As if the Sermon on the Mount was not difficult enough for many of us to fully grasp, our Lord gave concrete examples of what a life lived for Him would look like in the verses that follow in Matthew chapter five. In verses 38-42 He gives four examples of what a Christ centered life meant. An Eye For An Eye He begins by reminding His Jewish audience of the Old Testament command that punishment should be an " eye for an eye " (Matthew 5:38). Today this seems harsh, but this command was given to keep people from harsh and unfair punishment. The death penalty shouldn't be used for stealing as an example. Punishment should be appropriate to the crime, not excessive. But then Jesus says things have now changed . He begins by saying, " But I tell you.. .". More will be expected of His followers. Heaping Coals Of Fire Showing love and compassion to our enemies, will as Proverbs 25:21-23 tells us, " heap coals of fire on his head ". In other words, when we return evil with good, we make the evil doer feel guilt and shame. Those Christians who were martyred for their faith in the early days of the church walked into the Roman coliseum not cursing and screaming at their guards but praying for them. This is the kind of love that brings your enemies to their knees. This is love that only comes from God. Turn The Other Cheek The first example Jesus gives us is what we often hear referred to as " turning the other cheek " (Matthew 5:39) First a little background on the customs of the time. To strike someone on the right cheek was done with the back of the right hand. It was done to people of inferior social status. The left hand was not used, as it was considered "unclean". The left hand was used for certain "unclean" practices. So when someone turned the other cheek the only way to strike them was with your fist, this was reserved for those of equal social status. The person doing the striking now had a dilemma; strike with the "unclean" hand or strike the person again with the right hand implying equal status. Why Do We Offer The Other Cheek? The turning of the other cheek was not done so that a Christian could just be taken advantage of or treated like a doormat, but instead to show that the only way to be struck was to be treated as an equal. Even more important, was the command to love our enemy (Matthew 5:44). If our enemy struck us, then instead of seething with rage while offering the other cheek, we should be praying for them as we have been instructed to by Jesus. Why we don't respond with violence is the most important aspect of this command. Getting Slapped In The Face Today we may not have people coming up to us and slapping us very often, but metaphorically, an insult can feel like a "slap in the face" as the expression goes. How do we respond? Do we plot our revenge? Do we wait till we can go tell others of what the person did to us? Or instead, do we pray for that person. Do we offer forgiveness to them? My Tunic And My Cloak? The second example Jesus gives us is an enemy who sues you for your tunic. Jesus tells us to not just give the enemy your tunic but also your cloak (Matthew 5:40). Some understanding of clothing in Jesus's time helps us understand this. The cloak was an outer garment. The tunic was your inner garment. The tunic was sometimes sued for as collateral for a debt. If I gave you both of my garments in effect I would be naked. Someone who took you to court for your tunic probably would not want to be seen as forcing you to be naked. The shameful act of forcing someone to be naked would make your enemy look bad to say the least. Going The Extra Mile The third example was to go a second mile when we have been forced to go a mile (Matthew 5:41) . In Jesus's time Roman soldiers could require someone to carry something for them for a distance of a mile. Think of Simon of Cyrene who was required to carry Jesus's cross. They weren't allowed to force them to carry something further. By going the extra mile that person was potentially getting the Roman soldier in trouble. Shaming Our Enemies When someone who opposes us, an enemy as Jesus says, and requires us to do something against our will, how do we react? Do we fuss and fume, complain, tell others about our injustice or do we again, pray for our enemies, the ones who despitefully use us? Love would have us do more than requested. Doing good shames our enemies (Romans 12:20). Give To Those Who Ask Our last example is giving to someone who asks and not turning away someone who wants to borrow from you (Matthew 5:42). This requires us to depend entirely on God. Jesus doesn't say to determine the person's worthiness first. Jesus doesn't say to determine if they are an enemy or a friend before you give. Jesus says simply to give. The person who wants to borrow is not supposed to have a credit check done before we make the loan. We aren't supposed to get character references first. Overcome Evil With Good In these examples, Jesus shows us how to " overcome evil with good " (Romans 12:21). These aren't examples of weakness. They are examples of strength, examples of courage without violence. We are to show love with our actions . Jesus lets us know that He will be the one to judge evil. It is our duty on this earth to show love, compassion, and forgiveness to all. Jesus says He sends us into the world as sheep among wolves. Therefore we should be " wise as serpents and harmless as doves ." (Matthew 10:16). This passage gives concrete examples of how we can do this. Who Do We Love? In Matthew 5:46 Jesus makes one of the most profound statements. He says this, "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? " Who do we love? How do we show that love?

