BUILDING ON BEDROCK

This one was difficult for me to share, and will no doubt be difficult for many to hear, but I'm determined to NOT skip anyting in God's Word.  But even the uncomfortable portions of God's Word carry a blessing for us, as I hope this Reflection will.  

Continuing our Reflections on the fifth chapter of Matthew, we see how Jesus Himself instructs to behave when we have offended someone.  But the God-breathed New Testament doesn't let us off the hook if we're the one's who've been offended.  If we're wondering why our testimony isn't impressing our neighbors, this might just be the key.  As always, I trust it touches all our hearts.

We continue Reflecting on "The Messianic Manifesto", commonly known as "The Sermon on the Mount".  Here we see how Jesus the Messiah pits His authority against those who impose traditions on God's people, and hopefully clear up some common misunderstandings.    

As we contintue to "Reflect" on Matthew 5, we find Jesus assuring His disciples that "not one jot or tittle" shall "pass from the law till all is fulfilled."  What did He mean, and how does it apply to us?  As always, I hope it's a blessing! 

Continuing our "Reflections" on Matthew chapter 5, we now consider the words of Jesus Christ: "You are the light of the world."  Was He contradicting Himself?  In what sense are His followers "light"?  How does this statement relate to other things He said?  And what does it mean for us in our daily lives?  As always, I hope this "Reflection" is a challenge and a blessing! 

Returning to the Gospel of Matthew, we pick up where we left off in chapter 5.  These are Kingdom principles, and teach us how to relate to each other...as well as the lost, hurting and dying among us.  May this Word light a fire under us!  Blessings.

We conclude our Reflections on Psalm 17 with the assurance that those who "fall asleep" in Christ will indeed "wake up in righteousness"!  As always, I hope this Reflection is a blessing!

Throughout Scripture, Jesus the Christ is called "a lion" or "The Lion".  But somebody else is described as "LIKE a lion" or "as a a lion".  We need to bware of that one.  This Reflection outlines what Scripture says and gives a warning for modern believers.  As always, I hope it's a blessing!  

Psalm 17, like many other passages of God's Word, contains symbols.  How literally should we take them?  And what comfort and encouragement is there in being at God's Right Hand?  Let's "Reflect" on that this week.  As always, I hope it's a blessing!

The Holy Spirit uses David's struggles, expressed in Psalm 17, to teach us how to respond and who to trust, when We go through struggles.  As always, I hope it's a blessing.

Like many of us, Job hovered between hope and despair while suffering.  In these closing verses of chapter 14, another of his questions is answered in the God-breahted New Testament!  As always, I hope this Reflection is a blessing! 

Job continues his prayer in chapter 14, but makes a mistake that's corrected in subsequent passages of God's Word.  Here we find another modern error corrected in the Bible, and the beginning of that correction is Job's own misunderstanding.  May this Reflection bless and encourage everyone who listens! 

In Job chapter 14 he continues the prayer he began in chapter 13, and reveals Truths that will be expanded as the Bible grows.  In this Reflection, we see how his heart is echoed throughout God's revelation, and how the New Testanebt continues to answer his heartfelt questions. 

Job takes a breat from answering his "friends" and begins a prayer that most of us would hesitate to even think about...unless we face the kind of extremes he did.  He echoes what's so often in the hearts of God's people, but we often don't have the honesty to admit it, even to God.  My prayer here is that we'd be freed from religiosity to express our true hearts before the God who knows what's th...

Job continues defending himself in chapter 13 of his Book.  While doing that, he opens up some eternal truth for us all!  This neglected document is a treasure-trove of blessings!  God bless you as you listen.   

We continue Reflecting on Job, this time the first 16 verses of chapter 13.  I've taken a step of faith in this episode, and made a special offer I hope many will take advantage of:  a free offer.  Whether or not you accept the offer, I hope Job's words here bring salvation, healing and deliverance to all who are in any need!

We continue through Job chapter 12, as he continues responding to his "friends".  He speaks truths that are echoed throughout the Bible...which had hardly been written at that time.  AND he speaks wisdom we can learn from in the 21st century!

Job's response to Zophar includes the other two as he tries again to explain himself.  And this is a stand Christians should take when discussing truth with unbelievers -- not in beliggerent way, but firmly and respectifully.  Our faith does NOT make us inferior.  We should be humble, but not self-defeating.  Job didn't let himself get intimidated, and neither should we.  As always, I hope listeni...

Zophar continues his assault on Job's character.  Ironicaly, he gives basically good counsel...IF we could forget who's saying it and why!  Let's make sure we don't fall into this trap in our walk and ministry!  As always, I pray the Holy Spirit uses this word to advance the Kingdom of God...in our hearts, in our communities, and in our world. 

Returning to the Book of Job, we Reflect on the beginning of Zophar's accusations.  Something went wrong with my computer, so I couldn't delete all the grunts, snorts and false starts.  Apologies to all. I hope it's still a blessing. 

This concludes  our Reflections on Psalm 16, with its powerful conclusion.  The Apostle Peter himself quoted it in his famous sermon on the Feast of Pentecost, when the Church of Jesus Christ was born!  Please let me know your thoughts on the Facebook group "Reflections Echoes".  

As we continue our Reflection on Psalm 16, we see some things that are priorities with God, and with the hearts that submit to Him.  Here's another of many chances to check our spiritual pulses to make sure we're healthy toward our Creator and Redeemer.  As always, I hope it's a blessing.  

As we begin Reflecting on the amazing 16th Psalm, we notice this reference to sinners and saints.  I trust this Reflection will clear up any confusion and encourage us all to live like Saints!  

Abram's experiences at the end of chapter 12 of Genesis were historical, but they were also prophetic, and would have many fulfillments.  Hopefully, the latest is i our own lives.  As always, I hope it's a blessing!

Abram's first failure is much more than a tragedy.  It's also an important, and largely overlooked, lesson for all those who want to follow the Lord.  Let's pray that we learn from his mistakes rather than make our own.  Blessings!