Luke 12:1-3

Beware of hypocrisy in your life. God sees. Let your actions show your beliefs. 

God give us wisdom and discernment in Holy Spirit.

Hypocrisy is the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform; pretense.

There is a connection between our mouths and our hearts, and we see this throughout the Bible. Romans 10:10 says, "For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." In Psalm 19:14, David prays, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight..." In Matthew 12:34, Jesus says, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (all emphases added).

Our heart/mouth connection is vital because our words are indicators of what our hearts believe about God. The Pharisees' negativity was a result of their hearts' rejection of the Spirit of God (Matthew 12:32). 

Our God is good and sovereign. He is powerful and able. He is kind and works all things for our good and His glory. He cares and He loves us. And when we truly believe these things in our hearts, our words will follow. First5 

God of all time,
help us enter the New Year quietly,
thoughtful of who we are
to ourselves and to others,
mindful that our steps make an impact
and our words carry power.
May we walk gently.
May we speak
only after we have listened well.

Vinita Hampton Wright

Luke 12:1-3

12 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops. The New King James Version

Leaven here represents the presence of corruption. Unleavened bread is what the Jews ate at Passover. The corruption in view here is hypocrisy. Practicing hypocrisy is senseless because eventually all deeds—both good and evil—will be exposed. All secrets will be revealed by God. The NKJV Study Bible

The Greek word used here refers to fermented dough that was mixed in with new dough and used as a rising agent. The small amount used in baking would permeate the entire batch of new dough. Leaven serves as an apt metaphor to describe the widespread effects of the Pharisees’ hypocritical teachings and actions. Faithlife Study Bible

Matthew 10:26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

Matthew 23:28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Mark 4:22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light

Isaiah 59:21

Let Your words flow from your redeemed so that we can reflect Your image given in  Jesus.

Your Kingdom come Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

“Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.” Kurt Vonnegut  

Try this. Imagine a perfect world. Whatever that means to you, imagine it. Does that mean peace? Then envision absolute tranquility. Does a perfect world imply joy? Then create your highest happiness. Will a perfect world have love? Ponder a place where love has no bounds.

Whatever heaven means to you, imagine it. Get it firmly fixed in your mind. Delight in it. Dream about it. Long for it. And then smile as the Father reminds you from the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2:9: “No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” No one. No one has come close. Think of all the songs about heaven, all the artists’ portrayals. All the lessons preached, and poems written, and chapters drafted. When it comes to describing heaven, we are all happy failures. Max Lucado

Isaiah 59:21

21 “As for Me,” says the Lord, “this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants’ descendants,” says the Lord, “from this time and forevermore.”  The New King James Version

The Spirit is upon the redeemer—the Messiah. The pronoun “you” is singular. Similar language is used to describe the Messiah in Isaiah 11:2. The Servant is also promised offspring. Faithlife Study Bible

Them refers to the repentant.

The Spirit and words would be given to all Israel so that all would become prophets of the living God. The NKJV Study Bible

The Son of God shall come to us to be our Redeemer; the Spirit of God shall come to be our Sanctifier: thus the Comforter shall abide with the church for ever. The word of Christ will always continue in the mouths of the faithful; and whatever is pretended to be the mind of the Spirit, must be tried by the Scriptures. We must lament the progress of infidelity and impiety. But the cause of the Redeemer shall gain a complete victory even on earth, and the believer will be more than conqueror when the Lord receives him to his glory in heaven. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Isaiah 51:16 

And I have put My words in your mouth;

I have covered you with the shadow of My hand,

That I may plant the heavens,

Lay the foundations of the earth,

And say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’ ”

Jeremiah 31:31 “Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—

Jeremiah 31:32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD.

Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Daniel 8:18-22

No one knows when the end will come but it will arrive when Jesus returns!

Until His return it our privilege to seek peace for all people and spread the Good News which is for everyone who chooses to accept salvation.

Joy in in the Lord is our source of strength!

