Lean Into It

 

[Youth Group Bible Study from 8-20-26]

Most of you have seen this video before, as it went viral rather quickly. But this video is a great example of what we’re going to be talking about tonight.

In this video we are going to see one young man (age 10) who is literally being pounded by a force stronger than he is – the Pacific Ocean. When the video begins, a lifeguard (age 16) is already on the scene, trying to pull the victim out of the surf. Things are not going well. Something nasty is about to happen. You can see it beginning at the top of the screen. A massive wave is coming. What is the lifeguard going to do? Will the young swimmer survive?

(Watch the video)

Open your Bibles to Acts 17 and scroll down to verse 16. The Apostle Paul is in Athens, Greece. He is waiting for two of his friends, Silas and Timothy, to arrive from Berea. Let’s read.

“While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.” – Acts 17:16

Those statues were idols in Paul’s eyes, but they were gods in the eyes of the Athenians. The Greeks would not take kindly to Paul telling them that they were wrong in their beliefs. Was Paul afraid? Was the lifeguard in the video afraid? Paul did what the lifeguard did.

What did the lifeguard do just before the wave hit? He leaned into the wave. Why? He was trying to reduce the surface area of his body so the wave would have a reduced impact.

Time for a little lesson in physics. Have you ever stuck your hand out of a car window like this? (Flat) A car that’s going 65 mph? What happens when you go like this? (Vertical) It just about rips your arm off, right? Whoa! The lifeguard was making himself “aerodynamic” by leaning into the wave.

Paul was really “leaning into” his missionary work. He didn’t know when Silas and Timothy would arrive so he got busy sharing the Gospel. In the lifeguard video we can see a few people coming to help. Maybe they’re named Silas and Timothy. Lol! Not likely. But none of them were as determined as the teen holding onto that kid. It’s the same with Paul. He was a determined evangelist - just as we should be.

Let’s take a look at Paul and see exactly what he did. Maybe we can learn something. What’s the first thing he did when he got to Athens?

He observed. He went around the town, observing what they did. He learned their customs, their habits, their gods, and their traditions (v16).

He was distressed by what he saw. He cared deeply for the people he met there and wanted to help them come to know Jesus. (v16).

He reasoned with them. This took the form of debates – a back and forth discussion with unbelievers. Are WE up to doing something like that? (v17).

He met with them.  And this was wherever and whenever. The Areopagus, the synagogue, the marketplace (v19, 22).

He redirected. He used one of the Athenian’s own statues to preach Jesus to them (v23).

So, what are WE to do when talking to others about Jesus? Where do we even begin? Well, we can start by getting to know those we are taking to, just like Paul did. But before that we can pray for opportunities and for the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and words. And remember, the first and greatest commandment is to love God and love others (Luke 10:27). And we are also called to love our enemies. These “enemies” have a tendency to suddenly appear when we are talking about Jesus.

“’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Luke 10:27

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44

 “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home and shake the dust off your feet.” – Matthew 10:14

Train yourselves. Spend time reading God's Word. It will get you ready for the big wave when you leave home and go out on your own. Back to sharing the Gospel for a moment.

Not everyone is open to hearing the Gospel message. Turn to 2^nd Corinthians 11:24 This is what Paul endured.

“Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked." - 2 Corinthians 11:24-28

We may lose friends, family members might get angry with us, but the key is to never give up, like that lifeguard.

“Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” - 1 John 3:13

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9

"For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:10

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." - Philippians 1:21-24

Paul was eventually beheaded in prison because he kept on preaching the Gospel.

And how do we know whether or not what we say might work on someone and, over time, they would come to believe?

There is a cool story from a man named Lee Strobel who was sharing the Gospel one day at work. God's message of grace and hope did not return void (link below).

“My word that goes out from my mouth, shall not return to me empty; but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:11

Is there anyone in YOUR life who needs to hear the Good News about Jesus? Is anyone “drowning” in worldliness and in need of a rescue? In need of Jesus? Speak to them. Follow Paul's example. Lean into sharing the Gospel with God's Word and the Holy Spirit. Save a life, right here, right now.

