Courageous Compassion

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Today’s subject is someone lesser known, and perhaps someone not many could identify in Bible trivia. Yet his story is powerful and we can all learn from his example.

Not long ago, I was reading in the book of Jeremiah and came to a story that I have read dozens of times. But I felt God grabbing my attention with it in a new way this particular evening.

Part of it may have been that I had been spending a few weeks teaching my US History classes about equal rights warriors and my Medieval classes about reformers of the church. The idea of standing up for what is right, had been in the forefront of my conversions for nearing a month at this point, and then I come to this passage in Jeremiah 38.

I would like to introduce you to our main character. No, I am not speaking of Jeremiah. Even though he deserves much attention and credit for his faithfulness, today we are looking at a man in the shadows. His name: Ebed-Melek.

Ebed-Melek’s resume: from a Cushite background; served in the palace of King Zedekiah in the time of Jeremiah the prophet; An Ethiopian eunuch; A foreigner and a servant.

This isn’t the resume of someone who stands out. Not exactly a person many of us would expect to make a huge impact. But we need to remember what God’s word says about the people God often uses.

“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.””

1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭31‬ ‭ESV‬‬

You and I are a testament to that truth. Not many believers are famous. Not many believers are hyper wealthy. Not many believers are breaking world records. But God has chosen each and every one of us for His persons. Today’s story is a great illustration of this concept as well.

“Now Shephatiah the son of Mattan, Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchiah heard the words that Jeremiah was saying to all the people: “Thus says the Lord: He who stays in this city shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence, but he who goes out to the Chaldeans shall live. He shall have his life as a prize of war, and live. Thus says the Lord: This city shall surely be given into the hand of the army of the king of Babylon and be taken.” Then the officials said to the king, “Let this man be put to death, for he is weakening the hands of the soldiers who are left in this city, and the hands of all the people, by speaking such words to them. For this man is not seeking the welfare of this people, but their harm.” King Zedekiah said, “Behold, he is in your hands, for the king can do nothing against you.” So they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the court of the guard, letting Jeremiah down by ropes. And there was no water in the cistern, but only mud, and Jeremiah sank in the mud. When Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, a eunuch who was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern—the king was sitting in the Benjamin Gate— Ebed-melech went from the king’s house and said to the king, “My Lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they did to Jeremiah the prophet by casting him into the cistern, and he will die there of hunger, for there is no bread left in the city.” Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, “Take thirty men with you from here, and lift Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies.” So Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the house of the king, to a wardrobe in the storehouse, and took from there old rags and worn-out clothes, which he let down to Jeremiah in the cistern by ropes. Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Put the rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes.” Jeremiah did so. Then they drew Jeremiah up with ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard.”

Jeremiah‬ ‭38‬:‭1‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The story is found in Jeremiah 38:1-13. Let’s check it out. Jeremiah is imprisoned in a cistern filled with mud. The spineless King Zedekiah ordered it done. Jeremiah 38:4-9 suggests there is a real possibility of having to face death. The plot to imprison Jeremiah had been hatched through the maneuverings of some powerful but corrupt government officials who hated Jeremiah’s prophecies as pointed out in (Jeremiah 38:1-5). In steps Ebed-Melech, the righteous man from the shadows.

1. Compassion in Action

Ebed-Melek demonstrated compassion by advocating for Jeremiah’s well-being. Compassion denotes a deep desire to aide someone in need. Not only is there concern for others, true compassion necessitates a response. He had nothing to gain and could have easily have turned a blind eye to what was happening. Jeremiah’s circumstances didn’t concern Ebed-Melek.

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV

Ebed-Melek’s story is a prime example of someone who pursues justice and loves kindness. When the situation looked precarious for Jeremiah, Ebed-Melek stepped in; and what a difference it made. He decided that he would not sit back and watch the prophet’s demise. Instead, he courageously went on a dangerous mission to the king to intercede for Jeremiah’s life in (Jeremiah 38:7-9).

2. Courage in Adversity

What does Jesus say the greatest act of love is? To lay down our lives for our brothers. Ebed-Melek was willing to do just that.

Ebed-Melek exercised great courage in approaching King Zedekiah to plead for Jeremiah’s rescue from the cistern. Not only was his actions challenging the King’s orders, but he was also standing up against the powerful elite who had advocated for the imprisonment of Jeremiah.

Such a mission could have had serious consequences for Ebed-Melek, considering that powerful men had been behind the plot. However, the king responded favorably to his request and gave Ebed-Melek permission to release Jeremiah from the cistern. He was also given the protection of a 30-man security contingent for the mission (Jeremiah 38:10).

