Shirley Gohner

In the parable of the wedding supper in Matthew 22, the King, representing God, prepares the feast and sends out the invitation. Yet those who are called must also be properly clothed. This lesson reminds us that the wedding garment represents the righteousness of Christ being formed in us as we diligently respond to God’s calling. 

Matthew 22: 1. And again Jesus answered and spoke to them in parables, saying, 2. “The kingdom of heaven is compared to a man who was a king, who made a wedding feast for his son, 3. And sent his servants to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast; but they refused to come.4. Afterwards he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Say to those who have been invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and the fatted beasts are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding feast.” 5. But they paid no attention and went away, one to his farm, and another to his business. 6. And the rest, after seizing his servants, insulted and killed them. 7. Now when the king heard it, he became angry; and he sent his armies and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast indeed is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy; 9. Therefore, go into the well-traveled highways, and invite all that you find to the wedding feast.’ 10. And after going out into the highways, those servants brought together everyone that they found, both good and evil; and the wedding feast was filled with guests. 11. And when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not dressed in proper attire for the wedding feast; (A Faithful Version) 

Have we accepted the invitation to the wedding feast, and are we preparing ourselves with the proper wedding attire? Peter gives us a helpful pattern for spiritual growth in 2 Peter 1:5–7: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly love, and the love of God. 

 Peter’s list appears to show progression. Each quality builds upon the one before it, showing how God develops His character in those who answer His invitation. 

Faith 

Faith is the starting point in following God’s way. Without faith, there is no reason to continue any further, because faith gives us the reason to act. It is the foundation of the wedding garment because it moves us to believe God, trust His promises, and respond to His calling. 

Hebrews 11:1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen. 6. Now without faith it is impossible to please God. For it is mandatory for the one who comes to God to believe that He exists, He is everything that He defines Himself to be as revealed in the Word of God.and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (A Faithful Version) 

 Virtue 

Virtue can be understood as moral excellence: a willingness to obey God rather than yield to the pulls of the flesh. After faith, we begin to recognize God’s will and put it into practice with diligence. Virtue is part of the wedding garment because it shows that faith is becoming visible in conduct. 

Romans 2:13. (Because the hearers of the law are not just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. (A Faithful Version) 

 Knowledge 

Peter next adds knowledge. Knowledge is more than information; it is the growing understanding of God’s truth, His law, His purpose, and His way of life. Faith must be guided by knowledge so that zeal is directed by truth. In this way, knowledge helps us know what kind of garment God is forming in us. 

Self-Control and Endurance 

Self-control is disciplined restraint: the ability, through God’s help, to govern our thoughts, desires, words, and actions. Endurance is the stability to continue in God’s way over time. Together, these qualities show that we are not only learning the truth but also remaining faithful to it. They are part of the wedding garment because they reveal a life of overcoming. 

Revelation 3:5. The one who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments; and I will not blot out his name from the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. (A Faithful Version) 

 Godliness and Brotherly Love 

Once God begins the work of internal conversion, the result should flow outward. Godliness is devotion toward God, and brotherly love is kindness and concern toward others. These qualities show that the wedding garment is not merely private belief, but a transformed life directed first toward God and then toward our fellow man. 

Mark 12:30. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. (A Faithful Version) 

 Love 

The goal of Peter’s list is love: the love of God being developed in us. If these qualities are growing in our lives, Peter says we will not be useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Love completes the garment because it reflects the character of God Himself. 

2 Peter 1:8. For if these things exist and abound in you, they will cause you to be neither lacking effort nor lacking fruit in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (A Faithful Version) 

 The mention of fruit is important. The fruit of the Spirit is God’s gift, and it includes both love and self-control. These qualities cannot be fully produced by human nature alone. Thankfully, God supplies what we lack, and He continues to clothe His people with the character needed for the wedding supper. 

So, the question remains personal and urgent: are we dressed for the wedding supper? If we are diligently adding these garments of faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly love, and love, then we are preparing for the feast to which God has called us. 

Your brother in Christ,   

Ron 

 God tells us that: James 5:16 Confess your faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man prevails much, being effective. (A Faithful Version) 

 James tells us that “the supplication of a righteous man prevails much.” Since all believers are declared righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ, an important question follows: do all believers’ prayers avail much? They can, but many believers struggle to pray with confidence because they do not fully grasp the reality that in Christ, they are righteous. 

We must put our faith in the truth of Scripture and in the finished work of the cross. When we do, we can come boldly into God’s presence, just as we are told in Hebrews 10:19: Therefore, brethren, having confidence to enter into the true holiest by the blood of Jesus, (A Faithful Version) 

But if we do not grasp the truth that in Christ we are righteous, our faith will falter, and our prayers will reflect that hesitation. We will not come before the throne of grace with the confidence, assurance, and boldness described in Hebrews 4:16: Therefore, we should come with boldness to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (A Faithful Version) 

 In the early years of my calling, I often read the Scriptures that said whatever we believe in prayer we will receive, and I found myself wondering, “Why would God listen to me?” Over time, however, God showed me that my prayers are heard not because of any righteousness of my own, but because of the righteousness of Christ. Through His shed blood, I can approach the Father’s throne spotless and accepted in His sight. When I began to understand that I realized that the confidence of prayer rests entirely in Jesus Christ and not in myself. 