Let us remember... Grace is alive.
We can live, open to gratitude, and compassion, and gifts of tenderness, and the love found even in broken (or unfinished) places... and when we do, we know that hope is real.
So. Let us love one another into existence.
Spill your light my friends. Sabbath Moments 

The Work of Christmas
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and the princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers,
To make music in the heart.
Howard Thurman

Daniel 8:18-22

18 Now, as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep with my face to the ground; but he touched me, and stood me upright. 19 And he said, “Look, I am making known to you what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation; for at the appointed time the end shall be. 20 The ram which you saw, having the two horns—they are the kings of Media and Persia. 21 And the male goat is the kingdom of Greece. The large horn that is between its eyes is the first king. 22 As for the broken horn and the four that stood up in its place, four kingdoms shall arise out of that nation, but not with its power. The New King James Version

The indignation is that of the Lord against those who have rebelled against His dominion. The end indicates that this judgment is against all those in rebellion against God, especially those living at the time just before the coming of Christ. 

The two horns represent the two countries of Media and Persia. It is significant that the two are regarded as one empire, represented by the ram. The first king of Greece was Alexander the Great. None of Alexander’s four generals ruled with the strength of Alexander. The NKJV Study Bible

Daniel’s fainting and astonishment at the prospect of evils he saw coming on his people and the church, confirm the opinion that long-continued calamities were foretold. The vision being ended, a charge was given to Daniel to keep it private for the present. He kept it to himself, and went on to do the duty of his place. As long as we live in this world we must have something to do in it; and even those whom God has most honoured, must not think themselves above their business. Nor must the pleasure of communion with God take us from the duties of our callings, but we must in them abide with God. 

Thus should we endeavour to compose our minds for attending to the duties to which each is appointed, in the church and in the world.  Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Daniel 10:10 Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands.

Daniel 10:16 And suddenly, one having the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to him who stood before me, “My lord, because of the vision my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength.

Daniel 10:18 Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me.

Acts 5:29-32

Holy Spirit empowers us to spread the Good News!

The light of the world was born to die for  mankind…no greater gift has ever been given than Jesus!

There is already plenty of angst during the Holiday Season and looking into the New Year. And sometimes we tell ourselves we can outrun the angst by being strong. One email assured me the New Year is my time to “create a new, stronger, and more marketable self”. Who knew?
I want to vote for a very different idea: Instead of finishing the year strong, why don't we finish the year soft. Rested and at home in our own skin. You know... Open to gratitude, and compassion, and gifts of tenderness, and the love found even in broken (or unfinished) places. In other words, let us live unfrozen.

I take heart in Fred Rogers’ (Mr. Roger's Neighborhood) affirmation that we live fueled by grace and graciousness. When we do, it touches deeper needs in others, and we literally "love someone into existence.” Yes. And here’s the deal; that "someone" you love into existence, may be yourself.

"May I live this day compassionate of heart, clear in word, gracious in awareness, courageous in thought, generous in love." John O'Donohue

Acts 5:29-32

29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. 31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” The New King James Version

Peter pits the council’s motives and judgments directly against the will of God.

The high priest had protested that the apostles’ preaching implied that the religious leaders were responsible for Jesus’ death. Peter now directly charges them with crucifying Jesus. Jesus rescues all who trust in Him from sin and its consequences. Savior is the title He was given at His birth. 

The old testament asserts that God must intervene in the life of Israel for them to have new spiritual life. This power to intervene in the life of people, and offer salvation, is attributed to Jesus. Israel’s hope is based on God’s gracious forgiveness of the sins of those who believe in Jesus. Faithlife Study Bible

As to the accusation of disobedience to authority, Peter put the charge in context. Jesus had said, “You shall be witnesses to Me”. The council said, “You shall not be His witnesses”.  All authority comes from God. When any authority commands what God has forbidden, or forbids what God has commanded, a Christian must obey the Author of all authority, God Himself. We submit to governmental authority because the One who instituted the authority is God Himself. When we submit to government, we are submitting to God. 

