Created to Be Like Him We are created to become like Christ. We can love as He loved (Ephesians 5:2); forgive as He forgave (Colossians 3:13); have the same mind as His (Philippians 2:5); walk as He walked (1 John 2:6); die for others as did He (1 John 3:16); follow His example (1 Peter 2:21); and do the same as He did (John 13:15). How is this possible? Because He became like us, we have been blessed to become like Christ. But I hear you say, this is impossible. Christ Lives in Me Because the Lord has given us the Holy Spirit it is possible. This quote from William Temple explains it well. "It is no good giving me a play like Hamlet or King Lear and telling me to write a play like that. Shakespeare could do it—I can’t. And it is no good showing me a life like the life of Jesus and telling me to live a life like that. Jesus could do it—I can’t. But if the genius of Shakespeare could come and live in me, then I could write plays like this. And if the Spirit could come into me, then I could live a life like His." Become like Christ: Be Transformed As 2 Corinthians 3:18 reminds us, we are being transformed , changed into His image. Just as Moses' face was transformed after having been exposed to God's glory so that it had to be covered with a veil to protect the Israelites (Exodus 34), our faith in Christ removes the veil and allows us to see God's glory revealed through his Son. How does Paul say this transformation happens - through the Spirit of the Lord, God dwells in us . Truly Alive In Galatians 2:20, Paul says no longer does he lives but Christ lives in him. This is how Paul is truly alive and this is how we also, become truly alive. In Philippians 1:21 Paul says literally for him to have life is Christ. In baptism we see a representation of dying and rising in a new life. We die to sin and rise to a transformed life that is led by the Spirit of God to reflect Christ. Our suffering reflects Christ's suffering. As Christians we are daily required to die to self, to die to the flesh. We are to " put on Christ " (Romans 13:14). Putting on Christ When we put on Christ we clothe ourselves with His nature. This requires us to take off the old self and put on the new. It requires dying and rising. When others see Christ more than they see us it is proof that we have " put on Christ ". John Chrysostom in the early days of the church, described it this way, “...never to be forsaken of Him, and His always being seen in us through our holiness, through our gentleness”. To put on Christ is to show the fruits of the spirit in our lives. As Jesus served, so should we. As Jesus forgave, so should we. As Jesus humbled himself, so should we. As Jesus loved, so should we. Without the Holy Spirit this would be impossible. With the Holy Spirit we can reflect on our lives through prayer. How would God have us show Jesus today, this very moment? We strengthen ourselves by the Holy Spirit by putting on the " armor of God " ( Ephesians 6: 11-13). Biblical self-examination teaches us how to be transformed to become like Christ. We gather with other believers in the body of Christ and work together to show Jesus to others. Victory Through Faith There is victory in Jesus when we live a life led by the Holy Spirit that reflects our Savior. In 1 John 5:4 John tells us this, "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. " In John 17, Jesus sends his disciples into the world just as He was sent into the world. The world sees Christ through us. How much of Jesus are we showing to others? How are we being transformed? Are we seeking victory? Enjoy the words of this old hymn, I Want to Be Like Jesus by A.K. Miller I want to be like Jesus, So lowly and so meek; For no one marked an angry word That ever heard him speak. Refrain: I want to be like Jesus, God's well beloved Son; I want to be like Jesus, The pure and holy One. I want to be like Jesus, So frequently in prayer; Alone upon the mountain top, He met his Father there. [Refrain] I want to be like Jesus, Engaged in doing good, So that of me it may be said, He hath done what he could. [Refrain] Alas! I'm not like Jesus, As any one may see; Thy gentle Spirit, Savior, send, And make me like to thee. [Refrain] Being Transformed

What Are the Consequences of Unforgiveness? What are the consequences of deception and lack of forgiveness? When there is forgiveness is there automatically reconciliation? Forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same. When reconciliation fails, Jacob and Esau's legacy show the consequences. Many of you are familiar with the story of Jacob and Esau. These brothers and their descendants show us what can happen when reconciliation doesn't happen. Esau despised his birthright and sold it to Jacob for a bowl of food and Jacob deceived his dying father so he could obtain his father's blessing— the blessing that rightfully belonged to Esau. Estrangement Between Twin Brothers Because of this Esau was effectively cut out of the covenantal promises of God. This began a long and hostile relationship between the two brothers. At one point, Esau planned to kill Jacob, but when their mother Rebekah learned of his intentions, she arranged for Jacob to flee to Mesopotamia (Genesis 27:41-43). When we think about these brothers, we need to remember they were twins. It is well known that twins can have a unique psychological bond. They shared the same womb and the same environment during development. Yet even in the womb, they struggled against each other (Genesis 25:22). Twins can also become deeply estranged from one another. Competition, jealousy, and traumatic events can all lead to total avoidance and lack of contact. This is what we see in the story of Jacob and Esau. A Tense Reunion Years later, on the way to Canaan, Jacob is forced to meet his brother. Jacob feared Esau would kill him on the spot but instead Esau embraced him. When you read this in Genesis 33, their meeting seems cautious and uneasy. It seems obvious that Jacob was pleased that his brother welcomed him, but he was still distrustful. Although Esau ran to embrace Jacob, the interaction was filled with tension. Jacob approached Esau with caution, bowed submissively multiple times, and later declined Esau’s offer to travel together. This shows us that he still did not fully trust his brother. Jacob tells Esau that seeing him was like seeing the face of God. One writer suggested that perhaps it was a subtle hint to Esau that God was on Jacob's side, a reminder not to 'mess with him'. Another possibility for why Jacob says this is that Jacob first 'sees the face of God' in his wrestling with the angel (Genesis 32:30) and then with his earthly foe, Esau, with whom he wrestled in the womb. God met Jacob and He meets us in our struggle of faith. At the end of their visit Jacob promised to meet Esau at Seir but Jacob never did. Instead he set up home in Succoth. Did he lie on purpose, again? Did he distrust Esau so much he was afraid to meet him in Seir? We are not told. We only know the brothers met once more at the death of their father. Is Forgiveness the Same as Reconciliation? The Bible explains what true reconciliation is. It is a broken relationship that has been restored (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Sometimes we can forgive someone but still not trust them enough to reconcile. Trust is something that is earned over time by someone's consistent behavior. Were these brothers ever truly reconciled? That is difficult to know for sure. The nations that descended from each brother were certainly not. When Reconciliation Fails: Jacob and Esau’s Legacy What we do know is the history of the descendants of Esau. When reconciliation fails: Jacob and Esau’s legacy becomes a warning for all generations. Broken relationships don't always stay personal. In the case of Jacob and Esau, their division spilled over into generations of hatred. The conflict didn’t die with the brothers; it lived on in their nations. Esau's descendants were known as the Edomites. They were traditionally enemies of the Israelites, descendants of Jacob. Imagine a hatred so strong that it would last for generations and eventually lead to the destruction of an entire people. We simply cannot foresee the consequences of our sins . Esau felt wronged, lied to by his brother. And he was, but his reaction was to plan to murder Jacob. In Hebrews 12:16, Esau is described as "godless". God foresaw the future. He knew Esau would have a moment of reunion with Jacob, but Scripture never says they truly reconciled. God knew what the nation of Edom would become. Edom's Longstanding Opposition to Israel Because there were kinship ties between the Israelites and the Edomites, God told the Israelites they could not hate them, no matter how they treated them (Deuteronomy 23:7). Both people were descendants of Abraham. In Deuteronomy 2:1-5, the Israelites were told not to try to take the land of the Edomites because God had promised it to them. In Numbers 20:14-21, we read that the Edomites refused to allow the Israelites to pass through their land on their journey from Egypt. Both Saul and David fought against the Edomites. During the reign of King Jehoram the Edomites rebelled against Judah and set up their own king (2 Kings 8:20-22). They were even joyful over the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. Eventually the Edomites themselves were conquered by the Nabateans. A small remnant of them settled in southern Judah and became known as the Idumeans. Herod the Great, who was responsible for the slaughter of the infants in Bethlehem, was an Idumean. Later, these people would side with the Israelites when they revolted against Rome in 70 AD. This would lead to their complete destruction. No longer were there any remnants of Esau's line. Bitterness Passed Through Generations What happens in our families when we pass down stories of hurt and trauma? How long will those stories remain in the minds of our descendants, until all they really know is that, "We don't like you, we don't even remember why?" Have we allowed a bitter root to grow up? Unresolved conflict between family members can lead to a lack of connection between generations. Strong family relationships can be completely lost. Hebrews 12:15 warns