Precept by precept, our mind and our way of thinking changes, into the truth of Jesus Christ. He loves us and wants to open our eyes to God’s  way of seeing His world, His creation.

Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

“Lord, help!” “You search for me,” God declared. “And when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me. I will let you find me” (Jeremiah 29:13-14). What a promise! Max Lucado

So even when God has allowed something in our lives that we don't understand and we absolutely don't like, we always have a choice to trust Him. First5

Open me up to the magic and possibility
of living within what my dear friend calls
“the grace of the day”—
where every gift is savored for as long as it lasts,
All is a gift from you for me.
Thank you, Lord. Sabbath Moments 

Ephesians 4:20-24

20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. The New King James Version

Paul compared the Christian life to stripping off the dirty clothes of a sinful past and putting on the snowy white robes of Christ’s righteousness. Paul calls for believers to speak the truth to each other, because all believers are united in Christ. The Proverbs identify a lying tongue as one of the six things God abhors. The NKJV Study Bible

new man (Gk. kainos anthrōpos) (4:24; Col. 3:10) Strong’s #2537; 444: This Greek word for new does not mean something more recent in time, but something having a different quality or nature. Thus the new man is the new humanity created in Christ, of which all believers partake, both individually and corporately. Since Paul has already spoken of the new man created in Christ in terms of a new unified corporate humanity, the new man in this verse must also be thought of corporately. In the immediate context, Paul is exhorting each believer to put on his or her new human nature.

Learn Christ refers not only to conversion to the Christian faith, but also to the activity of learning about Christ. 

The Greek expression used here, if indeed, is sometimes translated using a conditional statement (“if”), but it actually implies confidence. Paul’s point is that his audience does know and follow Christ. Former way of life refers to life under the influence of the evil one, the desires of the flesh, and the world. The old man is a personification of the former way of life, before following Christ, which was self-destructive. 

Paul uses the imagery of changing one’s clothes to describe believers’ responsibility to actively participate in Christ’s transformative work in their lives. Faithlife Study Bible

By the new man, is meant the new nature, the new creature, directed by a new principle, even regenerating grace, enabling a man to lead a new life of righteousness and holiness. This is created, or brought forth by God’s almighty power. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Romans 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

Colossians 3:8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,

John 3:12-17 Amazing Grace

It has nothing to do with us…but everything to do with Jesus Christ… No greater love exists.

1 John 4:9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

GRACE… Amazing grace.

1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Matthew 20:28 says of Jesus, “The Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people.”

Jesus assures us, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). We can put our hope in His capabilities and His care for us even when life doesn't make sense.

We may not understand today, or even tomorrow, all the things God does or does not do. But someday we'll understand more (1 Corinthians 13:12). When we get to heaven and see Jesus in all His glory, our questions will all fade away as we worship the One who holds all power and wisdom. First5 

“Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted—a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul,” Rabbi Harold Kushner reminds us. Sabbath Moments

As a young boy, I read a Russian fable about a master and a servant who went on a journey. Before they reached their destination they were caught in a blizzard and lost their direction. When they were found the master was frozen to death, face down in the snow. When they lifted him they found the servant, cold but alive. The master had voluntarily placed himself on top of the servant so the servant could live.Jesus did the same for you. 

Jesus wears a sovereign crown, but he bears a father’s heart. The King who suffers for the peasant, the Master who sacrifices himself for the servant. He is the Son of Man who came to serve and give his life as a a ransom for you. Max Lucado

John 3:12-17 

12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. The New King James Version

Jesus is alluding to His heavenly origin. Since He comes from heaven, He is qualified to speak authoritatively about heavenly things. Jesus’ made an explicit declaration that no one else has ascended into heaven. The implication is that no one has both ascended to heaven to receive divine revelation and descended to earth to give an account of that revelation in the same way that Jesus has as the incarnate Word of God. 

Verse 3:16 presents a concise summary of the gospel message, tying the events of Jesus’ death to God’s love for the world He created. 

The statement is remarkable in its depiction of divine care for the entire world—not just His chosen people, Israel. 

John prefers to refer to Jesus as the “Son” and God as the “Father”.  Jesus’ reflection and representation of the Father is complete. As one sent by God, Jesus fully represented Him on earth. Faithlife Study Bible

Earthly things refers to things that occur on earth, like the new birth, the wind, and perhaps miracles. Heavenly things refers to events like Christ’s ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Nicodemus may have believed in Jesus’ miracles the majority of the Jewish council did not In verse 9, Nicodemus, referring to the new birth, asks, “How can these things be?” Here Jesus answers the question. New birth is by the Son, by the Cross (v. 14), and by faith (v. 15). 

Every time the words lifted up occur in the Gospel of John there is a reference to Jesus’ death. 

When Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness (Numbers. 21:9), those who looked at it lived. So it is with the Son of Man. 

This is the first time eternal life is mentioned in John’s Gospel. When a person trusts Christ, he or she is born again and receives eternal and spiritual life, God’s kind of life. 

God’s love is not restricted to any one nation or to any spiritual elite. World here may also include all of creation. At His first coming, Jesus came so that the world through Him might be saved. When Jesus comes again, He will come in judgment upon those who refused His offer of salvation. The NKJV Study Bible

Numbers 21:9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

John 3:36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

Christ alone!

Christ alone provides atonement for the sins of the world.

In Him, through Him and in the power of Holy Spirit we are given the chance for eternal life with Him.

Praise be to our triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit!!

