Are you blessed?

 Psalm 144:1–15 (ESV):  

1  Blessed be the Lord, my rock, 

who trains my hands for war, 

and my fingers for battle; 

 2  he is my steadfast love and my fortress, 

my stronghold and my deliverer, 

  my shield and he in whom I take refuge, 

who subdues peoples under me. 

 3  O Lord, what is man that you regard him, 

or the son of man that you think of him? 

 4  Man is like a breath; 

his days are like a passing shadow. 

 5  Bow your heavens, O Lord, and come down! 

Touch the mountains so that they smoke! 

 6  Flash forth the lightning and scatter them; 

send out your arrows and rout them! 

 7  Stretch out your hand from on high; 

rescue me and deliver me from the many waters, 

from the hand of foreigners, 

 8  whose mouths speak lies 

and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. 

 9  I will sing a new song to you, O God; 

upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you, 

 10  who gives victory to kings, 

who rescues David his servant from the cruel sword. 

 11  Rescue me and deliver me 

from the hand of foreigners, 

  whose mouths speak lies 

and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. 

 12  May our sons in their youth 

be like plants full grown, 

  our daughters like corner pillars 

cut for the structure of a palace; 

 13  may our granaries be full, 

providing all kinds of produce; 

  may our sheep bring forth thousands 

and ten thousands in our fields; 

 14  may our cattle be heavy with young, 

suffering no mishap or failure in bearing; 

  may there be no cry of distress in our streets! 

 15  Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! 

Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord! 

Overall, most of us want a peaceful, blessed life. One where we are loved, protected and spared suffering. Saved from being conned or hounded by lying and dangerous people, and having our families blessed so that our children can grow strong and fruitful. Then to add to that, one where we have enough or even an abundance of resources, so that we do not suffer and can bless others and let them know that God has poured favour upon us. This is the kind of life that everyone would probably desire, and see as a blessed life. It would include; protection from harm and wicked people, good health, lack of discomfort, having more than enough provisions, plus a fruitful and strong family. If you enjoyed such a life, it would be easy to see the blessings of God, right? The psalmist, i feel, challenges that thought in the last line, ‘Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!’ We can perceive that having all of these things are indicators of God’s favour, but you are blessed to even be called one of His people - have you ever thought of that?! Simply having God in your life, the One who you can talk to about the trials, inconveniences, successes, suffering, difficulties and breakthroughs of life, is a blessing. Knowing that you are in relationship with God is a blessing, for it means that you really can expect Him to come through in miraculous ways, like the psalmist requests in verses 5-7. You can ask God for miracles, for unbelievable and seemingly impossible things to occur, because you have the ear of God, and that is a blessing!

Your life may not be perfect, that is ok. The blessing of God does not mean that you will have a simple or perfect life. It does not mean that your life will be easy or that you’ll be saved trouble. Having God in your life means that you’ve got someone powerful, majestic and just to run to as a refuge when life does get tough. You have someone reliable, faithful and honest to speak into situations, to help you through it, to train you for battle and soothe your heart and mind when lies are thrown at you. You have One who can and will rescue you, who does regard you, and will even perform miracles! Even when it makes no sense, you have a wise, mighty and impressive God looking at and caring about your life (v 3-4). 

'O Lord, what is man that you regard him, or the son of man that you think of him? 4 Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.' You, in the eyes of the World are small and insignificant, and should be in the eyes of God too, but to God you are worth training, investing in and fighting for because you are one of His people. That is why you can run to Him, expecting Him to be your stronghold and salvation. God loves you and will see you through because you are His. You may be small and as delicate as a breath, but when you have Almighty God with you, you have power and strength that no-one else can match.

The reality is that you are blessed when you acknowledge that God is The Lord of your life. There is no greater or superior blessing that you can receive than that. Yet God is so generous that He pours out His favour to you in other ways too, you will see breakthrough, salvation and fruitfulness but remember that these are just extras on top of the blessing of knowing God. Other people consider being blessed to look like; having a successful job, coming into money, having children that are strong and fruitful, being free from harm, healed and lacking suffering. Yet that is not true. These things are bonuses, and when you experience them do appreciate them and choose to see them as an addition to the greatest blessing you already enjoy. For 'Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!' You are blessed because you are considered one of God’s own. That is the greatest and most secure blessing you could know. Other things and people come and go, so do not rely on them to know you are blessed of God, you are already living in favour as you have the heart of God with you. 

Why choose God and not worldy things?

 Psalm 135:1–21 (ESV): 

1 Praise the Lord! 

Praise the name of the Lord, 

give praise, O servants of the Lord, 

 2  who stand in the house of the Lord, 

in the courts of the house of our God! 

 3  Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; 

sing to his name, for it is pleasant! 

 4  For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, 

Israel as his own possession. 

 5  For I know that the Lord is great, 

and that our Lord is above all gods. 

 6  Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, 

in heaven and on earth, 

in the seas and all deeps. 

 7  He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, 

who makes lightnings for the rain 

and brings forth the wind from his storehouses. 

 8  He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, 

both of man and of beast; 

 9  who in your midst, O Egypt, 

sent signs and wonders 

against Pharaoh and all his servants; 

 10  who struck down many nations 

and killed mighty kings, 

 11  Sihon, king of the Amorites, 

and Og, king of Bashan, 

and all the kingdoms of Canaan, 

 12  and gave their land as a heritage, 

a heritage to his people Israel. 

 13  Your name, O Lord, endures forever, 

your renown, O Lord, throughout all ages. 

 14  For the Lord will vindicate his people 

and have compassion on his servants. 

 15  The idols of the nations are silver and gold, 

the work of human hands. 

 16  They have mouths, but do not speak; 

they have eyes, but do not see; 

 17  they have ears, but do not hear, 

nor is there any breath in their mouths. 

 18  Those who make them become like them, 

so do all who trust in them. 

 19  O house of Israel, bless the Lord! 

O house of Aaron, bless the Lord! 

 20  O house of Levi, bless the Lord! 

You who fear the Lord, bless the Lord! 

 21  Blessed be the Lord from Zion, 

he who dwells in Jerusalem! 

  Praise the Lord! 

