Where R U Headed

Genesis 4:6-7

[6] The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? [7] If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

God warns Cain!!! Though God may not have favored Cain’s offering, God loved Cain to give him direction. This situation is very similar to when I complement one of my children for obedience and another becomes immediately jealous. This jealous child now has a choice. She also can choose to obey, OR she can put up a fit, complain that her parents don’t love her, that she can never do anything right and pout, get angry and jealous and hurt the other child. Just like I don’t love one child over another but desire the best for each one of them, God does not play favorites. I encourage and praise obedience not disobedience, and I seek to correct disobedience hoping to see the disobedient child obey, not so much for my benefit; the greatest benefit will be for that child. 

In our fallen nature we make mistakes. We then have the choice to acknowledge our sin and repent and do right OR, blame others or circumstances for our sin, pout, not repent, not correct our behavior and continue to sin, or add sin upon sin.  

God is telling Cain “do good”. Cain doing good really doesn’t impact God as much as it impacts Cain. IF Cain had obeyed the instruction given by God he wouldn’t have been cursed. 

Romans 2:6-7

[6] He will render to each one according to his works: [7] to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;

To do good requires patience and persistence. Patience with our mistakes, and persisting in repenting and striving to do good. 

Romans 2:11

[11] For God shows no partiality.

Just like God loves Cain and gave Cain direction despite his wrong doing, God loves us, and gives us direction. But for us to harness this gift of God’s love and direction we must admit our sin, we must be sorry for our sin and we must  seek to do good. If I seek to do good I must be abiding in God’s word because there is where I find God’s perfect direction. But it’s not only by reading God’s word that I can do good, I must act on what I read. I must make a conscious decision and fully accept God’s direction in my life. 

Romans 2:13

[13] For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.

I’ve found it so easy so many times that I would shrug off my sin and God’s conviction from His word as “God will forgive me” or “I can’t change” or “I’m not as bad a sinner as some others” or “God’s really not talking about me”, or “there’s really nothing wrong with what I’m doing because so many Christians do the same so it must be ok”.  Don’t lie to yourself like I have. Learn to ‘fess up AND ACT ON IT! 

James 1:22-25

[22] But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. [23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. [24] For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. [25] But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Open your ears, listen to what John the Baptist and Paul has to say!

Luke 3:7-9

[7] He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? [8] Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. [9] Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” John continues by giving great examples. He is expecting if you take the baptism of repentance that he will see changes in behavior and actions. 

Acts 26:19-20

[19] “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, [20] but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.

If you don’t hear and turn, Christ gives a warning:

Matthew 13:14-15

[14] Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: 

    “‘“You will indeed hear but never understand,

        and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 

    [15] For this people’s heart has grown dull,

        and with their ears they can barely hear,

        and their eyes they have closed,

    lest they should see with their eyes

        and hear with their ears

    and understand with their heart

        and turn, and I would heal them.’

Luke 16:10

[10] “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

If with conviction you don’t act on it the result is increased dullness to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. So God, to get our attention, will put difficult situations into our lives to get our attention so as to enact change. 

We cannot let fear determine our response to our surroundings. We trust the Lord in good times, but we cling on to him in difficult times. I remember the hymn we sing on Sunday's

I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,

And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;

And sing when the death-dew lies cold on my brow,

If ever I loved Thee, Lord Jesus, ’tis now

A friend once told me that the plane he was flying hit an air pocket once and dropped 200-300 ft before the pilot was able to regain control. He said with a smile that he was one of the passengers who screamed the loudest. And after a few minutes after the flight reached cruising altitude again, he started thinking - How many other believes were in that plane? He didn't know anyone else, so assumed that the chances are it was probably just him, and then realized that he was the only one in that plane that had a hope that even if he died that moment, he would wake up in the presence of His Savior. He had no doubts regarding his eternal life. And yet ’He screamed the loudest.’

And again we sing;

Death is vanquished! Tell it with joy, ye faithful,

  Where is now thy victory, boasting grave?