Cool Lee Strobel story

Lots of Trouble

There is a lesson that 'lots' of people ignore in today's world. It's found in the Book of Genesis. It's the story of Lot. Here's the background.

Lot and Abraham had parted company back in Genesis 13. Lot chose to go down to the plain of the Jordan.

"So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east." - Genesis 13:11

"Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom." - Genesis 23:12

Uh-oh. In chapter 19 we read about some men of the town coming to Lot's house and wanting to have sex with some visiting angels. Then Lots said this:

“No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing." - Genesis 19:6

"My friends . . ."

"What does light have to do with darkness?" - 2 Corinthians 6:14

"Have nothing to do with such people." - 2 Timothy 3:5

Yet Lot called them his friends.

In today's world we have similar types of people to those in Lot's day. We humans haven't gotten much better at being hoky. As Paul said in his letter to the Roman church, "They are inventers of evil." - Romans 1:30

"But maybe I could lead them to Jesus," we say. "So we should be friends."

Umm, no. Have nothing to do with such people, Timothy!

We can pray for them and love them, as we SHOULD be doing. But should we befriend them? Hang out with them? And interact with them in their activities? Participate in their parades and events?  Not according to the Apostle Paul.

God wants us to be holy. Set apart.

"Be holy for I am holy." - Leviticus 11:45, 1 Peter 1:16

The concept of “holy” is deeply woven into the fabric of Scripture. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as “holy” is “qodesh,” which carries the idea of being set apart, consecrated, or sanctified for sacred use. In the New Testament, the Greek word “hagios” bears a similar meaning and underscores the moral and spiritual purity associated with holiness. The idea is that what God calls holy must be distinct in purpose and dedicated to His honor.

When we ask, “What defines being holy?” we are essentially exploring how individuals, communities, and even objects or spaces are designated as set apart under God’s purpose. This designation reflects not only a moral standard but also a transformative relationship with the God who is entirely separate from sin and imperfection. - BibleHub

And the picture? Then president Biden signing a bill into law, protecting gay marriage rights in 2022.

"Be holy, for I am holy." - God

Foolish Hearts

"Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” - Matthew 19:14

I love kids and I love interacting with them. Perhaps that's why I have taught VBS for the past 5 years. Who knows? God knows.

Kids have an innocence about them that seems to fade with age. And that is the topic of today's story.

When Jesus said, "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these," He was referring to the children gathered around Him. It's their innocence that caused Jesus to say that IMO. Innocence compared to us - the backsliders, doubting Thomases, and the lukewarm. We become tainted by the world because we live in it day after day.

Children grow up and their innocence fades. Is rhere anything we can do to keep from fading away in our faith?

"The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” - Isaiah 40:8

And there's the answer. We can immerse ourselves in God's Word. Our love for God must be complete. 100% And how do we get there? Pray, read, study, surrender, worship, and quit wallowing in a world that tells us to do the opposite.

We need the heart of a child. Not one that is foolish and perishing.

"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" - Jeremiah 17:9

"I've been wrong before, don't be wrong anymore." - Steve Perry

Foolish Heart - Steve Perry

Knees

Thursday night I had a dream. I don't remember too much about it but I do remember that it took place in a church. The building was unfamiliar to me. It must have been after service as only a handful of people were there. Maybe five or six. I was one of them, observing.

Two of the people were having a rather deep conversation. I think one was the pastor of the church. I didn't want to interrupt so I was just walking around behind the pews.

When the conversation ended, the one guy started to leave. Still talking, he was now in the back of the santuary. That's when something happened. I dropped to my knees and began crying. REALLY crying. Face in hands, on my knees. And that's when I woke up.

My first thought was that the Holy Spirit was in this man. But the Holy Spirit is in EVERY Christian. Why was this guy different? I have no idea. But I did come away with this one thought.

If the Holy Spirit resides in every heart, of every believer, why don't we treat that fact with the respect it is due? I mean, this is "God with us." Emmanuel!

“Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession - to the praise of his glory.” - Ephesians 1:13-14

After waking up, I thought about my dream. The scripture above says that we are SEALED, sealed with the Holy Spirit. But how can we tell? There are no doves decending on us from heaven.