If you are feeling down or powerless, low or uncertain, disappointed or lacking faith, or joyful and desiring to praise God - then this psalm will do you good. It is full of reason and encouragement to remember some of the facts as to why God is brilliant, and gives examples of how you know you can trust Him. So, as a reminder today, here are some reasons you should praise God, because He:

• Is good
• Has chosen you 
• Is great
• Is above all gods
• Does what He pleases
• Reigns in the heavens and earth
• Controls the weather
• Performed miracles in Egypt
• Has power over man and beast
• Performs signs and wonders
• Works for His people and against their enemies
• Has struck down many nations
• Has defeated many kings
• Provides dwelling places for His people
• Is famous throughout all time
• Lives forever
• Will vindicate His people
• Has compassion on His servants
• Lives amongst us

What or who else could you worship or praise that can do and has done all this?! Therefore do not get distracted by other things such as ‘the idols of the nations’ like 'silver and gold, the work of human hands’. Remember, instead the creator of those things! The one who hears and speaks, who works and never sleeps, who lives and breathes and even gives you breath! He is the one who is worthy of your attention, your full focus. Is your mind preoccupied with stuff or things that are material, not eternal? If so, take another look at this psalm and consider what is really worthy of your attention. For cars breakdown, houses crumble, money loses it's worth, and people are fickle. Live your life looking for and admiring the One who created all of these things and will outlive them.

There is an Almighty, Creator God who has; provided, heard, seen, performed wonders, who is in charge and ensures His will is done, who also lives forever and cares about your little life. In this psalm there is a promise that this same God, ‘will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants’. Are you one of His people, are you living as His servant? If so, He will act on your behalf, showing you compassion and releasing you from false accusations and harm. Do you see God for who He really is and what He can do? This psalm holds some incredible reminders of the character of God and the amazing things He does. Are you giving God the opportunity to come through, trusting that He will vindicate and bring compassion, or are you trying to force your own way? This world and the things within it can be enticing and confusing. There are temptations, stuff and experiences that are appealing and offer solutions, but will they really fulfill their claims? Remember the things of the world have no ability to speak, see or hear, yet they seem to promise so much. Yet God, He promises much and delivers it - just take a look at His track record!

In God's shadow

Psalm 91:1–16 (ESV): 

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High 

will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 

 2  I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, 

my God, in whom I trust.” 

 3  For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler 

and from the deadly pestilence. 

 4  He will cover you with his pinions, 

and under his wings you will find refuge; 

his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 

 5  You will not fear the terror of the night, 

nor the arrow that flies by day, 

 6  nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, 

nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. 

 7  A thousand may fall at your side, 

ten thousand at your right hand, 

but it will not come near you. 

 8  You will only look with your eyes 

and see the recompense of the wicked. 

 9  Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— 

the Most High, who is my refuge— 

 10  no evil shall be allowed to befall you, 

no plague come near your tent. 

 11  For he will command his angels concerning you 

to guard you in all your ways. 

 12  On their hands they will bear you up, 

lest you strike your foot against a stone. 

 13  You will tread on the lion and the adder; 

the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. 

 14  “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; 

I will protect him, because he knows my name. 

 15  When he calls to me, I will answer him; 

I will be with him in trouble; 

I will rescue him and honour him. 

 16  With long life I will satisfy him 

and show him my salvation.” 

Can you imagine living in the shadow of God?!

If you live as a follower of God, then you, ‘abide in the shadow if the Almighty’ because He has invited you into His presence, and you have opted to walk with Him. God overshadows you. This means you are safe and protected and you know His presence wherever you tread. You are privileged to be so close. Due to your proximity to God, He can save you from the enemy’s traps and heal you from sickness and fear.  

However, you still see and experience life in this world. Even from this space of comfort and shade, of closeness and protection, you see fighting, disease, deeds of darkness and destruction. You are not oblivious or immune to the suffering and pain of this world even when you know whose presence you are in. You will see the pain others go through as they decide to live outside the shadow of God. The psalm tells us that though thousands around us may be afflicted and harmed, we will know God's protection and provision. Those that follow God have a different experience of life due to their proximity to the Almighty, but it doesn't mean that life doesn't hurt or isn't difficult at times. For those outside of the shadow of God are neighbours, friends and loved ones and seeing them suffer causes grief. You will see the results of unholy, unfaithful living outside the protection of the Father and you will feel sadness and pain. 

Even though you can be confident that you are protected and covered by God, you will witness those not in God’s kingdom suffering in a way you will not. For you can always know God's promise to you is this, 'Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. 15  When he calls to me, I will answer him'. You have the beautiful assurance that you will be delivered, protected and cared for because you are known to God and you know God. You are within His shadow, so you are within earshot and can reach out and hold His hand. Ultimately, your future is secure for wherever you are, God is present whether in this life or the next. You have eternal security, it is well for your soul, but you know many for who this is not true. 

As you live in the shadow of God, you can know and appreciate the security of your position and at the same time mourn the lack of faith of those around you, as you see them suffer there may be little you can do but prat. Yet remember the power and goodness of the One you are walking and talking with. It is not your responsibility to go and rescue those outside of the kingdom. You should not leave God’s shadow even for a moment to go and try to help or persuade them. The best help you can give is by taking advantage of your proximity to God. Keep walking in God's shadow so you can talk to Him on their behalf, and demonstrate the joy and peace of a life lived in the comfort and shelter of God’s love. You, as one close to God, are saved from experiencing the lonely isolation, fear, hopelessness and torment of living life outside of His protection and love. Even when disaster strikes and plagues come along, you can know that God will deliver you as you ‘hold fast to me in love’. So, the best aid you can give to others is maintaining your posture of proximity with Almighty, powerful, loving God. From His side you can see and hear what God is doing. By being close to God and knowing the joy and power of His shadow over you, you can show others the beauty of living in step with Him. When they see that disaster and disease do not affect you in the same way, that you have peace, assurance and contentment due to your relationship with God, i wonder how others will respond. When they are having a rough time and you let them know you are praying, i wonder what they will think when their situation changes. When you speak kindness and truth when others do not, when you come at challenges with a different motivation and mindset, i wonder what others will see. 

Your responsibility and duty for others is best served by investing in your relationship with God. Getting close to Him makes a positive impact on those around you. You have the invitation to dwell ‘in the shelter of the Most High’ and ‘abide in the shadow of the Almighty’. Is that where you are living? Being close to Him is good not only for you, but also for those around you. Who knows, by demonstrating your relationship with God, maybe others will also come to benefit from being in His shadow too.

