Temple Baptist Church

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05/31/2026

Suffering / Joy
Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning Psalms 30:5 ESV

Suffering and joy wouldn’t seem to be two words that fit together, yet from a biblical perspective they do. Two such examples are Jesus, and Paul with Silas. Concerning Jesus….. Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of God. Hebrews 12:12 ESV. Paul and Silas….. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison Acts 16:23a ESV ……. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. Acts 16:25 ESV How was it possible that they could suffer and still move forward with endurance and inflictions? Answer….they knew suffering was more than a present situation. Suffering is real and can be extremely painful emotionally, mentally, physically, or psychologically. As a believer, one needs to remember, suffering, in the life of the believer who trust and loves God, has purpose. Let us remember from scripture such accounts.

The Account of Job
This is an Old Testament account of Job and his suffering, and he had no understanding as to why. He did not hear the conversation between Satan and God as described in chapter one. Job was an exceptional person and one who was recognized as blameless and upright. (Job 1:1) God said of him, “There is none like him in all the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns from evil.” Job1: 8 ESV In just the first chapter of the book of Job, he loses his property and children and when he was made aware of this, how did he respond? Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshipped. Job 1:20 ESV…… In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. Job 1:22 ESV Whenever I read the Job account, I am amazed by the testimony of Job. The suffering does not stop here as Job’s personal health is affected as described in chapter two. At the end of chapter two it states, “In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” As you continue to read in the book of Job, you will find his friends were not so comforting to him. Job experienced beyond human understanding, emotional, physical, mental, and psychologically suffering. However in the final chapter of the book of Job, God restored to him double what he had lost. When suffering as a believer, we can know God will give us more and better than anything we lose, for he will give us a home with His eternal presence.

Joseph…
He was attacked by his brothers, sold into slavery, placed in prison by a lie, forgotten in prison, yet God used him greatly to save his people. One characteristic of Joseph that stands out was he was not bitter towards God nor his brothers for what they had done. From a human standpoint with everything he suffered, one could see how he might be angry and bitter, but he wasn’t. In fact, after Joseph was deliver from prison and placed second in command, he had an opportunity for revenge against his brothers, but said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50: 20-21 ESV

The Suffering of Jesus:
Isaiah 53 describes the sufferings of Jesus long before he was ever born, and the fact it would be the will of the Lord for him to suffer …. Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; Isaiah 53:10 ESV Jesus would suffer for our sins…. He was pierced for our transgressions; he was cursed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 ESV Jesus suffered willingly so that we might be forgiven. I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. John 10: 17b-18a ESV When they came to arrest Jesus, Peter pulled his sword and Jesus said to him, “Do you think I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of Angels?” Matthew 26:53 ESV Jesus willingly suffered, died, and rose again….. why?…. for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, Hebrews 12:12 ESV

Conclusion:
I have spoken mostly about suffering, but don’t forget there is joy in the the morning after the darkness of the night. As I wrote earlier, people will go to great lengths to avoid suffering and why this may be understandable, suffering will come, it is just a part of life. How we suffer reflects much as believers of our faith and trust in the Lord our God. We need to praise him in the storm… the valleys …. just as much as when life is good… the mountaintops. When in the prison of suffering as we may view it, … pray and sing to the Lord your God.

One Thing:
Let me encourage you to not wait until you find yourself in a suffering situation to attempt to pray and sing to God. It is important to do this before difficult times come. Paul describes this as learned.. I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4: 11b-13 ESV You may often need to remind yourself that …. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning Psalms 30:5 ESV.

Because of His Grace ~ David

05/24/2026

Bitterness
See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled Hebrew 12:15 ESV

Bitterness is very dangerous in the life of a believer, for it can consume and steal from them the joy they could be experiencing. The person, who is in Christ, has been instructed to rid their life of bitterness. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and slander be put away from you along with malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV To live with bitterness is to give place for the devil (Ephesians 4:27) in your life and the question is, “Why would you ever want to give place for the devil in your life?” The fact that we live in a fallen world and Satan does all he can to rob us of joy and peace can make this a real battle in life.

Bitterness is anger turned inward:
When ungodly anger is not dealt with in the life of a believer, it can create bitterness that will take root and grow. We are told not to let this happen. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God that no “root of bitterness”springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled . Hebrew 12:15 ESV The root of bitterness can go deep depending upon the root of the hurt, resentment, and grudge a person may have toward another. Again this is a strategy of Satan, to not just rob you of your joy, but to strain your relationship with the Lord God.

