May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. 2Thess3:5 Our prayer this morning as we head to church!

the LORD sits as King forever... (He)will give strength to His people...will bless His people with peace. Ps29:11 Jesus, the Prince of Peace (cf Lk1:79 & 2:14)

Whoever is wise, let him understand... For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous will walk in them, but transgressors will stumble in them. Hos14:9

"Contentment comes as those who belong to Jesus rely on God's powerful presence in the face of life's trials." Jones (cf Phil4:11-13; 2Cor11:23-29; Act16:25)

Therefore there's now no condemnation for those who are IN Christ Jesus b/c THRU Him the law of the Spirit of life has set me free from the law of sin & death.

Jesus: "I am the Resurrection and the Life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies..." Funeral for a woman who believed in Him: though dead, she lives!

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt & honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true & His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.

You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand the are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 Treasure God!

He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him. Dan2:22b This praise after earnestly asking God for help & wisdom. Me: too self-sufficient-ugh!

He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; He reveals deep and hidden things... Dan9:21b-22a

Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings... Dan2:20-21a

So thankful the promised Great Shepherd (Ezek34:11ff; Ps23) has come--resting under the watchful eye of the Lord & Savior Jesus Christ (Matt9 esp35-38; John10)

Matt chp5-7 the Gospel-driven life: people saved & being changed by Jesus' transforming power & used as instruments in His hands in other's lives for His glory!

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Pr9:10 Chap1-9: parent's manual, emphasis on awe of God!

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate. Pr8:11

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. Pr3:7-8 Shalom's affects

If you pursue God-->to know His wisdom & ways, "then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God." Pr2:5 ...and reap blessings!

"Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD..." (Prov1:29) they will face the sad consequences of rejecting God.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning (correct starting place and course for finding true) knowledge; fools despise (God's) wisdom and instruction. Prov1:7

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death. Pr14:27 "...may..." means we have to go & drink deeply--responding daily!

In the fear (reverence, awe, trembling) of the LORD there is strong confidence (wow-opposite of expected result), and His children will have refuge. Pr14:26

A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is arrogant and careless. Prov14:16 In what areas of my life am I too flippant towards evil? hmmm...

The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands. Prov14:1 Thank You, LORD, for Renee: a wise, godly woman--17+yrs of building!

Do not let kindness and truth leave you (both critical); bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Prov3:3 Godly character & actions.

For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield. Ps5:12

The Call of Grace

Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people [salvation]...
...training us [sanctification/change/growth]:
- to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions (cf Eph 4:22 put off, reject), and
- to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age (cf Eph 4:24 put on, pursue)


Grace is a call to transformation--a call to work.
No, not talking about salvation: which is a free gift, an undeserved gift (cf Eph 2:8-9). We can't earn salvation, nor more of His love. We enjoy & rest in His grace.
However, as we see in v11, grace is also a call to work--to enter into the transformation process, to fight for change (yes, by the power of the Holy Spirit...yet, "cooperating" with Him).


...waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own posession who are zealous for good works [service, our job].


Our Hope: our God & Savior who died for us!
...redeems us (pays the ransom and releases the captives)
...purifies us
...to be His own people, in His family, adopted
...to be His eager, joyful, working-hard-at-serving servants--doing His good works (cf Eph 2:10)

...behold, a voice out of the heavens said, "This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I am well-pleased." Mt3:17 The Divine announcement of the great Messiah-King!

"...gather up His wheat into the barn but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." Mt3:12 We "like" the Jesus of Mt2, but what about the KING (chp3)?!

"His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will ..." Matt3:12 A different Jesus is being announced...

"...and they (the magi) fell to the ground and they worshipped Him (Jesus, age2)." Matt2:11 Imagine that scene--and--see clearly that Jesus is being worshipped!

"For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you..." Pursue God!

THEN you will discover the knowledge of God... THEN you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course...

Prov2: IF you pursue God's wisdom...THEN you will discern the fear of the LORD (the right starting point for all knowledge & understanding)...

Wisdom101: Prov 1: DAILY=dig into bible, seek godly mentors (v1-7); reject the lure of fools (8-19), pursue blessing/wisdom (20-33; esp heed warning of 24-32)

Saddened at the loss of a great godly woman last week--praying for her family...yet...at peace b/c of her faith in the Lord & Savior Jesus Christ!

Reflecting on the "depth" of my trust in God: would I quote Rom8:28 if I was in a pit, being hated & betrayed & sold as a slave by my brothers (Joseph Gen37)?!

