwhelms us during times when we are trying our hardest to do good, God’s promise always gives hope. As Jeremiah reminds us, He is committed to replenishing every weary and languishing soul. God’s Promise to Replenish the Weary Soul: A Message from Jeremiah 31:25 "For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish." (RSV) You are that weary soul that He wants to satisfy. You are the languishing soul He longs to replenish. Thanks be to God! People also ask: What is a languishing soul? A languishing soul is one that is not energized. It is a soul that may feel indifferent and disinterested, sort of as if it is just getting by or 'stuck in a rut,' as we might say. This causes it to feel weak. It's almost as if the soul is just fading away.

The Big Wave: A Lesson on Fleeing Sin As a child, I remember reading a small book by Pearl S. Buck called The Big Wave . In this tragic yet hopeful book, a small boy watches from a hill as his village and his entire family are swept away by a tsunami. For his family, there was nowhere to run, nowhere they could flee to. For them, all there was, was death. In the Bible, we are told many times to flee from sin. The result of not fleeing is often exactly what happened to this little boy's family—destruction, whether physical or spiritual. Understanding the Biblical Call to Flee The Greek word we translate as" flee" is used 31 times in the New Testament. It means to run away or escape, often from a terrible danger or evil. Since we are warned so many times, we know it is something we need to heed. It implies that we will actively avoid situations that could cause us spiritual harm or perhaps even destroy us. Not fleeing, staying still, will end in disaster. Fleeing Sexual Immorality and Idolatry One of the temptations we are told to flee from is sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). Think about it. We are not told to pray first; nor are we told to be strong or to quote Bible verses, we are told to run! In 2 Timothy 2:22, we are told to " flee youthful lusts. " Is there any time when we are tempted as much to sin in this way as when we were young? 1 Corinthians 10:14 instructs us to flee idolatry. Anything that we put before God should be avoided. Both sexual immorality and idolatry were rampant then, just as they are now. But we also flee from other things. These timeless warnings about idolatry remind us that the battle between sin and righteousness isn’t confined to ancient times. Today, even technological advances like artificial intelligence can lure us away from God if we're not careful. Currently we face an unusual crossroads. The growth of artificial intelligence will be a society-changing event like no other human invention. It would not be difficult to understand how people could idolize knowledge in the form of AI. Instead of seeking God and His wisdom, many in our world will be tempted to simply ask AI. Be careful how you let yourself think about AI. Many people today who use it openly confess that they react to it as if it were alive. Artificial intelligence certainly offers benefits to our world, but remember, it is created by man—just as the Tower of Babel was built so long ago. How do we flee idolatry when it isn't so obvious as bowing before the image of a false god? Hebrews 12:1-2 gives us an idea of how to do this. The author says this, in part, " let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus. " We look to our Savior. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us " But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. " Many times, sadly, we forget to watch for the way out that He has given us. The closer we are to Him, the wiser we will be in fleeing temptation. Chasing Righteousness: Pursuing the Right Path 1 Timothy 6:11 explains that we should " flee these things. " These things include useless disputes and the love of money. Instead, we should " pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness." The word pursue here in Greek means to chase after or to pursue eagerly. It's not just a simple desire or something nice to have, but something that we are actively working toward. So, whether we are fleeing evil or pursuing good, it is something we do fervently. But fleeing alone isn’t enough—we must be intentional about what we run toward. Pursuing Love and Peace in Scripture 1 Corinthians 14:1 says we should pursue love. Just as we flee evil, we should also pursue love. Love is our most important goal: love of God and love of others. Romans 14:19 describes the importance of pursuing what fosters peace and mutual edification (building each other up). Paul tells us to run with endurance . Resisting Evil: Standing Against the Devil Interestingly, it isn't just Christians who are described as fleeing. In James 4:7, we are told to " resist the devil, and he will flee from you. " The Greek word translated " resist " in this verse means to stand against, or oppose, your enemy. Again, these words imply action. We don't just dislike evil or the temptations of the devil; we stand up against him. We take up the whole armor of God to stand against him (Ephesians 6:13). Evil is not overcome by our power, but by God's (Ephesians 6:10-18). Fleeing as an Act of Faith and Obedience There will be a time for standing and fighting, and there will be a time to flee. It is not a lack of courage that will cause us to flee, but rather our obedience to the word of God. Some temptations are so great that our Lord's advice is to run for our lives. Sexual immorality is such a temptation. Just as Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife's advances, leaving his shirt behind, so we should not toy with serious sexual temptation. Real-Life Consequences of Not Fleeing Temptation I heard a story about a young woman in an unhappy marriage who got her dream job. She loved going to work and found her new boss to be very kind and fascinating. As time went on, the boss began to make advances which she initially shunned; however, over a long period of time she was worn down by them and eventually had an affair. What she should have done was to flee! But especially being young, she didn't see that as a viable option. She let herself believe that she was strong enough in her faith to resist the temptation. Sadly, there was a heavy price to pay for not fleeing. Reflecting on Personal Idolatry and Temptation What situation have you found yourself in that you should have fled? Has idolatry taken over your life? Should you have removed yourself from its temptation? It may be something as simple as refusing to join friends for a palm reading. It might mean not attending services of other religions and honoring their "gods." It could mean making Sunday's off limits for anything that doesn't honor God. Confronting Modern Idols: Money and Power We might realize that money has become our god because gaining it has become more important to us than anything else. Have we heaped up treasure only for ourselves? Do we withhold giving to the Lord? Do we work seven days a week and ignore the Lord's house on Sunday? Or do we idolize power? Is being in charge and telling others what to do so important to us that, if we aren't in charge, we feel life is just not giving us what we deserve? Do we push and shove our way into positions where not only are we more powerful, but we also receive much more recognition and honor? Have we forgotten that God honors humility above all? Rethinking Priorities: Family, Fame, and False Idols Our idols can include sports teams, drugs, and even our own children. When something comes before God, we need to flee from it. Do we abandon our family? Of course not. We treat them with love and respect, but perhaps we reorder our priorities, while not neglecting our responsibilities, and simply realize they are not perfect. Perhaps we take them off of the pedestal we have placed them on. The Urgency to Flee: Acting on Instinct in Danger So, is it easy to flee? Not always. But when we are in imminent danger, we don't think—we just act. We recognize danger and don't just stand frozen like a "deer in the headlights," as the saying goes. We see the tsunami coming, and we don't analyze how many minutes we have until it is upon us. We run! We flee sin in the same way. Fleeing from sin is necessary, but there are also times when we’re called to stand firm. The Challenge of Standing: Embracing Spiritual Warfare Is it easy to stand? Also, not always. Standing requires the armor of God. It requires putting our faith and trust in Him alone. Standing requires obedience. Often, standing requires suffering and sacrifice. In Daniel 3:16-28, we read the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Only these three stood and refused to bow to the image of the king. For this they were thrown into a fiery furnace. Thanks to God's intervention, they were spared death. But they had been willing to stand , even if it meant death. When to Flee Temptation and When to Stand Strong Knowing when to flee temptation or when to stand strong requires discernment. This is what we gain through prayer, Bible study, and a heartfelt desire to know God. We pray that we will know what Jesus wants us to do in any given situation. We pray that we will hear His voice and follow His call for our lives. People Also Ask: What is discernment? Discernment is a spiritual gift that allows us to tell the difference between right and wrong, truth and error, and good and evil. It allows us to understand God's will for us and the path He wishes us to take.