Seeds of bitterness:
Whatever you sow, in your life’s thoughts, will be what you reap. Seeds will not grow until you allow them to take root. When focusing upon a hurt or injustice in your life, it will consume you unless you deal with it biblically by taking it captive to obey Christ. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5 ESV. The seed of bitterness is hard to ignore as satan will bring it to remembrance with the fertilizer of worldly logic in the mind. What happens in the mind at this point can be compared to someone who is pressing on a tender sore. The difference… most likely one can see the sore, but that which happens in the mind cannot always be seen until the bitterness has manifested itself by growing. The place to begin is to destroy the seed before it can take root. The seed is real, but God’s power to destroy it before it takes root is greater.

Refocus / Detox:
The word, refocus, is the key to the beginning of not allowing bitterness take root in your mind, but if it has taken root then one needs to detox from the poison of bitterness in the mind. Let me remind you that the battle field is the mind and is why we see throughout scripture the mind being addressed. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 ESV. Another way of saying this…. Don’t be drunk with the world’s logic in your mind when dealing with life’s issues, but think clearly how the Lord would want you to think and respond in life. To refocus and detox you will need to Set your minds on things that are above, not on the things of earth. Colossians 3:2 ESV This is referred to as, a Spirit controlled temperament, in which the Spirit controls your thoughts. To live in victory over bitterness you must seek how the Lord would have you live and know it may be painful. Peter, when hearing that Jesus was going to be crucified said, “Far be it from you Lord! This shall never happen to you.” Matthew 16:22 ESV Then Jesus said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not SETTING YOUR MIND on the things of God, but on the things of man. Matthew 16:23 ESV Man’s reason will say you have every right to be bitter, but Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever losses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25 ESV Did I say this may be painful? A cross is not the way the world would use to change the world, but it was how God did.

Conclusion:
You will need to memorize and use many passages from the scripture to overcome or kill the bitter thoughts in life, but it is possible. (Philippians 4:13) In order to do this, it must become the desire of your heart to please God. We destroy argument and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV One such obedience is to forgive… Put on then, as God’s chosen one, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness humility, meekness , and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 33:12-13 ESV Remember ….. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5 ESV Look to Jesus… The author and finisher of our faith Hebrew12:2a ESV

One Thing:
Remember this week that , I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 ESV To deal with any bitterness you may have, ask God to give you scripture to memorize in order to overcome. Replace the bitterness with God’s word in order to come against the works of Satan in your life to destroy your joy. Remember without joy you are weak….. The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b ESV

Because of his Grace ~ David

05/17/2026

Mercy
But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” Luke 18:13 ESV
God’s mercy will never be fully experienced until understanding the need for his mercy, making salvation possible for our lives. With this truth, it is necessary to understand that mercy is NOT receiving what we deserve. Which brings us to the question, “What causes a person not to understand the necessity and need of mercy in their life?” Two simple answers are: pride and trusting in good works to accomplish only what mercy can produce… forgiveness. If you understand that God alone gives mercy, then you know what David meant when he prayed, “ Have mercy on me O God, according to your steadfast love: according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleans me from my sin!” Psalms 51:1-2 ESV (read all of psalms 51 to see David’s entire prayer of repentance) We see in David’s prayer neither pride nor trusting in himself, but we do see God’s mercy to do in his life what only God could do. So let us look at how Jesus described these two.

Pride:
Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: “God I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all I get.” Luke 18:11-12 ESV Notice how many times the Pharisee used the word “I.” His life was very much about how he saw himself rather than how he viewed God. The Pharisee believed he was right with God by his own doing and his pride blinded him to his need of mercy. You do not have to be like this pharisee to have self pride, for I have heard this pride in today’s language as well. Statements as, “I’m not a bad person, so I believe I will go to heaven,” or “well at least I don’t do________.” Again notice he use of the word “I.”

Good Works
Jesus gave an example of another person who did not understand mercy. A ruler asked what he needed to do to receive eternal life and Jesus told him, “You know the commandments. Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother.” And he said, All these I have kept from my youth. Luke 18:20-21 ESV Perhaps the ruler was feeling pretty good at this point until he heard Jesus say, “One thing you lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Luke 18:22 ESV The scripture teaches he left sad because he was extremely rich and basically desired his good works and position over the offer of mercy. Understand by the description of the life he lived, he was a good person; he just wanted his works to be enough, but they were not.

