Category: Sunday rest 2024
Sunday rest: Hebrews 5-7
Dear Friends,
Greetings on another day of rest. This is the season of Advent. As we prepare our hearts, we are filled with joy anticipating the coming of Jesus Christ. This time He will come with the hosts of heaven and we who believe in Him will be caught up to meet Him in the air! So shall we ever be with the Lord!
Today’s reading to help us finish on time comes from Hebrews 5-7. Here are a few of my favorite scriptures from this section. I hope that they will speak to you of the character and love of Jesus Christ! May they inspire joy on this day of rest.
“No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. So Christ also did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to Him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” And He says in another place, ” You are a Priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5:4-6
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One Who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered and , once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him and was designated by God to be High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5:7-10
“God did this so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, Who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a High Priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:18-20
“Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:23-25
May the Lord bless your day of rest and reflection with great joy and peace through Jesus Christ! In His Love, Pastor John
Sunday Rest and reflection: The King Eternal!
Dear Friends,
Greetings on another day of rest! We need to begin a new week with God’s people in worship of our great King! We can rest in His love and celebrate His victory! It is a command of Scripture to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together for regular worship, prayer, and sharing of community. May your day be one of worship, rest and soul refreshing!
Today we must also continue reading if we are to finish our trek through the Bible. The passage for today is Paul’s letter to Timothy. Timothy is a young pastor, mentored by Paul, who was then pastoring the church at Ephesus. Paul wrote to him to encourage him and instruct him in basic pastoral leadership. Here are some of my favorite verses from our reading today.
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:15-17
” I urge then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:1-5
“Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body; was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” 1st Timothy 3:16
May the Lord bless you and keep you this day and each day this coming week!
In His Love, Pastor John
Sunday Rest: God’s Life-giving Word!
Dear Friends,
Greetings on this wonderful day of rest in Jesus Christ! Here are some great Scriptures to reflect on as we enjoy our time of rest today. It’s simply God’s breathed out Word carrying His Spirit and Life eternal!
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.” “Love does no harm to its neighbor. Love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:8,10
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.” Romans 14:17-18
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
“Now to Him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made know through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey Him–to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen!” Romans 16:25-27
In His Love, Pastor John
Sunday rest and reflection: Pentecost and power!
Dearly beloved friends,
Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ! Another week is beginning and God’s people gather in buildings, homes, and small groups to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord! We are so blessed to know Him and love Him! From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, Jesus is being praised around the earth in every country and culture.
However, many still do not know Him. Over half the earth’s 8 plus billion people still have not heard of Jesus Christ. Many are lost in false religions and are entering eternity under God’s wrath. His Church is charged with going and telling every one! To do this Jesus and His Father sent the church the Gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives in each one who is saved and has repented of sin. He wants to fill us with “living water” and power to share that “living water” with the lost of the world.
Many Pentecostals seem caught up with emotional experience of God and speaking in tongues and even the gifts of the Spirit. They go from meeting to meeting craving more of God’s presence and desiring to see miracles. This is all well and good, but misses the mark! God gave the Holy Spirit to equip us to be His witnesses to the lost world. Jesus commanded His disciples to go and He promises us that the signs and miracles will follow us as we are out doing the work of ministry and reaching the lost! We must leave the meeting empowered by the presence of the Holy Spirit to reach our lost friends and family.
Listening to God’s directing voice helps us know when to talk and when to be quiet and pray. We must pray in the power of the Holy Spirit for then we pray according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-28) We build ourselves up in our faith as we pray in the Spirit. (Jude 20) No one can come to Christ unless drawn by the Father so we desperately need the Spirit for evangelism. (John 8:44, 16:8-11) The Holy Spirit gives us boldness to speak and act in the face of persecution. God has empowered His Church!
As you attend church this Lord’s day, pray that the place where you meet will be shaken by God! Ask the Lord to fill you again with the Holy Spirit! Go into the week to fulfill God’s command to reach the lost!
In His Love, Pastor John
Sunday Rest: Jesus Lifted Up!
Dear Friends,
Greetings in the Wonderful Name of Jesus Christ! Welcome to another day of rest in His finished work of redemption! It is at the cross that we find our rest with God and can enter into relationship with Him. The cross of Christ draws our attention and draws us Him.