us, " See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. " The Prophecies Against Edom Numerous prophets warned the Edomites that the way they treated the Israelites would lead to their destruction. Amos, Isaiah and Ezekiel all predicted the ruin of Edom. The prophecies of Obadiah focus totally on the fate of the Edomites. Obadiah explains the sins of the Edomites that led to this. The Edomites had been deceived by pride. Proverbs 16:18 reminds us that pride goes before a fall. They felt invincible in their stone fortifications, but God said they would be overpowered and deceived by their enemies. When the Israelites were taken into captivity by the Babylonians, the Edomites watched, they rejoiced in their destruction, and even cut off those who managed to escape. Judgment comes on Edom for their reaction to the downfall of Israel. Are there people, family members perhaps, that you have had a falling out with, who have experienced tragedy or hardship and you momentarily had the thought, "Well, they had that coming"? Beware that attitude. For this, the Edomites were promised complete destruction. They totally abandoned God's chosen people. In times of great trouble they sided with the enemy. Obadiah 1:12 says, " You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune. " The people of Edom had effectively forgotten who their family really was. Today, those who side against God's chosen people should beware of the fate of Edom. God's Justice and Future Hope Obadiah continues to say that this judgment would be for all nations that reject God, but God in his mercy will spare those who are obedient. God warns, " As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head. " The last verse of Obadiah speaks of a future hope when Jesus will rule the nations as king. We see this echoed in Revelation 11:15, “ The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and He will reign for ever and ever. ” Your Role in Reconciliation According to 2 Corinthians 5:18, you and I have a " ministry of reconciliation ". What we have seen in the story of Jacob and Esau and its centuries aftermath is what happens when there is no real reconciliation. Just as we are to be reconciled with God through Jesus, so we are to be reconcilers between men. We are to heal broken relationships among ourselves and our families. We should try to peacefully resolve conflict. How things would have been different if Jacob and Esau had experienced true reconciliation. How much better the lives of their children and their children's children would have been. Don't let a bitter root grow up in your family. We can't always see the destruction that can come from allowing it to fester and remain a source of conflict, but God knows. We have been warned! Sadly, sometimes we seek reconciliation but it is rejected. In that case, we have to pray for our family member and continue having a forgiving spirit towards them. There are times when we must rely completely on the Holy Spirit to do what we cannot. Final Warning: Don’t Let Bitterness Win As Christians we’ve been entrusted with the responsibility to try and break the cycle. Will we let bitterness destroy those who follow us, or will we choose the hard path of reconciliation? Colossians 3:13 reminds us that as God's elect we should always, " Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. " Don't let the Devil win by letting division remain in your family, perhaps for generations. People Also Ask Where did anti-Semitism come from? Although not specifically mentioned in the Bible, in Jewish tradition, the story of Jacob and Esau is the explanation for the development of Jewish anti-Semitism (hatred of Jews).

Jesus and Forgiving Others If you are a Christian, then you know the great forgiveness that Jesus offers us when we ask and repent. However, we often overlook another important aspect: the emphasis Jesus places on forgiving others. Jesus teaches us to embrace forgiveness for a peaceful heart. First, let's look at what Jesus teaches us in the Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor from Matthew 18:21-35. Peter's Question On Forgiveness To begin, Peter asks Jesus how many times must he forgive someone who has sinned against him. Peter suggests seven as a nice number of times to forgive, but Jesus says no, seventy-seven times. In other words, Jesus is telling Peter that forgiveness isn't optional— we must always forgive. The Parable Of The Unforgiving Debtor Then our Lord tells a parable to reinforce what He has just said. Jesus begins by saying that the " kingdom of Heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. " He tells a story about a servant who went before the king owing ten thousand talents. It would take an average laborer in those days working 50 million days to pay off such an enormous debt. Such a great debt would have been impossible for the man to repay. Since the man couldn't pay the debt, the king was going to sell the man's wife and daughter into slavery to pay the bill. Begging for mercy, the king felt pity and cancelled his debt. What a great mercy was extended to this undeserving servant. The man, whose enormous debt had been forgiven, ran into another fellow servant who owed him approximately a third of a year's wages. The forgiven servant demanded to be repaid. The servant begged for patience, but the forgiven servant threw him into prison until the debt could be repaid. The forgiven servant showed no pity or mercy for the man who owed him money. The other servants who saw this were outraged and told the king. When the king learned what had happened he called the forgiven servant in and told him that he should have shown his fellow servant mercy, just as it had been shown to him. The king handed over the servant to be tortured until he could pay back what he owed. In the same way, Jesus tells the disciples, you will be treated by God if you refuse to forgive others from your heart. Our Debt And Responsibility To Forgive This parable illustrates a key lesson for all Christians: we have been forgiven of an unpayable debt, and therefore must extend that same forgiveness to others. Our sins against God have all been forgiven when we receive Christ. His forgiveness is truly beyond our comprehension. Because Jesus has totally forgiven us, we should, from the heart, forgive those who sin against us. If we can't do that, then we might question if we truly know God. Jesus and Paul Teach On Forgiveness In Matthew 6:14, our Lord says that if we forgive others, then God will forgive us. In Luke 6:37, again Jesus says if we forgive, we will be forgiven. And in the Lord's Prayer, in Luke 11:4, Jesus says, " And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. " According to Mark 6:15, God will not forgive our sins, if we don't forgive others. Jesus tells us in Mark 11:25 that when we pray, we should forgive people, so that our Father in Heaven will forgive us. Paul explains in Ephesians 4:32 that we should forgive others just as Christ forgave us. In Colossians 3:13 Paul says to " forgive as the Lord forgave you. " The grace that we have received from God should be extended to others. As Paul tells us in Romans 8:38, " while we were yet sinners Christ died for us." The Examples Of Jesus And Stephen Jesus showed us what forgiveness from the heart looks like when, as He was dying on the cross, He forgave his murderers. He tells His Father, " they know not what they do. " Another example of forgiveness from the heart is in Acts 7:54-60. In this passage, Stephen, full of faith and power , looks up into Heaven as he is being stoned to death, and says, "Do not charge them with this sin." Embrace Forgiveness For A Peaceful Heart Our forgiveness should be as unlimited as God's was towards us. We shouldn't "keep count" of the number of times we have been offended or hurt. Forgiveness heals us, while a lack of forgiveness leads to bitterness. We are warned against bitterness in Ephesians 4:31 and in Hebrews 12:31. A bitter person is often harsh, resentful, cynical, cold, and difficult to be around. These feelings are the opposite of what a person filled with the fruits of the spirit experiences—love, joy, and peace. Only Jesus brings true peace , so we should embrace forgiveness to experience a peaceful heart. Forgiveness And Personal Boundaries Forgiveness doesn't mean that we should accept violence directed towards us. Sadly, physical and emotional abuse often comes at the hands of the people we love the most. Reconciliation may not be possible in certain situations. We can forgive someone and not always trust them. We can forgive someone while still holding that person accountable for their actions. What is important in forgiving someone who has committed violence towards us or others that we love, is to let go of negative emotions like revenge, anger, and resentment. We can pray for and love someone without having contact with them. The Example Of Ananias And Saul In Acts 9:13-14, we read about Ananias and his vision from the Lord. In this vision he was commanded to restore Saul's (Paul's) sight. Ananias was fearful, having heard of Saul's violence towards the saints. Ananias reminds God of this fact. God tells Ananias to be obedient because Saul was a " chosen vessel " for God's work. God's assurance to Ananias that Saul was chosen for God's work was enough for Ananias to be able to forgive Saul, embrace him as a brother, and obey. The Depth and Blessings of True Forgiveness Forgiveness has to be from the heart, not just words we say. It definitely isn't easy sometimes to forgive. We need God's help to have the strength to forgive. Think about your relationships. Is there someone you need to go to and ask forgiveness for something you have done? Forgiveness is a two-way street many times. Hurt can be on both sides in a relationship. For some relationships, there may be no reconciliation, but there can still be forgiveness. There can still be God's love and His peace. Ultimately, forgiveness is both a command and a gift from God, bringing not only healing to our relationships but also the assurance of God's grace in our lives. When we embrace forgiveness we are blessed by God for our obedience. As we forgive others, we are forgiven. What greater blessing can there be than that?