Tree here refers to the Cross. 

The declaration that God has exalted Him to His right hand would have been understood by the Sanhedrin as a reference to the Resurrection. The apostles’ claim regarded the resurrected Jesus as equal with God. The NKJV Study Bible

Faith takes the Saviour in all his offices, who came, not to save us in our sins, but to save us from our sins. 

Had Christ been exalted to give dominion to Israel, the chief priests would have welcomed him. But repentance and remission of sins are blessings they neither valued nor saw their need of; therefore they, by no means, admitted his doctrine. 

Wherever repentance is wrought, remission is granted without fail. None are freed from the guilt and punishment of sin, but those who are freed from the power and dominion of sin; who are turned from it, and turned against it. Christ gives repentance, by his Spirit working with the word, to awaken the conscience, to work sorrow for sin, and an effectual change in the heart and life. The giving of the Holy Ghost, is plain evidence that it is the will of God that Christ should be obeyed. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

John 15:26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.

Acts 2:33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

Acts 3:13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.

Acts 3:15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.

Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree.

Philippians 1:9–11

LOVE. Out of the abundance of the heart of God He gave us JESUS. 

All God, all man. He died for our sins and in Him the Father sees the Son and His righteousness. Holy Spirit will change us from the inside out until He can see the reflection of His Son in us.

Jesus is the love of God made  flesh. He is 911 for mankind.

I watched the tape of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s speech (Wednesday) to our Congress (his first known trip outside of Ukraine since Russia invaded about 10 months ago). I sat, appreciatively glued as (his remarks in English) he thanked the U.S. for its help in the fight against Russia, and for "all those who value freedom and justice." Talking about Ukrainians living in darkness with power outages from the bombings, he said, “But we will celebrate Christmas. The light in our faith and our self will not be put out.” 

And for last minute gift shopping... let’s take this prayer into the Christmas weekend...
Dear God.
Help us to fill our gift list this year.
To our enemies, help us give forgiveness.
To our opponents, tolerance.
To our friends, our heart.
To those who are hurting, hope.
To our customers, service.
To those around us, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To ourselves, laughter and respect.
And to you, our worship.
Amen. Sabbath Moments 

Philippians 1:9–11

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. The New King James Version

As Paul explains later, love (agapē) involves putting others before oneself. 

The knowledge that Paul has in mind is not just intellectual but experiential, acquired through acts of love. The Greek term used here, aisthēsis, refers to the ability to make decisions for the benefit of others. When the Philippians’ love abounds, they will be able to determine what is most valuable or beneficial to the community of believers. 

Fruit of righteousness refers to the natural results of belonging to Christ, whose death and resurrection bring righteousness to all who believe. Faithlife Study Bible

The love that Paul sought for the believers is the highest form of Christian love, based on a lasting, unconditional commitment, not on an unstable emotion. 

Knowledge the first of two terms on which a directed love is built suggests an intimate understanding based on a relationship with the person. Here the focus of this knowledge is God. 

Discernment is found only here in the New Testament, the Greek word means moral or ethical understanding based on both the intellect and the senses. The word implies perception or insight into social situations. 

The verb used for “that you may approve” in ancient literature was for the testing of gold to determine its purity, and for trying oxen to assess their usefulness for the task at hand. 

The purpose of increasing in love, controlled by knowledge, is to be able to evaluate people and situations correctly. 

Sincere literally means “judged by sunlight,” it does not mean “honestly trying hard,” but rather pure, unmixed, and free from falsehood. Any spot in a garment or imperfection in merchandise could be seen by holding the object up to the sunlight. Christ died to free the church from every blemish. 

Using still another graphic term to describe the Christian, Paul conveys the sense of not striking out at someone. Here the phrase means not leading others into sin by one’s own behavior. 

The goal ahead for the believer is the day of Christ in which the believer will stand for evaluation before the Savior, who is the faithful and true witness. The NKJV Study Bible

Matthew 3:8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,

John 15:8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

John 17:24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

Acts 24:16  This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

Luke 7:40–50

Those of us who have been forgiven much…understand the depth of  God’s  love for His creation. 

