Yesterday was Pentecost and Pastor Mary shared Luke’s account from Acts 2 of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit which was the fulfillment of Jesus’s promise to empower and equip His disciples for ministry. Pastor Mary reminded us about Peter’s sermon, which was the first Christian sermon ever preached on that Pentecost day. In verses 17-21 of Acts 2, we see a direct connection with our passage today from the Old Testament prophet Joel. As Pastor Mary mentioned, Peter quoted what Joel had said as he knew it from the Torah. Keep in mind there was approximately 790 years between Joel 2 and Acts 2, as Joel wrote his book around 820 BC and the events that Luke wrote about in Acts 2 most likely took place around 60 AD. Nevertheless, Peter preached about what the servants of the Lord had just experienced, and it was exactly what Joel had prophesied. Peter’s sermon serves as a reminder to us that the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives should directly connect with the work of the Word in our lives, and as Pastor Mary said yesterday, it’s a oneness that we have with Jesus.

Friends, the same Holy Spirit that the believers in Acts received, is the same Holy Spirit that you and I received when we welcomed Jesus into our hearts, through salvation, so He could change our lives for all eternity. By this commitment, the Holy Spirit desperately wants to guide our daily lives to grow in our relationship with Jesus, and to become more powerful within us so that He can use us to grow God’s Kingdom. It is by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit that you and I are guided in the ways of God, rather than by the ways of this world, and the choice of this oneness is up to each one of us.

As you read today’s passage, keep in mind that many theologians believe that Peter’s use of this prophecy, in Acts 2, was to point to a portion of fulfillment, but also as a sign that the last days have begun and that we need to be prepared for Jesus’s return. Frist, we must rejoice that the Holy Spirit of the living God resides in us. Next, we must allow the Holy Spirit room to move in and through us as we are one with Him and one with His Word (so be in His Word every single day). Finally, we must repent, turn from our sins, and live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. God is restoring you and me all of the time, and we want to be ready for the Day of the Lord.  

Joel 2:28-32 (NLT)

The Lord’s Promise of His Spirit

²⁸ “Then, after doing all those things,

    I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy.

    Your old men will dream dreams,

    and your young men will see visions.

²⁹ In those days I will pour out my Spirit

    even on servants—men and women alike.

³⁰ And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth—

    blood and fire and columns of smoke.

³¹ The sun will become dark,

    and the moon will turn blood red

    before that great and terrible^[f] day of the Lord arrives.

³² But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord

    will be saved,

for some on Mount Zion in Jerusalem will escape,

    just as the Lord has said.

These will be among the survivors

    whom the Lord has called.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for connecting Your Word for us. Holy Spirit, we need Your guidance all of the time. Help us to be quick to repent, to be in Your Word each and every day, and to share Jesus’s message of eternal love through salvation with others. We want our hearts to be prepared for Your return. We ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Farming is used allegorically many times in Scripture to illustrate God’s care for his creation and human stewardship of that creation entrusted to them.  For example, God is the faithful Farmer and Father who plants and cultivates human beings; forming them from the dust of the earth and creating sons and daughters.  Jesus uses parables of farming to represent the Kingdom of God and producing crops of righteousness in human beings. The Holy Spirit sows righteousness into his sons and daughters and produces fruit that can be harvested to feed others.  

Spiritual farming is evident throughout many biblical lessons, because the hearts of believers are constantly being cultivated to bring forth new faith which weeds out sin in order to produce better lives.  In many parables, Jesus uses the concept of spiritual farming to help us gain understanding from difficult topics—some times things we simply don’t want to hear. Therefore, we must dig deeper into the fertile ground of God’s love. Many times, Jesus followed his parables with the statement, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand” (Mat 13:9).

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul reminds the believers in Galatia they must keep planting by the Spirit, even though it is very hard work, because the goal is to bring a spiritual harvest—a spiritual reward.  Burnout is real and we must be careful not to lose heart; we need to stay the course to receive the harvest God has for us.  Spiritual leaders need believers with the gift of encouragement to surround them, because spiritual formation, cultivation, and production involves a struggle against the flesh, a sinful culture, and the powers of darkness. Despite the struggle, let’s keep moving toward the spiritual harvest!  To God be the Glory for the goodness he cultivates and shares through his children!

