‘The Apple of God’s Eye’

Escalation of war in the Middle East continues to be a threat to the world. We watched this demonstrated during Iran’s unprecedented direct airstrike attack on Israel last Saturday, April 13. That’s when Iran reportedly launched more than 300 cruise missiles and drones at Israel, according to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officials. (The Times of Israel)

It’s claimed the attack was retaliatory after an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consular building in Damascus, Syria, on April 1. At least three senior commanders and four officers overseeing Iran’s covert operations in the Middle East were reportedly killed at the time. (The New York Times)

While Israelis hunkered down and took shelter during the attack, explosions could be seen in the sky overhead above Jerusalem as air sirens blasted throughout the country.

In the aftermath of the attack, Israelis can be thankful it didn’t turn out worse. All things considered, damage was minimal and there were no casualties. The IDF considered their defensive measures were a major success. (Sky News) In essence, Israel was well-prepared for such an attack.

According to various news reports,

• Half of the missiles Iran fired at Israel failed on launch or malfunctioned, and crashed. Around 50% of Iran’s 120 ballistic missiles failed to launch in flight. (MSN.com)
• Israel intercepted 99% of the more than 300 projectiles launched by Iran, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said according to NBC News.
• A Bedouin child was severely injured by shrapnel. But there were no immediate reports of other Israeli injuries or deaths, Hagari said. (NBC News.) Otherwise, no fatalities at all, reports say.
• Some missiles reportedly struck a military base in the south of Israel but with minor damage. (NBC News)
• Israel’s advanced air defense systems such as the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow 3 (Newsmax) were most instrumental in protecting Israel. (MSN.com contributed by Fox News)
• In addition, Israel received assistance from Jordan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, helping to neutralize Iran’s military and saving many lives. (MSN.com)
• A Newsmax headline says, Reports: US, UK Fighter Jets Down More Than 100 Iranian Drones. US Destroys Over 80 Iranian Missiles, Drones Headed Toward Israel.

As I see it, all of these incidents provide ample evidence that Somebody bigger than you and I was watching out for Israel during the attack. I think you know who I mean. And it brings me to recall a verse in the Bible that calls Israel, “the apple of God’s eye.” Deuteronomy 32:10 says,

He found him in a desert land,
And in the howling wasteland of a wilderness;
He encircled him, He cared for him,
He guarded him as the apple of His eye. (New American Standard Bible, NASB)

Deuteronomy 32:1-43 is called, “The Song of Moses.” It’s both poetic and prophetic. Moses taught it to Israel before his death to give them something to remember in regard to (1) God’s glory for being Israel’s Rock of truth; (2) God’s care for his covenant people; and (3) his warnings for Israel to obey and trust the Lord.

Keep in mind, this song was given after Israel’s forty years of wandering in the wilderness and just preceding their entrance into the Promised Land. It was also near the end of Moses’ life. All throughout that time, God was preparing his people, establishing his laws and regulations for functioning as his nation in the land of their inheritance.

In Deuteronomy 32:10, Moses uses a metaphor to describe God’s tender, loving, care for his beloved people: “the apple of His eye.” The literal translation of this term is, “the pupil of his eye.” In other words, Israel is precious and unique in God’s eyes. It’s an endearing description of God’s love and protective care for his people.

Other verses similarly express this tender scene: Psalm 17:8, “Keep me as the apple, the daughter of the eye…” (Young’s Literal Translation);  Zechariah 2:8 refers to the “aperture” or “gate” of the eye, a.k.a., “the pupil of the eye.” (Israel My Glory) Again, this expresses God’s close eye for Israel’s welfare and protection.

As cited in the ways God watched over Israel during the Iranian attack, God’s watchful eye upon Israel continues to this day. This doesn’t mean Israel won’t face future suffering and persecution by other nations. The Bible predicts as much in this present evil age (Ezekiel, chapters 37-38; Zechariah 12:3; Joel 3:1-2; Revelation 16:13-16).

But “the apple of God’s eye” does vividly reflect upon God’s relationship with Israel. It’s so unique that God cherishes Israel like a loving husband who protects and provides for his beloved wife—this in spite of those times she has not made God very happy (Isaiah 54:4-8; 62:1-5).

In due time, however, Israel will finally learn to accept God’s tender mercy. In fact, prophecy indicates Israel will be blessed and exalted among all the nations of the world when they confess Jesus as their Messiah and Son of God (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Matthew 23:37-39; Revelation 1:7). And then the whole world will be blessed (Genesis 22:18; Psalm 86:9; Isaiah 9:2-7; 42:1-4; 49:6).

In the meantime, we closely watch the developments in the Middle East, especially Israel, in view of the teachings of God’s true Word and the Good News it reveals. 

Good News to YOU!
Pastor Michael
P.S. Here’s The Apple of His Eye: Beautiful Song of Praise from Jehoshaphat Music,  https://youtu.be/4khx7_lbNtg

Repairer of the Breach

We were alarmed about two and a half weeks ago upon hearing the news that a ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

On March 26, the 985 feet long container ship named Dali reportedly lost power and crashed into the iconic bridge which led to a breach that caused a significant part of it to collapse into the Patapsco River.

The tragedy was costly in more ways than one. The worst of it was that lives were lost.

Six construction workers on the bridge at the time are said to have fallen to their deaths. At this writing, it’s reported that the bodies of two victims have been recovered but the other four remain missing and presumed dead (msn.com).

Add to this the billions of dollars in insurance loss; millions of dollars in emergency funds and cleanup; global chain supplies disrupted since the incident caused the Port of Baltimore to close; rerouting of traffic; and the legal aftermath of it, as well. According to reports, it will take several years—up to five to seven years—to repair the breach and get everything back to normal again. (Baltimore Sun)

The whole scene stands as a vivid reminder of the way tragedy leaves a breach that can instantly alter our lives in various ways. Like that bridge, we’re standing one minute, tall and strong. But the next minute, something unexpected happens. We’re hit with a tragedy and we go crashing down in despair and grief.