Peter, the Lord's disciple, was a fisher of men. The Lord had much to teach Peter and Peter learned much about what it meant to truly love and follow Jesus. He grew in grace and knowledge. Are We Listening? At the transfiguration, Peter was anxious to ' do' something. In his fear Peter offered to build shelters for Jesus, Elijah and Moses. How odd that Peter would suggest something that, in effect, puts Jesus on equal terms with those great men of the past. (John 17: 1-9) Especially odd because Peter had previously told Jesus that he knew Jesus was the Son of God. (Matthew 16:16) The response of God was for them to listen to His Son. Aren't we much the same? We often want to do things for God, but in our hurry we fail to listen to Him. Walking On The Water Peter was the only disciple that came to Jesus on the water. Was Peter rather proud of his relationship with Jesus? Did he think it would be easy to walk out in the midst of the storm? As we all know, when his eyes left Jesus's that is when he sank. It must have been a little humiliating to Peter to realize that his faith was not as strong as he assumed. (Matthew 22: 14-23) Peter Denies Jesus At the last supper Peter tells Jesus that even if everyone else denies Him he will not. He tells Jesus he will lay down his life for Him. (John 13: 37-38) Still Peter is convinced that his faith is greater than everyone else's. Of course we know what happens. Peter wasn't alone in that courtyard. In fact another disciple was who got him into the courtyard. But Peter was the one who denied ever knowing Jesus. (John 18: 15-17) Peter would eventually lay down his life in martyrdom for Jesus, but only after he had learned some hard lessons about himself. Peter Recognizes Jesus After the resurrection we see Jesus telling the dejected disciples where to cast their net to catch fish. When they do, Peter recognizes Jesus and, in his excitement, jumps in and swims to shore to be met by his beloved Savior cooking breakfast for him. Enthusiastic as always, Peter recognizes His Savior and rushes to Him. (John 21: 1-14) Peter Becomes A Leader Following this, Jesus tells Peter his responsibility will be to tend, care for and provide spiritual food for Jesus's sheep (his followers). Peter assures Him of His love and then Jesus tells him how Peter will meet his death. (John 21: 15-19) Peter has grown in his faith. He has come to realize his dependency on Jesus. He is ready to become the leader that Jesus needed. The First To Preach After the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 2 we see Peter boldly proclaiming the message of Christ. (Acts 2: 14-41) Through his words and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit 3,000 people believed that day. He was the first to proclaim the message of salvation to the people. Later in Acts 10 Peter is the first to preach to Gentiles. The Lord instructs him that the Good News is not just for the Jews but for the whole world. His obedience to the Lord opened the faith to everyone. Grow In Grace And Knowledge In 2 Peter 3: 17-18 Peter says this, "You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen." Peter reminds us to " grow in grace and knowledge" of Jesus. This was his life. A life that grew, matured, listened and obeyed with love. Not a life without failings, but a forgiven and Spirit filled life. Peter reminds us that God can use us in incredible ways if we keep our whole being focused on Jesus. And how He uses us brings Him the glory, not us.

Don't be deceived. Oh how easy it is to lie to yourself. James knows this. What a blessing to go to church and hear the Word. What a blessing to learn about Jesus. What good does it do anyone though if all we ever do is hear. If someone is a Christian what does that mean? Do we attend church once a week, listen to a sermon, sing some songs and go home, unchanged and unaffected in any real since by our worship? Obedience Better Than Sacrifice Many times in the Old Testament, God made it clear that worship in name only, sacrifices without a loving heart, were meaningless. Burnt offerings in the temple accomplished nothing if the supplicant did not have true faith. A faith that leads to obedience. As we learn in I Samuel 15: 22, " Obedience is better than sacrifice. " Do Not Deceive Yourself In the New Testament, Jesus reminds us of the same thing. How easy it is to go through the motions of worship without any true faith. True faith requires us to 'do' something. Biblical love is not just a warm fuzzy feeling toward our fellow man but Biblical love requires action. We must show people our love. James tells us in chapter one verse twenty-two , " But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." To know if we are deceived, we need to ask ourselves some honest questions. What do I do with what I hear and read on Sunday? If the answer is little or nothing then maybe I am lying to myself about what I say I am. God Speaks It is certainly important to hear what the Lord has to say. God speaks to us. We know this because the Scriptures tell us so. How He chooses to speak to us is up to Him. He speaks through the difficult times we have in our lives. "Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes." Psalm 119: 67-68 Most definitely the Lord speaks through His Word. The scriptures reveal much to us and continue to as we grow in faith. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3: 16 God speaks to us in prayer, if we will listen. Be still and quiet before the Lord. Let Him bring to mind scriptures or songs that direct you. Hymns and songs of praise are another way the Lord speaks to us . Music moves the soul and praising God lets us feel His presence and hear His word to us. In 2 Chronicles 20:21 Jehoshaphat faces a huge army and what does he do? "...he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the Lord, For His mercy endures forever.” God heard the praises and God destroyed Jehoshaphat's enemy. God speaks to us through those sent to minister to us. They may be a preacher, a teacher, a book, a devotional, or a Christian friend. So many examples of this exist but one is in Exodus 18 when Moses's father-in-law gives Moses some excellent, godly advice on how to take some of the burdens off of his shoulders. Sometimes God even uses people who are not Christians to tell us things we need to hear. In 2 Chronicles 35 we read about the faithful King Josiah who failed to ask God about whether he should attack Pharaoh Necho. The Pharaoh warned Josiah that he had no quarrel with him. He warned him not to attack, but Josiah didn't heed the warning and as a result he lost his life in an unnecessary conflict. I remember clearly ignoring a warning that I knew was from God, even though it came from someone who wasn't Christian. The end of that situation was not good. God also speaks to us through His creation and the majesty and awe that it creates in us. Because of this we have no excuse not to hear and know God. "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, " Romans 1: 20 God speaks through dreams to some of us . There are many recent firsthand accounts of Muslim people becoming Christians after they had a dream about Jesus. The God who once spoke to Balaam through a donkey can certainly speak to us today in any way he chooses. When God Speaks, What Do We Do? So God speaks and we listen, but then what is our action? How do we respond to the words we have heard? Do we obey ? Jesus himself says in Luke 6: 46, "“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?" Is that how we hear God? Do we hear Him and then ignore what we just heard? Jesus repeats this idea again in Luke 8: 28 when He says that the people who hear and then do the word of God are His mother and brothers. So we don't just hear the word - we do it! We love, we forgive, and we serve . Don't deceive yourself!