Jesus lives! No longer thy portals are cheerless;

  Jesus lives, the mighty and strong to save

As I write this to myself, my prayer is that I would walk by faith and not by sight. That even when deaths dew lie cold on my brow, I will sing ”If ever I love thee, Lord Jesus ti’s now”

When we walk through deep waters, let's hold on to His love for us, for He alone can sustain us. Along with the hymn writer, we can sing, ”tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”

We take precautions, heed to advice by the experts, and obey the laws of the land. But we cannot respond to situations with fear, but rather with the firm conviction that He remains firmly in control.

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. - Luke 1:5-7

God even clearly points out in His word that they were righteous, and yet Elizabeth could not have children. This was frustrating for Elizabeth as she later says "Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people." - Luke 1:25. She considered it a reproach. But God meant it all for His glory as on the day Zechariah declared “his name is John” he prophesied the coming of the Messiah and that his own son who was given by God in their old age would be the one to prepare the way for the Messiah!

In the gospels we see many who suffered with a “can’t” for many years:

A man who couldn’t walk for 38 years:

Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids-blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. - John 5:2-5

A man who couldn’t see since birth:

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. - John 9:1-3

A women who suffered from bleeding problems for 12 years:

And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. - Luke 8:43-44

These Jesus eventually healed, though after numerous years, for God’s glory. I imagine however that as they were in that difficult state they might have lost hope, given up, and resigned themselves to their circumstance. The woman with the bleeding problem had spent all her money on healing without success. The man at Bethesda had tried for many years to obtain healing from the pool but he had failed to reach it in time several times. And as the blind man said “Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." - John 9:32-33.

But what about when the healing doesn’t come?

Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians about a thorn that God decided not to remove:

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

To remain weak for the glory of God. To not be able to do something that God would be glorified and also so that Paul would stay humble. Humility, and a clear understanding that we are nothing before God is important in the sight of God. Our sins are mainly based out of pride.

Consider Hezekiah:

And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done. - 2 Kings 18:3

He trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. - 2 Kings 18:5

In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, 'Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.'" Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, "Now, O LORD, please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly. And before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him: "Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD, and I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David's sake." - 2 Kings 20:1-6

But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem. But Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah. - 2 Chronicles 32:25-26

Our “can’t” or difficulty or trial may not be because of our sin but God’s mercy and provision for us so that we may not sin. I pray for holiness, or humility, or discipline, but am I prepared for what circumstances by which these characteristics are developed within us? It’s a good thing that God doesn’t consult us when He molds us into the image of Christ, because I’m sure I would probably say no to the circumstances.

We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope...- Romans 5:3-4

This God-his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. - Psalm 18:30

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. - Isaiah 55:8-9

So here I am facing my inability and failure and my “can’t”. As far as how long I’ve been dealing with it, I’ve got nothing on some of these characters mentioned above. I’ve cried and prayed “bitterly” (like Hezekiah) for several years over this. But what if God says “no”, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Can I be like Paul and be joyful in my weakness and inability so that God’s name would be glorified? Can I be grateful for this thorn that I would not sin with pride? Can I submit every day and gratefully and humbly depend on God’s strength, trusting His word that He loves me and He will take care of me despite whatever circumstance? Please pray for me that I would trust and rest on God’s great love.

Blessings by Laura Story

We pray for blessings

We pray for peace

Comfort for family, protection while we sleep

We pray for healing, for prosperity

We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering

All the while, You hear each spoken need

Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom

Your voice to hear

We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near

We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love

As if every promise from Your Word is not enough

All the while, You hear each desperate plea

And long that we'd have faith to believe

When friends betray us

When darkness seems to win

We know that pain reminds this heart

That this is not our home

What if my greatest disappointments

Or the aching of this life

Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy

What if trials of this life

The rain, the storms, the hardest nights

"He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us"? - James 4:5

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind”- Luke 10:27

"You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. - Exodus 20:4-6

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. - James 4:4

They have made me jealous with what is no god; they have provoked me to anger with their idols.- Deuteronomy 32:21

Love the Lord your God with ALL...

