Quiet of the Morning Reflection

This blog entry was written by Mandie. I consider Mandie and her family as dear friends and fellow servants of the Lord. They are members of Mount Zion Road Church and most importantly, they are faithful followers of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. I am thankful and blessed that she was willing to allow me to post this entry on my website. Mandie encourages all of us to recognize the covenant relationship we can have with our Savior, Jesus. This relationship is one that we must pursue intentionally and with purpose as we grow in faith. I pray that you find her words to be a blessing as you read. To God be the glory!

In the early hours of the morning I like to go outside and listen for the birds and the cows from the nearby farm.  I will close my eyes and just take in the many sounds.  I like to imagine that the animals are giving praises and thanks to God for another day, just as we do. “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it!”[1] One morning as I was reading God’s Word I came across a verse that brought a big smile to my face, for it was as if God met me in the quiet of that morning and gave wisdom to me relating to something I do every morning- listen for His creatures to “speak”.   From Revelation 5:13:

“And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

The context of this verse is right after John is weeping that there was no one found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it and one of the elders said to him, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll and its seven seals.”[2]

Backing up in verse 11, first many voices of angels are proclaiming in a loud voice the worthiness of the Lamb.  Then the animal kingdom joins in!  It is breathtaking to me to think of all the creative animals that God has created on this earth and, as this verse points out, in heaven as well.  To God be all honor and praise!!

I can remember a time, years ago, when I was not as eager to hear the birds singing their loud songs in the morning.  I viewed it as more of a disruption to sleep but now they are welcome sounds that I cannot wait to hear.  As you think back through the years of your life, can you think of an example of something that you used to not appreciate as much as you do now?  When there are times that God gives a sight or a sound that is out of the ordinary, I am awe inspired and thankful!  He just gave me an opportunity to give Him thanks for an unusual sight the other day- while driving, and just minutes from my house, we saw two small huddling and scared raccoon kits and then around the next curve, we saw a fox dash out from one field to the next.  An instance of a sound is that last summer, as I was the last to remain around the burning embers of a campfire in the woods, I heard the faint but distinct call of a wild turkey.  I remember it giving me much joy to hear that beautiful sound!  Most of us do not know what the different sounds animals make mean but as the verse in Revelation 5 points out one day they will be understood to be giving honor and glory to our great God!  I am thankful for His gift of creatures! 

“Let them praise the name of the Lord!  

For He commanded and they were created.  

And He established them forever and ever; He gave a decree, and it shall not pass away!  

Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, 

fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling His word!  

Mountains and hills, fruit trees and all cedars!  

Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds!  

Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!  

Young men and maidens together, old men and children! 

Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; 

His majesty is above earth and heaven.  He has raised up a horn for His people, 

praise for all His saints, for the people of the Israel who are near to Him.  

Praise the Lord![3]

~Mandie

[1]   Psalm 118:24

[2]   Revelation 5:4-5

[3]   Psalm 148:5-14

The photo was taken by my daughter Ali. She has recently completed a degree in media production and is currently working as a photographer. She is a visual story teller with the gift of creativity. Glory to our Lord, Jesus for allowing her to work in a field that encourages creativity. Glory to God for placing us in such a beautiful world, and yet we know that this life is but a shadow of the wonder of His Eternal Kingdom!

Ali’s work can be found on her website:

https://ashuey-prod.myportfolio.com

The Importance of Success and Failure

This blog was written by my wife, Kelly. I am humbly and inexpressibly thankful to our Lord for giving me such a caring, empathetic and loving wife. It is both a privilege and honor to be able to serve the Lord alongside of her. She truly is a ministry partner. She is a woman who is filled with wisdom and compassion.  I praise the Lord for her love and care in both ministry and our family life. To God be the glory! I pray that her insight is a blessing to you as you read her words.

Just recently I read a very encouraging article based on Philippians 3:4-9. It speaks of Paul’s credentials and many achievements which would qualify him for the ministry. Paul writes, “For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Messiah.” He compares his life’s work to the privilege of knowing his Savior.