I am so very thankful for the forgiveness that He gifts mankind in the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, all man all God. It cost us nothing but cost Him everything.

1 Timothy 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

The perfect Son of God chose to die for us. The fact that Jesus chose this path is the foundation of the Christian faith. Without the death of Jesus, there would be no redemption of sin and no resurrection. But because of Jesus' death, we can accept the gift of His grace as He paid the price for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21;  Romans 6:23). 

There are a few notable events that happened when Jesus gave His life for the sins of the world. One that stands out as an amazing symbol of access to God is when the veil of the temple was torn from the top to the bottom (Matthew 27:51). Before Jesus' death, the only way to get access to God was through the high priest (Exodus 26:31-33). When the veil was torn, there was no longer a need to go through a priest to get to God. Jesus became the Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5-6). First5 

May I live this day
Compassionate of heart,
Clear of word,
Gracious in awareness,
Courageous in thought,
Generous in love.
John O’Donohue, Irish poet 

Luke 7:40–50 

40 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” 41 “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” The New King James Version

Rather than making the point Himself, Jesus prompts Simon to give an answer that condemns his own attitude. Jesus uses this same tactic with the parable of the good Samaritan. The parable reflects the scene. The woman, who appeared to be in great need of forgiveness, expresses her love and appreciation more than the Pharisee, who likely thought that he needed little or no forgiveness. Jesus contrasts the woman’s devotion and care with Simon’s failure to do anything to honor his invited guest. 

Forgiveness of sins could be granted by God alone. Jesus often recognizes faith as the catalyst for healing and salvation. Faithlife Study Bible

Jesus’ reply indicates that He knew the reputation of the woman, but was more interested in what the woman could become through the grace of God. 

Jesus often compared sin to a monetary debt. A denarius was a day’s wage for a basic laborer, so five hundred denarii was approximately the wages of one and a half years. Which of them will love him more: Jesus’ point is that the amount of love showered on the Savior will be in direct proportion with one’s sense of the gravity of the sins that the Savior has forgiven. The woman knew she had been forgiven much, and as a result she would love much.

Jesus contrasted the actions of the woman with the actions of the Pharisee Simon, implying that the woman knew more about forgiveness than Simon. Jesus confirmed that the love of the woman, which was visible in her actions toward Jesus, had come from being forgiven. 

The grumbling over Jesus’ declaration concerning forgiveness indicates that at least some people in the audience rejected His authority. Faith is the human channel for receiving God’s gifts. The NKJV Study Bible

None can truly perceive how precious Christ is, and the glory of the gospel, except the broken-hearted. But while they feel they cannot enough express self-abhorrence on account of sin, and admiration of his mercy, the self-sufficient will be disgusted, because the gospel encourages such repenting sinners. 

The Pharisee, instead of rejoicing in the tokens of the woman’s repentance, confined his thoughts to her former bad character. But without free forgiveness none of us can escape the wrath to come; this our gracious Saviour has purchased with his blood, that he may freely bestow it on every one that believes in him. Christ, by a parable, forced Simon to acknowledge that the greater sinner this woman had been, the greater love she ought to show to Him when her sins were pardoned. 

Learn here, that sin is a debt; and all are sinners, are debtors to Almighty God. Some sinners are greater debtors; but whether our debt be more or less, it is more than we are able to pay. God is ready to forgive; and his Son having purchased pardon for those who believe in him, his gospel promises it to them, and his Spirit seals it to repenting sinners, and gives them the comfort. 

Let us keep far from the proud spirit of the Pharisee, simply depending upon and rejoicing in Christ alone, and so be prepared to obey him more zealously, and more strongly to recommend him unto all around us. The more we express our sorrow for sin, and our love to Christ, the clearer evidence we have of the forgiveness of our sins. 