Two Nations—Jacob and Esau If you were promised a great inheritance from your father, how would you treat it? An example can be found in Genesis 25:29-34, where we read the story of Jacob and Esau, and how Esau despised his birthright The Lord told Rebekah that two nations were in her womb and the older child would serve the younger. Esau and Jacob were twins, with Esau being the older. Esau Despised his Birthright We discover that Esau, after coming in weary from working in the field one day, was willing to sell his birthright for a bowl of stew that Jacob had prepared. He even swore an oath to Jacob that he would do it. In verse 34 we are told Esau treated his birthright with " contempt ". The word "contempt" here means that he scorned or despised his birthright. Esau treated something holy as if it were common and of no importance. Esau despised his birthright. God seemed to be unimportant to him. Later in life, he ignored God's instructions by marrying Hittite women, which saddened his parents because God had plainly told the Israelites not to do this. What is a birthright? A birthright usually went to the first born son. It was a double portion of the inheritance. It also gave a head of household status to the son. For Esau it meant also that the promises that God made to Abraham and to his father Isaac would pass to him. Why Would Esau Sell His Birthright? For Esau to sell something so incredibly important, both in a spiritual and a literal sense, for a bowl of stew seems ridiculous. Esau was living in the moment. His physical needs seemed more important than any double portion of the inheritance he might get when his father died. Either he thought that swearing to Jacob meant nothing or he didn't realize the significance of what he was giving up or worse he just didn't care. Swearing An Oath In Numbers 30:2, Moses tells the people that if they swear an oath and bind themselves to an agreement, that a person must do everything they swear they will do. Swearing an oath was not taken lightly, unlike how it is often viewed today. In Ecclesiastes 5:5, Solomon says it is better to not make a vow at all than to make it and then break it. There will be a price to pay unless a person confesses their sins and accepts their guilt. Esau would have known all of this. He would have known what could happen if he gave up his birthright and what would happen if he tried to say the oath was not serious. The Legacy of Esau The end result was that Jacob received the inheritance and Esau did not. Jacob became one of the fathers of the nation of Israel and is in the lineage of Jesus. In fact his name was changed to Israel in Genesis 32:28. Esau became the father of the Edomites (Genesis 36). The Edomites, who became pagans, hated the nation of Israel. They often sided with Israel's enemies. However, Israel was forbidden by God to hate them because they were close relatives (Deuteronomy 23:7). Eventually the Edomites were conquered and faded into history. New Testament Perspective What does the New Testament tell us about Esau and his choice? The writer of Hebrews in Hebrews 12:16-17 tells us to pursue holiness, to be careful not to fall short of the grace of God "lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright." A profane person is one who is disrespectful towards sacred things. We should not look to the world to satisfy our needs but we must look to God, this is what Esau did not do. Esau had a wonderful inheritance that he casually renounced because he wanted to gratify his worldly needs. By sinning, Esau fell short of the grace of God. He did not feel convicted that he needed to confess his sins and repent. His sorrow was not over breaking God's laws, but over what he lost. He continued to blame Jacob for his bad decisions. Christian Inheritance As Christians we are told repeatedly that we also have an inheritance, a birthright. Romans 8:17 says we are coheirs with Christ. 1 Peter 1:4 says we have an inheritance in Heaven. Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:34 that we will inherit the Kingdom. Galatians 3:29 lets us know we are heirs according to promise. Colossians 1:12 says there is an inheritance of saints. To inherit something, someone must die. Jesus is referred to as the first born of God six times in the New Testament. Jesus is called the " first born of many brothers " in Romans 8:29. We are God's children (Galatians 4:7). Because of this, we share in Jesus's inheritance. This eternal inheritance is only made possible by the death and resurrection of Christ. It is made possible by the unmerited grace that God gives us through His Son. Hebrews 12:16-17 reminds us not to take our inheritance lightly as Esau did. Our inheritance was bought with a price: the death of the Son of God on the cross. God forbid that we should " despise " our birthright, our inheritance, as Esau did. God forbid that we should fail to repent and acknowledge our sin as Esau did. When we fall into unrepentant sin, when we live for the moment, when we treat our salvation with " contempt " we need to acknowledge our sin and trust in God's grace and forgiveness. Look Forward To That Living Hope Our inheritance means so much more than anything the world has to offer us. As 1 Peter 1:3-4 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you," I am looking forward to that living hope , that incorruptible inheritance, the one that never fades away, that Christ provides for me in Heaven. I hope you are too.

Do you ever feel like you are beyond hope or that your past is so terrible that God cannot use you for His kingdom? Many of us are haunted by past sins, even though we know in our mind that we have repented and been forgiven, we still remember former days when we did things we are so ashamed of we would never tell anyone. Sometimes it is difficult to believe in our hearts that we are truly forgiven. The Wicked Reign of King Manasseh There is a figure in the Bible that did such terrible things that it almost seems impossible that God could forgive him, but because God's mercy is more than we can imagine, he was forgiven. The story is about King Manasseh of Judah. At this time Israel was split into two kingdoms: Israel and Judah. King Manasseh was the longest reigning king of Judah. For 55 years he ruled, becoming king at the age of 12. He was the son of King Hezekiah who was one of the most righteous kings of Judah, second only to King David. Manasseh’s Idol Worship and False Gods King Manasseh is famous for two reasons. One reason is that he is considered one of the worst kings in the history of Judah. Unlike his father, who did what was right before God, King Manasseh was extremely evil. Instead of worshipping God and leading His people to worship God, he seemed to worship everything but God. His name means 'to forget' and it seemed that he had forgotten all that his father stood for. The King's Evil Practices 2 Kings 21 describes how he: rebuilt the 'high places'. These were elevated places where idol worship was performed. 2 Chronicles 3:1 tells us that only one high place was allowed where sacrifice to God could be performed, and that was the temple in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 3:1). built altars to Baal. Baal was a Canaanite and Phoenician god associated with fertility, influencing both agriculture and childbirth. His image was a bull. Ritual prostitution was part of his worship. Worst of all, human sacrifice was also performed (Jeremiah 19:5). made an Asherah pole. These were trees or poles that honored the goddess Asherah, also known as Astarte (Exodus 34:13). She was a fertility goddess and associated with Baal. Manasseh went so far as to erect an Asherah Pole in the holy temple of God (2 Kings 2:3,7) sacrificed his own son to the false god Molech. sought omens, practiced divination and consulted mediums. Divination meant to uncover hidden knowledge by supernatural methods so that the future could be understood. Mediums were people who communicated with the dead. When people sought omens they were looking for warnings or signs of important events. All of these practices were forbidden in scripture. killed many innocent people. Worship of the Stars and Astrology 2 Kings 21:3, tells us that King Manasseh worshipped the " starry host ". Deuteronomy 4:19 warns people not to worship the sun, moon and stars. Jeremiah 19:13 repeats this warning. Romans 1:25 reminds us not to worship created things, but only the Creator. Psalm 19:1-6 tells us that the " heavens declare the glory of God ", they are not there to be worshipped. In today's world, we see the same behavior when people follow astrology and believe in horoscopes. Consequences of Manasseh’s Actions King Manasseh was so evil, Jeremiah 15:4 tells us, that he was the direct cause of the Jews being exiled to Babylon and the destruction of the temple. This happened about 50 years after his death. Because of Manasseh's idolatry, God sent the Assyrians to capture the King and take him into captivity with a nose hook and chains (2 Chronicles 33:11). This was the event that forever changed King Manasseh's life. Manasseh’s Captivity and Transformation Having reached 'rock bottom,' as we would say today, and in affliction, he saw the consequences of a life lived in total rebellion to God. Many of us have been in similar