A man and woman, very much in love, were married. Both cared for each other's needs, both sought forgiveness when they wronged one another, both were thoughtful and both sought only the best for the other. Slowly, very slowly, things began to change. Since each one knew that they were loved they started to take each other for granted. They grew a little lazy, a little sloppy, a little complacent about their relationship. They didn't always say "I love you", they didn't always apologize for small wrongs, they didn't always remember to be thoughtful. He thought, "She knows how much I love her." She thought, "He knows how much I care." Until one day they woke up and realized that they didn't anymore. That is what complacency can do to a human relationship. What does complacency actually mean? It means a feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements. It means you are so self-satisfied that you see no need to try harder. Complacent About God What does being complacent do to our relationship with God? The church at Laodicea in Revelation chapter 3 is an example of a complacent church. The people weren't bored with God, but then they weren't excited either. The people felt like they had it all. They were financially comfortable and in their world, money bought happiness, or so they thought. God tells them though that things are not the way they perceive them to be. He tells them they are " wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked ". God's solution is for them to be zealous and repent because if they don't, the ones that He loves, He " rebukes and chastens ". Are We Zealous? To be zealous is to show great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective. Are we enthusiastic in our pursuit of a better relationship with God? Do we show great energy in pursuing a holier life, a fruit filled life for Jesus? Are we desperate for Jesus ? How many people do you know that you could actually name that act like this? Without repentance we can't properly seek a holier life. Without repentance there can be no true zeal. In the story at the beginning of this post the young couple was an example of zealousness for each other. They wanted a good relationship, one that would last, and so they worked energetically toward that goal. As time passed though they became self-satisfied. They had a good marriage and it would always be that way, or so they thought. They forgot how much effort they put into each other in the beginning. Like the church at Laodicea they felt that they " had need of nothing. " In Deuteronomy 8: 11-14 it says, "Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." and then in verses 17 and 18 we read that people may say to themselves that it was their own power and strength that produced this wealth. They are reminded that it is God who gives us the ability to produce wealth. The chapter continues to say that to forget God, to bow before other gods (sometimes we try to make ourselves god), has a price. Like nations in the past, if you continue in your disobedience and complacency, you will be destroyed. Focused On Self Complacency has a lot to do with self-satisfaction. Notice that self seems to come up a lot. We live in a society today totally focused on self. What makes me happy is the only important thing. That people notice my accomplishments. That people applaud me and my talents, m y money, and my abilities. Zephaniah 1: 12 says this about complacency, "At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, ‘The Lord will do nothing, either good or bad.’" (NIV) Is this us today? Have we so forgotten the Lord that we believe He will " do nothing "? In verse 17 we find out what happens to those who were complacent. Zephaniah tells us that Gd will bring a terrible distress on people. He says their blood will be poured out. The Complacency Of Fools Proverbs 1:32 (NIV) says very concisely, " the complacency of fools will destroy them ". Complacency leads to destruction. In Luke 12: 13-21 Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool. He has it all and he wants more. He is all about partying and enjoying his riches. But then... God tells him he will die and what will happen to all of his stuff? What does it profit him to have riches for himself but none of the riches of God? As Matthew 6: 19-21 points out, the treasures of Heaven are not destroyed by moth or rust and can't be stolen by thieves. We Need Zeal What we need is the fervor, the energy and excitement, the zeal of a young person in love. They don't care what other people think. They will get down on one knee in front of a crowd and vow their everlasting love. Would we make a vow like that to our King in front of a crowd? Do we seek our Lord with all that is within us? Is our one desire to serve Him faithfully? The spiritually poor, blind and naked church at Laodicea; money had become their God. They were so self-reliant they forgot the One who gave them life everlasting. They had become foolish . Only God provides our real needs. Jesus says they are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold and He will vomit them out. But to those believers who repent and are zealous He promises they will share in His kingdom. Today, as then, Christ calls us to repentance . He calls to a zealousness for things of His Father. He calls us to show the world what a life devoted to Christ really means.

After Elijah's great victory over the prophets of Baal, Queen Jezebel sought to kill him. Elijah ran from Queen Jezebel. Elijah, in a moment of weakness, seemed to have forgotten who it was that had given him the victory over the prophets of Baal. He forgot God was by his side and could give him victory even over Queen Jezebel. He felt hopeless. He found himself alone in a mountain cave. But in the midst of his fear and loneliness we read these words in I Kings 19: 11-12, " The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." Elijah Had Given Up Hope Even the mighty prophet of God, Elijah, had low moments. He had come from a " mountain top experience with God ", as we often call those victorious moments in our faith journey, to cowering in a cave. Elijah looked for hope . But God had not left Elijah, Elijah had run from God. Even in those low times God was close to Elijah; so close Elijah could hear him in a whisper. Elijah was touched by the small word from God, so much so that he covered his face. God does not need to shout to show His power or his love. Remember he created the world with just a word. Elijah Was Not Alone Elijah proceeded to explain to God that he felt like he was the only one left who was loyal to God. How often do we feel like we are the only one who is faithful? God gently explained to Elijah that there are 7,000 others who had not bowed to Baal. Because we can't see faithful followers of Christ doesn't mean they aren't there. God told Elijah that he should anoint Elisha as a prophet in his place. Was it Elijah's fear that caused God to replace him? Run And Hide We can't run and hide from God. He seeks His lost sheep and He will find us. He speaks to our hearts, lovingly and gently. He doesn't shout. He wants us to listen for Him. Each of us is important to Him beyond measure. Listen To The Small Voice In today's world there is noise everywhere. It truly seems as though the world is trying to drown out that still, small voice that speaks to us. Find time in your daily routine to just be still and listen to that gentle whisper. Turn off the noise and tune into the words that God is whispering to you. God had a job for Elijah and He has a job for us. Listen intently to the sound of soft stillness where God teaches us. Listen to the small voice. Let His words comfort you in the midst of loneliness and despair; let them guide you and give you a hope for tomorrow.

