Author: Ms. Rita's Minute

When God’s Got You

by Ms. Rita's Minute

2 Corinthians 1:8-10

 “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril and will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.” (Apostle Paul)

The Apostle Paul, as well as many others throughout the Bible’s Old and New Testaments, suffered in some way during their obedience to God, but God was there to rescue them and prove his word that “though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes” (Proverbs 24:16).

We should never underestimate God’s presence and protection. His love for his people is great. He honors our faith in Him and our steadfastness in “The Secret Place” (Psalm 91:1). We have a God who does not change (Malachi 3:6). Though one’s own rebellion and pride may cause a hindrance or delay to bring God’s will to pass in one’s life, He still remains faithful to act on his promises for deliverance, as written.

Here, I’ve highlighted three Old Testament events among many, where men experienced God’s miraculous hand of defense and avengement as they honored God in their behavior. These men were men of faith who were endangered by an evil person, people, or a challenge. They were not only rescued by God, but the people who harassed them were permanently shut down.

David and Goliath, the Giant

After young David kills the Philistine giant, Goliath, with a slingshot and a stone to the forehead, the men of Israel and Judah pursued the Philistines, and the Bible says their dead were strewn along the road and their camp plundered.

The Three Hebrew Boys: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

In Daniel 3, three Hebrew boys,  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were thrown by some of King Nebuchadnezzar’s strongest soldiers into a blazing furnace set seven times hotter than usual. This happened because they refused to serve false gods or worship the image of gold that had been set up. They emerged from the fire without a burn, hair singed, or smelling like smoke. However, just as those strong ones had thrown the boys in, they were killed by the raging flames from the furnace, while the three boys were seen walking about in the fire, unbound and unharmed, with an unknown 4th person described as looking like a son of the gods.

Daniel in the Lions’ Den

In Daniel 6, Daniel, one of the exiles of Judah, continued as usual to pray to his God three times per day. A decree had been made that during the next thirty days, anyone who prayed to any god or human except for the King would be thrown into the lions’ den. Hence, Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den overnight.

The next morning, the King, joyful (as Daniel so distinguished himself by his exceptional qualities that the king initially planned to set him over the whole kingdom), found him unharmed and released him. However, those who made false accusations against him were thrown to the lions along with their wives and children. The Bible tells us that before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overcame them and crushed all their bones.

Keep in mind that these Old Testament characters of the Bible were not perfectly sinless people. They had not even known Jesus as their redeemer. Yet they honored God in their lives, and He took great care of them.

Paul and Silas in Prison

In the New Testament, the Bible shows us that Paul, as well as other ministers, experienced setbacks, dangerous hardships as believers. Nevertheless, often they were repeatedly delivered and given the grace and space to live out their callings.

Acts 16:16-40 is the account of Paul and Silas in prison. One day, they were going to prayer, and met a slave who had a spirit that enabled her to tell the future. Because of her fortune-telling ability, she made a lot of money for her owners. She followed Paul and Silas, and for many days she shouted, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.”  Paul was so irritated that he turned around and commanded the spirit to come out of her in the name of Jesus Christ, and it did right away.

The owners grabbed Paul and Silas and took them to face the authorities, as they realized this to be a loss of their income. Then they accused Paul and Silas of causing trouble for the city by supporting customs that were unlawful for the Romans to practice.

The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. They were then thrown into prison after being severely flogged, and a jailer was placed to carefully guard them by putting them in an inner cell and fastening their feet in stocks.

Later, around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, while the other prisoners were listening.  Then, suddenly, there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and all the doors opened, and the chains fell loose.

The jailer awoke and was set to kill himself as he thought that everyone had escaped, but Paul told him not to harm himself as they were all there. The jailer brought them out and fell before them, asking what he must do to be saved. After which Paul answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Upon Paul’s talk with them, the jailer cleaned his wounds, and he and all of his household were baptized. The jailer fed them, and he and his household were full of joy because they had believed in God.

God not only released his men, but also added additional blessings in that a man and his whole household were saved. Not to mention, God’s miraculous power was shown to those jailed in the prison.

There are so many other stories throughout the Bible that testify to God’s goodness and care for his children. We should read them repeatedly to remind us of the kind of God we are honored to call Father. It really is a wonderful position to have!

Let It Go!