ALL people

 Psalm 68:28–35 (ESV):  

28  Summon your power, O God, 

the power, O God, by which you have worked for us. 

29  Because of your temple at Jerusalem 

kings shall bear gifts to you. 

30  Rebuke the beasts that dwell among the reeds, 

the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples. 

Trample underfoot those who lust after tribute; 

scatter the peoples who delight in war. 

31  Nobles shall come from Egypt; 

Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God. 

32  O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; 

sing praises to the Lord, Selah 

33  to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; 

behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice. 

34  Ascribe power to God, 

whose majesty is over Israel, 

and whose power is in the skies. 

35  Awesome is God from his sanctuary; 

the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. 

Blessed be God! 

The glory, beauty, power and magnificence of God is now celebrated all across the world! Once, Israel were the chosen nation, the people God led through the wilderness into the promised land. Now, all people flock to God. We are living in the days that this psalm foretold! When; kings, nobles, young and old, people from war torn countries, previous enemies and even those deemed wicked can ‘ascribe power to God’ and ‘sing praises to the Lord’. These days were prophesied and hoped for, and the people of Israel saw glimpses of what it could be like, but they could not see the fullness of what it meant for 'kingdoms of. the earth' to. be praising God. 

We have the privilege of living in the days when this is happening, when the good news that we can be forgiven and free from sin when we believe in and follow Jesus, is available to all people. Every person, no matter how lofty or lowly, no matter their language or culture, how old or young, where they are from or what they have done - all people can be forgiven, restored and brought into the family of God! What a joy it should be to each of us to live in such times. These are the days foretold in the Bible! We can eat together, sing together, enter a place of praise together and see salvation in all people. The gospel is for every man, woman and child, freely available with the great news that each one can have a relationship with God if they want it!

When I look at the group of people that i worship with, i see such beautiful variety, this was not something that the Israelites at the time of the psalm would have experienced. They were all one nation, all Israelites, (with very few exceptions like Rahab and Caleb), who journeyed together, lived together and worshipped God together. So when they heard scripture say things like, ‘kingdoms of the earth, sing to God’, I wonder what they imagined. It must have seemed impossible, that even those who God told them were enemies, would one day have access to praise Him. That worship would come from ‘his people’ could mean anyone, not just the Jews. It must have seemed inspiring, confusing and pretty impossible. Impossible in the sight of man anyway. Yet this was something the Israelites were being shown again and again through scripture, that God had a different plan. Although in their day, they alone were His people, a day was coming when God’s people would come from all nations! Wow! 

When God speaks, at the time, it does not always make sense or seem possible, but holding onto His words is important, as our situation in this context proves. The nation of Israel were told things like the fact that one day worshippers would be from all nations. Thankfully, it is documented so that we can see and be witnesses to the fact that God keeps His word. For now, anyone and everyone can worship God and be considered His people - joined through the love, forgiveness, compassion, and might of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Not only that, but we are also made family through him - we are now brothers and sisters to a vast people group, greater than the nation of Israel! How could those Israelites of Old  Testament times imagine that?

This shows that God’s plan is always greater than we can understand. God does ‘far more than we can ask or imagine’ (Ephesians 3:20). Even when He has told us what He will do, it is hard for us to comprehend it as it is beyond our ability to visualise. Those living in Old Testament times had a hope, an idea and a vision of what faith in God would look like, but it was blurry and exciting and not something that could easily be grasped or fully understood. We too, live with such things. There are things that we know and see in part, but one day will see fully (1 Corinthians 13:12). We have no idea what the future holds. You can listen to and hear from God, be given something of His vision and hear prophecies, but you do not know what the fullness of His promises look like. They are far greater than you can suppose, because God is just so big and awesome His imagination outstrips yours! Just know, that when God speaks, He will do it and do it brilliantly.

What do you do when you get fed up?

 Psalm 58:1–11 (ESV):  

1  Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? 

Do you judge the children of man uprightly? 

2  No, in your hearts you devise wrongs; 

your hands deal out violence on earth. 

3  The wicked are estranged from the womb; 

they go astray from birth, speaking lies. 

4  They have venom like the venom of a serpent, 

like the deaf adder that stops its ear, 

5  so that it does not hear the voice of charmers 

or of the cunning enchanter. 

6  O God, break the teeth in their mouths; 

tear out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord! 

7  Let them vanish like water that runs away; 

when he aims his arrows, let them be blunted. 

8  Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime, 

like the stillborn child who never sees the sun. 

9  Sooner than your pots can feel the heat of thorns, 

whether green or ablaze, may he sweep them away! 

10  The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; 

he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked. 

11  Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; 

surely there is a God who judges on earth.” 

Why are some people intent on evil and others intent on good? Where does right and wrong come from? Is there ultimate justice for the goodness and the badness in the world? These are a few of the question this psalm of David seems to be dealing with. At some point in our lives, we too consider the same things. Many people wonder why there is evil and suffering in the world, where does it come from? Why do some people have influence when their desires are harmful to others? It is good to consider these things, we can learn about life, ourselves and our own moral standards as we consider the big questions of life on Earth.

David was considering such things as he saw people grow from one form of injustice to another becoming venomous, cunning, deceitful and destructive. We can see from this writing that David is pretty fed up with seeing these people going around thinking they are ‘gods’, hurting the innocent and vulnerable. He got so incensed by the evil actions of 'the wicked' that he desires all these people to be violently punished as they seemed to go from one form of evil to another. Even though it seems like the rich and powerful, the corrupt and lying are those that have influence and power, one day God will, ‘break the teeth in their mouths’ - Their words will be futile, their attempts to cause harm will fail and they will ‘be like the snail that dissolves into slime’. These are David’s prayers for justice. He has seen enough of life, of good and evil to observe that the wicked seem to do well for themselves, and it has driven him to passionately pray for their destruction and obliteration. 

Are you fed up with some of the things you have observed in your community, country, family or government? If so, what are you doing about it? If you are moaning to other people, getting increasingly annoyed and bothered by the descent of the world into chaos and wickedness then how does that help? Turn your frustrations into prayers. 

Pray for God to break the evil in this world. He can; break teeth, tear out fangs, make things disappear, blunt, dissolve and put to death. You can know that when you see something that is unrighteous and evil, God doesn’t like it either. So, are you partnering with Him to see an end to it and trusting that one day you will be rejoicing when vengeance comes?! There is power in prayer. You can seek the end of the evil practices of this world plus you can vent your emotions and ask God for solutions. God will listen and those of this world can learn that For, ‘Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth’.

connected community

My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. 