What we need is a repairer of the breach—someone who can quickly step in and rebuild that bridge and get us back on our feet again. In due time, normalcy is possible but until then, we seek the help of someone who will encourage us and give us the strength we need until this challenge of restoration is met.

There’s a Bible passage that comes to mind as I think about this need: Isaiah 58:12.

And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. (King James Version, KJV)

This was written to those Jews who had returned from Babylonian captivity and settled back to their homeland. This was made possible because Persia rose to power and defeated the Babylonian empire in 539 BCE. Previously, Persian Kings Cyrus and Darius granted the Jews permission to return to their land and restore the damage that was done in their land during their 70-year captivity.

The rebuilding process included the Holy Temple, their center of worship, and the walls that had protected the city. But all of this took many years to accomplish. For one reason, the non-Jewish people who were then occupying the land were resisting their efforts. And, another reason is because the returned Jews often lacked the motivation to work, particularly when it came to rebuilding the Temple. They were too busy taking care of rebuilding their own homes and towns.

When Isaiah chapter 58 took place, the Temple had already been rebuilt and regular worship was observed for about fifty years. But because the Jews were still continuing “to struggle with Idolatry (57:1-13); hypocrisy (ch. 58), injustice (59:1-8) and spiritual malaise (64:1-7),” (New Illustrated Bible Commentary), there was still a lot more to do to restore them to the people God called them to be. Violence and dissention were causing an unstable economy (Nehemiah 5:1-8) and sky-rocketing taxes (Nehemiah 5:4, 15). And the walls of Jerusalem that had been destroyed still needed rebuilding.

Enter the Persian King Artaxerxes who seized control of the chaos. God, of course, was the one who was ultimately in control of the King just as he was when Cyrus and Darius were in power. It was through the Prophet Isaiah that God spoke loud and clear concerning his challenge to get on  with the work and repair the breach that still needed to be finished according to his plans.

In Isaiah 58:12, we see how God challenges not only his own people to repair the breach left by those who oppose him and his holy standards. He also uses leaders and others who may not necessarily be among his special people. In this case, if his people don’t step in, then he calls persons like King Artaxerxes, a Persian no less, to be, “the repairer of the breach; the restorer of paths to dwell in.”

One Bible commentary says,

“Artaxerxes’ destiny to fulfill the assignments first given to Cyrus (Isa. 44:26; 45:13) and to Darius, his grandfather (49:8b-9a) will come about when he has acted to meet these social and economic needs. Age-old ruins in Jerusalem will be rebuilt and foundations of walls generations old will be raised up. His reputation will include the title Repairer of the Breach in Jerusalem’s walls, as well as Restorer of paths in which to dwell. That is, urban development in Jerusalem and in the villages of Judah will be attributed to him. Ezra 4:7-24 and Nehemiah 2:1-9 attribute the work of Ezra and Nehemiah in part to the support of Artaxerxes,” (Word Biblical Commentary).

God continues to use people today to be “Repairers of the breach.” That’s because God has a plan that concerns his people and his work and his coming Kingdom. As conditions and events continue to develop regarding the fulfillment of his grand and glorious plan, it’s our aim as Christians to follow that plan—the plan of his salvation—not work against it. We don’t want to ignore it and fall into the kind of rebellion that led others in Isaiah’s day away from the Lord.

The breach we’re challenged with comes down to sin. It’s the reason we go through hardship and grief. It’s the culprit that weakens and destroys and leaves a wide gap between us and God our Creator. But there IS Someone who bridges that gap and repairs that breach and rebuilds our lives to be even better than before. I’m referring to God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. First Timothy 2:5-6 says,

“⁵ For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time,” (New American Standard Bible, NASB).

Jesus is the ultimate “Repairer of the breach,” who will indeed restore us and make our lives worth living as we confess him as Lord and Savior of our lives and put our faith in God through him.

Good News to YOU!
Pastor Michael
P.S. Here’s Casting Crowns singing, “The Bridge,” https://youtu.be/odxPj1_LuMQ

Living Under God’s Wonder-Working Power

I was researching the amazing ways God works through his Power (a.k.a., The Holy Spirit). In the process, when I picked up one of my sermon illustration books, I came across something inside the front cover that piqued my interest.

There, folded in half, I found an old typewritten sheet of paper with a story that just happened (Not a coincidence, I’m sure.) to relate to the subject I was researching. It’s amusing in some way, and its veracity could even be questioned. Yet it has a neat message that demonstrates God’s wonder-working Power whether you believe the story or not:

Dwight Nelson [?] recently told a true story about the pastor of his church. He had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down. The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc.

The kitty would not come down. The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and pulled it until the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten.

That’s what he did, all the while checking his progress in the car. He then figured if he went just a little bit further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to reach the kitten. But as he moved the car a little further forward, the rope broke.

The tree went ‘boing!’ and the kitten instantly sailed through the air – out of sight.

The pastor felt terrible. He walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they’d seen a little kitten. No. Nobody had seen a stray kitten.

So he prayed, ‘Lord, I just commit this kitten to your keeping,’ and went on about his business.

A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met one of his church members. He happened to look into her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food.

This woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her, ‘Why are you buying cat food when you hate cats so much?’ She replied, ‘You won’t believe this,’ and then told him how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but she kept refusing.

Then a few days before, the child had begged again, so the Mom finally told her little girl, ‘Well, if God gives you a cat, I’ll let you keep it.’

She told the pastor, ‘I watched my child go out in the yard, get on her knees, and ask God for a cat. And really, Pastor, you won’t believe this, but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky, with its paws outspread, and landed right in front of her.’

