Tag: bible

The Healer’s Blessing

by Ms. Rita's Minute

James 5:15

“And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.”

Imagine Jesus, in 2026, here in his physical body, healing someone from their illness. With joy, we can have expectancy of His help in such an event, as we see God’s desired results throughout the gospels. Perhaps sometimes we have not because we ask not. Or, maybe we believe we don’t deserve to be healed, or God doesn’t really want to heal us.

It is comforting to know that even though the Lord will sometimes take someone home to live with Him, He will, at many other times, allow others to be healed and remain a while longer. Of course, this may happen instantly or over time. Yet my point is Jesus is a healer, doesn’t want to see people sick, and demonstrated various types of healing when He walked the earth.

Jesus was a man of compassion, moved by the suffering of others, and being a man of great authority, he healed with a word, a touch, or even from a distance. He was a man who modeled Kingdom power, his miracles fulfilling prophecy, revealing who He was, the Son of God. He also highlighted the role of some people in instances where He told them their faith had healed them. Interestingly, in some places, He could do no great works because of their unbelief (Matthew 13:58 and Mark 6:5-6).

I thought to post about this topic today lest we forget God’s thoughts on sickness and healing. There is no sickness or disease in heaven, and Jesus told us the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came that we might have life, and life more abundantly (John 10:10). Hence, we should make no mistake who the thief is, satan, not God.

A few amazing accounts of Jesus healing in the Bible are:

  • Healing 10 lepers (Luke 17:11โ€“19). This was a dreadful, contagious disease that people seriously avoided. As the lepers called out to Jesus from a distance for pity, Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests, and while on the way, they were cleansed. Unfortunately, only one leper, a Samaritan (a foreigner), returned to thank Jesus. But Jesus assured him his faith had made him well.
  • Healing the paralyzed man whose friends lowered him through a roof (Matthew 9:1โ€“8; Mark 2:1โ€“12; Luke 5:17โ€“26). This was a bold act of persistence, which Jesus saw as faith shown in getting this man to Him.
  • Healing the woman with an issue of bleeding for 12 years (Matthew 9:20โ€“22; Mark 5:25โ€“34; Luke 8:43โ€“48). This woman believed that if she only touched his clothes, she would be healed. She did, and she was, instantly!
  • Raising a man’s dead daughter to life (Matthew 9:18โ€“26; Mark 5:21โ€“43; Luke 8:40โ€“56). Jesus came to the scene of people crying and wailing loudly about the death of Jairus’ daughter, and upon going in to see her with her parents and a few of his disciples, He took her by the hand and told her to get up, and she did, immediately. So many were blessed that day by this amazing act.
  • Healing a mute, demon-possessed man (Matthew 9:32-34). Seeing the man delivered and speaking, the crowd, astonished, said they’d never seen anything like it in Israel.
  • Healing a crippled woman bent over for 18 years (Luke 13:10โ€“17). The Bible tells us this woman had been crippled, not being able to straighten up at all, by a spirit. He told her she was set free from her infirmity and placed his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

Jesus also performed mass healings where people were healed from every sickness and disease (Matthew 4:23โ€“24; Matthew 9:35). Not to mention, there are so many more miracles that Jesus did that weren’t even recorded (John 21:25).

Jesus willingly and compassionately healed the lame, blind, cripplied and mute (Matthew 15:30). Yet I believe it’s also important to note that, in some instances, sin was related to a person’s need for healing or deliverance, and the Lord told them, once healed, to go and sin no more, or something worse would come upon them (John 5:14 and John 8:11).

Thankfully, โ€œHe himself bore our sinsโ€ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; โ€œby his wounds you have been healedโ€ (1 Peter 2:24). Aren’t you glad about it? Now we may call for the elders of our churches, or for other believers to pray prayers of faith (James 5:14-16) that we’d be healed. Just another wonderful thing our heavenly Father has done for us through His marvelous Son, Jesus!

We see in scripture, Jesus shared the blessing in healing, telling his disciples in Matthew 10:8 to “heal the sick and raise the dead,” stating “freely you have received, freely give.” He echoed His desire again in Mark 16:18, just before ascending into heaven, that one of the signs of those who believed would be that they would place their hands on sick people and they would get well. Let us thank the Lord for these beautiful blessings!

Angels Galore

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Psalm 91:11

“For He will give His angels charge over you,
to guard you in all your ways.”