James 5:19–20 (ESV)

These final verses from James’s letter may seem an odd way to end, but James is clearly reinforcing the need for considerate, accountable relationships amongst believers. The exhortation here is that you should look out for other believers, noticing if something is awry in another's life and then go after them. This can only happen if you have a genuine love and concern for other believers that is intentional, deep and life-changing. Otherwise in an effort to correct and guide someone to the correct path, you could  misunderstand them, cause pain and push them farther away from God and His community. 

It is quite refreshing to read the eternal truth that we are built for connection in a community that loves, cares for and challenges each other. It is quite pertinent in today’s society that we are able to understand that James is commending close, connected and accountable community. The world we live in is quite different, it commends an overwhelming view of tolerance and an 'anything goes' attitude, where everything and everyone has to be accepted and tolerated no matter what. So James encouragement to challenge someone we see someone moving away from God and living a life that is not Biblical is quite cross-cultural. 

To challenge believers when they are following society instead of the word of God will be seen by non-believers as controlling and restrictive. In our current culture, people are allowed to do whatever they like whenever they like, be whoever they want to be, and no-one is permitted to question it. Most of us grown up believing the same, and support equity and equality, tolerance and acceptance. These are good things, but in an effort to support and commend these attributes society has lost the ability to really; understand, challenge, care for, love and support one another, as questioning or challenging someone's ideas, lifestyle and beliefs and behaviour has become taboo. James is confronting this worldly view by saying that we should go after those that wander off ‘from the truth’. How refreshing! 

If you see a fellow believer get caught up in wrong thinking, sinful behaviour, an altered attitude, swamped by society's influence, then the charge is to bring them back! Show that your love for that person and the church is genuine. Do not let your fellow brothers and sisters go down the path that leads to destruction without a fight. Instead, show that you notice, that you care and that you can help them by reminding them of the truth. The reality is, in a society that does not challenge, question, or seek to understand, people do not feel loved, noticed or cared for. They feel lonely, unnoticed and outsiders. Do not let that happen in your community of believers. The reality is that accepting and tolerating all things is not progressive, it is negligent. Having the awkward conversations, being upfront and honest and leading people to the truth that is The Word of God can be difficult, but it can radically transform someone's life for the better. As you may well have the opportunity to lead someone to repentance and forgiveness because you have demonstrated love and kindness through discipline, guidance and understanding, through being brave, noticing and caring enough to do something about it and challenge them. 

If you are part of a church, you should notice and care enough about the individuals to notice when they are not ok and in danger of wandering off. You are part of the kingdom of God and in God’s kingdom there is a Father that cares about each individual - He will leave the 99 to look for and rescue the 1, and He invites you to do the same. You have a duty to chase after others when you see them going off track and heading away from God. It may feel awkward, cross-cultural and you may offend, but you may also,  ‘save his soul from death’, regret, disgrace and sin, Isn’t it worth the awkwardness and being uncomfortable if you can save your brother or sister from that great peril? 

Who are you friends with?

Did you know that there is a wrong way to pray? 

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 

James 4:3–4 (ESV)

To maintain any relationship, communication is important. Talking to God (prayer) is important to grow, deepen, and solidify your relationship with God, but did you know there’s a wrong way to do it? The Bible is full of what you may consider outrageous ways to pray - people plead with God, try to change His mind, rant at Him, shout at Him, question Him. Yet this God considers ok, and the people that talk to Him like that are the people God considers friends! These people are telling God how they are really doing, what they are thinking and hoping. You can do the same - this is an acceptable way to talk to God. However if all you are speaking to God about is asking Him for things that you want just for your own self-satisfaction then that is not the right way to pray. James lets us know that asking for your passions and desires to be granted is not ok. It shows that you’ve put yourself and your wants first, not God. If you approach God as just an entity that can solve your problems and provide your desires, where’s the relationship? It is like approaching God as you would an online supermarket - preparing your shopping list beforehand, putting it all in the basket and then checking out - transaction complete. Is that how you pray? If so, know that God wants more for you. He wants to be your friend. 

How you pray shows what you think of your relationship with God and the world. In your prayer life are you asking God to make your life better and easier on Earth, or are you asking God to help you make known His kingdom here on Earth? Are you praying for worldly satisfaction or help to see things God’s way? This shows who you are choosing to be friends with - God or the world. If you’re a friend of God, you must be an enemy of the world and all it represents, so be mindful of that as you pray. 

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

Consider now, what do you want your life to be about? Are you choosing to follow the worlds way or God’s? How you pray demonstrates what you’re about. These verses accept and acknowledge that temptation and sin exist - do you allow these things to dominate you and your prayer life? For example, do you ask God for money just because you want to spend it on things you know you shouldn’t? That’s just one example of what these verses are talking about. 

So then, how should you pray? Are you not allowed to ask God for things? Of course you are! Just think about what you’re asking for and why - in all honesty, are the things you are asking for in line with God’s best for your life? Are you asking for things you know that God wouldn’t want for you? If so, you are not being God’s friend. Imagine keep asking a friend to do something that they feel really uncomfortable with or that they know is wrong, at some point you’re likely to lose that friend and cause serious damage to that relationship. You yourself will become frustrated, angry and disappointed. We know that God is not like any human friend, He does have infinite patience and grace to forgive you and keep listening to you, but if you continue to pray for the things of the world, for passions and desires that are loved by the world but not by God, how is that going to effect you and how you see the relationship you have with God? 

whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 

You cannot be friends of God and the world. The world will lead you to sin and spiritual death, God will lead you out of it and into life. Which are you friends with? You cannot be friends with both. You cannot entertain and enjoy sin whilst saying you are a friend of God, it is not possible. Whoever you’re a friend with, whether God or the world, you’re automatically an enemy of the other. Jesus clearly tells us that you cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24), so you cannot serve the temptations and passions of the world and serve God, so what is your choice? 

'Count it all joy'

 2*Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, *3*for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. *4*And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 

James 1:2–4.

I find these verses some of the most challenging in Scripture. Whenever I read v2 I wonder how am I ever meant to achieve that - how do you consider trials a joy? I recall what the early christians went through and how they were praising in prison, flogged, beaten, stoned and crucified and I wonder how did they encounter these things with such calm and joy? 