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Hebrews 12:1-2 

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.“

Ever wish you could sit with someone, take their hands, look deeply into their eyes, and say, let it go? You want to encourage them toward a better way. You want to comfort them and inspire them to let go of all the bullying, manipulating, name-calling, belittling, and nagging abuse they’ve received. You understand they want to ignore it or get revenge, but they’re too empathetic to act on their feelings. So, they embrace the perceived right to be angry, grudgeful, hateful, and dismissive, all at once. Yet their heart still aches, and they feel used and taken for granted.

They meditate on all the days, all the words, they should have done this, or they will do that. They’ve taken them on like a coat of honor. They’ve got this, they can handle it. Yet they actually mustn’t take it at all. They must cast it! Jesus wants them to cast their cares and not brood over or worry about them. All that was done to them was not their doing or welcoming. All of that bad belongs to the enemy of their soul, not them.

Wallowing in unforgiveness will kill them if not addressed. God’s word commands that they forgive as He has forgiven them. Furthermore, do they know what belongs to them? God’s forgiveness and grace. They are theirs to take and give. His “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23) are all for them. The Father’s thoughts for their pondering are all that is “true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy” (Philippians 4:8). His plans are to prosper them and not to harm them, plans to give them hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Also, that they would then call on him, go and pray to him, and he will listen to them.

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As those stormy thoughts of sadness and regret begin to drown their mind’s hope and faith in God’s blessing and abundant life for them, they should grab them and throw down every word sent to weigh them down with the heaviness of unforgiveness, and recall and speak God’s promise to give them rest and the desires of their heart as they delight in him. Those cares don’t belong to them as they become worries which hinder a peaceful and sound mind and promote fear and anxiety.

The truth is they are dearly loved by their creator, who, at their very worst, paid a great price for them. They are now the redeemed of the Lord! They should no longer carry the lies and taunts of the evil one. They no longer live in those past spaces, but are now the Body of Christ, and he is the head!

Therefore, what the Lord says is true. Let’s all cast our cares on him, as he is our great caretaker and caregiver. We are called to be free in Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Exiled, But Not Forgotten

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Jeremiah 29:13-14

 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

This past weekend, I felt impressed by the Lord to read some interesting passages from two chapters of the Bible: Jeremiah 6 and 29. Though the circumstances that would unfold may be disheartening, there are many lessons we can learn and apply to our lives in knowing what to do as God’s children and ambassadors to turn from evil to pursue good. Not to mention just how patient and watchful the Lord is with his people.

Upon his calling as a prophet in Jeremiah 1, young Jeremiah is instructed by the Lord to “go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you” (Jeremiah 1:7). According to the Lord, he was appointing Jeremiah over nations and kingdoms to “uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant” (Jeremiah 1:10). What a large responsibility for a young man to carry out.

The Lord told Jeremiah that he had put his words in his mouth and that he wasn’t to be afraid, as he would be with him and rescue him. Jeremiah’s excuse that he was too young and didn’t know how to speak would be no suitable justification for him to decline. Of course, the Lord knew all about Jeremiah before he appointed him and so eloquently tells him in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

In Jeremiah 6, the prophet foretells the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people by the Babylonians, due to their widespread wickedness and rejection of God’s word. The chapter details a coming military invasion from the north, emphasizing the severity of God’s judgment and the people’s lack of repentance. 

In verse 16, the Lord stated his disappointment with what was happening: “This is what the Lord says, ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ He continued in verse 17 with, “I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But you said, ‘We will not listen.’ As a result, there would be some unfortunate circumstances that the Israelites would have to endure.

However, later in chapter 29, the Lord, via a letter from Jeremiah to the surviving elders, priests, prophets, and all the others King Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, is faithful and merciful to provide helpful and encouraging instructions. In short, as amazing as the Lord is to still communicate with them, He told them to:

+ build houses

+ settle down

+ plant gardens

+ eat the produce from the gardens

+ marry and have kids

+ find wives for their sons and give their daughters in marriage

+ increase in number and do not decrease

“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7). Interestingly, the Lord did not say King Nebuchadnezzar, but “I” himself, signifying his sovereignty in the whole matter.

Moreover, as stated further in verses 11-14, God’s plans were to prosper them, not to harm them, but to give them hope and a future. Upon calling on the Lord, praying to him, he would listen. Upon seeking him with all their hearts, he would be found by them and would bring them back from their captivity to the place from which he had carried them to exile. God was still showing them the way of repentance, as he loved them so much.

