Let’s think about compliments
Tag: thought
Demonstration of love
Was Jesus Cruel When He Drove Merchants from the Temple?
This act of Jesus, far from being cruel, was a beautiful demonstration of his love and concern for people.
The temple courts were intended as a space, particularly for Gentiles, to come and worship the God of Israel. It was meant to be a place where Israel could fulfill its calling, made to their forefather Abraham: “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Gen 12:3).
Sadly, by Jesus’ time, these courts had become a “den of robbers”—a bustling marketplace where merchants and money changers exploited worshippers. This created a significant barrier, making it difficult for people, especially Gentiles, to worship Yahweh. Jesus’ action was a powerful statement against those who obstructed the path to the Father.
We see similar reminders in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. He reminds the church not to forget their calling, warning them against adding any kind of yoke on people that curbs them or causes hesitation in coming to the Father. Keep in mind that Paul wasn’t compromising with the biblical standards of holiness. Yet he emphasized freedom from burdensome religious rules that could hinder people’s access to God.
Let’s not be people who add traditions and rules as yokes, preventing others from reaching out to Jesus. This wouldn’t be tolerated by Him. Upholding holiness in accordance with biblical principles, our role is to facilitate, not obstruct, the path to God’s love and grace.
Where’s your brother?
January 05, 2025
Today’s sermon was about how we are indeed our brothers’ keepers. Compelled by the love of Christ, let us learn to love one another and cease to pass judgement on others, which demeans the love of the Father, the cross of Christ and the redeeming power of the Spirit of God.
Help me plan
Every year, we embark on the ritual of New Year’s resolutions. We set ambitious goals, create detailed plans, and vow to achieve greatness. But this year, I’m choosing a different path. Instead of starting 2025 with my own dreams, visions, and meticulously crafted goals, I’m choosing to plan with God.
To be honest, I have no roadmap. No visions or predictions for the year ahead. Uncertainty looms large, and the familiar comfort of a well-defined plan feels strangely absent. But I’m bringing one thing to the table: myself.
This year, I’m choosing to sit at His feet, to listen intently for His whispers, and to allow His divine plan to shape my own. My focus shifts from achieving personal milestones to learning, growing, and submitting to His will. I want every step, every decision, to glorify the name of Jesus.
If you feel a similar yearning for a closer walk with God, I invite you to join me. Let’s surrender our own agendas, our tightly-held ambitions, and seek His guidance instead. Let’s draft our goals not around our own desires, but around His divine purpose for our lives.
Together, we can step into 2025 with a renewed sense of trust, obedience, and a heart fully committed to bringing glory to Him. Are you ready to plan with God? Let’s make this a year unlike any other – a year of surrender, spiritual growth, and a deeper walk with our Creator.