In James chapter 5 we read probably one of the worst indictments of the rich to be found in the Bible. Heaped Up Treasure The rich have " heaped up treasure in the last days" (James 5:3) . Through fraud they have " lived in pleasure and luxury ". They have " condemned and murdered the just ". Innocents have lost their lives because of these rich people. In verse 1 we see how all of this ends: "Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!" Condemned for Trampling the Poor The Bible does not condemn wealth per se but wealth gotten through trampling down the poor is condemned. When wealth becomes my god, the thing that I love most, then it becomes evil. Where is my hope? Is it in God or the money that I have acquired? We should have pity on the wealthy who have abused us because we see their end. How does this apply to you and I? Do we work for an employer who values and treats fairly all of their employees? Wealth obtained working for a company that doesn't treat its employees well, that doesn't pay a fair wage or doesn't put its people first might be a company I don't need to work for. Do we pay for work that has been done for us? Do we withhold wages? Do we treat workers fairly and with respect? Do we buy products produced by workers that are being treated like slave laborers? God hears the cry of the poor (Psalm 34: 6). Wealthy Compared to What? Too often today we who have wealth don't think of ourselves that way. We look around and see many people with more so we think, "How can I be wealthy?". But look at the way most of the world lives. The world that we are very isolated from in this country. Do you have electricity? Running water? A refrigerator? A home with a floor that isn't dirt? A bed? Many, perhaps most, of the people in this world don't have those things. Those With No Support What to do with our wealth? Tithing is good of course. It can be debated as to the necessity of tithing, but one thing that can't be debated is how we treat the poor. Orphans and widows are often pointed out as examples of who our charity should be directed toward. These are people who had no support system. We, the church, especially those who are much better off, have a responsibility to help people who are without a support system. Our giving should be sacrificial . Excuses We are good at making excuses, "Well I would give more, but I have to pay for my _________ first." Or, "I would give more, but I need (or want) a new _________." Where do we draw the line on how much 'stuff' is enough? Or do we even draw one? Couldn't we do more to help those around us? In the U.S. we have too often abdicated that role to the government. The Lord Brings Justice In James 5: 7-8 he tells us: "Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." Those of us who are not wealthy, who have been defrauded, who have been mistreated and abused must be patient. The coming of the Lord will bring justice to those who have been persecuted. We wait patiently for the Lord to carry out justice. We wait patiently to see the fruits of our labor for God. The early rain was the fall rain at planting and the latter rain was in the spring at harvest. Both were necessary to have a fruitful crop. In our lives we need both rains as well. The early rain—the watering of our hearts early on with the word of God and His Spirit. And the latter rain as we mature and continue to grow and respond to the Spirit. God expects to see fruit - whether you are rich or poor. This patience is also in regard to the coming of our Lord. God can and will right all wrongs in His perfect time. We pray His return will find us patiently and faithfully waiting. Establish Our Hearts We need to " establish our hearts ". To make sure that our hearts are purposefully and determinedly set upon our Lord. We " establish our hearts " so we will not turn away because we know that at any moment our Lord could return. In James 5: 11 James says: "Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." Our endurance is blessed. Just as Job did not curse God and die, but waited patiently and was blessed many times over, we know our Lord is merciful, especially to the weak, the poor, and the voiceless. Job was a wealthy man who lost everything, but in the end, he became even more wealthy because he knew what was important. He was spiritually blessed as well. Praising God in the midst of great sorrow, Job knew that His God would never abandon him. A modern example of a blessed life is that of J. C. Penney, the founder of the store chain by that name. His Christian example of self-less giving and treating his employees with value is unparalleled. Wealth is not evil, heaped up treasure is. The love of money and the desire to obtain it at any cost is. Let us patiently wait on God and lovingly run the race set before us and let us not forget those who are less well off. Let us be generous to all . Let us treat each and every person we come into contact with, with dignity and respect, and show them the love of God above all else until He comes in glory. A good sermon on this topic can be found here. Enjoy this beautiful old hymn: Come Ye Sinners Poor and Needy. Money, money, money

In Isaiah 54, the great prophet promised the exiles in Babylon a time when they will have great peace instead of trials—a time of comfort instead of turmoil, like being " tossed with tempest ". This time will be when Jerusalem is restored and the Jews return, but it also speaks of the time of the Messiah, the true Prince of Peace. And looking even farther into the future it is a time when we live in the Heavenly City, where there are no sorrows and no pain. God's promises for His servants are the same, from Israel’s return from captivity to the future promise of a restored, eternal Jerusalem. How Can We Find Comfort in Trying Times? On a personal level, there are many times in our lives when we feel, " not comforted ", as Isaiah 54:11 puts it. We don't feel God's presence. Something may have happened, sin may have caused us to feel distant from God, tragedy may have made us doubt His presence. We find no comfort. Perhaps for a time we must endure suffering, but we should always have hope. This hope is what should give us comfort. When we seek the Holy Spirit’s comfort, He faithfully reminds us of God’s love and promises. In Romans 15:13, Paul talks about this hope. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit, our Comforter, gives us hope. He brings us back into the presence of God. Hebrews 6:19 tells us that this hope is an " anchor for the soul ". A hope, firm and secure in His promises. The fruit of the Holy Spirit working in our lives will bring love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. What a hope filled life we would lead if we let the Holy Spirit bring forth these fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). They bring comfort to our soul. Also comforting is the thought of our future home in Heaven. What Awaits Us in the Heavenly Jerusalem? There will be a day when our foundation will be of sapphires, our pinnacles of rubies, our gates of crystal, and our walls of precious stones (Isaiah 54:11-12). Here is a description of Heaven, the New Jerusalem, and also a poetic description of the beauty of holiness . It is a description of the church arrayed in the glory of the Lord. We see a similar description in Revelation 21: 9-21. In Revelation, John describes the jeweled walls, gates of pearl and streets of gold in the New Jerusalem. The New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21 is a city, where God and His people dwell, because His people are " members of the household of God " (Ephesians 2:19). We are the temple of God in which the Spirit of God lives (1 Corinthians 3:16). We who belong to Him are the actual city of God in which He dwells, His beloved people. When John saw the New Jerusalem coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride for her husband (Revelation 21:2) — he saw the church, the bride of Christ — coming down upon her new home. The dwelling place of God and of the Lamb is the New Jerusalem. This New Jerusalem symbolizes both Heaven and the Church, for both are where we find God. The evil men of the world had their city, Babylon, and God has His holy and perfect city, New Jerusalem. Hebrews 11:10 tells us this glorious city was what Abraham was looking forward to; a city whose designer and builder was God. Only righteousness dwells there (2 Peter 3:13). This is our desired haven (Psalm 107:30), our safe harbor. Enduring Earthly Trials for a Heavenly Reward Today many in the church are treated poorly, sharp words are said to us, physical harm even comes to some of us. Some of us die for Christ. It has been this way since the death of the first martyr, Stephen who was full of faith and power. We know God does not promise us an easy road on this earth. Like strangers, we don't belong here. Hebrews 13:14 reminds us, "For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (ESV) One day, we can look forward to no more pain and hurt. Instead, we will have eternal joy. Children of God: Taught and Guided by the Lord Isaiah continues in verse 13 and says: "All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children." When Isaiah speaks of children , he means children of God. Those of us who follow Him and are called according to His purpose. This is not the peace of the world that is promised. Because of our relationship with God we can have a peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7). As God's children we should not fear what tomorrow brings. Jesus Himself refers to Isaiah 54:13 in John 6:45. Here Jesus says, "And they shall all be taught of God." Jesus adds, if you have heard God and learned from Him then you will follow Him. The Holy Spirit of God teaches us how to love (1 Thessalonians 4:9). God's righteousness requires us to love others. Righteousness and Justice in God’s Kingdom Our Lord continues in Isaiah 54:14 to promise that the church, symbolically the New Jerusalem, will be " established in righteousness ". In this place, justice and truth will prevail. God's very name will be called, " The Lord our Righteousness " (Jeremiah 23:6). And in 1 Corinthians 1:30 we are told, Christ has become our righteousness. Because of His righteousness we will not have to fear terror or oppression by others. We know that the church, over the centuries, has been terrorized and oppressed, but Isaiah teaches us we have nothing to fear. God stands with us always. The church will be established and will prevail. When Christ returns we will see His justice in the world. The enemies of Christ shall fall (Isaiah 54:15). God’s Sovereignty Over All Creation They will fall because everyone is ultimately under God's control. He created us all. However, He only permits evil men to do so much. Even the Devil himself was created by God. Certainly not created for evil purposes though, please don't misunderstand. Just as God raised up the Assyrians to carry the Israelites into captivity for 70 years, so He also caused the Assyrians to allow them to return to their home (Isaiah 10:12). In Romans 9:17-18, we have another example of God's sovereignty. Paul tells us why God hardened Pharaoh's heart . Pharaoh was raised up to show the power of God so that God's name will be proclaimed throughout the earth. Paul says God shows mercy on whom He wants to and hardens those He wants to. God can use men for His purposes, sometimes purposes known only to Him, because He is sovereign. The Heritage of the Servants of the Lord God also promises Jerusalem protection. He says no weapon formed against us will prosper. This protection is not just for Jerusalem, but for His church, for all those who serve Him (Isaiah 54:17). As Barnes' Notes on the Bible says: "This is the heritage - The inheritance which awaits those who serve God is truth and victory. It is not gold and the triumph of battle. It is not the laurel won in fields of blood. But it is, the protection of God in all times of trouble; his friendship in all periods of adversity; complete victory in all contests with error and false systems of religion; and preservation when foes rise up in any form and endeavor to destroy the church, and to blot out its existence and its name." What a great heritage it is. Our victory is secure. It is the sure promise that God will be with us, our shield and our defender. He will preserve us in times of trouble. He will be our beloved Father and Jesus our beloved Brother. The heritage of the servants of the Lord is the protection, friendship and victory that God promises us forever. True Service: Following the Example of Christ But are we really a servant of the Lord? To be a servant means to perform your duty obediently. As a servant there are things we are required to do. We serve to glorify God with the strength God Himself gives us (1 Peter 4:11). Mark 10:45 tells us Jesus didn't come to earth to be served, but He actually came to serve us, by giving His life for us. In return, Jesus expects us to serve others just as He did, by being wholly obedient to God in our love, prayer, and humility. Our Righteousness Comes From God Alone We are blessed with these great promises because of our righteousness. But where does our righteousness come from? Does it come from the quantity of good that we do? Does it come from the number of times we pray each day or the amount of God's word we read? No! The Lord tells Isaiah that our righteousness comes from Him! In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul explains how this can be: "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" We are to live out this righteousness by showing God’s love and truth every day of our life. _____________________________________________________________ Please enjoy this beautiful old hymn I sang as a child, I'll Meet You in the Morning here . This song is based on Revelation 21:6 that describes the New Jerusalem. "The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal."