places in our lives. It is then that we see how very wrong we have been. A life lived only for self, a life lived in opposition to God, only leads to disaster. In this moment, he came before God with humility and begged to be forgiven. God mercifully freed him from captivity and restored him to his throne in Judah. It was at this time that the Bible says Manasseh "knew that the Lord was God" (2 Chronicles 33:13). The Redemption of King Manasseh: No Past Too Great This man, whose sins were so many, who had led thousands of people astray and was held responsible for the exile of the Jews to Babylon, was forgiven by God. If this man can receive forgiveness, who among us would God not forgive? God's compassion never fails. The redemption of King Manasseh shows us that no past is too great for God. Manasseh's life was transformed. It is this life changing experience that Manasseh is also famous for. The author of Chronicles tells us: "He took away the foreign gods and the idol from the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the Lord and in Jerusalem; and he cast them out of the city. He also repaired the altar of the Lord, sacrificed peace offerings and thank offerings on it, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel." 2 Chronicles 33:15-16 Lingering Effects of Manasseh’s Sins Sadly, even though King Manasseh returned to God, the damage he had done in Judah remained. The people continued to worship at the high places, even though it was to God. But God had declared there was only one high place where sacrifices could be made—the temple. These other high places should have been destroyed, and eventually would be under King Josiah (2 Kings 22-23). Manasseh’s Lineage and Christ’s Genealogy When King Manasseh died and his son became King, his son returned to all the old ways, worshipping false gods. There were still consequences to King Manasseh's many sins even though he had been forgiven by God. Eventually, however, something wonderful comes from the line of King Manasseh, our Savior. In the genealogy of Christ in Matthew 1, we read his name listed among many other forgiven sinners, like King David and Rahab the harlot. This serves as a reminder that no one is beyond redemption . No Past Too Great for God's Forgiveness In Matthew Henry's commentary on King Manasseh he says this: "Deny not to thyself that which God hath not denied to thee; it is not thy sin, but thy impenitence, that bars heaven against thee." In other words, the only thing that holds us back from God is not our sin, even the greatest of sins, but our lack of shame, regret and repentance for our sin. All of us have sinned . We can always call on Jesus for forgiveness. Never think your past is too great for God to pardon. That is Satan's lie! "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

Jealousy, the Destroyer of Families Jealousy can be the destroyer of families. Most of us have seen how jealousy ravages families—either our own or someone we know. Jealousy, in the Bible is a Greek word, zēlos , the word zeal comes from it. This word can be used positively or negatively. When it is used negatively, it means that we are afraid that someone may gain an advantage over us, often rooted in pride. Envy, in many cases, is used synonymously with jealousy in the New Testament. Jealousy, Where Every Evil Thing Is There The ultimate root of both jealousy and envy is pride. In James 3:14-16, James says that the root source of envy (jealousy) is demonic and that where envy and self-seeking exist, " every evil thing is there ". When we live for self, when we are focused only on what we want to get ahead, it will lead to hurting others just to get it. We will never be satisfied. We will constantly want what others have that we don't. This attitude fills our hearts with selfish ambition to do whatever we have to to get the things we want. The Parable of the Prodigal Son The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke15:11-32) offers an example of how jealousy can show up within a family. When the prodigal son returns, his overjoyed father throws him a party and welcomes him with open arms, despite the wayward son's confession that he is unworthy to be called his son. But what of his older brother? The older brother’s reaction reveals his deep-seated jealousy. When he comes in from a hard day's work and hears celebrating, he asks what has happened. When he learns his brother has returned, his first response is anger. He is so angry he refuses to even enter the house. His father pleads with him but the older brother replies with three "I" statements. He reminds his father that "I" have served you for years. He tells his father that "I" have never broken your rules. He says that "I" never got a big party with even a goat, much less a fatted calf. His jealousy and pride blinded him to the joy of his brother’s return. This jealousy, where every evil thing is there, tried to destroy his family. Then we really see a window into his soul. He can't bring himself to even call his brother, brother. No, he calls him, " this son of yours ". Imagine, his brother has been away from home for a long time, no one knew if he was alive or dead, but when he comes home the older brother's response is anger and refusal to even call him his brother. And of course, the older brother has to remind his father of the evil's that the prodigal has been involved in. He reminds his father that the prodigal has squandered his inheritance on prostitutes. In effect, he is saying, "Look Dad, look how bad he is and look how good I am. How could you favor him over me?" The Father's Gentle Rebuke His gentle, loving father reminds him that everything that belongs to him, belongs to the older son. Be grateful, his father implies. Because I have done this for your brother, doesn't mean you are not loved as well. His father continues on to tell him that they had to celebrate. It wasn't optional. They had to rejoice because his brother was dead but now is alive, lost but now found. The father calls the prodigal son, " this brother of yours ". The father’s refusal to accept the older son’s denial of their family ties underscores the importance of love and forgiveness. The Forgiving and Loving Father This father's heart was broken twice. Once, when the younger son wanted to leave home with his inheritance and go live in the world and once again, by the older son's attitude towards his brother's return. This father, unlike many of us, showed love, forgiveness, and mercy, towards them both. He didn't lecture, he didn't scold, he was patient and kind in his reactions towards them both. Would that we could have earthly fathers so wise and loving. Some of us have had wonderful fathers, but some of us have never experienced what it means to have a father stand by your side no matter what. Our God is faithful and true . From the Old Testament to the New, we are reminded that God is our loving Father . Lord, You Are Our Father In Jeremiah 31:9, God speaks and says He is a Father to Israel; Isaiah 64:8 says, " O Lord, thou are our Father "; Proverbs 3:12 tells us that God corrects us as he would a son in whom he delights. In the New Testament, in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, God is the Father in the story, the wayward son coming home symbolizes those lost in sin who turn to God and the older brother is symbolic of the Pharisees and others who would imagine that only by following the rules perfectly could they be blessed. What If? What if the older son's reaction had been something like this? I have served you for years and now thank God so can my brother. I have tried to be obedient but I know when I fail you will forgive me just as you did my brother. I am thankful for all of your blessings and I can't wait to rejoice with you Father, that my beloved brother is home. Then, instead of being unforgiving, angry, and jealous, the older son could have rejoiced and would have been blessed by his brother's return. Are We Jealous? Jealousy was not only a threat in this ancient family but is also a destroyer in our own lives today. Are some siblings jealous of each other’s successes or advantages? Is jealousy causing division in your own family, church, or workplace? Do we notice others seemingly more blessed or talented than we are? Do we see others promoted ahead of us? Are we bothered when others seem to get by so much easier or make better grades in school with what seems like little effort? We should be rejoicing in the successes of others; we should love our families and be happy for family members who have returned from drug addiction or sinful behavior. We need to remove all those jealous "I" statements from our thoughts. For a Christian life is not about self, but about others. Just as the older brother allowed his envy to blind him to the joy of his brother’s return, we, too, may miss opportunities to rejoice with others. Rejoice With Our Father Let us pray for our families and ourselves, that we do not give in to jealousy, but instead rejoice in the blessings of others and the love our Father has for each us. We should encourage each other . Each of us have strengths and weaknesses. As Christians we shouldn't need to compare ourselves to others. Let us all be eager to rejoice with our Lord when " the one who was lost is now found ".