Instead I find myself pursuing, loving, serving things that are not God: entertainment, work, accomplishment.

These are gifts God has given.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. - James 1:16-17

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. - Psalm 1:2-3

The blessed man delights in God’s word day and night. When I was a kid my dad would be found at odd hours of the night reading the Bible, often out loud so as to not fall asleep or to understand it better. And in the day time he would be caught memorizing scripture. However I get caught watching a movie in my free time at night, or playing a game on my phone during the day. Well the change starts here and now, so Lord God may I not provoke you to jealousy or despise your kindness for me by pursuing things that are not God nor wasting my time. Help me to know that You are God and worthy of my time in Your word and in ceaseless prayer.

“So tell me, what kind of God would He be

If He wasn't bothered to see idolatry?

Is God just supposed to laugh and withhold His wrath

When He's replaced by a golden calf?

You say, I don't worship a golden calf!

Well for us, it's self and sex and loads of cash

Atrocious paths, we still don't know the half

Of how these things provoke His holy wrath

So we stand in awe and wonder how come

God took His jealous anger out on His Son

So all those trust Him can see like we're supposed to see

And be forgiven for our spiritual adultery!”

Proverbs 3:11-12

11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline or be weary of his reproof,

12 for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

When God says “I love you”, sometimes it’s through hardship, and sometimes we only see it after or in the midst of hardship.

Spoiled kids are spoiled because of an abundance of gifts and a lack of discipline. The same way, individuals are spoiled due to a lack of hardship and training from God to produce the fruit of the Spirit.

I must admit that I don’t take discipline well. I tend to resist it as much as possible, until, I’m finally broken to the point of absolutely having to seek God, and then being able to accept God’s discipline. I do not encourage this behavior; it’s painful and takes more time. So consider the alternative: seeking God and submitting to time and effort before His presence on a daily basis, and understanding on the front end that God loves you without exception; He has been faithful; and therefore God can be trusted.

Consider this poem by Laura Barter Snow:

This Thing Is From Me by Laura Barter Snow

My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread. It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your soul and use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head.

“This thing is from Me” (1 Kings 12:24)

Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you, concerns me, too? For “he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of Mine eye.” Zech 2:8. “You are very precious in My sight.” Isa 43:4. Therefore, it is My special delight to educate you.

I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the “enemy comes in like a flood” that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.

Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances. “Thou comest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.”

Have you not asked to be made humble? See, then, I have placed you in the very school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are only working out My will.

Are you in money difficulties? Is it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your purse-bearer, and would have you draw from, and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless. Phil 4:19. I would have you prove My promises. Let it not be said of you, “in this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God.” Deut 1:32.

Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the “Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation. 2 Thess 2:16-17.

Has some friend disappointed you? Was it one to whom you poured out your heart? This thing is from Me. I have allowed this disappointment to come that you may learn that the best friend to have is Jesus, He will hear you when you call, He will keep you lest you fall. The best friend to have is Jesus.

I want to be your confidant. Has someone repeated things about you that are untrue? Leave them to Me, and draw closer unto Me, thy shelter, out of reach of “the strife of tongues.” For “I will bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.” Psalm 37:6.

Have your plans been all upset? Are you bowed down and weary? This thing is from Me. You made your plans, then came asking Me to bless them, but I would have you let Me plan for you and then I take the responsibility, for “This thing is too heavy for thee, thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.” Exodus 18:18. You are only an instrument, not an agent.

Have you longed to do some great work for Me, and instead been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days, and I want to teach you some of My deeper lessons. “They also serve who only stand and wait.” I want you to learn to sing:

“I am not eager, bold or strong, All that is past;

I am ready not to do, at last; at last!”

Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all-prayer.