Stories like this are abundant in the Bible. God standing with Moses and Aaron against the Pharaoh. God’s protection of Noah and his family. God rewarding Rahab for risking her life in protecting the spies. Esther in approaching the King to ask for the salvation of her people. Ebed-Melek is in very good company. Standing up for others is often going to come with a risk, one in which God honors.

Not only did Ebed-Melek get Jeremiah released, but he also felt Jeremiah’s pain. He knew that Jeremiah’s armpits would have been wounded when he was let down by ropes into the cistern. He also realized that those same wounds would be aggravated when Jeremiah was being pulled out of the cistern with ropes. So, what did he do?

The Scripture says that Ebed-Melek first went to a room under the treasury where he could get some rags and worn-out clothes (Jeremiah 38:11). Then, he let down the ropes with the rags, advising Jeremiah to put the rags and worn-out clothes under his arms to pad the ropes, so that his body would not get injured further (Jeremiah 38:12-13).

“Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully.” Zig Ziglar

3. Faithfulness Rewarded

Ebed-Melek’s faithfulness to God’s servant led to his own deliverance and blessing. God has an amazing track record of honoring those who stand up for righteousness and compassion.

Not too long after, Jeremiah was hauled out of the cistern to safety and subsequently continued his powerful ministry to the nation. As a result of what he did for Jeremiah, God prophetically assured Ebed-Melek of his unfailing protection in the tumultuous days ahead (Jeremiah 39:15-18). ‬‬

“The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah while he was shut up in the court of the guard: “Go, and say to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will fulfill my words against this city for harm and not for good, and they shall be accomplished before you on that day. But I will deliver you on that day, declares the Lord, and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in me, declares the Lord.'””

Jeremiah‬ ‭39‬:‭15‬-‭18‬ ‭ESV

God never forgets his children, nor does he forget what we do for him (Isaiah 49:15).

Ebed-Melek’s name means “servant of the king”. His story is a testament of what that looks like. You and I are servants of the King of Kings. Servants who should be motivated by compassion, willing to stand up for what is right, no matter the risk, because we are called for love, and to love extravagantly.

Not only should we look to examples like these, but first and foremost, we look to the King we serve. The Word become flesh, the Alpha and Omega, the One through Whom all things were created. That same King, who took our guilt upon Himself. That King, who bore a cross of our shame. That King, who stood in the gap for broken sinful people like you and me. Because He look upon us, full of compassion. And the compassion of Jesus empowered Him to take all the mocking and torture. To challenge the misguided establishment of not only Rome, but the religious elites. To welcome the outcasts and the hurting. To forgive the most destitute in society that everyone else had given up on. To hang on a cross, and yet speak love and forgiveness on behalf of those who put him there. He is, and always will be, our greatest example of love and compassion.

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”‬‬

Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭11‬ ‭ESV

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Are you Satisfied?

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I have felt fleeting moments of satisfaction in my near 42 years. Periods where life seemed easier and things were going my way. But anyone who has been alive for more than a minute knows that life is like the tide. Sometimes it comes in, but it also goes back out. But there is a way to be satisfied in life that is constant. It’s not through what we have. It’s not even through who we have. It’s not about the goals achieved or the milestones reached. The bible guarantees us a path to satisfaction.

“”Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”‬‬

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬ ‭ESV

In the moments I have sought God, He’s been there. In the times I’ve chosen to find my identity in what He says about me, He speaks. When I have pursued a life of service and generosity, God has shown me the power love carries. What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?

In the next chapter of Matthew, Jesus talks about striving and being anxious about life. So much of life can be defined that way. Solomon calls it all vanity, a striving after the wind. It’s wasted worry.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭ESV‬‬

To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to hunger and thirst for God. He is the source of righteousness. He is the source of life. How could we possibly find it without apart from Him? Yet how often do we try? If we’re honest, we really do try to find satisfaction in so much besides Him. It’s in living for Him and for others that we actually experience lasting satisfaction. Everything else is fleeting.

“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”‬‬

Psalm‬ ‭90‬:‭14‬ ‭ESV

Peace and satisfaction in Christ brothers and sisters.

Old Verse in a New Light

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The words of John 3:16 have always been powerful to me. But one day they gripped my heart like they never had before. It was one morning, sitting at the kitchen table, reading a devotional with my four year old son. I read the words of this well known verse, and froze. I have read it hundreds of times before. But in this moment, the words shook me to the core. For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only son…I read it again and looked at my one and only son sitting next to me. I was overwhelmed by the sacrifice of Jesus. I was overwhelmed by the reach and depth of God’s love. I squeezed my son and looked in his eyes and told him, “Jesus loves us so much. One day His love will capture your heart like it has mine. Today He has shown new depths to His goodness.” And then I told my son how much I love Him and spent the next several hours praising God for who He is. Don’t forget how loved you are brothers and sisters. Praying that you too will be refreshed in that love and see it anew today.

