Pastor Mary Haley

James 1:2-8 Faith and Wisdom

2 My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! 3 For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. 4 And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.

5 And if anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and he will give it! He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace [offering an open hand to you]. 6 Just make sure you ask empowered by confident faith without doubting that you will receive. For the ambivalent person believes one minute and doubts the next. Being undecided makes you become like the rough seas driven and tossed by the wind. You’re up one minute and tossed down the next. 7–8 When you are half-hearted and wavering it leaves you unstable [disconnected]. Can you really expect to receive anything from the Lord when you’re in that condition?

Life is always serving up growth challenges for our souls—mind, will, emotions. It would be easy to conclude these challenges are only the works of Satan who attacks Christ’s followers. Yet, Jesus told his disciple Peter, “My dear friend, listen to what I’m about to tell you. Satan has obtained permission to come and sift you all (disciples) like wheat and test your faith” (Luke 22:31). Therefore, what if the Father actually allows Satan to throw these challenges at us in order to get a greater measure of power (the Anointed Son) to us? It is our shield of faith that quenches the fiery darts, right? When we use our faith in God’s promises while we face life’s challenges and invite the Lord of Heaven’s Armies to fight them with us, we triumph over them all, for God has made us to be more than conquerors in Christ (Romans 8:37). “If God has determined to stand with us, tell me, who then could ever stand against us?” (Romans 8:31). We must stop trying to fight the battles with faith turned toward ourselves.

In our passage today, James reminds us it is our “faith” that is being tested through these challenges. The wisdom of God is always going to be necessary to lead us through the challenges; the Lord must be the cloud of smoke that hinders the enemy while being the pillar of fire that burns the righteous path before us. Only then can we know the way to go and experience the victory of our faith. If you are going through great challenges to your faith right now, press into the Lord and ask for the wisdom of Christ to be imparted to your soul. Ask for the Lord to hinder the enemy, reveal the righteous direction he has laid out before you, and use your faith and trust in his goodness to follow. “Every child of God overcomes the world, for our [persistent] faith [trust in the Son] is the victorious power that triumphs over the world” (1 John 5:4). Go overcome the world today with your faith in Christ!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being my wisdom each day. Thank you for being my Way in the dark wilderness of this world. Thank you for standing between me and the enemy of my soul. I choose to stand with you, because you are always victorious. You love me along the way. No weapon the enemy turns against me shall prosper, because this is my blessing in life and inheritance from you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

John 15:4-20 (TPT)
Jesus the Living Vine
4 “You show that you are my intimate friends when you obey [habitually] all that I command you. 15 I have never called you ‘servants,’ because a master doesn’t confide in his servants, and servants don’t always understand what the master is doing. But I call you my most intimate and cherished friends, [cared for from the womb] for I reveal to you everything that I’ve heard from my Father. 16 You didn’t choose me, but I’ve chosen [invited] and commissioned you to go into the world [in ministry] to bear fruit. And your fruit will last, because whatever you ask of my Father, for my sake, [in my name] he will give it to you! 17 So this is my parting command: Love one another deeply!”

True Disciples Can Expect Persecution
18 “Just remember, when the unbelieving world hates you, they first hated me. 19 If you were to give your allegiance to the world, they would love and welcome you as one of their own. But because you won’t align yourself with the values of this world, they will hate you. I have chosen you and taken you out of the world to be mine. 20 So remember what I taught you, that a servant isn’t superior to his master [redeemer]. And since they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. And if they obey my teachings, they will also obey yours.

In our passage today, Jesus shares with his disciples the blessing of habitually obeying Christ’s commands. This involves a choice for the disciples; a choice to abide (dwell and align with Christ). We, too, are invited into a very powerful connection in Christ and as we follow him and begin to bear the fruit of righteousness we set ourselves up in the favor of God. Yet, let’s keep reading our passage, because when we choose to accept Christ’s invitation and commission, we must understand that persecution is always attracted to the anointing. For this reason, we must stand strong in the power of Christ and fight off every evil spirit that will try to come and rob the effective and miraculous work of our King. Truth wrapped in love and bathed in prayer is Christ’s choice of weapon for his disciples.