Galatians 6:7-10 NLT

7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Prayer:  Lord, sometimes it is very difficult to press on in faith when we cannot see the results of the Word working in our hearts.  Only you can see the proof of our salvation. So, give us the love, energy, vision, leadership, and hearts to serve where we can and trust the Spirit to produce the fruit of righteousness in all your sons and daughters for your glory.  When we feel faint, help us to gather, receive, and be refreshed in the Spirit who encourages us to press on to your high call of living in Christ. We put up our shield of faith and take authority and dominion over everything that seeks to defeat us.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Although many times in relationships opposites may initially attract, research reveals couples are much more stable when they share similar values, goals, and interests.  Without the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, human beings are selfish and self-centered—in time we will position ourselves against what is an irritating difference [opposes us] and demand our own way.  In an act of self-preservation, human beings remove the irritant thinking we will enjoy peace again.  Yet, there is no lasting peace a part from God.

In our passage today, let’s take this understanding of two opposites and bring it into a spiritual application.  In his letter to the Galatian believers, the Apostle Paul reiterates the ongoing war of opposites—human flesh and the Spirit.  Before receiving Jesus and his indwelling Spirit, people lived for the world which stroked human flesh.  The world sets before us a table of rotten fruit disguised as “tasty morsels.”  When believers eat from the world’s table, all of a sudden, life is filled with contentious issues because the Spirit is fighting our flesh.  The war is on…repentance for failing to love God wholeheartedly and turning toward him is the only answer.

Paul reminds the early Church of the Truth—believers have been given freedom in the Spirit—a huge responsibility.   How we exercise control of the freedom we are given, is based on our level of mature love for God and others.  The fruit of the Spirit is a table set before believers; available but must be chosen.

Jesus tells us we have to die to ourselves; pick up our cross and follow him (Mat 16:24-26).  This is the cost of discipleship.  So, the “Irritant” we may perceive as other people or dogmatic religious rules we reject, may actually be the Spirit of Christ trying to save us from Satan’s destructive schemes.  If we live by the Spirit’s power, we have chosen to honor the Law of God [recognizing sin] AND Grace [freedom to choose righteousness].

Galatians 5:16-25 NLT  Living by the Spirit’s Power

16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.

19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

Prayer:  Father, we call for the work of the Spirit in our lives, today.  Help us practice this word knowing we cannot live for our flesh and you at the same time. Without the Spirit, we cannot grow in the holiness you require because you are holy.  We need the help of the Spirit to live in the freedom Jesus died to bring us.  Our greatest desire must be for you—to love you and serve others.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Ezekiel was a prophet in Israel during the first half of the 6th century BCE.  This period coincided with the exile of the Israelites in Babylon.  The name Ezekiel translates, “God strengthens.”  His name was a beautiful promise, because Ezekiel was given a very challenging and dangerous assignment. God instructed him to proclaim a life or death warning to the people of Israel from their God; a warning God knew the people would reject.  Ezekiel was a person of integrity and compassion who would carry a great responsibility for the people.

Ezekiel would be called a Watchman—a prophet who walked the walls of the city and warned the people of spiritual dangers and to proclaim God’s message.  God wanted his people to flourish, but they were rebellious and stagnant in their spiritual growth. God put obstacles in their way, so people would pause to consider His judgment; yet they had no fear of the Lord.

Preceding our passage today, Ezekiel found himself angry at the attitudes and sins of the people.  Before Ezekiel, the people would not listen to Jeremiah; now they will not listen to Ezekiel.  But, Ezekiel obeys God and does what he is asked to do, anyway.  He mourns the spiritually dead for seven days and he mourns those who will physically lose their lives, but he receives God’s strength to proclaim a warning for the people to repent and turn to God.  That is his responsibility.  That remains our responsibility, as well.

Ezekiel 3:12-21 NLT

12 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard a loud rumbling sound behind me. (May the glory of the Lord be praised in his place!) 13 It was the sound of the wings of the living beings as they brushed against each other and the rumbling of their wheels beneath them.

14 The Spirit lifted me up and took me away. I went in bitterness and turmoil, but the Lord’s hold on me was strong. 15 Then I came to the colony of Judean exiles in Tel-abib, beside the Kebar River. I was overwhelmed and sat among them for seven days.

A Watchman for Israel

16 After seven days the Lord gave me a message. He said, 17 “Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately. 18 If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. 19 If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me.

20 “If righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and ignore the obstacles I put in their way [put them in a hard place], they will die. And if you do not warn them, they will die in their sins. None of their righteous acts will be remembered, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. 21 But if you warn righteous people not to sin and they listen to you and do not sin, they will live, and you will have saved yourself, too.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the challenging obstacles we may face, because we know they help us stay the course with you.  Without your strength and the work of the Holy Spirit, we would never be able to influence people or win souls for the Kingdom.  Fill us with compassion and call us to share the amazing work of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

For the past six weeks, we have been studying the Gospel according to Matthew in our LIFE Lessons Bible Study time.  Matthew reminds us both John the Baptist and Jesus preached the need for repentance of sin [unbelief] and turning our allegiance from the world and self to God and his love [worship]. Forming a relationship with the Holy One, requires that we desire to share in His holiness. 