Beautiful Interruptions

~ ForCommonGround ~ 1 Comment

A week ago, I was in the process of setting up an outreach at the school I teach at. My Christian club was going to be sharing Bible verses with their peers at lunchtime and we were getting prepped to go out. In walked two students who interrupted things. In a brief moment, instead of getting irritated, I felt as if God was bringing people to us. I left my club members to finish the preparations while I took a chance and invited the two students to read some verses of scripture that I had laid out on one of the desks. It started a fantastic conversation.

After they left, my group went out to begin sharing verses around the school. In walked two more students. That prevented me from going out with my club members. Quickly, however, the conversation with these two new students turned into a conversation about God’s goodness and faithfulness and I was able to speak into their lives in what seemed like a critical moment.

Two days ago, that same Christian group was talking about living with a legacy in mind, and in walked a student who thought it would be funny to interrupt things. He wasn’t being mean-spirited but was trying to be funny. I wanted to be upset, but having just experienced what I had the week before, I paused and listened for what God wanted me to do to handle the situation. The kid was done in a few minutes. I felt the Lord wanted me to invite the kid and his two friends to stay for the rest of the talk. And you know what? The kid said yes. And the three of them remained and had a chance to hear about Jesus. That probably wasn’t in their plans for the day, but it was in God’s plans.

Often times God interrupts our lives with amazing opportunities. They sometimes look like inconveniences. Let’s face it, most of the time they are inconvenient. But if we try to look at them from a heavenly perspective, we may just see something beautiful.

In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul says to be ready in season and out of season to share the word. In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter says to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. In Ephesians 5, we are called to live wisely and make the most of the time we have. Jesus, Himself, lived with constant interruptions. But He seized those moments and people were left changed because of it. He’s calling His followers to do the same.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

No One

~ ForCommonGround ~ 1 Comment

No one is beyond the need for God. It is part of our brokenness that drives us to do life on our own. When problems arise, we think we can fix them. When relationship are difficult, we think we have the power to make ourselves and the other whole. As a man, I can say that I have struggled so much in the area of feeling the weight of providing for my family, and have often carried it on my own. the weight is crushing. Sin, when admitted, is often seen as an area kept to ourselves, to be fought on our own terms. Many people in the world think they can get by on their own merits. That they can live a life where the good somehow outweighs the bad. That they are the so called captains of their own fait. But the reality is, it was never meant to be this way. In the book of Romans, chapter three, it says that ALL sin and fall short of the glory of God. This is one of those self evident truths. We don’t have to look beyond ourselves to see just how true this statement is. You are broken and imperfect. I am broken and imperfect. There isn’t a single human alive who can attest to any kind of perfection. The Christian minister, the Buddhist monk, the Catholic Pope, Islamic Imam, and the front line philanthropist, all need God…and equally so. Our standing with God, is only established by the grace of God, through our faith in God. We are all His creation but so much in us tries to deny that deep-seated need for our Creator.

No on is beyond the reach of God. It would be a sad tale if the story ended with our need and dependency on God in order to be whole. With that need comes a promise. In that same chapter of Romans, it says that all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Our need finds it’s fulfillment in Jesus. It’s not in a career, our kids, wealth, our good deeds, or any sort of success we have in this lifetime. While all of those things are good, they can never bring wholeness. Only Jesus can do that. Because only Jesus and impart holiness onto every single broken human in this world. All we have to do is recognize that…choose Jesus…and allow the brokenness to be mended. I have been following Jesus for a very long time. I am still not a perfect person. But I am holy. Not because of myself, but because of Him whom I swear allegiance to. I do have purpose and meaning to my life and it far supersedes any temporary achievement, no matter how great it may be. I have a hope that can never be shaken no matter what happens to me or those in my life. Because it is not based on circumstances, comfort, or control. And I have that because God reached me. Just like He can reach you, and those you know. And God is reaching people all over the world. Christianity is the fastest growing faith worldwide. The top ten countries with growing believers are, Nigeria, China, The Philippines, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Literally thousands of mosques have closed down in Iran because people are leaving Islam for Jesus. Some estimates have it as high as 60% of the total number of mosques have or will be closed. The Bible itself is full of stories of lost and sinful people being redeemed by Jesus and their lives being used for godly purposes. God has a long history of reaching prostitutes, murderers, liars, adulterers, sexually immoral, thieves, and many more.