The article then brought into focus our own lives and the many things that we hold so dearly- our accomplishments and achievements asking the question: do “they draw us closer to Messiah or distract us from Him”? The article went on the point out, “When our worth is rooted in our achievements, we miss the liberating grace found in what Jesus has already done.”[1] What a powerful thing to consider. When we give ourselves too much credit, essentially we take away from the grace of Jesus.

After considering these things, I realized that we are not our achievements. Our successes should be the vessels that allow us to spread the gospel. They should be the very things in our lives that point others to Jesus. God gives us opportunities and achievements as a way to shine His light in different ways. These successes help point us to walk out His plan for our lives. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10).

Some people may say I see the glass half empty, but I think there is value in thinking about things from different perspectives. While our achievements don’t define us, neither do our failures. Achievement and successes have importance in our lives, but I believe failure has purpose as well. Throughout our lives we will experience failure. We must remember that when those times come, we cannot allow failure to define us any more than we allow success to define us. Sometime through failure we come to realize that His Grace is sufficient for us. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

No matter what we face, whether it be success or failure, may it all point to the glory of Jesus in our lives. It is then that we will learn to be content in all situations. To God be the glory!

  • Kelly

[1] Elwell, Justin Th.D., Losing to Gain, (June 24, 2025) https://themountainmensch.com/2025/06/24/losing-to-gain/  accessed on July 1, 2025

Restoring the Biblical Roots of Christianity-Exposing False Doctrines & Reclaiming the Faith KWR0052

This is the latest episode of Kingdom War Room with Dr. Michael Lake, Dr. Mike Spaulding and myself. In this episode we talk with Dr. Igal German regarding the imperative to take our faith seriously. I encourage you to take the time to listen. To God be the glory!

Click the link for the video:

Put On Then: Humility

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15 ESV)

Continuing in this exhortation by the Apostle Paul, we are encouraged to put on humility. As the people of God who are called loved, precious and chosen, we are to walk in humility. This is a vital aspect of our walk of faith. We are to humbly submit ourselves to the authority of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. We are to humble ourselves to His Lordship in our lives as an act of reciprocal love that was first demonstrated to us.

I have been reading through a short book titled, Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness by Andrew Murray. Actually this is the third time reading this book, I have found it to be encouraging. In the book Murray addresses humility as an aspect of our discipleship. He considers humble submission to the authority of Jesus as a “distinguishing feature of discipleship.”[1] I agree. As we choose to follow, we must seek the Lord to help us walk in humility. Our attitude of humility is not generated through efforts of the flesh to be humble. For Murray humility must become “a distinct object of continual”[2] prayer. Petitioning the Lord to help us humbly submit to His Lordship in our lives should be spoken daily from our lips. Humility is not an attitude acquired and then stored away for a rainy day. It is found only in the continual recognition of the authority of Jesus. It is only in recognition of the love lavished upon us in the redemption of our very souls bringing life to death. It is only when we truly attempt to grasp, admittedly in our human frailty, at the profound love of God given for those who choose to receive His gift of mercy. Humility then is not an act of the human will, but a recognition of grace. It is not necessarily hardship or the struggle with sin that truly brings us to a place of humility. It is love. As Murray wrote, “it is not sin that humbles but grace.”[3] This is profound. It is in the reception of grace that we can begin to grasp at humility. It is in the recognition that our Messiah first humbled Himself to the penalty of the Cross so that we might live. Therefore, humility is not something we bring to God, rather it is something He imparts upon us in our willingness to allow Him to speak into our hearts. 

            Humility comes from the recognition of our utter inability to save ourselves from the curse of sin. Humility comes when we begin to recognize our weakness and in turn seek His strength. Humility is realized at the reception of an unimaginable gift of grace given through His humility. Murray compares humility to that of water, “Just as water seeks and fills the lowest place, so the moment God finds the creature empty, His glory and power flow in to exalt and to bless.”[4] When we come to a place where we are empty of ourselves, the Lord rushes in to fill us with mercy and grace. It is in our lowest place where the Lord offers us hope because of His humility. When we are empty of pride, empty of self-centered desire, there our Messiah lifts us up. Seek humility. It is when we allow the Lord to help us walk in humility that we truly begin to follow. 

