Reborn

by Ms. Rita's Minute

John 3:3
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

Isn’t it an awe-inspiring fact that one can become reborn? When I think of the awesomeness of natural birth and its wonderful process, the thought of actually being reborn can be even more mindboggling.

The curious Pharisee, Nicodemus, one who apparently knew of, or observed some works that Jesus had done, wondered how this could be. He questioned the Lord: “How can someone be born when they are old?” “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born” (John 3:4)! Jesus responded telling him that “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit to spirit” (John 3:6).

The magnificent Holy Spirit is the one who gives this new birth to our spirits! In as much as we have believed on the Lord Jesus as the Son of God and repented of our sins, we are not the same people. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “… if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Not only that, but we have been “… born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23).

Of all the millions of people on the earth, the Lord has created the standard that “…no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit…‘You must be born again.’ (John 3:5-7) Hence, we must come into this new existence in Christ, in order to enter His Kingdom. As stated in the Bible, this can only be done by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and accepting Him as Lord, God’s only begotten son.

How refreshing to know that no matter what we may have experienced that we wish to forget in our pasts, before knowing Christ, it’s as good as gone when we have been reborn. It’s stated to be under the blood of Jesus, through the atonement of His death on our behalf, and we are given the gift of a new life, eternal life.

So I highlight this fact today so that we don’t forget that in being reborn, we should not see ourselves as the same as before this amazing supernatural act. “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” (Colossians 1:13).

In addition, according to 2 Corinthians 3:18, “… we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

It is a wonderful act of God’s grace that He “chose us as first fruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

Hence, we should not see ourselves as the persons we were, slaves to the same old habits, laden with the generational strongholds, addictions and maladies of old, never changing. Our old selves were crucified with Christ. We now walk in newness of life in Christ, in the Holy Spirit.

Moreover, Jesus himself said we are now the “…salt of the earth, the light of the world…” (Matthew 5:13-16). So, now we may rejoice that we have an awesome birthright: “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13-14)

Biblically, a Christian’s inheritance contains both present and future realities. We can count on blessings in this life, such as forgiveness of our sins through Christ, adoption into God’s family, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. It also includes eternal life with God in heaven, and a new heaven and new earth. This inheritance is secured by faith in Jesus Christ and is a gift from God. So, let’s praise the Lord today that we’ve been reborn!

Getting Along

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Romans 12:18, NIV

 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.“

Do you increasingly find it difficult to get along well with others? Observing all of the arguing, misunderstandings and frustrations among those around us, and perhaps within ourselves, we could all use some tips on how to communicate.

It appears everybody is mad at somebody. Yet there are ways we can get along so much better and let me be the first in line to take notes on how to do so.

Here are some biblical instructions to help us in relating to others:

  1. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12, NIV). This involves imagining yourself as the other person or people, showing empathy, considering another person’s feelings, experiences, and emotions. How would you feel, and what would you do, if the shoe were on the other foot?
  2. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV). In behaving this way, we are considerate, thoughtful, friendly and caring. We remember how we’ve needed God’s forgiveness. So, we extend forgiveness to others who have offended us. The Bible even goes so far as to show how what we do, determines how we’ll be treated. In other words, Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
  3. “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13, NIV). This means we inspire one another with support, hope, and uplifting interaction, using words that edify one another. One can become cynical and feel hopeless, leading to bitterness, when they are consistently barraged with deception and wrongdoing. An encouraging word can make one’s day.
  4. “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16, NIV). This is a very important part of getting along. It shows our need for, and trust in, God’s help toward others’ lives as well as ours. It shows humility to pray good things for someone else, as well as confess where we’ve missed the mark, especially when that person has hurt us.
  5. “Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body” (Ephesians 4:25, NIV). Consistently being honest with one another is a great way for trust to grow in our relationships. While our trust should be first and foremost in God, there is an element of trust we place in accepting and relying on someone as a true friend.
  6. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19, NIV). Sometimes, we can be so focused on what we want to say or how we will reply to someone, that we miss what the other person is actually saying in a conversation. This involves us sharpening our listening and attention skills, for the love of whoever we’re speaking with, listening closely to what they are communicating, so that we understand them well. We don’t want to be those quick to anger or dismissive of what is spoken.

The Bible shows us many ways of relating to one another successfully, but it takes much practice, humility and boldness to form good habits of communication, fellowship and friendship. It really is possible for us to get along with everyone, if we’ll just show one another grace in whatever our connections may be. God has masterfully provided us the scriptural information necessary to get along well. We must now ask for the power of God’s Holy Spirit to help us to do it.