Perhaps it's just that when we come to know that someone has the Holy Spirit, we should be humbled by that. When we are standing with someone who has the Holy Spirit, why don't we drop to our knees in the presence of our Almighty God? Not worshipping the person, but the Holy Spirit that resides in them.

There are several instances of people bowing down to the Apostles in the Bible after witnessing healing or some other miracle. Even John bowed down to an angel in Revelation. But in each of those situations, those on their knees were told, "Don't do that. Worship God."

"But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!” - Revelation 22:9

So, maybe that's the end of my story today, and the meaning of my dream. Worship God. Bow down to Him in humble submission. And weep at the knowledge that we have been sealed, and chosen. And that, before the foundation of the world.

"For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." - Ephesians 1:4

I'm not sure where you're at this morning, but me? I'm on my knees.

To Know You

There is a place in Athens, Greece that is known as the Areopagus (aka Mars Hill). The Apostle Paul spoke there during his 

second missionary journey. This one account gives us all great insight into how to talk with others about our faith in God.

Open your Bibles to Acts 17 and scroll down to verse 16. We find Paul, waiting for his traveling buddies, Silas and Timothy.

"While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace, day by day, with those who happened to be there." - Acts 17:16-17

Athens is in Greece (1,802 miles from Jerusalem), and who did the ancient Greeks worship? Verse 16 says they worshipped "idols." These "idols" were their gods - Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo, Athena, Artemis, Ares, and Aphrodite to name a few. They had many gods.

So, what did Paul do here? Did he continue to wait for his boys before preaching? Or, did he get to work? He got busy! He didn't wait for a more opportune time. He shared the Gospel, wherever and whenever. 

I was at Walmart yesterday and I was wearing one of my VBS shirts (pictured above). I passed a dad and his two kids by the "Back To School" aisle, I noticed one of the kids staring at my shirt. Mission accomplished!

"My word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:11

If we look at these Acts 17 verses, we can "observe" Paul's evangelical checklist:

Verse 16: He observed

Verse 16: He was distressed

Verse 17: He reasoned with them

Verse 19 & 22: He met with them

Verse 23: He redirected the conversation to Jesus.

Paul had mixed results in Athens, but some believed. Then it was off to Corinth! 

Paul was obsessed with sharing the Gospel. Are we? Or do we just blend in with the crowd?

It's A God Thing

Here's an interesting real-life story about how God works in our everyday lives.

I met with our local school this week and made my pitch for installing the last four holes on their disc golf course. They had been reluctant to allow it because they couldn't afford to purchase the baskets.

I told them about all the people who had come up to me during the past few weeks offering ideas for funding the basket purchase ourselves. All of those ideas were greatly appreciated.

I am a Christian and before my meeting, I prayed. I didn't pray, "Lord, make them let us do this!" Instead, I prayed this prayer. "Lord, whatever happens at this meeting today, let it be according to your will. I will be fine with it, no matter how it turns out."

At the school, the meeting began, and then this happened. I was introduced to the new building and grounds guy. A nice young man as far as I could tell. Then the business manager looked at his watch and asked me, "Would you have time to show us the course?"

That was unexpected but welcomed.

"Sure!"

As we got up to leave the conference room, I heard someone say, "Hi Bob!" from the lobby. It was a friend of mine. A little chat ensued and it was clear to all that we knew each other. Now, this is where one can see just how God works.

My friend in the lobby, who "just happened" to show up during our meeting, is the pastor of a local church. He is also the head of another local charitable organization that helps the homeless. And now, get this. He is also a member of the School Board. He is one of the bosses of the guys I was meeting with! Yes!

Was this a sign? An answer to prayer? It sure seemed like it to me.

On last thing. When I got dressed for the meeting that day I chose a disc golf shirt with a message. It reads, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Amen to that!

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." - 1 Timothy 2:1-5

The Worm

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Does that sound familiar? It should. Jesus said it while hanging on the cross. Want to see sinething that will blow your mind? Open your Bible to Psalm 22 and begin reading.