Lesson learned… Never underestimate the Power of God and His unique sense of humor.

This story has been called an “Urban Legend” and other versions have allegedly been in circulation since the 1980’s according to Snopes. under the title, “Catapulted Cat,” by Barbara Mikkelson.

But whatever there is to learn from this story, there is one thing for certain: God’s Power can never be underestimated.

In an article by Our Daily Bread Ministries, God’s Power is compared to a grand symphony. Every note of God’s work is unique. It creates “a harmonious masterpiece” in at least five different ways. With this list, I’ve inserted some Bible passages for you to click on to verify these examples:

1. Supernatural Works: God still performs supernatural feats. He orchestrates events beyond our comprehension, weaving miracles into our lives. These divine interventions leave us in awe and wonder. (Deuteronomy 3:24; Job 5:8-9; Psalm 77:14; Matthew 19:26)
2. Life Transformations: God’s power dramatically changes lives. Like a sculptor shaping raw stone into a masterpiece, He molds our hearts, renewing our minds and spirits. The once broken find healing, the lost discover purpose, and the hopeless receive hope. (Psalm 51:10-12; Acts 2:38-39; Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:16-24)
3. Influencing Events: God’s hand subtly guides events. He aligns circumstances, opens doors, and closes others. Sometimes, what seems coincidental is actually His divine orchestration, leading us toward His purpose. (1 Chronicles 29:12; Isaiah 45:7; Romans 8:28)
4. Answered Prayers: God responds to our heartfelt cries. He provides, heals, and directs. When we receive answers to our prayers, it’s not mere coincidence—it’s His powerful touch. (Matthew 7:7; Ephesians 3:20; 1 John 5:14)
5. Remember the Source: As we rejoice in what we receive, let’s remember that every good gift comes from God. Whether it’s provision, healing, or hope, it’s His grace at work. (Philippians 2:13; 4:13; Hebrews 13:20-21; James 1:17)

The article includes this wise insight,

“God’s power has often been misunderstood….In other words, we tend to think of God’s power in terms of physical strength, omniscient knowledge, or as a wealth of resources at His disposal. But the power of God is demonstrated by His ability to accomplish His will in every situation, both real and potential, through any means He chooses in order to glorify Himself. God’s power is centered on His will and His glory. We just need to know where to look.”

Certainly, God’s infallible Word comes to mind on where to look. Hebrews 4:12 says,

“For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart,” (21st Century King James Version).

I also add another wonderful way God’s Power is revealed. The Apostle Paul says in Philippians 3:10-11,

^“ 10 …that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; ¹¹ if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead,” (New American Standard Bible, NASB).

Paul the Apostle not only displayed all the above five examples in his own life in Christ, but he testifies of his hope in the Power of the resurrection when Jesus returns in Power and Glory. That’s the kind of wonder-working Power that sees us through any suffering or sorrow we experience in this mortal life.

Last Sunday, Christian believers celebrated the real and genuine truth of Jesus’ resurrection from death to life immortal. Through his Power, God brought his Son to life again (Acts 2:24, 32; Romans 8:11; 10:9). And not only that, all the dead in Christ will be raised to immortal life through that same wonder-working Power when Jesus comes again (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

To some doubters the truth of God’s Power and how it works might sound unbelievable and not taken seriously like the story of the “Catapulted Cat.” But the Christian faithful don’t need to question God’s wonder-working Power because we’ve experienced it ourselves in more ways than one. All it starts with is that child-like faith like the kind that led the little girl to simply pray for a cat. And we can expect even greater things to come by the Power he reveals in us!

Good News to YOU!
Pastor Michael
P.S.  The wonder-working Power we claim as believers comes only through the One who shed his blood that we might live eternally —Jesus Christ, God’s Son (Hebrews 9:14). Here’s the Smoky Mountain Jubilee Choir singing one of my most favorite hymns, “There Is Power in the Blood,” https://youtu.be/y2VhXwpANgI

Christ the First-fruit—What it means for YOU!

²⁰But now Christ has been raised out from the dead, the firstfruit of those having fallen asleep. ²¹For since death came by a man, so also by a man has come the resurrection of the dead. ²²For as indeed in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. ²³But each in the own order: Christ the firstfruit, then those of Christ at His coming, (1 Corinthians 15:20-23, Berean Literal Bible, BLB).

Christians all over the world will soon celebrate one of the holiest days of the year—the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This sacred day is the climax of Passion week that began with Palm Sunday one week earlier when Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey and hailed as Savior of the Jews. But within days, Jesus was rejected by the Jewish leaders and their supporters who mocked him and had him  beaten, whipped, and finally crucified on the cross upon which he died.

Although Jesus himself was without any sin or wrong doing, the Bible says he took our sins upon him thus sparing all those who believe in him from eternal death (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22-25). Thus, Jesus gives all those faithful in him the hope of receiving eternal life.

The Apostle Peter called it a “living hope” because Christ is our living Lord who will give life to all who confess him as the Son of God, Savior and Lord of their lives. In his greeting to the scattered Christians throughout Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) and everywhere else, the apostle wrote,

 ³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (1 Peter 1:3, New American Standard Bible, NASB).

Note Peter’s connection of a “living hope” with Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. This underscores the point that the Apostle Paul was making in his remarks in First Corinthians 15, also known as “The Resurrection Chapter.” The title of this chapter is appropriately called, “The Fact of Christ’s Resurrection.” Here, Paul sets out to prove beyond a shadow of doubt that God, indeed, raised Jesus from the dead and what this means to the Church (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

In the context of this chapter, Paul makes a reference to the order of resurrection according to God’s plan for those in Christ. The very first feature in this order is when God raised Christ [or, Messiah] from the dead, whom he calls, “the first-fruit [other translations read, “first-fruits”] of them that slept.”

