Great Things!

Here we are we have made it to the end of the week YES! It's FRIDAY! We have also made t to the end of August as we say Goodbye to the eighth month of the New Year and step into the ninth month of the New Year which is only a day away lets Welcome in the month of September with GREAT Expectation from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with these words of wisdom What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 READ PSALM 126 On November 9, 1989, the world was astonished by the news of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The wall that had divided Berlin, Germany, was coming down and the city that had been divided for twenty-eight years would be united again. Though the epicenter of joy was Germany, an onlooking world shared in the excitement. Something great had taken place! When Israel returned to her homeland in 538 bc after being exiled for almost seventy years, it was also momentous. Psalm 126 begins with an over-the-shoulder look at that joy-filled time in the history of Israel. The experience was marked by laughter, joyful singing, and international recognition that God had done great things for His people (v. 2). And what was the response of the recipients of His rescuing mercy? Great things from God prompted great gladness (v. 3). Furthermore, His works in the past became the basis for fresh prayers for the present and bright hope for the future (vv. 4-6). You and I need not look far in our own experiences for examples of great things from God, especially if we believe in God through His Son, Jesus. Nineteenth-century hymn writer Fanny Crosby captured this sentiment when she wrote, “Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son.” Yes, to God be the glory, great things He has done! By Arthur Jackson REFLECT & PRAY Great things in the past can inspire great joy, great prayer, and great hope. What great things have you experienced from the hand of God? How does reflecting on these increase your trust and hope? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Psalm 126 is one of the songs of ascent, a title given to fifteen of the psalms (120-134). These psalms are also known as pilgrim songs and were most likely sung by Jewish worshipers as they ascended the road to the temple in Jerusalem to attend the three required festivals or feasts (Passover, or Festival of Unleavened Bread; Pentecost, or Feast of Weeks; and Tabernacles, also known as Tents or Booths). We read about this requirement in Deuteronomy 16:16. Other scholars believe these songs were sung by the Levite singers as they ascended the steps to minister at the temple. Psalm 126 calls worshipers to rejoice as they remember how God “restored the fortunes of Zion” (v. 1), or Jerusalem, most likely when the people returned from captivity in Babylon during Ezra’s time. Alyson Kieda

Another Chance

So I can't believe it we are starting the New Week in the last week of August before we head into the ninth month of the New Year with September just around the corner lets take a moment to reflect on these words of wisdom to help us shine bright for our Lord and savior Jesus Christ with Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! Micah 7:19 READ MICAH 7:1–3, 18–20 At the Second Chance Bike Shop near our neighborhood, volunteers rebuild cast-off bicycles and donate them to needy kids. Shop founder Ernie Clark also donates bikes to needy adults, including the homeless, the disabled, and military veterans struggling to make it in civilian life. Not only do the bicycles get a second chance but sometimes the recipients get a new start too. One veteran used his new bike to get to a job interview. Second chances can transform a person’s life, especially when the second chance comes from God. The prophet Micah extoled such grace during a time the nation of Israel groveled in bribery, fraud, and other despicable sins. As Micah lamented, “The godly people have all disappeared; not one honest person is left on the earth” (Micah 7:2 nlt). God would rightly punish evil, Micah knew. But being loving, He would give those who repented another chance. Humbled by such love, Micah asked, “Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people?” (v. 18 nlt). We too can rejoice that God doesn’t abandon us because of our sins if we ask for forgiveness. As Micah declared of God, “Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!” (v. 19 nlt). God’s love gives second chances to all who seek Him. By Patricia Raybon REFLECT & PRAY Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the grace of second chances. What sin will you repent of and gain a second chance from our loving God? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea, ministered some sixty-five years to both Israel and Judah (Micah 1:1; Hosea 1:1). Both kingdoms were at this time characterized by idolatry, corruption, injustice, and oppression of the poor (Micah 7:2-3). Even as he speaks of God’s disciplining hand, warning that Israel would be destroyed by the Assyrians (1:6), of the exile (v. 16), and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple (3:12), Micah also speaks unequivocally of God’s benevolence and blessings if they would repent and “act justly . . . love mercy, and walk humbly with [their] God” (6:8). Micah also prophesied of the blessings of the return of a remnant back to Jerusalem (2:12) and the birth of the Messiah (5:2). Micah thus concludes with a proclamation, “Who is a God like you” (7:18), reminiscent of God’s own self-revelation in Exodus 34:6-7. Interestingly, Micah’s name means “Who is like Jehovah.” Visit christianuniversity.org/OT223 to learn more about the prophet Micah. K. T. Sim

