One type of Christian trusts that what Jesus teaches is true . . . but only on an intellectual level. This man/woman appreciates a good sermon, but then goes away and lives out the moments of their life in ways that make it indistinguishable from the lives of those who do not trust Jesus at all. This type of person doesn’t trust Jesus with his life, and so lives “like a shrub in the desert” (Jeremiah 17:6). There is another type, ... moreGood day Templar family
. . my God, in whom I trust—Psalm 91:2
One type of Christian trusts that what Jesus teaches is true . . . but only on an intellectual level. This man/woman appreciates a good sermon, but then goes away and lives out the moments of their life in ways that make it indistinguishable from the lives of those who do not trust Jesus at all. This type of person doesn’t trust Jesus with his life, and so lives “like a shrub in the desert” (Jeremiah 17:6). There is another type, though, one who chooses to trust the truth of Jesus deeply, authentically, and practically. This type of person lives the moments of their life in ways that are markedly different than they’d be otherwise . . . because of their trust.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream . . .
(Jeremiah 17:7-8).
When we trust Jesus—when we actually live like we trust Him—we then come to life. When we live like we trust Him, we become spiritually strong and healthy and fruitful, like trees planted by the water, and we begin to move into the full lives that God dreamed about so long ago (John 10:10; Ephesians 1:3-6).
Which type of person are you? What are you doing in your life that distinguishes you as a follower of Jesus? What are you doing that you’d never do, but for your trust in Jesus? If your answer is “nothing” or “not much,” then it’s time now, brother, to begin. Do something practical that demonstrates your trust. Whatever you do, it need not be clever or complex. Just use the two great commandments as your guide (Matthew 22:37-39) and do something . . . today.
Have a blessed Sunday.
God's blessings.
Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
The one who conquers, I will grant him
to sit with Me on My throne—Revelation 3:21
Ever been in the middle of something tough, prayed for rescue, and heard . . . nothing? Ever questioned God, in frustration, “Why won’t You answer?”
Could it be that God doesn’t always answer because, sometimes, He wants us to stay right where we are and learn, there, how to fight? Could it be that God sometimes allows trouble and pain to train us, to build our maturity, to make us m... moreGood day Templar family
The one who conquers, I will grant him
to sit with Me on My throne—Revelation 3:21
Ever been in the middle of something tough, prayed for rescue, and heard . . . nothing? Ever questioned God, in frustration, “Why won’t You answer?”
Could it be that God doesn’t always answer because, sometimes, He wants us to stay right where we are and learn, there, how to fight? Could it be that God sometimes allows trouble and pain to train us, to build our maturity, to make us more reliable conduits of His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control? We often consider trouble and pain as unnecessary, to be avoided, hindrances to ease and happiness. Might it make more sense to consider trouble and pain as opposition, as a mountaineer views the pitch and the altitude, or as a linebacker views the block and the fake?
We aren’t meant to be someone who avoid opposition, numb it or deny it. We aren’t meant to run from battles, to hide and to let others fight. We’re built for opposition. Truthfully, we’d probably wither without it. We must see it, though, for what it is: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12 ). Our struggle is against being lured into selfishness, indifference, impatience, rage, resignation, or sin in the face of problems at work, or in our finances or relationships or families. These are epic struggles—battles worthy of any man or woman.
God doesn’t always take opposition away, becauseHe’s built you to conquer, not to cower. And he’s given you everything you’ll need. Spend time this week reading and meditating upon Ephesians 6:10-17. Write out what the words mean to you, personally, practically.
Have a blessed Friday
God's blessings.
Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
We must work . . . while it is day;
night is coming—John 9:4
Ever feel like you’re spending way too much of life watching? I mean, what’s your personal watching-to-working ratio? And, by “working,” I don’t mean work-work. I mean working on those specific things for which you were created—for example, those things mandated by the two great commandments (Matthew 22:37-39).
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforeha... moreGood day Templar family
We must work . . . while it is day;
night is coming—John 9:4
Ever feel like you’re spending way too much of life watching? I mean, what’s your personal watching-to-working ratio? And, by “working,” I don’t mean work-work. I mean working on those specific things for which you were created—for example, those things mandated by the two great commandments (Matthew 22:37-39).
