PSALM NUGGET, OT LESSON, NT LESSON

PSALM NUGGET:

"Blessed is the person whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the roads to Zion!  Passing through the Valley of Weeping they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with blessings."  (Psalm 84:5, 6-- NASB)

OT LESSON:

"Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, 'Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty.  Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you....'"  

(2 Chronicles 14:11, a, b--NIV)

NT LESSON:

"Each one's work will become obvious.  For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one's work....Keeping God's commands is what matters."  (1 Corinthians 3:13 & 7:19b, CSB)

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

BLIND-SIDED

"My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."  (Psalm 73:26)

I got "blind-sided" today.  It happens from time to time, but you are never prepared for it.

Not a day has gone by in the last 53+ years that Stephen Paul has not been in my mind and in my heart.  From time to time, however, something happens which brings the tragic loss to a deeper pain, the memories, the precious life and little buddy gone from me.  Any number of things can trigger it.

This is not easy to write, but I can tell you of certainty that Jesus Christ is, and has always been, "....the strength of my heart and my portion forever."  Jesus is the reason, and the One in Whom I am still pressing on, overcoming, and on my way to glory.

Father, in Jesus' Name, again, "[You are] the strength of my heart and my portion forever."  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"....KEEP YOU BLAMELESS...."

"Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.  He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 1:7, 8--NIV)) 

Sometimes commenting on Scripture is like attempting to comment on the vastness and beauty of the Universe--- impossible.

But consider:  "....as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed....He will also keep you...blameless...."  That is the "keeping" power we all need and I know I long for.  And we know that only Jesus Christ can, "....keep [us]...blameless...."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for:

"Now to Him Who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the Only God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever.  Amen." (Jude 24, 25)

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"....JUST AS CHRIST ALSO...."

"Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God."  (Romans 15:7, NASB)

"....just as..," here is key.

If this is central in our walk in Jesus Christ, the world will notice.  This is like, "Just as I am without one plea, but that Thy Blood was shed for me."

Just as The Practice of the Presence of God, so I desire to practice, "....just as Christ also accepted [me]."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I have not always done this.  I so do want this.  Amen.  

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2