"...that through ENDURANCE and through the ENCOURAGEMENT of the Scriptures we might have HOPE." Enduring like the OT saints; encouraged at God's sovereign care!

"For whatever was written in former days (Gen-Malachi) was written for our instruction..." Romans15:4a Too little learning & teaching from the Hebrew Scriptures

God's sovereignty, faithfulness to His promises & ability to carry out His plan-->stands out in the story of Jacob&sons (Gen26+)... hope b/c of God, not man!

Encouraged in a different kind of way this am: reading Gen30-38-->"heroes of Bible" are FLAWED people...God redeems, changes, uses people like these...like me!

2Cor 1:3-11 A real person's story of how God is in the midst of every & all situations of life-->refining us, giving hope & strength-->so we can help others!

What striking imagery of what the daily battle in our hearts looks like: "setting up idols in their hearts" Ezek 14:1-8 cf James 4:1-10 Spiritual adultery...

Enjoying the brilliance of Christ--amazed, along with the crowds, at the depth & authority of His teaching! Matthew chps1-7, esp sermon on the mount (5-7)!

Endeavoring to be wise, discerning, more godly, fair & caring...therefore: headed to listen & learn from God thru His Word this morning! Proverbs 1:1-7

Excited for church this morning... reading Ezekiel 1-4-->imagine seeing the "chariot of God" & the glory of the LORD?!! Wanting to be more "heavenly-minded"!

"Don't let your hearts be troubled..." Walking with a grieving family (funeral arr's). John 14:1-6 brings comfort & hope! Our Good Shepherd cares: Ps23; Jn 15!

For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Wisdom/"guard rails" for every choice!

The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear (awe, revere) God and keep His commandments, because this appplies to every person.

...the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:11-13 Thankful to God for His grace to pursue Him & live for Him!

...and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope...

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions...

Wanting to be an ambassador who not only carries the Message of Christ, but increasingly to be "evidence" of His real, life-changing power & grace! 2Cor 5:14-21

Favorite 'perspective passage': Isaiah 6:1-9 God: awesome holiness & power; man in his right place; God's forgiveness, call, sending; man's real significance!

Perspective cont'd: what kind of love undergirds? John 3:16-17 & 10:1-18 & chp14. Guidance? His Presence: Matt28:19-20 // Word: Psalm19, 2Tim3:14-17, 2Pet1:3-4

Perspective cont'd: our lives among the billions--Psalm 139, Matthew 6 & 18:1-14...His Sovereign care over all His own, even the littlest...me: secure in Him!

Perspective cont'd: back to our day...seeing the int'l news: Jeremiah 10, Psalm 2, Daniel 3...despite the chaos-->He is still the Sovereign King. Me=relief!

Favorite 'perspective passage': Isaiah 6:1-9 God: awesome holiness & power; man in his right place; God's forgiveness, call, sending; man's real significance!

Perspective cont'd: purpose? Matt5:13-16 & 28:18-20, 2Cor5:14-21...1Cor10:31 living for His glory & enjoying the hope, help and blessing of walking with God!

Perspective cont'd: what kind of love undergirds? John 3:16-17 & 10:1-18 & chp14. Guidance? His Presence: Matt28:19-20 // Word: Psalm19, 2Tim3:14-17, 2Pet1:3-4

Perspective cont'd: our lives among the billions--Psalm 139, Matthew 6 & 18:1-14...His Sovereign care over all His own, even the littlest...me: secure in Him!

Perspective cont'd: back to our day...seeing the int'l news: Jeremiah 10, Psalm 2, Daniel 3...despite the chaos-->He is still the Sovereign King. Me=relief!

Perspective for each day: Isaiah40 to draw me to the ends of the universe: God's power, bigness, transcendence--all awe, fear, glory to Him!

"...moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor--it is the gift of God." Eccl 3:12-13 Practical wisdom: content IN & thanks TO God!

"I know that there is nothing better for them (man) to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime..."

This is your due (awe, worship). Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You! Jeremiah 10:6-7

No one is like You, O LORD; You are great and Your Name is mighty in ppower. Who should not revere (fear, awe) You, O King of the nations?

Every word of God is tested (proven, sure, right); He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Prov30:5

The fear of man ("what will people say...?") brings a snare (trap), but he who trusts in the LORD (flowing from fear/awe of God) will be exalted. Prov29:25

Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; he will also delight your soul. Prov29:17

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. Prov29:15

we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2Corinthians 5:17-21 The love of Christ compels us (v14) to pursue Him & bring His Message!

and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us;

...and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was, in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them,

Now all these things (becoming a new creation through belief in Jesus the Messiah) are from God who reconciled us to Himself through Christ (Jesus)...

