Tag: God

Have a Safe Journey with Protector God

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Have you ever considered God’s perfect timing with the events in history? Today’s scripture tells us how God manipulated the scene to make sure that His Son would be born in Bethlehem. The prophet Micah had foretold years before that Messiah would come from Bethlehem. “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” Daniel reminds us of how God orchestrates events to His will in Daniel 2:21“He changes times and seasons;  he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;” God moved Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in an amazing way.

Luke 2:1-5 “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.”

Compelled by the governor’s decree, Joseph and Mary set out for Bethlehem. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about 70 miles if they had been able to go in a straight line, but they would have gone around Samaria to avoid hostile Samaritans and through the hill country. The journey would have been arduous for Mary in late stages of pregnancy and the estimated 90 miles would have been on foot or riding a donkey. I marvel at God’s protection for this journey that was upon Mary, Joseph and the unborn baby Jesus. God protected them and He is our protector too.

God protection is evident so many stories in the Bible. God protected David as he fled from King Saul’s hatred and desire to kill him. God protected the Israelites in the desert for 40 years providing them with manna to eat, water and guidance with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. God protected Ruth as she gleaned in the fields and met her kinsman redeemer in Boaz. God protected Paul as he was shipwrecked, beaten, flogged, jailed, etc. God desires that His work continue and will always see it to completion. We have God’s promise in Philippians 1:6 to cling to,“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Psalm 121 puts His protection this way:
“I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.

Psalm 91, which is often referred to as God’s 911 calling number, and is one I often claim: “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.“

God is our protector and deliverer just as He was for Mary and Joseph as they journeyed towards Bethlehem. He saw them safely there. He will walk with you through life’s trials, seeing you safely home to Him one day.

Linda

Mary Praises Continue

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Mary’s Song of praise continues in Luke 1:46-49 as she looks to God in praise speaking of God’s care for Israel. Mary recognizes the power of God and His Sovereign nature.

Luke 1:46-49 “And his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Only a sovereign God could show His strength and power from generation to generation. He has moved kings and kingdoms, given good things, been merciful to his people and interacted personally with Abraham. Being Sovereign means God controls all things. There is nothing outside of God’s wise control, even to the timing for each individual. What God plans happens. When God allows evil, we can trust He has planned to use it for His people’s good and His glory. God had perfect timing for His Son to come the first time and knows the perfect time for His return. All God has planned will come to pass as He alone has the power to make it happen. His will cannot be thwarted.

Mary knew this about God. She has seen His strength and power in Isabel’s history. She would have known about Moses, the escape from Egypt after the 10 plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, the walls of Jericho falling down to the trumpet of God, their first king Saul and his hatred for beloved king David, their constant idol worship which led them into captivity for 70 years and the return as God promised. Mary had heard these stories read in the temple and knew the power of Almighty God to move in history. She knew God to be merciful and caring. She knew He was sovereign over all things.

What do you know about God? Can you talk about God’s character and how you have seen Him in your life? Mary knew first hand that God was real and she marveled that God had chosen her. I too marvel at how God uses individuals to accomplish His work. Each of us is important to God and can be a part of His work. Paul spoke of the importance of each believer in Romans 12:4-6a “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us,” In Christ we are all part of Him and have a purpose for His work and for supporting other believers. We are all gifted by God to help lift up, encourage and build up one another. Who do you need to encourage today? Can you send an email, a card or call with a word to show you care? Be open to God, like Mary, and look expectantly for ways God will use you to show the love of Jesus to the world.

Linda

What would your Song to God sound like?

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Mary’s response to a greater realization of God’s favor upon her after being with Elizabeth is recorded in Luke 1:46-54. The first section is 46-49 which we will look at today. This portion of scripture is known as the Magnificat as it takes its name from the first line-magnifies. Mary begins by praising God and recognizes God is her Savior.

Luke 1:46-49 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.

Mary praises God and tells Him how much she is overjoyed to be His servant. For Mary God is accessible and she can talk directly to Him. Being accessible means God is near and wants to have a relationship with each of us. Mary knew this and calls Him her Savior. She marvels at how God has enlightened and enlivened her soul and blessed her with this child to come. She does not look down or back, but up to God. She knows He alone is Holy God, loves and cares for her and the child she carries. Mary knows that God hears her prayers and humbles herself before God in a prayer of thanksgiving and praise.