When we underestimate what God accomplished through Christ, it affects our prayers. We must come to see the reality of what Christ has done for us and what we are in Him. Otherwise, our prayers can be hindered by uncertainty and unbelief. 

Too often, we bring preconceived ideas into our faith and spend our energy arguing over minor points of doctrine. In doing so, we can overlook the profound truths God has revealed through the death of His Son and all that is now available to us in Christ. 

Through the shed blood of Christ, we are not only forgiven but given access to the very throne room of God. What could be greater than this? Even when we sin, if we sincerely repent before God, we are cleansed and restored in His sight. Our sins were dealt with at the cross, and because of Christ’s sacrifice, we can come before God with renewed confidence and peace. 

Understanding our righteousness in Christ gives us confidence in prayer. Our confidence does not come from ourselves, but from God, as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:5: Not that we are competent of ourselves, or credit anything to our own abilities: rather, our competency is from God; (A Faithful Version) 

As we grow in our understanding of our position in Christ, our faith in prayer grows stronger as well. 

For through Him we both have direct access by one Spirit to the Father.  Ephesians 2:18. (A Faithful Version) 

 All who rest in this truth will find the boldness described in Hebrews 10:19: Therefore, brethren, having confidence to enter into the true holiest by the blood of Jesus, (A Faithful Version) 

 Consider the beauty of what God reveals through the finished work of the cross. This is why, when believers become consumed with disputes over leaders or doctrine, they lose sight of what matters most. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:2: For I decided not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. (A Faithful Version) 

Likewise, when the Galatian church became entangled in arguments over rules and outward practices, Paul answered by directing attention back to the cross. In Galatians 6:14 he wrote: But as for me, MAY IT NEVER BE that I boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (A Faithful Version) 

 Think about how this applies to the doctrinal conflicts we have seen in the church over the years. How much stronger might the body of Christ be if we had centered more fully on the truths of the cross rather than dividing over smaller points of disagreement? There may have been less scattering, more grace, and a greater reflection of the mercy and character of Christ. 

As we come to see that our brothers and sisters in Christ, even those who differ with us on certain points of doctrine, approach the Father through the same righteousness of Christ, we begin to view them differently. None of us has righteousness of our own. Our standing before God is found only in Christ, and that truth should shape both our prayers and our relationships with one another. 

May we never lose sight of this great truth: our confidence in prayer does not rest in our worthiness, but in the finished work of Jesus Christ. The more deeply we understand that the more boldly we will pray, the more gratefully we will worship, and the more graciously we will walk with one another. 

Your brother in Christ, 

Ron 

Introduction 

The Sabbath has been one of the sticking points throughout all of history.  The change from Saturday to Sunday as the day of worship was significantly influenced by Roman Emperor Constantine in A.D. 321, when Sunday was established as a day of rest.  The Catholic Church formalized this change around A.D> 365 at the Council of Laodicea.  Notice this change was made by Mankind and has never been sanctioned by the Word of God. 

Hebrews 4 and God’s Rest 

The fourth chapter of the book of Hebrews Paul addresses the Sabbath rest in Christ.  Entering God’s rest is linked with faith, and faith is linked with keeping the Sabbath.  

Hebrews 4:4. For He spoke in a certain place about the seventh day in this manner: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”;5. And again concerning this: “If they shall enter into My rest—” (It is important to notice that the rest belongs to God. 6. Consequently, since it remains for some to enter into it, and those who had previously heard the gospel did not enter in because of disobedience, 7. Again He marks out a certain day, “Today,” saying in David after so long a time (exactly as it has been quoted above), “Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” (A Faithful Version) 

 As we approach the last days, I believe the issue will not be directly the issue of Law, rather, it will be the truth of the Gospel.  The Sabbath is rightly linked to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and God’s saving work in Christ. 

Sabbath as Rest and Sign 

God’s Sabbath’s are designated as a rest day that point us to Jesus Christ, Matthew 11:28. Come to Me, all you who labor and are overly burdened, and I will give you rest. 29. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. 30. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. (A Faithful Version) 

 Those who try to earn salvation by their work are heavy laden and do not have peace.  In the light of this, those who keep the Sabbath as a kind of work are not resting. The Sabbath becomes a burdensome, necessary requirement of endurance.  Jesus came to give us rest and peace. 

