CHECKING OUT MARK 13

 

CHECKING OUT MARK 13

Events of this last week alerted us to the devastating war in Israel. For many minds and hearts, questions and concerns arose. Are these the last days before Jesus’s return? Will God’s justice overturn the conflict against His nation, Israel, in this battle? What lies ahead for our nation and the possibility of wars moving forward? But, only God knows what is in store for Israel and ourselves.

Reading the thirteenth chapter of Mark, Jesus' prophetic words focused on the temple destruction in Israel. This must have created alarm and possibly fear when hearing this news. For us, it may also stir those same feelings as we reckon with current happenings and his forecast for the future.

When Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately inquired about the timing of such a fatality, they wanted to know what sign they could look for to show the coming of this event. However, Jesus began to expound on the tragedies that would grow beyond Israel affecting the whole world. It must have been beyond their imagination! They had barely begun to understand Jesus, His actions, and His deliverance for mankind. This revelation just didn’t seem to fit with all they were learning.

His telling was preparation for the calamities ahead, warning about deeper evil, and yet included instructions for peace.  He warned that deceptions, expansive devastations, persecution, betrayal, and abuse would take place. His words seem heavy. I wonder if it was a blow to their belief in God.

It may seem purposeless and avoidable to us. However, Jesus says it must take place (vs 7). Why? It is our opportunity to tell the world about the good news of Jesus Christ and what He has done for us on the cross and through his resurrection. It is time for us to grow strong in the Lord so we are ready to declare His love, power, and glory in the hard times – now and in the future.

Jesus gave instructions to keep watch (vs 35) for what is ahead. Watch for deceivers (vs 23) staying focused and attuned to Him.  He reminds us to have a mindset free of worry and panic. So what can we do about what lies ahead? Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) gives this instruction: “…let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”

Beginning in verse 24 we are told that the anguish of these days will be followed by the the return of Jesus with angels to receive His followers out of the troubles.  That will be amazing. Clouds ablaze with heavenly beings, Jesus appearing in beauty and magnificence as victor over sin and death.

Let’s remember what Jesus said in Mark 13:33:  “Since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert^!”

Let us praise God for His work on behalf of mankind, and the victory we know He has already won in the battles we face. Let us pray for the salvation of all people – and especially Israel. 

by Joy Pedersen

Good Morning Family

 Good Morning, Family

"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;

Another withholds what he should give and only suffers want.

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." Proverbs 11: 24-26

My Savior!

Thank you for new mercies in the morning - every morning! Your compassions are unfailing each day, and fresh hope rises upon waking. You invite me to step out in Your fields of blessing, your forests of peace, and your oceans of exhilaration and joy for a brand new day. Thank You, my Savior, thank You that you have come to give me life, and that more abundantly!

Be blessed; be a blessing today!

by Lisa Flanigan

About Good

 About Good

        I grew up with ‘Good’ as my last name. Recalling my high school days, one of my teachers (at the beginning of the school year) would ask me if I had lived up to my name. Each time I was irritated and embarrassed that he had singled me out. It was as though I was the only one who needed to answer that question. That in turn reminded me of times I had been disobedient and unkind to others.

Now contemplating that word, the meaning of good causes different thinking. David indicates in Psalm 37 that when our feet are planted on a foundation that is fixed on and guided by the Lord, we are right with God or good. When we believe in and accept salvation through Christ, our identity changes from world follower to Christ follower.

Being the child of God happens at salvation, and we commit to listen to the Lord by way of Scripture, meditation, prayer, and mature believers. Our focus is not to be on the world or its ways, but on the Lord and His intent for our life. And His desire for us was established at the beginning of time.

Verses 23 and 24 of this chapter are comforting. For when we are His children He delights in our steps while believing in and trusting Him - with belief being the first step.  Walking in agreement with Him he blesses us so that we are empowered through the Holy Spirit to move along with a desire to please Him above all else.