We’re all familiar with human beings and what it’s like to relate to one another. However, there are other beings created by God of great significance to His people, and these are called angels.

Angels who work on God’s behalf are wonderful! They are spiritual beings that God created to serve Him through carrying out His will. They are powerful and intelligent beings who work with purpose. Revelation 5:11 numbers them as “thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand” encircling God’s throne. Hebrews 12:22 cites them as innumerable!

Though angels are spiritual beings, they can appear in human form. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us not to forget to show hospitality to strangers, “for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

The Bible mentions various types of angels: Archangels (e.g., Michael), Cherubim (guardians of Godโ€™s holiness), Seraphim (worshipers around Godโ€™s throne), and “hosts of heaven” (angelic armies).

As God’s messengers, angels deliver warnings, instructions, and revelations. The angel Gabriel delivered a message to Mary, the mother of Jesus, that she was highly favored, the Lord was with her, and she would conceive by the Holy Spirit to bear a son named Jesus (Luke 1:26โ€“38).

In Genesis 18, angels visited Abraham and Sarah, delivering to them the message that Sarah would bear Abraham a son in their old age.

Daniel 10 reveals an intense, prolonged battle in the spiritual realm, with the delivery of messages influencing earthly events. A heavenly messenger is delayed for 21 days by a demonic “prince of Persia” until Michael arrives to help relay the messages to Daniel. 

Angels are also protectors who are known to rescue and guard people, as well as fight battles. In Genesis 19, two angels protected Lot from the violent men of Sodom by striking the mob with blindness, then forcefully escorted Lot, his wife, and their two daughters out of the city to save them from impending destruction. The angels, acting on behalf of God’s mercy, insisted that they leave quickly and helped them escape.

Interestingly, 2 Kings 6 describes Elisha’s servant having his eyes opened to see the hills filled with horses and chariots of fire (angelic warriors) protecting them. 2 Kings 19:35 and Isaiah 37:36 show just one angel of the Lord killing 185,000 soldiers in one night. In Joshua 5, an angel appears to Joshua as the “commander of the army of the Lord.” Psalm 91 speaks of God commanding His angels to guard His people.

Moreover, in the Bible, we see angels engaging in spiritual warfare. Scripture clarifies that this warfare is “against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” rather than flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12).ย Michael the archangel contends with evil powers and is specifically identified as a leader in a conflict battling against Satan and his fallen angels. Revelation 12 describes a war in heaven where Michael and his angels fight against the dragon (Satan) and his angels.

The Bible clearly shows us how angels interact with humanity. They appear to guide, protect, deliver messages, and strengthen believers. Yet the Bible also warns against worship of angels, as only God is worthy of worship.

There are countless stories, historically and even today, of people who have experienced angelic help or visitations. Thankfully, angels are “ministering spirits” (servants) sent by God to actively serve, protect, and assist believers (Hebrews 1:14).

Furthermore, angels worship God. They worship around His throne (Revelation 7:11) and celebrate Godโ€™s works, rejoicing when sinners repent (Luke 15:10). However, they also carry out God’s judgements by executing God’s justice. We see them carrying these out in the book of Revelation.

Not all angels are good. The Bible teaches that Satan was originally an angel who rebelled. Other angels followed him and became fallen angels (demons). This is part of an ongoing spiritual conflict Scripture describes.

In remembering angels and their awesome existence, we should always embrace that they are not to be feared or worshipedโ€”but they remind us of Godโ€™s nearness, His protection, and His sovereignty.

Golden Rule Love

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Matthew 7:12

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Ever think about how you’d like to be treated? My guess is the answer is yes, more often than we might want to admit. We all want to be treated well, but often, for whatever reason, we face challenges of the opposite. Nevertheless, the Bible gives us a simple method of getting along with others: In all things, doing to others as we would have them do to us.

Perhaps Matthew 7:12 is known as The Golden Rule of the Bible because it actually summarizes the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. This one rule flows into every area of the Christian life. By treating others the way we’d like to be treated, we show our best behavior toward someone else.

The chief attribute of this conduct is love. When we love others, we show we want the best for them, displaying care and concern for their well-being. This behavior could range from mild to more intense, depending on the circumstances of our experience with them. Yet, just by being cordial and polite, we make others’ experiences with us pleasant.