I attended the funeral today of a godly woman who served her church for decades. It was obvious she had touched many lives for the good. As I was listening to the service I kept noticing one of the stained glass windows in the church of a clam shell, perhaps it was symbolic of baptism, but I was reminded of Matthew 13: 45-46. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it." The Pearl Of Great Price What is Jesus teaching us in this parable? Something the woman, who served her church and others, for so long knew well, that possessing heaven is worth whatever it takes. Heaven is more valuable than any material possession we could possibly own. The cost was high for us to attain Heaven. For God, the cost was the death of His Son on the cross. The cost was Jesus bearing the sins of the world for us so that we could one day live with Him in Heaven. Seek The Kingdom Of God The merchant in Matthew 13 was seeking, actively looking for valuable, beautiful pearls. Are we seeking God? When we cry out to God He will hear! When we seek God earnestly we will find Him according to Deuteronomy 4: 29. In Luke 12: 31 Jesus tells us to " seek the kingdom of God ". Acts 17: 27 it says that He is not far from each of us. That which we seek is not far. Sometimes we feel God is so far from us but He isn't. How earnestly do we seek to find Him? And when we find Him do we recognize His value? Sadly some don't seek Him at all. Psalm 10: 4 says the wicked don't seek him. It says in their pride they think there is no God. Most people, even people who never attend church or practice Christianity, will say they are probably going to Heaven. People know it's the sort of place that you want to go to when you die. Few people would proudly proclaim that they are going to the "other" place. But have these people truly sought God? Have they really searched for the pearl of great price or are they just pursuing a hope, wishfully thinking? The man who possessed the beautiful pearl of great price had something immeasurably valuable and he knew it. He had seriously searched for it. It was not to be taken for granted. It was something that few others had. Something that he would not want to lose. Something he had to give up a lot to obtain. What Will We Give Up? What would you and I be willing to give up to attain Heaven? Would we give up selfish seeking after our own will? Would we give up family or friends if God asked us to? Would we give up our lack of forgiveness? Would we give up our unloving spirit? "Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ" Philippians 3: 8 Do we count all things loss to obtain the knowledge of Christ, to obtain Heaven? Paul says he counts the things he has lost as rubbish, garbage, in his eyes compared to the value and worth of Christ. And when finally we come to the end of our journey, the end of our life, and we see our blessed Savior in Heaven , then will we praise God for what we gave up for the possession of Heaven. We know that whatever we had to give up, God's Son gave up much more. He paid the highest price. What, then, is our loss compared to our gain of eternal life through Christ? Lift Your Eyes Toward Heaven The dear soul whose funeral I was at today had a favorite hymn and a small part of it says this, "Lift your eyes toward heaven and believe the One who holds eternity And when you don't understand the purpose of His plan In the presence of the King, bow the knee" We all need to lift our eyes toward Heaven, toward the pearl of great price, and bow the knee. The Pearl of Great Price - Carol Plafcan The pearl of great price I so longed to see. My Savior had promised With Him I would be. Worth more than gold, Worth all t'was lost, Was the beautiful pearl, Bought with great cost. With Him in Heaven, My one true home. I worship before The one on the throne. I bow the knee And give Him praise, Thanksgiving for The One who saves!