Servant’s Heart

YES! We have made it to the end of the week it's FRIDAY! I can't believe we have just one more week left in the month of August before we head into the ninth month of the New Year Yes, September is just around the corner but let's not get ahead of ourselves and take a moment to reflect on these words of wisdom to help us continue to be Servant's of the most High God weather it be in our Families are in our Communities let's continue to be a light to others with Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all. Mark 9:35 READ MARK 9:33–37 Cook. Event Planner. Nutritionist. Nurse. These are just some of the responsibilities regularly performed by modern moms. In 2016, research estimated that moms likely worked between fifty-nine and ninety-six hours per week doing child-related tasks. No wonder moms are always exhausted! Being a mom means giving a lot of time and energy to care for children, who need so much help as they learn to navigate the world. When my days feel long and I need a reminder that caring for others is a worthy pursuit, I find great hope when I see Jesus affirming those who serve. In the gospel of Mark, the disciples were having an argument about which one of them was the greatest. Jesus quietly sat down and reminded them that “anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all” (9:35). Then He took a child in His arms to illustrate the importance of serving others, especially the most helpless among us (vv. 36-37). Christ’s response resets the bar for what greatness looks like in His kingdom. His standard is a heart willing to care for others. And Jesus has promised that God’s empowering presence will be with those who choose to serve (v. 37). As you have opportunities to serve in your family or community, be encouraged that Jesus greatly values the time and effort you give in service to others. By Lisa M. Samra REFLECT & PRAY Jesus, thank You for reminding us of Your loving care for children and any who are vulnerable. Help us to follow Your example of service. How might you serve someone today? How could you take time to say “thank you” to someone who has graciously loved and served you? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT In the world of first-century Israel, opening one’s home to travelers was of great social importance. According to one rabbinic tradition, hospitality was greater than welcoming the shekinah, which signaled God’s glory or presence in His temple. The same culture, however, didn’t require men to open the doors of their hearts to members of their own community they considered beneath their dignity. They regarded servants, wives, and children as property and often treated them accordingly. As a result, Christ’s disciples had no natural understanding of a kingdom that would be led by a servant-king willing to die for His vision of a better world (Mark 9:30-32). Jesus turned their views of His kingdom upside down by embracing and honoring a little child to illustrate a humility they’d not yet begun to understand. Then He expanded the implications of who we welcome into our hearts (v. 37). Mart DeHaan

Our New Home

The weekend has come to an end and we are getting ready to start the third week of August as we step into this New Week lets take a moment to reflect on the Goodness of God as we take a look at these words of wisdom lets continue to shine Bright for Christ and let others know just how REAL our God is with No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city. Revelation 22:3 READ REVELATION 22:1–5 As the first immigrant to the US to pass through Ellis Island in 1892, must have felt incredible excitement at the thought of a new home and a fresh start. Millions would pass through there afterward. Just a teenager, Annie had left behind a difficult life in Ireland to start a new one. Carrying only a little bag in her hand, she came with lots of dreams, hopes, and expectations of a land of opportunity. How much more excitement and awe will God’s children experience when we see “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1). We will enter what the book of Revelation calls “the Holy City, the new Jerusalem” (v. 2). The apostle John describes this amazing place with powerful imagery. There will be “the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” (22:1). Water represents life and abundance, and its source will be the eternal God Himself. John says that “no longer will there be any curse” (v. 3). The beautiful, pure relationship God intended between Himself and humans will be fully restored. How incredible to know that God, who loves His children and purchased us with the life of His Son, is preparing such an amazing new home—where He Himself will live with us and be our God (21:3). By Estera Pirosca Escobar REFLECT & PRAY Father, thank You for Your love! We’re excited as we wait for that day when we will live in peace with You and each other in heaven. What comes to mind when you think about heaven? How does this passage from Revelation encourage you? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The book of Revelation gives us a glimpse of what the future will be like when we exist together with God in eternity. Chapters 21-22 list a variety of “new” things we’ll experience in the new heaven and new earth. In today’s passage, we see the existence of two trees of life—or one tree that spans both sides of the river (22:2). Access to the tree of life was lost when Adam and Eve were banished from the garden (see Genesis 3:24). In the new heaven, its fruit, seemingly meant to be consumed, will always be available. The tree of life underscores the idea that life in the kingdom is ongoing. J.R. Hudberg