Most Important Questions True worship is more than singing or praying—it’s a way of life. In this post, we’ll explore what it means to worship God in spirit and truth, why He alone is worthy, and how worship transforms us. Why do we worship God? Who is this God we worship? Aren't these two of the most important questions we will ever ask? Today we often hear people talk about what God can do for us. He can give us peace, love, and joy, for example. But is that God's only purpose, to give us emotional stability? Let's look first at who God is. God is first and foremost a creator. All of the universe, all we can see and even that which we cannot see, was created by His Word. Who is His Word? Jesus (Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 11:3; John 1:1-2). If you had been a first-century Jew, reading that God created even things not seen, certainly you would have thought of the spiritual realm, like angels. But think of it: we are made of things that we cannot see—atoms, which in turn are made of even smaller electrons and quarks. Things unknown at the time, but now we can understand that even on a physical level creation is made of things we cannot see. God’s Infinite Power and Presence We know from Scripture that God is omnipresent - everywhere at one time; omniscient - all knowing and omnipotent - having all power. God is in the highest Heaven and God is in the deepest sea (Psalm 139:8). I cannot escape the presence of God. 1 John 3:20 explains that God knows everything. He knows our most secret thoughts, He knows our heart, and He knows our plans. God knows us completely. God is almighty. His purposes can't be thwarted (Job 42:2). All things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:27). God’s Moral Perfection: Love, Justice, and Holiness God's characteristics are perfect. He is not just a loving God, the Bible tells us that He IS love (1 John 4:8, 16). He is righteous and just, holy, and truthful. He is the judge of sin but also graciously offers us forgiveness. Towards us He shows mercy, grace, and compassion. God’s Mercy and Grace in Our Lives In Exodus 34:6-7 God speaks to Moses and reveals that He is: “‘The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.'” Is this the God you worship? Do you believe that He is all of these things? True Worship: Honoring God in Spirit and Truth If God is all of these things, and we believe He is, then why do we worship Him? Let's define worship first. Worship is when we show God reverence and adoration. We revere and adore Him. True worship is honoring God in spirit and in truth, as Jesus said in John 4:24. This is not lip service that we are giving. This worship comes from our heart. This is not just following some ritual, this is meaningful, thoughtful, and obedient reverence. We should be in awe of God's holiness. We worship God because we were literally created for this purpose (Ephesians 1:3-6; Philippians 2:9-11). God desires our worship and because we know who God is we understand He is the only one worthy of it. As a popular hymn says, "You are worthy, worthy and wonderful, worthy of worship and praise," emphasizing God's unmatched worthiness. The Transformative Power of Worship Worship is how we fellowship with God. Worship builds relationship with Him. He speaks to our hearts in our worship and we become transformed by His Spirit. The Holy Spirit changes us to become more like Him. In this way, His will becomes our will. We can truly pray as Christ taught us, " They will be done, on earth, as it is in Heaven. " This transformation begins when we immerse ourselves in God's word and prayer throughout our week. Then, when we come to church and raise our worship and praise with others, we are ready to receive what the Holy Spirit wants to show us about God and ourselves. We are not going to church to be entertained, but to praise God for the transformation that we are undergoing. We praise His holiness and understand that sin blocks us from being more like Him. As worship transforms us individually, it also shapes the way we gather as a church, influencing how we approach prayer, praise, and our connection with God in the body of believers. Worship and the Church The Lord says, " My house will be a house of prayer " Isaiah 56:7. Is our church a house of prayer? Do we worry more about entertaining our congregations with funny stories, loud music, and exciting videos than we do prayer? And what would be a good way to begin our prayer? With praise. Jesus, in the Lord's prayer, models praise by beginning with, " Hallowed by thy name, " meaning holy is the name of God. The Psalms are full of praise and thanksgiving to God (Psalm 100:4). When we truly grasp the power of worship, it becomes clear that it's not just an act of praise, but a transformative experience that shapes us into God's image. Worship That Changes Lives Contemplating the glory of God is what transforms our lives more and more into His image through the Holy Spirit, as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:18. Our worship isn't so much about feelings as it is change. The purpose of God's creation worshipping Him is to become like Him. True worship convicts us of our sin. We are reminded " to be holy as I am holy " (1 Peter 1:15-16). God wants worship to make us become people that can show the world God's love. Our gratitude for His mercy and forgiveness, our thankfulness for His miracles and His salvation shows others how they can find meaning and purpose for their lives. We see this so well in the story of Paul and Silas in jail in Acts 16: 16-34. As Paul and Silas began praying and singing hymns of praise at midnight, an earthquake occurred, allowing them to escape. The poor jailer, fearing he would be blamed for their escape, was ready to kill himself but Paul reassured him they were still there. Convicted by the Holy Spirit, the jailer and his entire family were baptized and " he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household. " If only our worship and praise could have such a wonderful effect on others. A Life of Worship Worship isn't just limited to the words we speak to God in prayer. It isn't limited to the songs of praise we sing in church. It isn't limited to the awe we feel in His creation. No worship is, according to Paul, how we live our entire lives. Our true and proper worship Paul says is to, " offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God " (Romans 12:1). But what happens if we aren't worshipping God? The Dangers of Idolatry As humans, if we are not worshipping God, we will be worshipping something else. Will it be money, power, fame, or pleasure as Thomas Aquinas discusses in Summa Theologica ? Something will be on our heart's throne instead of God. Ask yourself which of these things are the least important to you. Whatever is left is your idol. It is the thing you feel that is worthy of worship. But it cannot ever lead to fulfillment because it is counterfeit—a false god we put in place of the one true God. “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all?” (Ezekiel 14:3 NIV). Our idols, whatever they are, God says, makes Him wonder if He should hear our prayers when we ask things of Him. At the very least, when we aren't worshipping as we should be, we are hindering our prayers. The Ultimate Reason to Worship We thank God for the peace, love, and joy He always gives us, but we praise Him first and foremost for who He is and who we are in Him. In Psalm 100:1-5, in part, we read, "Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture." What greater reason do we have to worship our Father than knowing that we are His! Who is God? He is our great Redeemer, Master and King, Creator of all that is and will be, and the only One worthy of praise! What does true worship mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments! All Glory to God People Also Ask: What does it mean to worship in spirit and truth? Worship is from the heart, not just ceremonies. The more we love God the more our worship is truly heartfelt. This is worshipping in spirit. The only way to worship in truth is to pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit that we would grow in knowledge of who God is. Prayer, Bible study, and obedience are the keys to worshipping in spirit and truth.

