We’ve all heard the expression, “the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” And that’s just what the Christian life is all about. Its not a single step, but rather a journey. One of moving forward and maturing in our walk with the Lord. A path of deepening our relationship with God and living a life that glorifies Him. Because from the beginning God never purposed our lives as Christians to be stagnant, stuck, and boring. Instead He wants them to joyful, peaceful, and in perpetual motion. So far from being our only step, receiving Jesus as our Savior is just the first step in a lifelong trek. A journey of molding and perfecting, with the goal of us becoming perfect reflections of Jesus. So how do we grow spiritually? Joyful Peter tells us the One who calls us, gives us with everything we need to grow more like Him. And equips us to lead the lives that God has called us to lead.
For Israel, every 50th year was set apart as the “Year of the Jubilee.” Literally meaning, “ram’s horn”, it was a year of rest for both the people and the land. The Jubilee was filled with celebrating and rejoicing, for it was a time of freedom and restoration. Both slaves and prisoners were released, all debts were considered paid in full, and property was returned to its original owner. And the people refrained from their labor, trusting God to provide for their needs. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, for believers every day is a Jubilee. Because of His work on the Cross, the Lord paid our debt, freed us from the bondage of sin, and restored us back to God. And no longer do we have to work in our own strength. For God promises to, “supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)
In the final chapters of 2 Samuel, David’s reign as the King of Israel is nearing its end. David was a shepherd, warrior, hero, king, psalmist, and a sinner. And through it all he never lost his faith or his desire to live for the Lord. Now in his final years, he reflects on all that God has done for him and writes a song of thankfulness and love for the Lord. “I call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised.” (v. 22:4) …
My husband and I have been together for 32 years. To many that seems like a lifetime. Yet to me it seems like yesterday when I was an eager bride, ready to begin my new life with my new husband. Anticipation and excitement swirled inside me, as I stood in the church waiting to walk down the aisle. Yet the happiness I felt on that day can’t begin to compare to the joy that will fill my heart when, as the bride of Christ, I walk down the aisle to Jesus. After the destruction of the Antichrist and his followers, the heavens sing God’s praises, and rejoice over the upcoming “marriage of the Lamb”. (Rev. 19:7) A glorious union and cause for great celebration. For not only does it promise blessings to those who are invited to the wedding feast, it ushers in the triumphant return of our Lord. So as we wait for that magnificent wedding day, may we continue to grow in both closeness and likeness to our heavenly Groom!
God gave Moses detailed instructions how the tabernacle lampstand was to be made, and where it was to be placed. And as it was the only light source, it was the job of Aaron and his sons to make sure the lamp burned continuously, both day and night. The lampstand is a symbol of Christ Jesus, the true Light of the world. (John 8:12) The One who leads all out of darkness, and into His saving light. (1 Peter 2:9) And as Christian’s, we in turn are the lamps supporting Him. For the Lord calls us to be examples of His shining light in a spiritually darkened world. (Matt. 5:14-16) Dr. Charles Stanley says our mission as Christians is to be, “lights burning with the fire of heaven.” So today and everyday let’s lead lives burning day and night with the light of Jesus. And out of love for our Savior, joyfully spread the saving message of the Gospel, so that all will praise our Father in heaven!
It’s easy to make promises to God when we feel surrounded by His glory. Those times we experience a spiritual, physical, and emotional closeness with Him. Usually it’s due to a received blessing, an answered prayer, or a need fulfilled. And in our thankfulness, we swear to never again forsake God and to faithfully follow His will. Then life goes on, and it’s business as usual. And slowly our focus wanders away from the Lord. Our time and energy is spent once again pursuing our fleshly desires. And instead of trusting Him, we attempt to meet our needs on our own. But the joyful news is this. No matter how much we reject God, He will never reject us. And never will He withhold His precious love. When we honestly repent and call out to Him, He forgives and welcomes us back into His loving arms.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Hit With Civil Rights Complaint For Funding Employee Abortions But Not Childcare
America First Legal (AFL) has asked the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to open a civil-rights investigation into Dick’s Sporting Goods, alleging multiple violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on parental status. The complaint stems from Dick’s offering a special employment benefit of “up to $4,000” in travel reimbursement for an employee, spouse, or dependent enrolled in their medical plan, along with one support person, to obtain an abortion, but not offering the same benefit to mothers who decide not to terminate their pregnancy. Read more about the complaint here.
