pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!


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Words of Life

In Psalm 19 we find some great insights into the Word of God and its role in our lives.  This Psalm shows the value of the word and its effect on our lives.  It is not a burden but a delight to live as a child of the word of God.  It guides us as we seek to walk in His ways.

In the word we find God’s perfect law, which revives our soul.  The word is trustworthy and brings us wisdom.  His word is right and clear, bringing joy to our hearts and light to our eyes.  God’s ways revealed through the word are true and yield righteousness in us.

God’s words guides and leads us along the path that He intends us to walk.  It is vibrant and living and remains relevant to the choices and decisions we make n our lives.  May we learn to love to spend time in the Bible, growing in our depth of faith, drawing ever nearer to God.  His word is a lamp to our eyes and a guide to our feet.  May we grow dependent on the Bible and its words of life.

Scripture reference: Psalm 19: 7-12


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Finding True Joy

In the Old Testament people followed the word of God, mostly recorded in the Torah.  Early followers found joy living according to God’s ways.  Over time though, the law became cumbersome and burdensome.  The obedience that brought joy was replaced by 613 laws that were almost impossible to follow and brought condemnation and judgment.

In the New Testament the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.  Jesus’ yoke was easy and the burden light.  Obedience and joy in a life following Jesus came down to two ‘laws’ – love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and love you neighbor as yourself.  After Jesus’ death and resurrection, God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and to guide us on the path that Jesus laid out.

In the Old Testament, a life lived for God hinged upon prayer, study, worship, and obedience to His commands.  Today our faith rests upon these same practices.  Through these habits or disciplines, we incline our hearts and minds toward God.  It is then that we walk His path and find our true joy.

Scripture reference: Psalm 119: 105-112


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A Narrow Road

At times in our faith journey we can be immature and rather un-Christlike. We can choose to quarrel or bicker – both within a church and between churches or denominations or religions.

At times we choose as individuals to withhold love or kindness or acts of mercy. There can be a variety of reasons – prejudice, stereotypes, past history…

But thanks be to God that He doesn’t treat us this way! For His love never fails and it never gives up on me. Praise God! At times I must frustrate Him and at times I must miss opportunities He places before me. But He always loves.

As Christians this is our call too. We must emulate this love of God. We are called to love and serve all we meet each day. When they don’t look like us or are different from us or annoy us, this challenge can be hard. But it is the narrow road we are called to walk. May our walks be straight and true every day!!