But today we can rejoice in knowing that God's grace made a way for us through Jesus. From the beginning of creation, Christ was established in authority over all the world (Colossians 1:15-20). But our Savior took upon Himself the penalty for our sin. On the cross, the debt of our transgressions was paid in full. His sacrificial death appeared like a foolish loss to the eyes of the world but actually brought salvation to anyone who looks to Him for forgiveness. First5 

On this day may I be present to the Miracle of being alive.
May I reach out to those who are suffering and may I use my voice as a force for good.
May I have the courage to do what is right, not what is easy.
May I have the strength to shine a light in the darkness.
May I not distance myself from myself. (Joanne Fink) SabbathMoments 

Acts 26:19-23

19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. 21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” The New King James Version

Paul is being persecuted for following Jesus’ command to spread the gospel. This ministry, particularly to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people), has caused many of his fellow Jews to oppose him. Paul proclaims that both Gentiles and Jews receive forgiveness of sins and can be part of the people of God. 

Throughout Acts, the good news about Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of promises made by God in the Old Testament Scriptures.

Jesus was not raised from the dead temporarily, as other people were. He was the first who absolutely conquered death and was the guarantee that others would as well. Faithlife Study Bible

Repentance indicates a complete change in thinking. In Romans 12:2, Paul speaks of the “renewing of your mind.” We do what we think is best, what makes sense to us. Genuine repentance is evidenced by changed behavior. The NKJV Study Bible

All who are turned from sin to God, are not only pardoned, but have a grant of a rich inheritance. The forgiveness of sins makes way for this. None can be happy who are not holy; and to be saints in heaven we must be first saints on earth. We are made holy, and saved by faith in Christ; by which we rely upon Christ as the Lord our Righteousness, and give up ourselves to him as the Lord our Ruler; by this we receive the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and eternal life. 

The cross of Christ was a stumbling-block to the Jews, and they were in a rage at Paul’s preaching the fulfilling of the Old Testament predictions. Christ should be the first that should rise from the dead; the Head or principal One. Also, it was foretold by the prophets, that the Gentiles should be brought to the knowledge of God by the Messiah; and what in this could the Jews justly be displeased at?  Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Acts 9:20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. 

Acts 24:14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets.

1 Corinthians 15:20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Unmerited and underserved He loves us still!

Even in our failings God  loves and protects us. 

He is always in control and the world is subject to Him alone. It is only in His mercy and grace, in the Body and blood of Jesus Christ, that we are offered salvation.

Unmerited and underserved He loves us still!

Yet we often struggle as we try to take control, guess God's plan, or assume we're more knowledgeable than we are. Instead, let's remember that God knows His creation deeply and intimately. While humankind is woefully inept at understanding the entire natural world, God is an all-powerful and all-knowing Creator. And if He cares so much for the animals of this world, how much more He must care for us (Matthew 6:25-34)! First5

God has a peculiar passion for the forgotten. Have you noticed? See his hand on the skin of the leper? See the face of the prostitute cupped in Jesus’s hands? See him with his arm around little Zacchaeus? God wants us to get the message: what society puts out, God puts in. What the world writes off, God picks up. Why did he pick you? He wanted to. After all, you are his. And he made you. No matter how long you’ve waited or how much time you’ve wasted, you are his. And he has a place for you. Max Lucado

Ezekiel 39:1-8

39 “And you, son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal; 2 and I will turn you around and lead you on, bringing you up from the far north, and bring you against the mountains of Israel. 3 Then I will knock the bow out of your left hand, and cause the arrows to fall out of your right hand. 4 You shall fall upon the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and the peoples who are with you; I will give you to birds of prey of every sort and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. 5 You shall fall on the open field; for I have spoken,” says the Lord God. 6 “And I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in security in the coastlands. Then they shall know that I am the Lord. 7 So I will make My holy name known in the midst of My people Israel, and I will not let them profane My holy name anymore. Then the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel. 8 Surely it is coming, and it shall be done,” says the Lord God. “This is the day of which I have spoken. The New King James Version

Yahweh alone defeats Gog; Israel is not involved until the battle is over.

The day about which I have spoken is an allusion to the Day of Yahweh, a motif in prophetic literature about a future day of judgment against Israel and all nations.

The oracle of the distant future ends with an affirmation of the hope promised for the immediate future. Yahweh gathers the exiles and restores the community in Judah. The imagery recalls the depiction of salvation and renewal. Faithlife Study Bible

This pictures God fighting for His people. The rout will be total; there will be no place for the enemies of God to flee for safety. 

There is a significant emphasis on God’s purpose in demonstrating the central truth that He is the Lord. God’s battle with Gog will demonstrate His sovereignty and majesty in His universe. The NKJV Study Bible

The Lord will make the most careless and hardened transgressors know his holy name, either by his righteous anger, or by the riches of his mercy and grace. The weapons formed against Zion shall not prosper. Though this prophecy is to be fulfilled in the latter days, it is certain. From the language used, it seems that the army of Gog will be destroyed by miracle. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Psalm 76:3 

There He broke the arrows of the bow,

The shield and sword of battle. Selah

Ezekiel 38:3 

and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.

Ezekiel 38:4 I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords.

Ezekiel 39:17 

“And as for you, son of man, thus says the Lord GOD, 

‘Speak to every sort of bird and to every beast of the field:

“Assemble yourselves and come;

Gather together from all sides to My sacrificial meal

Which I am sacrificing for you,

A great sacrificial meal on the mountains of Israel,

That you may eat flesh and drink blood.