Even in the days we are living in now christians are horrendously persecuted. Some people are tortured and tormented, yet their trust and understanding of God remains, and even strengthens. They go through the pain and discomfort because they know the truth and they, ‘count it all joy’ to be persecuted for Christ. I have not experienced anything like the terrible and terrifying ordeals that some suffer, yet even in my sufferings and trials I struggle to count it a joy. As I write this, I acknowledge that I am currently experiencing, 'trials of various kinds'. I have felt; heartbroken, confused, defeated, loss and numb. I have not been joyful about these things at all and I do not think that James is saying that we need to be full of joy in the trials, but learn to, ‘count’ them a joy. It would be inhuman really to rejoice when pain and suffering come, but that does not mean that we cannot consider that these hardships are actually doing us good in the long-term. I think that this is what James was getting at. When you encounter trials, it is tough and they stretch and challenge us in ways we never expected or wanted. Yet when you and I endure these things continuing to trust in God, although you know that your faith is being tested and that is difficult, you also can know that this is an opportunity to grow steadfast, perfect and content. Who doesn't want that? - this is good news!

There is bad news however, and that is that trials will involve pain, suffering and waiting! In order to achieve these attributes it means that you will have to endure. You have to persevere and be determined to  keep hold of your faith in God and doing what you know is right even if no-one else is. It is hard, and none of us like it, but growing up to become steadfast and complete is the goal. It takes patience, endurance, mistakes and hardship to get there. I think we struggle with this so much today as it is so easy to see that society has grown away from patience and endurance. These are not attributes that many of us have or seek, i mean, who likes waiting for things? The world promotes instant gratification and quick fixes rather than permanent solutions built over time. We have seen an increase of self-serve checkouts, pre-orders, 24hour delivery, all because we want things done and we want it now! We have become a throw away culture; if it doesn’t work, throw it out, get a new one. If it hurts, get some pain relief, if it’s hard, don’t do it. If you have to wait, order it online. If this is our standard - How are you to grow in patience and understanding? 

Nowhere does the Bible teach that instant gratification or relief is a good thing. We actually see the complete opposite. Scripture, teaches instead that; hardship, endurance, suffering, pain and trials are a good thing! Probably not if you look at the here and now whilst in the midst of a trial, but if you take time to consider what it is doing in you long-term, you can see that these tough times do you good. They cause you to evaluate life and yourself in a new way, they can help you grow in empathy, understanding, appreciation and can bring about faith and steadfastness, completeness and contentment. This is what these verses show us as well as the rest of the Bible. James also writes in verse 12, ‘ Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.’ 

What a great promise! 

Yes, trials are tough and they last. The effects of the trials on our emotions, mental and physical health can take its toll, but what do they do for your spiritual health? Even if you are suffering, are you continuing to learn about God, still talking to Him and depending on Him? If so, then you will grow in faith and steadfastness, but it takes time. Faith is only realised when it’s tested. Steadfastness can only grow if you’ve endured through some trials. So, to achieve these things you have to accept the sufferings. You have to allow yourself to patiently go through it knowing that you can grow in character and faith eventually gaining the crown of life as your reward!

which mount are you living on?

In historical times, mountains were places where people often worshipped as they were believed to be physically closer to where the gods lived. They became places where altars were made and items of worship placed. High places were sought after as a place to worship, and as a place of safety as the height in itself is a good defence. Therefore it is interesting as we read Obadiah to hear of two high places. The Edomites are said to have lived on a high place, ‘in your lofty dwelling’ (v3) and, ‘among the stars’ (v4), where they felt secure and powerful. Then in v17, we hear about Mount Zion, a place of refuge and holiness;

17 But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy, and the house of Jacob shall possess their own possessions. The house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau stubble’

Obadiah 17 - 18

So here we have the mention of the second high place, seemingly in contrast to the mount of Edom. Yet there are similarities as they are both elevated, and both are used as places of worship. It is like the two places have the same opportunity, but they have been used for different purposes. One place (Edom) has been used to glorify man, and the other (Zion) will be used to glorify God. Both are places of worship, but worship for very different things. They are both places of worship, but what is it that is worshipped there and what does it lead to? 

The two high places could be a metaphor for the way of the world (Edom), and the way of God (Zion). The mount of Edom represents the way most people of this world are living. It seems; comfortable, easy, successful and the self is gratified, you can do what you want. It seems that you can feel good being there, because the aim is to please yourself, but when you get a lot of people together doing that same thing, seeking to please oneself, it is only a matter of time before that stops being fun and becomes scary. It might seem like this way offers much, but take a deeper look. Is doing whatever you want real satisfaction and purpose? Plus, where is that way of life leading? Even if you think this is the kind of life you'd like and want to lead, consider what this lifestyle had become for the Edomites - it had become home to selfishness and pride which led to destruction, devastation and betrayal. It was a place that promised much and seemed pretty good at first glance, but when you got to really know the life of Edom, it is full of deception. selfishness and adversity. Due to the material success and position, it seemed like a good place to be, but the reality is this lifestyle comes at a cost and eventually delivers death as its reward. 

That doesn’t have to be your future. There is another kingdom, another mount, another way of life. Yet, it may not offer all you want because it is not the way of the world or the way self, but the way of God. If you choose to live on Mount Zion, in God’s kingdom, you will be following His rules and His ways. Not your own or anyone else’s. If you are fed up with the never ending search for self-sufficiency, improvement, bigger and better then why not try moving to this mount? On Mount Zion God tells us there will be acceptance, holiness and possessions, there is an inheritance waiting for you that you can grab hold of. There is a future that involves possessions not death or stubble! 

As well as the Mount of Edom, there is also Mount Zion. You can choose which one you go to, which one you build your life upon.

*32*And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls. 

Joel 2:32.

God gives you the choice- you can choose to live with Him or without Him - Mount Edom or Mount Zion. Both places have a future, but what do you want yours to look like? 

How you treat others matters

The people of Edom, Esau’s descendants, have turned away from God and from their connections with their relatives - the tribes of Israel. They have disregarded God’s best for them, and have ended up affiliating with those that have persecuted their kin. Therefore God has decreed what will happen to them, not just because of this cruelty but also because of their pride and self-confidence. This is how their downfall will occur;

7 All your allies have driven you to your border; those at peace with you have deceived you; they have prevailed against you; those who eat your bread have set a trap beneath you —  you have no understanding. 