Don't be jealous of sinners, instead always fear the LORD. Proverbs 23:17

"To love God is to fear Him and to live constantly in awe of Him, which is undiluted reverence to a perfect, mighty and righteous God." Robertson BforPeace

...that Jesus Christ (Messiah) is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 All will bow & confess: critical question->when? Ater death=too late

...of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess...

God also has highly exalted Him (Jesus) and given Him the Name which is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow (submission, awe)...

John19:38-40 Nicodemus understands. Joins another Sanhedrin member (2 witnesses from the Council) to gather Jesus' body. Enjoying the many testimonies in John.

John3: chief rabbi Nicodemus misses point--expected Messiah (ie "Righteous Branch" Jer23) had to suffer 1st (atoning sacrifice for sins--Isaiah52:13-53:12).

"Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" declares the LORD. Jeremiah 29:23-24 Good reminder: He is Sovereign & knows all (tho' this from a judgment passage).

"Am I a God who is near," declares the LORD, "and not a God far off? Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him?" declares the LORD.

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Prov29:20 Not a call to be "P.C."--but to self-control (Jam3; Eph4:29).

How blessed is the man who fears (God) always, but he who hardens his heart (no humility before God, no repentance nor change) will find calamity. Prov28:14

He who conceals his transgressions (sins) will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes (stops doing) them will find compassion. Prov28:13 see Eph4:22-24

Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all things. Prov28:5 Knowing God makes sense of all life & eternity (see Prov1:7)!

So when (Jesus) said, "I am He," they (soldiers who came to arrest Him) drew back and fell to the ground. John 18:6 Jesus bowls them over with mere words!

Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Prov27:17 Thankful for the godly, faithful friends over the years--for their role in 'sharpening' me!

...for I delight in these things," declares the LORD. Jeremiah 9:23-24 Praying for & pursuing a deeper knowledge of & love for & obedience to the LORD!

...boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who excercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on the earth...

Thus says the LORD, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, nor the mighty man boast of his might, nor a rich man of his riches, but let him who boasts ...

When overwhelmed or things aren't making sense, join Job in pure trust in God: "I know You can do all things and no purpose of Yours can be thwarted." Job 42:1

Ps103:12 ...as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Ps103:10b-11 ...or repay us according to our iniquities (sins). For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him.

Ps103:9-10a He will not always accuse, nor will He harbor His anger forever; He does not treat us as our sins deserve (mercy)...

Psalm 103:8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious (giving what we don't deserve), slow to anger, abounding in love.

"He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor." v8 Trust God!

1Samuel 2:1-10 Hannah's praise to God--a refreshing reminder to us! "There is no Rock like our God..."

Prv 23:15-16 My son (& daughter), if your heart is wise, my own heart also will be glad; and my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.

Jesus just before crucifixion: "In the world you have tribulation (persecution for following Him), but take courage; I have overcome the world." John16:33

Jn 14:6 Love's foundation--Jesus Himself: "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."

Jn 14:1-3 Love's consolation & hope, "...don't be troubled...believe in Me...I go to prepare a place for you...I will come again to get you..."

Jesus: "If you love Me, you will keep (obey) My commandments." Jn 14:15 Love's proof... (a great Sat morning: hearing from & enjoying the LORD Jesus Christ!)

"By this (love between Christ-followers) all men that you are My disciples (followers) if you have love for one another." Jn 13:35 Love's standard & testimony.

Jesus to His followers: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." Jn 13:34

...having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. (An incredible commentary on the love of God in Christ that we so easily pass over!)

John 13:1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father...

"...and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" Jn11:26 THE ALL-CRITICAL question: proving His point--He raised Lazarus!

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies..." John 11:25

Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel. Prov20:3 Be a peacemaker in relationships (family, church, work, social, etc)

John 10 The True Shepherd of Israel confronting the "blind" & false shepherds...see esp vv9, 14,17,21,25-30,33,39 Jesus claims to give eternal life & to be God.

Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God and there is no other...to Me every knee will bow, every tongue swear allegiance. Is45:22-23

...there is no other God besides Me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none except Me. Isaiah 45:21 Jesus claimed to be the Savior--how can that be? hmmmmm

Listen to counsel and accept discipline that you may be wise the rest of your days. Pr19:20 2 key traits I desire: humility, pursuing growth in godliness!

Discipline your son (& daughter) while there is hope, and do not desire his death. Pr19:18 Start from the beginning--continue all the way thru adolescence!

House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent (wise, common sense) wife is from the LORD. Pr19:14 Praying for Jake to find a wife like Renee!

