John 16:7-11

During Jesus’ discourse on the way to the Garden of Gethsemane, He told His disciples many things, including the promise of the Comforter. In the previous verses of this chapter (vv. 1-6), He told them that they would be persecuted and why and that He was now going His way to the One that sent Him. 

He told them, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth.” He promised them it was to their advantage for Him to go away. If He did not go away, the Helper would not come to them; if He went away, He would send them the Helper (v.7). Is it not a powerful truth that the Son of God – God in the flesh – was with them, yet dying on the cross was to their advantage? Jesus went on to say that when the Helper – the Holy Spirit – comes, He will convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment (v.8). That is, the Holy Spirit’s work in the world will be three-fold. He will convict, or expose, sinners because they do not believe in Him (v.9).

He told them, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth.” He promised them it was to their advantage for Him to go away. If He did not go away, the Helper would not come to them; if He went away, He would send them the Helper (v.7). Is it not a powerful truth that the Son of God – God in the flesh – was with them, yet dying on the cross was to their advantage? Jesus went on to say that when the Helper – the Holy Spirit – comes, He will convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment (v.8). That is, the Holy Spirit’s work in the world will be three-fold. He will convict, or expose, sinners because they do not believe in Him (v.9). He will also convict them of righteousness because He will go to His Father, and they will see Him no more (v.10). Man’s righteousness cannot save him. It is only through faith in Jesus Christ and the work He did on the cross. Thirdly, Jesus told them that the Holy Spirit will convict them of judgment because the ruler of this world is judged. The ruler of this world is Satan. All who choose to reject Christ will not escape eternal damnation with Satan (John 3:36; Acts 17:31, NKJV).

Today accept the truth. It was necessary for Jesus to return to His Father on our behalf after dying on the cross.

Give God glory!

 

 

Our month-long celebration of African-American history is the fruit of Carter G. Woodson’s effort, calling for the first one-week observance in 1926. He wrote, “If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”

Every people have traditions, and food is a major part of ours. Not only does everyone need food, but we enjoy it too. In the African-American or Black community whatever the occasion, food is there; fellowship and food go hand-in-hand. Ecclesiastes 9:7 says that we are to eat food with gladness, and drink our wine with a merry heart… There is so much diversity that we never know what might be served up on the menu at any given time. Let us not forget there is variety in preparation: fried, baked, boiled, grilled, canned, specialty preparations, stewed, and more. Due to the African-American historical experience, many of our traditional dishes may have been based on how food was prepared in Africa, on many of the islands, and of Native Americans. Bless God every day for the provision of food:

God is great.

God is good.

Let us thank Him for our food.

By His hands we all are fed.

Give us Lord, our daily bread.

Give us Lord, our daily bread.

Amen.

Joshua‬ ‭23‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭MSG‬‬

““Now, stay strong and steady. Obediently do everything written in the Book of The Revelation of Moses—don’t miss a detail. Don’t get mixed up with the nations that are still around. Don’t so much as speak the names of their gods or swear by them. And by all means don’t worship or pray to them. Hold tight to God, your God, just as you’ve done up to now.”

¹ The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

⁵ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

^{Repost of first blog post: 11 September 2020}

Genesis 12:1-3; Psalm 100:2-3

How often have you thought about your purpose of existence? Perhaps many times. God is purposeful in everything He does, whether or not you understand. He was purposeful when He created you in His image. Earthly parents naturally expect their children to be obedient and reflective of who they have trained them to be. We are children of God, so He expects us to obey Him and reflect on who He is.

Consider that God called Abraham and told him to leave his country and family and go to a land He would show him. He called Abraham and set him apart for His Divine will. Abraham (Abram) and his wife Sarah (Sarai) had no children, but God promised to make him a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and bless all families of the earth through him. God’s calling of Abraham was purposeful – testing his faith and obedience. Paul said that Abraham believed in God, and as a result, God counted it to him for righteousness. God has a purpose always; therefore, He should always get the glory. When last did you believe God and obey Him? Belief and obedience glorify Him.

Because He is your Creator and made you in His image, you are to serve Him with gladness and come before His presence with singing – to worship Him. Singing is an act of worship – in key or not. Lift your voice and let it rip. God is smiling because you are bold enough to give Him glory through singing.

Assuredly, He’s there all the time. Scripture says that He’ll never leave you nor forsake you. This day you may be feeling down and out. No matter how you feel, He knows what you are going through. So go ahead; acknowledge Him. Psalm 100:3, N.I.V. says, “Know that the Lord is Good.” Give Him glory!