This week has been pretty overwhelming for many people. A new war has broken out in the Middle East. Horrific atrocities are happening, which sadly we have a front row seat to see. Economic collapse is being predicted by many and even the possibility of a global war is often talked about. At times like these we should remind ourselves of the Lord's words in Matthew 6:34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (NIV) Biblical Examples of Peace in Crisis God has not left us without examples of what this kind of peace looks like in real life. We are not the first to live in troubled times. Scripture gives us many examples of men and women who faced overwhelming circumstances yet found peace in God. Daniel slept peacefully in a den of lions because he trusted in the Lord’s protection. Paul, beaten and imprisoned, sang praises in a Philippian jail. Even Jesus, during a violent storm at sea, was so at peace that He slept while His disciples panicked. Each of these reminds us that peace doesn’t come from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of God. If they could have peace in those moments, surely we can trust God to calm our hearts today. Do Not Worry About Tomorrow We are told many times in scripture not to worry. When we worry we have no inner peace. In John 14: 27 Jesus tells us that He gives us His peace. Because of this we shouldn't be afraid and we shouldn't be anxious (troubled) over things that happen tomorrow. In I Peter 5: 7, Peter explains that all of our cares, worries, anxieties, and concerns should be placed on Jesus. Why? Because He cares for us deeply and watches over us. What would life be like if we truly did give Jesus all of our worries? What would life be like if we felt the true peace of Christ, that passes understanding, in our hearts? What would life be like if we realized the total love that Jesus has for us? This is not to say that we should hide our head in the sand and not keep up with what is going on around us. But we need to be careful what we feed our minds with. If it is nothing but a barrage of bad, sad news then why be surprised when we become anxious. Deep Roots of Faith Bear Fruit in Drought Jeremiah tells us in Jeremiah 17:7-8 that we are blessed when our confidence is in God. Jeremiah compares this person to a tree planted by the waters. When the scorching heat comes the tree still has green leaves. When there is a drought, it still bears fruit. The old hymn reminds us, " I Shall Not Be Moved ." How can that be? Because the roots of the tree are like the roots of those whose confidence is in the God who never fails us, they provide life. Prayer: The Bible’s Answer to Anxiety Philippians 4:6-7 gives us an antidote to worry. In this passage we are told that in every troubling circumstance there is something we should do. We should pray by beginning with being thankful for the blessings God has bestowed on us and then we should present our requests to God. If we do this God promises to bestow the peace of Christ on our hearts. His peace will " guard our hearts ". The Devil would like nothing more than to destroy our peace, have us in a constant state of anxiety and let doubts creep in. "Does God truly love you?" Satan will whisper. Hope in the Return of Christ, Not Fear Many today believe that Jesus's return is imminent. Perhaps it is. But that should not instill fear in us. That should bring hope. Evil's permanent defeat may be almost here. But if we still must wait a decade, a century or a millennium for His return we will still see Him when we die and that is not far off for any of us. Are we prepared for that? That is the most important question of our entire lives. Will He find us a faithful servant when He returns or when we die? Even in the face of death, God's Word gives comfort. God Walks With Us Through the Darkest Valleys Many of us are familiar with Psalm 23. Many of us can quote it word for word. But do we take those words to heart? Do you remember what the Psalmist says in verse four? "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;". Even in times when death is knocking at our door, we shouldn't fear evil. But why not? The Psalmist tells us, "For You are with me;". When God is at our side, we don't have to be afraid of evil. He tells us that God's rod and staff are what gives him comfort. The rod and staff were used by the shepherd to guard and defend his flock. So God guards and defends us. Practical Ways to Guard Your Heart with Peace If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start by turning off the constant stream of bad news. Spend time each day in God’s Word and in prayer, even if it’s just a few quiet minutes. Thank Him for the blessings you still have, and ask Him to guard your heart with His peace. Surround yourself with believers who will encourage you and speak truth when fear tries to creep in. God never promised a trouble-free life, but He did promise to be with us through it. He whispers His sweet peace to us. Jesus is the Lord of peace ! My prayer today for you and myself is found in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." (NIV)

Walking With God and Walking Before God My experience with walking with my children is probably much like yours. They are either running 3 feet ahead or lagging behind, but our eyes are always on them. Once in awhile they will walk calmly with you but normally that is when they are older. As God's children He has instructed us many times to follow Him or walk with Him. God’s Command to Abram at a Defining Moment Only once did God command someone to walk before Him. This command comes at a decisive moment in Abram’s life, when God is about to reaffirm His covenant and define what faithful obedience looks like. " When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. " Genesis 17:1 What must it have been like for Abram to know that the eyes of God, El Shaddai, were constantly on Him? Abram knew what God's expectation was of him. It was to be blameless. Every step he took was being watched both with love and with the knowledge that he would be held accountable by Almighty God. What Does It Mean to Walk Before God? How would that shape Abram's life? How does it shape ours? But what is God saying to Abram when He says to " walk before Me ?" Let’s think about what God is saying in this command. The expression can be interpreted to mean, " walk, looking at my face ." When God sees us He is watchful and we have an accountability towards Him. If God's face is truly always before us, then we can understand His character better and recognize His will for us. Our behavior and how we live our life will be perfected and whole, but only through His grace. When we take our eyes off of His face that is when troubles come. El Shaddai and the Promise God Alone Fulfills And what of this name God gives Himself in this verse? It is El Shaddai meaning He is all sufficient. Abram doesn't have to try to work out God's promise himself by having a child with his maid servant. No, God will provide for him because He is and always will be faithful and true to His promises. And God will provide for us as well, what seems impossible. Through His Son we can become blameless. What God required of Abraham is echoed throughout Scripture. Pressing Toward the Mark With Purpose and Hope Even though we know that sinless perfection is impossible until Heaven, because we love God we can't be content with a halfway effort for Him. We strive to be sanctified (1 Thessalonians 5:23). We have to try to run the race to win, as Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 9:24. We should all be " pressing toward the mark " (Philippians 3:14). This simply means that we don't just wish we could follow Jesus, but we actively and purposefully seek to become the person He wants us to be. These are the kinds of words that should describe us: determined, self controlled, disciplined, focused, and purposeful. Do you see yourself in those words? And why do we work so hard? Because our goal is an eternal reward in Heaven with our Father, not the success of the world. We long to hear these words from Him, " Well done though good and faithful servant " (Matthew 25:23). Scripture shows that God has always joined this kind of wholehearted obedience to His covenant promises. Only after telling Abram to " walk before Him and be blameless " did God announce His renewed covenant and Abram's new name to signify this covenant. His name would become Abraham, the father of many nations. How people must have scoffed at Abraham's new name! A 99 year old man with only one child but whose name implied multitudes of offspring. But God is a God who causes " things that are not as though they were " (Romans 4:17). God creates realities where none previously were. Just as He did for Abraham so He can do for you and I. He calls us " saints " in Scripture and so we are. We don't say this in a boasting, prideful way but in a trusting way, just as Abraham trusted God's promise. We are declared justified and righteous by God, not because of what we do, but because of Jesus. Even though we struggle with sin, we know God can create perfection in us where none existed before. So if this is who we are, how do we walk forward each day in trust and obedience to God? God Who Goes Before Us and Guards Behind Us Scripture declares our identity in Christ, but God also promises to lead and protect those who walk with Him. Isaiah explains that the Lord will go before and behind His people, Israel, as they return from Babylonian exile. He tells us, "For you shall not go out with haste, Nor go by flight; For the Lord will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard." Isaiah 52:12 God prepares our way and also protects us from the enemy. He surrounds us like a parent whose child is in front of them or behind them. No caring parent lets a child run out into danger nor do they let danger attack their child from behind, so God our Father does with us. When we follow God our will is submitted to Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart because our hearts are safe with Him. He is our loving parent who leads and guards, causing us to want to walk in His ways. He has also told us how we should walk. We are told to walk in Jesus, in My ways, in good works, in newness of life, in love, and walk in the light (Colossians 2:6; Deuteronomy 8:6; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 6:4; Ephesians 5:2; 1 John 1:7). This is our practice of our faith. Everything in our life should be focused on serving and glorifying God . And how is this walk empowered? Galatians 5:16 tells us we walk by the Spirit. And in 2 Corinthians 5:7 Paul tells us we walk by faith. None of our walk would be possible without the Holy Spirit and our faith in God and His Son. The very faith scripture tells us is given to us by the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 12:9). Among all who have walked with God, Enoch and Noah stand out as remarkable examples of obedience and holiness. Examples of Those Who Walked Closely With God Only two people in the Bible are specifically mentioned that are said to have walked with God: Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Noah (Genesis 6:9). Enoch was blessed by escaping death. His story can be seen as an illustration of the hope all believers share: transformation and eternal life with God. This comes, ultimately, through our bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:51–52). Noah, who lived faithfully in a world full of iniquity, was blessed to renew the earth after the flood. Both men were obedient to God and His will. Both preached judgment would come (Jude 14,15; 2 Peter 2:5). Like many that came after them, they were ignored. Abraham, Moses, David, and Daniel also led lives called out for their closeness to God. How closely today are we walking with God? Are we like my children I mentioned above? Childlike Trust in the Walk of Faith Like little children who trust their parent to protect them and always be there for them, both to discipline them and love them, we approach God in much the same way. We may run ahead of Him but we always know He is watching us. And we can look back and see His face. We may follow Him because His path is safe, and in walking with Him we receive both blessings and spiritual maturity. But however we walk, we know it is the Holy Spirit who empowers us and unites us with Him. His is the path of righteousness that leads to eternal life. When we stray, He will forgive us, if we ask. Walking in the way of the Lord brings us blessings (Psalm 119:1) and it is with the heart, not just the lips, that we serve Him. May every step we take be a step in trust, obedience, and joy as we walk with our faithful God.