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
Are you engaging in your good works? Or do you find that you're watching too many sermons about the Gospel, rather than living out the Gospel? Or watching too many movies and reading too many books about other people’s adventures, rather than living out the adventures God has for you? Or watching sports too much . . . watching others face their fears, face great odds, and push themselves beyond their supposed limits, rather than doing those things yourself? Don’t get me wrong, sermons, movies, books, and sports are good things. There’s nothing wrong with inspiration . . . but it’s got to be inspiration for something.
“Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, He had us in mind . . .” (Ephesians 1:4 MSG). When God dreamt about you so long ago, did He dream of you watching others live out their great stories, but not you? Of course not. Of course He dreamt of a great story for you too. Of course He has a story He cannot wait to share with you, right now.
Search your heart. What’s going on in there? Is it rising? Falling? Is it light? Heavy? Stop, now, and pray to God that he lead you into your story . . . your ancient story. That’s a good prayer. That’s one, I think, to which he’ll likely respond. So, you might buckle up.
Have a blessed Wednesday
God's blessings.
Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
If God chose to speak to us using methods unmistakable, undeniable—a clearly audible voice or a conversation with an Angel, perhaps—identifying His voice would be simple. Such encounters would be impossible to ignore, even for the distracted or dissenting among us. He employs methods like these, however, only but very rarely. Much more often, He uses methods any of us can mistake, or even deny—methods like His still, sma... moreGood day Templar family
. . . He rewards those who seek Him—Hebrews 11:6
If God chose to speak to us using methods unmistakable, undeniable—a clearly audible voice or a conversation with an Angel, perhaps—identifying His voice would be simple. Such encounters would be impossible to ignore, even for the distracted or dissenting among us. He employs methods like these, however, only but very rarely. Much more often, He uses methods any of us can mistake, or even deny—methods like His still, small voice and human agency.
Identifying His voice when it comes through these latter methods is—by intentional design—more difficult. Note the story of Elijah on Mount Horeb, when God uses his still, small voice (1 Kings 19:9-18). He makes it clear the nature of this voice is not dramatic, nor the volume loud; it’s a gentle whisper. Unobtrusive. It’s not forced upon Elijah, nor upon us. The same is true of human agency. When He speaks through family, friends, acquaintances, His voice is likewise easy to mistake, easy to deny. Such people talk with us every day and the few words that are inspired can get lost among the many that are not. Again, unobtrusive.
But, though unobtrusive, Elijah still heard God’s voice. And so can we. We can hear it—but we must listen determinedly. Otherwise it’ll fade into noise. Why? Why does God allow us to find him when we seek him earnestly and hide Himself from us when we do not? To do differently would be coercion, or close to it. And that’s not how He works.
Get rid of distraction. Drop the skepticism. Drop the defiance, brother and sister. He wants a two-way relationship with you, one in which you speak and are spoken to . . . by God Almighty. That’s an astounding offer. All He wants is for you to choose Him, freely. Choose Him.
Have a blessed Sunday
God's blessings.
Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
I once heard it said that peace is not the absence of something, but the presence of someone. There were a few tough moments in my life where I remembered very clearly everything that I felt, the reason behind every tear, and the exact words I prayed. But, oh, those few moments that I do remember
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
I once heard it said that peace is not the absence of something, but the presence of someone. There were a few tough moments in my life where I remembered very clearly everything that I felt, the reason behind every tear, and the exact words I prayed. But, oh, those few moments that I do remember
They forced me to cling to that peace with everything in me, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget them. I was raised Christian and at a young age I put my trust in Christ for salvation.
Peace is not the absence of something. It’s the presence of Someone(God). And that Someone has promised He will never leave. He will always be there with you, holding you, and telling you it’s going to be okay. Pain may last through the night… but joy comes in the morning. Also, allow me to remind you that joy comes in the mourning.
You may never have planned on ending up where you are, but hidden in this trial is a beautiful opportunity to cling to the One who’s holding you. He’s with you now.
Have a blessed Wednesday
God's blessings.
Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
CAA Brian Mexin
Priory of Saint Luke
Be Kind and be Humble