Reality:
When I read about the life of the Pharisee and the rich young ruler, I don’t measure up to either one. So if it did depend upon not living like people we consider bad or living a good life to experience salvation then I would be in trouble. When Jesus saw the ruler left sad, he said, “How difficult for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of heaven of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:24b-25 ESV

Impossible:
Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:26-27 ESV
This is why all need the mercy of God in their lives, for it would be impossible to ever be redeemed except by the mercy of God. You see, it doesn’t matter if you are rich in good living or keeping the commandments; it takes the blood of the lamb to cleanse us from our sins, making possible the impossible which is the ability to redeem ourselves.

Conclusion:
The tax collector was probably a very rich person as they were known for their thievery to gain wealth. Yet we see him recognized by Jesus saying, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but everyone who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14 ESV How was this possible? “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:26-27 ESV The man saw his life in comparison to the Holiness of God. That’s why he said, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” Luke 13: 13b ESV The tax collected had a humble repentant heart. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret. 2 Corinthians 7:10a ESV

One Thing:
Recognize everyday the mercies of God in your life, and as a believer pray praises of thanksgiving knowing you are daily experiencing those mercies. If you have not experienced the salvation of God through His Son , Jesus, repent and call out to him just as the Tax collector ….. God be merciful to me a sinner.

By His Grace ~ David

05/10/2026

Living By Faith
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Faith many times is not what a person can see, but it is believing in what cannot be seen. We have examples of this truth in the following verses from Hebrews 11 (ESV)….. By Faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. Verse 7 By faith Abraham obeyed when called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And went out, not knowing where he was going. Verse 8. Read all of Hebrews chapter 11 which gives testimonies of people that lived by faith, and we today just as those who went before us are call to live in and by faith. Living by faith is pleasing to God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Verse 6 After Jesus had risen from the dead he spoke these word to Thomas, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” John 20:29 ESV, Jesus spoke these words because at one point Thomas was doubting the resurrection. These words would include all who are living today that have not seen Jesus in the flesh yet believes in Jesus as the Savior of their life/soul.

What Faith Is Not:
Always easy. Faith is believing, but there are scriptures that also encourage us in the faith. Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith . Hebrews 12:1b-2a ESV There are those who might say it is easy to walk by faith and at times during a mountain top experience, it may seem so, but the test of your faith happens when their is a conflict of belief. Times when you might say, “Why am I experiencing difficultly in life?” Another time of questioning might be when moving in a direction of life you believe God pointed you in, and things are extremely difficult. These two scenarios as well as others might cause you to question, but endurance in faith will grow your faith when you press on in endurance and look to Jesus and the example he lived for the whole world to see. Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 ESV

What Faith Can do:
The impossible!!! One such account was when Jesus was teaching concerning the difficulty of someone who is rich in the things of the world to be saved. Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Mark 10: 25 ESV His disciples then questioned, “Then who can be saved?” Vs 26 ESV Jesus looked at them and said “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10: 27 ESV When Jesus cast the demon from a man, his disciples ask why they could not do it, and Jesus said, “Because of your little faith. For truly I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 Faith in God makes possible that which is impossible with man, for nothing is impossible with God.

Faith in Living:
To live by faith you must hear and believe the Bible, God’s word to us. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 ESV While living in this world, we must remember that we are to, “ walk by faith, not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV and remember the words of Jesus when he said, “ Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” John 20:29 ESV Faith is understanding and knowing that God is working even though we may not understand all that He is doing. My belief in life… as many of you know…… concerning God working in this world in any situation is , “I’ve Got this…. God,” and when going through whatever situation, I believe this to be true. By faith as believers and followers of God, we must walk in and by faith perhaps even when life does not make sense to us, for this pleases and glorifies Him

Conclusion:
In this life you will live one of two ways, by your own perceived abilities and control of your life or by faith, trusting in the way of God in every situation. Faith is believing without question….. And we know that for those who love God all thing work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 ESV Do you love God? Are you called? Do you believe?……..Then live in and by faith!!