That's right. Jesus was quoting King David who was the original writer of those words. But David was only relaying what he heard from God (in this case, Jesus). The amazement continues. Verses 16-18. Notice that the person dictating to David is speaking in the first person tense. It IS Jesus!

"Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. ¹⁷All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. ¹⁸They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment." - Psalm 22:16-18

Nobody pierced David's hands and feet. But they DID pierce the hands and feet of Jesus. They also divided His clothes among them and cast lots for his garment! (Matthew 27:35)

You might ask, "What does any of this have to do with the title of today's story - The Worm? Psalm 22 verse 6 says this:

"But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people."

Are you ready?

The Hebrew word for worm in Psalm 22:6 is  tola'ath. It specifically refers to a "crimson worm" or "scarlet worm." This crimson worm is notable for producing a deep red dye and was used in dying garments and also the curtains of the Tabernacle. The story gets even more interesting when you consider the life cycle of this crimson worm.

• The mother climbs up a piece of wood, mainly a particular type of tree, in order to lay her eggs. (Jesus was hung on a "piece of wood" / tree)
• She then attaches herself to the tree, building a hard red shell around her.
• Inside this crimson shell she lays her eggs and keeps them under her body to protect them. ("How I've longed to gather you under my wings")
• The baby grubs are hatched and they feed on the mother’s body for 3 days. (Jesus was 3 days in the tomb)
• During this time a bright crimson red fluid oozes from the mother. (The blood of Jesus shed for His children)
• This red fluid stains the wood that she is attached to and the baby grubs are covered being permanently stained with it. (We are "covered permanently" by His blood)
• The young are ready to leave the shell after 3 days. (Just like Jesus left the tomb after three days)
• The mother, being still attached to the shell and to the tree, dies so that she can birth a family. (Jesus' death literally gave us new life)
• On day 4 the mother’s tail pulls up to her head making a heart-like shape and she is no longer red – she has turned into a snow-white wax. (Psalm 22:13 - "My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me")
• This snow-white body looks like a little piece of wool on the side of the tree. It begins to flake off and falls to the ground like snow. (Wool? You mean like that of a sacrificial lamb?)
  

This scarlet worm is a perfect representation of Jesus and His sacrifice for on the cross. God created this scarlet worm as a testimony and foreshadowing of what would one day take place. This is incredible! And still people refuse to listen.

The Scarlet Worm - Hebraic Heritage

We Are The Temple

Today's topic is kind of "out there," but I just ran across this verse in my reading again, and it made me stop and think. It concerns the time of the end.

"Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?" - 1 Corinthians 3:16

Each time I read that verse I think the same thing concerning "God's Temple," because right now God does not have an actual physical temple. As background, the prophet Daniel told us this:

“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered." - Daniel 12:1

The first thing to note is that God is talking to Daniel when He says, "Your people." God is talking about the Jewish people here.

If we are currently living in the last days, everyone should be standing against Israel and condemning them, right? Isn't that happening now? Currently, it seems like the entire world is condemning Israel. According to Pew Research, 60% of Americans now have a negative view of Israel. And we are Israel's #1 ally!

Secondly, Daniel 1 says that there will be "a time of distress" happening on a scale that has never been seen before. Isn't that the situation now?

And lastly, it says "your people" will be delivered. "Everyone whose name is found written in the book." That's the 

Book of Life. All those who are going to be saved. Christians, and those Jews who have recognized Jesus as their Messiah.

God always leaves a remnant for Himself, dontcha know.

I believe that 144,000 Jewish converts will be raptured, along with all believers, at the time of the end. Why do I believe that?

“Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” ⁴Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel." - Revelation 7:3-4

Now, getting back to the Temple. Like I mentioned already, there is currently no temple in Jerusalem. There are no sacrifices being offered. However, preparations for all these things have already been made (see link at bottom to The Temple Institute).

It is my opinion that the "abomination that causes desolation" is a resumption of animal sacrifices. Why is this an abomination? Because God Himself already made the ultimate sacrifice, when Jesus died on the cross - "once, for all."

