Matthew 18:6–7 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!
God is love! Any who say He is not are missing His love for mankind in sending us Jesus to die for us! John 3:16
1 Corinthians 2:7-8 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
We find ourselves in a familiar predicament today. The profound wisdom of God, encapsulated in the enigma of salvation bestowed upon Jesus Christ, remains largely misunderstood and unappreciated by the majority. Our actions are solely determined by our choices. We choose to believe by faith. The majesty of God is evident to all of humanity in the wonders of creation. The question of our eternal destiny awaits us, and we have the power to choose whom we will serve. We are presented with this extraordinary gift, but it is up to us to accept it.
Colossians 1:24-28 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Paul endured hardships in his ministry, imparting the profound mysteries of God. From the outset, salvation, offered to all of humanity through Jesus Christ, remained concealed. Christ within us lies the assurance of eternal glory with Him. We must shed the past and embrace the freshness of Christ in the Holy Spirit. Carla
Luke 17:1-5
17 Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” 5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The New King James Version
This section recounts some of Jesus’ sayings from His journey to Jerusalem; He teaches about stumbling blocks, forgiveness, faith, and service. Stumbling Block was a large stone used to grind grain in a mill. Faithlife Study Bible
offend (Gk. skandalizō) (17:2; Matt. 5:29; 13:21; John 6:61; 1 Cor. 8:13) Strong’s #4624: The word is the verb form of a Greek noun that means “stumbling block” or “snare.” The term refers to the trigger which springs a trap. In the NT it means anything that hinders someone from doing what is right or causes one to sin or fall away from the faith. Jesus emphatically warns that stumbling blocks are sure to come our way. Nonetheless, He condemned those who put stumbling blocks in the way of believers. He says that death by drowning would be preferable to offending “one of these little ones” in the faith.
Jesus warned that judgment awaits those who cause others to stumble. The severe form of the warning suggests that false teaching, or leading someone into apostasy, is in view here. A millstone was a heavy stone used in a grinding mill. The NKJV Study Bible
Matthew 18:15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.
Mark 9:42 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.
The Proverbs 31 woman demonstrates a long list and wide variety of skills, giftings and responsibilities, all because she "fears the LORD" (Proverbs 31:30).
● Valuable: She is far more precious than jewels (Proverbs 31:10).
● Industrious: She willingly fulfills her responsibilities, whether in the household (Proverbs 31:13-15) or initiating business endeavors (Proverbs 31:16; Proverbs 31:24).
● Persistent: She uses the strength God has given her (Proverbs 31:17-19).
● Compassionate: She cares for the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:20).
● Creative: She creates beautiful and functional goods (Proverbs 31:21-22).
● Dignified: She wears strength and dignity like clothing (Proverbs 31:25).
● Faithful: She fears the Lord, resting fully in His provision for her life (Proverbs 31:30).
● Wise: She instructs others with insight and kindness (Proverbs 31:26).
● Worthy of praise: She will be rewarded for her godly living (Proverbs 31:28; Proverbs 31:31).
Let's consider this list of characteristics and ask God to align our desires with His! With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can bring glory to Him as His effective and humble servants. First5
Jennifer Gayle’s reminder, “When you look at life through eyes of gratitude, the world becomes a magical and amazing place.”
"In Hebrew the opposite of holy is chol, which is translated not as 'profane' but as 'empty'; in other words, 'not yet filled.'" writes Irwin Kula. "The word for holy in Hebrew is kedusha. A more accurate translation of kedusha is 'life intensity.' To be holy is to be intensely dynamic, ever-changing, and ever-realizing. The Biblical command 'You Shall Be Holy' is an invitation to celebrate what philosopher Mark Taylor calls 'a maze of grace that is the world.' Live as richly and passionately as possible; that's as close to meaning as you will get."
True, to experience delight is a risk. And to share it with someone is also a risk. But when we do so, we are affirming that there is indeed another way. In this life, we can risk loving. We can risk living less than tidy lives. We can risk asking for less than perfection from others (and ourselves).
In a glance. In a word. In a touch. Yes, in a gesture, there is healing and kindness and hope... and the permission to dance is offered. We cannot change the pain in our lives or the lives of others. However, we can (and must) accompany each other, and along the way. Sabbath Moments
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