The Gospel is not about adding Jesus and his forgiveness to the practice of a sinful lifestyle—it is about a complete change in the human mindset which brings a change in human behavior and actions. Jesus shines the Light [opens our spiritual eyes] and makes us look at the Truth of our sin against God and our neighbors—He makes us take responsibility for our lives.  Living in the change Jesus brings is the evidence or proof of our salvation.

In our passage from the Book of Acts, today, the Apostle Paul testifies to Festus [Roman governor] and Agrippa [king of Judea] about His encounter with Jesus Messiah on the Damascus Road.  He continues the repentance narrative of Jesus for salvation; one must receive Christ’s divine transforming work to human perspectives, priorities, and practice. Human lives must be touched and renewed by the pure Love and Life of God. 

When he is finished testifying, the Apostle Paul calls for a decision, because he knows it is his responsibility to share the Truth.  It appears these leaders push the Truth aside; at least for the present time.  Believers continue to testify to the Truth of repentance and transformation, because God wants Jews and Gentiles [everyone else] to receive the work of Christ on the cross to bring spiritual life from above.

Acts 26:19-29 NLT

19 “And so, King Agrippa, I obeyed that vision from heaven. 20 I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do. 21 Some Jews arrested me in the Temple for preaching this, and they tried to kill me. 22 But God has protected me right up to this present time so I can testify to everyone, from the least to the greatest. I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Messiah would suffer and be the first to rise from the dead, and in this way announce God’s light to Jews and Gentiles alike.”

24 Suddenly, Festus shouted, “Paul, you are insane. Too much study has made you crazy!”

25 But Paul replied, “I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. What I am saying is the sober truth. 26 And King Agrippa knows about these things. I speak boldly, for I am sure these events are all familiar to him, for they were not done in a corner! 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do—”

28 Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”

29 Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.”

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the work of the Spirit to make us bold in our witness and open to the transformation you desire to bring each life.   Your love not only finds us in our lostness, but heals and transforms us in our foundness.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

During yesterday’s sermon, Pastor Mary provided us with some Biblical context about what was transpiring in Acts 16 where we see that the Apostle Paul is out ministering with Silas and they come across a demon possessed slave girl; and Paul says to the demon, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her” (v.18) and the demon instantly left the slave girl. This did not go over very well with the girl’s owner who demanded that the missionaries be arrested. Since the magistrates (officers or judges of the religious law) did not like troublemakers, they had Paul and Silas beaten and put in jail. Around midnight, Paul and Silas began to pray and sing in jail. God responded by shaking the prison with an earthquake that opened the doors and freed the prisoners. (v.25-26) As Pastor Mary reminded us, not one prisoner left, but the jailer didn’t know that and so as he was about to commit suicide because of the mess at the jail, Paul stopped him and led him to Christ. The jailer took Paul and Silas home with him for a meal, and there he cared for their wounds from the beating. The men baptized the jailer’s entire household, and they all believed in Christ (v.31-34).

That brings us to the next morning which is found within today’s passage. The city officials sent word to the jailer to let Paul and Silas go. However, Paul was not willing to sneak out of town because he did not want the new Church to be left under a cloud of suspicion. He told them that he was a Roman citizen, and he demanded a public apology for their unlawful acts. According to Roman law, Roman citizens, as both Paul and Silas were, could not be beaten and put in prison without a fair trial. We don’t know why Paul waited until this moment to mention this fact, but God certainly knew, and He used it for good.

The magistrates respectfully came to Paul and Silas, and although they did not offer a public apology, they did escort them out of prison and politely asked them to leave town. This satisfied Paul, as he was not looking for revenge, rather he wanted protection and respect for the for Church, the believers of Christ that would be left in that town.

What Paul did took Biblical and spiritual strength, power, and integrity. Paul did not campaign for societal change in an unbelieving world. Rather, he allowed the Holy Spirit to provide him with spiritual strength, power by His wisdom and guidance, and Biblical integrity to change the hearts of the people that Jesus brought within his path. Notice that not “all” of the people’s hearts were changed (like the magistrates), and Paul and Silas knew that would be the case, so rather than organize a public demonstration to prove their point, they quietly left town. You and I have the opportunity today to share the Good News about the saving love of Jesus Christ. We must not focus on all of the darkness of this world because the enemy is busy and not everyone will except the message of love that Jesus wants to offer through us. So, we need to be focused on how we are going to allow the Lord to work in and through us, by His strength, power, and integrity, to change one heart at a time, and not be shaken when some do not respond, rather pray for those hearts, and rejoice for the ones that will be forever changed. Never underestimate where, when, and with whom God will use you.

