Hebrews 13:7-9 But for the Cross of Jesus Christ we would be without hope!

Ephesians 4:14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,  

If it isn’t in the New Testament it is a warning of what would have been without the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross of Salvation.

Hebrews 13:7-9 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

Jesus warned us that there will be many who come in His name but do not believe them. He does not condone their false doctrines. Without God’s love for His creation as our root and relying on the power of Holy Spirit we are just making noise. Carla 

Christ is the same in the Old Testament day as in the gospel day, and will be so to his people for ever, equally merciful, powerful, and all-sufficient. 

Still he fills the hungry, encourages the trembling, and welcomes repenting sinners: still he rejects the proud and self-righteous, abhors mere profession, and teaches all whom he saves, to love righteousness, and to hate iniquity. 

Believers should seek to have their hearts established in simple dependence on free grace, by the Holy Spirit, which would comfort their hearts, and render them proof against delusion. 

Christ is both our Altar and our Sacrifice; he sanctifies the gift. The Lord’s supper is the feast of the gospel passover. Having showed that keeping to the Levitical law would, according to its own rules, keep men from the Christian altar, the apostle adds, Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp; go forth from the ceremonial law, from sin, from the world, and from ourselves. 

Living by faith in Christ, set apart to God through his blood, let us willingly separate from this evil world. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

The unchanging nature of the Son was mentioned at the beginning of this book (1:12). Christ gave His grace to the former leaders who trusted Him (verse 7). 

Christ’s grace is presently and permanently available to all who believe in Him. 

Strange doctrines implies ideas foreign to the gospel message. Many of the ideas which the author of Hebrews was confronting were Jewish in origin—pertaining to ritual observances, sacrificial feasts, and various laws identifying what was clean and unclean. The NKJV Study Bible

God has promised to cleanse the hearts of His people (Hebrews 10:22)—writing His law upon it (8:10; 10:16; Jeremiah 31:33). Faithlife Study Bible

Hebrews 1:12 

Like a cloak You will fold them up,

And they will be changed.

But You are the same,

And Your years will not fail.”

Colossians 2:16So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 

Hebrews 6:12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

And then, I read the news, my heart literally shaken by the four mass shootings yesterday, including a Michigan church. A vivid—and heart-rending—picture of the devastation of violence.

And a reminder that whatever weight we consign to the wee snafus that can unravel us (say, our tech worries), they don’t hold a candle.

Which all brings us back to our topic for the week:

Today, in a world where pain and calamity are real, I can be a witness.

Today, in a world where more than ever, we need to remember we are walking one another home, we can be a witness.

As a witness, I choose to pay attention—bringing my whole heart and self to the present moment.

I choose to be a witness to God’s Mercy and Grace.

And in such moments of heartache, I have the courage to hold a hand the needs to be held. Where kindness and compassion and the gift of sanctuary make a difference. And change lives.

What does this look like? My mind goes to the story from The Gospel of John, a conversation a day or so after the feeding of the 5000. (Which was really the feeding of fifteen thousand, since they only counted the men. But I digress…)

So. Some followers of Jesus want to have a "discussion" about this “miracle” and need an explanation. I get that. If ever we were to witness a miracle, we’d like to explain it. Or maybe even bottle it.

But this miracle – essentially, being fed to full-ness with the bread of life – is not a cerebral exercise or a case study.

Would you like to know the ingredients of Jesus' miracle?

Sit down…

Break bread...

Give thanks...

Feed one another...

Yes. Be a witness—as we bring our whole heart and self to this moment.

And, I'm wondering... could this miracle happen, even today?

Because the miracle has nothing to do with our faith, or our willpower, or our competency or togetherness, I believe the answer is yes.

I was raised in a religious environment that taught me otherwise. It told me that I was being weighed and measured by my faith and togetherness. And because of that, I needed to eradicate my messiness (and to quash my untidiness or grief or sadness).

I now believe differently.

I now know that we find and express acceptance, love, grace (the place where we can be fully human) and restoration, in our messy, imperfect, and fully thorny selves. Yes, in the days where all does not go according to Hoyle.