Have you ever worked so hard to achieve a goal only to have it blow up in your face? You got that promotion only to realize that now you work twice as many hours per week. You married that great girl or guy and found out they weren't so great. You got that degree you have been wanting only to find out that there's almost no jobs available. These are examples of laboring in vain. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” Psalm 127:1. When we labor in vain it means that all of our efforts to do whatever we are doing will be fruitless because God has not built our house. We have not allowed the Lord to direct our paths. Unless The Lord Builds The House But how does the Lord build a house? This is obviously not referring to a literal house but a figurative one. The word house in Hebrew is, 'bayit', which has a whole range of meanings, from a literal house, to a home, to a state of mind. Creation itself is a house built by the creator. To have the life that God has planned for us we have to follow the Lord's direction and have His protection. Unless the Lord builds the house, our plans are for nothing. The Lord Watches Over Us Psalm 127:1 also talks about keeping what we already have. The guard that watches over our lives, and even our country, has to be God or we guard things in vain. It is God who protects us. It is God who guards us. The successes we have in our lives, building or guarding, are ultimately meaningless without God. "What does it profit a man," Jesus asks, "if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?" (Mark 8:36). A Life Without God Building a life without God is a frightening thing to think of. A marriage without God, children who don't serve God or careers without God, may succeed in a worldly way but are all destined to fail. True success is living a life that pleases the Father and fulfills His purpose for us, starting with acknowledging Him as Savior and Lord. Jesus is our perfect example of success. In John 17:4 when He prays to the Father, He says that He has "finished the work which you have given Me to do." Building In Vain There are signs that many young people today are building in vain. So many young people have abandoned the Christian faith or never had it to begin with. In 2019 Pew Research said that of older Americans over 80% say they are Christians while of those in their 20's, only about half claim to be Christians. Today's young people suffer staggering rates of depression and suicide. The rates seem to rise every year. If these statistics are true, it seems that a lot of young people may be laboring in vain to build their lives. The builders of the Tower of Babel are examples of people who labored in vain. The Tower was an example of a seemingly wonderous structure. What could be so bad about building a tower that reaches to the Heavens? But God was not in it (Genesis 11) and so the nations were scattered. But what does it look like to build with God's direction? Labor That Is Not In Vain Noah built an ark for a rain that seemed to never come and went on to save humans and animals from total destruction. The reason is because God was in it. It was with His plan and direction that the ark was built (Genesis 6-8). Eric Liddell won an Olympic Medal in 1924 in running, but gave everything up to be a missionary in China where he would eventually die. This was God's plan for Eric Liddell's life. God absolutely has a plan for each of us. Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that even before Jeremiah was formed in the womb he was set apart as a prophet by God. David says in Psalm 139:16 that God had ordained all of his days before he was even born. Jeremiah was not set apart as a king like David, and David was not set apart as a prophet. Both tasks are honorable and in both, God could be served; but both Jeremiah and David had specific tasks that God had ordained for them. Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 15:58 when he says that we should always abound in the work of the Lord. Abound means, “being abundant or plentiful, going beyond, or producing or existing in large quantities.” The reason is because that labor "is not in vain in the Lord." If our work is directed by God then it will not be in vain. Our path in life needs direction from God. In Proverbs 3:33 we are told that the home of the just is blessed by God. A blessed home is a life built by God and not by ourselves. Wisdom Builds Our House Psalm 24:3 speaks of wisdom and says that "by wisdom a house is built." Proverbs 9:10 says that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. To begin building our house, our lives, and not to build in vain, we need to acknowledge that we need the wisdom of God. We need to have a proper fear of the Lord. We have to build and work diligently, but with the direction of God. As 2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." We may have some wonderful plans for our life, but if God has another plan for our life, then ours will not be successful. Our success is not measured in the ways the world measures success. We won't necessarily be wealthy. We won't necessarily lead a life of ease. Our success is different. God expects our success will be for His Kingdom. We have to pray and study the word to understand God's will. We need to pray for wisdom. We need to actively seek His guidance. If we don't, we will be building in vain. God Directs Our Paths Finally, in Proverbs 3:6 Solomon explains that if we acknowledge God in everything we do, "He shall direct your paths". Acknowledging God means submitting your whole life to Him, recognizing who He is and His authority over us. We trust God, knowing that He knows what is ultimately the best for us because He loves us, and He is always faithful and true. Who will direct your paths? Who will build your house? As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! Amen and Hallelujah! Enjoy the beautiful song, If the Lord Builds the House, by Hope Darst

I remember leaving college with little sense of direction. What path would I take? What job would I have? It was an exciting time and also a bit scary. Back then I wasn't very close to God. I wish I had known about Proverbs 16: 9 back then: "A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." He Leads Me When I'm Close The closer we are to our Good Shepherd the more directed our paths will be. He will not lead us down a dangerous path. If we are far off it will be harder to hear His voice. We have plans for our life but those plans will be directed by God Himself if we stay close to Him and listen. God Makes Us Lie Down in Green Pastures In Psalm 23, David tells us that God "makes" us lie down in green pastures. We may not always go the right direction in our life but God will create circumstances, God will speak to our hearts, if we listen, that will make us follow the path He has chosen for us. Our Shepherd At one time in our lives we went our own way. We ignored God. But as Peter says in I Peter 2:25 (b) we have now returned to the "Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." We thank God that He is our shepherd, because without a shepherd sheep will end up lost and dead. God is Directing Many examples in the Bible show us that when God directs our steps things don't go in a straight line. Our paths may seem strange, unfamiliar, even frightening but God is directing us to His will. Abram left Ur, not even knowing where he was going, but being obedient to God, he became Abraham the father of the Jewish people. Moses was raised in Pharoah's house but fled Egypt as a murderer and eventually became the great leader of his people to the promised land. Joseph was the beloved son of his father, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, who rose to become second only to Pharoah in Egypt. David was the young son of Jesse, a shepherd, who would eventually rise to become the great King of Israel. Mary, a young virgin, would become the mother of our Lord. What do these great examples show us? They show that when we are obedient to God, He will direct our path. In Psalm 37:23 David says the following: "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way." Not An Easy Path As a Christian our way has never been promised to be an easy one. We may go through times of great hardship but from these times what do we learn? We learn to listen to our Lord, we learn to find our peace in Him, not the world. We learn that we are weak and that in our own strength can do nothing. We learn to trust. We learn obedience. Fear No Evil David says God leads him and restores him. David says he will "fear no evil for you are with me". The only thing someone should fear is not knowing God and heading down a path that leads to destruction. In Proverbs 14: 12 Solomon says that the way that seems right to man is the way that ends in death. Our Path Directed by Him As Christians our goal is to draw closer to God so that our paths will be directed by Him. David tells us how to do this in Psalm 119:11. He says to hide God's word in your heart so that you won't sin against Him. Study the Word Study the word of God. Remember it. Jesus Himself quoted scripture when He was tempted in the desert by Satan. In the New Testament, Timothy tells us much the same thing when he tells us in 2 Timothy 2:15 to be an unashamed, diligent worker who is approved to God. A worker who correctly understands the "word of truth." The King James version translates the word 'diligent' as 'study'. How do we know God better? By prayerfully studying His Word. In this way He speaks to us and guides us on our path. It may not be the path we would want to take, but it will be our best path because it is the path our Shepherd requires of us. I want to leave you today with a verse from a song by J.H. Gilmore called, "He Leadeth Me". He leadeth me: O blessed thought! O words with heavenly comfort fraught! Whate'er I do, where'er I be, still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me. Refrain: He leadeth me, he leadeth me; by his own hand he leadeth me: his faithful follower I would be, for by his hand he leadeth me.