One Thing:
I dare say all of us have some area of life that we might find it difficult to live by faith, but knowing that living by faith pleases God, we must surrender that area of life to God. Memorize this verse and meditate upon it. Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 ESV When you lack faith, it can be a lack of belief… so pray— as written in Mark 29:4 (ESV) …. “I believe, help my unbelief.”

By His Grace ~ David

05/03/2026

HOLY
Day and night they never ceased to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. Revelation 4:8b ESV

How would you describe holiness? Better yet how would one describe the holiness of God? In truth you cannot, for God alone carries the unique characteristic of pure holiness and nothing or no one can be compared to him. Revelations 15:4a states…. Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. (ESV) God’s holiness is one of the many reasons we worship him, and he is truly worthy of worship.

Holy, Holy, Holy:
Twice in the Bible the phrase holy, holy, holy is proclaimed, and both times it was by those who are around the throne of God. One account is in Isaiah 6:3 by Isaiah the prophet of God, and the other was John the apostle in Revelation 4:8. To be allowed to receive a glimpse of the glory of God in his holiness is beyond exclamation of words. When recognizing our limited ability to acknowledge and see the holiness of God, it gives a greater understanding of God’s mercy and grace which enables us to receive this glimpse. As in Isaiah 6:3 ESV “ Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of his glory!” How could one ever look at creation and not see the glimpse of God’s beauty and glory in his holiness? May we never fail to grow in the understanding of God’s holiness and proclaim with those around his throne ….. HOLY, HOLY, HOLY.

Temple Of The Holy:
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own. 1 Corinthians 6:19 ESV We, who were unholy, were made holy by the Holy Spirt of God. Anything worthy of praise in our lives is because we have been given the Holy Spirit by the one and only Holy God. He takes that which was defiled by sin and restores it by the imputed righteousness of his Holiness. The Holy Spirit within every believer gives them the ability to see the reality of God in their life. Strive for peace with everyone, and for holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrew 12:14 ESV When one has been given eyes to see, it will change how they live their life.

Conclusion:
The revelation of God’s holiness is evident in the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelations. God, in his holiness, redeems and will reclaimed all that was destroyed by sin. The holiness of God cannot coexist with sin because sin will wage war against the holiness of God. Never the less, at the end of all things as we know it, all will recognize the holiness of God.

One Thing:
You will never be able to be or accomplish living holy unless you are obedient to the call of holiness and meditate much upon God and how he calls you to live.
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “ You shall be holy, for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:14-16 ESV
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 ESV

Redeemed by Mercy and Grace ~ David

04/26/2026

WORSHIP
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 145:3 ESV. …..
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker. Psalm 95:6 ESV
How would you define worship? I have thought much about this question and have considered several thoughts concerning a description. I considered music and its effect that creates a sense of exuberance and excitement, but what if there was no music? I considered what is called a worship service where the expositor gave a wonderful message that was uplifting; so is that worship? How about when reading your Bible? Wait, what if you didn’t have a Bible, would worship exist? Or how about relaxing by a stream watching the water roll peacefully over the rocks while feeling a gentle breeze and birds singing in the background which creates a sense of of peace? Would that be worship? The music, the expositor, the Bible, and even nature can move us towards worship, but these are not The God to worship. If none of those existed, a person who is in Christ, would still have reason to worship God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Paul and Silas…….. Acts 16:16–40
They did not have nor experience any of the afore mentioned opportunities that could be a worshipful experience , but yet they worshipped. In fact they were beaten unjustly, thrown into the inner most part of the jail, and placed in chains, and yet at midnight they prayed and sang hymns to God. They worshipped not because of their location, good music, peaceful setting or a good expositor, they were worshipping God in their pain and horrible experience. God was the motive for their worship. Not music, not atmosphere, not location….. but GOD!!!!! When I thought of this account, I reflected upon the times I left a service or event and said, “I didn’t get anything out of that.” Paul and Silas, would have been humanly understood if they said, “This has been a really bad experience, I’m just ready to get out of here and and leave this town.” ……. But no….. they prayed and worshipped!! Their eyes were focused upon the eternal God and not the temporal of this world.

The Sinful Woman…….. Luke 7: 36-50
I will begin with this thought….. self righteousness is the worship of self.
The woman in this account worshipped Jesus by kissing his feet, washing them with her tears, drying them with her hair, and then anointing his feet with a precious oil. The prison this woman was in was the prison of her sin. There is no prison God cannot open, and the words of Jesus forgiving her, I believe, were music to her ears. If we have eyes to see the message of this account, we, and future generations until His return, will read of this account and understand the focus and worship of our Redeemer.