What did he mean by “first-fruit”? According to the Pictorial Bible Dictionary, “first fruits” were,

“In acknowledgement of the fact that all the products of the land came from God, and thankfulness for His goodness, Israelites brought as an offering to Him a portion of the fruits that ripened first, these being looked upon as an earnest of the coming harvest. Such an offering was made both on behalf of the nation (Leviticus 23:10, 17) and by individuals (Exodus 23:19; Deuteronomy 26:1-11). These first fruits went for the support of the priesthood.”

To apply this phrase to the risen Lord, the Apostle Paul was saying that Christ Jesus is like the first-fruit of the harvest, the first person resurrected from death to immortality by God (Romans 6:9).  Other persons, like Lazarus (John 11:38-44), were previously raised from the dead before but they were not raised to immorality. The next event in this resurrection order is the great harvest when all those “in Christ” will be raised to receive immortality at that time (Psalm 126:4-6; John 4:35-36). In First Corinthians 6:14, Paul said to his fellow Christians,

“Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power,” (NASB).

What a wonderful promise! It’s why we call it the Good News. We can have victory over the power of sin and death because Jesus is the “first-fruit” among those who’ve died and are asleep in their graves until he comes again. As Paul pointed out, it’s on account of Adam the first man who sinned that we all suffer the penalty of sin which results in death. So, it took the second or “last Adam”—in other words, Jesus Christ—whom God gave, to free us from the curse of sin and death when our Savior comes again (1 Corinthians 15:45-49).

While we mortals know that death is imminent (Ecclesiastes 3:20; 9:2-4; Hebrews 9:27), we as believers likewise know that “in Christ all shall be made alive.” In God’s order, Christ the first-fruit has risen first as our example and then the next time he will raise the rest of “those who are Christ’s at his coming,” (1 Corinthians 15:23).

According to the Bible, no one has received the reward of immortality as yet. The dead are in a state of rest in an unconscious sleep, just as the Scripture says (Psalm 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:4-6, 10; John 11:11-13).

The fact that Jesus is the first-fruit of those who have fallen asleep gives us the reason to be comforted when someone—especially someone close to us—succumbs to the enemy, death. Paul shared this in First Thessalonians 4:13-18,

¹³ But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep [in death], so that you will not grieve as indeed the rest of mankind do, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead, so also God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep [in death] through Jesus. ¹⁵ For we say this to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive, who remain, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore, comfort one another with these words. (NASB)

Paul also offered this comfort and reassurance at the end of his “Resurrection Chapter” when he declared,

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord,” (1 Corinthians 15:57-58, NASB).

Without Christ, we are lost; with him we are found (Luke 15:24; 19:10). The Lord invites each one to come to him (Revelation 22:16-17), to receive him through faith (Romans 10:17; Ephesians 2:8-9), repentance (Matthew 3:2; Acts 2:38), and baptism (Mark 16:15-16; Romans 6:1-11; Galatians 3:27), as we look forward to that Great Day. As surely as Christ is the first-fruit of those who are asleep, we can be completely confident he will come back to complete the Harvest! Hallelujah! Amen!

Good News to YOU!
And have a most blessed Resurrection Sunday!
Pastor Michael
P.S. Here’s a timely song that reminds us, “Christ the First-fruits,” https://youtu.be/M1e9hQTOByg

A Time to Rejoice!

At a time when Israel is still at war with terrorists since last October 7, and under a lot of heat even by those supposed to be their closest allies, we could hardly call this a time to rejoice. Rather, it’s a time for distress, division, and downright deceit, not to speak of death and destruction no matter whose side one is on. And it doesn’t appear to be getting any better very soon—just worse.  

I noticed in the news where Israeli spokeswoman, Tal Heinrich, said that, “Either you’re with us or you’re with terrorists.” The comment came after US President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., made some serious demands against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government.

Schumer even called for a “new election” labeling the Prime Minister, an “obstacle to peace,” according to latest news reports. Thus, more fuel was added to the fire that was already raging in the Middle East.

On the other hand, we should not be too surprised that if there was a time to rejoice it’s among the terrorists and all their sympathizers who hate Israel and want to see the nation destroyed. I wouldn’t doubt they’re cheering with delight to see more people attacking Israel’s leader and their government, especially from someone like Schumer, Washington’s highest-ranking Jewish official. Ironical, isn’t it?

Not only that, we can be sure that most if not all of Israel’s enemies would like to see freedom-loving, God-worshiping, patriotic Americans who back the Jewish nation go down in the process, as well.

Now, I know that doesn’t sound like Good News. And, I confess, it isn’t. But, as they say, it’s always darkest before the dawn. “So, what’s the dawn beyond the dark? You might ask.”

I believe you have to go back about two millennia ago, to a place in Israel—the City of Jerusalem. It was there that a grand event took place. It’s called,  “The Triumphal Entry.” It was then that a very famous man many called a “prophet” came riding into the city on a donkey attracting a lot of people. The crowd gathered there looked on with great praise and expectation. The man of the hour was Jesus of Nazareth.

A great crowd was lining the street cheering Jesus as their hero. They waved palm branches, and spread them and their cloaks on the street as was the custom for honoring kings in those days. The people were excited, joyfully shouting, “Hosanna,” to him which means, “Save us!” Here’s the way Matthew described it:

⁸ Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. ⁹ Now the crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting,
“Hosanna to the Son of David;
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest!”
¹⁰ When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” ¹¹ And the crowds were saying, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matthew 21:8-11, New American Standard Bible, NASB).

Rejoicing was in the air that day we now call, “Palm Sunday.” The occasion signifies something wonderful to come that is worth our rejoicing. And in these perilous times of “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6-8) we desperately need it—especially in the midst of the war going on in the Middle East today. Why? Because Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem that day gives us a glimpse of hope we have for the future—hope beyond the suffering and loss that grieves us now. That first Palm Sunday is but a small taste of the REAL rejoicing that will come in God’s time.