"The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. ²Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. ³But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. ⁴It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

⁵Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:

“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,

    but a body you prepared for me;

⁶with burnt offerings and sin offerings

    you were not pleased.

⁷Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—

    I have come to do your will, my God.’”

⁸First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. ⁹Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. ¹⁰And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

¹¹Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. ¹²But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, ¹³and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool." - Hebrews 10:1-13

Since Israel was scattered 2,000 years ago there have been no sacrifices. There has been no "Nation of Israel" until 1948. But now, the nation of Israel is planning to resume sacrifices once again. And, in so doing, will declare the sacrifice of Jesus, meaningless. And THAT is what God will find to be an abomination. IMHO.

In the opening verse God said that WE are His temple and His Holy Spirit dwells in all who believe in Jesus.

Paul reaffirms this in his second letter to the church in Corinth.

"We are the temple of the living God." - 2 Corinthians 6:16

Keep this in mind as you consider:

"It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God." - Hebrews 10:31

Negative View of Israel - Pew Research

The Third Temple - The Temple Institute

The Jordan

I think just about every Christian knows that Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. But "The Jordan" was involved in quite a few other Bible stories as well. And the connections are amazing!

"In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan." - Mark 1:9

But let's go back into the Old Testament for a Jordan River scavenger hunt. The "first mention" of the Jordan is in the Book of Genesis. Lot chose "the plain of the Jordan" to settle when he split from Abram (Genesis 13:10).

The cities located there were Sodom and Gomorrah. God judged them and destroyed them. Yet Lot escaped. Why? Because two angels saved him. Was one of them Jesus. Hmm.🤔

How about when the Israelites wanted to cross the Jordan after Moses died?

"Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over." - Joshua 3:1

There are a few nuggets here. Let's dig. First, Joshua. Joshua is a Hebrew name meaning "YHWH is salvation" and is derived from (are you ready for this?) the name Jesus. 

And why were the Israelites crossing the Jordan? To get into the Promised Land! And "the Promised land" is synonymous with Heaven for the Christian.

And why didn't Moses get to take the Israelites across the Jordan? Because he disobeyed God (sinned) by striking the rock. Moses is synonymous with "The Law." And "The Rock" is another name for Jesus. And life-giving water came out of the rock, right? 

"Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” - John 14:4

The Jordan is synonymous with judgement. Moses was punished at the Jordan because he sinned. So will we be. Unless we have a Joshua (Jesus) to take us into the promised land.

One more. Where did Jesus raise Lazarus back to life? In a little town called Bethany. And where IS Bethany located? Across the Jordan.

"This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing." - John 1:28

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead right near the Jordan. Right where He was baptized.

There are SO many stories in the Old Testament that link to Jesus! All we have to do is read them and marvel at the cohesivness of God's Word.

Where Was Jesus Baptized? - GotQuestions.org

Once Your Enemy

Here's a free VBS lesson for you from this past week's teaching on Psalm 23. We'll specifically be looking at Verse 5. King David wrote this Psalm and, if you are familiar with the story of David, these verses can take on new meaning.

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." - Psalm 23:5

David's enemy was Saul, the first King of Israel. Saul pursued David for 10 years, trying to kill him. Can you imagine being hunted down for 10 long years?

David was given several opportunities to kill Saul but refused to do so saying, "I will not touch the Lord's anointed." Saul had indeed been anointed as king by Samuel.

Verse five talks about how God kept David fed all those 10 years while Saul was pursuing him. David was "a man after God's own heart" and God blessed David.

After Saul was killed in battle and David became king, David asked this question:

“Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” - 2 Samuel 9:1

Jonathan was a close friend of David, and also the son of his enemy, Saul.

"Ziba answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.” - 2 Samuel 9:3

That "son of Jonathan," the grandson of Saul, David's enemy, was named Mephibosheth.

When Mephibosheth was called into the presence of the king, he was greatly afraid. He was the grandson of the king's enemy. He had good reason to be afraid. But David did something unusual. He gave Mephibosheth all of his grandfather's property and arranged for it to be farmed. He also gave Mephibosheth a regular seat at King David's table.

