Good Morning or Good Evening, whatever the case may be when you find yourself reading this weekly letter, Isn’t it ironic, what we find ourselves facing today?
Let me just give you a refresher course on the word irony because we are certainly faced with a great deal of irony today. One of the best definitions of irony is something that is exactly opposite of what is meant or expected to happen. I think one of the most appropriate words to define the culture of today is Ironic. Let me give you a few examples:
1. It is ironic that the Law Enforcement Officers today require our help today? They have become the victims.
2. It is ironic that a culture that votes to end the life of an unborn child would care about a shortage of baby formula.
3. It is woefully ironic the gender debate that is poignantly contrary to what God expected or intended, when he formed us male and female in the womb and the genetic markers prove this.
I could go on and on but I think the point is well taken.
In a spiritual conversation let’s turn to the question of Faith. You know the Word of God says, that every man is given a measure of faith, then it is ironic that some people would live life without cashing in on what God has given. The book of Hebrews chapter 11, is called the Faith Chapter of the Bible, for good reason, the word faith is used 24 times in this one chapter. As you read it, it is as though something stirs inside you, that measure of faith is quickened and an infusion of expectation comes alive. Let me give you a list of a few of these heroes of faith, the mere mention of their names has a way of bring anticipation into our hearts and minds in all situations. You know them like old friends; Gideon, Samson, Moses, Joseph, Jacob, Sarah, Abraham, David and several more. These along with some whom are not even mentioned except to say the world was not worthy of such gallant individuals they are simply called, ‘OTHERS’. It is said of the ‘OTHERS’ that THEY OBTAINED A GOOD REPORT.
It would have been something else to have been asked to build and ark, or be walk with God in such a way that He chose to just take you home with Him after a long walk one evening, can you imagine being tagged Father of the Faithful? Dare to be a Daniel or a Gideon even though you are the runt of the litter but that is not our calling, these are all examples of what happens when a man or a woman uses his or her faith.
Those who are listed at the end of the chapter are not quite so conspicuous. They however like us are all important and the eye cannot say to the foot I have no need of thee. One of my favorite studies is the word, EACH. You may say, how could a word like that be of any interest or even considered a favorite word study?
TOOLS
Acts 2:3
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon (each) of them.
TOOLS
Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let (each) esteem other better than themselves.
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2Thessalonians 1:3
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith grows exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward (each) other abounds; Have you ever thought of yourself as an, EACH?
I have and I am thanking God for EACH one of you today, as it is expected of me, BECAUSE YOUR FAITH GROWS EXCEEDINGLY, AND THE AGAPE LOVE OF EVERY ONE OF YOU ALL TOWARD EACH OTHER ABOUNDS. I encourage you to esteem EACH other, better than yourselves. That is the ironic contrast of Christianity in comparison with this world. I believe in each of you and I encourage you to use your faith, for the irony would be that you would choose not to use it, in a world that is filled with irony.
God bless you today and make His face to shine upon on you, for the favor of the Kings face is like a cloud of latter rain.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Cleddie and GayNell
Once again thank you for your support of all we do in the work of the Lord, EACH of you are a blessing.