A Sad Story

Another week has come to an end YES! We have made it to the end of the Week YES! It's FRIDAY! let's take a moment to reflect on these words of wisdom to help us continue to be God's light to those that are experiencing hurt in there every day life let these words fill your heart that it overflows into the life of others with The thing David had done displeased the Lord. 2 Samuel 11:27 READ 2 SAMUEL 11:2–15 Painfully, the evil that has long been swept under the rug—sexual abuse of many women by men who had power over them—has come to light. Enduring headline after headline, my heart sank when I heard proof of abuse by two men I admired. The church has not been immune to these issues. King David faced his own reckoning. Samuel tells us that one afternoon, David “saw a woman bathing” (2 Samuel 11:2). And David wanted her. Though Bathsheba was the wife of one his loyal soldiers (Uriah), David took her anyway. When Bathsheba told David she was pregnant, he panicked. And in a despicable act of treachery, David arranged for Joab to have Uriah die on the battlefield. There is no hiding David’s abuse of power against Bathsheba and Uriah. Here it is in full color, Samuel ensuring we see it. We must deal with our evil. Also, we must hear these stories because they caution us against the abuse of power in our times. This was David, “a man after [God’s] own heart” (Acts 13:22), but also a man who needed to be held accountable for his actions. May we also prayerfully hold leaders accountable for how they use or abuse power. By God’s grace, redemption is possible. If we read further, we encounter David’s profound repentance (2 Samuel 12:13). Thankfully, hard hearts can still turn from death to life. By Winn Collier REFLECT & PRAY God, I don’t know what to do with all the brokenness I see in my world, the brokenness in me. Will You shine Your light and heal us? Why is it important to prayerfully address the abuse of power in our midst and in our world? How did Jesus reveal the right way to live out true power? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Uriah—Bathsheba’s husband—is listed among David’s “mighty men” (2 Samuel 23:39). He’s also identified as a Hittite (11:3), a Canaanite tribe listed consistently with the nations that Israel would conquer upon entering the promised land (Exodus 3:8). Other significant Hittites in the Old Testament include Ahimelek, another of David’s soldiers (1 Samuel 26:6); and Ephron, from whom Abraham purchased the cave in which he buried his wife Sarah (Genesis 23:2-20). Bill Crowder