Sometimes we wonder where God is in times of trial or hardship. God's faithfulness endures even in the face of our disobedience. In Isaiah, chapter 42 and 43, we see God's character revealed. In these chapters, God reminds Israel of the consequences of their rebellion against Him, but also proof His unwavering love and commitment to their restoration. No matter how far we stray, God's love is always reaching out to bring us back into His fold. Israel's Disobedience And God's Judgment In Isaiah 42: 21-25, God explains to Israel that their disobedience has caused them to be punished. " Who gave Jacob for plunder, and Israel to the robbers? Was it not the Lord, He against whom we have sinned? " God's wrath has been poured out and yet Israel did not turn back to God. They seemed ignorant that this was happening because of their disobedience. The Promise Of Redemption " But now " says the Lord in Isaiah 43:1. Despite the cruelties of war, the feeling of abandonment in the exile in Babylon, despite the years where little was heard from God, God again reminds His people of His faithfulness to them. In our modern world, the same can be said of God; " But now... " He whispers to us. Fear not, " for I have loved you with an everlasting love. "(Jeremiah 31:3). Have you felt abandoned by Him, have you felt that He has not heard your cries, have you been through terrible trials? God may punish us for our sins but He will never abandon us. He will turn to us, even though we may not turn to Him. He will show love for us, even though we may not return it as we should. God's Reassurance: Fear Not God formed us and created us just as He did Israel. He tells us to " Fear not " as He reminds us so often throughout His word. How can we fear when He is with us? He goes on to say that we belong to Him, that He has redeemed us and that He has called us by our name. He has called us personally, individually, as one who truly loves us only can. Our Identity In Christ Think about what that means for a moment; we belong to Him. We are the beloved of the Creator of all that is. We are His. This verse was written to Israel, but it belongs to us as well through the sacrifice of Jesus, God's Son on the cross. If you believe in Him, if you have given your life to Him, then you are redeemed. The Significance Of Names In Biblical Tradition In ancient Israel, names were more than mere labels—they signified the character of a person and were often prophetic. In Matthew 1:21, we learn that Jesus was given His name because He would be the Savior of His people. The new name we are promised symbolizes the new life in Christ that we have been given. This new life is a transformed life . Our character is different, therefore our new name must match it. A New Name For The Overcomers In Revelation 2:17, God promises to give those who overcome a new name, written on a white stone, and only known to the one who receives it. During Roman times the victors of athletic competitions would receive a white stone with their name engraved on it to symbolize their triumph. This likely, is symbolic of the change that the Holy Spirit has worked in our lives during the process of sanctification. In Revelation 3:12, Jesus also promised to inscribe on these overcomers the name of His Father, the name of the New Jerusalem, and Jesus' own name. Biblical Examples Of Name Changes Just as Jacob was given the new name Israel in Genesis 32:28, and Abram is changed to Abraham in Genesis 17, so too are we transformed. Jacob, the " supplanter or deceiver " becomes Israel, which means " let God prevail ". Abram the " exalted " father becomes Abraham the "father of a multitude of nations ". These name changes were significant. They implied a change in the future of these men. They were not the same and their names were symbolic of that. Neither are we the same after an encounter with our Savior. God’s Presence In Trials Isaiah 43:2 assures us that God will be with us through floods and flames. Spiritually, this means that no matter what trials and persecutions come your way, He will stand with us. In the story of the three Hebrew boys thrown into the fiery furnace in the book of Daniel this was not just symbolic but literal. When Stephen was being stoned to death in the book of Acts he looked into Heaven and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God—proof that Jesus was with him, even in his final moments. God will never leave you alone. The Preciousness Of God’s People In Isaiah 43:3, God reminds Israel that He is their God and their Redeemer. In verse 4, God declares we are precious in His eyes. Precious can mean costly or rare. God explains that Israel is so precious that he will give other nations to redeem her. He will give men and people to save her. This expression has a deeper meaning, that in Him, we have found mercy. Just as Psalm 103:8 reminds us, " The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. " In verse 5, He again reassures us, " Fear not ". We need no longer fear death, for He has found a way through for us. The Promise Of Re-Gathering In Isaiah 43:6-7, God says that " every one that is called by my name " will be gathered together. When we are called someone's name it is synonymous with being thought of as their child, since a child bears the name of his father (see Isaiah 44:5; Isaiah 48:1). All who are the children of God are promised to be re-gathered to their own land. Our Heavenly Promised Land Just as Israel will be regathered into their Promised Land, you and I also have a Promised Land. "But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11:16 Revelation chapter 21 describes the New Jerusalem, our promised land with God, coming down from Heaven. God’s Purpose For His People In verse 7, God tells us that all those "called by my name" are created, formed, and made for God's glory. This process—being created, formed, and then made or perfected—has one purpose: not our glory , but His. The Promise Of Renewal And A New Name Finally, Revelation 21:5 reveals that God will make all things new. The preciousness of God's people means we will receive a new name, one that will surely reflect our adoption into God's family and testify to the wondrous work He has done in us to make us His own. Listen to "The Adoption Song" by Brandon Lake here.