Acts 16:35-40 NLT

35 The next morning the city officials sent the police to tell the jailer, “Let those men go!” 36 So the jailer told Paul, “The city officials have said you and Silas are free to leave. Go in peace.”

37 But Paul replied, “They have publicly beaten us without a trial and put us in prison—and we are Roman citizens. So now they want us to leave secretly? Certainly not! Let them come themselves to release us!”

38 When the police reported this, the city officials were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. 39 So they came to the jail and apologized to them. Then they brought them out and begged them to leave the city. 40 When Paul and Silas left the prison, they returned to the home of Lydia. There they met with the believers and encouraged them once more. Then they left town.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for saving each one of us. We want to be willing vessels for You to move in and through so that more hearts can be saved. Holy Spirit, we need Your strength, Your power, and Your integrity as we walk out today, again tomorrow, and every single day that follows. Use us today to help hearts see Your love, Jesus. We ask all of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.

Loving the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, and minds is the greatest commandment (Ex 20:1; Mat 22:37).  It was the greatest in the beginning when it was given to Moses and it will be the greatest commandment at the end of earth’s time.  Human beings were created to be worshipers—those who honor, respect, and obediently demonstrate love for God.  We must never lose track of the fact that worship is a lifestyle of Oneness with the triune God [Father, Son, Holy Spirit].  We worship God and Jesus is Lord—the One who possesses authority, ultimate power, and control over ALL creation (Ro 10:9; Phil 2:11; 1 Cor 12:3).

In our passage today, we find ourselves at the end of God’s Word and the lesson is about worship—John is instructed by the angels to worship the Lord. The early church was being persecuted, so the Apostle John is given a vision to help the people stay the course and not fall away from their worship of God.  Nothing this world has to offer deserves our worship.  Only the Lord God is trustworthy and true; everything else is sinking sand or fleeting.  So our hope must be built on the Lord. The Truth will always bring us security.

Jesus wants us to be prepared and, as the Living Word of God, he has been made Wisdom for us.  We must heed what the Lord has already spoken.  We must willingly put into practice the holy living that pleases the Father. 

Revelation 22:6-9 NLT   

6 Then the angel said to me, “Everything you have heard and seen is trustworthy and true. The Lord God, who inspires his prophets, has sent his angel to tell his servants what will happen soon [suddenly].”

Jesus Is Coming

7 “Look, I am coming soon [suddenly]! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.”

8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. 9 But he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!”

Prayer:  Father, so many amazing prophecies have been fulfilled and come to past, but the best is yet to come—the return of the Lord for his Church.  Help us to remain steadfast and faithful as we worship and serve you each day.  Prepare our hearts for the  days ahead and keep us ready for your sudden appearance.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Although it is seldom used in our present culture, repentance is a word Jesus uses at least 19 times in Scripture.  For example, in the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “…I did not come to call the righteous [those conforming to God’s standard/will], but sinners to repentance” (9:13b).  God is love and repentance allows us to draw closer to Him.

Repentance in Hebrew isteshuvah, pronounced teh-SHOO-vah which means “to return.”  We may like to think of repentance as simply, “I’m sorry, God,” but it is much more than an apology for one’s thoughts or actions; it is a decision to embrace an entire change of direction. Our human nature must decrease, so the God-life can increase.  

In our relationship with God, we are either moving closer to God through our love walk or we are not.  Love is more than a feeling; love is a choice!  We can choose to love God and his righteous standard, the world’s unrighteous standard, or our own selfish standard.  We must choose Jesus who is God’s righteous standard of Love.  When we venture off God’s path of Love, we must repent and reroute.

In our passage today, Jesus reminds his disciples he is the fulfillment of God’s standard.  He helps the disciples understand the reality of his being and the plans God has to express his love for an unrighteous humanity.  So, Jesus offers forgiveness of sin and an invitation to repentance.  To help us, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to empower us.  Jesus then ascends to heaven, because his work to bring redemption is complete.  Jesus came to earth as a servant, but he ascends as Lord and Ruler.  If we choose Jesus and invite him to be Lord, the Spirit helps us listen, understand, serve, and draw closer to God each day. 