Are you suddenly called upon to occupy a difficult and responsible position? Launch out on Me – I am trusting you with the “possession of difficulties,” and “for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.” Deut 15:10.

This day I place in your hand this pot of holy oil; make use of it freely, My child. Let every circumstance as it arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your own weakness, be anointed with it. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things. Therefore, “Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day…for it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life, and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land.” Deut 32:46-47

Laura Barter Snow

Count your blessings (song by Johnson Oatman)

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Refrain:

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God has done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

*Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

[*And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.]

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Sometimes it’s difficult to see or understand that God loves you. It’s taken me years upon years, and I am still in the process of understanding. But to show me, God has used very patient and dedicated people in my life. Love is very sacrificial, and often not appreciated especially initially. It might take years before someone appreciates your love and sacrifice. But please understand that patient and persistent love, even toward the ungrateful, is the most transforming and powerful force that God uses to transform a life. So don’t stop; especially don’t stop loving or caring for and committing the way word/disobedient/ or supposedly unfixable individuals to God in prayer.

As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:1-8

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant

5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

It’s hard and impossible to love others without understanding that you are loved: so please understand that God loves you. It doesn’t make sense for God to love wayward and sinful individuals like us, but we have seen that He not only decided to associate with us but also Gave Himself up for us; and God persists even now to bring us close to Himself by showing us that He loves us by patiently disciplining us and providing for us over years upon years.

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? - Romans 8:32

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? - Romans 8:35

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39

As presents are opened around the world celebrating Christmas, let’s take a moment to understand the significance of this day!

Yes, we don’t have any historical record of an actual date that Jesus was born! But the reality of Immanuel - God with us! The coming of God’s son into this world - The word becoming flesh - cannot be denied.

Our minds cannot and will not be able to grasp fully what this means. God is taking the form of a human. ’Veiled in flesh the godhead see’ - says the hymn writer. The mystery and majesty of this truth, May this fill our heart this Christmas morning.

Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV): For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

So as we open gifts this morning, let's thank God for His marvelous gift to us - His Son.

Mark 8:27 (NKJV): Who do men say that I am?”

Is he a teacher? A prophet as some religions claim? Is he one of the many gods?

Mark 8:29 (NKJV): But who do you say that I am?”

Matthew 22:42 (NKJV): What do you think about the Christ?

Angels: Luke 2:11 (NKJV): For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Wise Men: Matthew 2:2 (NKJV): Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

Simeon: Luke 2:30–32 (NKJV): For my eyes have seen Your salvation

31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,

32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,

And the glory of Your people Israel.”

John the Baptist; John 1:29 (NKJV): The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Nathanael; John 1:49 (NKJV): Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

God the Father: Matthew 3:17 (NKJV): This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Peter; Matthew 16:16 (NKJV): You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Common People: Matthew 16:14 (NKJV): So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Apostle Thomas: John 20:28 (NKJV): And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

ο κύριος και ο θεός μου

7 miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. The two of them had made this trip many times before. But that day it was different, their emotions were running high. Tired, Confused, disappointed. 3 days ago, they witnessed their Master crucified by the Romans. They watched Joseph of Arimathea put his body in the tomb. The one they thought would redeem Israel was put to death.

And yet this morning as they went to tomb to put some cermonial spices they saw that the stone was rolled away from the tomb, and moreover an angel was there who told them that ‘He is not here, He is risen’.

Can someone really defeat death?

Is it possible to beat the grave?

As they were walking a stranger joined them, He had no idea what was going on. Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem that don’t know what is going on?Yet they were eager to tell him what had transpired these past few days in Jerusalem.

When they finished, he started. And with compassion in his voice, he taught them from the scriptures. He showed them through the scriptures what the prophets have foretold. That this One was to suffer and die before He entered into His glory.

They didn’t realize how much time had passed or how close they were to Emmaus. But this stranger intended on continuing his journey. But they ‘urged’ Him, the scripture says. ‘Abide with us, for it is toward evening and the day is far spent’. Again with love and compassion he obliged and entered their home and joined them for dinner.