Do you see what David did here? He flipped Psalm 23:5. Instead of "you prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies," David prepared a table for his enemy in the presence of his king, the Lord God Almighty.

How amazingly merciful! David honored both Jonathan and God at the same time!

"So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table, and he was lame in both feet." - 2 Samuel 9:13

Jesus, Thank You - Sovereign Grace Music

Tornado!

Living in Central Wisconsin has proved to be pretty safe, catastrophic event wise. We're not on a major fault line so we don't have big earthquakes. We're far from the tropics so we don't get hurricanes or typhoons. However, upon occasion, we have our fair share of bad weather.

We've had blizzards with three feet of snow. We've also had days of 100° heat. Still, all those pale in comparision to what we had this past Monday - an EF-3 tornado.

We've had tornadoes before. We even had one touch down near our house. But this most recent tornado was different. It plowed through one of our larger cities - Menasha (18,000+).

I worked in Neenah for nearly 20 years. It butts up against Menasha. When I visited work yesterday, horrible stories were plentiful. They ranged from "we lost a few branches" to "a big tree fell on our house and we have no power." Some residents lost everything. A local friend was trapped on the 441 bridge as the tornado passed 500' in front of her car. She and her son watched cars and semis being flipped and feared for their lives. Had they arrived just a few seconds earlier . . .

Do you know Jesus? I hope you do.

All this makes me think of Job. He too lost everything, except his faith in God.

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” - Job 1:21

Catastrophic events like this tornado can really test our faith, but they can also enhance it. When our faith turns into action, it testifies to our God.

The Menasha Piggly Wiggly gave out free water. Christ the Rock church opened its doors to all who needed shelter. Donation sites sprang up and area residents brought supplies. People "gave to one another as there was a need" (Acts 2:45).

My prayer in this horrible event was for people to turn to God as a result. Like Job said, "Blessed be the name of the Lord."

Withdraw

Every once in a while, the Bible "experts" get things wrong. Am I saying that there are mistakes in the Bible? Yes, I am - in the modern-day translations. Not in the original transcripts. Here's an example about what I mean.

The story, A Paralytic Is Healed, in Luke 5, begins this way:

"So, He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed." - Luke 5:16

The word "So" references the previous story. Verse 16 does not belong to the story about the paralytic, in my opinionl. Here is the last part of verse 16 along with Luke 5:15 . . .

"However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmaties. So, He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed." - Luke 5:15-16

That makes more sense. One thing to keep in mind - the original manuscripts had no punctuation at all. There were also no story headings or paragraph indentations. These New Testament "books" were actually letters written to churches or individuals.

The key here, and what we're going to talk about today, is that when things got hectic and overwhelming, Jesus often went away by Himself and prayed to God the Father.

And, speaking of "being alone," does your church have prayer groups? Ours does. Do you attend? Nothing against them at all, but let's not lose track that Jesus always went off by Himself to pray.

When Jesus was nearing the end of His ministry He went to the Garden of Gethsemane with His disciples. He then took Peter, James, and John further. A men's prayer group? No. He left them to go pray by Himself.

"Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray. ³⁷He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. ³⁸Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed." - Matthew 26:36-38

Again, Jesus was all alone. Here's a partial AI generated list of when Jesus withdrew by Himself to pray:

• After hearing John the Baptist had been killed, Jesus withdrew by boat to a solitary place (Matthew 14:13; Mark 6:31–32).
• After the crowd followed him, he went up a mountain by himself (Mark 6:46).
• Before choosing the Twelve, he went up on a mountain and spent the night praying by himself (Luke 6:12).
• After hearing of Lazarus’ sickness, he still could have spent time away, but the specific “by himself.".
• After a busy period with many people, he went away again to places where he could pray (Mark 1:35 describes him going out early “to a solitary place” before daybreak; the text emphasizes solitude).

It's safe to say that Jesus preferred being by Himself when He prayed.

" the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen." - Matthew 6:6

What do YOU think?

I think it depends on the situation. Praying in groups is fine, praying with an individual is powerful, and praying by ourselves is precious. The key is praying, wherever and whenever.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6