Trust Him and Endure

Hebrews 12:2 "...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

God is watching your life sweet friend and at some point in your trial, He will say enough. That moment may be crystal clear to you or you may realize it one day as you are looking back over it and realize that it was gone and that you were unaware of its passing. You now can only see it in the rear-view mirror of your mind, a passing memory of it.

Whether for weeks or months or years, every trial lasts for its appointed time. When you are undergoing a trial sweet friend, it may seem unending, but remember this, there is a limit, an expiration date already stamped on it. 

You have only to find its purpose and make the changes that need to be made in order to bring it to its end as quickly as possible.

Your trials can even be, in the nature of "being be caught up" in someone else’s storm and you may need simply to endure it, by riding it out. 

Trials come for various reasons. Not always out of discipline, because of some sin. Sometimes they serve us as testing.

Often times trials may and do come from a wrong choice that is made. But we must pray over and determine for ourselves the purpose of them.

Psalm 30:5 reminds us, “For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” And know this, that Hebrews 12:11 tell us that “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant…”

Job’s assurance can be ours today. So, do as he did, get under it and don’t waste any of it. The sooner we learn what we need to learn from it, the sooner the Lord will bring us out of it. 

Your painful season is going to come to an end, but until it does, endure, endure, till you get there and remember this sweet friend, God’s timing is always perfect.

When we are in the middle of a trial we must realize that we have to accept God’s time frames by our faith and trust in Him, because our human tendency is to bail out at the first opportunity of it coming on. 

Stay there friend and don’t move, until His purpose is accomplished in it and may we pray, “continue to teach us Lord, and help us to stay still under the weight of this thing...and Yes Lord, slap dab in the middle, until You have accomplished your purpose in us, through them”.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Don't wait for death to seek God

Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The scene ends in the afterlife, with the rich man and Lazarus finding themselves in very different circumstances both before and after their deaths. 

The verses read: “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores."

In these few words, we find the essence of human suffering and the profound truths that God unveils to us through the life of the poor and diseased Lazarus and the unconcerned, wealthy man that was concerned more for himself, than the needs of others.

This poor man's desires encapsulate the reality many face today. The longing for something as seemingly insignificant as crumbs. In the grander scheme of life, crumbs may appear trivial, and no substantial worth, yet for Lazarus, these crumbs were a lifeline, a hope for sustenance in his dire situation and relentless affliction. This was the reason that he was placed at the rich man's gate, in order that he may be able to eat the crumbs that fell to the ground. In the eyes of the rich man, Lazarus was no better than the dogs that feasted on the crumbs that fell from his table.

The phrases used in the passage, such as “who feasted sumptuously every day” and “desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table,” serve to underscore the extreme divide between the rich man’s abundance and Lazarus’s destitution.

Even the detail of dogs licking Lazarus’s sores emphasizes the lack of human compassion shown to him. These images challenge us to consider how we view and treat those in need around us.

It is easy to overlook the verse that describes the dogs licking Lazarus's sores in Luke 16:21; yet there is great importance in this compassionate verse, as it highlights the contrast between the human's indifference and the animal's compassion on man.

The dogs, considered unclean in Jewish culture, show more mercy than the rich human who ignored the poor man Lazarus' suffering. This detail serves as a reminder of the depth of Lazarus's suffering and the hardness of the rich man's heart.

The fact that scripture illustrates the poor man's diseased condition by using what may seem to us as a grotess thing, serves only to heighten the picture of the poor man's misery. The texture of the dog’s tongue and its saliva impart relief to a body that is diseased and exasperated with the pain of a body covered over with ulcers.

The dogs' actions symbolize the unexpected instruments of God's comfort, showing that even creation can show compassion when humans fail to do so. This parable serves as a warning to us to be more compassionate and responsive to the suffering around us, for even the least of these are seen as the greatest by God.

More than likely, many sins could be attributed to the rich man, but his main sin was being inwardly satisfied without God. His life lacked need, centered only on his own pleasure and comfort. Sadly, as he died and entered eternity, he only then realized what had really been important. However, at that point, it was too late for him.

The rich man in hell, after experiencing torment, sought to warn his family about the fate of the dead. He believed that a miraculous sign, such as the resurrection of Lazarus or sending another prophet would convince his brothers to change their ways. But he was told by Abraham in verse 31 that, if they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.

In conclusion, the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus serves as a timeless reminder of the transformative power of empathy and care for others as well as the importance of living life apart from the One that was chosen to give eternal life. We all must make that same choice before we depart from this life to the next. It also urges us to embody Christ-like compassion in our interactions with the world, fostering a more just and compassionate heart.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

The Danger of Ignoring Warnings

Ignoring warnings can lead to serious physical, psychological, social, and spiritual consequences, often resulting in harm that could have been prevented.

People often ignore danger warnings due to unrealistic optimism, where they believe negative events are less likely to happen to them because they perceive the risk as low and do not factor in wisdom in a given situation.