Speaking of time, it’s like we’re told in Ecclesiastes 7:4 and 8,

⁴ A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
⁸ A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace. (NASB)

Palm Sunday reminds us that a better time is coming. Sorrow will turn into permanent joy on the Great Day that Jesus Christ returns and enters Jerusalem the next time. For Jesus will then fulfill the promise of the ages—to reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords over Israel and all the nations. He will defeat the terrorists; put a final end to all evil; and grant eternal life to all the faithful in him, according to the Scriptures. Peace will come. And we can rejoice!

Psalm 118:24-26,
²⁴ This is the day which the Lord has made;
Let’s rejoice and be glad in it.
²⁵ Please, O Lord, do save us;
Please, O Lord, do send prosperity!
²⁶ Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord;
We have blessed you from the house of the Lord. (NASB)

Good News to YOU!
And have a blessed Palm Sunday!
Pastor Michael

P.S. Great rejoicing will take place on the day when Jesus comes again in the name of the Lord. Here’s a Palm Sunday song, “Hosanna,” depicting the kind of joy believers have to look forward to when his Day comes: https://youtu.be/YApEIjvE6S4

One Day at a Time

Charlie Brown is at bat. STRIKE THREE. He had struck out again and slumps over to the bench. “Rats! I’ll never be a big-league player. I just don’t have it! All my life I’ve dreamed of playing in the big leagues, but I know I’ll never make it.”

Lucy turns to console him. “Charlie Brown, you’re thinking too far ahead. What you need to do is set yourself more immediate goals.”

He looks up. “Immediate goals?”

Lucy says, “Yes. Start with this next inning when you go out to pitch. See if you can walk out on the mound without falling down!” (PEANUTS, Charles Shultz)

Lucy made a good point with Charlie Brown. You can’t expect to reach your far ranging goals without reaching your immediate goals first. And when it comes to tomorrow’s plans, you can only take them one day at a time. It starts with today.

Charlie’s problem was that he was so anxious about “thinking too far ahead,” as Lucy said, that he couldn’t achieve what he want to do in the game that day. It reminds me of what Jesus said:

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble,” (Matthew 6:34, English Standard Version, ESV).

In essence, Jesus is telling us the same thing Lucy told Charlie Brown. Don’t get overburdened worrying about tomorrow and its troubles. You have enough to take care of today. Your first goal is to make the best for today. Tomorrow’s another day.

We can avoid getting stressed out thinking about our future goals by working on our immediate goals first. One immediate goal is that we can put our trust in the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 says,

⁵“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ⁶In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths,” (ESV).

Another achievable goal we can make now and each day is prayer. It’s a great way to start each day to find peace of mind. Philippians 4:6-7,

⁶“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” (ESV).

Jesus tells us that if we make seeking God’s Kingdom our priority each day, we’re more likely to have a happier future. It includes putting God and his principles first, one day at a time. He said,

²⁵“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? ²⁸And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, ²⁹yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these….³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you,” (Matthew 6:25-29, 33, ESV).

If we follow these principles one day at a time, then we will not only reach our immediate goals, but we will be more apt to reach our future goals as well. Speaking of this, an old song in our church’s hymnbook comes to mind— “Just for Today” (Words: Sybil F. Partridge; Music: Horatio R. Palmer):

Lord for tomorrow and its needs
I do not pray:
Keep me, my God from stain of sin
Just for today.
Help me to labor earnestly,
And duly pray;
Let me be kind in word and deed,
Father, today.

Let me no wrong or idle word
Unthinking say;
Set Thou a seal upon my lips
Thru all today.
Let me in season, Lord be grave,
In season gay [see * below];
Let me be faithful to Thy grace,
Dear Lord, today.

And if, today, this life of mine
Should ebb away,
Give me Thy resurrection hope,
Father, today.
So for tomorrow and its needs
I do not pray;
Still keep me, guide me, love me, Lord,
Through each today.
Amen.

In summary … [*] The overall message of these lines is a prayer for guidance in behaving appropriately, whether it’s being serious [grave] or joyful [gay], and seeking the Lord’s help in doing so—just for today¹².

Lucy’s advice to Charlie Brown teaches us what it means to take it one day at a time or, in his case, one inning at a time without falling down. The game of life goes better that way for us, too, if we seek God’s help, one day at a time.

Good News to YOU!
Pastor Michael
P.S. Here’s Lynda Randle singing, “One Day At a Time,” https://youtu.be/JhUvFqOY00I

Don’t Make God Angry!

In this day and age of permissiveness, we don’t seem to hear about God’s wrath very often if at all. Yes, our loving God is kind and good and that’s also important. But what about making God angry and the consequences that comes with it?

The story is told of a little Scottish boy who wouldn’t eat his prunes. So his mother sent him off to bed saying, “God is angry with you, watch out for His wrath!”

Soon after the boy went to his room a violent storm broke out. Amidst flashes of lightning and peals of thunder the mother looked into the boy’s room, worried that he would be terrified.

When she opened the door she found him looking out the window muttering out loud, “My Lord, such a fuss to make over a few prunes!” (Source Unknown)

The little boy’s remark reminds me of the way we’re prone to think in regard to what makes God angry. It’s not so much about doing things we might detest like eating a few prunes. Rather, it’s about obeying what we’re told to do by a higher authority who knows what’s best for us.

The Apostle Paul reminded the Church at Rome of God’s anger when he sent this message:

⁵ But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. ⁶ He will judge everyone according to what they have done. ⁷ He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. ⁸ But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. ⁹ There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. ¹⁰ But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. ¹¹ For God does not show favoritism. (Romans 2:5-11, New Living Translation, NLT).

