December 29, 2022
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Reading along with us in our Advent readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Day 29 in the Book: “The Life of Jesus“
The Year of Growing Opposition
Read Sections 4.21 through 4.24 (pages 86-88)
This book is an account of Jesus’ life and teachings told through in chronological order from the four Gospels to create one continuous story.
*If you do not have a copy of the book please contact the church at (401)667-0775 and we can get you a copy.
Again we are reminded of the childlike faith that God wants for each of us to possess. The humble spirit and the servant heart are what is important to God. There is no space for pride in our walk with God and we should be honored to serve however needed. It is not just the preachers and teachers that God looks favorably on but those that are cleaning, cooking, and serving others.
God will leave the 99 to find the one lost sheep! His love is for everyone not just those that do what man considers to be the important jobs and therefore we all posses the power to do God’s work here on earth when we put our full faith and belief in Him.
Jesus didn’t owe any taxes but he is the one who gives us the funds to pay taxes. We need to help get it. Who would be the greatest. Having grandchildren I see why Jesus uses this illustration. You ask them to go to church. YES. You ask them who loves them JESUS. on snd on. They don’t have any cob webs. They just simply believe and know that God exists and loves them. Watching a movie with them recently. An atheist was speaking. One of my grandchildren ask. What’s the matter with him. I said he doesn’t believe in God. They both gave me the most foreign look. And said how can you not believe in God. Okay. I read this next chapter and here’s why I dislike the Catholic Church. My brother had so many gifts. Twice the personality of his brother everybody loved him. But there was always something off. I’ll spare you the details. It never made any sense to an of us in our family. Then the news broke my brother he was sexually abused by s catholic priest for over 3 years as a child. Everything made sense now. But my brother was broken and drank himself to death. Had s cousin exact same story. Died within 3 months of my brother both 57 years old. I had some great talks with my brother and he tried his best to wrap his arms around Jesus but his demons won. I have total peace of where my brother is. But I think of what the Catholic Church did back then. They moved that so called priest to Minnesota. Then to New Mexico. As he continued abusing. The court subpoenaed cardinal Law to testify. The day before he is to appear the church sends him to the Vatican. Once again I apologize for venting about this. But when I read this chapter. It’s all I can think about. They will all stand before Jesus and be judged. I will leave it in his hands
Even though we are children of God and are members of His kingdom, we should still respect the laws of the government we are under. And what a great picture a child is of the kind of faith God is looking for. They trust in the things they are told, because they trust the person who is telling them. They are open and honest and without guile. But this also makes them vulnerable. Strong curses are on those who would take advantage of that innocence and trust. And those who sin are wrong to do so, but it will be even worse for those who provides the message, means and method of sin. I too talk about the relatively innocent victims who buy the lies being perpetuated in our society today, but far worse are those who are perpetuating the message and promoting the evil that often children and young people are buying into. What appear to be answers are not answers at all…and it is sad that destruction awaits them and my prayer is they will find Christ in their brokenness and avoid the destruction of hell.
And what wise counsel is here in addressing wrong. In this pattern there is plenty of opportunity for communication, explanation, understanding, forgiveness and repentance. It is also interesting to see the expectation in it that things should be resolved. If things are not resolved, then someone must be off in their orientation to the things of God. So Jesus calls us to treat them as they are acting…like an unbeliever. With the hope that they will sense the separation and then do the work necessary to be restored to fellowship.
Day 29
4.21 – 4.24
Jesus has lots of love for little children so much so that he compares the greatest person in Gods kingdom to a humble little child. He also does not want his children to be lost. He wants all people to be saved. His answer to correcting someone who does wrong is caring and merciful. His solution is respectful of the sinner and the person is given many opportunities to change their ways before they are rejected. And corporate prayer is so important, because when two or more believers pray together Jesus promises to be with them. That is so amazing; I will be thinking about that the next time I pray with others.
Steve and I were commenting about how there are things in the Bible that you forget are there.
“Be careful. Don’t think these little children are no important. I tell you that these children have angels in heaven. And those angels are always with my Father in Heaven.”
So, children really do have guardian angels.
Our border is a huge crime against children. They are being used and abused by the cartels, traffickers and mules, facilitated by our own government entities. It makes me anxious and sick to my stomach. I pray to the Father that He will intervene soon on their behalf. It is good to know that their angels have a front row to the Father continually. I am ready for the “millstone awards” to be given out.