From all of this, we may notice that God’s great care and mercy are not only awesome toward his children, but in the fiery furnace of disobedience and chaos, God did not stop watching and helping. Life was not to stop with the Israelites’ misfortunes and exile, but with them God made a way of possible escape, and they were not only to move on with their lives, but with blessings, even while in Babylon. If he’s not a magnificent God, I don’t know who is.

Upon reading those chapters and further, more closely, we can see the vast measure of God’s grace toward the Israelites when they turned their back on God to do all the terrible things he told them not to do, yet God relentlessly pursued them.

In conclusion, don’t count yourself out when you fail or disappoint God. The Bible shows over and over again the great love and patience he has for his people. Just pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and sincerely call out to him in repentance, then follow his instructions as best you can to continue to the next chapter of his plan for your life. He’ll be with you, counsel, and strengthen you along the way.

You can trust God will be there to help and often add an extra blessing to it. He’s just loving and generous like that, even when we are rebellious, proud, stubborn, and lack remorse. We may suffer consequences he never intended for us, but He’s still faithful to intervene and show us a better way to live.

Humility and Self-Estimation

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Daniel 10:12

“…Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.”

In today’s age of self-care, self-improvement, self-affirmation, and self-love, “self-estimation” came to mind. It is a word that is rarely used and relates to self-evaluation, where you consider your strengths and weaknesses. Self-estimation is the process of judging or assessing one’s own abilities, worth, or significance, and is the act of estimating oneself; self-esteem. So today, I’m considering humility of great value and worthy of further examination as to its role in the lives of God’s people.

There is no doubt that traumas and setbacks have shaped many of us to think in a distorted way about ourselves. The thoughts we may have carried for years are thoughts that have caused some hindrances and challenges in our lives and proven to be ungodly and in need of uprooting to experience true freedom in life. Yet in getting wisdom and understanding, we must keep in mind humility: the attribute that God favors for us, which can sometimes be a force with which we often reckon.

According to the Bible, this trait is shown to be of utmost importance as the consequences of not having it can bring about ruin. Humility is not discouraging or belittling, or thinking negatively of ourselves. But according to Romans 12:3, thinking of ourselves with “sober judgment” according to the faith God has distributed to each of us, and not “more highly” of ourselves than we ought.

Every time I think of humility, I think, and even ask God, that I would humble myself, and that He won’t have to do it. Somehow, I imagine it might be easier on me if I did the humbling. Nevertheless, Merriam-Webster also gives us a simple and clear definition of what humility is as well: “freedom from pride or arrogance; the quality or state of being humble.”

Understanding what pride and arrogance are helps us to avoid them–those attitudes of haughtiness, superiority, or pretentiousness, along with exaggerated self-importance and conceit. Although the Bible teaches us to love one another as we love ourselves, we need to have a healthy love and estimation of ourselves to be successful in doing so. Thankfully, the Bible in Philippians 4:8 reminds us to think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy. So it would be difficult to think negatively of ourselves if we use this measure.

A good way to check our own humility levels would be to check our Savior’s character. He told us in Matthew 11:29: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.” The Lord lovingly teaches us with truth, yet he is kind and considerate. He is the most important person one can ever know, but as we see from his life through the Bible, He did not exert a snobbish self-importance, but was lowly, compassionate, and empathetic. These are great qualities to learn and practice.

The Bible reminds us in Matthew 23:12 that “those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Blessings for those who are meek are an inheritance of land and enjoyment of peace and prosperity (Psalm 37:11). Later in Matthew 5:5, Jesus reiterates that “the meek will inherit the earth.” The Greek definition for meek is translated as gentle or humble in English.

Moreover, the traits of a humble person are gratitude, patience, empathy, and self-awareness. A humble Christian is grateful, composed, and faithful to examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith; testing themselves, realizing that Christ Jesus is in them—unless they fail the test (2 Corinthians 13:5). Furthermore, as shown in Romans 12:16, we exercise humility when we live in harmony with one another, not being proud, but willing to associate with people of low position–not being conceited.

Shepherds or overseers of God’s people aren’t to lord it over those entrusted to them, but to be examples to them. Those who are younger are to submit themselves to their elders, clothing themselves with humility toward one another. Why? Because “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). When we humble ourselves before the Lord, he will lift us up (James 4:10). Psalms 149:4 tells us the Lord crowns the humble with victory!