How accessible is God to you? Do you take advantage of prayer and spend time communing with God? Is praise on your lips as you think about God and bow before Him? We know God is accessible to us through our faith in Jesus. He is accessible as our Savior, John 14:6  “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” He is accessible to me anytime I have need, Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” He is accessible to me when I am in need of forgiveness, Hebrews 10:22 “ let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” God promises to be near me if I come towards Him, in James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. ” What is keeping you from God? He is always faithfully waiting for us to come to Him.

Do you have a song of praise for God today? Mary knew the joy of communing with God. It lead her to praise and joy in her soul. Join her in drawing near to accessible God in a song of praise!

Linda

God Knows Mary and He Knows Me too!

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I love the story of the angel’s encounter with Mary. Can you imagine as young girl of about 16 coming face to face with a heavenly being and that you have conversation with him? She is such a young woman of composure that even in her fear, she is able to speak coherently. Being tongue tied would not have been out of the question for me at that age. Listen carefully to Gabriel as he shows compassion and understanding towards this young woman.

Luke 1:26-38 “ In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

The attribute I have chosen for this scripture is Personal. God sends Gabriel to meet Mary and he calls her by name. She is known to the God and specially chosen for this holy mission. We know that God knows us but really that is hard to take in and understand. The God of the universe knows me? Jesus confirmed this fact in John 10:14-15 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” and John 10:27-28 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Jesus says those who believe in Him are known to Him and to the Father. We will respond to His voice and follow Him. No one can take us away from Jesus! I know this makes me feel loved, affirmed and special in God’s eyes. I can imagine Gabriel calling Mary by name and speaking personally to her made her feel loved, cared for, recognized and humble.

She does ask Gabriel questions about how this is possible as she in not married and has not known a man. Her questions are not like Zechariah’s as she is not asking in a disbelieving manner but with sense of wonder at the possibility. Being a good Jewish girl, she would have know about the prophecies of a Messiah to come. She would have understood who Gabriel was talking about and knew she was a descendant in David’s lineage. I’m sure she was amazed to hear that her cousin Elizabeth was having a child when she was known to be barren. Taking all of this in, Mary ends the passage saying she is and will be a willing and a servant of God.

What about you? Does knowing Jesus knows you, cares and loves you make a difference in your life? Mary was willing to step out in faith and trust God with her life and her future to serve Him. Does that describe you? If not fully, make it a matter of prayer and know God is personal and you make a difference to Him. I love 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” He wants everyone to come to faith in Jesus and belong to His family. Who can you tell about Jesus, a personal God who loves you?

Linda

Zechariah Learns a Lesson

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Today’s portion of scripture is taken from Luke 1:8-20. We see Zechariah in the temple doing his priestly duties and is interrupted by the angel Gabriel who has a message from God. God knew it was Zechariah’s time to serve and He wanted him for a specific mission.

“Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was” serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

The attribute I have chosen for this passage is Perfect. God is Perfect in all He does and says. In this story we see God’s perfect timing. He sent the angel Gabriel at the specific time in Israel’s history to bring good news of this son that Zechariah and Elizabeth would miraculously have, even though they were older, to be the forerunner of Jesus. Zechariah’s son would be filled with the Holy Spirit before his birth and live a righteous life leading many to repent and turn to God. Zechariah and Elizabeth were the perfect parents to train and teach their young son about God and His Word.

I am always amused when I read about Zechariah’s boldness in questioning the word of the heavenly being Gabriel. His unbelief moved him to ask, how can I know this to be true? It is not surprising that Gabriel was offended at Zechariah questioning his integrity and his message from God. The punishment was also perfect. It was severe but not harmful to Zechariah’s person but to his pride. It also allowed others to see that he had indeed had an encounter with a God. Gabriel made the punishment time limited so that he would again have the message confirmed when it came to pass and know the power of God. God is perfect in his ways and they are not our ways as we are reminded in Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God always has the perfect solution and His timing is flawless.

