2025-08-15
Good morning, Dear Ones,
The Holy Spirit directs me to complete what was started last week about humble study of the Scriptures. God has commanded us to love one another repeatedly in the Bible. Some examples are JN 15: 12, 1 JN 4: 11, 1 JN 3: 16, 1 THESS 4: 9; EPH 4: 2, 32, GA 6: 2, PS 34: 8, and PR 10: 12, which I hope you will read. This command is to be carried out not only on weekends, but on every day of the week. It doesn’t matter where we are, who we are with, or what we are doing. The Lord Jesus has even gone so far as to tell us, in MT 5: 44-45a, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven...” Of course, that’s not easy to do, but we must do it anyway. Not everyone will love us but that is the reality of our lives. We can’t control the behavior of another person. but we can choose how we will behave or react to it. Remember MT 5: 39 [Jesus speaking], “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” Non-retaliation and forgiveness are emphasized.
Humility and submission to God are indicators of emotional and spiritual maturity. These things are essential to good leadership. Not all of us are leaders but God has given us a way to choose a good leader—someone we would like to emulate. If we see that we are not in the company of a good leader (one who is humble, forgiving, patient, and well-qualified), we should not be “unequally yoked,” as 2 COR 6: 14 indicates. This might apply in finding the right church, extricating oneself over time from a toxic boss or colleague in the workplace, friendships that go awry, or any number of unhealthy human interactions. This action should be taken with as much peace and dignity as possible.
Our tasks for God make demands on our time. However, God never tells us to do something that is a waste of our time or not in our best eternal interests. We are told in PS 90: 12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” MT 6: 33, “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” God will give huge tasks to people created to do them, and smaller tasks to those who are not. When the wrong person tries to do a task, he is not created to do, there is trouble. This trouble must eventually be corrected or the problem spreads, brings evil to even more people. The history of the Nazi regime during WW II is an example.
Some careers demand a willingness to be ready to act seven days a week. Such was the case of doctors in the past, until the present system of delivering medical care was instituted. Substitutes are put on off-hour times to give these doctors time off. Hospitalists make hospital visits, saving physicians time. Pastors must have a system to deal with this problem as well. This is especially true when a pastor is ill; then, a supply pastor takes his place. However, the pastor of a church must be ready and able to help a family or individual in emergency situations, sometimes during his off-hours. My husband, Peter (now deceased) suddenly fell ill. I was too close to him emotionally to be much of a support spiritually, but our pastor dropped what he was doing and came to the hospital when I called him. He was there even before a final diagnosis came in from the doctor. This is something I’ll never forget.
I’m using the tasks God calls a pastor to do as an example of the readiness necessary in emergencies. However, it can happen to any lay person too—a family member or a friend being called to the aid of someone in an emergency. Certainly, this is true when a person is critically ill, has had a life-threatening accident, or is near-death for any reason. The people involved are forced to lean on God, whether clergy or relative or friend. 2 COR 12: 9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” God is on the job 24/7! IS 66: 13, [God speaking] “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” Our humility opens the way for God’s action.
PRAYER: O Lord, we are awed by the example that our Lord Jesus set for us in humility, patience, submission to You, and ministry. PS 145: 18, “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” With time and some emotional pain, these difficulties will pass away, with the understanding that “I can do all things through Him, Who strengthens me” [PHIL 4: 13]. “God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son He loves” [COL 1: 13]. Our need for Your presence and intervention in our lives is continual. You never abandon those who love You. You are a wise and faithful God, and we offer You our utmost praise and thanksgiving, in the holy/mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
NEXT WEEK: All of today’s discussion is leading up to the subject of mercy, which will be the subject next week. I’m commanded to take up God’s mercy and His desire for merciful behavior from us. Our weakness is not ignored by God. IS 41: 10, “So do not fear, I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” What a great and comforting message He leaves us! There is no love like that of God for His human creation. Praise and thanksgiving be to Him!
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn, JS 24: 15
© Lynn Johnson 2025. All Rights Reserved.
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