Today is celebrated as ascension day or Holy Thursday—40 days following the resurrection of Jesus—and his return to heaven back into the divine glory of the Father.  In the power of the Spirit, we [human beings] are left with the choice to worship the Lord as we learn to live in his holy Love.  To choose otherwise leaves us separated from God—a state of spiritual death.

Luke 24:44-53 NLT

44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations,[all people] beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.

49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

The Ascension

50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. 53 And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for this lesson on your ascension back to heaven and the promise you have made to glorify those who choose to connect to the love of Christ.  You are our eternal life-link, Lord, and we are so grateful.  Help us to trust in the work of the Spirit to lead us closer to you each day.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

John and I were married nine years before we had our sons and started our parenting journey; so, we were very excited when our baby boys were born.  As I held first one and then three years later the other, I looked at them and wondered what their future would be like and what God had planned for them.  Although it was a mystery for many years, God was faithful to open the right doors at the right time and equip them for the work he had planned for them.  It has been wonderful to watch God’s hand upon their lives.  We can trust God’s Word to bring goodness.

In our passage today, Joseph and Mary have no idea what God has planned for His Son.  Oh, this couple knows the baby is a miracle, but how this child will grow, develop, and serve God is a mystery to them. Their journey requires tremendous faith and trust in God’s promises.  

Joseph and Mary take the child to Jerusalem for a dedication service. When the prophecy of Simeon is spoken, this beautiful couple stand in amazement.  Simeon knows Jesus is God’s gift, the world’s Messiah, and he will reveal God to the world.  The Way to Peace with God has come.  

While the family is at the Temple, the prophet Anna beholds the Son of God who has been sent to rescue; she is filled with praise, and joins in the dedication celebration. Believers know Jesus is God’s Gift for salvation, too, so we join in the celebration and pray for unbelieving souls to one day see the Light!

Luke 2:25-38 NLT  The Prophecy of Simeon

25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

29 

“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
    as you have promised.

30 

I have seen your salvation [Gift],

31 

    which you have prepared for all people [Messiah].

32 

He is a light to reveal God to the nations, [revelation]
    and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

The Prophecy of Anna

36 Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. 37 Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. 38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for this beautiful testimony of how Simeon and Anna were waiting for their promised Messiah and the joy and peace that filled their souls at his revelation.  As believers, our hearts should be filled with peace and overflow with joy because of all the Son has provided for the rescue of our souls.  Now, we wait eagerly, Lord, for you to return and gather your spiritual family.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

I have experienced the opportunity to learn so many great lessons these past five years.  I’m talking about truly overwhelming and unsettling lessons that have invited me into a much deeper place of trust with God. I know I have gain many victories for which I praise the Lord, but more ways to go deeper with Him are yet to come for every child made in the image of God.  Messiah will return [second coming] for his disciples—the glorious Bride/Church—those willing to learn, apply, and produce the fruit of His holy presence. 

God’s holiness places a demand on his children to step up into his strength and power.  As God’s children, growth comes by trusting the Lord to save us through the struggle.  Israel means, “One who wrestles with God!”

Each lesson God has brought to me, reminds me of our faithful Lord who always provides a Way.  He is present with us, because he is faithful and holy in his Promise to shepherd and guide us as we cast each mountain into the sea! (Mk 11:23). A mountain is often interpreted as a metaphor for overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles through faith and unwavering belief in God’s power to save.  

In our passage from the psalter today, we are reminded about the holiness of our Majestic Lord! Human or unholy means and efforts, will never bring us into the holy presence of God. The Lord said to Moses, “…You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” [Lev. 19:2].

Psalm 93 NLT

1 

The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty.
    Indeed, the Lord is robed [clothed] in majesty and armed with strength.
The world stands firm [is established by God]
    and cannot be shaken.

2 

Your throne [kingdom], O Lord, has stood from time immemorial.
    You yourself are from the everlasting past.

3 

The floods have risen up, O Lord.
    The floods [currents] have roared like thunder;
    the floods [currents] have lifted their pounding waves [representing chaos].

4 

But mightier than the violent raging of the seas,
    mightier than the breakers on the shore—
    the Lord above is mightier than these! [more powerful; God controls the chaos]

5 

Your royal laws [testimonies] cannot be changed.
    Your reign [house], O Lord, is holy forever and ever.

Prayer:  Lord, your strength and power is a challenge for us to understand.  We confess we wrestle with your ways of making us your holy people.  But, you are faithful to find the Ways that empower us to make righteous decisions and to follow your Word.  Thank you, Lord, for loving us the Way you do.  You make us more than conquerors.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.