You and I have a loving Father. One that we should tell the world about. The world doesn't know that Jesus came to adopt them into His family. The world doesn't know that Jesus came to be our brother and to make God our Abba, Father. The time is short for people to hear this message. God's Many Names God has many names in the Old Testament that witness to His might, His judgement and His character. Here are just a few of His names: El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty) El Elyon (The Most High God) Adonai (Lord, Master) Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah) Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner) Jehovah-Raah (The Lord My Shepherd) Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Heals) Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There) Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness) Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You) Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide) Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace) Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts) In the Old Testament, God is also referred to several times as Father. In Isaiah 63:16 Isaiah says, "Doubtless You are our Father, Though Abraham was ignorant of us, And Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O Lord, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name. " God Is Our Abba Father In the New Testament Jesus calls God, Father (Abba). Harper's Bible Dictionary (1985) explains: " He used not only the common Jewish ‘our [or your] Father’ (e.g., Matt. 5:45; 6:9) but also the intimate family word for ‘father’ in his native Aramaic language, abba, which was also appropriated in the later liturgical practice of the church (Mark 14:36; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6). Not only did the concept of God as ‘Father’ express the personal relationship to God affirmed by Jesus and the church (e.g., Matt. 11:25-27), but in that cultural setting the term included especially the connotations of obedience, agency, and inheritance. Those who address God as ‘Father’ acknowledge God as the one to whom absolute obedience is due (Matt. 7:21; 26:42) and themselves as the agents who represent God and through whom God works (Matt. 11:25-27; John 10:32) and as God’s heirs (Rom. 8:16-17)." The word "Abba" places emphasis on the personal relationship that Jesus had with His Father and that we now have with God through Jesus. We have become spiritual brothers who will live eternally with our Father God, our "Abba" father. Paul tells us that, as Christians, we all have the Holy Spirit in us which makes us all children of God and spiritual brothers to one another. "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 The Best Of Fathers And what a Father we have been blessed with! Our Heavenly Father knows us better than we know ourselves. He has set a path for our lives before we were even born, a path we shouldn't fear. He guides us and if we allow Him, He molds us into the person that we should become. He is the best of Fathers! As we are obedient to our earthly fathers, so we should be even more obedient to our Heavenly Father. All He asks from us, He asks out of love. Even if we don't understand, His ultimate goal for us is to mold us into the likeness of Christ. Abba Father Through Faith In Galatians 4:6, Paul says that because we are sons of God it is His Holy Spirit who causes us to cry out, "Abba Father". And how do we become sons of God? According to Galatians 3:26, it is through faith! Our faith has made us His sons and because we are His sons the Holy Spirit resides in us. So we aren't crying out "Abba Father" all on our own, it is the Holy Spirit who lives in us who does this. As Jesus and the Father were one so can we be one with our Lord. We Cry Out With Joy This "crying out" is not done in sorrow, no, it is done in joy! We cry out with joy that our God loves us, provides for us, and cares for us more than any earthly father ever could. What does your adoption by God mean to you? Have you ever really thought, really studied, about the relationship that God promises to give you. We are the children, through adoption, of the Creator of the Universe, the one who sent His only Son, slain before the foundation of the world, for us. He is our life giver. Only in Him can we know what life really can be. Awe Filled Children As the Lord has told us in Matthew 6:9, our Father's name is hallowed which means holy or sacred. We speak to our Father with humility and thanksgiving. We speak to Him as awe filled sons and daughters. Thanks be to God!