Acknowledging How Sin Grows Quietly in the Heart When others fall from positions of influence because of repeated unconfessed sin, it can be devastating. Lurid stories of sexual sins and pastors living secret lives are shocking. These are people we respect and look up to, they teach us, and are our role models. But these stories should also prompt us to examine our own hearts. Perhaps it is more difficult for us to see ongoing sin in our own lives; sin that we have failed to repent and turn from. These public failures remind us that sin rarely begins loudly; more often, sin grows quietly in the heart. "Sin rarely begins loudly; more often, it grows quietly in the heart." How Pride Quietly Leads to Collapse Many years ago a friend of mine who considered himself a good Christian was lured into an adulterous relationship. His life spiraled out of control. He lost his faith and was never the same afterwards. I'm sure before all of this happened he would have told you he would never think of committing adultery and yet he did. His pride in his ability to resist temptation contributed to his downfall. His story raises an unsettling question. How can people who have known the blessings and forgiveness of God find themselves in positions where they are repeatedly sinning without remorse? Many times it begins with pride. The Bible tells us, " Pride goes before a fall " (Proverbs 16:18). That kind of pride is not limited to dramatic moral failure. If we think we are so holy that sin can't affect us, we may place ourselves in positions of temptation without realizing the danger. But forgetting what God has blessed us with doesn't just happen to powerful people. It is a danger for us all. Isolation and the Loss of Godly Counsel This danger grows when we are isolated from other Christians. Perhaps you are feeling temptation in an area but feel as though you can handle it all on your own. Christians belong in a faith community for a reason. When you have a trusted Christian friend you can go to about your temptation, they often can encourage you to trust God. They can share their own faith story and help you realize what you need to change to remove yourself from the trap of a particular sin. This need for godly counsel applies to every area of life, especially in our closest relationships. For example, if you have a troubled marriage don't go for help to someone who isn't a Christian. They may encourage you to divorce. Instead, seek counseling from a Christian brother or sister who will pray for you to find God's will. Whatever we face as a Christian family, we face together. Spiritual Drift and Neglecting the Basics Isolation is only one danger; another is spiritual drift . The danger of complacency in our faith can open us up to temptation. We drift from God when we stop doing the basics: reading the Bible, praying, and studying. When our hearts grow cold from being far from the Lord, then we are more susceptible to sin. Habitual Sin and Self-Deception Because drift often happens slowly and quietly, we have a responsibility to look at our own lives honestly. Are we dismayed by the sins of others, but less so by our own? What are some common ways we sin repeatedly but don't think much about it because those sins aren't the so called "big ones"? Many of us have repeated anger problems. We have outbursts quite routinely but never really think of it as habitual sin. Anxiety and fear can be problems for some of us. We have failed to learn to trust the Lord fully. We may enjoy gossiping with our friends or criticizing others. Eating, sleeping, drinking; anything we routinely do in excess that is not good for us is habitual sin. Are we unforgiving? Do we routinely forget to be thankful to God? Do we put other things before God on a daily basis? Over time, habitual sin reshapes not only our behavior, but our thinking. Most of us can identify one of these immediately and that is usually the one we excuse most quickly. When we sin repeatedly, it is not uncommon to lie to ourselves. We say we are genuinely sorry for our sin, but internally believe it is impossible to break free from that sin. Instead of living in the power of God, we have given up. Our attitude should be that of a person going into battle against repetitive sin. There is little hope for success when all we expect from ourselves is failure. Scripture does not describe the Christian life as passive endurance, but as active resistance. The Christian Life as a Spiritual Battle This is why the apostle Paul spent so much time explaining that the Christian life is a battle . This is why he uses the imagery of armor in Ephesians 6:10-20. We have an enemy, one that many times we underestimate. But thankfully God has not left us without a defense and a weapon. His Word is the Sword of the Spirit. When we sin repeatedly, it simply means that we have forgotten to defend ourselves and we haven't used our weapon rightly. Are you sharpening your spiritual sword ? True Repentance, Forgiveness, and the Evidence of Faith Of course we recognize that sin will continue to be a problem. Jesus Himself knew this when He prayed, " But forgive us our trespasses " (Matthew 6:12). Trespassing means to deliberately cross a line. It is a specific type of sin. The word sin is broader. It means anything contrary to the will of God. Yet, God's grace offers us forgiveness as John reminds us, " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (1 John 1:9). Most of all we need to remember that God knows our heart. He knows when we are genuinely remorseful for our sin and when we are just mouthing words. Paul explains it this way, " For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death " (2 Corinthians 7:10). Is your heart truly broken over the sins you have committed? Do you have a longing to live a righteous life for God? This is more, so much more, than simply saying, "I want to be a good Christian." When we truly repent, we will turn away from the sin that brings sorrow to God. This brings us to a harder question, one many believers quietly wrestle with. We know, thankfully, that God's forgiveness is not limited like ours often is. But at what point is unrepentant repetitive sin so much that it points to a lack of salvation? Scripture does not teach sinless perfection, but it does teach a changed direction. If salvation brings change, how much of an unchanged life can we lead and still belong to God? Only God can really answer that question. But the Bible gives us some guidelines for how to know we belong to Him. Jesus explains in Matthew 7:15-20 that we are known by our fruits. Paul lists those fruits in Galatians 5:22-23. We are not saved by good works, but good works are the evidence of our faith in Christ and His work in us. Do we honestly see our lives being transformed more and more into the image of Christ? We may have setbacks; times when we fail, but overall do we see the Holy Spirit at work in us? That inward work of the Spirit does not remain hidden. Living as God’s Light — Even After Failure You and I may not be on a public stage, but our lives are being scrutinized by others. Jesus acknowledges this in Matthew 5:16, " Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. " If the world sees our good works, how much more will they notice when we don't do good? What separates us from the lost? Even if our sins are so-called 'secret sins', many times they are found out. Our life is not our own, it belongs to Jesus. Are people glorifying God because of your life? Even when our failures are exposed, we can glorify God because He stands with open arms waiting for us to come back to Him. Like the loving Father He is, He welcomes us, like the Prodigal Son returning. Heaven rejoices when we turn to Him with a sincere heart. He reaches down and comforts us when we reach up to Him with true remorse for our sin. Sin grows quietly in our heart, until we confess it and our heart is changed. When we see our brothers and sisters fail in such sad ways, He wants us to pray for them and be a comfort for them as well (1 Timothy 2:1). In the same way, we should pray for our spiritual leaders who fail us. They are human and they will sin, but unrepentant ongoing sin in our church leaders can't be accepted. But then, neither should we accept it from ourselves. What sin are you allowing to grow quietly because it has not yet cost you publicly? Don't let sin snuff out your light. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Are you part of the walking wounded? We may not realize it, but all of us carry trauma. In life, we all receive emotional wounds but normally we recover enough to be able to function. Wounds come in so many ways: broken marriages, abuse, bad parents, and terrible personal decisions. As someone who had to heal from a broken marriage, I know it was a long and difficult process, longer than it should have been. If we are Christians though, we have a hope that should heal our wounds if we let it. When Paul prays for the church at Ephesus we get a deeper understanding of how that happens (Ephesians 1:15-21). Paul does not respond to the struggles of believers with techniques or advice, but with prayer, because he knows real healing begins with how we see our circumstances spiritually. We heal wounds through the eyes of our heart. I would like to focus on one particular verse, verse 18. This verse goes to the heart of how believers move from merely surviving to truly healing. "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in his holy people," (NIV) Healing Wounds Through the Eyes of Your Heart What does Paul mean when he prays " that the eyes of your heart be enlightened "? Paul is talking about a deeper wisdom and understanding than we have in the world. This spiritual knowledge comes from faith. Paul wants the Ephesian Christians to discern God's truth. He desires them to fully grasp that God loves them. As much as possible, Paul prays for them to see the world through the lens of God's love. And why is this so important? A friend I once had was very good at quoting Scripture, but tragedy struck and they had difficulty believing God still loved them. Through much struggle and prayer, they finally allowed the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of their heart. This renewed their hope in a God they had known, but had never truly seen with spiritual understanding. My friend's experience is not unique, many of us carry similar doubts. Without spiritual sight, hope remains vague, but once the heart sees clearly, hope becomes something we can really experience. “Without spiritual sight, hope remains vague, but once the heart sees clearly, hope becomes something we can really experience.” Where do you feel stuck or hopeless? Spend a few minutes thinking, praying, or writing about how God’s love might transform that situation. Hope That Transforms: Living in the Spirit When the eyes of our heart are opened, he prays that we can " know the hope to which He has called you. " This hope is a confident expectation that one day we will live forever with our Father. There is hope that we will live out God's will for our lives. This isn't something we do alone. The Holy Spirit lives within us and enables us to do this. Without Him, it would be impossible. Scripture tells us we have been called to do good so we can show God to the world. This hope is for every Christian, one we should live out every day. And God " has called you " to this hope. You, individually, not just the church as a whole. God's hope is for each and every one of us who has called on His name. He knew your need for hope. Steadfast faith allows us to endure trials with hope. Without that hope, lasting joy is impossible. Pause and pray this aloud, filling in the blanks: 'Lord, open the eyes of my heart to see the hope in [specific wound or struggle]. Help me experience Your love in [area of my life]. Amen. Beyond Hope: Understanding God’s Riches Paul then tells us there is more, not just hope, but the riches that truly matter—spiritual riches. They are the blessings God pours out on His people. They flow from His love and purpose, pointing to the fullness of