There are other scriptures in the Old and New Testaments regarding humility. So, with such amazing scriptures on humility, there are enough to decipher what it looks like. Often, someone else’s opinion of what humility should look like on you may not match, so it’s best to know specifically what the Bible says about being humble or meek. Measure yourself by the Bible so as not to be deceived by some other unhealthy opinion.

We should not forget that “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4). Not to mention, “Lord, you have heard the desire of the humble; you will prepare their heart; you will cause your ear to hear” (Psalm 10:17).

Sanctification and Consecration: His Part and Ours

by Ms. Rita's Minute

John 17:19

“For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.” ~Jesus Christ

Knowing that God works in us to accomplish his goals for our lives is a privilege. He so graciously does his part, and we attempt to do ours. Hopefully, we all are successful since we don’t do this alone. Today, I’m remembering the acts of sanctification and consecration.

Now, one could get very long and deep into these two terms, but for the sake of time measurement in minutes, I just want to provoke thought and study on their definitions.

The act of sanctification is God’s way of making us holy; an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of his children. Other words we might see used for sanctifying are purification, cleansing, salvation, redemption, regeneration, or rebirth.

The following verse demonstrates how people are made holy–through God’s Holy Spirit: “to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:16).

1 Thessalonians 5:23 is a verse of encouragement that highlights the totality of being sanctified by God, keeping one guiltless or above reproach. “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

We’re chosen by God and as such, he has provided the provision of salvation by the Holy Spirit’s purifying labor, and via faith and the gospel. “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

The act of consecration is setting aside or dedicating people, places, or objects for God’s use. This word is sometimes used interchangeably with sanctification. Yet it can be used to describe devoting one’s self to God for his purposes or use, or God’s doing the same with us for himself.

In the following verse, God is requiring the consecration of his people, reminding them of the punishments for sin. This chapter lists a host of things God disliked and warned the Israelites to stay away from. “Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy” (Leviticus 20:7-8).

In Joshua 3-5, namely verse 5, Joshua prepares the people for God’s presence and actions even when faced with possible opposition and war. “Joshua told the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”

The Lord’s mighty works, along with the Israelites’ consecration, brought about a wonderful display of God’s grace in their crossing at Jordan’s flood stage. They successfully passed by on dry ground as the waters piled up in a heap a distance away. Then, when the Amorite and Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, they were fearful and no longer dared to face them.

Later in the New Testament, we see references to consecrated objects, where food that God created to be received was told to be avoided. “They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” (1 Timothy 4:3-5).

This event reminds me of Acts 10:10-20, where Peter, in a trance, is shown by God a sheet containing all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds, and told by God to eat and not to call anything impure what he has cleansed.

As seen throughout the Bible, in consecration, God may ask us to fast, pray, dedicate, or give up something in preparation for a specific divine purpose.

In addition, other scriptures demonstrate these two vital works of God that involve his and our efforts. Yet some are interpreted in varying styles. Nevertheless, these things cause us “to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

Concluding on a light note 😂:

The Christian Walk: Faith and Love

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Galatians 5:6

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

Have you ever thought about which is more important: faith or love? These are two vital aspects of one’s Christian walk. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Not to mention, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Additionally, “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

There are many ways to study faith and love and much can be discussed about them. However, since this blog is meant to be simple and not many minutes, I’d just like to share a few thoughts.

Learning the principles of these two attributes are of paramount importance to a Christ follower. Perhaps faith is not currently taught as often in church as in the past because of the real or assumed mismanagement of the Bible’s teaching on faith. However, because of some teachers’ mishandling, whether intentional or not, we mustn’t avoid the many scriptures on faith and how they relate to our lives.

Jesus certainly made clear the importance of it in the lives of his followers, so we should as well. This involves following and teaching those elements of faith that seem impossible or difficult to believe. I call them SUPERnatural factors. If we don’t, we rob ourselves of the necessary elements for successful Christian living and bringing God the glory we should allow shown in our lives.

Furthermore, without faith, we can’t experience the salvation Jesus provided us with his death and resurrection. It is the main attribute in personally receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior; believing He died for our sins and rose again. It must remain a large portion of our teaching as in varying instances with Jesus actions and teachings, faith was required.

Likewise, “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10). As this wonderful action is continually exercised, it flows into everything we do and protectively affects any temptations to sin. Our measurement of love is seen in how we treat God, ourselves, and others.