[1] Murray, Andrew, Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness, (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 2001) pg.12

[2] Murray, Andrew, Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness, (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 2001) pg.39

[3] Murray, Andrew, Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness, (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 2001) pg.11

[4] Murray, Andrew, Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness, (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 2001) pg.41

Put On Then: Kindness

Thank you to my daughter Ali for providing the photo for this blog.

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15 ESV)

Put on then- kindness. The Apostle Paul encourages his readers to add kindness as a condition of being. Kindness should season how we walk out our faith in humble submission to the authority of our Messiah, Jesus. The children of God are to adorn themselves with kindness as an expression of faith. This done in response to the kindness of God extended to us as He came to this earth to rescue us from sin. While we were yet sinners, enemies of God, Jesus came to us to deliver us from the bondage of sin. It was Jesus who exhibited kindness to us that is beyond description. Therefore out of reverence for our King, we too should express kindness according to our faith.

But how is kindness expressed? If we attempt to define kindness according to human reason, we will yield diverse definitions based upon personal preferences. Kindness defined by the human will be stricken with uncertainty as all humans have slightly varying perspectives regarding what it is to be kind. It is therefore essential that we define the term kindness according to the Word of God. In the verses listed above, the Apostle Paul instructs us to adopt kindness as a characteristic of our faith. In the Greek the word kindness used in verse twelve is: χρηστότης (G5544- khray-stot’-ace, Kindness).[1] This word is defined as moral goodness, integrity. Already we can see parameters established within the definition to help us understand what type of kindness we are to adopt. We are, as defined by God, to put on kindness or in other words moral goodness. We are to walk with integrity as living witnesses of the authority of the Lord in our lives. To be kind does not simply suggest expressing a kind gesture to others, kindness should become a guiding principle informing our character. We are to be kind. We are to seek moral goodness as defined by the Word of God so that we can be people of integrity. We are to humble ourselves to the authority of the Lord and allow Him to direct our steps which are seasoned with kindness, integrity. We are to do our best to apply kindness to our lives as an expression of the kindness we were given by our Redeemer. This act is not done out of selfish ambition, rather it is done to honor our Savior. 

As children of our God, we are to follow His lead and be informed by His Word. The Lord declares to us what is required of His children. His instruction to us is recorded by the prophet Micah. “He has told you, O man, what is good;And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?”[2]Accurately the prophet Micah declares the instruction the Lord has given to us defining our walk. The Lord defines what is good in the context of our response to Him. One of the aspects of good as defined by God is to love kindness. This thought connects back to what the Apostle Paul tells us in Colossians. We are to put on kindness or as recorded by Micah, we are to love kindness. The term kindness in the Hebrew is the word חֶסֶד (H2617- kheh’-sed, Kindness).[3] This is a beautiful term. It is used throughout the Hebrew Scripture and it is most often used as an expression of mercy. The prophet Micah reminds us that the Lord requires of us to not only be merciful, but to love mercy. To love חֶסֶד- kheh’-sed. We are to love mercy because mercy was shown unto us. It was out of the love of our Savior that we were first shown mercy. It was His joy to go to the cross to win us back because of His love.[4] Our Savior went to the cross for joy. This is incomprehensible to us. While we were yet enemies of God as conformed to our sin nature, Jesus filled with חֶסֶד- kheh’-sed chose to endure the cross as an act of indescribable love for us. It was His joy to endure the suffering because He knew that His suffering would bring about the ultimate act of mercy leading to Salvation. 

We are recipients of חֶסֶד- kheh’-sed, the lovingkindness of our Messiah poured out for the whosoever. The mercy of Jesus extended to those who would receive His mercy is a demonstration of His love for us, His children. Therefore, seek to walk in kindness, חֶסֶד- kheh’-sed. Seek to be a living expression of the kindness that was first given. Jesus gave us of His kindness. He gave us of His mercy in the suffering that He endured on our behalf. As His people it is only fitting that we act in reverence for our King showing kindness to others. This is an act that can bring those who need mercy to the One who has shown mercy, Jesus. This is an act that can comfort those who need to receive comfort as only the Lord can provide. Allow kindness as defined by the Lord to define you as His child. To God be the glory!