It might seem peculiar to think that God’s anger is part of the Good News we proclaim. Mostly when we talk about someone getting angry it’s in a negative context. And they have to go through some sort of anger management course to control themselves and keep from harming themselves or someone else.

But God’s anger is not of this sort. Note what the Apostle called God’s anger: “Righteous judgment.” In other words, God’s anger or wrath is about his perfect justice—and that’s good. God’s righteous judgement is morally proper, pure, and perfect since he is holy and sinless in every way (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 92:15).

It’s therefore logical to conclude that if we sinners (We all fit under this category—Romans 3:23.) make God angry then we deserve to be punished like the little boy who was sent to his bedroom for not obeying his mother. God punishes or disciplines us because of his love for us much like the way a good, loving parent disciplines their child (Hebrews 12:6-16).

But since God is not human, we can be glad his patience is not as thin as some parents. Since he is “slow to anger,” he gives us plenty of time to get our act together. But we should not take advantage of him for that wonderful attribute. He will release his anger and send his punishment in due time (Exodus 34:6-7; Numbers 14:18; Psalm 103:6-14; Isaiah 48:9-12; 2 Peter 3:7-12). We can be sure of that!

The lesson reaches all the way to the future, as well. There will ultimately be a day of judgment after Jesus returns when everyone will have to stand before the Lord and give an account of their behavior, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10). Each will be rewarded accordingly.

This “day” is what Paul is referring to in Romans 2 as God’s “day of wrath” and it will be directed toward the ungodly who have not repented of their sin (Romans 1:18; 2:5-8; Ephesians 5:6). Of course, that will not turn out so good for them but it will thankfully rid the world once and for all of wickedness and sin (Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 13:28; Revelation 20:11-15). Yet, it doesn’t come without fair warning in this present life (Mark 1:14-15; Acts 17:30; Romans 2:12-16).

By knowing this now, we have the opportunity to escape God’s coming wrath. The fact is that God’s wrath is not for those who’ve freely and willingly accepted his grace and truth through their conversion to his Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord (John 3:36; Acts 2:38). Christ died for our sin so that believers will  be saved from God’s wrath (Romans 5:9; Hebrews 9:27-28; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; Revelation 20:4-6).

In essence, we do not want to make God angry and for good reasons. He is our Creator, Provider, Redeemer, Judge who gave his one his only Son to give us the reward of eternal life (John 3:16). Our obedience to him is out of the deep love and respect we have for him and his commandments. Thus we want to please and honor him for his glory and praise (Mark 12:28-31; Colossians 3:23-25). It’s an integral part of putting on the new self in Christ our Lord (Colossians 3:1-4).

But as I mentioned, as hard as we try, we’re not perfect. Thank God that through his Son, he will forgive us if we sincerely and humbly ask him to do when we don’t always do what he says (1 John 1:9). We always want to let him transform our lives to be like Christ for our aim as believers is to be among “those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life,” (Romans 2:8, New American Standard Bible, NASB). 

So, in our response to the little boy who complained to God about the prunes, comes this advice: Just do what you’re told. Don’t make either your mother or God angry. Then things will come out better in the end!

Good News to YOU!
Pastor Michael
P.S. It’s good to learn to obey God for this will not only appease his anger but guide us through our trials and temptations. Here’s Bria Jean singing, “Teach Me to Obey,” https://youtu.be/F2Jt5C1qm-E

The Power of the ‘Amen’

Here’s a funny joke, or variations of it, I’ve seen or heard before that never fails to give me a chuckle:

Once there was a guy named Bill who wanted a horse.

On Craigslist, Bill saw a Christian horse so he went to check it out.
When Bill got to the ranch, the horse’s owner said “It’s easy to ride him. Just say ‘praise the Lord’ to make him go, and ‘amen’ to make him stop.” Bill got on the horse and said “praise the Lord.” the horse started to walk. “Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, praise the Lord” and the horse is running. Now Bill sees the cliff and says: “AMEN.”
The horse stops and Bill says: “Whew! Praise the Lord!”

Speaking of jokes…

There are many “amen” one-liners like, “Why do they say ‘a-men” at church instead of ‘a-women’? For the same reason they sing hymns and not hers.”

There was even a comedy show in the late 80’s-early 90’s called, “AMEN” that revolved around Ernest Frye, (played by Sherman Hemsley) a widower deacon of the First Community Church of Philadelphia, who also works as a lawyer. (Wikipedia) It got a lot of laughs. 

And speaking of all that…

The word “amen” is not only used in comedy and jokes but in solemn matters, as we would expect—such as, when our government leaders convene. Both in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representative prayers are traditionally offered by chaplains or other religious officials seeking Divine guidance upon their legislative work and the nation. And, each prayer customarily ends with the usual, “Amen.”

Then you may recall the controversy that occurred back on January 3, 2021 as the 117^th Congress convened. That’s when Missouri Democrat Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, also a United Methodist Church pastor, added “A-woman” to the “A-men” at the end of his prayer to open the first session of the new House of Representatives. Many were outraged; others amused when his closing words were, “We ask it in the name of the monotheistic god, Brahma, and god known by many names by many different faiths. Amen and A-Woman.” https://youtu.be/qgI8HL7J4Ns

In defense of his prayer, Cleaver claimed that the closing of his invocation and the “A-Woman” was merely a “light-hearted pun,” in recognition of the women in Congress and that it had been “misconstrued.”  (Snopes)

From that incident comes this quip someone made: “A lot of people are roasting Cleaver on saying ‘A-woman’…I mean, I know that ‘Amen’ comes from Hebrew and means ‘so be it,’ and therefore “A-woman” would make no sense in Hebrew. In Shebrew, however, it makes complete sense!!!”