Christian Track Star Sydney Mclaughlin Sets new World Record In The 400-Meter Hurdle
U.S. Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin made history after she broke her own world record in the 400-meter hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. “I’ll have to start off by saying all the glory to God,” she told reporters after the race. “These past few days getting ready for this race, Hebrews 4:16 has been on my mind, coming boldly to His throne to receive mercy and grace. And I think He really gave me the strength to do it today, so all the glory goes to God.” McLaughlin, an outspoken Christian, has touted her faith on social media throughout her career. Read more about this record setter here.
Gog And Magog Trend On Twitter After Putin Meets With Iranian Leaders
Ezekiel 38, a key Bible chapter containing important end times prophecies, trended on Twitter Russian President Vladimir Putin made what was called a “rare international trip to Iran” this week. That along with the other global catastrophes and events unfolding, has led many pastors and end-times experts to wonder whether the biblical prophecies about the end of days are starting to unfold. According to Ezekiel, Gog from Magog will attack Israel and other partner nations, including Persia (modern-day Iran), but God will step in and defeat the coalition. Many Bible scholars believe Russia to be Magog. Read more about the trending topic here.
25 Year Old runs Into Burning House To Save Five Children
Nicholas Bostic was on his way to get gas one night last week around midnight when he saw flames leaping from the front of a two-story house in Lafayette, Ind. Bostic, 25, jumped out of his car and tried to flag down another driver, but the person didn’t stop. He wasn’t sure whether anyone was in the home, so he ran to the back of the house, found an unlocked door and rushed inside. The 25 year old hero, pulled five children to safety. Bostic was also being sent by ambulance to a hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and first-degree burns on his buttocks, right ankle and right arm. Read more about this hero here.
Knowing in your mind that you are forgiven is one thing, feeling it in your heart is another. But I once read that forgiveness takes place in the heart of God, not in our feelings. And God says that through faith in Jesus, along with confession and repentance, our sins are forgiven and forgotten. Our Father doesn’t want us dwelling on our past mistakes, stuck in a prison of guilt and shame. He wants us anchored in His presence, enjoying the victory of His peace, love and forgiveness. A victory paid for by the blood of Jesus. And He didn’t lay down His life for us to live a life of defeat. So be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving of yourself. And joyfully sing like David, “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him.“
The High Priest was considered the greatest religious position of all who served at the temple. Aaron, the brother of Moses, was appointed the first one by God. But unlike Jesus, our perfect High Priest, Aaron was far from sinless. Time and again when put to the test, he stumbled. And although he received God’s forgiveness, Aaron experienced heartbreaking consequences for his compromise and sin. His story reminds us that no matter the circumstance, God requires complete obedience; demanding the honor He alone deserves. Yet even in those times when we fall into sin, our hearts can still find joy. For God’s grace and mercy knows no bounds. And when we come to Him in repentance, He is quick to redeem and restore us. So the next time we are faced with compromising or obeying, we would do well to remember Aaron. He learned the hard way that we serve a holy God who insists on being treated as such.
Jesus often taught earthly stories with heavenly meanings, called parables. And usually the stories He told were clear in meaning. But the parable of the “Unjust Steward” upon first glance appears to find the Lord commending a crook. For in it we find Jesus seemingly condoning the dishonesty of an unrighteous manger. Yet in truth, Jesus uses the story to teach the importance of caring about our futures. And to warn against the worship of wealth above God.
