Bear With One Another in Love

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. — Ephesians 4:2 

As we approach February and Valentine's Day, this Scripture verse is a fitting reminder:

God calls us to love each other, just as He has loved us.

He commands us to be completely humble and gentle.

At best, I'm only partly humble.

And He asks us to be patient with others.

I'm not very patient, but God has been extremely patient with me.

God calls us to bear with one another in love.

I often have a hard time putting up with others.

Lord, please help me to follow you in showing these traits to those around me.

God Sent His Son to Save the World

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. — John 3:17 

Yesterday was our pastor's last Sunday with us. 

He will retire after Tuesday and we will miss him.

We are thankful for the many ways he has touched our lives and those of our congregation.

He has given us 13 years and has taught us well.

He has stretched us and educated us in the faith.

Teaching us how to love our neighbors in new ways.

And we wish him all the best in his retirement.

God will provide a new interim pastor for us while we search for a new senior pastor.

We pray for those people God is preparing to take a turn leading our congregation.

I Will Exalt You, Lord

I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. — Psalm 30:1

I love to praise the Lord!

Today I gave Him my song during our worship service.

He is worthy of my praise.

I am not worthy of His love.

He lifted me out of the depths.

And turned my despair into gladness.

He has guided me and continues to show me the way to go when I stumble and fall.

Praise the Lord!

Put on the Full Armor of God

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. — Ephesians 6:12-13

We are only visitors to this world.

It's not our home, thank goodness.

We don't struggle agains humankind but again the spiritual forces of evil.

God has let the evil powers run rampant in our world today.

But we know the end of the story.

And He reigns supreme over earth and heaven and all creation.

When I remember to put on the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation, I am protected from the evil around me.

When I put on the shoes of the gospel of peace, I'm able to stand against it all.

And the full armor of God protects me but also helps me stand.

The Sword of the Spirit gives me the protection of God's Word to guide and direct my life.

Ask God for Wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. — James 1:5 

I definitely lack wisdom.

At times I put my foot in my mouth.

Other times I act proud or without thinking of others.

But when I ask God to help me before I speak, He helps me say the right thing.

He gives me the wisdom I'm missing on my own.

God give generously without finding fault.

He cares for me.

Thank you, Lord!

Whatever Is Right, Whatever Is Pure

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. — Philippians 4:8 

God wants me to fill my mind with thoughts of Him and His goodness.

Whatever is true — to think of true things.

Whatever is noble, rather than things that fill my mind with trash.

Things that are right and pure.

Lovely things.

Like this beautiful rose.

And whatever is admirable.

Anything excellent.

Whatever is praiseworthy.

To fill my thoughts with these things.

Help me, Lord.

Watch Yourselves

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. — Galatians. 6:1 

Yesterday was National Pie Day.

Here's the apple pie I made for Thanksgiving.

I'll be making it again this weekend.

Just as an apple pie cooling in the window used to tempt the children walking by,

God warns us not to be tempted.

And to restore others gently when they sin.

I hope someone will do that for me when I fall into temptation.

Guard my tongue and my actions Lord, that they will please You.

Children of God Through Faith

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. — Galatians 3:26-28 

When we were baptized into Christ, we were clothed with Him.

Now we should not look at each other in light of our differences.

Rather, we are all one in Jesus.

He doesn't see us as male or female.

Jesus doesn't count us as slave or free.

He doesn't' see Jew or Gentile, Catholic or Protestant.

We are now one in His eyes.

Do To Others What You Would Have Them Do To You

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. — Matthew 7:12 

In everything, God asks us to think of others.

It's often easier to think of myself first.

And when I do, I forgot to think about those around me.

But God commands me to be thoughtful about my actions.

To treat people as I'd like to be treated.

And to obey His law and His prophets.

Even when it may not be convenient.

And especially when it's not easy.

Knock and the Door Will Be Opened

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. — Matthew 7:7-8 

We're praying for those looking for jobs.

Many are searching.

And God is opening windows and closing doors.

He is teaching some of them to be patient.

We are asking for God's wisdom.

That He will open the door to us and will help our families and friends to not be discouraged as they hunt for work.

You Will Shine Like Stars in the Sky

Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. — Philippians 2:15-16

When we don't grumble or argue, we shine like stars in the sky.

God calls us to hold firmly to His Word, the word of life.

And when we do that, we will be able to boast on the last day.

The day of Christ is coming soon.

We do not want to run or labor in vain.

Rather, we want to follow Christ and honor Him in everything we do.

Do Everything Without Grumbling

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” — Philippians 2:14

It's not easy to do everything without grumbling or arguing.

I like a good grumble now and then.

But the other day I heard a research study about complaining.

The results of the study showed that complaining to coworkers made you feel good initially, but later resulted in more frustration and anger long after the complaining session.

However, when the listening person presented a high-level point of view or helped the complainer see the bigger picture, they were happier about their situation over the long term.

And they then had the skills to empathize but also help others see the bigger picture.

And this resulted in happier and more productive employees who go along better with their supervisors.

God Will Provide a Way

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. — 1 Corinthians 10:13 

God does not send me temptations beyond what I can handle.

Unfortunately, I tend to give in to them and then turn to him afterward.

Even though God is faithful.

And He provides a way for me to get out of it when I'm tempted.

Sometimes He sends others to remind me not to tell the white lie.