Exodus 20:10. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter; your manservant, nor your maidservant, nor your livestock, nor the stranger within your gates; (A Faithful Version) 

Exodus 31:13. Speak also to the children of Israel, saying, ‘Truly you shall keep My Sabbaths, for it the keeping of God’s Sabbaths is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations to know that I am the LORD Who sanctifies you. (A Faithful Version) 

Grace, Faith, and Works 

It is important to understand that God’s Seventh Day sabbath was man’s first day. God worked six days then He rested on the Seventh Day.  Man did not begin by working, he began by resting. We cannot work until we have come into the rest of God.  The work of Adam, at this point, was simply to enjoy what God had created for him. 

Mankind has it backward.  God works and then He rests; mam rests then he works.  When man rests on the Sabbath, it signifies accepting what God has done for him.  This point is very important in the proper understanding of grace through faith. 

God gave man rest {the Sabbath} first. The Sabbath pictures rest in Jesus Christ. The proper observance of the Sabbath pictures our belief in, and our faith in that rest, in Christ.   

1. We first receive righteousness by faith, 

1. And then we show His righteousness by works. 

1. We do not have the work first. 

Ephesians 2:8. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this especially is not of your own selves; it is the gift of God, 9. Not of your own works, so that no one may boast. 10. For we are His workmanship, being created in Christ Jesus unto the good works that God ordained beforehand in order that we might walk in them. (A Faithful Version) 

 Salvation is the gift of God and faith is our response to that salvation.  When we receive Christ, we receive good works. Good work does not save us. They are evidence that we have entered His rest.  The celebration of the Sabbath rest represents our resting in Christ.  The Sabbath in a confession of our faith. The proper connection with Christ and the Sabbath leads us to understand the complete meaning of rest. 

The picture of how the Sabbath represents salvation becomes clearer and more understandable as we rest in Christ.  God does not work first and then rest; we begin with the Sabbath {rest} and then faith [works} by manifesting what we have already received in Christ {rest}. 

Application and Conclusion 

We are the light to a very dark world, Matthew 5:14. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a mountain cannot be hid. 15. Neither do they light a lamp and put it under a bushel basket, but on the lampstand; and it shines for all who are in the house. 16. In the same way also, you are to let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father Who is in heaven. (A Faithful Version) 

By entering His rest, we become a beckon on a hill, that light that shines in the darkness.  The only way for the world to see Christ in us is by our resting in Him. We begin by receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior.  When we receive Him, He gives us peace, assurance, and makes us light unto a dark world. 

Your brother in Christ, 

Ron 

The internet has been part of daily life for many years, and now artificial intelligence dominates many of the headlines. Nearly everyone carries some kind of device that places an immense amount of information within reach. With a phone in hand, a person can enter a vast maze of websites, opinions, and resources on almost any subject. Yet for the believer, that abundance of information can easily become a distraction rather than a help. 

As God’s people, we must be careful not to let this flood of information pull us away from seeking Him. Our time is limited, and it is worth asking how we are using the hours God has given us. We all have the same twenty-four hours in a day, yet phones, artificial intelligence, television, books, and endless online content can consume far more of our attention than the Book God has given us to read. 

A believer often must sort through a great deal of information, and that process itself can become a major distraction from coming before God. Scripture reminds us, Hebrews 4:16: “Therefore, we should come with boldness to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” In the middle of life’s maze, we need to remember that our first response should not be endless searching but drawing near to God for the grace and direction we need. 

Although technology can be useful, we must not let it crowd out the principle found in 1 John 2:27. There John teaches that the anointing we have received from God instructs us in spiritual things. This does not mean that Christian teachers or written resources have no value, but it does mean that we should not become dependent on others to tell us what God’s Word says without seeking Him for ourselves. When we neglect personal study and prayer, we cannot become deeply grounded in God’s truth. 

John’s words remind us that the anointing will lead us. We should ask the Holy Spirit to guide us into what we need to study each day. God knows the lesson He has set before us, and if we seek Him first, He can direct our attention to the portion of Scripture we most need. Tracts and booklets may be helpful at times, but they should never replace a life of personally seeking God through His Word. 

Many times, I have wanted to study one subject in the Bible, but after prayer I felt directed to a completely different passage. That experience reflects the truth of Romans 8:26, which teaches that we do not fully understand what we should pray for as we ought. If we do not always know how to pray, we should also admit that we do not always know what we most need to study. Sometimes God may lead us to spend time in only a few verses, meditating on them until they become real and personal. 

Many believers have never learned to sit quietly before God and ask Jesus Christ to lead them through the Scriptures. Psalm 139:10 says, “Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.” What comfort there is in knowing that God is willing to lead us personally. Many spiritual problems grow when we do not spend time getting to know the Word of God for ourselves. 

Many sincere people desire to find God, yet the modern maze of information often leaves them with little time for careful Bible study. It is not wrong to use written materials, articles, or other resources, and God does use faithful servants to teach through speaking and writing. Still, we must be careful not to let an overload of information drown out the quiet work of God’s Spirit. As we learn to seek Him first, He can guide us to the truth we need for today and lead us out of confusion into peace. 

Your brother in Christ, 

Ron 

Access to God Through Christ 

In the Old Testament, the only way to approach the presence of God was through the Holy of Holies, and only the high priest could enter, and only once a year (Leviticus 16; Hebrews 9:7–12). 