The grace of God gives us many good gifts. One of these is the gift of generosity. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, Paul gives us an example of a church that had been blessed with this grace. He uses this church as an example to the Corinthians of what the grace looks like in action. Biblical Foundations: Paul's Teaching on Giving Paul uses the churches in Macedonia (part of ancient Greece) as an example of cheerful and willing giving. These churches included those at Berea, Thessalonica, and Philippi. The Corinthians lived in a different part of Greece known as Achaia. Paul was trying to raise money for the poor church in Jerusalem by taking collections from the region. Cheerful Giving: Lessons from Macedonia’s Faith The churches in Macedonia were not better off than the Corinthians. In fact, Paul says they were deeply afflicted and were experiencing deep poverty themselves. In spite of this, though, Paul says they implored him to take their gifts to be used for the Jerusalem church. Paul explains that the Macedonians gave " beyond their ability " and " willingly ". The actual amount was probably small, but the amount was not what impressed Paul. The story of the widow's mite in Luke 21:1-4 underscores the importance of the quality of giving over the quantity of giving. Her sincerity and sacrificial giving were more important than the actual amount she gave. The Macedonians, like the widow in Luke's story both, through faith, had learned to rely on God's provision. When we have little, it is easy to forget that God is the one who provides for our needs, just as He provided for the Macedonians and the widow. Have you ever been in a church service and felt as if you were being begged to give money? Well, Paul did not have to do that in the case of the Macedonians. In their case it was the opposite. They were begging him to take their money. This was how freely they gave. The Macedonians’ generosity was remarkable, but what does that mean for us today? Personal Reflection on Generosity and Worship How strange it is that often those who have the most are the least willing to give. In my own life, I have seen people who had almost nothing share freely with others. The poor among us often seem to be more generous, not less. I believe they often understand better than those of us that have a lot, how difficult life can be. Are we generous to all or just those we think are worthy of receiving our gifts? Paul commends the Macedonian Christians because the very first thing they did was to give themselves to the Lord. No good could have come from them if their priorities were not right. First give your life to the Lord, then give to others. The lessons from Macedonia's faith are that cheerful giving can be expected if we give ourselves to the Lord. The Heart of Giving: Sincerity Over Quantity Pastor Joe Anady explains this beautifully in his sermon " Giving as an Act of Worship Before God ," where he says: " We do not offer up sacrifices to the Lord expecting them to in any way make atonement for our sins. Christ has made full and perfect atonement. It is finished. But we, under the New Covenant, do indeed worship when we bring our tithes and offerings to the temple of the Lord, which is his church. You and I together are the temple of the Holy Spirit, friends." Colossians 3:23-24 teaches that everything we do, when done in obedience to God, can be seen as an act of worship, including work that furthers His kingdom. Advancing God's kingdom in this wicked world through giving is an act of worship. We shouldn't look down on people who "just give money." It is a grace from God to do so. It is a needed grace for the ones receiving the gift. The church in Macedonia gave selflessly, expecting nothing in return for their gift, nor should we. When we love with sincerity like the Macedonian Christians did, we will give. 1 John 3:17 tells us: "Whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?" Cultivating a Heart of Generosity Many times we are filled with good intentions. We think we should give to help someone, we plan to do it, but for some reason it never happens. The Corinthians needed to act on their words. Paul says that the Corinthians abounded in faith, speech, knowledge, and diligence but he wants them to have this grace— the grace of generosity— as well. Paul wants them to grow in every grace . For Jesus, love was never just about words; it was what we did that mattered. Jesus is our example in this. According to verse 9, Jesus gave up the riches of Heaven to come into our world as a poor and humble man. Because Jesus willingly gave up those riches for our sake, we now have the opportunity to live with Him eternally in Heaven. 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. God Himself is the ultimate giver (John 3:16) and that generosity is a way we show His love. Are we giving with joy or out of duty? Are we showing love in action ? In verses 10-12, Paul explains to the Corinthians that they should give out of what they have. Now, if you and I have a lot but misspend our money or think that buying extravagant things is more important than helping those in need, then there is a problem. Not having money to give because we spent our money wastefully is no excuse for not giving. In these verses, Paul explains that we must first have an opportunity to be generous and then we must be willing. These are both gifts from God. To have an opportunity for generosity we need to be open and listening to God as to the needs of others. Then, no matter how many opportunities we have, we have to be willing to follow through and give. Balancing Generosity with Responsibility But to be clear, giving does have a rightful limit. In verses 13-15, Paul tells the Corinthians, " I don't mean that others should be eased and you burdened. " The Corinthians had more money than the Macedonians and so should be expected to give more, but not so that the church in Jerusalem could live the easy life while the Corinthians just got by. Also, according to 1 Timothy 5:8, our financial responsibility is to members of our family and our household first. We can't financially neglect those nearest to us. From there our generosity should reach to those who are part of the family of God and then to all people. Worship Through Sacrificial Generosity Our financial giving should not be restricted to a set amount where we then feel like we have " done our duty. " Our giving should be flexible. Has God impressed a need on your heart? Have you responded, even if it is a sacrifice to do so? As Victor Hugo, author of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame  (1831) and  Les Misérables (1862), captured the heart of sacrificial giving when he wrote, , "As the purse is emptied the heart is filled." How will you embrace the grace of generosity today? Look for an opportunity this week to give—not out of duty, but as an act of worship.

When you blind fold someone they may think they are walking in a straight line but yet they may be very far from where they should be. Before a person places Christ at the center of their life they are like the blind folded person. They may think that their way is good but it is not. They may think they are on a path to a better life but in reality they are heading straight towards a cliff and utter destruction. The Path That Leads to Life or Death The Bible tells us that there is a way that seems right to a man but it ends in death (Proverbs 14:12). They may think they have everything the world has to offer but as we are told, what good is it if you have the whole world and yet lose your soul (Mark 8:36). Walking in The Way: Finding God’s Path for Your Life Walking in The Way means finding God's path for your life—a path that is clear in both the Old and New Testaments. What is this Way? From the Old Testament to the New we find that there is Way that is right. Proverbs 12:28 tells us quite plainly that in the path of righteousness is life, not death. When we wander from the Way, the right path, it is God who will make our way straight if we acknowledge Him (Proverbs 3:6). To acknowledge God really means to know Him. And how can we do that? Growing in Knowledge: Steps to Know God We grow in knowledge of God when we pray as we ought to, study His word, realize that it is God we can trust, it is He who forgives and He that desires our obedience. We grow in knowledge when we regularly attend church and gather with other believers. 