What a wonderful change does grace make upon a sinner’s heart and life, as well as upon his state before God, by the full remission of all his sins through faith in the Lord Jesus! Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

1 Corinthians 7:14–16

Faith accomplishes things that we may never understand until we are present with the Lord. 

Nothing is impossible with God…nothing. 

Your family is important to God because you are His child and they are important to you.

God chose to come among us as a vulnerable child, so he could speak more clearly to our own hearts where we are most vulnerable. That child is speaking God’s truth… The stable is the sign of God’s desire to be born in the stables of our own hearts, not into our inn-like self-sufficiency, nor into our quest for palace-like opulence and power. In making his entrance through the mire of a stable, God showed us that flesh and blood, dirt, sweat, and tears, fear and shattered dreams, are good enough for him. That is where he will start.” SabbathMoments 

As Mary looked into the face of the baby—her son, her Lord, his majesty—she couldn’t take her eyes off him. Somehow she knew she was holding God. So this is he. And she remembered the words of the angel when he said: “His kingdom will never end.” Oh he looked like anything but a King. His cry, though strong and healthy, was still the helpless and piercing cry of a baby.

Majesty in the midst of the mundane.  God came near! Luke 1:33 says, “His kingdom will never end.” May you be a part of it. Max Lucado

1 Corinthians 7:14–16

14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. 15 But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace. 16 For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife? The New King James Version

Some believing spouses in Corinth may have been concerned that sexual relations with their unbelieving spouse would cause defilement. Paul explains to these believers that they are not defiled; instead, it is their unbelieving spouses who are sanctified through the process of knowing a believer. Faithlife Study Bible

We are bound, as much as in us lies, to live peaceably with all men therefore to promote the peace and comfort of our nearest relatives, though unbelievers. It should be the labour and study of those who are married, to make each other as easy and happy as possible. Should a Christian desert a husband or wife, when there is opportunity to give the greatest proof of love? Stay, and labour heartily for the conversion of thy relative. In every state and relation the Lord has called us to peace; and every thing should be done to promote harmony, as far as truth and holiness will permit. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Luke 11:2 So He said to them, “When you pray, say:

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Mark 4:28–29

And at the time appointed Jesus will return with shouts of peace, peace to His people on earth!

We serve a risen Savior who desires everyone accept God’s  gift of salvation.

Jesus' coming suffering had a purpose: eventual victory over sin and death. The only way for Jesus to complete His earthly mission was to take the burden of the world's sin, enduring agony unlike what any person has ever experienced. Through Jesus' obedient submission to the Father's will no matter the cost, we were given a perfect example of how to trust God's plan even when life seems out of control.

The first man, Adam, succumbed to temptation in the garden of Eden, bringing the consequences and slavery of sin onto humanity. The second Adam, Jesus, submitted Himself to the Father's will in the garden of Gethsemane, offering eternal life to the world (1 Corinthians 15:45-49). He drank the cup of wrath meant for us and replaced it with His grace. 

No one understands our suffering like Jesus does, and we can trust Him to use what's meant for evil for our ultimate good (Genesis 50:20). There is no sorrow that can't be placed at His feet, no chaos that can't be calmed by His presence, no trouble that He can't transform into joy. Hallelujah! 

He is the "friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24), and the perfect example of how we are to love others. Jesus is the friend worth giving up everything for because He first gave up everything for us. What a friend we have in Jesus! First5 

God chose to come among us as a vulnerable child, so he could speak more clearly to our own hearts where we are most vulnerable. That child is speaking God’s truth… The stable is the sign of God’s desire to be born in the stables of our own hearts, not into our inn-like self-sufficiency, nor into our quest for palace-like opulence and power. In making his entrance through the mire of a stable, God showed us that flesh and blood, dirt, sweat, and tears, fear and shattered dreams, are good enough for him. That is where he will start.” SabbathMoments 

Mark 4:28–29

28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” The New King James Version

Plants develop in a complex, intricate process that humans still do not fully understand even two thousand years after Jesus spoke these words. Yet plants grow and bear fruit and seeds just the same. God’s kingdom likewise is growing, although we do not understand all that is happening. This parable, which appears only in Mark’s Gospel, presents God’s kingdom in brief, from first sowing to final reaping. The NKJV Study Bible

This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven! Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Joel 3:13 

Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.