This coming John would be the forerunner, proclaiming the glory of God to come. Later when both men are grown, John has the privilege of baptizing Jesus and proclaiming Jesus’ purpose in the world. John 1:29 “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

I can rely upon God’s perfection in all His ways, plans and timing. I may not see or know the plan, but I can trust the planner. I don’t’ need to question the truthfulness of God’s Word as I know it is flawless and true in its perfection. Lean into God and trust His Word in a new way today.

Linda

God Controls Peace- Rest in Him

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Today’s verse about the Lord finding delight in man gives me hope in the character of man. Proverbs 16:7

“When a man’s ways please the Lord,
    he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

When I first read this I focused on the peace that comes from pleasing God. Then I realized that when God is pleased with my behavior, He can and does make even my enemies be at peace with me. This is about God and His knowing my behavior and making others around me to cause peace to happen with me. Does this come as a surprise to you that God can cause others to be peaceful? Jesus told us in John 14:27 “ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” His peace is not regular peace, but peace that will allow us to live for him and be unafraid! We have a lot of evidence that God can and does cause things to happen. He brought the world into being, he created man and woman, he caused there to be a way to reconcile us to Him and so much more. God is a mover and a shaker and His will cannot be thwarted. Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

Since we know this about God, why not focus on what God wants us to do and leave the world, its problems of unpeaceful-Ness to Him. In Titus we find and admonition for good behavior because we know Christ and want to please Him as we wait for His return. Titus 2:11-13 “ For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” Because we have Christ within us, we are empowered to live for Him.

Let the turmoil of this world be left to the world and focus on living an upright, spirit-filled life for Jesus. God promises that He will cause our enemies to be at peace with us. Trust Him for the future as He knows how it will end and He wins!

Linda

Whom are you Reflecting in your Character?

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I have had an inordinately busy week. I wonder if others see me as frantic, calm, focused or scattered? How do I want them to perceive me? This is a question for reflection as we consider- How do others perceive you, your actions and your character? Everyone likes to be looked upon favorably. I would suggest that what we need to be more concerned about is how God perceives us, our deeds and character. In 1 Kings 10:6-9 records the words of the visiting Queen of Sheba as she meets King Solomon. “And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, 7 but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard. 8 Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.” 

She extols Solomon’s wisdom, prosperity and his ruling with justice and righteousness. In verse 9, she says this must be because God delights in him. She was right as All of the attributes Solomon exhibited were given by God. Solomon had asked God for wisdom so he could rule the nation of God’s people with justice. 1 Kings 3: 9-13. “ Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” 10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.” 

This example from scripture forces us to examine our own lives and ask what attributes has God given me that I might serve him. When we accept Jesus as Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. Besides the gifts of faith and eternal life, God enhances our character and begins to make us more and more like Jesus. Galatians 5:22-23 lists some of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” What attributes are you seeing in your own life? How have they changed over time? It pleases God when we use our godly attributes to engage with our world. Just like Solomon, others see how we are blessed by God as we seek to reflect His character in our lives.

Linda

God Delight Ends with Blessing

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When we obey God, He delights in us. Joshua reminded rebellious Israel that the land God was bringing them to was because of his delight in them. Number 4:8 “ If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey.” If they would just persist in following God and trusting in Him, they would receive what He had promised. Likewise in Deuteronomy 30:9 Moses reiterates this, “The Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground. For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, as he took delight in your fathers,” God wants to bless us with His best, but what is the cost? 1 Samuel 15:22 nails the answer, “Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—    empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing,  not staging a lavish religious production. Not doing what God tells you.” The Message translation makes it clear that God wants obedience over any show of allegiance or pretense. The ESV and NIV use the word delight in this verse, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,  as in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.”

What delights the Lord God enough that He would shower them and us with blessings? God desires obedience. Those that follow Him will be blessed. God made this promise to Abraham when He called him to follow him in Genesis 12:2-3 “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Abraham obeyed God and went where God directed. The promise was that all of the earth- all of us would be blessed through him. We see this fulfilled in Christ. Galatians 3:14 “so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.” Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,” We see through Abraham that obedience lead to blessings in his life and then into ours. Christ is the ultimate blessing and through Him we can be a blessing to others as we walk in obedience.