As Kingdom citizens, we do not nor will we ever fit into this world’s systems. If we feel like we belong here, I am concerned we have not allowed the Kingdom to be birthed within us. True disciples choose to abide and align with Christ. To have Christ possess us is to choose His way of making us right: imparting righteous, peace, and joy in the Spirit (Ro 14:17). The world is not interested in you if you make righteous fruit your goal. The Kingdom and the world are spiritual opposites. The Kingdom is built upon the foundation of Christ’s redeeming life and offers freedom, self-control, and sacrificial love for the King and one another. Kingdom people use all their energies working to get along with one another. The world’s system is built upon dark and oppressive control, unquenchable greed, and poisonous self-love. There is a spiritual war going on for our country and the world to return to God. The sons and daughters of God understand that battle, possess the needed grace and anointing, and stand in love, righteousness, and prayer to reveal the work of the Kingdom in the midst of darkness. Choose to stand there and see the salvation of the Lord operating in your life.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for choosing me and all my brothers and sisters to be the bearers of your presence in the world. Help me to bear the fruit of righteousness each day and pray for opportunities to shine the Light of Truth into the darkness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 119:97-104 I Love the Word of God
97 
O how I love and treasure your law [Word];
    throughout the day I fill my heart with its light!
98 
By considering your commands I have an edge over my enemies,
    for I take seriously everything you say.
99 
You have given me more understanding than those who teach me,
    for I’ve absorbed your eye-opening revelation.
100 
You have graced me with more insight than the old sages
    because I have not failed to walk in the light of your ways.
101 
I refused to bend my morals when temptation was before me
    so that I could become obedient to your Word.
102 
I refuse to turn away from difficult truths,
    for you yourself have taught me to love your words.
103 
How sweet are your living promises to me;
    sweeter than honey is your revelation-light.
104 
For your truth is the source of my understanding,
    not the falsehoods of those who don’t know you, which I despise.

In our passage today from King David, we cannot help but notice the intense love David has for the law of the Lord—the Word of God. It’s like David just cannot get enough of it. What prompts David’s intense hunger for God’s Word? I believe the answer is practical experience. The more he learns about God’s heart from the Word and the more he puts obedience to God’s will into practice he gains more love and wisdom which he notices gives him an “edge over” his enemies. So ponder this with me: If we really knew consuming and applying God’s Word to our lives would cause us to have power and victory over the evil that seeks to destroy us, wouldn’t we actually be foolish not to bring an appetite for His holiness?

We have spiritual enemies that are working all the time to diminish our devotion to God’s Word. The enemy works hard at getting us to quit, because he knows if we are passionate about God and determined to apply his Word to our hearts we will be infinitely more powerful because we will actually have the authority of God with us. Don’t let the difficult truths from the Word stop you; we are to live by every Word that flows from the mouth of God (Mat 4:4). Bow before every Word and know God is constantly working to get a greater measure of truth and understanding to you. God’s promises are sweet and they are given as a gift to lead us into genuine life. No one can take in God’s Word for you; you must eat the Truth yourself and be willing to live it out each day in your unique personality.

Prayer: Lord, your grace wraps around me and your love consumes me as I eat from the Truth of your Word each day. I am a human being on a spiritual journey and I must listen to your Word and take it in so that I may have the spiritual life with you I desire. The very words you have spoken are spirit and life. Today, Father, I pray for your sons and daughters around the world, but especially for those in Afghanistan. Many of them are surrounded by arrogant spiritual enemies bent on destruction. However, I pray power, courage, and endurance over these sweet Christians. I pray that all of your children will continually eat from your Tree of Life—your Word—and grow stronger and more determined each day to live for your glory. In your hand, we are protected and by your grace we are equipped to win every battle against evil on behalf of your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 11 (NLT)
For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1 I trust in the Lord for protection.
So why do you say to me,
“Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!
2 The wicked are stringing their bows
and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings.
They shoot from the shadows
at those whose hearts are right.
3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed.
What can the righteous do?”

4 But the Lord is in his holy Temple;
the Lord still rules from heaven.
He watches everyone closely,
examining every person on earth.
5 The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked.
He hates those who love violence.
6 He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked,
punishing them with scorching winds.
7 For the righteous Lord loves justice.
The virtuous will see his face.