Many Parts, Same Body

by Ms. Rita's Minute

1 Corinthians 12:21-25

“The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.”

The Bible refers to those who have truly believed on Jesus Christ as the Son of God and accepted his death and resurrection as atonement for our sins, as the Body of Christ and the Church. “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way” (Ephesians 1:22-23). As such, one’s origin of birth, current residence, skin color, size, or economic status does not matter. Each believing individual is defined as the Body of Christ.

The Body of Christ consists of many members of local churches (those buildings used for gathering together to worship Christ among other things) in many places throughout the earth. Also included, are those who may not yet have a local church home, meet in homes, in person or over the Internet, but nevertheless, are believers.

In 1 Corinthians 12 where the Body of Christ is equated to a human body, this chapter speaks of the functions of various parts of the body and their necessity to one another.

It is no doubt common that some people may think they are not needed in the Body, or others, that they don’t need the Body. Yet there are many parts of the Body, and they are all important. Verse 24 tells us that while our presentable parts need no special treatment, God composed the Body, giving greater honor to the part that lacks it, that there wouldn’t be any division in the Body, but that the members would have the same care for one another.

As with a human body, some parts are more presentable to the public and don’t need special attention. While others, are kept clothed and covered, they are no less important to the body as a whole. These parts of the body are what some might consider “less honorable,” in that we don’t want them to be exposed or seen. They’re also parts we don’t want treated harshly or injured.

Yet, God gives greater honor to the parts which lack it, which may be seen as the weaker, less honorable, and unpresentable members of the Body, seeking the benefit of the whole body.

One might notice the Body’s different types of giftings or rich and poor persons of greater and lesser abilities. Nevertheless, they all have a role to fulfill.

There is room for variety in God’s great big, magnificent Body. Through prayer and various biblical resources of wisdom, we just need to know our gifts, find God’s best community fit for us, and remember to respect and honor one another despite our gifts or differences. As well we should appreciate our own unique abilities no matter how great or less they may appear to us.

We are not all the same, but we’ve been made a part of Christ’s Body, so we are family and should love and honor one another as we do Christ, the head. May God’s Holy Spirit, help us all in this endeavor.

Beloved Ambassadors of Reconciliation

by Ms. Rita's Minute

2 Corinthians 5:20

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

What an honorable responsibility to be an ambassador for Christ. As such we have the exciting assignment to encourage reconciliation to God. As ambassadors, we are representatives. The Greek word, presbeuó, indicates those who represent Christ and speak for Him. We are authorized by Christ to act as diplomats speaking on his behalf.

Reconciliation is the restoration of friendly relations, with the key word here being restoration. When we restore something, we reinstitute or bring it back. We repair or renovate it returning it to its original condition. Merriam-Webster’s definition of “reconciliation” refers to the process of restoring friendship or harmony after a disagreement, settling a dispute, or making conflicting ideas or things consistent. This is what Christ has done for us. He has made a way of restoration to our place in God before man’s fall through sin.

Accepting the Father’s son, Jesus, as Lord and Savior, we become one with Him as his Body and He is the head. We recognize God’s kingdom instructions as those principles we choose to live and love by.

When we think of representing Christ, we endeavor to show the utmost behavior encompassing love, compassion and humility toward others. To represent someone well, also entails speaking on their behalf effectively and accurately. This includes understanding their position, communicating their needs, and advocating for their interests while maintaining integrity and respect.

With the propensity to err and encounter our personal insecurities and weaknesses, God still chooses to grace us with the posture of 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

Moreover, the fact of the matter is the wonderful message of how we are reconciled. Romans 5:8-11 tells us that “…God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

In giving us this amazing position in Christ, He has provided us with additional heavenly help as His ambassadors: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

My prayer is that we will all represent the Lord well, wherever we find ourselves in life.

Slay It!

by Ms. Rita's Minute

2 Corinthians 7:1

“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

A fly has somehow entered my presence at this moment. With the pretty, pink and flowered, fly swatter in hand, I hate to destroy anything. So, I’m telling it where to go: “The air conditioning vents, under the door; just get out of here!” I’m experiencing it can be especially hard to put to death anything that is living, even when it is harassing me needlessly.