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

No one is beyond the love of God. I try and tell my children every night that I love them always, no matter what. I want them to see God’s love reflected in the way I love them. I want them to know that His love is far greater than anything they will experience on this earth. He loves you. He loves everyone. Always no matter what. The problem is, far too few actually love Him in return. Far too many reject Him and deny Him and in the end will spend eternity separated from Him. Imagine how that pains God’s heart. Especially when he went to the greatest lengths possible to show the world His love. Jesus, being God in the flesh, allowed Himself to be beaten, mocked, and scorned, and after all of that, allowed His own creation to nail Him to a cross. Jesus, Perfection, died in the place of imperfection. Holiness in the flesh hung on cross where you and I belong. Why? Because He loves us. With a love that is so difficult to grasp. A love that pursues it’s enemies in order to die in their place. A love that denies self at the greatest cost so that unworthy people can receive the greatest gift. If He loved us enough to do that, there is nothing we can do or have to do in order to earn it. But we do need to choose Him. To choose His love. To allow ourselves to be loved and to be driven by that love.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

John 3:16-17

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Sturdy Living

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“”Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”

Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In the ancient parable found in the Bible, Jesus tells of two builders—one who constructs his house upon a foundation of sand, and another who builds upon solid rock. The obvious conclusion is of course that the foundation of our thoughts, actions, and motives really matter. But there are some other concerns that I’d like to highlight here.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Thinking: Building on sand may offered quick results and convenience, but it lacked sustainability. Similarly, choosing short-term gains over long-term stability can lead to eventual downfall. It’s crucial to prioritize faithfulness over fleeting gratification. When our biggest concerns are our feelings, and our comfort, then we are going to be unsteady and lacking in both. The pursuit of godliness is often found in the day-to-day decision to focus on the things of heaven and Christ’s mission.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Colossians 3:1-2 ESV

Resilience in Adversity: Life is unpredictable, and storms will come in various forms—financial hardships, health crises, relationship struggles. The parable teaches us to cultivate resilience by preparing for challenges and fortifying our inner strength to persevere through adversity. Knowing what Jesus says about us can drowned out the hurtful things others may say. Knowing God’s love for us revealed in His word can help us when we feel unloved by others. Knowing God’s amazing track record of faithfulness can sustain us in the uncertain times of life.

“Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Wisdom in Decision-Making: Just as a builder must carefully choose the foundation for their house, we must make wise decisions in all aspects of life—career, relationships, finances. Consulting trusted mentors, seeking advice, and weighing consequences can help us make choices aligned with our long-term goals. Knowing what God’s will is for our lives can help us be wise in all things we do.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭ESV


The parable of building your house on the sand serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of a strong foundation, wise decision-making, resilience in adversity, and faith in the face of uncertainty. The only way we can achieve these things is by knowing truths that God has been speaking to His children since the beginning. Living by the truth leads to sturdy living.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Mountains

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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV

I read a really good quote the other day. It said that God may have assigned you this mountain to show others how it can be moved. It made me think of some of the difficult interactions of my life and how God has brought me through them. In almost every case, I have been able to use it as a testimony for the benefit of others. In the moments it seems crushing. Those trials were painful, and at times, they felt desperate. But I can honestly say, the hardest of circumstances are the ones that have brought me closer to the Lord. Through the gospels, the same theme is presented. It’s when the waves are threatening to drown the disciples, or a dear friend in Lazarus has died, or Christ is being crucified, or persecution is all around and people are being tossed into prison, that faith is being deepened and mountains are being moved.

“Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.”

Mark 11:23 ESV

No mountain is permanent. Through time and faith you’ll see them cast into the see and your path cleared. In that moment we can find others facing their mountain and testify of God’s goodness and faithfulness. We can stand along side them, and encouraging, listening to, and praying for them. Our experiences on this faith journey are meant to make us better equipped to serve and help those around us. Don’t undervalue your story and how it could empower others.

Peace in Chris brother and sisters.