Other times He sends my family or coworkers to show me how to do the right thing.

If I just stay in touch with Him and follow the Holy Spirit when He nudges me in the right direction, He directs and guides me.

Thank you, Lord.

We Are Christ's Ambassadors

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. — 2 Corinthians 5:19-20

God did not count my sins against me.

Instead, He reconciled the world to Himself in Christ.

He reconciled me to Himself through Jesus.

Before I ever turned to Him, God had a plan for my life in Christ.

He has committed to me the message of reconciliation.

So I am now Christ's ambassador.

Just as though God made His appeal through me.

So Paul implores me to be reconciled to God.

This is Paul's message on behalf of Jesus Christ.

Love Your Brother and Sister

For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. — 1 John 4:20-21 

It's not always easy to love our family. members.

I think that's why God puts us in families - so we can learn to do hard things.

Including loving our brothers and sisters, even when they upset us.

Even when we're not kind to them.

Especially when we let frustrations get in the way.

God commands us to love them anyway.

If we love God, we must also love our brothers and sisters.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us of this Scripture.

With God's help, we can do it well!

You Are Really My Disciples

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:31-32 

When we believe in Him, Jesus calls us His disciples.

And He commands us to keep His teaching.

Not an easy thing to do.

But reading Scriptures and holding to His teaching, helps us to know the truth.

And the truth of Christ is what sets us free.

Free from the chains of darkness and death.

All Nations Will Worship

All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed. — Revelation 15:4  

God has brought us into this new year.

And we are thankful.

We worship him and give him praise for His goodness.

We bow down in thanksgiving.

Christ is with us.

Praise the Lord.

Bring Glory to Your Name

Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. — Revelation 15:4 

Who will not fear You, Lord?

We hold you in awe and honor you.

God alone is holy.

We bring glory to your name.

Today is Friday the 13th. 

But we are not superstitious. 

We know You are in control.

And we praise You, Lord.

King of the Nations

They held harps given them by God and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations." — Revelation 15:3

The angels held harps and sang.

They sang the song of Moses and of the Lamb Jesus.

They praised God and worshiped Him.

Great and marvelous are His deeds, the Lord God Almighty.

Just and true are your ways.

God is King of the nations.

Be Holy

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” — 1 Peter 1:15-16

God is holy.

So we are called to be holy in all we do.

God commands us to be holy because He called us.

And He is holy.

So we live our lives for Him.

Kirk's brother Kyle and our sister-in-law Mariana have been with us this week.

We are having a fun time hanging out together.

Kirk and Kyle made chili tonight. Yum!

We are thankful to have them here.

Seek Good, Not Evil

Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts.  — Amos 5:14-15 

God commands us to look for good that we may live.

Then the Lord will be with us.

God asks us to hate evil and love good.

To maintain justice in the courts.

To love our neighbors as ourselves.

Rejoice!

Rejoice, You Heavens!

 Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! — Revelation 12:12

Kirk's brother Kyle and his wife Mariana are staying with us this week.

It's always fun having relatives in town.

And getting together with friends who haven't seen them in a few years.

Plus getting to spend time with family.

We praise God for our family and friends.

I Heard a Loud Voice in Heaven

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. — Revelation 12:10

The salvation of our God has come to earth.

Through Jesus, the power and the kingdom of our God is with us.

Along with the authority of His Messiah.

A voice in heaven has proclaimed it.

And we rejoice and praise God.

We Give Thanks to You, Lord

We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. — Revelation 11:17

We thank You, Lord.

Our God Almighty.

The One Who is and was.

You have taken Your great power.

You have begun to reign over the world.

And we are thankful.

Our Lord Will Reign For Ever

The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.” — Revelation 11:15

Loud voices from heaven declare that God's kingdom is coming.

The kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah.

Jesus will reign for ever and ever.

One day we will bow before Him and worship Him.

We will praise Him forever.

God Will Wipe Every Tear From Their Eyes

The Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ — Revelation 7:17

Jesus the Lamb will be our Shepherd.

He will lead us to springs of living water.

Jesus is our source of life.

God will wipe away every tear from our eyes.

And there will be no more crying or pain.

The Lamb Will Be Their Shepherd

‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd. — Revelation 7:16-17

In heaven there will be no hunger or thirst.

The sun will not beat down.

There will be no scorching heat.

Jesus, our Lamb will reign.

He reigns now and forever.

He will be our shepherd.

Praise God!

Yesterday Abby and I went over to Coronado and had a fun day at the beach, 

Wandering through the shops, seeing all the Christmas trees still up, 

Having lunch, and enjoying our day off.

All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” — Revelation 7:11-12

The angels fell down on their faces and worshiped God.

That's what we'll be doing in heaven one day.

Saying, praise and glory and wisdom and thanks be to our God.

Honor and power and strength be His for ever.

Amen!

This baby was born on new year's eve to my colleague at work - their first.

Kya Mae looks like she's ready to face the world.

We praise God for her birth.

Happy New Year!

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. — Revelation 7:9

As we start the new year, we look forward to the day when we will gather before the Lord.

This passage is amazing!

We will gather with people from ever nation, tribe, people, and language.

A complete mix of races and nations including people from every tribe and language around the world.

Even those who don't know the Lord yet, will be gathered on that day.

Standing before the throne and before the Lamb.

Bowing down together and worshipping Him.

Happy new year!