In Psalm 11, David finds himself in trouble. Many believe that David wrote this Psalm either while his life was being threatened by King Saul (Psalm 18), or it was his reaction to the rebellion of his son, Absalom (Psalm 3). Regardless, David trusted the Lord, as he believed in the Lord’s righteousness and fairness.

We ALL face troubles, and we are witnessing so many troubling situations within our world at this very moment. During troubling times, we have a choice, do we trust God and allow Him to use those times to develop us, or do we allow the circumstances of what we are going through to turn us to seek the care of this world? There are many worldly vices that seek to “take care” of us during troubling times: drugs, alcohol, overeating, not eating enough, lack of sleep, smoking, over-spending, gossiping, arguing, laziness, lying, cheating, gambling, social media/gaming/app addictions, pornography, skipping out on time with the Lord, and the list goes on and on. We know when our actions, thoughts, and words are not one with Christ.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that because of Christ, ”We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” (Romans 5:3-5)

So, cling to Jesus every day, and DO NOT let go during the difficult times. We were reminded during yesterday’s time of worship to pray, pray, and just when you think you’ve prayed too much, pray again, because we ALL need the work of the Holy Spirit operating through us and around us ALL the time. Let go of worrying about what is unfair, unjust, and downright wrong within our world. Instead replace your worry with prayer, and trust in our righteous and fair Lord to take care of everything: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)

Prayer: Jesus, I love You and I cannot thank You enough for your protection within my life. Thank You for allowing my heart to grieve during difficult times and holding me as I go through each step. I trust that You are aware of everything that has, is, and will go on within our broken world. I join my brother, David, in asking that You please watch everyone closely here on earth, and I believe that You know each heart. Hold Your children close to You, Lord, and allow others who do not know You to see You through Your children. Allow my light for You to shine brightly and keep me filled with so much joy that it is overflowing. I ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Written By: Jen Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant

Romans 13:11-14 (TPT) Living in the Light
11 To live like this is all the more urgent, for time is running out and you know it is a strategic hour in human history. It is time for us to wake up! For our full salvation [wholeness] is nearer now than when we first believed.

12 Night’s darkness is dissolving away as a new day of destiny dawns [revealed by those in Christ]. So we must once and for all strip away what is done in the shadows of darkness, removing it like filthy clothes. And once and for all we clothe ourselves with the radiance of light as our weapon. 13 We must live honorably [walking with our Designer], surrounded by the light of this new day, not in the darkness of drunkenness [worldly intoxication] and debauchery [false gods] not in promiscuity and sensuality [loose conduct], not being argumentative or jealous of others.

14 Instead fully immerse yourselves into [clothed with] the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, and don’t waste even a moment’s thought on your former identity to awaken its selfish desires.

As you observe the things going on in the world, do you have the overwhelming feeling like darkness is increasing and time is running out? If so, my friends, this is our finest hour to live in Christ’s anointing—to walk in alignment with Christ’s teachings, as well as using our gifts with divine power. Jesus will come when the depravity and cruelty of humanity rises before God’s nostrils and he says, “ENOUGH!” The world needs the Light—Jesus—and people will become more aware of it as darkness increases.

Jesus told the crowds, “I am light to the world, and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk [be driven or pushed] in darkness.” Then, he turns to his disciples who are following him and says, “And you, beloved, are the light of the world…You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it” (Mat. 5:14-15).

In our passage today, Paul essentially tells the Roman church to be people of the morning. In the midst of the darkness, the sun rises. If time is actually running out, my friends, it simply means Christ is coming for his Bride—to collect all the Light-bearers in one powerful and miraculous move. May we illumine creation for the glory of our Father. May others never doubt our devotion to God, but be contagiously drawn toward salvation.

Prayer: Lord, as your children of Light, we notice the darkness of sin increasing in your world. Yet, we are not afraid, because your Word promises as the darkness of sin increases your graces rises above it. Therefore, our response to the darkness is to immerse ourselves in Christ and shine the Light everywhere we go. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (TPT) God’s Times and Seasons
1Now, beloved brothers and sisters, concerning the question of God’s precise times and specific seasons [epoch periods of time], you don’t need me to write anything to you. 2 For you already know quite well that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly and as a complete surprise. 3 For while some are saying, “Finally we have peace and security,” sudden destruction will arrive at their doorstep, like labor pains seizing a pregnant woman—and with no chance of escape!