He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it... They couldn’t believe their eyes. The one was walked with them for these 7 miles, is he really?... He suddenly vanished from their sight. Fear and depression now gone, confusion all cleared up. They couldn’t contain their joy and wonder.

He is risen indeed. He defeated death. He beat the grave. Suddenly they realized, that He was teaching them starting from Moses from the scriptures all things concerning ‘himself’.

I read a preacher who said that as a child of God, we all should walk down this road to Emmaus, learning from Him all things from scripture concerning himself.

“But made Himself of no reputation” Philippians 2:5-8

I find myself crippled by the judgement and potential judgement of others. Striving constantly to be good enough, efficient enough; not saying anything so that I would not be judged for what comes out of my mouth. Fearful about what people think about me, about my sins. Afraid of being degraded.

However Jesus voluntarily gave up His reputation, humbled Himself. The one person who could boast, degraded Himself... for what? To save a sinner like me?

“For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Matthew 9:13

“Take heart my son, your sins are forgiven” Matthew 9:2

All Christ considered was the approval of God the Father.

Stop chasing the rapport of this world. God already knows you’re a sinner; accept it, stop lying to yourself as if there is any ‘goodness’ in yourself to preserve, or worth in yourself to boast about.

God also unconditionally loves you; accept it, He sent His holy, perfect son to redeem, to purchase you for Himself! You are approved, not due to your own righteousness, but because of His unconditional love and the sacrifice of His Son. And yes I will continue to make mistakes and sin, but God’s unconditional love remains. Praise be to God!

24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! - Romans 7:24-25

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.

34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised-who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? - Romans 8:31-35

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,

39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:37-39

21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah.

22 Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters.

23 Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years.

24 Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. - Genesis 5:21-24

Oh to be taken out of this world. Life’s been rough and slightly painful recently. I’ve wanted to quit my job and life in general, but quitting isn’t an option: I’ve got a family and kids who I’d harm if I quit. What was so special about Enoch that he just walked out of this world with God?

5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.

6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. - Hebrews 11:5-6

Faith: must believe that God exists AND He REWARDS those who seek Him.

(King James says “He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him”)

I am in constant fear of having the rug pulled out from under me. I especially look at those who have been wronged by their boss at work, or even suddenly lost their health or their child or their child’s health and wonder if God is who he says he is. These things even when it happens to someone else crush my heart and I don’t know what to do.

In this time of difficulty I have had to run to God and His word. There is no one else mighty to save, there is no one else who has the power to direct my circumstances, or who really knows what’s going on or what will happen. I cannot save myself or give health to my family members.

In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. - Psalm 18:6

He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. - Psalm 18:16

The Psalms make so much more sense when you are going THROUGH trouble. And the trouble never resolves in one day, it’s constant, day after day, and so are the anguishes and fears of one psalm after another. Some psalms end with seeing God’s deliverance, while others end in hope to see God’s deliverance.

I’ve had to teach a certain set of songs at Sunday school recently based on verses from the Bible. One of them is Psalm 35:18 “the lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are CRUSHED in spirit”. Another is Psalm 62:1-2 “My soul finds rest in God alone, He alone is my rock and my salvation, he is my fortress I will never be shaken”

Sure, by having faith in God I might not be able to walk out of this world, but as Isaiah 40:31 says: “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Recommended songs:

Oh my soul by Casting Crowns

Be still my soul written by Kathrina von Schlegel

He giveth more grace written by Annie J Flint

An imitator of Christ responds in a God honoring way when tempted

Ephesians 5:1–2 (NKJV): Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

To imitate Him - We need to know Him!

Ephesians 5:3 (NKJV): But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints.

Fornication: In this context means any forms of sexual immorality

Uncleanness: This could mean, any medium that feeds this desire

Covetousness: Desire to feed our sexual cravings.