Celebrating God’s Creativity

The weekend has come to an end and I hope everyone had an enjoyable, restful and reflective weekend as we start this New Week in the third week of August let these words of wisdom guide you through the rest of the week and let's rejoice in God's Creativity as we are on this journey through life with We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. Romans 12:6 READ ROMANS 12:3–8 As music filled the church auditorium, color-blind artist Lance Brown stepped onstage. He stood in front of a large white canvas, with his back to the congregation and dipped his brush into black paint. With smooth swipes, he completed a cross. Stroke after stroke with brushes and his hands, this visual storyteller created images of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. He covered the large patches of the canvas with black paint and added blue and white to finish a now abstract painting in less than six minutes. He picked up the canvas, turned it upside down, and revealed a hidden image—a compassion-filled face—Jesus. Brown said he’d been reluctant when a friend suggested he speed-paint during a church service. Yet he now travels internationally to lead people into worship as he paints and shares Christ with others. The apostle Paul affirms the value and purpose of the diverse gifts God has dispersed to His people. Every member of His family is equipped to glorify the Lord and build others up in love (Romans 12:3-5). Paul encourages us to identify and use our gifts to edify others and point to Jesus, serving diligently and cheerfully (vv. 6-8). God has given each of us spiritual gifts, talents, skills, and experiences to serve wholeheartedly behind the scenes or in the forefront. As we celebrate His creativity, He uses our uniqueness to spread the gospel and build up other believers in love. By Xochitl Dixon REFLECT & PRAY God, thank You for Your creativity. May I reflect it today. Who can you encourage to use their God-given gifts to serve others? How will you do the same? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Romans 12 marks a turning point in Paul’s letter. Previously the apostle had been explaining the work of God in salvation, describing Jesus as the second Adam who came to redeem what had been lost through our first parents’ disobedience in Eden. Now he turns his attention to the way this salvation is to be lived out by those bought by Christ’s sacrifice. It starts with the redeemed becoming a “living sacrifice” (v. 1), whose focus is on being useful to God in the lives of others. This is followed by a list of spiritual gifts to equip God’s children in service to others (vv. 3-8). Another list of spiritual gifts appears in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, and a list of leadership roles (gifts to the church) is found in Ephesians 4:11. Through these provisions, the Spirit enables us to be useful in our spiritual service. Bill Crowder

Indestructible Love

YES! It's FRIDAY! And we have made it to the end of the week in the second week of August as you are getting ready for the weekend take a moment to reflect on these words of wisdom to always guide you into all truth with our Heavenly Father and just think about his enormous amount of Love he has for us with Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. Song of Songs 8:7 READ SONG OF SONGS 8:6–7 When we first saw the stream in our backyard, it was just a thin vein of water trickling through a bed of rocks in the heat of the summer. Heavy wooden planks served as a bridge we could easily cross. Months later, torrents of rain pounded our area for several days in a row. Our tame little creek swelled into a quick-moving river four-feet deep and ten-feet wide! The force of this water heaved the bridgeboards up and deposited them several feet away. Rushing water has the potential to overwhelm almost anything that stands in its path. Yet there’s something that’s indestructible in the face of a flood or other forces that might threaten to destroy it—love. “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away” (Song of Songs 8:7). Love’s persistent strength and intensity is often present in romantic relationships, but it’s only fully expressed in the love God has for people through His Son, Jesus Christ. When the things we consider to be sturdy and dependable are swept away, our disappointment can open the door to a new understanding of God’s love for us. His affection is higher and deeper and stronger and longer lasting than anything on earth. Whatever we face, we face with Him beside us—holding us up, helping us along, and reminding us that we’re loved. By Jennifer Benson Schuldt REFLECT & PRAY Heavenly Father, thank You for comforting me with Your love during times of rejection or loss. Help me to believe I can depend on You to meet every need in my soul. How can you be sure God will always love you? What’s the outcome of God’s love in your life? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Over the centuries, the Song of Solomon (Song of Songs) has been a challenge to Bible scholars, resulting in a variety of interpretations of this unique portion of Scripture. Because of the intimacy of this inspired poetry, some Jewish scholars have read it as an allegory describing the relationship between God and Israel. As such, parts of Song of Solomon are read today at Passover—the spring feast celebrating God’s rescuing love for Israel. Some Christian scholars (beginning with early church father Origen) have understood it to be picturing Christ and the church. Today, some scholars see the Song more literally—celebrating the love shared by a husband and wife within the framework of marriage. It’s a mysterious book that celebrates the beauty of love. Bill Crowder