life God intends for us in Him. Our Glorious Inheritance: Sharing in God’s Power These are " His glorious inheritance in his holy people. " The way Paul words this has caused scholars to suggest he means one of two things. Either Paul is saying that believers inherit something glorious from God or that God's inheritance of us, His people, is glorious to Him. This distinction matters, because both meanings speak directly to how we understand our worth and experience God's healing. Let's look at the first meaning. No doubt we as believers inherit glories from God. What are they? First they are unmerited salvation and forgiveness. We are made new by God and all of creation eventually will experience a renewal because of Him (Romans 8:19-23). Because of this, we now have relationship with the Creator of the Universe. We have the ability to call Him, Father. Not only that, but His Holy Spirit now lives within us. Our riches and treasures await us in Heaven as well. There we will live in a place without suffering, hunger, or sickness. The light of Heaven will be God Himself, and we will share in His holiness. But Paul’s words may also point in another direction, one that is just as humbling: God's people are glorious to Him. How can we be glorious to God? We, the people of God, give Him our praise and through us He is glorified. Just as Israel was God's specially chosen people, so we in the church now are as well. We are His heritage. He delights in us as His own possession. "The Lord took you and brought you . . . out of Egypt, to be the people of his inheritance, as you now are." Deuteronomy 4:20 Both explanations can be correct because Paul frequently layered his meanings. It certainly gives me hope when I think about all the ways I have been blessed by God. It is easy to take those things for granted, easy to say them with your lips, yet not fully comprehend them with the eyes of your heart. These are the kind of riches we should desire. These are the riches that heal us. And yet, doesn't it also give you hope that God has loved us and cherished us so much, like the loving Father He is? As a parent, we are normally proud of our children. Don't we point to them and say, "They are mine!"? Is it surprising to you to realize that God loves us this much as well? So often we feel unworthy of His love and certainly we are not, but Christ has made us worthy. His sacrifice has opened the door for us to have a relationship with God that would have been impossible. Our Father's love and forgiveness are always there if we repent and believe. So we inherit the riches of His grace, but God also inherits something. This is something He actually gives Himself, for we can give Him nothing He needs. We are an inheritance given by God for God (Ephesians 1:11). We are His treasure as He is ours. In God's plan, riches flow in both directions but all in His will. This inheritance is not only something we will one day receive; it shapes how we live and endure now. Isn't it a humbling thought to realize that we share in Christ's inheritance? As Romans 8:17 tells us, we are joint heirs with Jesus. We share in His suffering and in His inheritance (Revelation 21:7). But Paul also wanted the Ephesians to remember that we share in God's power to overcome. Yes, we will have pain and suffering in this life, but because the Holy Spirit lives within us we have the power to give that to God's glory. As I learned from my own woundedness, God alone can truly overcome traumas because often they distort how we see things. How has God's love healed a wound in your life? Living in the Light of His Love We can be overcomers of any wounds we have endured but not in our own strength, only in God's power. Overcoming fear and finding faith is God's purpose for us. While we wait for our full inheritance to come in Heaven, we should pray for ourselves and those we love like Paul did. Let's not just talk about God's love but feel it with every breath we take. Pray for the spiritual eyes to see the hope we have, the riches, and the power given to us. Just as my friend eventually saw God clearly, we too can allow the Spirit to heal our own wounds through the eyes of our heart. This is the same strength we need to heal from past hurts and prevent new ones.

A Song of Joy and Faith Many of us like to sing when we are happy. We may not often picture Mary singing, but Luke shares with us a song of joy she sang about the glorious things God had promised her. This was not a polished performance or a song meant for an audience, but an overflow of a heart filled with faith. You and I today can sing with Mary and praise God for His Son, as she did all those years ago, rejoicing in what God has done and trusting Him for what He will do. When Mary arrived at her cousin Elizabeth's home, Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:45), told Mary she was blessed for believing and that the things Mary had been told would happen. Even the child Elizabeth was carrying, who would become known as John the Baptist, leapt for joy in Elizabeth's womb. Mary’s joy and Elizabeth’s Spirit-filled affirmation naturally lead to praise. The Magnificat In response, Mary sang a beautiful song of praise to God known as the Magnificat. Mary's song is as relevant to us as it was to her. In Luke 1:46-48(a) she says: " And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;" Mary’s song is not only personal praise; it is deeply rooted in Scripture. The language and themes of the Magnificat echo the Old Testament, especially Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2. Like Hannah, Mary praises a God who reverses human expectations by lifting the humble and bringing down the proud. This reminds us that Mary’s faith was shaped by God’s Word. Her response to God’s promise did not come from emotion alone, but from a heart grounded in Scripture. When God acts, His people respond with praise informed by truth. Shouldn't we all be able to say with Mary that our soul magnifies the Lord? We also should praise Him and see in our very soul the glorious wonder and mighty power that is His. Can't we all agree with Mary that our spirit rejoices in our Savior? Where would we be without our Savior? We may not all be "lowly" but those who are not powerful in this world can relate very much to Mary's lack of status. In magnifying the Lord, Mary also reflects on what God has done for her personally. Blessed Mary Mary continues in verse 48 and says, " For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. " Indeed, who in this world could be more blessed than the one chosen to bring Jesus into the world. Many people read Mary’s words and feel as though her blessedness is something far beyond their reach. But Mary wasn’t blessed because she was powerful, wealthy, or important. She was blessed because she believed God and submitted herself to His will. That same attitude is what God desires from us today. We will never be asked to carry the Messiah, but each of us is called to carry His light into the world. Faith, humility, and obedience still open the door to God’s blessings in our lives. Mary’s blessedness points beyond herself to the mighty works of God. He Has Done Great Things She continues in verses 49 and 50 to exclaim that God had done great things for her. She talks about His holy name. She tells us His mercy will be on people who fear Him for all time. All of us can say with Mary that our mighty God has done great things for us. We may not always recognize them, but He has given us so many wonderful blessings, beginning with His Son's redemption of us. Mary’s words remind us that gratitude begins with remembering. She did not wait until everything was fulfilled to praise God; she praised Him for what He had already promised and begun to do. In the same way, we often miss God’s blessings because we are looking for something dramatic, while He is quietly working through His grace, His Word, and His faithfulness. When we take time to remember what God has done, especially through Christ, it naturally leads us to worship. To understand God’s mercy, we must also understand what it means to fear Him. Fear God God's name is holy, Mary says. His name is not to be used in passing, lightly, or certainly never as a curse word. And thanks be to God for His mercy. Who does He have mercy on? Mary says those who " fear " Him. Those who have reverence and awe for Him. Those who know He is a God of justice. This is why we should fear the Lord . Mary also connects God’s holiness with His mercy. This may seem surprising, but it is precisely because God is holy that His mercy is so precious. His mercy is not random or careless; it is extended to those who fear Him from generation to generation. To fear the Lord does not mean to live in terror, but to live with a deep awareness of who He is. It is reverence mixed with trust, knowing that God is righteous and just, yet compassionate and faithful. Those who fear the Lord understand that He is a God of justice who does not overlook sin, but they also trust His promise of mercy to those who humble themselves before Him. This kind of fear shapes how we live. It leads us away from casual faith and toward obedient worship. When we fear the Lord rightly, we honor His holiness, rely on His mercy, and submit our lives to His authority. Mary’s words remind us that true reverence for God doesn't hold us back but leads to greater blessings. This reverence for God is reflected in the way He acts in the world. Mighty Works Of God Mary then goes on to sing of some of the mighty works of God (Luke 1:51-55). She explains that the proud and mighty have been scattered and put down from their thrones. The unimportant and lowly people have been exalted. While the hungry have been fed, the rich have gone without. Israel, the servant, has been helped, His mercy remembered. God has spoken to Israel's fathers, to Abraham and his children and He always will. The Magnificat also reveals that God’s work through Christ is not limited to individual blessing but reaches into history itself. Mary speaks of God’s mercy extending “from generation to generation” and of promises made long ago to Abraham being fulfilled. Even before Jesus was born, Mary recognized that God was keeping His covenant. This reminds us that the birth of Christ was not an isolated event, but the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. What God promised, He accomplished: quietly, faithfully, and in His perfect time. Mary’s song makes clear that God’s power is often revealed through humility. God Exalts The Lowly Mary reminds us that God did not use the mighty, the proud, or the rich to save the world. No, God used the poor and the lowly. He used those who were humble. God is faithful and true to His promise to Israel, as Mary reminds us that, " He has helped His servant Israel " to bring forth a Messiah from the House of Judah and the line of David. Mary’s faith rested not in her circumstances, but in God’s promises. Mary Knew After a three month stay with Elizabeth Mary returned to Nazareth, and in due time, gave birth to our Lord in a stable in Bethlehem. Jesus is our greatest gift. And based on Scripture, it seems to many that Mary did know that her Son was the Messiah foretold of old. Finally, Mary’s song calls each of us to examine how we view God’s work in our own lives. Do we recognize His hand only in dramatic moments, or also in quiet obedience and daily faithfulness? Mary did not yet see the cross or the resurrection, but she trusted the God who had spoken. Her praise flowed from confidence in God’s character, not certainty about her circumstances. In that way, Mary teaches us how to worship, not only when answers are clear, but when faith must rest fully in the promises of God. Mary’s response to God invites us to consider our own response. Sing With Mary I am thanking God this Christmas season for this humble servant of God who said " Yes" to our God and sang a song of thanksgiving and praise for the Child she carried. A song we can all join in singing. I, for one, will sing with Mary! Praise for our Savior's Birth Enjoy The Magnificat - Mary's Song .