The Worshipping Widow….. Mark 12:41-44
This account spoke of a widow who gave everything she had to live on. It wasn’t for show, but she did make the biggest splash in the treasury that day…in God’s eyes. Jesus, who was watching, acknowledged it, for he said she gave everything she had to live on. Her motives was driven by her focus upon giving as an act of worship not of duty or abundance. I dare say not many noticed her donation that day because of the amount, but Jesus noticed the heart of the matter concerning her giving…. She gave all.

Conclusion:
All through scripture we can read of accounts of worship…. Both true and false worship, and we need to reflect often upon our purpose as believer in worshipping God. In some cases it will reveal our relationship with God, which will affect others. (The Jailer). At different times it might be for the forgiveness that we have experienced and are experiencing. ( The Sinful Woman). Other times it might not be noticed by anyone, yet God sees. ( The Worshiping Widow) It is important to remember that worship is not just for you, but for you to honor God. David writes in Psalm 22 how he feels forsaken by God in verses 1 & 2 and then in verse 3 he states, “Yet you are Holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” As believers we worship no matter what, for God is on the throne. Ask yourself….Does my testimony of praise match who is on the throne of my heart and life? — Self worship or worship of God. In the world you will have tribulations…. Worship anyway….. trials….. worship anyway…… set backs…. worship anyway …… In whatever situation worship the God who is sovereign over all the universe, for he is worthy of praise and worship. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 145:3 ESV. ….. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker. Psalm 95:6 ESV

By His Mercy & Grace David

04/19/2026

Mercy
Come unto to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give your rest. Matthew 11:28 ESV

What burdens your life? A burden is when you are carrying physically and emotionally a load that makes moving or living difficult. Burdens are different for people depending upon the situations in their life. One thing for sure is when a burden is heavy in a person’s life, they generally wish for relief from whatever situation is causing the burden. One burden emotionally and mentally for the person can be attempting to live as God has called them to live but not having the ability to get it right when trying so hard to do so. It is attempting to live and keep the laws and commandments of God perfectly yet understanding their inability to do so. So how do we overcome the burden of not being able to live up to the call upon our life as the believers who desire to follow Christ?

Come to Jesus:
Jesus calls us to himself and tells us he will give us rest. Come unto to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give your rest. Matthew 11:28 ESV Imagine you are a child traveling and the luggage needed for your travels is too heavy for you to carry, yet it is necessary for the trip. Your father is traveling with you, so you call out to him because of your inability, and he comes and makes possibly for you to have everything you need by carrying luggage. This is a picture of what Jesus, has done and is doing for us that we might live as we have been called.

Imputed Righteousness:
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV Jesus paid the penalty for our sins when he died upon the cross and the burden of our sins were transferred to him and replaced with the blessings of his righteousness. So the righteousness that is in us is not ours, it is his righteousness. …. found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends upon God. Philippians 3:9 ESV This is why faith in Christ alone is so very important. It is faith in the works of God, which accomplished what we could not by our works….. salvation. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Act 4:12 ESV……. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 ESV

Live Light:
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30 ESV In other words, look to Jesus and learn from him, for he is the author and finisher of faith. Looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 KJV If you are attempting to live by appearing religious, you are carrying a burden in which you will fail. Rather make much of Jesus and the work that he has and is accomplishing in your life. The goal is for people to see Jesus not you. This is one way to live light by living and proclaiming the righteousness of Jesus. Do not attempt to perform righteousness, for when you do, it is just an act.

Conclusion:
Make much of Jesus in your life and abide in him living free of the burden of self righteousness. Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31 ESV…… So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

One Thing:
Identify one thing in your life that burdens you; then give it to the Lord to help you gain victory over that burden. For example if you struggle with the burden of a particular sin such as selfishness, read and meditate on scriptures such as : Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 ESV The evil that needs to be overcome is selfishness, so do something requiring personal sacrifice and while doing…..thank God for the opportunity. In other words go do something in the name of the Lord and expect nothing in return except to give glory to God. It will lighten the burden in your life.

Redeemed by Mercy and Grace ~ David

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5100 S 31st Street
Fort Smith, AR
72901

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