A critical notion is, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26). So, if we show no love in our behavior, our faith has no life. When we have faith, we believe, trust and stand on the truth of the matter. If we have love, we show consideration, compassion and respect for others.

There will be many opportunities in life for us to practice faith and love. I want to learn all I can about both so as to put them more increasingly to work in my life, as well as teach them to others. The Bible shows there are also wonderful benefits to demonstrating each and there’s no harm in desiring them.

Enjoying Freedom

by Ms. Rita's Minute

John 8:36

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.“

Freedom is a wonderful way to live. According to Galatians 5:13, it’s a true mark of God’s calling: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

We must remember freedom is not something God frowns upon, but actually provides. He has graciously given us a will to choose who and what we hold dear. He has provided what he deems best while allowing us the choice of what we think best. He won’t bully us to change, but will often send sound Bible teaching and commands, with different inspirations and considerations into our lives to lead us toward his way.

Those of us who believe Jesus to be the Son of God and Lord over our lives, trust His way to be best for our lives. He has provided in the Bible how to accept and live for him as well as how to treat all people: sinners and saints, enemies and friends. He has shown us the way of love and will work with us, as we allow, to be successful in this endeavor.

Jesus has provided ways to help us turn from sin which is destructive to our lives and the righteousness he died to give us. He has shown us how to walk by the Spirit, which is initially foreign to man, and not by our human instincts and worldly desires. He has also made a way for us to live an abundant life here on earth, as it is in heaven.

I thank and praise God for Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Hence, we’re done with slavery if we truly want to be. We can trust that if Jesus makes us “free,” we are free indeed. The word free in John 8:36 means to set at liberty: from the dominion of sin. This is a wonderful thing.

By God’s grace, we don’t have to be enslaved to sin anymore. We have the freedom to choose to sin, but clearly, we don’t have to give in to it. Instead, we choose life given with his gift of righteousness. According to 1 Corinthians 10:13, “…God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Again, he has provided freedom of choice in decision-making. Hence, in our relationships, we should never try to make anyone do anything they don’t want to do. God doesn’t. Yet he wants us to act of our own volition in choosing what he’s revealed to be best for us. I’ve found throughout life he’s committed to steering his believers in the right direction, even when at times we think another way is best. I’ve found him to be truly gentle and humble in heart as stated in Matthew 11:29. His “yoke” on us, brings rest, not turmoil.

Therefore, in our freedom, I’ve concluded that gentleness and humility are key in our relating to others regarding their choices of living. In showing the love of Christ, we must be respectful in how we treat others even when we don’t agree with how they live or they don’t agree with how we live. Nevertheless, we don’t compromise what we hold to be a life of true liberty. We follow confidently, supportively, assertively, and kindly the path God has created for us.

Following Christ wholeheartedly and avoiding excessive carnality will require distancing ourselves from influences that are destructive to our path which clearly is the wisdom of God. However, we never stop showing love for human life, as Christ has taught and demonstrated. At the same time, we refuse to reject the Bible’s teachings regarding to whom we yoke or bind ourselves in agreement. Over a believer’s lifetime, God will be clear in showing each of us those relationships best for our lives.

As for me, I want to live free and stay free in the convictions God has given for my life. I can’t let any person, place, or thing stop that process. We only get one life, and I’ve lived a large portion of mine and want God’s life for me to continue strong. I sometimes think I know better when he might prefer something else, but I don’t feel that way for long. I believe I healthily fear God and if not, he has proven faithful to show me. In all of this, I actually feel freedom. It’s when I am being disobedient and know it, that I feel terribly bothered. For this, I am thankful, too. It signifies God is still working in me.

Throughout my life, as he strips away everything that might hinder the freedom he’s provided, eventually my soul feels increasingly lighter of the worries of this world. Those things that meant so much don’t mean much to me anymore. Yet at the same time, he reveals the beauty and wonder of a new life so unimaginable, that it causes an increasing joy in my heart I can’t explain. With it, peace comes along with a conscience free of worry. The heaviness of sin is no longer desired, and when I err, God corrects and continues to sanctify me. For that, I would not trade anything.

So let’s continue to walk in the freedom God has provided each of us. Don’t risk losing it for anything or anyone. Let’s stay free of the bondage that can weigh us down and keep us from living in God’s peace and abundant life and study what God’s freedom truly is and how to experience it. Whether we are wealthy, poor, or in-between; married or unmarried; healthy or unhealthy; happy or sad; wherever we currently find ourselves, let’s be confident in the fact that if we are sincere followers of Christ, we are free!