But today we can come directly into the presence of God because of the finished work of the cross and the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:19). 

At the moment of Jesus’ death, the temple curtain was torn in two (Matthew 27:51), showing that the way into the holiest place was now open for us to come into the presence of God. 

Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, God sees us clothed in righteousness. 

Our words are the fruit of the vine because only in Christ can we approach the Father (Hebrews 13:15). Accordingly, let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God through Him—that is, the fruit of our lips, openly professing our faith in His name. (A Faithful Version) 

What Prayer Does 

God does not want us to bear our burdens alone, but to cast them on Him (1 Peter 5:7). Prayer is the means by which we come into the presence of the Father, lay our sins, burdens, heartaches, and needs before Him, and ask for His mercy. Hebrews 4:16 teaches us to come boldly to the throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 

Scripture also tells us to come with confidence. We can do so because, through the shed blood of God’s Son, we stand spotless in His sight. 

Prayer also brings peace. Philippians 4:6 tells us not to be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, to make our requests known to God. 

Philippians 4:7 adds that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 

Prayer gives us the opportunity to bring every problem before God and receive the peace He offers as we come before His throne. 

Relationship Over Doctrine 

We often drift away from this simple reality. We can study sound doctrine, learn the Bible thoroughly, and say the right things; but unless we cultivate a prayer life, we will not see what God wants to reveal in our own carnal lives. Doctrine by itself is not enough. 

We may think everything is right between us and God because we are in the right church organization or hold the right doctrines. Yet God’s purpose is for us to enter and maintain a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who teaches us to walk with the Father. The written Word is meant to lead us into relationship with the Living Word. 

Having the wonderful opportunity to come into God’s presence is one of the ways God builds this relationship with us. Prayer helps us not to throw this privilege away. We have access to the very presence of God, where we may sit and commune with Him. 

This reality and privilege often escape us. But consider how we would feel if we had the opportunity to enter a high-level meeting with the president of the United States. Access to God’s throne room surpasses even that. We can enter the throne room to meet with the Father and Jesus Christ. 

Practical Response 

A prayer habit is something we must develop diligently, and it can be difficult to form. But God helps us commune with Him, and as we build this contact with Him, He leads us through the Scriptures so that we come to know Him more deeply. 

Knowing doctrine alone will not write the laws of God on our hearts. We must let His Word become part of our inner being. 

God offers us fellowship and relationship, and prayer helps us take hold of that opportunity. 

Practical Prayer Tips 

These simple practices can help make prayer a regular and meaningful part of daily life: 

• Set a regular prayer time each day so prayer becomes a habit. 

• Bring your real burdens, sins, needs, and worries honestly before God. 

• Pray specifically by naming the exact issue you are facing. 

• Include thanksgiving along with your requests. 

• Make prayer your first response when anxiety rises. 

• Approach God with confidence through Jesus Christ. 

• Let Scripture guide your prayers and deepen your fellowship with God. 

• Focus on relationship with God, not just on completing a duty. 

• Be consistent rather than trying to pray perfectly. 

• Ask God for both mercy and practical help in time of need. 

Your brother in Christ, 

Ron

The pressures of this present-day world can almost be unbearable at times.  The price of groceries, energy costs, medical costs, you name it, are out of control.  And if we don’t learn to deal with the pressures of this world properly, we see many have turned to alcohol, drugs and yes even pornography and even Trump derangement syndrome because life has become so unbearable. 

We need to learn to peace of mind that Christ promised. John 14:27. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give it to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it fear. (A Faithful Version) 

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. But notice what the verse before has to say, Verse 6 Do not be anxious about anything; but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God in everything; (A Faithful Version)  As we learn to apply this principle and develop our prayer life we are taught by God not to worry, but to bring our worries to Him. And the peace of Christ will guard our hearts and minds. 

 The inner tensions and frustrations of life can build up until we burn out and look for the physical highs of life. This is why we must go about it God’s way. 

 You begin to find more peace in a troubled world when you face up to the fact that you are your biggest enemy, not the world. It is then that we see the need ever more to seek God diligently in prayer and Bible-Study, and the Holy Spirit will apply the crucifying power of the Cross to our Adamic nature, thus freeing us to serve God with the new nature of Christ. This is why Paul says in Galatians 6:14. But as for me, MAY IT NEVER BE that I boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (A Faithful Version) 

  But all too often we want to blame our troubles on everyone else.  But this often gets us into the scapegoat mentality, and then we avoid the real problem. Our battle is mental more than environmental. We must acknowledge our lack of peace before we can seek God to receive it. Before that there is too much confidence in ourselves.  Has anybody been there? And we don’t seek God sufficiently to have the new life in Christ to deal with a sick and dying world that we live in each day. 