Such is the way the “amen” word has been stretched out of proportion and radically redefined in meaning and power, particularly from a religious point of view. In fact, according to (Wikipedia) “Amen” is “an Abrahamic declaration of affirmation”  that is “used in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim practices as a concluding word, or as a response to a prayer.”

Indeed, both Old and New Testaments of the Bible portray the use of “Amen” in sacred terms. You’ll notice it’s capitalized to emphasize how it’s used as a one-word statement, which translated generally means. “So be it,” at the end of a prayer. To that point, the above quip about the Hebrew meaning is correct.  

It should be emphasized, however, that the “Amen,” is not a sign-off word, as though you’re saying, “I’m finished, Lord, over and out!” It goes deeper than that. The Pictorial Bible Dictionary points out it’s actually a “confirmation” or “support” literally translated, “may it become,” and “verily” or “truly.”

The Old Testament applies it, “in doxologies (1 Chronicles 16:36; Nehemiah 8:6; and in the Psalms as 41:13); assent by congregation to laws (Numbers 5:22; Deuteronomy 27:15-16); oaths (Nehemiah 5:13); appointments (1 Kings 1:36); title of God (Isaiah 65:16)…[and] call to divine witness (Jeremiah 28:6).

In the New Testament, “To introduce a solemn saying of Jesus, always as, “Verily I say….,” doubled always and only in John (but sometimes in [the Old Testament], as Psalm 41:13, etc.); following a doxology (Romans 11:36, etc.); following a benediction (Romans 15:33, etc.)…”

You will also find, “Amen” used in reverence or blessings toward God (Romans 1:25; 9:5) and reference to Jesus’ second coming (Revelation 1:7; 22:20). In fact, Jesus identifies himself as, “The Amen, the faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God…” (Revelation 3:14). In view of all these various uses of “Amen” in the Bible, it’s apparent that the word is not taken lightly nor is it merely a way to close a prayer.

“Amen” is truly important to Christians. Oftentimes it’s voiced in worship services and not just in prayer. The preacher might say something in his sermon that someone in the congregation agrees with and that person speaks up with a hearty “Amen.” Or, the preacher might say something like, “Can I get a witness?” and the entire congregation chimes in as one loud voice, “Amen.” Now, that will send a thrill down one’s spine!

We’re also familiar with Christian service songs such as the call to worship, hymn responses, anthems, and choruses with “Amen” sung in the lyrics. For believers, whether sung or spoken, it’s a beautiful word that strongly affirms God’s abundant blessings through Christ, and powerfully confirms the promises written in God’s Word. It gives personal meaning to our prayers and reinforces the faith we commit to God according to his grace and truth.

All joking aside, therefore, it’s never to be taken for granted or used simply as a tag for conveniently ending our prayers. And, for Heaven’s sake, let’s leave the politics out of it! 

Can I get an, “AMEN”?
Good News to YOU!
Pastor Michael
P.S. Here’s a worship experience to which you’ll sing “Amen!” featuring the inspirational song, “The Blessing,” https://youtu.be/lG1f71XhAYc

 

 

 

When Life Goes Haywire

Here’s a delightful tale about a man stranded with car trouble who had an unexpected encounter with a stranger who came to his rescue…

Once upon a sun-kissed afternoon, the man—let’s call him Walter—was cruising along in his trusty Ford. The engine purred contentedly, its mechanical heart beating in sync with the road. But fate, that mischievous weaver of destinies, had other plans.

Haywire! The word echoed through Walter’s mind like a distant thunderclap. He glanced at the dashboard, eyebrows furrowing. The gauges remained stoically indifferent, revealing no secrets. Walter, undeterred, popped the hood and peered into the engine bay. Alas, nothing amiss—no frayed wires, no disgruntled gremlins.

And then, as if scripted by the cosmic playwright, a figure materialized from the ether. Out from the Lincoln—a car of elegance and grace—stepped a tall man. His bearing exuded authority and his eyes held the wisdom of ages. Walter squinted against the sun, trying to place this enigmatic stranger.

“What is your name, Sir?” Walter asked, his voice a blend of curiosity and reverence.

The tall man smiled, a twinkle in his eye. “My name,” he said, “is Henry Ford.”

Henry Ford, the visionary behind the assembly line, the man who democratized automobiles for the masses. His legacy stretched across continents, leaving tire tracks in the sands of time. Here, in this roadside encounter, Walter stood face-to-face with an icon.

“Mr. Ford,” Walter stammered, “what brings you to my humble Ford?”

Henry Ford chuckled, a sound like gears meshing. “Ah, my friend,” he said, “I wander where the wind takes me. Today, it led me to your engine trouble. You see, even the finest machines need a nudge now and then.”

Walter nodded, absorbing the wisdom. “And what nudge do you propose?”

“Patience,” Henry Ford replied. “Patience and persistence. The road ahead may twist and turn, but remember this: innovation lies not in perfection, but in the pursuit of improvement.”

And so, with a nod and a cryptic smile, Henry Ford vanished into the ether. Walter climbed back into his Ford, the engine now purring with newfound vigor. As he drove away, he carried not only the memory of a chance encounter but also the echoes of a timeless truth.

For in the dance of pistons and the hum of rubber on asphalt, Walter glimpsed the spirit of innovation—the same spirit that had birthed the Model T, revolutionized transportation, and forever etched the name Henry Ford into the annals of history.

And so, dear reader, the road stretches before you. Whether in a Ford or a Lincoln, remember: sometimes, the most extraordinary journeys begin with a haywire moment and end with a whispered name.

Henry Ford (1863-1947)

Now, I’m not sharing this story to advertise Ford products. And even though Henry Ford is portrayed as “a figure materialized from the ether,” (whatever that implies), he was only a man who used his God-given knowledge and talent to revolutionize the transportation industry.