Pastor Corby

[1] “χρηστότης,” Blue Letter Bible, 2025, https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5544/kjv/tr/0-1/.  Accessed on May 12, 2025.

[2] Micah 6:8 NASB95

[3] “חֶסֶד,” Blue Letter Bible, 2025 https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2617/kjv/wlc/0-1/.  Accessed on May 12, 2025.

[4] Hebrews 12:1-3

Thank you to my daughter Ali for providing the photo. This photo also serves as the cover image for a Bible study I recently completed writing titled: Appointed Times. In this study, the Appointed Times of the Lord are examined. The festivals described in the Hebrew texts are connected to the revelation of Jesus our Savior. Each set apart event serves as a picture of Jesus. The Hebrew Scripture reveals the promises fulfilled in our Messiah. Throughout the study the entirety of our Bible is examined to bring this truth to light.

The Bible study is available on my website: https://corbyshuey.com.

For more information regarding the work of my daughter Ali, visit her website at:

https://ashuey-prod.myportfolio.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKaz05leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFHQUJZWXBRMDl4NnhGU3NlAR7E8n3PRhGMUDy1Sx50n5mhqaOILzT8vaaFh2IXIBUomKiqZhDluGcbSMwMgw_aem_WWGiSNRppE5kCuhF6DU9lA

Put On Then: Compassion

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15 ESV)

Put on then compassion. The Apostle Paul reminds us to choose compassion. But not only to make a choice to act compassionately, He encourages us to adorn ourselves with an attitude of compassion. This is an attribute that must be present in our character. Compassion is an expression of our faith demonstrated externally. In faith we are able to express compassion in an accurate manner as our faith is defined by our Messiah. This is something that we must always remember. Because Jesus extended to us compassion, so to must we allow compassion to direct our walk as defined by the Lord. As people of God we are to present ourselves as a living witness to the mercy, grace and transformation provided by our Savior.[1] It is then imperative that we remain tethered to the Word of God which offers correct definitions for our walk of faith. I use the word tethered intentionally. We must, this is not a choice, we must remain tethered to the Word of God as we endure the trials we face in this life. To be tethered to the Word is a fundamental condition of our being a child of our King! It is only by His Word that we can walk in the Light to find discernment.[2]Apart from His Light we walk in darkness. It is again vital that we remain tethered to the Word of God as a standard defining our faith so that we do not drift away from the Only source of true Light.[3]

As God’s chosen ones we are to put on compassion. Allow your heart to be conditioned with compassion. Not only will compassion condition how we interact with one another, compassion will equip us in humility. To be a person of compassion requires humility. Compassion is a product of humility. Out of the heart of the one who humbles themselves under the authority of Jesus, compassion will bloom. As we grow to recognize the depth of the love of our Savior, the length He went to redeem us His children, the utter frailty of our fallen human condition is clearly revealed. We come to know the absolute inability to overcome the afflictions of the sin nature. The absolute inability to save oneself aligns the heart toward humility because we can begin to rightly see the humility of our Messiah. Jesus humbled Himself to deliver us from the frailty of our fallen self. He did this while we were still enemies in bondage to the sin nature. Yet just at the right time our Savior extended His almighty love to us delivering from death to life.[4] To Him belongs all praise and glory!

Beloved, we endure a world that is rife with trial. We are afflicted by trial in many forms. Unfortunately, trial will be present until our Messiah returns or we are called to our eternal home where the trials of this life will cease to afflict the children of God. I remind the reader then to choose compassion. Allow compassion to condition your heart. Remember the compassion first demonstrated to us from Jesus. It was His compassion to save us that brought Him to walk among us. Humble yourselves under His authority. Trust in His mercy to save. Trust in His power to deliver. Trust in His peace to equip you with the strength to endure the trials of this life. Cry out to Him when in need of a voice to quiet the discontent of the human heart. It is only in Jesus where we can find hope to endure.