 Many come home from the frantic pace of the rat race, Before I retired, I would come home many times from work and ask my wife to give me time to come down before I would have a conversation with her.  The pressures of the day would sometimes push a person to the edge. We may need a quiet place to meditate and ask God to take the pressures away so we can find true peace in Him. 

We have to find ways to calm the electrical storms in our minds, Try takes a walk each day after work and let nature bring you back to God. And no, I am not talking New Age or tree hugging.  Look at the beauty God has put around us. 

Many long to escape from the shackles of the slavery of this world but honestly think they have no choice but to remain in it. But without examining what we are doing and what our true needs are, we slavishly follow a system that will keep us in spiritual chains. 

 Many work franticly all year long looking for a two-week vacation or looking forward to when they can retire, or the kids are grown up, the house is paid off, etc.  And in the meantime, they just exist through life. We need to learn to take that “vacation” daily as we seek God’s peace, this is the only way we will make it brethren. 

 Prayer, quiet time, a walk after work, all these can add to our enjoyment of life, and help us deal with the pressures of this world and give us true peace. 

  When God tells us in 2 Corinthians 6:17. Therefore, come out from the midst of them and be separate,” says the Lord, “and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you; (A Faithful Version) He means that we are not to get caught up in this worlds attitudes and ways of doing things. Common sense tells us we still have to remain here physically. But the way God takes us out of this world is by giving us His thoughts and ways od thinking while we remain in this world. That way we don’t get caught up in the world’s attitudes but remain in His peace. 

As we all can see, we don’t live in a Utopian society free from stress and anxiety. The world is going to constantly throw things at us; no sooner than we get through one trial there is another one nipping at our heals. Notice what Jesus said John 16:33. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation. But be courageous! I have overcome the world.” (A Faithful Version) 

Jesus promise is that if we learn to seek Him diligently, He will keep us at peace amid the stress and anxiety of this world. There is plenty of trouble and fear to go around with the current situation in this nation and the wars going on around the world. And the Bible tells us a time of “Jacob’s trouble” that is to come on our nation will be nothing the world has ever seen. 

The days ahead will not get any easier. And many believers are sitting on the fence with one hand on God and the other on the world. And as the stiff winds of tribulation grow stronger and stronger we will be forced to decide, God or this world. 

We need to learn to make a true commitment, to take a stand.  More and more matters will come to the forefront to test our resolve and our faith as the end of the age draws near.  Scripture talks of it being a time of refinement.  But the more we learn to go to  God and make Him the backbone of our faith and trust, then we will not only endure the chaos and pressures of everyday life, but we will have HIS PEACE to handle all the trouble that is coming on this world.  Can we see the storm clouds on the horizon forming?  

Galatians 5:22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, 23. Meekness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  (A Faithful Version) 

Through His peace we will endure.  Let us learn to trust God with every fiber of our being, this is the only thing that will bring us through the storms that are coming. 

Your brother in Christ, 

Ron 

 You can look at any sport, football, basketball, hockey, baseball, soccer, etc. It takes a team to win; one individual can’t do it alone no matter how talented.  Have you ever considered that in this life or the one to come, we will all have to be team players. As I think of my own walk as God has guided me into His truths, I never gave much thought about being a team player, but, nevertheless, we are all learning to become team players, our walk is bigger than ourselves. 

Those of us who have been called out of this world by God consider ourselves to be part of a team. As in all teams, we, are potential members of God’s team and must try our best each day to overcome our Adamic nature and live by the rules for the team. If we truly want to inherit eternal life and be part of a much larger team in the Kingdom of God. 

We should all strive to work together towards learning how to be a team.  Ministers, especially ministers and all involved in the ministry in one aspect or another and should definitely be good team players.  It is not about self, but the greater good of the Church. 

As a minister of God, we should always be setting a good example.  Titus 2:7. In all things you yourself set an example of good works; in doctrine uncorrupted, serious-minded, and sincere; 8. Use sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that the one who opposes you may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say about you,   

  I remember when I worked at Hornbacher’s we would have our weekly manager meetings and at different meetings we would have to choose teams or partners to solve made-up problems or scenarios and. I would look for the best problem solver and person I knew really cared about their job. What factors would you use to select your team members?  

   The eight highlighted points to follow were from one of the meetings. I don’t know about you, but to me there are biblical truths to each point. 

Here are a few attributes we would consider, demonstrates that they are reliable You can count on reliable team members to get the job done.  He or she follows through on tasks given. Matthew 25:23. His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! Because you were faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (A Faithful Version) 

Another attribute Knows how to communicate well with others, Teams need people and express their thoughts and speak up, respect others and their ideas and for the work of the team. They Must be respectful, positive and confident. Colossians 4:6. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how to answer each one. (A Faithful Version) 

 Another attribute Listen attentively because everyone has something to offer. Good listeners are essential for teams to function effectively. Teams need players who can absorb, understand, and consider ideas and points of view. Team members must discipline themselves to first listen and then to speak. James 1:19. For this reason, my beloved brethren, let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger (A Faithful Version) 