2 Peter 1:3 says that it is the power of God that gives us all we need to lead a godly life, " through our knowledge of Him." We can't grow complacent in our understanding of God. There is always more—more love, more growth, more service. David’s Desire for God’s Truth and Guidance In Psalm 25, King David writes, " Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long." David was a man after God's own heart we are told and this verse, in part, explains why. David pleaded with God to know His ways, begged God to teach him His paths, and fervently desired to be lead in truth. For this David says he would " wait all day long. " If only you and I would seek to know God in this way. The Way of Holiness: A Journey of Righteousness In Genesis 18, God declares that all nations will be blessed through Abraham and that he must keep the way of the Lord to do " righteousness and justice "(Genesis 18:19). Later in Isaiah 35:8, Isaiah speaks of the future Messianic Kingdom and speaks of a highway he calls, the Way of Holiness. This Way of Holiness, Jesus refers to in John 14:6 when He says that, " He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. " Only those righteous in God's sight will walk in this Way. The righteousness they have received is from Jesus their Savior. To walk in the Way means to walk in safety and joy provided for us by God Himself. Followers of The Way: Early Christian Identity Before we were called Christians we were called followers of The Way. This phrase is mentioned five times in the book of Acts. In Acts 22:4, Paul mentions that he had persecuted both men and women who followed the Way. 2 Peter 2:2 says that Christianity is the Way of Truth. And in Hebrews 10:19-20, the shed blood of Christ is said to be the " new and living way" to enter the most holy places. The Exclusivity of The Way Through Christ Because Jesus Himself tells us He is the Way we know that the path to God goes exclusively through Him. Many people today want to believe in something called "religious pluralism," they believe that all religions lead to the same God. This is impossible however, simply because the belief systems of the major religions are drastically different. Buddhists don't believe in God. Islam teaches an impersonal God without a personal, intimate connection that must be submitted to like a slave (not like a son, as in Christianity). Hinduism teaches everything from atheism to polytheism (the belief in many gods). Each faith has vastly different ways that they reach their "god" or lack of one. Humility and Truth in Sharing The Way Some people may think that belief in only one Way to reach God is arrogant. And perhaps it may be viewed this way. Arrogant or not, it doesn't make the viewpoint wrong! However, Jesus teaches us to be humble in our interactions with others. We also cannot lie either, just so we won't hurt someone's feelings. We must tell the truth about the Way, while acknowledging our own desperate need of a Savior. Of our Savior it has been said, "the truth is a person who dies for us." (1) It is in love and humility that we seek to reach the world for Christ—the Truth who died for us. How Hard Is It to Find the Way? Is it difficult to find the Way? No! Matthew 7:8 tells us, " He who seeks finds. " Deuteronomy 4:29 says if we seek God with all our whole heart and soul we will find Him. He wants us to seek Him. He is there to offer you an abundant life if you walk in His ways. The Path of Life: God’s Revelation to Us This Way, this path, is not something hidden from us. It is not something that we have to go through years of training to understand, like some secret cult, reaching higher and higher to find God. According to Psalm 16:11, God " makes known to us the path of life ". Here we will find joy the psalmist says; here we will have pleasures forevermore. Committing to God’s Way: Trust and Faith Psalm 37:5 tells us to commit our ways to the Lord. Trust God and He will act. We hand over our needs to God and trust He will take care of us. When we learn to want what He wants—this is true commitment. Our ways become His ways—this is faith. Because we have this faith we can have peace in the outcomes of our circumstances. Listening to the Holy Spirit’s Guidance Isaiah 30:21 tells us that we will "hear a word"..."This is the way, walk in it." Who speaks this word to our hearts? The Holy Spirit. Do we listen for Him? Are we really hearing Him as He tries to guide us in the Way? He is so near, it is often we who are far and can barely hear Him speak. God’s Word: A Lamp to Our Path Finally, we look at the words of Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Anytime we feel like we are wandering from the Way, or the right path seems to be growing dimmer, we should seek the light. We find that light in the word of God. When we walk in His light we will not stumble. It is a sure and constant hope that will not disappoint. It is an anchor for our soul (Hebrews 6:19). A Call to Reflect: Are You Walking in The Way? Praise be to God if your blindfold has been removed and you belong to God. If it hasn't, take some time to think about what you are missing in your life and what is truly important. Take time to reflect on your relationship to God and what it ultimately means if you don't have one. Think about your Way. Where does it lead? (1) "What is Unique About Christianity Among the World Religions" https://gospelproject.lifeway.com/what-is-unique-about-christianity-among-the-world-religions/

Worship in Appearance Only Isaiah 58 has a strong rebuke from the Lord about worship. In this chapter God says His people appear to be very religious. They appear to worship God truthfully but the problem is it is only the appearance, not the reality. They fast and pray, they say the right things, they long for God to answer their prayers but He does not. Why? Because they seek God selfishly. Because while they look like worshippers of God, they are really worshippers of self. God says they fast to make " their voices heard on high "; to glorify self instead of God. What Should They Be Doing God tells them they have not been heard because, while they looked all "holy" to onlookers, they were oppressing others instead of reaching out with compassion and love. Their treatment of others was evil. God uses action words to describe what His people should be doing. They should be " loosing bonds, undoing burdens, freeing the oppressed, breaking yokes, sharing food with the hungry, bringing into your home those who were cast out and covering the naked ". (Isaiah 58: 6-7) Only then would blessings come from Him. If our worship is genuine, it will be evident in how we treat the needy, how we extend grace to those around us, and how we stand up for justice even when it costs us. It’s not enough to fast, pray, or recite Scripture if our lives do not reflect the compassion, mercy, and humility that Jesus demonstrated. The heart of worship means putting our faith into action—loosing bonds, undoing burdens, and sharing our blessings with those who suffer. I challenge you to examine your daily walk: Are your choices, your interactions, and your priorities steeped in the love of God? Do you allow His truth to govern your thoughts, so that your inner life mirrors the light of His presence? When we live out authentic worship, we become living testimonies of God’s grace, drawing others to the hope and healing found only in Him. Promised Blessings If worship is true and right, then you will do these things. What blessings does He promise to those who don't just " talk the talk but walk the walk " as we say? The Lord will hear your prayers, He will heal you, guide you, satisfy you, strengthen you and you will live lives of righteousness. (Isaiah 58: 11) Stop Doing These Things But to receive these blessings there are three things we must stop doing. Stop oppressing others, stop pointing fingers at other people and stop speaking wickedly about others. (Isaiah 58: 9) There are two things the Lord wants us to do. We must minister to the needs of the hungry, hungry physically and hungry spiritually. (Isaiah 58: 10) We Are the Repairer of the Breach If we do these things God calls us "the Repairer of the Breach" and "the Restorer of Streets to Dwell In". (Isaiah 58: 12) A breach is a tear, a break in something. Have we allowed sin in our lives to create a breach that has allowed the Devil access to our family? Has a breach occurred between you and God over unrepentant sin? What boundaries have we set between ourselves and the world? If our worship is true then that breach can be repaired. We can't build a relationship with God with broken walls and destroyed streets. What is My Motivation? As Paul reminds us in I Corinthians 13: 3, "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing." Whatever I do for God must be done out of love for Him and for others or it is completely in vain. Love for God and others is true worship: worship that is not just lip service but love in action. I pray that today we may be called a "Repairer of the Breach" and a "Restorer of Streets" because then He will hear us and bless us. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ!