Obadiah v 7

How terrible it is when those we love, care for, connect with and generally do life with let us down. That is bad enough, but what about when those you trust in and share life with actually lead to your downfall? That is what God says will happen to the Edomites. Those closest to them will transform from friends to enemies. The people that should have come to their aid will aid their destruction. The Edomites were so confident and assured in the relationships they had built up with others, feeling secure, safe and comfortable. They believed they had mutually respectful relationships with those around them, that they had built trusting alliances. Yet they were about to be betrayed. Just like the Edom had done to the Israel. As they had betrayed their family, they too were heading for being ensnared by those they treated as family. 

How you treat others matters. 

We see this from this episode in the Old Testament, through all the rules and regulations set out by God, and into the New Testament. Jesus teaches into it; ‘whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets’ (Matthew 7:12). In Luke 6:31 it is put this way, ‘as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them’. Both of these verses show that how you treat others matters. Firstly, because if you treat others as you want to be treated, then you are fulfilling the will of God! That’s a pretty big thing if you have chosen to live life following Him! The simple act of treating others well, with kindness and consideration, as you would wish to be treated, is actually fulfilling God’s wishes - isn’t that a wonderful thing?! Jesus shows in these words that the rules and regulations have been about showing love, care, and justice to fellow man - treating others as you’d like to be treated, simple. So, if you are not sure what God wants you to do in life - start with that - treat others how you want to be treated, by doing so you'll be fulfilling the will of God!

How you treat others, even sometimes despite how they treat you, shows which kingdom you are a part of. It is not always easy, and we have times when we do not feel like it and there are people that you probably think don't deserve kind treatment, but the standard of Jesus is still the same - treat them as you would like to be treated. This is what Jesus says the Law and the Prophets have been guiding us towards, so would you break the laws of the land just because you don't want to keep them? Or because you think it is hard?  Probably not, the same is true here. Will you neglect to fulfil the wishes of God because someone else is annoying, difficult, different, even wicked? You get to choose which kingdom you are a part of by how you behave towards others. The kingdom of God teaches that how you treat others matters, and you can build and demonstrate His kingdom when you treat others well. Which kingdom do you display by how you manage your relationships - The kingdom of God or of the World? 

How you treat others matters. 

keep yourself in God's love

 God is kind. He has warned us that such things as Jude writes about will happen. God allows us to know that there will be people that try to take His ‘beloved’ ones off task. That there will be false teaching and people professing that they are believers leading ungodly lives stuck in sin. God shows us this in different books of the Bible, through different people because He wants us to be aware. Not scared, but prepared, and ready for what is going to happen. God is kindly preparing us and showing us how to live, and He uses authors such as Jude to explain these things to us. 

Jude tells us that this we will see these people living irreverently as the ‘last time’ approaches. A reminder that the world we live in will not last forever. Jude is reminding us that the world is finite, not to cause you to be afraid, but so you can get prepared for not just living in this world, but so that you're ready to live for eternity. He has already mentioned the destination of those who lead others astray by their teaching and untamed sin- where do you want to end up? This is an opportunity for you to assess your life and refine your behaviours and beliefs as necessary. We all make mistakes and can fall into believing things that are not true, being swayed by tempting talk and inviting actions. Today is a chance to put some things right as Jude has shown what the consequences of living a false life of faith are. Therefore be aware of how things can creep in and distance you from God. Be on guard for what is un/helpful in your life and use today to make a change.

*17*But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. *18*They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” *19*It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. *20*But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, *21*keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 

Jude 17–21.

Again, Jude reminds his readers how important and how loved they are as he reminds them that they are, ‘beloved’. He repeats this because he wants them to recognise that they are dear to him, this is why he is instructing, guiding and warning them in the way he is. The contents of this letter would seem pretty scary if it wasn’t enwrapped with love. It is from this affection that Jude is asking the readers to remember their faith, remember the past, remember the prophecies. So that they can all come into right alignment with God's will. So that their eternal destination and treatment by God is what they wish for and expect. In order to help them live a life of faith and help them avoid the inviting instructions of those that have led people of faith astray, Jude here gives three instructions to keep them, and us, on the right path as believers in Jesus;

I) ‘building yourselves up in your most holy faith’

In this world where we lean on the understanding of others and seek the opinions and expertise of one another, here, Jude is telling us to figure it out ourselves. You are responsible for how you learn and grow in faith, not anyone else. Jude tells you and I to build ourselves up. It is not the job of a leader, pastor, speaker or writer, but you yourself are responsible for the faith you have. Therefore make an effort to learn about it; read, pray, interrogate the scriptures, discuss with others, listen - know what the Bible says, and what it doesn’t. Don't just trust others and their understanding, but figure things out for yourself. Research, ask, and consider what this faith in God, through Jesus and with the Holy Spirit is about. Through that you will gain a better understanding of who God is and will gain confidence in what you believe. Jesus did. So that when he faced temptation in the wilderness he was well equipped to face it and succeed. You too will face temptation, are you well equipped for when it comes? Have you built up your confidence in God and understood how He wishes you to live?  You are responsible for building your faith. How are you doing that?

2) ‘praying in the Holy Spirit’

Praying in the Spirit bypasses the brain, we may start off with an idea of what we want to pray for but then get carried to pray for something else, or end up praying in tongues. Both are guided by the Spirit. Prating in the Spirit and having the gift of speaking in tongues is a great thing that makes no sense to others not of faith. It is something inside of us that communicates with God, it connects us with His heart and strengthens our own faith and resilience. If you do not currently pray in the Spirit, then give it a go. It strengthens the connection you have with God and strengthens you. Romans 8:26-27 says, 'the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.' Allow the Spirit to help you to pray.