Ignoring warnings in everyday life can have tangible, sometimes fatal outcomes. From a spiritual perspective, ignoring warnings can have long-term moral consequences. Biblical examples illustrate that neglecting divine warnings can lead to destruction, loss, or hardened consciences. 

In Isaiah 22:13, the people of Judah ignored God’s warnings of impending invasion, choosing self-indulgence over repentance, which ultimately led to judgment. 

Similarly, deliberate disregard for moral warnings, as seen in the stories of Cain, Joseph’s brothers, and David, demonstrates how ignoring guidance can lead to premeditated wrongdoing and spiritual darkness.

In Jeremiah 40-41, Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, as governor over the remnant of Judah after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. His administration was centered in Mizpah, where he sought to establish an outward appearance of order and peace among the remaining inhabitants of the land. Gedaliah was known for his fair and peacebuilding approach, encouraging the people to serve the Babylonians and settle in the land to prosper under their rule.

In the midst of this fragile peace, he received a warning from Johanan, son of Kareah, and other military leaders. They informed him of a plot against his life orchestrated by Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, who was of royal blood and had been sent by Baalis, the king of the Ammonites. Johanan and his companions urged Gedaliah to allow them to preemptively strike against Ishmael to prevent the assassination and the potential chaos that would follow.

Unaware of Ishmael's personal agenda against him, Gedaliah dismissed the warning, refusing to believe that Ishmael would commit such treachery. His response is recorded in Jeremiah 40:16 : "But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, 'Do not do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie.'" 

Gedaliah's decision to disregard the warning was rooted in his trusting nature and his desire to maintain peace and unity among the people. He believed in giving Ishmael the benefit of the doubt, perhaps underestimating the political tensions and personal ambitions that simmered beneath the surface.

Tragically, the consequences were dire. Gedaliah's dismissal of the warning led to his assassination. Ishmael, along with ten men, came to Mizpah and killed him, as well as the Jews and Babylonian soldiers who were with him as noted in Jeremiah 41:2-3. 

This act of treachery plunged the region into further turmoil, causing fear and uncertainty among the people. The assassination of Gedaliah marked a significant turning point, leading many to flee to Egypt for safety, fearing retribution from the Babylonians. The assassination also marked a turning point in the collapse of Judean authority.

Gedaliah’s story is a sad reminder to us that illustrates the dangers of misplaced trust, the importance of vigilance, and the need for wisdom in discerning our actions. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

Warnings exist to prevent harm, and ignoring them can have serious, sometimes irreversible consequences. Recognizing the risks, understanding the message, and taking appropriate action are essential to avoid both immediate and long-term dangers and consequences to us as well as others.

Before your next decision, be sure to follow Proverbs 2:6 that states, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding”.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Trusting God's Plan

Trusting God's plans means placing your confidence in His wisdom, timing, and purpose, even when life is uncertain or challenging. It involves surrendering personal control and relying on His knowing about all things that touch your life and His kind love and benevolence toward you. 

It is a central precept of the Christian faith, emphasizing that God’s purposes are ultimately for our good and His glory. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs believers to, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight," highlighting the importance of submitting human understanding to divine guidance. Jeremiah 29:11 reassures that God’s plans for His children are intentional and benevolent, "For I know the plans I have for you…plans to give you hope and a future".

Men and women throughout scripture exemplify for us, how they trusted in God’s plan. Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland without knowing his destination in Genesis 12:1-4 and demonstrated unwavering faith when he was asked to sacrifice the most precious thing in his life, his beloved Isaac in Genesis 22.

Without understanding how God would bring it all about, Mary the virgin mother of Jesus in Luke 1:38, trusted God to do what He told her He would do even though she could not understand all the details. 

These stories illustrate that trusting God often requires faith in His promises, despite uncertainty, personal risk or being able to see how God will bring about the things that he promises.

Prayer and meditation are practical ways to trust God and a regular means of communication with Him and it will most assuredly help to cultivate reliance on His guidance and peace during those times of uncertainty.

Obedience and surrender to God involves aligning our actions with His will, even when the outcomes are unclear. Remembering His past faithfulness and reflecting on God’s past guidance strengthens our faith during our current challenges.

Trusting God’s plan has many benefits that will bring us peace, resilience, and hope. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers not to be anxious, but to present requests to God, promising that His peace will guard their hearts and minds.

By embracing God’s plan, believers can navigate life’s uncertainties with courage, knowing that every circumstance contributes to His greater purpose for us. Trusting God’s plan is both a conscious choice and a spiritual practice, involving faith, surrender, and obedience. Through prayer, scripture, and reflection on God’s faithfulness, believers can cultivate confidence that His plan is perfect, purposeful, and loving, even when life’s path is unclear. 

Sweet friend, God is able, and worthy of our trust!

Hold fast,

-Bren