Have you ever met anyone who wanted to be blind? Have you ever known anyone who liked stumbling down a dark alley at night alone? How about anyone who chose to live all the time in a dark room with no light? What is it about darkness that makes us seem to hate it, yet some of us willingly choose to live in it? What Darkness Hides Darkness hides things. It hides our ugliness, our actions that we don't want others to see. When we do evil things, the Bible says that we hate the light and don't want to be exposed to it because the light will show others what we have been doing (John 3:20). Somewhere deep inside, we know that God will expose us for what we truly are. The face we show to others isn't always our real self. This hidden nature of sin isn’t just abstract—it can show itself in dramatic, real-life contradictions, as seen in those who lead dual lives. Living a Double Life I have always been amazed at people who worked as concentration camp guards during the Holocaust. Many of these individuals could work all day literally killing people in the most gruesome of ways and yet go home to their families at night and be loving parents. There is no doubt in my mind that they had completely separated their lives into two halves. A killer by day, rationalizing their evil, and loving parent and spouse at night. They refused to let the light shine on what they did. They were "just doing their job" as many said. Another, more modern, and extreme example is the infamous BTK serial killer. When the killer was arrested in 2005, he had just become the president of the Wichita Christ Lutheran Church's congregational council. One of his victims had been actually taken to the church and the killer's torture instruments hidden in a church shed. In contrast, his pastor demonstrated what it means to walk in the light by reading Psalm 51, a prayer of repentance, during the courtroom proceedings. To avoid this complete separation between good and evil in your life, remember to serve the Lord with humility , pray, study the Word, confess your sin and above all repent. This is a real transformed life . People get into trouble with sin when they stop doing these things. When people live separated lives, it is because they don't want to acknowledge the truth of who they really are, as St. Augustine observed. Denial and Deception St. Augustine comments in his Confessions that "I have met with many who want to deceive others, but none who want to be deceived." He explains that those who are in darkness and are deceived by Satan don't want to believe that they really are deceived. This is why they hate the truth, because it reproaches them. The truth makes them feel very bad about themselves. It exposes the darkness that must be brought into the light (John 3:20). They deceive themselves with a lie by appearing to lead a ‘good’ life that hides their inner darkness. The Lie of a ‘Good’ Life We rationalize our evil, whether it is lying, fornication, adultery, addiction, or whatever, by separating our sin from the rest of our life. We fool ourselves by "having a form of godliness but denying its power" (2 Timothy 3:5). This simply means that we pretend to be godly, when in fact our lives are not changed. It is easy to talk about God, all the while continuing in unrepentant sin. We actually want to remain in the dark. If light is shown on our actions, and we finally have to face the truth about who and what we have become, we secretly believe it will be too much. We fear it will break us, because the shame and disgrace will be too much to handle.  Breaking Free from Spiritual Darkness So, why when we come to Christ, are we not totally broken? In that moment, when we realize what Christ did for us, we will be. But we don't stay broken. Christ delivers us from darkness. He doesn't shine a light so we can forever be shamed by the enormity of our sin, but to transform us. John 8:12 says that by following Him, we will have the light of life. Out of darkness and into light, from death to life, from meaninglessness to purpose, our life is no longer our own. Our life belongs to the One who lovingly brought us out of the dark. Called Out of Darkness 1 Peter 2:9 says, "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;" We have been called out of darkness by our Savior to walk in the light . What joy those words should give us. So often we take our salvation for granted. We forget that now, instead of stumbling through a life of darkness, we have a sure path in front of us. A path which is bathed in light. Stay Awake—Keep Walking in the Light According to 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6, we are children of the light and we should not sleep, but keep awake and be sober. Sober, in this sense, includes not only staying away from mind-altering drugs or being drunk, but also avoiding any influence that keeps us from thinking wisely or soundly. We have a responsibility not to be overtaken by darkness. John 12:35 says, ".. .Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; ...". In this verse, Jesus is trying to remind His disciples that He will not always be with them, physically. Spiritually, darkness can overtake us when we aren't " awake and sober-minded ." We must not sleep on the job. Living for Christ requires being a diligent worker . While those who follow the light must remain watchful, those who choose to ignore this call face a much graver consequence. A Stark Warning for the Unsaved If you aren't saved, realize that God's patience will run out one day. Jesus says unless you repent you will perish (Luke 13:3). So, darkness can overtake you when you choose to reject the salvation that Jesus offers. When your life ends your time will be up. Then your darkness will be permanent; you will be lost forever. Yet, your heart is never really at peace when you live in darkness. Because of this unrest, some will seek and find the warmth of the light of Christ. The Restlessness of Our Hearts When someone is in a dark place it is normal for a person to want light. They become uneasy, restless, looking for a path that will lead them to safety. St. Augustine speaks of this, "For you made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you." This restlessness causes some to search for God. Others, however, go to their deaths never finding the peace, rest, and joy that can be found in Christ (Matthew 11:28-29). Chasing Fleeting Joy All of us look for happiness, for joy, but many never find it. We can be preoccupied with things that seem to bring happiness: love of another person, money, power, or sex. Yet we fail to realize that seeking happiness in these things alone will only bring misery. True happiness can only come from God and isn't dependent on our circumstances. What Our Words Reveal When we aren't happy we often use expressions like, there is a "dark cloud hanging over me", I'm "living in the dark", or "I feel lost in the darkness." On the other hand, when we talk about feeling joy and happiness we use expressions such as, "beaming with happiness", "glowing with excitement", or "radiating joy." It’s as though, deep down, we instinctively recognize the spiritual difference between light and dark. Trusting in God's love and care for us helps us understand what real joy is. The way we express our feelings—whether in light or darkness—reveals the true state of our hearts. Grieving What Truly Matters We may cry over many things, couples who have lost the love they once had for each other, or the death of those we love, but how truly sad it is that we don't grieve the fact that some of us are dying each day without loving God? Each day wasted in darkness, each day searching for worldly pleasures or fulfillment, without seeking the truth in God. As St. Augustine famously said, “Without you, what am I to myself but a guide to my own self-destruction?” A life without God leads to self-destruction. We have an urgent invitation to leave darkness behind. An Open Invitation to Step Into the Light When we break free from spiritual darkness and into the light, early or late in life, God is waiting for us with open arms. He calls to us to repent, to acknowledge Him as the One who loves us so much His beloved Son died for us. For some of us like Augustine, we will say, “Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you!" But don't delay your decision, for we never know when late will, sadly, become too late. Become a child of the light while you can. For more on who St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 A.D.) was, go here .