When we show respect toward others, we honor them as better than ourselves, as shown in Philippians 2:3, “in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” We are considerate of their feelings, worth, and boundaries. As believers, we see them as Christ sees them. So, despite their financial status, color, size, age, place of birth, etc., we treat them as valuable creations of God. Galatians 6:10 teaches us, “… as we have opportunity, let us do goodย to all people, especially to those who belong to the familyย of believers.”

When we are disappointed or treated badly by others, our Bible teaches us to extend forgiveness, not holding a grudge, but releasing the offense against them, knowing in doing so, our heavenly Father forgives us, and we receive our reward from Him.

Moreover, we demonstrate Christ’s compassion for others by showing empathy, putting ourselves in their shoes, and having concern for their suffering or misfortunes. Considering this, the Bible tells us in Romans 12:15 to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

We’re reminded in Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” This verse offers some wonderful ways we can treat one another honorably.

Honoring someone requires humility, not overvaluing one’s own importance at the expense of theirs. Showing a mild and tender temperament toward someone is not a mark of being “soft,” as in a debasing way, as is sometimes defined in today’s culture. But gentleness is actually a fruit of the Holy Spirit that Jesus attributes to himself 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.”

Jesus, Faith Master

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Matthew 14:31

 Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. โ€œYou of little faith,โ€ he said, โ€œwhy did you doubt?โ€

Have you experienced any power outages lately? I have in my neck of the woods. It can be quite frustrating and inconvenient. But what a relief when that welcome surge of power suddenly returns to your residence.

Waking up in total darkness that night, though feeling the Holy Spirit’s peace, brought to my mind how, back in his time on earth, Jesus had no beaming flashlight to brighten his path. Perhaps he used a torch or an oil lamp. Yet nothing like we have today. So, I imagined Him climbing up a mountain, or some other dark space, just before dawn, to be alone and pray. Can you imagine that scene?

I imagined again how Jesus appeared to his terrified disciples walking on water in the darkness. I wondered why they did not recognize him or his voice after having spent much time with him. Perhaps it was due to the fact that it was very dark, or He was initially at a far distance from them. Nor were they expecting his appearance, but it was sudden.

Nevertheless, Jesus shared his power with Peter by enabling him to walk on water after requesting that the Lord tell him to come. But this request also required the faith of Peter to believe that he could walk on water even in the midst of darkness, wind, and intimidating waves.

Peter defied gravity as he eagerly walked on the water at the Lord’s command to come, with the winds and waves eventually overwhelming him with fear. This environment distracted his focus from the Lord and onto the negative possibilities of harm, and he began to sink, losing the power the Lord provided for him to do the seemingly impossible.

Jesus noted the smallness of his faith and questioned why Peter doubted. Yet surely we can relate to how Peter felt in such a scary situation, which is not normally familiar. Just what did that water he walked on feel like? How blustery were the wind and waves, and how loud were their sounds? Surely he could remember all the miracles the Lord had done when they ministered together. Yet in that moment, fear bullied his faith, putting an end to a promising miracle. Somehow, he began to question if the Lord would let him down.

I wondered where Peter’s insecurity could have come from. After experiencing such quality time with the Lord personally, watching His many great works, what would make him doubt the Lord? Perhaps this inspired his faith to even start to actually walk on the water, though eventually fear and doubt caused him to sink. Nevertheless, he was able to experience the Lord’s kindness and mercy as he raised Peter up and kept him from drowning in the sea. However, still the Lord expected Peter not to doubt, but have faith, believing what he desired could successfully happen.

How many times have we found ourselves in situations that seemed too big for us and, in our minds, maybe even too big for God to handle? Yet faith is powerful. It is living and miraculous. Without it, we can’t please God, and without it, we can’t be saved. Faith is the lifestyle of the believer. It is not the norm of the world, as it isn’t based on human logic. It takes us into unfamiliar territory where we need God’s truth and strength not to doubt.

In what ways is our faith being challenged? We should ask God to strengthen us and show us how to stand on His promises in any event. To consistently exercise faith without doubting or wavering is a wonderful thing to master.

Many times we are told in scripture not to be dismayed, discouraged, troubled, or afraid. God promises to uphold us and to give us peace. We’re told in 2 Timothy 2:13 that if we are faithless, the Lord remains faithful, which was demonstrated when Jesus helped Peter as he sank.