A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression. Prov19:11 Not reacting in self-interest-->>self-control, peacemaker

John 9 The simple yet powerful testimony of the blind man (healed by Jesus). The physically blind truly "saw"; the spiritually blind (relig leaders) couldn't.

A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Pr18:24 Blessed with deep friends--esp in God's gift of Renee!

He who gives an answer before he hears (all sides), it is folly and shame to him. Pr18:13 see vv13-15,17,21 critical: investigate, listen, choose words wisely!

A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind. Pr18:2 Do I listen to learn? Do I look only for opp's to grandstand? hmmmm...

He who separates himself seeks his own desire, he quarrels against all sound wisdom. Prov18:1 We need others--help, accountability...but this requires humility!

...does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Is40:25-29

...not one of them is missing... (v28) Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth...

...the One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power...

"To whom then will you liken (compare) Me that I should be his equal?" says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see Who has created these stars...

Isaiah 40 to prepare my heart for worship today: the Greatness of God to comfort...resting & relying & trusting in His Sovereignty in this shaky world!

And He (the LORD) will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is his (our) treasure. Isaiah 33:6

1st day of school for Taylor & Jake--praying that they would "season & shine" (be the salt & light for the sake of Christ--Matt 5:13-16)!

The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but He loves one who pursues righteousness. Prov 15:9 Sigh of relief: not perfection but progress/pursuit!

The fear (reverence, awe) of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility (submission towards God & His ways & will). Prov 15:33

Better is a dish of vegetables where love is than a fattened ox served with hatred. Pr15:17 Love takes effort & sacrifice & "investment" of time...

A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but perversion in it crushes the spirit. Prov 15:4 Daily choice: a person whose words build up or destroy others...

Peter to Jesus: "You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God." John 6:68-69 Incredible statement!

The naive believes everything, but the sensible (discerning) considers his steps. Pr14:15 Discernment comes as I learn AND obey God's Word (Heb 5:12-14).

The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, but the foolishness of fools is deceit. Pr 14:8 Do I honestly evaluate MY words, actions, attitudes, heart?

He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Prv 13:20 Choose wisely...

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. Prv12:25 Hoping to be an instrument in God's hands--to strengthen & help (cf Eph 4:28)!

Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight. Prv12:22 Every decision: please self (dishonest gain) or to honor God?

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD His God, who made heaven & earth, the sea and all that is in them: God is faithful! v5-6

I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Psalm 146:2

The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds. The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Ps145:17-18

Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and ...Your mighty acts. v3-4

Psalm 145--what a great start to the morning...getting my heart/head ready to praise God together His people!

How blessed are the people whose God is the LORD! Psalm 144:15

Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in You; teach me the way in which I should walk (live); for to You I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8

So many examples in John's gospel; favorite is from disciple (aka doubting) Thomas Jn20:28 Thomas answered and said to Him (Jesus), "My Lord and my God!"

Rabbi Nicodemus' testimony Jn 3:2 "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher, for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."

Nathanael's testimony Jn 1:49: "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel!"

Samaritans' (& woman at the well) testimony Jn4:42 "...we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world."

John the Baptist's testimony re: himself v23 the Fore-runner (of Isaiah) // re: Jesus, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!" Jn 1:29

In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. John 1:1-2 John's testimony begins.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

Ps 139:23-24 The appropriate response of a human before this awesome God... humility, requesting help, submitting to His Sovereign reign, joyfully following...

Psalm 139 How great is our God! The holy, all-powerful, all-knowing, good & loving God of Israel! See esp His loving attention to His people in this Psalm...

For the commandment (of dad v20) is a lamp and the teaching (of mom v20) is a light; and reproofs for discipline (by mom & dad) are the way of life. Prov6:20-23

tie them about your neck. When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will talk (preach) to you.

My son (& daughter), observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother; bind them continually on your heart...

To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens! Ps123:1

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you." Ps122:6 Praying! ...come quickly, Prince of Peace--Lord Jesus the Messiah!

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains (where Jerusalem is); from where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Ps121:1-2

Enjoying the "Ascent Psalms" this morn (Psalms 120ff)--songs of Israel as they journeyed "up to Jerusalem" for the 3 great feasts--prep'ing hearts for worship

Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live it. Psalm 119:144

Establish my footsteps in Your Word, and do not let any iniquity (sin) have dominion over me. Psalm 119:133

The unfolding of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. PS119:130 God's Word: my only hope for true wisdom, guidance, seeing clearly...

How sweet are Your Words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! From Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Ps119:103-104

If Your law had not been my delight, then I would've perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have revived me. Ps119:92-93