3) ‘keep yourselves in the love of God’

 Once you have recognised and accepted the love of God, do all you can to remain mindful and accepting of it. We are told and convinced of the fact that God loves us throughout the Bible and since the creation of the universe, but have you ever considered that you have to be mindful of keeping yourself in God's love? keep yourselves in the love of God’ is a command. This is telling you that despite what comes your way, God's love is always available, but are you keeping that in mind and is your heart still focussed on following God? Life happens, you make mistakes, you have desires, you may get bored, fed up, lose the passion you once had, encounter tragedy, feel burnt out. Yet, when you encounter these things ensure you remind yourself of the truth, and that how you live, what you do and think matters. Do not turn your back on or wander away from God. It will not go well for you - look at the previous verses for how that pans out - for humans and angels alike. Even if you don’t feel like it, stay obedient. Keep reminding yourself of who God is, keep meeting and talking to other believers, keep praying and keep going. Keep yourself in God's love - lead a life that makes it easy for God to love you. We all see the different moods, characters and behaviours of children. Sometimes it is so easy to see things to love in them, when they are kind, generous, supportive, fun. Then there are other times! Times when it is easy to dislike them, and it takes work to love them. It is the same for us in our relationship with God. Are you acting like His loveable child, or are you making it difficult for God to love you? Keeping a loving relationship with God alive is your responsibility as well as God's. God will do His part, will you do yours? Jesus says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” (John 15:9–10). Jesus, the Son of God tells us how to keep in the love of God -through obedience. Children show love and trust when they do as they are told. It is not something any of us probably like, but it is still true. As God's child, are you remaining in His love and doing as He asks? 

'you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, *21*keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.'

Spotting false teachers

 Jude has a loving, accepting and generous heart to these ‘beloved’ ones to whom he writes. They are beloved of God and of himself. They are affectionately known and attached to Jude, and from the first two verses we can see that he wishes them well. He wants the best for them, he wants them to know greater peace, mercy and love. Therefore he is writing to them as he has clearly had some news that has concerned him about their understanding and behaviour. So it is through love that he writes;

*3*Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. *4*For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Jude v 3–4.

As Jude anticipated writing this letter, he really was excited about doing so because he knows the faith they have and share and it is exciting to communicate with those on the same page. Yet he clearly has been made aware of some concerns, and like someone who loves dearly, he now recognises that he needs to write in a different way - to instruct and warn, so that these people can get back on track. He loves these people and so does not want them to go astray, but wants them to be aware and prepared for danger. It is the same for us - we want to instruct, guide and warm our loved ones about the way they are going. For example, think of teaching a child to cross the road; you do not leave them to find out the danger themselves, but you see it, teach them how to keep safe and warn them of the dangers. Taking time to clearly explain and show what can happen and how to avoid harm. This is how Jude is writing to these people, from the perspective of a loving parent trying to guide these people in their faith. 

Jude sees that these beloved ones are in danger of tarnishing the faith they have by being swayed by unhelpful teaching. So he is writing to show them how to handle this. In these two verses he is showing that not all teaching is equal, that there are those that will turn others away from Christ, therefore we need to be aware of that and ready to respond - just like a child learning to cross the road - you need to stop, look and listen, and then decide how to react. Jude is showing that we should not accept everything we see, hear or read, but we need to learn to stop - reflect on the message being delivered, look - check to see if it lines up with other scripture and listen - to the Holy Spirit and to what people are teaching to check if they edifying Christ as Master and Lord or something else.

The people that are coming in and instructing this set of people, are what people now commonly term, “false teachers”. These are people claiming to be, and probably believing they are fellow followers of God. Yet they are not elevating Christ but other things. Somewhere along the way they have not fully believed that Christ is Lord, and they are convincing others to live as they do. Therefore we need to be on guard that the messages we are hearing, seeing and reading are glorifying of God not anything else. It may be that the concepts seem thought-provoking, insightful, persuasive, and inviting, but it doesn't necessarily them true. 

So what was happening? These false teachers were coming amongst the people of God and telling them about how they could believe in God, but also enjoy the pleasures of the world/flesh. They were not focussing on the fact that Christ has been crucified for every sin and therefore you do not need to be beholden to it anymore, rather they were modelling a life where sin was acceptable because Jesus died to take it away therefore it does not matter. They were focussing on things that distract from Jesus, not keeping the main thing the main thing. 

The reality is, it is sometimes nice to hear some of the things these people say, and we can want their theories and explanations to be true. The things they can tell us sound easy, inviting, like something we want or hope for. They appeal to our human desires. I think that in this day and age, we are more likely to be led astray. We are more likely to be exposed to and accepting of wayward instruction as we have even more influencers, ideas, teaching and theories accessible to us. The plethora of viewpoints and popular, interesting teaching that we can read, listen to and watch is huge through a wide range of media. So, we too really need to listen and take onboard what Jude is saying lest we become persuaded by those who are leading away from Christ. 

Jude can help you and I consider whether anything that we are accessing really does align with who Jesus is and what the Bible says. We  all need to learn to discern what is good and right to listen to, watch and read before we just take it onboard. Just because the person speaking says they are a christian, or what they say is popular does not always mean that we should follow them. Not all teaching is beneficial or uplifts Jesus. Make sure you know how to tell the difference between the genuine and the fake. This is what Jude is warning about. Be aware of what you are taking onboard. You have permission to (and there is an expectation that you) weigh what you are being taught. Jude was brave enough to counter this false teaching, he did not contend with the teachers themselves in these letters, but he equipped God’s people in how to respond to them and showing them how to spot them. Therefore ensure that you are equipped and that you are equipping others to follow Christ only. So how do you know if someone is genuinely leading to Christ or not?Jude shows us in v3-4 the main indicators for false teachers; 

1) If they are; teaching ‘sensuality’ and perverting the ‘grace of God’. In other words if they are teaching that; dong what your body wants is ok. Or if you ‘feel’ like doing something then go for it. You should be satisfied because God wants you to be happy - He says He will give you the desires of your heart, so go for it. Jesus died so that you don’t need to carry the weight of sin - you are forgiven, so it doesn’t matter if you’re giving into the desire of your heart or flesh, in fact it is permissible - These would all be the kind of things that false teachers may say. They may even back it up with scripture (out of context), but nowhere in the Bible does it teach that this is right. In fact, there is a lot of teaching about getting your desires in line, and there are multiple examples in scripture about people getting it wrong - learn from their mistakes, you don’t need to make your own. Your body, your emotions, your desires should not be your ‘Master and Lord’. Jesus should be.

2) False teachers also ‘deny’ Jesus as ‘Master and Lord’. Like hinted to in the first point, it is about who is in charge. Do those you are influenced by extol Jesus or do they deny the power, significance and salvation of Jesus? It may not be the main message of what they say, but if attention is drawn away from Jesus and onto something else, then be careful. Focus can be put onto many other things such as; people, angels, wealth, the body, Holy Spirit, sin, freedom. As you come across different teaching, ask yourself whether the main focus is Jesus. Are they majoring or minoring on him? If he is not the main focus, then do not allow that teaching to majorly impact your life as you will start to drift away from him and after other things. 