In John 3, Jesus had an encounter with a prominent teacher of the Jews, Nicodemus. He came to Jesus by night to ask Him some questions. Nicodemus recognized that Jesus was a teacher sent from God and noted the miracles that He had done. Jesus told Nicodemus that no one could see the kingdom of God unless they were born again! (John 3:3) Nicodemus had trouble grasping how this might take place. He was thinking about natural birth and growth when Jesus told him about the Spirit bringing the second birth. Nicodemus asked him how this could take place and Jesus answered him with one of the most famous verses in the Bible. “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:14-16
Jesus used an incident in the life of Moses where the people were dying from a plague of poisonous snakes. Moses had prayed and God showed him what to do. He was to make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole and lift it up in the center of the camp. Any Israelite who was bitten could look at the bronze serpent in faith, believing that God would heal him and receive that healing. (Numbers 21:1-8) Jesus presented Himself as the One Who would be lifted up and all who looked at Him and believed, would be saved from the universal bite of the ancient serpent, Satan.
God’s great love for us motivated Him to send His Son to be lifted up for us! Jesus, Who knew no sin, was made sin for us that we might be saved. All who would believe on Him would be born again by the Holy Spirit. They would receive the gift of God’s heavenly Breath or Wind! What amazing truth comes as we contemplate the lifting up of the Son of Man!
Now God has lifted Him to the highest place! He is risen from the dead and ascended into heaven! He is praying and interceding for us today! We who believe are seated with Him and will enjoy eternal life!
In His Love, Pastor John
Sunday rest and reflection: Crucified King
Dear friends and followers of Jesus Christ,
Greetings on this the Lord’s day! Jesus is risen! He is the King of all Kings and Lord of all Lords! He is the ‘First Fruits’ from the grave, having conquered death and hell! That great swallower of mankind choked on the King of Life and had to let Him go!
As I reflect back on the readings of this last week, I am again drawn to Mark’s account of the crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus had lived, taught, and performed many outstanding miracles among His own people. When He was arrested in the night by the temple police and brought before the Sanhedrin, the High Priest, Caiaphas, asked Jesus if He was the Christ. Jesus simply said, “I am”. (Mark 14:62a) Before Pilate, Jesus was asked if He was the king of the Jews and He replied, “Yes, it is as you say.” (Mark 15:2) Pilate asked the crowd, what shall I do with the “King of the Jews?” “Crucify Him!” was their reply! (Mark 15:12-13) The sign over his cross read: “The King of the Jews”. (Mark 15:25) The crowd taunted Him on the cross asking this “King of Israel” to demonstrate his power by coming down off the cross. (Mark 15:32)
I can’t seem to get this idea of the King being crucified by His own people out of my mind. How could someone who did only good and demonstrated only love to His people be rejected and treated in such a shameful way? What kind of love is this on the part of this King, that He would be willingly crucified for those who would treat Him so shamefully? How can He now show this love to me when I have also treated Him shamefully? What would I be doing now if He had come down from that cross?
But He stayed on that cross! He died a sacrificial death, demonstrating for all ages the love of the God. He rose from the dead! He now calls each of His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him! We are also victors over death and hell through Him Who died for us! Help me to understand it better, Lord! Help me to live it out!
In His Love, Pastor John
Sunday rest and reflection: “He is risen!”
Dear Friends of Jesus,
Greetings again in His Wonderful Name! Jesus Christ is alive! He is risen from the dead! What a glorious theme from the Gospels! That is the best of the good news for all who believe in Jesus. Our Savior is not dead, but is living now and alive forever more.
Matthew recorded this event in the last chapter of his Gospel. At dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. While they were there, a violent earthquake shook the garden where the tomb was. The guards sent by Pilate to guard the body and secure the tomb shook and fell to the ground as dead men! A shining angel of the Lord came down from heaven and rolled away the stone to reveal an empty tomb.
“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, Who was crucified. He is not here, He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, “He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.” Matthew 28:5-7
Jesus was seen and touched by all the disciples on various occasions over 40 days. He was seen by over 500 people at one time. (1st Corinthians 15:6-8) His resurrection so moved the disciples that they were willing to die, rather than deny Him! His resurrection is celebrated each Sunday by Christians who know and love Him and gather to remember, learn, and prepare for His coming again!
Have a great day of worship, prayer, and preparation with God’s family, the Church! He is risen! He is risen indeed!
In His Love, Pastor John
Sunday rest and reflection: Children
Dear Friends,
Greetings on a beautiful day of resurrection rest! Fall is here and seasons are changing with leaves turning color and crops being harvested. Apples are for sale at the orchard and pumpkins are everywhere! We have had a bountiful year and we should overflow with thanksgiving.
As I reflect back over this last week, there is so much that I could write on from Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus was truly the “Christ, Son of the living God”! He demonstrated that again and again to His followers so they could believe and share their faith with others and ultimately reach the world. However, growing to be a mature disciple sometimes requires correction. Jesus’ correction in Matthew 19 arrested me.