Lastly, recognize the limits of our human other. Adorn yourselves with compassion resulting from humility as we interact with loved ones, friends and even the stranger. Allow the love of Jesus to be an expression of your character. Know that our human other endures trials just as all of us endure. Choose then to act in compassion in effort to encourage those around you. Choose compassion defined by Jesus. Such compassion is not twisted to be in compliance with the whims of this world. Choose compassion modeled after our Savior, compassion emboldened with the truth to deliver and transform. It is this compassion that will provide answers to the trials of this life which hold eternal authority to save. It is this compassion that will equip us to interact with others in a manner that is exemplary of the One who has saved us. Make this the focus of your interactions. To demonstrate Jesus as best as we can in all circumstances. AMEN!

[1] Romans 12:1-8

[2] 1 John 1:5-7

[3] Hebrews 2:1

[4] Romans 5:6-11

Photo taken from Fosters Poetical: A Cyclopedia of Poetry (New York, NY: W.C. Palmer, Jr., & Co. 1874) pg. 500. Specific poem cited was written by Bernard Rascas

The Choice of Death or Life…

Hundred Guilder Print, 1649 by Rembrandt

This blog entry was written by Mandie. I consider Mandie and her family as dear friends and fellow servants of the Lord. They are members of Mount Zion Road Church and most importantly, they are faithful followers of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. I am thankful and blessed that she was willing to allow me to post this entry on my website. Mandie encourages all of us to recognize the covenant relationship we can have with our Savior, Jesus. This relationship is one that we must pursue intentionally and with purpose as we grow in faith. I pray that you find her words to be a blessing as you read. To God be the glory!

“Now at that feast he released to them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.” (Mark 15:6)  The crowd called for Barabbas (Luke 23:18, John 19:40).  Barabbas over Jesus.  

Recently I had the chance to look into the meaning of the word “Barabbas”.  The Strong’s definition of Barabbas (G912) means “son of abba, an Israelite”.  The Strong’s definition of Abba (G5) is the Aramaic word for “father”.  Barabbas and Jesus- both sons of their fathers.  One, we know, was the son of Father God.  But what about Barabbas? Surely he was a good man to be chosen to be released from prison by a multitude?  The Biblical text tells us a few things.  In Matthew 27:16, we read that he was a notorious prisoner.  In Mark 5:7, he was  a rebel who had committed murder in the insurrection.  In Luke 23:18, he was in prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder.  And in John 18:40, that he was a robber.  At this point, I stop and think, who else does this sound like?  May I suggest, the enemy of our souls?  As John 10:10a says “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy”.  Could Barabbas have been symbolic of the son of the father of lies?  In John 8 we see a conversation between Jesus and Pharisees.  He told them that by trying to kill Him they were doing the works of their father (8:40-41). He went on to say “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies (8:44).

The deeds of the flesh include such things as Barabbas committed (Galatians 5:19-21).  Things we, too, are capable of committing.  I see this Biblical account as highlighting the struggle between our flesh and the Spirit- at conflict and battle within us (Romans 7:18-21).  Which do we walk in?

The choice of whom to allow to go free that Passover, years ago, was between a murderer, who took life, and the Author of life who gives life.  They chose Barabbas over Jesus.  From Judas to Barabbas, just two of the men who the enemy used to carry out his scheme.  We, of course, know that God had His own plan running simultaneously.  The Biblical text tells us that Pilate was aware that Jesus was delivered over out of envy or self-interest (Matthew 27:18) and that the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus (Matthew 27:20).  We have the same choice every day.  Do we also allow ourselves to be persuaded by those that have power or influence over us, over the culture at large?  The choice is between our flesh or the Spirit.  The choice between death or life.   “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.  For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.  Instead, live like the Lord Jesus Christ did, and forget about satisfying the desires of your sinful nature.” (Romans 8:6, 13 & 13:14).  

Everyday may we break from the crowd, choose to be holy as He is holy (Leviticus 11:44, 1 Peter 1:16) and choose Jesus over Barabbas in our hearts and minds. Our new nature in Christ over our old sinful nature.  Freedom in Christ over the bondage of sin.  May you be blessed this season as we remember our Lord and Savior who died to take away the sins of the world, our sins.  Alive and living today in us who believe!  Hallelujah, He is risen!