Understanding God’s Holiness In the Bible, holy means to be set apart for a special purpose. We worship a God who is holy. What does holy mean when you are talking about God? What purpose is He set apart for? God is set apart from His whole creation as the epitome of perfection. His holiness is who He is. God's many other characteristics: love, forgiveness, mercy, faithfulness, power and might are all encompassed by His holiness. Even God's name is holy, as Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:9. There is no other being as holy as He is. He is transcendent. He exists outside of His creation and is dependent on nothing. For Him there is no time, no beginning and no end. He created all that is and ever will be. Understanding God's holiness can be difficult because there really are no words that can fully describe Him. As St. Augustine reflected, 'You are my Lord, because You have no need of my goodness.' Indeed, God’s holiness is entirely His own. It does not depend on us, and it is perfect in every way. Our Response: Fear, Awe, and Reverence When we experience the holiness of God, our normal response is both fear and awe. Our fear of a holy God is because we know that He disciplines those He loves. No one likes discipline, but like any loving parent God doesn't stop loving us in the midst of discipline. It is for our good that He does it. Our fear and awe remind us of the vast difference between God’s holiness and our own. We fall on our knees before Him because our holiness can't even be spoken of in comparison to His. All the holiness we have only comes from the fact that He has sent the Holy Spirit to live in us. The holiness God sees in us is really the holiness of His Son who died for us. The angels also recognize the holiness of God. Angels Declare His Holiness In Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8, we read about angels before the throne of God who continuously cry out, Holy, Holy, Holy, day and night eternally. They say holy three times to signify the scope of His holiness and to hint at His triune nature, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It also shows us that the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament are the same. He does not change (Malachi 3:6: Hebrews 13:8). Do we approach God with the reverence that the angels do, or do we take Him for granted speaking to Him as though He were an equal? And why aren't the angels crying out love, love, love or mercy, mercy, mercy? We talk about these aspects of God's nature probably more than any others. We want an easy God. We want God to be loving and have mercy on us but His righteous judgment we want to avoid. His holiness requires both sides to be present. It is the holiness of God that makes His other characteristics possible. He isn't just love, or judgment, or mercy, or grace, He is holy above all. It is His honor and glory that we will proclaim in Heaven. It is easier for people to serve a God who requires little of us. We like to go to church and hear about His love and forgiveness. We prefer cheap grace to costly grace . We enjoy sermons on His mercy but not on His judgment and discipline. God's holiness requires that He be both a loving and forgiving God and a God who judges with righteousness. What God do you worship ? The God of your own making or the holy God of the Bible? We are living in a world where people seem to no longer tolerate being told they are sinners. Our culture today tells us that when sin is called out, that is being judgmental. A cultural Christian today "loves" everyone and sees no need for a person to transform their life to be a Christian. Change is a dirty word. The Many Faces of Pride In the face of the holiness of God, how is that some people still reject Him? Jesus says it is because people love the darkness of sin. They don't want their sin exposed to themselves or the world (John 3:19-20). Humans want to be comforted, not confronted. Confrontation requires an honest look at our lives and our failures. What follows are not different reasons for rejecting God but different disguises of the same one. Pride wears many faces, each a barrier to God’s holiness. Let’s look at some of the ways it resists Him in our hearts. Pride keeps people from seeking God. God's holiness directly confronts our pride. Accepting Jesus as Savior means losing the control people think they have over their lives. They know if they follow Jesus they have to admit their sin and turn from it. They can't do things their way anymore because their way leads to destruction. We are forgiven when we come to Christ, but submission to Him and His holiness comes next. In Matthew 19:16-22, a wealthy young man approaches Jesus asking, “ What good thing must I do to get eternal life? ” Jesus tells him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. But the man walks away sad because following Jesus required surrendering control of his life. He sought God, but in the end rejected Him because his money meant everything to him. He only wanted Jesus if his riches could come first. Another face of pride is when we refuse to put others first. For some people putting others first is just too much to ask. They have lived their lives believing that their wants and needs come first and they don't want to take a backseat to anyone. Serving the poor, visiting the sick and imprisoned, seems to be rewarding those who have failed. In the pride of their mind they believe those people deserve their lives. Why should they help losers, they think? We see this in Scripture in the story of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31). He ignores the poor man at his gate out of self-centered pride. After both die, the rich man suffers in torment and begs for mercy; but it's too late. His judgment reminds us: ignoring mercy to others rejects the holiness God calls us to. Yet pride doesn't stop there, it seeks the praise of men . Who doesn't want to be thought highly of? Who doesn't want to be powerful and influential? Submitting to the holiness of God means serving Him even if we are persecuted for it. It means being willingly different from the world. As Jesus says, " What does it profit a man if he has the whole world but loses his soul? " (Mark 8:36). The cross redefines power. “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” John 12:42-43 We see the same dynamic today when someone believes in Jesus privately but hesitates to speak up at work, school, or online because they fear being labeled intolerant or losing social standing. Liking a biblical post anonymously is easy; publicly identifying with Christ when it might cost friendships or reputation—that's where the fear of man reveals its grip. Pride causes some to doubt that a Savior would ever come to the earth in such a humble way. People much prefer to believe in a powerful God who takes control of every worldly thing, showered with possessions, and the trappings of earthly honor. To worship someone who was executed as a criminal seems foreign to their views of power. Paul explains this in 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 when he says, “ For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness…. ” Humility and Holiness If there is so much pride in us, how do we ever know God? God resists pride. Thankfully though, when we recognize our need for a Savior and humbly seek Him, He offers grace (1 Peter 5:5). But then, accepting Jesus as Savior, God seems to give an impossible requirement. God commands us, " Be holy for I am holy " (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16). We are to be set apart for a special purpose in this world as He is set apart. Because He loves us so much His desire is for us to experience holiness as well. To do this he saves us from the sin, death and corruption of an evil, dark, and dying world. He literally gave His only Son so we could live holy lives. That is how important this is to Him. God’s Provision: Holiness Through Christ This is the only way we can become holy. Understanding God's holiness means His holiness is not lowered in order to receive us; our hope for a holy life comes through Jesus. We can never be in and of ourselves holy, just as we can never be omniscient—all knowing, omnipresent—everywhere at once, or omnipotent—all powerful. These are characteristics only God can possess. And as amazing as it seems, this holy God wants to be in relationship with us. From Creation to Adoption: Relationship With a Holy God Christians don't serve a God like those in Egyptian or Roman mythology who cared nothing for the daily lives of their subjects. No other religion has at its center a God who desires a deep relationship with His creation. Our God numbers the hairs on our heads and knows us from before we were born. He is not some distant God like Thomas Jefferson thought, who never gets involved with His creation. We aren't just His creation—we can become His children and His Son can become our brother. Because His holiness required it, He has provided a way for us. Through our humility and His grace, His holiness becomes our holiness, for which we will be grateful throughout eternity. Be blessed by " Holy Forever " by CeCe Winans