As a matter of fact, Ford, himself, credited God for his success. One of his quotes is, “I believe God is managing affairs and that he doesn’t need my advice from me. With God in charge, I believe everything will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry about?”

Another one is, “Those who walk with God always reach their destination.”

As the story about the man with the car trouble illustrates. the best person to help him was the one who knows how to make it run. It’s the same thing in life, God is our Maker. He knows how to get us up and running again. He knows everything about us—how we function, what we need to work properly, and what it takes to get us to our destination.

So God sent his only begotten Son. Jesus Christ, to come to our help (John 3:16). In spite of our condition, he repairs our spiritual engine, so to speak, so that we can operate even better than before. When we’re broken down and need a friendly person to come along and rescue us, there he is. When things become haywire, don’t forget God gave his Son to make a few adjustments, restore us, and get us back on the road according to his grace (John 1:14). Now that’s Divine innovation!

As it says in First Peter 5:10-11,

¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. (New International Version, NIV).

Good News to YOU!
Pastor Michael
P.S.  When we ask God for help, he will provide the One to get us going again. Here’s Plumb singing, “God Help Me,” https://youtu.be/eRyYEsmSHvc

Scriptural Tips for Spiritual Fitness

If you were one of those who made a New Year’s resolution about seven weeks ago to improve your health—like, starting an exercise plan, going on a diet program, or joining a health club—how’s that working out for you now? Are you still sticking with your resolution, so far? If so, good for you! If not, well, you can always start again.

Whether or not you’re one of these who made this resolution, I see where you can still take care of your health—such as, burning those unwanted calories and without all that strenuous exercise, as well. Here’s what I found…

A calorie guide citing a recent medical association report:

“Proper weight control and physical fitness cannot be attained by dieting alone. Many people who are engaged in sedentary occupations do not realize that calories can be burned by the hundreds by engaging in strenuous activities that do not require physical exercise.”

Here’s the guide to calorie-burning activities and the number of calories per hour they consume.

• • • Beating around the bush — 75
    • Jumping to conclusions — 100
    • Climbing the walls — 150
    • Swallowing your pride — 50
    • Passing the buck — 25
    • Throwing your weight around (depending on your weight) — 50-300
    • Dragging your heels — 00
    • Pushing your luck — 250
    • Making mountains out of molehills — 500
    • Hitting the nail on the head — 50
    • Wading through paperwork — 300
    • Bending over backwards — 75
    • Jumping on the bandwagon — 200
    • Running around in circles — 350
    • Eating crow — 225
    • Tooting your own horn — 25
    • Adding fuel to the fire — 150
    • Opening a can of worms — 50
      (Source unknown, as cited in Bible.org)

While this guide might give you a chuckle or two (I don’t know how many calories chuckles use up.), I started thinking about something a little more serious. And, that’s about spiritual fitness and health.

Now, I don’t know how many calories it would take, but I do know it’s important to take care of our spiritual growth and development by applying what the Bible tells us to do each day.

Here are some Scriptural tips for spiritual fitness that come to my mind…

1. Training in Godliness is even more important than physical training because it benefits you not only in this life, but in the future life to come (1 Timothy 4:7-8).
2. Walk in the newness of life starting with accepting Christ and being baptized in his name (Romans 6:4).
3. Then, keep walking in the Spirit so you won’t be carried away doing things you shouldn’t be doing—things which will disqualify you from entering God’s Kingdom (Galatians 5:16-21).
4. A good health diet is to partake of the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-26).
5. Running the race of life with patience and endurance (Hebrews 12:1) and self-discipline and control (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) goes a long way toward overcoming your faults and preparing for receiving the prize of eternal life when Jesus returns.
6. Don’t get tired of running or you might slip from obeying the truth and fall from following the directions for maintaining your spiritual health (Galatians 5:7; 6:9). Indeed, God will keep you from falling and help you to stand (Jude 24-25). So, get active by going around doing good and it will keep you in good shape while serving and helping others (Galatians 6:10; Colossians 3:17; 1 Timothy 6:17-19).
7. Wear the proper clothing for keeping spiritually fit and for preventing those bad habits that will endanger your spiritual health and keep you from consistently staying in shape. Take off the old self like an old, worn out uniform and put on a fresh uniform of a brand new self that is like God’s righteousness, holiness, and truth (Ephesians 4:22-24).
8. Christ, himself, is the right clothing we put on—that is, Christ himself, the perfect endorsement for remaining spiritually fit (Romans 13:13-14; Galatians 3:27).
9. Fighting to win through faith is another component of staying in good shape as a Christian. Believers are to be fully supplied with the best equipment while undergoing to kind of training that produces righteousness for the good of all (Ephesians 6:10-20; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7-8).
10. God’s Word is the perfect manual for keeping us spiritually in shape because, like a two-edged sword, it cuts both ways toward keeping us disciplined (Hebrews 4:12).

There are also different prayer postures that assist in exercising our spiritual fitness:

Kneeling (Psalm 95:6; Philippians 2:10-11); standing (1 Corinthians 16:13); sitting in active meditation, an exercise of the mind (Psalm 46:10; 119:15); lifting hands (Psalm 28:2; 1 Timothy 2:8); clapping hands and shouting (Psalm 47:1-9); assembling in worship with fellow Christians in prayer, singing, and fellowship,  (Psalm 96:1-13; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 10:23-25).

Taking all these tips into consideration and applying them each day will provide many opportunities for getting into great spiritual shape. And that’s just in this present life. There’s more we have to look forward to when we get those perfect minds and bodies at the glorious return of Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 15: 50-58; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2)!

Good News to YOU!
Pastor Michael
P.S. Here’s a good tip: One of the best exercises that will keep us spiritually fit is our walk with Jesus. Here’s Consumed by Fire presenting, “Walk with Jesus,” https://youtu.be/6GPzrNxlyYo.