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the  full.” (John 10:10b) 

Mandie

The image associated with this blog is an etching by Rembrandt. It is referred to as the Hundred Guilder Print. The etching depicts Jesus teaching. It was inspired from Mathew chapter 19.

Work, Wealth, Family, & Generosity

This blog entry was written by Brandon. I have known him for many years. I consider Brandon and his family as dear friends and fellow servants of the Lord. They are members of Mount Zion Road Church and most importantly, they are faithful followers of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. Brandon has served and continues to serve our church family in numerous ways. He serves as a member of the Elders team along with undertaking many other responsibilities of the church. He is a man of integrity and honesty. It is a blessing to call him both friend and brother. I am thankful that he was willing to allow me to post this entry on my website. I pray that you find his words to be a blessing as you read. To God be the glory!

The topic of finance has been debated a lot in the church. Some Christians believe that it is holier to be poor. And of course, some believe in the prosperity gospel, which teaches that when you give, God will make you rich. Let’s dig into what the bible says.

Genesis 2:15, The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

God gave Adam a job & responsibility. So, it’s in our God given nature that man needs meaningful work. 

Deuteronomy 8:18, But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. 

A great reminder that we should never be prideful of what we have, because that ability to work and generate wealth comes from God and should affect us in that we should not take it for granted. Though there are many warnings regarding money and possessions in the bible, it’s a warning to not put those things above God. So, make sure your heart is in the right place & remain humble in all things. That’s a good challenge for us.

Proverbs 22:29, Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.

The meaning of this proverb is that you should use your God given talent to strive for the best at what you do, so you can improve in your profession. God wants us to work hard and be successful in our everyday lives.

1 Timothy 5:8, Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Provide for your family, and extended family in times of need. This mindset should come natural to us. To me, whether you’re on the giving end or receiving end, it’s a reminder that family should be helping family and not solely relying on a third party or the government for unexpected financial needs. This can also apply to our church family too. So, if we are to be prepared to help our family in times of need, what does God say about saving?

Proverbs 21:20, The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.

This proverb commends those who maintain provisions. We are to make wise decisions & save for a future time. The prodigal son story is a great example of not taking the advice of this proverb. Proverbs 13:11, Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. My take on this verse is to work hard, consistently, & honestly to build wealth gradually.  So, if God wants us to build up our savings for future needs, how are we to handle that savings?

Matthew 25, Parable of the talents. (The master entrusted servants with talents)

Of course, the main lesson we can learn from this parable is that we should use the talents that God has given us, like skills, abilities, and also the holy spirit, to grow and produce spiritually. In other words, don’t waste your gifts, use them. Because God gives us each unique gifts and talents and he expects us to use them to do good.

I think we can also learn something from Jesus’ real-life example too, in financial terms. We have a responsibility to be good stewards of what God has blessed us with and entrusted us with. I think of it as, we are not the owners, but managers of God’s assets. We should not hide them out of fear of losing them, but strive to multiply them for reasons I’ll talk about soon.

Proverbs 14:15, The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.

This is great general advice for safety and success in our everyday lives. I think you can apply this to our finances as well. For example, don’t fall for a get-rich-quick scheme. Be responsible with your money and even do research before making decisions. 

Proverbs 13:22, A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.

Wealth in this lifetime isn’t guaranteed, (I think of the passage, “in this world you will have trouble”). But, this proverb is a good general instruction because we also strive to pass down our values and beliefs so that the cycle can continue and so God continues to be glorified in many ways through the generations. I also like this verse too so I’ll share: Proverbs 19:14, Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord. 

There are many bible verses on giving and being generous, I’ll share a couple. Malachi 3:10, Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. And Proverbs 19:17, Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.

Again, I think about our financial blessings come from God, so out of honor, we are to give back to Him in the way of a tithe and being generous with our money. Help those who are less fortunate, the poor, the widows, the orphans. Having the mindset of using our blessings for good can help to break the grip of materialism that so many people struggle with in our world today. God will bless us in many ways through these acts of giving. So, generous giving is intended for our own good, because it directs our focus back to God and what He has done for us.