In Isaiah 63:16, Isaiah refers to God as our Father, our Redeemer from Everlasting. In the Old Testament, the meaning of redemption, meant that you were paid for with a price, usually by a kinsman, and delivered in this way from bondage. Bondage is a type of slavery. In the New Testament, the idea of being delivered from bondage, meant being delivered from the bondage of sin. We are called slaves to sin. Our Father Isaiah didn't know about Jesus, but the Holy Spirit revealed to Isaiah many things about the Messiah. As Jesus called God, "Our Father", so Isaiah refers to God in the same way. God is our loving, caring Father who sometimes, because He cares for us so deeply, disciplines us. God is our Redeemer in the sense that it is His will from "the foundations of the world" that His Son would be sent to save us and give us life everlasting. Jesus is the Lamb that was slain (Revelation 13:8). God's Son paid the ultimate price to redeem us from our sin. Kinship Redeemer The people of Israel would have understood that if God was their redeemer, then it made sense that He was their Father. In Leviticus 25: 48-51, we are told that a kinsman could pay the price of redemption for a family member to get them out of bondage. This imagery continues in the New Testament. There, Jesus calls God our Father and His. There, we are referred to as "brothers in Christ". We are said to be "adopted into His family." Philippians 4:19 says Christ has redeemed us because we are His. Obviously, this is the language of kinship. I Have Blotted Out Your Sin In Jeremiah 3:19, Jeremiah tells us, "‘You shall call Me, “My Father,” And not turn away from Me.’ Jeremiah is speaking of a future time when God's kingdom is restored, and Israel will see God fully and completely as their Father, just as Jesus saw Him. In Zechariah 1:3, the prophet tells Israel to turn to Him and if they do, He will turn to them. In Isaiah 44:22, God tells Israel, "to return to Me, for I have redeemed you." God says their transgressions, their sins, have been swept away like a thick cloud. McClaren's Exposition explains Isaiah 44:22 this way, " God does not say, ‘Come back and I will forgive’; He does not say, ‘Return and I will blot out’; but He says, ‘Return, for I have blotted out.’ Though accomplished, the forgiveness has to be appropriated by individual faith. The sins of the world have been borne, and borne away, by the Lamb of God..." Turn From Sin God is truly our Redeemer from Everlasting. In Ephesians 1:4, Paul tells us that God chose us in Christ "before the foundation of the world" to be holy and without blame before Him. In the Old Testament, God spoke to His people, Israel. They are His chosen people. If they turned from their sins then He would turn to them. Today, have we strayed from our faith in God and obedience to Him? Have we sinned against Him? It is not too late to turn from our sin. It isn't too late to repent. If we do, God is there, ready to receive us. He is ready to turn to us. Redeemed With Blood Instead of being redeemed with money, we have been redeemed with the "precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:17) This is a cost beyond our ability to comprehend. The God of the Universe sent His Son as a human being to live and die among us, to be raised to life to enable us to be redeemed and allow us to live with Him in Heaven. His death was for every man according to Hebrews 2:9. He was ransomed for all says 1 Timothy 2:5. Our Redeemer From Everlasting In 1 Corinthians 6:20 Paul reminds us that we were bought with a price. And what a price it was. Because of this, Paul says we should glorify God in our body and our spirit. Sometimes we take for granted this price that was paid. We forget what it took to redeem us. We forget with what love we are loved. Let us always keep before us that God is our Redeemer from Everlasting and praise His name because of it.

In the world we live in today we seem to have forgotten the sovereignty of God. God is not just the God of the unseen world but also the God of the physical world. Science explains things to us with no mention of God. Think of the rain. We see meteorologists explaining complex weather systems to us. They explain where and when it will rain but the root cause of where and whether it rains is unknown. You can go to the U.S. Geological Survey page on "What Causes Drought" and you will see that it defines drought but doesn't really tell you what causes it and why it eventually rains. Even the United Nations has no answer. According to their documents, "While it may be possible to indicate the immediate cause of a meteorological drought occurring in any particular location, it is often not possible to indicate the underlying cause." I live in a farming community. Rain is essential to our crops. What does the Bible say about rain and who controls it? The prophet Amos records the words of God towards the nation of Israel. Israel was in rebellion. They had forgotten their first love - God. In Amos 4: 7 God tells them this: “I also withheld rain from you, When there were still three months to the harvest. I made it rain on one city, I withheld rain from another city. One part was rained upon, And where it did not rain the part withered." In I Kings 17:1 we read that the prophet Elijah proclaimed a drought to King Ahab that would last three and a half years. This drought was punishment for Ahab's support of the prophets of Baal. It is clear that God's patience only goes so far. When a people are in rebellion and refuse to repent, they face consequences. In Deuteronomy 11: 13-17 Moses explains to the Israelites what will happen to those who are obedient and to those who are not. "‘And it shall be that if you earnestly obey My commandments which I command you today, to love the Lord your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, then I will give you the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil. And I will send grass in your fields for your livestock, that you may eat and be filled.’ Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them, lest the Lord’s anger be aroused against you, and He shut up the heavens so that there be no rain, and the land yield no produce, and you perish quickly from the good land which the Lord is giving you." Again in Isaiah 5: 6 (b) God says "I will also command the clouds That they rain no rain on it.” Why? Because the House of Israel was in rebellion. Don't misunderstand. Not all droughts in the Bible are God's judgement. The following scriptures speak to this: Genesis 12:10; Genesis 26:1; Ruth 1:1 and Acts 11:28. We can't just assume that when a drought happens it is God's punishment. God also promises protection to those who are faithful to Him during these times. You can read about these promises in Job 5:20 and 22; Psalm 33: 18-19; Psalm 37: 18-19 and Proverbs 10: 3. In Zechariah 10:1 God says: "Ask the Lord for rain In the time of the latter rain. The Lord will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, Grass in the field for everyone." What would be the reason that God would withhold rain? As punishment for rebellion, but also to make us realize our dependency on Him. Our need for His grace. Zechariah tells us to 'ask' for rain thus acknowledging our dependence on God. (This verse is to be taken both literally -rain and spiritually- God's blessings.) In Leviticus 26: 4 God tells us, "then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.", and yet in our modern world His graciousness and provision seems to be neither recognized nor appreciated by most. In I Kings 18: 41, after Elijah destroyed the prophets of Baal, Elijah speaks to King Ahab, "Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.” At this point it had still not rained. Indeed, there was not a cloud in the sky, but through faith Elijah knew that the drought was over, that God's wrath was finished and that blessings would be poured down from the heavens. In Genesis 41 we read the story of Joseph and how he told Pharaoh the meaning of his dream. Seven years of good harvests would come followed by seven years of famine. With this knowledge Egypt was able to store up grain for the coming drought and help feed the many surrounding nations. Where did this foreknowledge of abundance and famine come from? From God, who as Job 28: 26 (a) tells us, "made a law for the rain,". In Matthew 5: 45 (b) our Lord says that God, "sends rain on the just and on the unjust." God's blessings fall on us many times whether we are obedient or not. Why? Because in the previous verse Jesus tells us to, "bless those who curse you". Just so, God shows us His blessings, even though we are not always obedient to Him. Our God is patient and longsuffering. "And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth," Exodus 34: 6 So the next time you hear the sound of rain on your roof say a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord who provided it. And if, God forbid, you find yourself in the midst of a drought recognize the importance of returning to God in heartfelt repentance. The sound of abundance of rain, even if we can't see it just yet, is a wonderous blessing.