Come, go down;

For the winepress is full,

The vats overflow—For their wickedness is great.”

Mark 13:30 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.

Revelation 14:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.”

Matthew 27:11-14

Jesus willingly gave up His deity to be crucified for the sins of humanity that through His death multitudes from every nation would be saved.

No greater love exists.

As my Mother neared death, unable to speak from Alzheimers, the one thing that I wanted  her to remember was that as much as I loved her there was One who loved her more…Jesus. The name above all names.

With awareness comes gratitude, fueled by gladness and joy.
With gratitude weights are lifted, and there is a sense of peace (down to our core).

For the Christian faith, in Advent we wait for the birth of the Prince of Peace. Sabbath Moments

Matthew 27:11-14

11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly. The New King James Version

The religious leaders hand Jesus over to Pilate. Jesus, however, does not respond to the fabricated charges brought against Him. Apparently wanting to free Jesus, Pilate offers to release a prisoner, but the crowd calls for Barabbas instead of Jesus. In order to prevent a riot, Pilate submits to the crowd’s wishes and hands Jesus over to be crucified. Faithlife Study Bible

The title King of the Jews has not been used in Matthew’s Gospel since 2:2. Clearly Pilate’s charge against the Lord Jesus was prompted by Jewish religious leaders. The NKJV Study Bible

Matthew 26:63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!”

Mark 15:2 Then Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews? ”He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.”

Mark 15:3 And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing.

Mark 15:5 But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.

John 18:37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then? ”Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

Romans 2:28–29

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Holy Spirit will help us be doers and not just hearers of the Word of God made flesh. He will change us from the inside out.

We are given a new heart when we accept the gift of salvation in Jesus.

It is nothing to do with our sacrifice but everything to do with His.

Son of God, the Lamb of God, the Resurrection and the Life, Alpha and Omega. Phrases that stretch the boundaries of human language in an effort to capture the uncapturable: the grandeur of God. They always fall short. Hearing them is somewhat like hearing a Salvation Army Christmas band on the street corner playing “Handel’s Messiah.” No names do God justice.

Bur there is one name. Jesus. A name so typical, if he were here today, his name might be John or Bob or Jim. He was touchable, approachable, reachable. “Just call me Jesus,” you can almost hear Him say. And those who walked with him remembered him not with a title or designation, but with a name—Jesus! It’s a beautiful name and a powerful name. The day is coming when at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is Lord! Max Lucado

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus".
Amen.
Henri J.M. Nouwen

Romans 2:28–29

28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. The New King James Version

Emphasizes genuine loyalty to God, becoming obedient with mind as well as body. Paul alludes to the prophecy of Jeremiah, who warned the people of Judah to circumcise their hearts. Christ is the one who does this work. This might represent a contrast between the new covenant (the Spirit) and the old covenant (the written code or letter). In Romans 7–8, Paul describes the transfer from life under the law to life under the Spirit. The contrast also refers to the inability of the “letter” to change the heart and the transformative work of the Spirit in the believer’s life. Faithlife Study Bible

Paul pronounces circumcision as being of no value. Circumcision that is only outward is of no avail before God because God wants the outward demonstration to be the sign of an inward reality. Paul’s teaching is consistent with the Law and the Old Testament prophets, for both proclaimed the need for internal circumcision. The change of heart that Paul describes with the image of internal circumcision is the work of the Holy Spirit, not the result of external obedience to the Law. In fact, God condemns external observance if it is not the product of a righteous heart. The NKJV Study Bible

Let us pray that we may be made real Christians, not outwardly, but inwardly; in the heart and spirit, not in the letter; baptized, not with water only, but with the Holy Ghost; and let our praise be, not of men, but of God. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

John 5:44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?

John 12:43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

2 Corinthians 10:18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.