Let’s embrace all the blessings God has for us. Let’s not allow anything to keep us from enjoying the freedom Jesus so dearly paid for. Let’s hold fast to my favorite scripture, John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Not to mention: 2 Corinthians 3:17: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

How to Pray

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Matthew 6:9-13

 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Jesus is so generous. He even shared with his disciples how to communicate with Almighty God, his Father, and now ours. He didn’t have to, but He did. So, if we ever wonder how we should pray, I believe this would be our first example among the other references to prayer in the Bible:

+ “This, then, is how you should pray:

There are various references to prayer in the Bible; all of them valid. They speak of people praying corporately in one location together, as well as praying alone in one’s room. They tell us we don’t need to go on and on babbling or in vain repetitions thinking we’ll be heard for our many words. Nor should we pray just to be seen by others. However, in these verses, Jesus tells his disciples more specifically how to pray.

In examining this simple, yet brilliant prayer, let’s briefly look at its parts:

+ “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

Jesus doesn’t start the prayer with “Father” or “My Father”, but with “Our Father.” This denotes that we share kinship and the status of family with our Lord and his Father. In addition, we acknowledge his name in Greek as sanctified and holy; or in Oxford’s definition of revered and honored.

+ your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Though there are many kingdoms on the earth, we ask that the Father’s kingdom come to this earth. We request his rulership, which encompasses his government, to come. Further, we ask that his desires and ways of doing and being would be done here on earth as it is in heaven.

Thankfully, he’s revealed a large part of his will for us in the Bible. He’s also given us his grace to carry it out. But there’s a greater measure of the Father’s presence and will to be seen, which is an awesome state of living to anticipate for the future.

+ Give us today our daily bread.
“Bread” here in Greek literally means bread or loaf. So we can interpret this to refer to our daily nourishment or sustenance; provision for our physical needs. We see “bread” referenced in other important ways in the New Testament such as Christ’s body, a central element of Christian communion, and remembrance of his sacrifice. Or, Jesus identifying himself as the “Bread of Life,” offering spiritual nourishment and eternal life to those who believe in him. 

+ And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Here we are asking that the Father forgive us our debts as we have also forgiven others of theirs. Interestingly, “debts” in Greek here is defined as that which is owed or obligations, whether financially or morally. Yet in other translations, “debts” are translated as “trespasses” or “sins” to convey the same idea of wrongdoing or failure to meet our obligations. This is a crucial part of the prayer as we see in other places in the Bible, God’s command to forgive others so that our heavenly Father would forgive us (e.g., Matthew 6:14-15).

+ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Moreover, temptation in Greek here translates as putting to proof, by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline, or provocation; by implication, adversity. Hence, we ask that the Father would not lead us into trials or experiments in the context of trials that come for testing and strengthening as well as temptations that come from evil. However, we are to ask for deliverance or to be rescued or saved from the evil one; the person of Satan or evil in general terms, that can include everything evil (thoughts, deeds, demons, etc.).

We’ve been given an awesome privilege to have access to the creator of heaven and earth through prayer. To have his dear Son share with us his method in this manner is priceless. There’s so much we could ask of the Lord, but let’s pray His will be done here today in our lives, where we live, just as it is in heaven.

Random Thoughts on God

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Having the right perception of God is extremely important. Knowing his character and values influences one’s faith and confidence in him. What’s he really like? I’ve learned his spirit is one of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These attributes are described in the Bible as the fruit of the Holy Spirit. So, we can measure any other traits by these to discern the authenticity of godliness in a person, place, or thing.

God is good and his thoughts are good. We know according to Jeremiah 29:11, his thoughts about us are of peace and not of evil, to give us a future and a hope. But how does the Bible tell us to think? We’re told to think about whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Further, we are to think with renewed minds attained from reading the Bible, by which we aren’t conformed to this world but transformed. Also, per Romans 12:3, we are to think soberly (self-controlled, clear-headed, vigilant, free from the influence of intoxicants or other negative influences; in a serious, calm, and sensible manner); not more highly of ourselves than we ought.