Loaves and Fishes

The weekend as come to an end we are getting ready to jump-start a New Week in the first week of August as we take a moment to reflect on these words of wisdom let Gods word begin to resent within your heart as we continue to go through the remainder of this week with Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” Matthew 14:16 READ MATTHEW 14:13–21 A young boy came home from church and announced with great excitement that the lesson had been about a boy who “loafed and fished all day.” He, of course, was thinking of the little boy who offered his loaves and fish to Jesus. Jesus had been teaching the crowds all day, and the disciples suggested He send them into the village to buy bread. Jesus replied, “You give them something to eat” (Matthew 14:16). The disciples were perplexed for there were more than 5,000 to be fed! You may know the rest of the story: a boy gave his lunch—five small loaves of bread and two fish—and with it Jesus fed the crowd (vv. 13-21). One school of thought contends that the boy’s generosity simply moved others in the crowd to share their lunches, but Matthew clearly intends us to understand that this was a miracle, and the story appears in all four gospels. What can we learn? Family, neighbors, friends, colleagues, and others stand around us in varying degrees of need. Should we send them away to those who are more capable than we are? Certainly, some people’s needs exceed our ability to help them, but not always. Whatever you have—a hug, a kind word, a listening ear, a brief prayer, some wisdom you’ve gathered—give it to Jesus and see what He can do. By David H. Roper REFLECT & PRAY Jesus, give us eyes to see the ways we can care for others. Lead us and use us. What’s one need of another person that you may be able to meet? What can you give to Jesus to be used to bless others? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Christ’s feeding of a multitude with the loaves and fishes is a miracle in which the Creator works beyond His creation. It’s the only miracle of Jesus (aside from His resurrection) that’s recorded in all four gospels (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:33-44; Luke 9:12-17; John 6:1-14). While each gospel writer includes distinct details, John’s account focuses on two disciples—Andrew and Philip—that rarely appear in Matthew, Mark, and Luke (apart from the listing of disciples’ names). In John’s version, Jesus actually tests Philip by asking him how to provide food for the multitude (v. 5). Andrew is singled out as the one who offers a solution—albeit a radically insufficient one—by bringing to Jesus a boy with his lunch (vv. 8-9). What all four gospels are presenting, however, is that the small amount available was more than enough when placed in Christ’s hands. Bill Crowder

From Trash to Treasure

So here we are we have made it to the end of the week YES! It's FRIDAY! but we have also entered in the 8th month of the New Year Welcome to August! As we begin this new month lets take these words of wisdom to heart and let God continue to work in us and through us for His Kingdom with We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 READ 2 CORINTHIANS 4:5–7 The trash man’s house sits atop a steep street in a poor Bogota neighborhood. Not one thing about it looks special. Yet the unassuming abode in Colombia’s capital is home to a free library of 25,000 books—discarded literature that Jose Alberto Gutierrez collected to share with poor children in his community. Local kids crowd into the house during weekend “library hours.” Prowling through every room, each packed with books, the children recognize the humble home as more than Señor Jose’s house—it’s a priceless treasury. The same is true for every follower of Christ. We’re made of humble clay—marred by cracks and easily broken. But we’re entrusted by God as a home for His empowering Spirit, who enables us to carry the good news of Christ into a hurting, broken world. It’s a big job for ordinary, fragile people. “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7), the apostle Paul told his congregation in the ancient city of Corinth. They were a cross section of people from across this region, so many might have been tempted to “go around preaching about [them]selves,” Paul said (v. 5 nlt). Instead, Paul said, tell others about the priceless One living inside of us. It’s Him and His all-surpassing power that turns our ordinary lives into a priceless treasury. By Patricia Raybon REFLECT & PRAY Jesus, fill up my ordinary life with the power of Your Spirit. What does it mean to you that you have a treasure, the Holy Spirit, inside you? How is it comforting to know that He enables us to share the good news? SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Paul’s writing style often consists of long sentences where it can be difficult to connect his initial point with his final one. In today’s passage, he writes about the blessing of God’s light shining in our hearts and states that He made that light shine (2 Corinthians 4:6). The purpose of God’s light shining is so we may see His glory in the face of Jesus. What is the light, and how does God make it shine in us? In this passage, Paul doesn’t elaborate on those specifics. In the preceding verse (v. 4), however, he says that the light is the light of the gospel. God reveals the gospel (the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus) to our hearts. J.R. Hudberg