 Another attribute functions as an active participant good team players share. Beyond team meeting members need to feel comfortable talking with each other and passing along information from day to day.  They keep other team members in the loop with information and expertise as it helps complete the task. 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Therefore, encourage one another, and edify one another, even as you are already doing. (A Faithful Version) 

 Another attribute cooperates and pitches in to help, cooperation is an act of working with others and acting as a team to accomplish a task. Good team members besides differences will come together and figure a way to work out and solve their differences. Proverbs 11:14. Where there is no wisdom, the people fall; but in the multitude of wise counselors there is safety. (A Faithful Version) 

 Another attribute works as a problem-solver team, of course deal with problems. Good team players are willing to deal with all kinds of problems in a solution-oriented manner. There are problem-solvers and there are problem-blamers. Team players get problems out in the open and disuse them and then solve them. Proverbs 11: 6. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, but transgressors shall be taken in their own lust. (A Faithful Version) Honesty can keep you safe, but if you can’t be trusted, you trap yourself. 

 Another attribute a good team player will always treat others in a respectful and supportive manner and always be respectful and supportive of others. Quite simply, effective team players deal with people in a professional manner. John 21:16. He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Yes, Lord. You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17. He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things. You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. (A Faithful Version) 

Another attribute shows commitment to the team Strong team players care about their work, the team, and the team’s work. They show up every day with care and commitment up front.  They want to make a good effort, and they want other team members to do the same. Ephesians 4:12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; (A Faithful Version) 

 They care about what the team is doing, and they contribute to its success without needing a push. 

 Team players with commitment look beyond their own piece of work and care about the team’s overall work. In the end, their commitment is about getting things done, it is about seeing the team succeed and knowing they have contributed to the success. Good team players show motivation and always, always trustworthy.  

Are we this committed in our daily walk with our heavenly Father, to become a good ‘team player.’ And use the attributes that God has given to us. 

Your brother in Christ,

Ron

          God created a physical dwelling for man where he would have all that he would need as recorded in Genesis chapter one.  And in chapter two we see the Spiritual dwelling place that man was to enter. Genesis 2:1. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2. And by the beginning of the seventh day God finished His work which He had made. And He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. 3. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified {TO SET APART} it because on it He rested. Hebrew – shabbat meaning to cease; God ceased or sabbathized from His work. God’s spiritual work, however, continues even on the Sabbath day. from all His work which God had created and made. (A Faithful Version)  

Exodus 20:11. For in six days the LORD made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it. (A Faithful Version) 

God wants mankind to follow the example He set at creation. He worked six days and prepared for the Sabbath. God has given us a “preparation day” A question to consider before it arrives is: To what degree will I be ready and to what degree will I keep the Sabbath Holy? 

 God has asked us to REMEMBER His Sabbath, Exodus 20:8. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. (A Faithful Version) 

 The Ten Commandments and all the Law are in force today Matthew 5:18. For truly I say to you, until the heaven and the earth shall pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no way pass from the Law until everything has been fulfilled. (A Faithful Version). Christ came in part to magnify the law. Matthew 5:17. Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or therophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfil (A Faithful Version). He magnified them to their full spiritual extent.   

When we look at the language of Matthew chapter five, it takes us back to the book of Genesis and the book of Exodus.  All of God’s creation is linked to His Spiritual Law. 

 Isaiah 58:13. If you turn your foot away from the Sabbath, from doing your own desires on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honorable; and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor pursuing your own desires, nor speaking your own words, 14. Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD; and I will cause you to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed you with the inheritance of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken it.” (A Faithful Version)   

Thus, the Lord delights in the one who keeps the Sabbath Holy by pursuing the mindset through the help of the Holy Spirit. Rather than arguing about the need to Keep the Sabbath Holy, perhaps we should be asking, “Did I keep last Sabbath Holy enough and a delight in God’s eyes” Isaiah 58:14   

We are all sinful and need to upgrade our Sabbath observance to fully keep it in accordance with God’s original and his magnified commands. When we observe the sabbath properly, it is a two-way sign identifying the true God and identifying His true children. Exodus 31:13-17. 

 Church, it is time to think and act like God, and to be with God and His begotten family. 

 God has sanctified {to set apart} you and made you holy. 1 Peter 2:9. 

God has sanctified {to set apart} His Sabbath and made it Holy. Genesis 2:3. 

Peter said, “As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct 1 Peter 1:15. 

 Each preparation day as the Sabbath approaches and sunset is sweeping towards us. In advance of its arrival, you and I should take off our dirty sandals before we enter into the Sabbath with the weeks dirt carried in with us, as we approach Holy Time before God Acts 7:33. And the Lord said to him, ‘Loose the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. (A Faithful Version) 

 Meditate on this; The way that we observe the Sabbath should be in stark contrast to what we have done and said during the first six days of the week. 

 In preparation for its arrival, wrap up those physical and mental weekday matters and make place to observe the Holy Sabbath in the manner God wants His Holy {set apart} children to do.  Deuteronomy 5:12 Keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it as the LORD your God has commanded you. (A Faithful Version) 

 Brethren, a challenge for every one of us.   