Moreover, 2 Thessalonians 3:3 tells us that the Lord is faithful, will establish us, and guard us against the evil one. Therefore, with practice, we can do as Hebrews 10:23 encourages: “… hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.โ€ No doubt throughout our lifetime, we’ll have ample lessons to strengthen our faith, along with testimonies to encourage one another.

Chief Design Counsel

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Psalm 127:1

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

Today, I thought about building. There are so many ways in which we build. Whether we are building a home, business, relationship, or structure of any kind, we are constructing, establishing, or producing something of value to us.

Psalm 127:1 references the Lord’s building and watching relating to His constructing, overseeing, guarding, and protecting, and the importance of His direction. It reminds us that whatever we do, unless the Lord establishes it, it is labor spent in vain.

How is our labor in vain? It is fruitless, useless, to no avail. It is basically a failed effort from the start. Its outcome cannot be excellent or most helpful without God. It may have some measure of beauty, yet it will lack endurance without the Lord’s life and wisdom in it.

When I think of this verse, I think of my life and whatever I plan or design for it. It is truly futile if God is not its architect. Though God gives us a will, authority, and creativity to create and plan, He never means for us to do it without His counsel, as He knows we alone lack the necessary knowledge to be successful.

God sees the future of every endeavor we attempt, along with all else that life presents that surrounds it. Hence, He is the wisest source of counsel we will ever have available to us. So, I am reminded to involve the Lord in anything that I attempt to do if I truly want to be fruitful or prosperous.

We must remember in our planning processes that God’s goals are of utmost importance over ours, as stated in Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a personโ€™s heart, but it is the Lordโ€™s purpose that prevails”. While humans are ever building for various reasons, true success is linked to God’s purpose.

Consistently seeking God through prayer, listening, and obedience, to know His will for our lives and projects, protects us from wasted time and money. This doesn’t mean we will never make a mistake, but God will work with us to accomplish His wonderful goals.

Moreover, in Luke 14:28-30, Jesus reminds us of the importance of counting the costs of our projects before starting. โ€œSuppose one of you wants to build a tower. Wonโ€™t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, โ€˜This person began to build and wasnโ€™t able to finish.โ€™

In planning our builds, we are to be certain of how to wisely construct our foundations, remembering 1 Corinthians 3:10: “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care.”

We want to place whatever we build on a solid foundation, which is our Savior, as shown in Matthew 7:24-25, Jesusโ€™ parable of the wise builder who builds his house on the rock, ensuring it stands firm against storms. Thankfully, God provides the stability, as seen in this parable.

Furthermore, God guards what He has built, making human worry unnecessary. Seeking Godโ€™s direction ensures the work is not done in vain.

No Point in Worrying

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Matthew 6:27
“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

I just had a thought about worry and how pointless it is. It truly is a futile exercise of the mind and expends so much energy needlessly. The Lord reminds us in Matthew 6:27 that worry adds no time to our lives. Nor does worrying bring solutions to problems any sooner. It’s wiser and healthier to just trust God on the matter.

Whatever may rattle our minds today, we need only look up one or more scriptures on that very thing, strengthen our faith, and receive God’s peace. Whenever I consult the Bible, perhaps even with a short prayer to the Lord on an issue, I notice a difference in my thinking almost immediately. Yet it may take a while to actually start the process.

Nevertheless, with all those things that can present worrisome thoughts, the Lord tells us further in Matthew 6:33-34, to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,” and all these things will be given to us, not worrying about tomorrow, for “tomorrow will worry about itself as each day has enough trouble of its own.”

You could be a planner like me. I like to have everything mapped out in my head or, most often, on paper. I feel a certain security in having a path to follow to reach the end goal. However, sometimes our paths might not be God’s paths, so we need to ask Him to reveal to us His ways.

In James 1:5, He tells us all we have to do is ask for His wisdom, and He’ll give it to us. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” I love how lavish and detailed God is. Not only will He give us wisdom, but He’ll give it to us generously and without fault.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like I’m always asking the Lord about something, or for something, too often. I start to feel like I’m getting on His nerves. “It’s me again, Lord.” Yet I know this is what He wants for us. He tells us to ask. It is part of being in a relationship with Him. He’s our Father, so there’s no better person to consult.

I love His Hebrew name, “Peleh Yo’etz”, meaning Wonderful Counselor or Miraculous Planner! This name describes one whose wisdom and strategies are extraordinary, incomprehensible, and beyond human capability. The term Peleh indicates a miracle or marvel, while Yo’etz denotes an advisor or one who plans.