“Then children were brought to Him that He might place His hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” “When He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there.”” Matthew 19:13-15
Children are so important in our lives and in the kingdom of heaven. When children are younger, they are more open and teachable. It is the parents’ duty to bring their children to Jesus, to pray for them regularly, and lay hands on them. We must not do anything to hinder them. It seems that the disciples thought that Jesus did not want to be bothered by parents and small children. They rebuked them and tried to send them away because they mistakenly thought Jesus would be bothered.
We need to be sure that we do not make the same mistake! Many in the church appear to view children as a distraction. They don’t want to help with children and work to train them. Children and nursery workers are very hard to recruit and volunteers are hard to come by. Older people seem to feel that they have done their duty or put in their time. Younger parents say that they need a break. Many say that children aren’t their calling and they have no patience with them. We seem to suffer from the same mentality as these early disciples and stand to be rebuked by our Master!
Jesus set a wonderful example for us all! He took time for children. He touched children and prayed for them. He took them into His arms and blessed them. He did not make excuses of having no calling, or being too busy, or having more important things to do. Children are a heritage from the Lord, a reward from Him! (Psalm 127:3-5) They will carry on Christ’s work, should Jesus tarry. Let’s be sure we are not hindering them and that we are praying for them, teaching and blessing them.
In His Love, Pastor John
Sunday rest: Priorities!
Dear friends,
Greetings in the Wonderful Name of Jesus Christ, Lord and King!
As I reflect on what God is saying through this time, I feel that He is gently reminding us of our priorities. Haggai, the last minor prophet we looked at this week, delivered a message from God about priorities. (Haggai 1:7-8) People are God’s priority, and He wants us to seek the lost. (Luke 19:10) Building His temple brings Him honor and He delights in each new ‘living stone’ that is added. We must be careful to assess our own lives and even our own church priorities. Are we spending more time on ourselves than on God’s priorities? Does it seem like we have a purse with holes in it? Are our crops ‘short’ because God is wanting to get our attention? Could it be that He is hindering our efforts because our priorities are misplaced?
God’s people listened and obeyed Haggai. (Haggai 1:12) The people feared the Lord and heeded the Word from Him. God then stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel, the governor, and he and the people of God began to work again on the house of the Lord! God declared that He would be with them and would bless them as they again worked. This looks like the standard ‘formula’ for revival in action!
“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land or send a plague among My people, if My people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2nd Chronicles 7:13-14
As God’s people, let’s be about the Lord’s business. Let’s seek to humble ourselves and pray and seek His face. He promises forgiveness and blessing! Have a great week of right priorities! Jesus is coming soon! The Glory of this temple will be greater than the former!
In His Love, Pastor John
Sunday rest: reaching the lost!
Dear Friends,
Greetings on another 7th day of rest and reflection. God’s love for us and for all of mankind is almost too much for us to fathom. We think we love others, but it is so easy to fall into attitudes of secretly desiring that those who hate us or oppose us would fall under God’s wrath. We can glibly say we love all people, but upon close examination of our hearts, attitudes, and words, our love is not what it should be.
Jonah was given a mission by God to go to Nineveh and preach to a people who were lost and in danger of God’s wrath. Jonah did not want to go. Behind Jonah’s reluctance was a lack of love and some prejudice. He did not like the Ninevites and wanted to see them fall under God’s wrath. (Jonah 4:1-3) He judged that they deserved every punishment that God could give them, and more!
When he did obey the Lord, he became upset that the Ninevites responded to his preaching and repented! He knew God’s heart of mercy and understood that if they truly repented, God would not follow through with the promised judgment! He was angry with God for showing mercy to this people! God, however, was still merciful to Jonah. He used a quick-growing plant to illustrate to Jonah His care for him and to help Jonah understand the importance of those who needed His mercy. (Jonah 4:10-11)
As we think about this ancient story of a prophet of the Lord who had prejudice in his heart, we can’t help but examine our own hearts. Are we reluctant to go to those we know who are different than us? Would you go and share Christ’s love and message with a neighbor who was an avowed atheist? Would you be willing to go to neighbors who were from another culture or false religion and show Christ’s love? These questions are not meant in any way to be judgmental of those who are different from us or to put condemnation on us. They are meant to help us examine our heart attitudes for real love and true commitment to Christ’s mandate to reach all people with the Good News!
May this day of rest and reflection fill us with a new love for those in the world who are lost. Ask the Lord for opportunities to show love to those you may be reluctant to share with. In His Love, Pastor John