 May the Spiritual intent of God’s Law guide our worship of Him and His begotten children. 

Your brother in Christ, 

Ron

 We have just gone through a time of year where the Christmas tree is all that is talked about.  At that time of year, the world celebrates Christmas, which is their choice. But is it God’s choice of which tree He wants you to go to. 

 From the very beginning, God gave Adam and Eve freedom of choice, and all human beings down through time have had that same freedom to make decisions concerning right and wrong.  Just like Adam and Eve we have been given two trees to partake of. 

  When we look back at the Christmas season, we know it has nothing to do with Jesus and never did.  Thus, Christmas origins are from Satan, the god of this present world 2 Corinthians 4:4, who has fully deceived the whole world Revelation 12:9. 

The result of such a great deception is described in Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who put darkness for light and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! 21. Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (A Faithful Version) 

God condemns these pagan practices of using a Christmas tree in Jeremiah 10:2. Thus says the LORD, “Do not learn the way of the heathen, and do not be terrified at the signs of the heavens; for the nations are terrified at them. 3. For the customs of the people are vain; for one cuts a tree out of the forest with the axe, the work of the hands of the workman. 4. They adorn it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers, so that it will not move. 5. They are upright as the palm tree They are like a scare crow in a garden of cucumbers, but cannot speak. They must surely be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them; for they cannot do evil nor good, for it is not in them.”  (A Faithful Version] 

 Let’s look at another situation concerning a better tree Psalms 1.1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful.2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law does he meditate day and night. 3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, and its leaf shall not wither, and all that he does shall prosper. 4. The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away. 

5. Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish. (A Faithful Version) 

A similar passage is found in Jeremiah 17: 7. Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose hope is the LORD. 8. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters; it sends out its roots by the river, and it shall not fear when the heat comes, but its foliage shall be green; and he is not worried in the year of drought, nor will it cease from yielding fruit (A Faithful Version) 

 Keeping Christmas is a perfect example of men doing what is right in their own eyes Proverbs 14:12. There is a way which seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the way of death. (A Faithful Version) 

  People really need to think about this; Christmas and all its trapping by design feels good, so it seems good and right. Proverbs 16: 2. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirits. (A Fathful Version) 

  Related to the idea of a “righteous tree” thriving by “living waters” is like the idea one being like a tree of life.  The phrase “tree of life” occurs several times in the book of Proverbs.  Proverbs 3:18. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold upon her; and happy is everyone who holds her fast. (A Faithful Version) 

 Proverbs 11:30. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. (A Faithful Version) 

 Proverbs 13:12. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when desire is fulfilled it is a tree of life. (A Faithful Version) 

Proverbs 15:4. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it crushes the spirit. (A Faithful Version) 

1 John 1:3. That which we have seen and have heard we are reporting to you in order that you also may have fellowship with us; for the fellowship—indeed, our fellowship—is with the Father and with His own Son, Jesus Christ. 4. These things we are also writing to you, so that your joy may be completely full. 5. And this is the message that we have heard from Him and are declaring to you: that God is light, and there is no darkness at all in Him. 6. If we proclaim that we have fellowship with Him, but we are walking in the darkness, we are lying to ourselves, and we are not practicing the Truth. (A Faithful Version) 

Here John is focusing on our fellowship with God.  True Christianity is all about our growing and changing and overcoming, getting rid of the Old Man {Adamic nature}. 

 The Protestants say, “IT IS SO SIMPLE”, Just know the Lord.  The Protestants love to say, “DO YOU KNOW THE LORD.”  If you knew the Lord, you would be keeping His Commandments. The Protestants can never pass the litmus test, and keep Christmas, the biggest holiday of the Christian world.  We know everything about Christmas in a lie, and there is no truth in it.  Those who keep Christmas are not of the truth and the truth is not of them! 

 Concerning true Christians, we saw in Psalms 1:1. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. 2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law does he meditate day and night. 3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, and its leaf shall not wither, and all that he does shall prosper.  (A Faithful Version) 

 From Psalm chapter 1 we see the imagery “of a tree planted by streams of water” in the book of Revelation chapter 21: 1. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea.  And I, John saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3. And I heard a great voice from heaven say, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men; and He shall dwell with them, and they shall be His people; and God Himself shall be with them and be their God. 4. And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall not be any more death, or sorrow, or crying; neither shall there be any more pain, because the former things have passed away.” 5. And He Who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”  6. And He said to me, “It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the one who thirsts, I will give freely of the fountain of the water of life. (A Faithful Version) 

Revelation 22: 1. Then he showed me a pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb. (A Faithful Version) 

So here we have the righteous tree, as opposed to the “tree of the Knowledge of good and evil: and as opposed to the Satanic “Christmas tree.” The tree of life is linked to the water of life, all resulting from God’s grace as we are led and embowered by the Holy Spirit. And ultimately, this “tree” will produce the fruit of Eternal Life. 