So, if you’re feeling at a loss about what to do, or pondering something you need God’s perspective on. Let me encourage you to ask away! Though God doesn’t always answer us immediately, He does provide us with His answers in His timing. He delights in helping us.

Don’t Take It Personally

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Isaiah 53:3

“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering,ย and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hideย their faces, he was despised,ย and we held him in low esteem.“

Have you ever had someone speak evil of you, even though you knew you had done no wrong? Not to mention, they just flat-out lied to others about you? Have you wanted to just give them a piece of your mind about it and attempt to correct their sin publicly to clear your name? Nevertheless, God has shown us what our Lord and Savior, who was without sin, endured in the face of ridicule and humiliation.

Who was rejected and disrespected more than Jesus during his ministry? The Gospels repeatedly show tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of His dayโ€”Pharisees, scribes (teachers of the law), and chief priests. They questioned Him, doubted Him, spoke of Him angrily, falsely, and plotted against Him.

I don’t know about you, but when I read about the terrible ways that men treated Jesus, who was so holy, righteous, kind, and humble, among many other wonderful things, I feel foolish anytime I feel offended or resentful for any bad behavior toward me.

It helps to remember the following instances in which Jesus encountered wrong treatment:

He was Accused of Blasphemy

Healing the paralytic (Mark 2:1โ€“12; Luke 5:21): When Jesus forgave the paralyzed manโ€™s sins, the teachers of the law said He was blaspheming. They believed only God could forgive sins and saw His claim as offensive.

His Association with Sinners was Criticized

Eating with tax collectors (Mark 2:15โ€“17; Luke 5:30): The Pharisees complained that He ate with โ€œtax collectors and sinners.โ€ They questioned His holiness and authority.

His Authority Over the Sabbath was Challenged

Picking grain on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1โ€“8; Mark 2:23โ€“28): The Pharisees accused His disciples of breaking the Sabbath. Jesus responded that He is โ€œLord of the Sabbath.โ€

Healing on the Sabbath (Luke 6:6โ€“11; John 5:16): They became furious when He healed on the Sabbath. John notes they began persecuting Him because He did these things on the Sabbath.

It was Claimed His Power Came From Satan

Casting out demons (Matthew 12:22โ€“24; Mark 3:22): The Pharisees said He drove out demons โ€œby Beelzebul, the prince of demons.โ€ This is one of the strongest accusations they ever made.

His Authority to Teach was Questioned

Temple confrontations (Matthew 21:23โ€“27; Mark 11:27โ€“33): The chief priests and elders demanded to know by what authority He acted. They tried to trap Him with questions.

Plots Were Made to Kill Him

After healing on the Sabbath (Mark 3:6), the Pharisees began plotting with the Herodians to kill Him.

After raising Lazarus (John 11:45โ€“53), the chief priests and Pharisees convened a council. They decided Jesus must die because many were believing in Him.

Traps were Set to Trick Him with Questions

Paying taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22:15โ€“22): The Pharisees plotted to trap Him in His words.

The woman caught in adultery (John 8:3โ€“6): The teachers of the law used the woman as bait to accuse Him.

His Claims About His Identity Were Mocked

Calling Him a deceiver (Matthew 27:62โ€“63): After His death, the chief priests and Pharisees called Him โ€œthat deceiver.โ€

Doubting His origins (John 7:41โ€“52): It was argued that He couldnโ€™t be the Messiah because He was from Galilee.

His Exposing of Hypocrisy Triggered Hostility

Woes against the Pharisees (Matthew 23): Jesus publicly rebuked them as โ€œhypocrites,โ€ โ€œblind guides,โ€ and โ€œwhitewashed tombs.โ€ This intensified their hatred.

His Miracles and Growing Influence were Disputed

Triumphal Entry (Luke 19:39): Some of the Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke His disciples for praising Him. They feared His popularity.

Cleansing the Temple (Matthew 21:12โ€“15): The chief priests were indignant when children shouted โ€œHosanna.โ€

His Legitimacy and Background was Questioned

Insulting Him personally (John 8:48): They said He was demon-possessed and questioned His parentage and authority.

His Teachings were Rejected

Bread of Life discourse (John 6): Many disciples turned back and no longer followed him, but the religious leaders outright rejected Him.