4 But you, beloved brothers and sisters, are not living in the dark, allowing that day to creep up on you like a thief coming to steal. 5 For you are all children of the light and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night nor to darkness. 6 This is why we must not fall asleep, as the rest do, but keep wide awake and clearheaded. 7 For those who are asleep sleep the night away, and drunkards get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, we must stay alert and clearheaded by placing the breastplate of faith and love over our hearts, and a helmet of the hope of salvation over our thoughts.[believers are on the battlefield for faithfulness and love each day] 9 For God has not destined us for wrath but to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. 10 He gave his life for us so that we may share in resurrection life in union with him—whether we’re awake [living] or asleep [have faced physical death in Christ]. 11 Because of this, encourage the hearts of your fellow believers and support one another, just as you have already been doing.

We all need to feel safe and secure; it is a basic human need. We need to feel secure physically, as well as mentally and emotionally. When we face uncertain times, our human inclination is to feel insecure and vulnerable. Let’s be honest, we all want to feel like we have control over our lives because then we feel more safe, right? When we feel safe we thrive and flourish, but when we face uncertainty we are using everything in our power to find or create a place where we do feel secure. There are no physical places that are always “safe.” Since we cannot control all things, we must attach ourselves in healthy and strong—Rock solid—relationships with believers who will stand with us, cover us with love, and reveal to us the genuine security found only in Christ.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul reminds the church at Thessalonica about facing times of uncertainty and insecurity. According to history, Thessalonica faced a prolonged siege during the Macedonian Wars and later became the capital of the Roman Province in Macedonia. In time, Thessalonica became a “free city” but in reality the Roman government controlled everything. During Paul’s second missionary journey, this city became one of the early centers for Christianity, but it remained a difficult place to live filled with uncertainties for believers. Paul reminds them not to fall for the false peace and security being offered by the Roman government.

The world’s idea of peace is very different from God’s shalom [peace]. In God’s peace, there is not only well being but there is wholeness of the human soul—forged by faith in connection with Christ. The world can only bring fleeting security, because human power and endeavors can never last long in a sinful world. Evil will always rob human-led efforts. But, believers are connected to the Rock who is all-powerful and never shifts in faithfulness or love. If we are standing with Christ, even in our weakness we are strong in the power of his might! (2 For 12:9). We can face any uncertainty knowing we are truly eternally safe in his strength. Remember, the Father destined us to possess salvation and live in resurrected power and life in Christ. Be encouraged; however, be informed. You will never be able to find lasting security in this sinful world’s systems. Wake up and remain standing on the Rock—the victorious Cornerstone of divine strength.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for revealing your unmatched strength through human weakness. Believers are containers of your grace and power and your strength is made perfect when we are too weak to deliver ourselves. This lesson reminds me of when the Israelites were being pursued by the Egyptians and found themselves at the edge of the Red Sea with no perceived escape. Your power and strength made a way then, and your power and strength will make a way for believers now. Be with every human being around the world and make a way for salvation and deliverance from evil. I praise you for your perfect power and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 36:5-7 (TPT)
5 
But you, O Lord, your mercy-seat love is limitless,
    reaching higher than the highest heavens.
    Your great faithfulness is infinite,
    stretching over the whole earth.
6 
Your righteousness is unmovable,
    just like the mighty mountains.
    Your judgments are as full of wisdom
    as the oceans are full of water.
    Your tender care and kindness leave no one forgotten,
    not a man or even a mouse.
7 
O God, how extravagant is your cherishing [covenant] love!
    All mankind can find a hiding place
    under the shadow of your wings.

In our passage today from the Psalter, David praises God for his covenant love; he asks the Lord to provide refuge from wickedness for the people who rest in the shadow of his wings. Like David, I am praying that prayer of safety for our military troops, as well as the people of Afghanistan. I am praying for the Wisdom of God (Christ) to lead and guide now. The collapse of the Afghan government has been swift and complete. I can only imagine the confusion and chaos experienced by the people as they try to make sense of life now. My heart is grieved by what I hear and see; a humanitarian crisis leaving women and children vulnerable under Taliban rule. When people want power they promise all kinds of things, my friends.