Even when we fail at being good, He sees us as His beloved child – good – holding on to us and helping us work through the steps that wounded our heart and soul. He never let’s go of His own and He ever helps us become spiritually mature with His guidance. How thankful I am that our Lord is aware of the failures and successes ahead of us. Grateful that He catches, rescues,  delivers, and helps us through this life as we keep in step under His watch and care.
by Joy Pedersen

Psalm 37:23-24 (AMP) 

  The steps of a [good and righteous] man [or woman] are directed and established by the Lord, and He delights in his way [and blesses his path]. When he falls, he will not be hurled down, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand and sustains him.

Love Defined

 

Love Defined

Though love is difficult to define, it is needed from the day we are conceived. We might think of it as a feeling. It can be felt at times, though it can exist without feeling. Looking at the Bible, there are different types of love. Also, the Greek (from which we received the New Testament) have many other ways to translate and describe love. In the English language we assume the many variations of love in relationships using the same word.

The primary ways to love are found in six Greek words:

·         Eros is sexual passion which is described as dangerous and irrational where – fiery - one loses control. David and Bathsheba or Adam and Eve are examples of such love in the Bible.

·         Philia is deep friendship that acts as comrades who are faithful, loyal, sacrificial, and vulnerable with emotions. Jonathan and David are who we see sharing this love in scripture.

·         Storge is familial love which is brotherly love or parent child relational love in the Bible. It holds the same characteristics of “philia” love. Abraham and Isaac displayed this love as did Mary and Jesus.

·         Pragma is long standing love that is mature – realistic – love found in long established couples. Here they love with compassion, compromise, patience, and tolerance. Zechariah and Elizabeth are examples of pragma.

·         Philautia is love of self. The unhealthy type is found in narcissism, obsessed with fame and fortune. But healthy it generates a deeper and wider capacity for love of others. Liking oneself brings compassion, sense of security, and grace toward self. Aristotle said, “All friendly feelings for others are an extension of man’s feeling for self”. Jesus is the greatest example of this love.

·         Agape is love for everyone. It offers empathy, selflessness, and charity. It is the highest form of Christian love. C.S. Lewis called it “gift love”. Given without any requirements from the receiver, agape belongs in all types of love.

Only three or four of these words are found in the original text of the Bible. Still, they all exist in scripture and are exhibited throughout scripture. In each Greek word, love is clearly an action and not feeling. Generally, we act based on a choice, and love is a choice.

When looking at I Corinthians 13 we see how love is to be expressed. Then because God is love, His very character is the definition of love. Looking for the truth on this subject, I looked for God’s definition. It is found in I John 2:6 (AMP):  

And this is love: that we walk in accordance with His commandments and are guided continually by His precepts [teachings]. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should [always] walk in love.

by, Joy Pedersen

Author Joy Pedersen, founded Clear Hope Association in 2004 to equip and build the family of God. She has served over 25 years in ministry using the Word of God to teach, write, and counsel. As a dedicated and effective communicator, she walks alongside others encouraging a deeper, more personal, and effective relationship with Jesus Christ. 

BOOK RELEASE: Loving With All Our Soul

 

Joy Pedersen's newest book release is available now! 
Loving With All Our Soul

Loving With All Our Soul

What is the soul, and what does it involve? Understanding how the soul fits into our spiritual makeup is important so we can love God with all of it. Enticements and choices made are often confusing and detrimental to maturity. It is important to look at the soul infected, influenced, inspired, and infiltrated. Are you hoping to increase your relationship with God and others? Committed time of introspection through these pages will help you examine your love life, wean out the things that hold you back, and lean into the One who loves you most.

