Agony

Feeling agony is very difficult on us in many ways. We may suffer physically in ways that have lasting impacts upon our bodies. We may be troubled mentally and emotionally in a manner that affects our lives for years. Jesus suffered agony in a variety of ways as He paid the price for our salvation and redemption.

Luke 22:44 says, “And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Although, He is God, Jesus paid a great and precious price for our salvation. He suffered an excruciating death on the cross. But even more than that, all of our sins were placed upon Him who had known no sin. Sin’s stain was extremely painful for the perfect and holy Son of God.

Sticky Situation

Yesterday, I was enjoying a nice hike along a gently flowing creek. As I rose to higher ground from the creek bed, I rubbed against a tree and thought nothing of it. Later, I looked at my shirt to find branches and buds from the tree stuck all over my shirt. It took my wife and I over thirty minutes to get all the tree residue off my shirt. Later that day, I found that I am allergic to that tree as I broke into rashes and began itching.

Revelation 3:11-12 says, “I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.” Our faith, the truth, is more valuable than any personal possessions that we may own. Therefore, we should hold tightly onto the truth and our walk with God. If we thus stand firm, Jesus promises to honor us in His eternal kingdom. Let us always stick to our faith, even more than the tree stuck to me, and remain strong in the knowledge and application of God’s love.

Stumbling Block

Have you ever been listening to someone speak and you just can’t believe what they are saying? Perhaps it is because of the reputation of the speaker. Many times, it is because we hold a set of beliefs that is contrary to what the speaker is saying. If we they are saying is true, however, we may be missing out on some important or helpful information.

I Corinthians 1:23-25 says, “but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser that men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” People rely on their own strength and wisdom to try and get the most out of life and to make right decisions. The power and wisdom that people use and depend upon ignores the wisdom and power of God. We have a much greater opportunity available to us if we will only trust in God’s wisdom and strength.

Commissioning

In I Chronicles 28, King David is commissioning his son, Solomon to be the next king. At a formal commissioning service, a person is commended into service. They are given orders and responsibilities of their service. The commissioned person commits to these terms and faithful service of the orders and responsibilities.

In I Chronicles 28:9 David commissioned Solomon and said, “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.” Our first and primary call from God is to know Him. This knowledge comes from a moment by moment relationship with Him where we follow where He leads and learn from what He says in His Word and from what does. Then, we are called to love Him with our whole hearts and renewed minds.

Justice, Kindness, Compassion

When a business is looking for new employees, they require certain skills and experience, but they also search for specific personal attributes that will fit with their needs. When we decide on friendships, we look for shared interests, but we also look for a heart similar to our own. While God does not have qualifications for His salvation, He does grant blessings and favor upon those who are just, kind, and compassionate.

Zechariah 7:9 says, “Thus has the LORD of hosts said, ‘Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother;'” This is a recurring theme in God’s Word that He searches for people and nations that are characterized by justice, kindness, and compassion. He has promised to call, bless, and provide favor for such people.