In light of these trials, and any other offenses Jesus’ followers will suffer, we’re taught in the Bible not to take revenge, but to “leave room for Godโ€™s wrath” as He will repay (Romans 12:19). Furthermore, in our anger, not to sin, nor let the sun go down while we’re still angry (Ephesians 4:26). Also, not to be quickly provokedย in our spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9). We’re encouraged to be kind and compassionate to one another,ย forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave us (Ephesians 4:32).

It’s good to know that when experiencing the pain of betrayal, rejection, or persecution, as followers of Jesus, we can find solace in knowing “…we do not have a high priestย who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we areโ€”yet He did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15). That man is Jesus Christ, the one who saved our souls and makes intercession for us. He is no longer dead but has risen and is alive forever!

In any event, I am encouraged by Matthew 28:18-20, “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.ย Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations,ย baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,ย and teachingย them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with youย always, to the very end of the age.'”

We are abundantly blessed!

Losing Connection

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Colossians 2:19

“They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.”

At some point in life, we have all experienced losing an Internet connection. It can be pretty frustrating. Not to mention losing connection with the Lord in any way. We certainly don’t want that to happen.

I asked the Lord what He would have me share today, and I was given Colossians 2:19, which speaks of those “who have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.”

In Colossians 2, Paul’s goal was that his audience might be encouraged in heart and united in love. He offered a warning about people who were misleading the church with teachings that sounded โ€œspiritualโ€ but were actually pulling believers away from Christ. He wanted believers to have the “full riches of complete understanding,” that they may know Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Clearly, Paul wanted them to remember who they were in Christ; what He’d done for them.

Paul was concerned that people might be deceived by fine-sounding arguments, even though they were people who were disciplined and firm in their faith in Christ. He wanted to make sure that they would continue to live their lives in Him, “rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith,” as they were taught. He reminded them that no one should take them “captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

How easy it could be today with so much information available to us on “spiritual” things, to embrace ideas that are totally opposed to, or maybe even similar to, but with a twist of opposition to the teachings of Christ.

Nevertheless, Paul went on to encourage their fullness in Christ, having been made alive with Him, by forgiving their sins, “canceling the charge of their legal indebtedness” which stood against and condemned them, nailing it to the cross. He highlighted their circumcision by Christ, when they had been dead in their sins, were buried and raised with Him in baptism through their faith in God, who raised Christ from the dead.

He warned not to allow people to judge them by what they ate, drank, a religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath day. He explained that those things were a “shadow” of the things that were to come; the reality being found in Christ. Paul also warned about allowing people who delighted in “false humility and worship of angels to disqualify them”, and how those people “went into great detail about what they had seen, being puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual minds.”

Clearly, Paul was concerned about those rules that were merely human teachings, which had an “appearance of wisdom”, but self-imposed worship and false modesty, with harsh treatment of the body, yet lacked any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Paul described certain teachers who delighted in visions, strict rules, or mystical practices. The problem wasnโ€™t only that their teachings were offโ€”itโ€™s that they were no longer connected to Christ, who Paul called the head. Christ is the essential source of unity and nourishment. Without Him, the body falls apart.

Anyone who abandons Christโ€”no matter how impressive their spiritual claimsโ€”cuts themselves off from the only true source of life and growth. The church grows spiritually because God works through Christ, not because of human-made systems or mystical experiences. Believers grow when they remain connected to Christ.

It’s true for us today that we keep our focus on Christ and stay rooted and grounded in Him, rightly dividing the Bible, so as not to be misled in our lives. The Greek word for “rightly divide” in 2 Timothy 2:15 is orthotomeล, which means to “cut straight,” “cut straight paths,” or “rightly divide”. It is a compound word formed from orthos (straight) and temnล (to cut), implying the accurate, precise handling or teaching of the word of truth.

I find comfort in knowing that God has provided the Bible with Jesus’ teachings as our guide for living. In addition, He has graciously given the outpouring of His Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth. In this glorious generosity, He has provided ways for us to avoid being misled and to stay connected to Him. We just need to pray, study, believe, and remember specifically what He said. He loves us and will certainly work with us to keep us on track.

The Golden Life

by Ms. Rita's Minute

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.