In other words: We can embrace this life—without any need to photoshop it.

Remember Pinocchio, who, while pondering himself, founders in confusion about his self-worth. Finally, he turns to his maker Gepetto and in a pleading way says, "Pappa, I am not sure who I am. But if I'm all right with you, then I guess I'm all right with me."

To be human is to be vulnerable. And from that vulnerability, we risk. We are witnesses. We feed one another. We hold a hand.

I am capable of being wounded and downcast and sad... which also means that I am capable of being kind and generous and present.

And in such moments of heartache, I have the courage to ask for a hand to hold. “Sabbath Moments”

Our job is to be obedient to God. God's job is everything else.

May we never assume our moments don't matter. The decisions we make every second of every day matter. There are no little moments or little sins.

Let's watch for any moment today when we have the choice to let anger, envy, or something else negative get into our hearts and dictate how we act and react. Let's be aware of our feelings so they can drive us toward God, not into the enemy's traps. Our feelings can indicate when there's a problem to attend to, but they are never meant to dictate how we act and react. First5

Romans 5:1-5 Stand firm in faith in God…He is able!

Ephesians 2:18  For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Our hope is in the salvation of Jesus Christ. Without faith it is impossible to please God. In order to receive from Him we must believe that He exists and that He is rewarder of those who place their trust in Him. In Jesus and through Him we have peace with Father. Christ within is our hope! God is for us and Holy Spirit in us will get us safely home to reside with Christ.

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

There will be many things that we go through in this life…BUT…God will turn the very things that were meant to destroy our faith and make a way for it to turn out for our good. God loves us so very much that in the fullness of the Godhead we are protected from the one who wants nothing better than to kill, steal and destroy our faith. Stand firm  and watch God move!!! Carla

Paul has argued extensively that salvation comes only through faith (Romans 3:22). He assumes that conclusion here, using it as the starting point to expound on the implications of being declared righteous by God. 

Faith, Paul uses this word similarly to how it is used throughout the Old Testament: to describe well-being, prosperity, safety from harm, and deliverance from enemies. This peace is more than just the absence of conflict; it is the result of having been declared righteous by faith ( Ephesians 2:14–17; Colossians 1:20). It also could refer to the believer’s subjective experience of peace with God.

This grace in which we stand indicates not only a past event, but also a present reality made possible by the work of Christ on the cross. 

We boast refers  to expressing trust in God to do what He promised. Paul uses a similar phrase to describe Abraham’s response of faith to God’s promise (Romans  4:20). Those who have faith like Abraham will not boast about their works (i.e., “good works” or “works of the law”); rather, they will boast in God’s power to provide despite human limitation and sinfulness. This stands in contrast to the idolaters (1:20–23). 

Afflictions refers to suffering on account of persecution (1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:4). Some believers may have worried that such afflictions were a sign of God’s wrath; however, Paul challenges them to view suffering as a way to build character. (Romans 8:18) 

Paul lists “afflictions” among the things that cannot separate Christians from Christ’s love.

 The Greek word used here for disappoint, kataischynō, comes from the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Septuagint), where it means “to suffer shame [when judged]” (Isaiah 28:16; Romans 9:33). 

The term elpis, which is translated as “hope,” refers to the hope that Abraham had: his trust in the creative power of God to do what He promised (4:18–21).

Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, every believer experiences God’s love and therefore can have hope despite sufferings. Faithlife Study Bible

Peace here is not a subjective feeling of peace. Rather, this peace is the state of being at peace instead of at war. The hostility between God and the believer has ceased. The believer has been reconciled to God. 

To have access means “to approach,” as if by introduction into a king’s throne room. Believers have been granted admission to stand before God. Even though they were once rebels, they do not have to face His judgment. Instead they approach His throne in the realm of grace, or in the King’s favor. 

Rejoice means “to boast” and hope means “expectation.” Believers boast in the sure expectation of the glory of God. They are confident, for God Himself has placed the Holy Spirit in their hearts (verse 5). 