Order through https://clearhope.org/

Brief Biography: Joy Pedersen founded Clear Hope Association in 2004 to equip and build the family of God. She has served over 25 years in ministry using the Word of God to teach, write, and counsel. As a dedicated and effective communicator, she walks alongside others encouraging a deeper, more personal, and effective relationship with Jesus Christ.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

 

Independence Day 

Just over a month ago, Memorial Day acknowledged the contributions of individuals who have fought for or are fighting to preserve 0ur freedoms here in the United States. Fourth of July is a celebration of our independence as a nation. It is a reminder of the freedoms that were established at the onset of our country.

The definition of independence, according to one dictionary, is freedom from control, influence, support, aid, or the likes of others. In some ways, it feels like we have become rather dependent on other nations – politically, industrially, economically, and socially. Freedom is defined as exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc. Listening to what is happening around us it would seem our freedom is being threatened.

To remain free as a nation requires being united as “We the People”, both for and against things that could threaten our Constitution and Bill of Rights. United means standing together, upholding truth, banning cruelty, upholding justice, and caring for one another with respect and honor.

Adolph Hitler’s reign is a classic historical example of what transpires when fear and denial yield to brutality. A united goal and effort to gain freedom from the control of one man would have changed history. National destruction and crushed lives were the results of hate, misuse of power, and self-aggrandizement.  Accomplishing the greater good for all happens when united we stand. Divided we fall is the outcome of looking out for self above all others.

We gave up a life of independence for interdependence as followers of Christ. We are dependent on him for our salvation allowing for personal freedom from sin. The Bible reminds us that we need relationships - first with God and then with people. So, we are to interact and count on one another and work together in the Body of Christ. Our declaration of rights is based on the law of love as found throughout scripture. Because of who He is, we need Him to comply with what He says is loving. Looking at His name throughout the Bible, in Hebrew and Greek, we find He supplies our needs through His character as we call upon Him. For example:

·         He is Elohim - supreme God, strong One, creator who makes all things from the universe down to the new in our lives as believers, and He and rule sovereignly. (Genesis 14:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

·         He is El Roi – the God who is all seeing, Who sees me in the good and in the bad times He is ever watching us. (Genesis 16:3; Matthew 6:3-4)

·         He is Jehovah Jireh – provider of all things whether it is a job, food, clothing, strength,  friends, or more. (Genesis 22:14; Philippians 4:19)

·         Jehovah Rapha – He is the Lord that heals from the Old Testament into the New Testament through Jesus. (Exodus 15:26; Luke 6:17-19)

God gives people to walk alongside us, and He wants us to depend on Him to guide us in those relationships. According to Ephesians 3:20-21, He is able to do much much more than we could ever ask or hope for. As we lean upon and trust in Him He faithfully helps us through all kinds of situations. And what are our freedoms?

We are free from sin and it’s guilt, legalism, and power. We have freedom to enjoy God (3 in 1), know Him, belong to Him, and own Him as our Lord and King.  We have been given freedom with others to serve, give attention to needs, and commune. And because of His love given freely to us, we can freely love others out of this gift. For believers in Christ freedom is eternal.

While focused on independence remember the freedoms you richly enjoy first as a believer in Christ and then as one who dwells in this nation.

Galatians 5:13 (AMP)

For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another.

by Joy Pedersen

Father's Day

Father’s Day is a reflection and appreciation day. When I do this, my mind recalls the hard work Dad consistently powered through until the very day that he went to Heaven. He tended farm animals and tended soil and crops. He built houses and led men in the process. He instructed his children by word and deed ethically and spiritually. He helped his neighbors in need. He provided shelter, food, and clothing for his family – at times others. He prayed daily with the family after sharing the Word of God. Though imperfect, he served the Lord faithfully in all he did. He has been gone from this world for 37 years, but I am so grateful for the impressions he left on my life, and looking forward to seeing him again in heaven.

In a world where pleasure has become a primary focus, the eternal reward is often forgotten. Rather, working faithfully and responsibly we are to recognize all our works – manual and physical - are opportunities to reflect God’s love to others and then reap an eternal reward for our service in Heaven. Colossians 3:23 (ESV) is our reminder. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

by Joy Pedersen