Sin waits; it sits crouching at the door ready to pounce whenever the door is opened. The devil is quite patient. He can wait for just the right moment to tempt us when we are at our weakest. "And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door." Genesis 4:7(b) Cain And Abel The Bible tells of Cain and his brother Abel in Genesis 4: 1-15. Abel's gift of the first fruits of his sheep was accepted by God, while Cain's gift of fruits of the field was not. The Bible does not tell us specifically why Cain's gift wasn't accepted, but quite obviously Cain's heart was not in the right place. He was angered by God, by what he deemed to be God's favoritism, so much so that it could be seen in his face. God speaks to Cain and lets him know that if he does what is right his gift will be accepted, but if he does not, that sin "lies at the door". Indeed, sin lies in wait for us like a wild animal preparing to pounce. "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." I Peter 5:8 Sadly, Cain ignores God's warning and harbors his anger so that he eventually, in his envy, kills his brother. He then lies to God. He tells Him he doesn't know where his brother is. Pride Cain's sin is pride - his feelings were hurt when Abel's gift was accepted and his was not. Cain's sin was envy - he was jealous that Abel had offered an acceptable sacrifice and found favor with God while he did not. Cain's sin was lying - when God confronts him, he has the effrontery to lie to God's face about where his brother is and what has happened to him. How many of us have experienced similar things or know of others who have? For example, someone else might have a nicer spouse than you, maybe you feel that your spouse should be nicer to you and treat you more like someone else's spouse does. Then you question. "Why did you let me marry this person in the first place, God?" Your pride is hurt. Aren't you a good person? Don't you deserve better? Then you feel jealous. Why can't you have a better spouse? Maybe you have a bad day at home, maybe you are alone with a colleague, maybe "sin is crouching at the door", maybe something happens. Then when God accuses you, through your guilty conscious or his Word, you blame God. "Oh God, I would not have sinned if I had had a better spouse. I would not have sinned if I had had the spouse I deserved," you tell God. "It's your fault God." "You caused this," you think to yourself. Jealousy Adultery and murder, those are big sins. What about other sin? Are we jealous because others have a more important position in the community or the church than ourselves. Jealousy comes from pride. Pride says "I" deserve recognition. Do we go further? Do we tell tales on those people who we are jealous of? Do we tear them down to build up ourselves? Cain Is Given A Chance God gives Cain a chance, "If you do well, will you not be accepted." But Cain ignores God. Like us, that "still, small voice" that tells us how we should act and how we should be, was drowned out by what he wanted. To make it even sadder, when God tells Cain his punishment, Cain complains. Even at this point he refuses to accept responsibility. He shows no remorse over his brother's murder. He only worries about himself. Cain has given himself over fully to sin. Cain's sin destroyed his family. He broke the hearts of his parents. His brother would never have a family or children of his own. How has our sin ruined us? Do we remain separated from God because we have not repented? Because we have not, "done well"? Two people came before God that day, Cain and Abel, one was accepted and one was not. Like the Pharisee and the tax collector, both came before God in the temple but one was accepted and one was not. (Luke 18:9-14) One recognized his sinfulness, one did not. Both were before God, but one was just a vain shadow of real repentance and one was the real thing. Sin Is Crouching At The Door The Devil is prowling to destroy us. But as I Corinthians 10:13 tells us: "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." Cain was offered a way of escape, "do well", but he chose not to listen. Sin waits to devour us just as it waited for Cain. Sin is crouching at the door. God may warn us through his Word, a sermon, a friend, even someone who is not a Christian, because He loves us so much. Ultimately though we have to choose whose servant we want to be, a servant of sin or a servant of God. Will we let ourselves be devoured? Will we fail God and all those around us, or will we look for that promised "way of escape"? God's Mercy God offers compassion and forgiveness. God offers boundless mercy. Call on Him. He will save you! He loves you so much his Son died for you "while you were yet sinners". (Romans 5:8) When we serve God, we may still sin, we may still make poor choices, we may still fall to temptation, but God offers us forgiveness when we repent and turn from our sin. "For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8: 12 Thanks be to God! Enjoy this beautiful old hymn, "Love Lifted Me"