 Revelation 22:12. And behold, I am coming quickly; and My reward is with Me, to render to each one according as his work shall be. 13. I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. 14. Blessed are those who keep His commandments, that they may have the right to eat of the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.  (A Faithful Version) 

So, brethren, let us strive to become a good tree, a fruitful tree, growing and thriving because we are “planted by the rivers of living waters.” 

 Indeed, as we endeavor to draw close to God let us reflect God’s glory by choosing the tree of life, with its running waters, and reject Satan’s counterfeit tree that so fully fills the landscape at this time of year, the “Christmas Tree” that is linked to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is traced back to the Garden of Eden and the choice that Adam and Eve made.  The world for the most part still prefers “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” over the tree of life.  Which tree does the world see when they see you? 

 May God’s love and grace continue to be upon you. 

Your brother in Christ, 

Ron 

Has anybody ever had a dream shattered in their life?  A new car, A job, A new house, A trip etc., you name it? 

Many become frustrated WHEN THEIR DREAMS OR PLANS DON’T COME True, others become frustrated and angry with life.  And in some cases, people become unbalanced mentally.  We are seeing more and more of this in society today. 

I have watched different documentaries about how a lot of wanders wound up in Alaska.  They have wandered across the lower 48 states, and Alaska is the end of the line for them; many of them have gone through a life of broken dreams and heartaches, and some become mentally unbalanced.  In certain towns in Alaska, they are on the lookout for what they call “misfits” wandering in. 

As believers, many of us may not wander from town to town, but we wander in our minds.  I have done this when I sought fulfillment in the physical things of this world instead of focusing on Jesus Christ. 

 Broken dreams are often what God uses to have us come to learn to depend on Him. 

Many commit their pursuit to materialism, with little energy left to seek out God.  Have any of us been there? Too many believers have drifted into this trap.  But what needs to be understood is that God will fill all our needs if we will seek Him first-Matthew 6:33. But as for you, seekThe force of the Greek means: seek and keep on seeking  first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (A Faithful Version) 

But if we spend all our time seeking the things of this world, we can have a fat bank account but be spiritually bankrupt.  And we will get a rude awakening at the end of the road. 

“No one stops to think”-Isaiah 44:19. And none thinks within his heart, nor is there knowledge nor understanding to say, “I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals of it; I have roasted flesh and eaten; and shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?” (A Faithful Version) 

 There is no growth without thinking; and if we just go through life and don’t get our priorities straight, then we will suffer great loss.  If we seek the goods of the world without making God our first pursuit- then we will find out at the end of the road that it was not a wise way to live; but then it may be to late. We need to stop and think, to examine what we are doing.  Life is fleeing by us like a run away train; and if we are as  Matthew 6:19. Do not store up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moth and rust spoil, and where thieves break through and steal; (A Faithful Version)  With so much of our time, then we will find out our relationship with Christ Jesus has become secondary to the trapping of a fallen world.  

 If we are caught up in these physical trapping, then the best thing that God can do is allow our dreams to become shattered-it is only then that we will come to see the vanity of it all.  And it is only then that we will come to see our needs from Him. 

God will allow us to go through this process until our broken dreams lead us to look to Him-it is then we experience the peace that He has in store for us through His Son.  Until then we often seek too many other things that may not be wrong in themselves-but hinder and take up too much of our time.  Time is a precious commodity, Time that could be better spent in communion with God. 

I can find no better example of someone seeking other things than the example that God left us in the book of Ecclesiastes; here we see Solomon trying and experiencing just about all that a man can experience in life.  Have any of us been there?  He came to the point in Ecclesiastes 1:2. “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” (A Faithful Version)  This is because nothing has any lasting fulfillment.  All the other things will fill the void for a little while, and then the emptiness will set in again. Over and over again God must allow us to go through this process of the “shattering of dreams” until we learn to seek Him as we should for the fulfillment Solomon could not find. 

  As God allows this process of “shattered dreams” to continue we are led to a deeper relationship with Him. We learn the only true fulfillment is through the Bread of Life. 

  Not in our infancy stage do we learn to abide continually in His presence, but after we have gone through a life of “shattered dreams” and much failure-then we are ready to walk with God as we should. 

But we rarely understand the process when we are going through it.  “Shattered dreams” are heartbreaking at times. But we need to learn to trust God and see that they are a part of His Plan. Romans 8: 28. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (A Faithful Version) 

 We need to learn to trust in the fact that God knows what is best for us; He knows just the right trials to allow us to go through.  This is one of the keys to healthy spiritual growth; and it will help us not to complain when our “dreams are shattered.”   

Remember that it was the complainers that never made it into Promised Land.  We need to learn to trust Him with every fiber of our being.  

Philippians 1:6. Being confident of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (A Faithful Version) 

Brethren, don’t let our “shattered dreams” pull us away from Christ. 

Your brother in Christ, 

Ron