We know that God protects us and cares that we are safe. Psalm 46:1 tells us that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble; while in Luke 10:19, Jesus says, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Moreover, we should be encouraged by, “If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways …” (Psalm 91:9-11). He’s even given us spiritual armor–the helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, sword of the spirit, belt of truth, and feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

We should not forget that the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof as described in Psalm 24:1. The earth was created and is owned by God. He hasn’t asked us to disregard or ignore the earth, but to pray that his kingdom would come and his will be done on the earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Now can you imagine how his will is done in heaven? What on the earth might resemble that?

From 12 to 72

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Luke 10:1

“After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.”

Most of us are familiar with the 12 disciples Jesus chose to be with him, learn from him, and be sent out to preach, heal, and cast out demons. These disciples ultimately formed the foundation of his ministry and the early church. 

At this point in Luke 10 of the Bible, Jesus wanted to expand His ministry and increase in number, adding more disciples–in this case 72.

A few things I noticed, among other things that stood out to me, in this passage were:

  • Jesus appointed the disciples. “Appointed” here in Luke 10, in Greek is anedeixen, the active verb anadeiknumi, meaning “to show forth, display, proclaim, or appoint.” Oxford’s language today would define it as assigning a role or job to or determining or deciding on. These people didn’t appoint themselves but were specifically chosen by the Lord.
  • Jesus didn’t send them out alone, but two by two. While the Bible doesn’t explicitly state the why behind Jesus sending his disciples out two by two, it suggests that the practice served as a form of mutual support, witness, and training for the disciples’ ministry. Further, he sent them on ahead of him, into every town and place where he was about to go. So he approved their arrival to do their assignment before he would arrive.
  • Jesus said he was sending them as lambs among wolves. The Greek root word from lamb in Luke 10:3 is arēn. The term refers to a ceremonially clean male lamb ready for slaughter but also infers personal weakness. “Wolves” in Luke 10:3 is “lukon,” the Greek plural form of a wolf, persons of wolfish proclivities, described as false prophets or teachers who are deceitful and dangerous to the spiritual well-being of believers. Wolves are often depicted as predators that threaten the flock, symbolizing those who seek to harm or lead astray the followers of Christ. Just as is written in Matthew 10:16, Jesus was warning them that they would face opposition and persecution for their faith, and he encouraged them to be both shrewd and innocent in their mission. In Matthew 10:16, the Greek word translated as “shrewd” or “wise” is phronimoi, meaning thoughtful, sagacious, or discreet, and the Greek word for “innocent” or “harmless” is akeraioi, meaning “unmixed” or “pure”. 
  • Jesus told them to ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the harvest field. He explained that the harvest was plentiful, but that workers were few. So, they should ask the Lord to send out more workers. Apart from Luke 10, the New Testament contains other passages that address the need for more workers in the Lord’s vineyard, including Matthew 9:37-38 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13. The first passage is repeated in Luke 10:2, while the second warns against idleness.
  • Jesus instructed them to heal the sick and tell others the Kingdom of God had come near. Written initially in Luke 9:1-2 we see where, “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. We see these instructions were pretty important to Jesus as these tasks were done repeatedly in his and the disciples’ ministry. In Matthew 10:8, Jesus tells his disciples to “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” Then in Mark 16:18, after Jesus is resurrected and about to return to heaven, he mentions to the disciples the signs that would follow those who believe, including, “They will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
  • Jesus told them “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” Moreover, as relates to rejection or persecution, I’m reminded of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 10:24, which states “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master.”
  • “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” What a blessing it was that obedience to Jesus’ instructions produced successful results and joy!

Thankfully, I don’t see where this kind of ministry was told to cease. We have the Holy Spirit to continue working with and in us today, as He worked with the ever-increasing disciples then. “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” (Mark 16:19-20) Though there is still some debate on the validity of this particular passage of the Bible, I simply reference the other parts that speak of Jesus and his disciples’ ministry toward others before and after his ascension.

Then, I’m reminded of Jesus’ words when healing two blind men, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored.”

Unfortunately, in Matthew 13:54-58, we find Jesus coming back to his hometown where people knew his family and his job as a carpenter, and upon his teaching in the synagogue, they took offense at him and “he could not do many miracles because of their lack of faith.”

In like manner, we may choose to believe; or not. Nevertheless, Jesus’s great commission is still valid: “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20)

Jesus had a short time to do many great works and chose people as students to learn and do likewise. He said in John 14:12, “ Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” Not to mention, “ Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6).

Lord, help us all as this is seemingly an impossible challenge. Nevertheless, at your word, may we let down our nets.