Yet, I am reminded that Jesus told us in the end times, “You will hear of wars and revolutions on every side, with more rumors of wars to come. Don’t panic or give in to your fears, for the breaking apart of the world’s systems is destined to happen. But it won’t yet be the end; it will still be unfolding. Nations [ethnic groups] will go to war against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms. And there will be terrible earthquakes, horrible epidemics, and famines in place after place. This is how the birth pains of the new age [Christ and his Bride ruling the nations] will begin! You [believers] can expect to be persecuted, even killed; for you will be hated by all the nations because of your love for me. Then many will stop following me and fall away [take offense], and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many lying prophets will arise, deceiving multitudes and leading them away from the path of truth. There will be such an increase of the sin of lawlessness that those whose hearts once burned with passion for God and others will grow cold. But hold your hope [endure] firmly to the end and you will experience life and deliverance. Yet through it all, the good news of heaven’s kingdom will be proclaimed all over the world, providing every nation with a demonstration of the reality of God. And after that the end of this age will arrive” (Mat 24:6-14).

Prayer: Father, we need your peace, because the world cannot provide it. Call your people to gather under the shadow of your protective wing. We pray for righteousness to rise up out of the ashes of wickedness permeating this world. We pray for your Spirit to lead, guide, and protect our courageous military troops. We pray for the people of Afghanistan to seek your face and call on you for salvation. Reveal the demonstration of your reality in every nation. Bring us the wisdom of Christ as we lead our lives, love our families, and serve you and your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 36:1-4 (TPT)
1
The rebellion of sin speaks as an oracle of God,
    speaking deeply to the conscience [to the core] of wicked men.
    Yet they are still eager to sin,
    for the fear of God is not before their eyes.
2 
See how they flatter themselves,
    unable to detect and detest their sins.
    They are crooked and conceited,
    convinced they can get away with anything.
3 
Their wicked words are nothing but lies.
    Wisdom is far from them.
    Goodness is both forgotten and forsaken.
4 
They lie awake at night to hatch their evil plots,
    always planning their schemes of darkness,
    and never once do they consider the evil of their ways.

The Bible uses the word “wicked” in a variety of ways. In the Old Testament, if a person is referred to as wicked, they are a “criminal” or a person “guilty of a crime” that is punishable by God; this person has made a departure from divine or moral law. In the New Testament, the word “wicked” means “depravity” or “to do evil with malice and a purpose.” Whether someone is wicked according to the Old or New Testaments, the meaning manifests the same effects: the person operating in wickedness stands guilty before God because it reveals the depravity of the human heart without God. Wickedness flows from within a person; it begins with a thought, then a deed, then a character, and finally a destiny.

As affirmed by our passage today, wickedness is the human condition apart from God. Even if people do not like the word, they cannot deny seeing the manifestation of wickedness in our world. We need Christ! Wickedness is sin and it causes people to rebel against God while exalting their own ideas and thoughts. There really is a spiritual battle going on for the thoughts of people right now. For this reason, the Lord gave us the Word and sent the Spirit so our minds could be renewed by the Truth. Paul urges believers, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Rom 12:2). How do we fight the wrong thoughts? Paul teaches, “We are taking prisoners of every thought, every emotion, and subduing them into obedience to the Anointed One.” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Prayer: Lord, may I capture every thought that tries to exalt itself above your Word, cast it down, and turn to obey the Truth instead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 101 (TPT) David’s Praise Song
1
Lord, I will sing about your faithful love for me.
    My song of praise will have your justice as its theme.
2 
I’m trying my best to walk in the way of integrity,
    especially in my own home.
    But I need your help!
    I’m wondering, Lord, when will you appear?
3 
I refuse to gaze on that which is vulgar.
    I despise works of evil people
    and anything that moves my heart away from you.
    I will not let evil hold me in its grip.
4 
Every perverse and crooked way I have put away from my heart,
    for I will have nothing to do with the deeds of darkness.[evil]
5 
I will silence those who secretly want to slander my friends,
    and I will not tolerate the proud and arrogant.
6 
My innermost circle [closest relationships] will only be those
    who I know are pure and godly.
    They will be the only ones I allow to minister to me.
7 
There’s no room in my home for hypocrites,
    for I can’t stand chronic liars who flatter and deceive.
8 
At each and every sunrise I will awake to do what’s right
    and put to silence those who love wickedness,
    freeing God’s people from their evil grip.
    I will do all of this because of my great love for you!