Jesus speaking to some Pharisees one day, told them that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but that He came to bring life and life more abundantly. This statement showed the beauty of His grace and mercy toward undeserving men where he offers an alternative to the evil one’s offerings whose motives are wicked.

Unfortunately, the Bible tells us the Jews who heard those words, responded with statements that He was demon possessed and mad. Yet others said those weren’t the words of a possessed man, questioning if a demon could open the eyes of the blind.

To this day, our Savior offers a unique kind of life for those who choose to accept it. It is abundant in its quantity and quality. Abundant can mean different things to different people. Yet from the Bible we know the life Jesus gives is eternal. You can’t get any greater than that–everlasting.

The Greek word for abundant in John 10:10 is perissos, which means overflowing, rich, full, extraordinary, beyond measure. This speaks to a life that is beyond what is expected or needed; not just satisfying. This life is more than sufficient but exceeding normal limits. Who wouldn’t want a life like that? Do we really understand what kind of life this is?

I’m hoping to be successful in encouraging you as a believer today to remember the type of life Jesus has provided us to possess. Of course, life on earth with all of its current challenges can be frustrating sometimes. We may become distracted focusing only on those issues that rob us of the life that entails the peace and rest Jesus made available to us. However, we can redirect our thinking with faith in the Lord’s promises.

NAHB – Hartness – Greenville, SC

In our daily prayer time, it would be helpful to ask the Lord to periodically remind us, in His own creative ways, of the abundant life we have in Him as we face each new day. We should remember that though we have trouble in this world, Jesus says He’s overcome the world (John 16:33).

Further, the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:35-39, reminds us that no trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword, death, life, angels, demons, the present, the future, nor any powers, height, depth, or anything else in all creation, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus! In fact, in all these things we are more than conquerors. Now how amazingly wonderful is that to know and believe?

This abundant life that Jesus has given us also provides some wonderful work by the Holy Spirit within us like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Not to mention justification, sanctification, and healing among other things. This new life we get to experience is beyond wonderful!

My thinking on this good news is not only to know what this abundant life entails, but to recognize the tools the thief uses to hinder us from living this life as Jesus would define it. We already know that anything of this world that involves theft, murder and destruction are the work of our enemy.

We also know from Matthew 28:18-20, that since the death and resurrection of Jesus, something remarkable has happened and has given us purpose: … โ€œAll authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.ย Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations,ย baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,ย and teachingย them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with youย always, to the very end of the age.โ€

These are Jesus’ words to live by! While the method may differ from person to person, the responsibility is foundational for all of His followers.

Winter Lean

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Psalm 147:16-18

“He spreads the snowย like wool and scatters the frostย like ashes. He hurls down his hailย like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his wordย and melts them; he stirs up his breezes,ย and the waters flow.”

December is a wonderful month to lean into God’s presence, perspectives, priorities, and purposes for us. Just what does He desire for and from us in the coming new year? The past is gone and by God’s will and grace, a blessed tomorrow awaits us. So how will we determine to proceed on earth with God’s abundant life?

With the possible entrance of December’s white cleansing snow, what things might we purge from our lives that would present a hindrance to our growth and success? What a great time it is to assess our habits, relationships, goals and overall desires for the future. Do they align with God’s plans for us? Are we seeking Him to gain His perspectives on our decisions? Or do we just want and strive for those things that interest only us? Hence, now’s the time to lean into our Creator more than ever.

Leaning in requires positioning ourselves with laser focus to hear from God clearly. More prayer, fasting, Bible study and meditating on God’s promises and instructions are likely in order. Do we have a consistent quiet time of meeting with the Lord? Are we activating the discipline of fasting? (I’ll admit I could use a lot more of that one.) Are we meditating on what God has sovereignly declared as well as taught us to do that brings glory to Him?

Now’s the time to see Bible study as paramount as it provides us more familiarity with God’s character. Just what does He specifically love or hate? What brings Him joy? By this we grow in the faith we need to navigate this life in an environment that most often functions much differently from God’s best. Leaning in strengthens us to make the right decisions being led by God’s Holy Spirit. More time with Him provides more clarity.

December is often a time that sparks awareness of the closing of one chapter, and the opening of a new one. We anticipate a better future that follows the path the Lord has ordained for each one of us. Therefore, let’s lean into God this month and recall what He has for and expects of us individually, as well as the Church, globally. Examining the Bible’s timeline and prophecies, we’re in for some incredible events ahead!