New Year New You

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This isn’t your typical new year’s resolution kind of post. In fact, it is probably the exact opposite. While there’s more than enough messages this time of year promoting self improvement, not many are proclaiming that the new version of ourselves should be a whole lot less of ourselves. Christians are familiar with the often quoted 2 Corinthians 5:17. We are new creations in Christ. I see that verse used more this time of year than any other time of the year. Sermons and devotions that promote self improvement. I believe that exercise, eating better, and healthy habits are great things. But the call of the gospel on our lives is much deeper than that. The gospel life is one lived for others. It’s a life of sacrifice, giving, loving, and serving. The “new creation” is a Spirit-filled individual who cares far more for the salvation and betterment of those around them than for how they are viewed by others or even for their own needs. One of the greatest of the apostles, Paul, states it this way:

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:24 ESV

In a different letter to the church at Galatia he wrote this:

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20 ESV

To the Philippians Paul emphasized something very similar.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…

Philippians 2:3-5 ESV

And just so no one thinks this is just Paul’s message, look at how Jesus Himself phrased it.

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Luke 9:23 ESV

It is easy to get wrapped up in goal setting when a new year rolls around. What I would propose is that we all focus less on the “usual” goals for the new and improved us, and make our goals more about others and how we are going to put Jesus on display this year. Instead of the new year bringing about a new you, it can bring about less of you, and more of Jesus. I invite everyone to pray that this would be the case for me. Those who know me, I ask for them to hold me accountable. We need to encourage our brothers and sisters in this life of surrender. Eat healthier. Exercise more. Set goals. But may we never forget what our ultimate goal should always be: To know God and to make Him known.

This year may it no longer be us who live but Christ who lives in us. This year may we do nothing out of selfish ambition but look out for the needs of those around us. This year may we testify to the gospel of grace. This year may we take up our cross and follow our King.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Close to our Savior

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“And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,”

John‬ ‭17‬:‭19‬-‭22‬ ‭ESV

In the hours before Jesus went to the cross, He prayed. He prayed for those who had followed Him. And He prayed for those yet to follow Him. This prayer speaks volumes about His heart for the world…for us…for you. Jesus, wants His followers to enter in to communion with each other, and most importantly, with Him. And He had to go to the cross to make that happen. His sacrifice makes the way for us to be one with Him. His glory is imparted to sinful, yet humble and repentant, faith-filled humans. Our brokenness is replaced with His beauty. Our emptiness is filled with His Spirit.

No matter what your 2023 looked like. All your pain, your hurt, your loneliness, your mistakes, your sin, and your failures…they can all be brought to the cross. There. they meet with redemption, love, and grace. If distance is what you’ve felt, it’s time to come close. If your year was full of joy, success, new relationships, and promise…they can all be brought to the cross. There they are met with a gratitude for the One who made it all possible. If you’ve been close this year, it’s time to get closer. Wherever you find yourself at the close of this year, take your next step towards Jesus.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters!

Witnessing through the Waves

~ ForCommonGround ~ 2 Comments

As a public school teacher, I am finding the values of my faith and the values of society coming more and more into contrast. I wear my faith on the outside and that has at times caused problems. I sponsor a Christian club in the school. We pray, we worship, we spread the word, and we study scripture. I get to be with some brave teens who are willing to step out amongst their peers and share God’s word, even when it causes ridicule. But there are many around the world who are doing far more and putting far more at risk. Those people make me want to do more, to risk more, to share more. And the reality is, it’s always been that way, since Christ Himself walked the Earth. I wanted to highlight one such story. This one is about Paul and Silas on one of their missionary journeys.

“As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.”

Acts 16:16-24 ESV

The culture, and even the law will be against biblical principles. People will getting angry. It will cost. We may even have to pay with our health and freedom. But salvation spreads like wildfire in the midst of a dry and thirsty land. The jailer and his family were saved by Silas and Paul’s time in prison.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.”

Acts 16:25-34 ESV

The courage and faith of Paul and Silas is inspiring. And we know that many others faced similar challenges as the gospel message spread throughout the world. Many believers still face those kinds of road blocks to their mission as ambassadors of Christ. Check out this story. Vani, a 30-year-old widow, spent 15 days in jail after being charged with kidnapping and “forcing” a child to convert to Christianity. During her two-week stay, she witnessed to more than 70 women, 14 of whom became Christians. Vani was charged in connection with an incident in early February, when she helped a teenager and introduced her to some other believers. Vani was arrested after the girl’s parents reported her to police. While Vani was in jail, the jailer encouraged her to share the gospel and pray for the other women because he had seen dramatic change in those who accepted Christ. Vani has been pursuing prison ministry ever since being released from jail.

The world systems have always been hostile to God,. Even in predominantly Christian societies, like the United States, the pure message of Christ is not welcomed in much off society. However, our mission to follow Christ and tell the world about Him remains the cornerstone for every Christian.

Take heart fellow brothers and sisters. Remember the words of Jesus Himself on the eve of His crucifixion.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.””

John 16:33 ESV