Glory is the same Greek word that is translated “rejoice” in verse 2. Believers can rejoice, glory, and boast not only in their future hope (verse 2) but also in their present troubles. 

Tribulations refers to physical hardship, suffering, and distress. Perseverance means “endurance.” Trials and tribulation produce endurance when we exercise faith during those difficult times (James 1:2, 3). Such faith produces its own reward (Matthew 5:10–12; 2 Timothy 2:12). Perseverance produces character, the quality of being approved. 

As believers endure tribulation, God works in them to develop certain qualities and virtues that will strengthen them and draw them closer to Him. The result is fortified hope in God and His promises. The hope that believers have of their future glory with God will not disappoint them by being unfulfilled. They will not be put to shame or humiliated because of their hope. The reason the believer can be so confident is that the love of God has been poured out. The moment a person trusts in Christ, that person receives the Holy Spirit (8:9), who constantly encourages them in their hope in God. The NKJV Study Bible

Romans 5:10–11 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

1 Corinthians 15:1  Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 

Matthew 5:11–12 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Luke 21:19 By your patience possess your souls.

Galatians 5:22-23 (CSB) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things."

Paul wrote about this in his letter to the Galatians as he contrasted godly growth against "works of the flesh" like jealousy, anger, and impurity (Galatians 5:19-21).

Paul clarified that there is a spiritual war between our flesh and God's Spirit. "The flesh" doesn't necessarily refer to our bodies; it represents all our human desires and affections that are dominated by sin and contrary to God's will. Scripture says we cannot serve both God's good desires and our own sinful desires. We have to choose to follow one or the other (Galatians 5:17). 

Paul also made another interesting distinction by describing works of the flesh but fruit of the Spirit. With this, Paul illuminated two truths:

1. We cannot produce the fruit of the Spirit without seeds of faith.

So we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). To produce the fruit of the Spirit, Paul called Christians to walk faithfully "in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25). 

Paul also developed this idea in his letter to the Colossians: "Walk in [Christ], being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith" (Colossians 2:6-7). 

The fruit of the Spirit will bud in our lives if we remain in Christ and let the seed of His Word take deep root in our souls (John 15:5).

2. The fruit of the Spirit is a gift from God.

In the same way we are saved by God's grace through our faith in Jesus, "not from works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9), the Spirit of God produces fruit in us that is not the result of any human insight or resourcefulness. The harvest cultivated by the Spirit is the outgrowth of His work in our hearts.

To live rooted in Christ, we can nourish our souls with His Word, abide with Him in prayer, put to death the passions and desires of our sinful nature, and obey God's commands (John 15:10).

Putting sin to death is part of the daily call to become more like Christ. Today, let's choose to follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives so His seeds take root in our hearts. As we do, we can trust Him to bring forth the sweet fruit only He can produce. First5

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”-Romans 12:2

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”-Philippians 4:8

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”-Colossians 3:2

James 3:13-18 The love of God is peaceful and without hypocrisy!

Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good

If we will humble ourselves before God and pray for our nation He will heal our land from the idols of power, greed and control that  threaten it. This is the wisdom offered us in the fruit of the Spirit.

James 3:13-18 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

As believers in Jesus Christ we are to be a people of peace preaching God’s Gospel of Peace. Carla

The Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, often employs this combination of words “wise and understanding” to describe a person who lives in accordance with the insight given by God (Deuteronomy 1:13, 15; 4:6). People demonstrate wisdom if their deeds reflect God’s commands. Those who are wise should demonstrate their wisdom in how they live, by deeds done with humility. 

James likely is admonishing his audience to refrain from sinning against the truth by boasting of their wisdom. Truth may refer to the gospel (James 1:18; 5:19) or, more generally, to that which is not false. That is earthly refers to wisdom that is inferior to wisdom from God. The Greek adjective psychikos for unspiritual refers to what is, by nature, human—things not inspired by the Holy Spirit. Demonic describes the ultimate origin of earthly wisdom. 

James describes the evil consequences of false wisdom. Earthly wisdom leads to jealousy and selfish ambition, which can culminate in a troubling situation for Christian communities. 