Nevertheless, the Bible tells us to put to death some harmful things that may be living within in us. These are things that seek to kill us, grieve God’s Holy Spirit, and hinder us from moving forward freely in our God-given purpose or enjoying a confident relationship with Christ.

As Christ has paid the price for our eternal life, we are now to kill those things within us that are clearly of Satan’s kingdom and replace them with those things of Christ’s.

Furthermore, though the Lord’s sanctification process is ongoing in our lives, the Bible clearly tells us that we are to do this ruining of certain things; making an effort to do the killing and not just expect God to do it for us. Thankfully, he’s given us the authority and tools to carry it out.

Colossians 3:5 tells us to “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Therefore, at some point, we’ve got to take a serious look, specifically at what each of these things are, with an aim to recognize them when they surface from within us and put an end to them.

Therefore, we can start by realizing that God has given us weapons. One, I’ll highlight here, is the “sword of the spirit” which the Bible defines as the Word of God.  “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

When our human reasoning or excuses to behave in ungodly ways moves us closer toward sin, we must remember that “the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

Though we’re instructed to kill those things within us that are harmful to us and others, God has graciously given us some things to put on. Colossians 3:12 tells us, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”

These things make life beautiful for us and those we encounter. These things bring God glory. They are the things that speak loudly that we are of the Lord’s kingdom, one where there is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Interestingly, as I reach the end of my minutes with you, my annoying visitor is no longer buzzing. Quietly, it left without my killing it, for which I am truly grateful. Yet, any bad habits we’ve been allowing in our lives, won’t just go away on their own, but must be put to death. So, I’m so appreciative that we can ask our heavenly father, who gives wisdom liberally, to show us specifically how to successfully remove anything that he hates from our lives. We can rest confident his tools of weaponry for us work, and he is certainly faithful to do his part in these matters.

When Your Husband Is God

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Isaiah 54:5

“For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name—
The Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.”

In this prophetic word of the book of Isaiah, the Lord is speaking to Israel, but it may certainly apply to those of us who have been adopted into God’s family through repentance and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.

A notable example is Ephesians 5:31-32, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.” That would be us, and it is very fitting to our relationship with our God.

In light of this status of being Christ’s bride, what is a husband and his role as a spouse? Do we really need one? In Isaiah 54:5, the Hebrew word Ba`al is translated “husband” and is defined as “lord,” “owner,” or “master.” As followers of Christ today, we’d describe a husband as a spouse, partner, or mate–a married man. He is the leader or head of his family.

This leader’s chief responsibility is to love God and then his spouse. To feel a deep affection for her, as well as to treasure and value her. In his role as husband, he:

A) provides: supplies, accomodates, and one interesting definition, ministers;

B) protects: keeps her safe from harm;

C) defends: fights against what is threatening her well-being; and

D) supports (via Merriam Webster’s thought-provoking definition):

  • endures bravely or quietly; bears
  • promotes the interests or cause of, upholds or defends as valid or right, advocates for
  • argues or votes for
  • assists, helps
  • acts with
  • provides substantiation, corroborates
  • pays the costs of maintaining a family
  • provides a basis for the existence or subsistence of
  • holds up or serves as a foundation or prop for
  • maintains at a desired level by purchases or loans–maintains the price of
  • keeps from fainting, yielding, or losing courage–comforts
  • keeps (something) going

Each woman’s personal need for a husband may vary in reasoning, yet the Bible speaks of there being a greater strength in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:  If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Now, of course, some people will never marry an earthly spouse, by choice or otherwise. Yet we can see throughout the Bible God’s willingness and ability to perfectly fill the role of husband to both unmarried and married people.

Moreover, our wifely role as Christ’s bride would be to “love, honor, and obey” him. In this, we submit ourselves to His will, respect and hold him in the highest esteem, and do our best to do what he’s commanded us to do. No doubt, this ability is perfected in our sanctification process as we mature more and more in the Lord.

In any event, it gives me great comfort to realize my God is also my husband. The fact that he is the great Creator, all knowing, ever present, and all powerful, yet loves and cares for me, is more than I could ask for in a spouse. Not to mention, he is also willing to provide my own earthly spouse and takes this union very seriously.

God’s role in creating, molding, and shaping us has given him, as a husband, an insight into us that we could never have. He knows what’s best for us as he knows us better than we know ourselves. This reality should help us to rest in trusting him in all areas of our lives, as we know this will produce the peace and fulfillment so many of us long for.

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.

CraftonArtPrints

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).