The message from these verses is that we should fight for the integrity of what we believe, and learn to evaluate what we are taught. Watch out for what you are taking onboard and ensure that you yourself are following Jesus as your only Master and Lord. Guard yourself from sensuality and from those who make less of Jesus, instead ‘contend for the faith’ - fight for it - knowing the importance of what you have and who Jesus is. The faith we contend for is the truth that Jesus is the Son of God, and he came and lived as a sin-free man before being condemned to die on the cross so that he could take the full weight of every sin and restore you and I to God the Father. There is nothing more you or I can do or believe than that. All of scripture leads to and through this fact. Do not let anyone else distract you with; superior knowledge, angelic dreams, power, influence, money, persuasive arguments. When you listen and learn from others, always consider who/what are they pointing at? Are they making much of anything or anyone else other than Jesus? If so, then as Jude tells us to contend for the faith we have. 

The truth

6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:6.

Here Jesus is telling us a few things about who he is, last week we looked at him being the way, this week we are going to ponder the fact that Jesus claims to be 'the truth' as well. 

If we consider this statement that Jesus is 'the truth', then this means that truth has existed before the world began as Jesus also existed. Before creation, truth existed. Truth is also found in a person, not as a concept or quality. In the first chapter of this book of John, Jesus is also described as being ‘the word’ that created and spoke into being all things, therefore truth was evident and in existence then, right from the very start of all we know. Truth was present in Jesus, and through his words.Truth has existed for longer than the world that we are dependent on, In fact, Jesus and truth have actually been the foundation of all of these things. Truth is found in Jesus and through his words.  

Jesus came to Earth as a human and so became the embodiment of truth, revealing who God is. When he came to Earth as a human, Jesus revealed the truth about who he is and who his Father is. Whatever traits we see in Jesus, we can know that Father God has the same. 

Therefore, if we want to live honest, truth-filled lives, and as Jesus is the truth, surely we need to learn to understand the world around us through him. Otherwise we are not living in truth, are we? If Jesus is the truth and the creator of all that is around us, then it makes sense to try to appreciate all that life entails through the one who made it. When we do we are able to put things into the right context. If we remove Jesus from our thinking, then how are we approaching the situations, people and the world each and every day? If Jesus is truth and we decline to live with him, then what are we living with? How are we assessing the things and people we encounter?

There are many things in this world that vie for our attention and that claim to be true, just and right, but do you take time to test these things and see if they aline with who Jesus is, what he taught and represents? Others’ arguments, values and experiences may be strong and persuasive but does what they are bringing agrees with scripture which is true? Do you stop to reflect and ask yourself if Jesus would have had those theories, acted in that way or taught these things? If you know he wouldn’t then you know that these things are not based in the ultimate truth. 

It may be that the words spoken by Jesus are hard to understand, or difficult to take onboard, but it doesn’t mean that they are wrong. Just because things may be hard to accept and live, doesn’t mean that they are irrelevant, should be ignored or are simply untrue. It just means that we don't like it. 

Jesus, and truth have existed before this planet and before time. Surely that is something dependable, reliable and certain that you can build your life upon. After all, the theories and ideas of man last a season, change frequently and eventually are often discarded and mocked. Yet, Jesus the Son of God, has outlasted them all. The truth has lived, has created this Earth and walked this Earth, and is still alive, living with His Father in heaven. Do you live with that truth in your life? 

what is real?

From the previous verses we have established the superiority of Christ. He is the creator of all things, powerful and majestic, the ‘exact imprint’ of God, worshipped by angels. After we have established these facts, we now encounter the everlasting nature of Jesus;

“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
*11* they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment,
*12* like a robe you will roll them up,
like a garment they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will have no end.”

 Hebrews 1:10–12.

What do you notice as you read the verses above?

Does reading this give you comfort or make you a little scared?

Both reactions are understandable as there are two guarantees in these verses - that the world will end and Jesus will outlast it.
Be honest with yourself - which do you notice first?

Considering your response to these promises shows something about your natural mindset. If you see the world ending as a predominant theme then you are probably someone who is quite aware of life’s risks, concerns and disappointments. This awareness can correspond to feeling fearful and worried about the future.

Take comfort in the verses that follow. If you have faith in God, if you know Jesus is the one who; made, sustains and finishes it all, then surely strength and hope will follow.

Jesus is in charge.  He always has been, he currently is, and he always will be. Concentrating on this and the truth of who Jesus is builds trust in him for our lives now as well as for the future. Jesus is clearly shown as being everlasting in these verses. So, for us, if we are tempted to despair at the thought of the world ending, considering Jesus and his part in it all must surely bring hope. Focussing on the eternal God rather than the temporal Earth will inspire and breed confidence in not whet we can; see, hear and touch, but in the one who made all of these physical things.

We have been indoctrinated from birth to believe in the validity and security of this world. To trust in all that is around us that we can acknowledge with our senses. But all of these things we can experience are created entities. They are all part of the world, and as lovely and string as they are, they all have a beginning and an end. The things we have trust in are temporal things that are going to perish. The world that we walk upon, that we trust to be there as we wake up each day will cease to exist, all that we know, see and understand will one day be gone. What will we have to believe in then? What will be left?

These verses cause me to question the strength of my own faith. They challenge me to consider the strength of my trust in God. Is my faith in God greater than my trust in the world around me? It is hard to judge, we are so used to worldly things, we are accustomed and expectant that everything we see and know will still be present tomorrow, but what if it’s not?

What if the reality of the world isn’t as real and assured as we have been indoctrinated, from a young age, to believe?

This ‘real’ world is destined for destruction, why should we trust it?  If the ‘real’ world is so fragile and temporal, why do we waste time and effort trusting in it’s solidity? If it’s strength and solidity are transient, why should we trust in all that it offers?
This world is going die, it is clear, we can see it in the news, look out our windows and see the decline, yet we still hold onto it. Yet, isn’t it like clinging onto a sinking ship? If we hold onto something that is perishing - what hope is there for us?

What worldly practices or assurances are you holding onto? Do you have the confidence and faith to hand them over? Do you have a faith and trust in Jesus that is greater than all you know and experience?

Are you trusting more in this world than in the promises of the eternal one?