Review:

  1. Man is designed to work
  2. Wealth comes from God
  3. Strive to be the best at your skill/talent
  4. Provide for your family
  5. Plan & budget for the future
  6. Practice good stewardship
  7. Be wise and research
  8. Leave a legacy behind 
  9. The ultimate goal – being able to give to others through a heart of gratitude and the desire to glorify God

Closing thoughts:

While this subject is traditionally focused on men, we also need to understand that some women are highly gifted at a skill, savings, and budgeting too. And no matter what our financial status is, we can all lay-up treasures in Heaven. That eternal reward will be the greatest investment of all.

Ephesians 4:28, Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 

~ Brandon

Put On Then: Beloved-ness

Above picture was taken a few years ago on a hike through Grayson Highlands State Park, VA. Photo taken by my wife Kelly depicting me carrying my daughter Macie as she was hiking!?!?!? Put on Beloved-ness!

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful (Colossians 3:12-15 ESV).” 

Of all the descriptors the Lord uses in His Word to speak of His children, the term beloved is one that I most cherish. The term beloved reveals the heart of our Lord toward us His people. We are beloved. We are those who are most cherished by our God. Because we are so dearly loved, Jesus Himself chose to come to us to redeem us while we were yet sinners. He saw fit, due to love to lay down His own life in atonement for the sin that separates us from Himself. John tells us that there is no greater love than one who lays down His own life for those who are beloved.[1] This being the very thing our Savior chose to submit to in His love for those whom He beloves. He loves us so much that betrayal, suffering, torment, death and the grave would not deter Him from rescuing us due to His great love. 

This term beloved implies to be found within the gaze of the one who loves. One who is beloved is one who is beheld. The attention of our Lord falls upon us, His beloved. As we wallow in sin being those who have fallen from grace, our Lord looks upon us in love. In our suffering, He pours out compassion. In our struggle, He comforts us with His mercy. In our wondering, He offers us His authority. In weakness, He carries us in His arms. In separation, He fights for us destroying our enemies under His feet.[2] He looks upon us in love knowing our struggle. We, His beloved children whom He chose to be His very own precious possession are held within His hands.[3] Those who are beloved are those who are gazed upon by the One who loves. What more precious aspect of being is there than to be considered beloved of God? I can think of nothing more precious. All praise, glory and thanksgiving to our Savior, Messiah and Lord Jesus for choosing us to be His.

As those who have been redeemed by the love of Jesus, put on then beloved-ness. Know that the Lord looks upon you as His precious possession. Take confidence in the fact that Our Savior is faithful even in our unfaithfulness. Submit to His authority and pray for His provision to help us overcome those things that attempt to cause us to stumble. In our weakness, He is our strength. In affliction, He is our comfort. In trial, He is our guide. Chose then to remember that you are one who is favored in the sight of our Messiah, His beloved. Amen!

[1] John 15:13

[2] Psalm 110

[3] 1 Peter 2:9

The Battle Hymn Of The Republic

This blog was written by our youngest daughter Macie. Thank you to Macie for her willingness to share her thoughts regarding this hymn. To God be the glory!

In 1861, Julia Ward Howe wrote The Battle Hymn Of The Republic. She fought against slavery and for women’s rights. During the Civil War, Julia and her family visited an army camp in Virginia. They heard soldiers singing about freedom. She liked the music but not the words. Her pastor said she should write her own words to the song. She lay in her bed as words came to her, and after she was satisfied with the song, she wrote the words on paper so she wouldn’t forget them. The Atlantic Monthly magazine published her poem. 

The first verse of the Hymn: 

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;

He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;

His truth is marching on. 

This verse means that God’s glory will come to the earth again, and that His glory is everlasting. 

The second verse of the Hymn:

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps;

They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;

I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps,

His day is marching on. 

This verse means, The soldiers focused on praising God in the time of war because they know He is coming soon. 

The third verse of the Hymn:

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;

He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;

Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him; be jubilant, my feet!

Our God is marching on. 

This verse means, that when Jesus’ trumpet blows that we can’t run from it and we will have to stand before His judgment. 

The last verse of the Hymn:

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,

With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me;

As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free!

While God is marching on. 

This last verse means, when Jesus was born He was full of glory and that changes the hearts of men. He died on the cross it made us holy and we should tell others about Him. 

-Macie