The virtues James lists are predominantly nonselfish and nonaggressive; those who practice these virtues show greater concern for others than for themselves. They are opposite of the vices described in verses 14–16. 

Righteousness and peace appear together often in the Bible (Psalm  72:7; 85:10; Isaiah 32:17; Hebrews 12:11). This statement could have the sense of “fruit growing out of righteousness.” Alternatively, it could be intended as a phrase defining the fruit, thus “fruit that consists of righteousness.” 

True peace is found only in the character of God (Isaiah 9:6; 2 John 3; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Philippians 4:7, 9). James demonstrates concern about discord and rivalry in the church, and he encourages peace in order to foster this characteristic in the community. Faithlife Study Bible

The solution for the problem of controlling our tongues is to seek divine wisdom (1:5). The person who possesses godly wisdom (verse 17) will meekly show it with works, not just words. That is, believers should be slow to speak (1:19). 

Evil produces confusion. 

On the other hand, God brings harmony and wisdom (1 Corinthians 14:33). 

Anyone who is involved in envy and strife is confused. This confusion corrupts human relationships. It is likely that the Jewish Christians to whom James was writing were going through turmoil because of sinful acts like the ones mentioned here. James wanted his readers to set aside their petty attitudes and seek reconciliation. 

The main characteristic of godly wisdom is that it is pure, meaning “free from defilement.” Bitterness, envy, and selfish behavior thoroughly corrupt a person (verses 14, 16). 

Godly wisdom is also peaceable, describing a spirit of tranquility and calmness. It does not suggest compromising truth just for the sake of peace, which would promote falsehood. In addition, godly wisdom is undivided, without favoritism, unwavering, and consistent.True wisdom is sincere and unpretentious. The NKJV Study Bible

James 1:17–18 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

1 Corinthians 2:6–7 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 

2 Corinthians 12:20 For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; 

“Living humanly will be its own reward,” Rabbi Harold Kushner reminds us. “The person who has discovered the pleasures of truly human living, the person whose life is rich in friendships and caring people, the person who enjoys daily the pleasures of good food and sunshine, will not need to wear herself out in pursuit of some other kind of success.”

Absorbing daily miracles takes root in the soil of the simple sentence, "I never noticed that before." I am welcoming, inviting life in, not allowing internal censors and judges to scrutinize, making certain that this moment passes muster. In moments of amazement, we render our internal scorekeeper mute. There is a good deal of conjecture about who merits this streak of luck and why. Some people get all the moments of astonishment…or perhaps they’ve allowed themselves to see, and to hear, and to notice.

So. Let us be pause. Let us pay attention. And here's the gift: We choose from this place, because we are no longer detached, or victims to yesterday or tomorrow.

Yes. Presence is the currency for embracing, listening and reclaiming (with “new eyes” or ears) that which has been forgotten—the fruit of the sacrament of the present moment... light, understanding,

kindheartedness, tolerance,

gratitude, mercy,

inclusion, second chances,

hope, open heart, open mind.

“Sabbath Moments”

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in w weakness. ' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

We must remember Paul wrote these words from the perspective of someone who was undergoing persecution, imprisonment, danger, hunger, and the daily anxieties that come with starting churches (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Paul was not a stranger to pain. Yet he stated that even through "weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities," he remained content because God strengthened him in every trial (2 Corinthians 12:10).

In addition to His grace, these verses also remind us of God's power. It is interesting in the wording of 2 Corinthians 12:9 that the Lord states His power is "made perfect in weakness" (emphasis added). At first glance, we could mistake this to mean that God's power changes in effectiveness or that His power has moments of imperfection. Yet that could not be further from the truth. Nothing about God could ever be imperfect (Deuteronomy 32:4; James 1:17). Matthew Poole's Bible commentary explains that "made perfect" instead means God's "divine power, in upholding and supporting [His] people, is never so glorious as when they are under weaknesses in themselves."

In other words, when we are in our weakest moments, painfully aware of our own imperfection, we can become more aware of God's power to comfort, strengthen, and encourage us. God's grace is sufficient.  First5