Through today’s scriptures we see that obedience (listening and doing what God desires) brings blessing and blessings are a way God shows His delight in us. How are you doing with your obedience to Him? Do you search the scriptures for the way He desires that you live? Do you pray and ask the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your daily life? Proverbs 10:22 says “The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” You will know when you are blessed by God as His blessings make us rich- body, soul and mind and there is no sorrow or regret with the blessing.

Linda

Steadfast Love

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Today passage in the Pleasing God series comes from Micah 7:18 and speaks of God’s character. He has a character that we can depend upon each and every day.

“Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity
    and passing over transgression
    for the remnant of his inheritance?
He does not retain his anger forever,
    because he delights in steadfast love.

God does not delight in sin at all and is grieved over the sin that is manifested in our lives and the sin that is present in this world. He is not passive about sin and scripture says sin angers God. Romans 1:18 speaks forcefully about God’s attitude towards sin. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” God shows his anger or wrath towards mankind when they delve into sinful ways and refuse to turn to Him. The children of Israel were taken into captivity in Babylon for their sinfulness even though they were repeatedly warned by the prophets to repent and change their ways. They refused to return to God and thus suffered the consequences.

However, just as God promised to rescue the Israelites after 70 years and return them to Israel, God’s anger does not remain forever because He delights in steadfast love. The Bible repeatedly tells us that God’s love is steadfast. We know that God is love. 1 John 4:8 “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Steadfast means fixed in place and immoveable, not subject to change. His love is rooted in His character and is always immutable and unwavering. Here are some affirming scriptures on the immutability of God: 1 Samuel 15:29 “ He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.” Psalm 33:11 “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

It should be of great comfort to us that God delights to show us His love. The Micah passage continues and explains ways that God shows his delight and love towards us.
19 “He will again have compassion on us;
    he will tread our iniquities underfoot.
You will cast all our sins
    into the depths of the sea.
20 You will show faithfulness to Jacob
    and steadfast love to Abraham,
as you have sworn to our fathers
    from the days of old.”

God reveals His love in His compassion, forgiveness, and faithfulness but most of all in how He deals with our sin. He promises to cast our sins into the deepest sea. Only God can remove our sins so it is not a part of us anymore. Our faith in Jesus allows this miracle to happen in our lives.

This blog focused on God’s delight of steadfast love instead of what we can do to bring delight to God. Knowing that God delights to show us His steadfast love, how can that change your thinking and attitudes towards God and others? Knowing God loves with steadfast endurance should help us to focus on what God sees in our actions and words as we interact with those around us. Jesus summed up where our loving focus should be in Matthew 22:37-40, “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Make loving God and others your goal and it will lead you to pleasing God!

Linda

Honoring Parents can be Tough, But it is God’s Way

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Today’s verse in the Pleasing God search, starts with Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Besides honoring and worshiping only God and not committing grievous sins towards others, we are commanded to honor our parents. 1 Timothy 5:4 adds these words, “Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.” Widows were to be taken care of but this is directed at their children. The children were to seek to honor their parents by making some return. We can speculate about that a bit. What comes to my mind is children working to support their surviving parent, taking part in the home and chores and honoring the memory of the deceased parent. Those types of actions would show growth in godliness and be pleasing to God.

Paul speaks of honoring our parents in Ephesians 6:1-3 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” The promise is that honoring our parents with godly behavior in both words and deeds brings long life. The act of honoring our parents is ordered by God and is indeed pleasing to Him.

How are you doing with this? It is not always easy to honor our parents especially if you have different points of view on major things in life. Family situation can be fraught with tensions. Sometimes it seems like a very fine line between being your own person and upholding your own beliefs and yet stay honoring towards your parents. Perhaps avoiding antagonizing words when in their presence and not speaking ill of them is a start. Even if you mostly get along with your parents, you can undermine your relationship with them by speaking poorly of them to others. It is hard to do at times but so important. The Word of God speaks plainly about slandering others with our words. In Mark 7:21-23, Jesus considers it evil in our hearts, “ For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” Paul speaks to the Ephesians 4:30-32 about grieving God the Holy Spirit, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” In Colossian 3:8-9 Paul encourages us to put these things away as they were part of our old nature.  “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.”

Honoring all relationships is what we are called to in Christ. Is it easy? No, but we have His spirit living within us empowering us to navigate the pathway of honor as it brings honor to God. Honoring behavior pleases God!

Linda