In our passage today, David sings a praise song about the love and justice of the Lord. He thanks God for helping him walk in integrity and righteousness and David commits to doing his part in honoring God’s will. He praises God for being his Source and Strength and he invites God to continue his work of character-building. As a source of help, David recognizes that God has surrounded him with people who also love godliness and encourage his faith. He is greatly blessed of the Lord. David praises God for the ability to turn from evil, as well as the power to send evil packing. Because David wants nothing to do with evil, he sets his focus on pleasing God by filling his mouth with words of love and praise for his Lord.

When we praise the Lord in word or song, like David, we are exalting God’s glorious light and faithfulness for us in a fallen world that is deceived by the darkness. We are lifting the righteous name of the Lord like a banner high above this dark and wicked natural realm while casting the focus upon the glorious reality of heaven to which we belong. Like David we must live by faith in what God has promised to be and do in our lives; God is our Source and Strength for life. We do not have the power to overcome evil in our flesh. We must use faith—a measure that has been gifted to us by God—and trust the Lord to hear our cries for help because he is always ready in our times of need (Ps. 46:1). “For we come to God in faith [believing] knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who passionately seek him (Heb 11:6). May we cling to the Lord who liberates us from evil. Then, out of gratitude, may we turn to free others from evil’s grip, as well.

Prayer: Lord, your Word is always teaching me and your leaders of biblical faith are a great blessing when I need help putting things into a heavenly perspective. Like David, with each sunrise, I will live in the righteous freedom you have provided, as well as help others by pulling them toward the truth of salvation and away from the grips of evil. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Romans 16:17-20 (TPT)
17 And now, dear brothers and sisters, I’d like to give one final word of caution: Watch out for those who cause divisions and offenses among you. When they antagonize you by speaking of things that are contrary to the teachings that you’ve received, don’t be caught in their snare! 18 For people like this are not truly serving the Lord, our Messiah, but are being driven by their own desires for a following [they are slaves to their bellies]. Utilizing their smooth words and well-rehearsed blessings, they seek to deceive the hearts of innocent ones.

19 I’m so happy when I think of you, because everyone knows the testimony of your deep commitment of faith. So I want you to become scholars of all that is good and beautiful, and stay pure and innocent [unmixed] when it comes to evil. 20 And the God of peace will swiftly pound Satan to a pulp [Gk: suntribo—to beat up someone to a jelly] under your feet! And the wonderful favor of our Lord Jesus will surround you.

In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul urges believers to hold fast to the doctrinal truth established and lived out by Christ—the Living Word of God. Living the gospel truth in unity [the state of being in agreement to glorify God] helps us remain diligent against the attacks of Satan who always schemes to divide the Church. When we reflect the truth with our lives and work to love one another in selfless ways, the grace [favor] of Christ wraps around us and God himself fights our battles with Satan. Talk about Good News! I am truly looking for God to pound Satan to a pulp and put him under the feet of believers in Jesus’ name!

When it comes to truth, love, and unity, people tend to think one is more important than the other. However, that is erroneous thinking. As important as unity is, if it is not built upon truth in the heart, the people will not see God; because, only the pure in heart see God (Matt 5:8). Likewise, if the truth of Christ is not shared through love, a person does not even know God because God is love (1 John 4:8). Paul encourages, “But instead we will remain strong and always sincere in our love as we express the truth” (Ephesians 4:15). This one sentence unites “we” the believers. When we reflect the truth and love of Christ, we are made whole and united in him. Glory!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this lesson on truth, love, and unity. Satan may try to divide your people, but we will hold fast to the Truth while loving each other and glorifying your name. Thank you for your favor and protection, Lord! In Jesus’ name. Amen.