Biblical Truths:

1.No one is beyond temptation.

1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV): 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

2. You cannot hide anything from God.

Hebrews 4:13 (NKJV): And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

3. Flesh is weak.

Matthew 26:41 (NKJV): Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

4. Pleasures of this world are fleeting

1 John 2:17 (NKJV): And the world is passing away, and the lust of it;

5. There are consequences for sin.

Galatians 6:7–8 (NKJV): 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

6. There is forgiveness in Him!

Romans 5:20 (NKJV): But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.

1 John 2:1–2 (NKJV): My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

Application


1.How can I respond during temptations based on God’s word?


Flee…

2 Timothy 2:22 (NKJV): Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1 Corinthians 6:18 (NKJV): Flee sexual immorality

1 Timothy 6:11 (NKJV): But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

2. Importance of meditation & prayer life in sexual purity


Romans 12:1–2 (NKJV): I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

It's only the word of God that can transform you. Lord Jesus used the word of God when he tempted by satan in the wilderness.

Psalm 16:11 (NKJV): You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

3. Implications of taking a stand and doing right.

Life of Joseph & Daniel serves as a good example to us. They made a decision not to defile their bodies with what the world has to offer. Both endured persecution for their stand, but God had a plan and purpose for their lives.

4. Implications of falling in sin


This morning I had the privilege to attend a memorial service for a dear friend who passed away last week. From the beginning of the service, it was made clear that the focus will be not just on the individual but more so on his Savior, The One who he faithfully served his entire life.

The text for the message was II Corinthians chapter 4, and in this chapter it’s mentioned twice, “Therefore we do not lose heart”. How can Paul who endured so much afflictions and trials and persecution be able to say “we do not lose heart” When the circumstances are tough and going gets difficult, this has to be a truly unique christian perspective. WE DO NOT LOSE HEART!!

Why?

“2 Corinthians 4:6 (ESV): For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” This verse here reminds us that the glory of God has been revealed to us through Jesus Christ. This is truly the message of the gospel. God showed His love for mankind by sending His Son, Lord Jesus Christ, to die for our sins on the cross of calvary. So that anyone who puts there trust in the finished work of Lord Jesus on the cross of calvary can and will be made free from the punishment and burden (and guilt) of sin. Our sins are forgiven!! There is victory in Jesus. Paul writing to Romans says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”. And more over, this treasure is in us (jars of clay) and hence affliction, despair, persecution, forsaken, what ever it may be WE DO NOT LOSE HEART!

But this doesn’t end here!

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (ESV): So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

This sabbath was probably very different for the disciples. For the first time in over 3 years, their Master is not with them. It has been a tumultuous last couple of days for them. They were all enjoying the Passover meal together and probably didn’t realize that it will be one of their last interactions with their Master. In little over a day, he was arrested, convicted and crucified. Some of the ladies told them that a Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus has placed His body in a tomb by the gardens.

Dead!! The one whom they believed was the Messiah is lying in a tomb. The one for whom they left everything behind has left them. What do they do next? They left their careers behind to follow this Jesus. They put all their hopes and aspirations on Him. Now He is lying in a tomb... It was sabbath and they couldn’t do anything. They just had to wait..

While His disciples were mourning, His enemies were still hard at work. They wanted to make sure that the tomb was secure. They had the seal of the Roman governor on the tombstone and made sure that Roman soldiers were on guard 24/7. What were they waiting for?

In our lives, we often come across circumstances when God is silent. All our hopes crushed, plans failed, not knowing what lies ahead, don’t even know what to do tomorrow, just waiting... We yearn to hear something from Him, but nothing... Just Silence!!!

That sabbath was over and some ladies went to His tomb early the next day with their lives have never been the same. Our lives will never be the same because of what happened that day. These women were greeted by an Angel who said, He is not here, HE IS RISEN. Cristos Anesti - Christ is Risen!! Bible says, God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death, For it was impossible for him to be held by it.