JRMITCH85 Character, Decisions, Faith, Hope, thanksgiving

The Walk

Walking around our community, I have noticed a much greater number of fences that have gone up. While there may be a number of reasons for this, such as keeping out solicitors, or as a deterrent for crime, it has certainly made it more and more apparent that we are isolating ourselves from each other. Sin and ingratitude have built up fences between us and God, and often, those fences seem insurmountable. Due to our flaunting of God’s commands we have even isolated ourselves from the Almighty. Fortunately, Jesus’ sacrifice opens a gate in the gap and allows us to enter, even though we do not deserve it. As we recognize the blessed offering from God, we must learn to accept the gift, and walk in a way that is full of thanksgiving and joy, full of light and right living. Psalm 118 exemplifies how we are to walk with God.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,

     that I may enter through them

     and give thanks to the Lord.

20 This is the gate of the Lord;

     the righteous shall enter through it.

21 I thank you that you have answered me

     and have become my salvation.

22 The stone that the builders rejected

     has become the cornerstone.

23 This is the Lord’s doing;

    it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day that the Lord has made;

     let us rejoice and be glad in it.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Psalm 118:19-24.

In the darkest moments, God provides an opening to grace and salvation. Though Israel did not deserve the graciousness shown by God, through their constant failing to live up to God’s Law, God kept a remnant alive to come back, and God once again accepted their sacrifice. Sin proves to be a powerful draw away from righteous living. Sin allows darkness to cloud our judgment, but God directs us to the gate through Christ’s righteousness and saves us from sin. While salvation is ultimately found in Christ, God calls the people to sanctification and walking in the light of righteousness. Righteous living must define our lives, which requires believers to step away from sin and live in God’s peace with the world. By doing this we not only fulfill God’s calling for our lives, but we show by our walk that we are thankful for the life and sacrifice of Christ. Gratitude is an essential component of walking in righteousness. For without gratitude, we cheapen the grace received, and walk away from the life we are called to by Christ.

The temptation to walk away from God’s calling often comes in the midst of uncertainty or fear and we look elsewhere for answers. However, these times are opportunities for the Almighty God to prepare us for service. When we face rejection and fear, God makes us ready to be used for the glory of God. Unfortunately, we are not always going to find acceptance, and we are urged to remember that Jesus was rejected, but God used Jesus to transform the world. When the world knocks us down, God lifts us up to become something greater. We need to learn to prepare our hearts for what God is going to do with us individually, and corporately as a church. Transformation is made possible through faith in Christ, who delivers us from sin and death. That grace shared with us reminds us that even when we are struggling to keep walking in the light, through the power of Christ we walk with confidence as we follow in His footsteps. Therefore, we must even know that our gratitude flows from the amazing grace of God in Christ.

A key to gratitude is the reminder that there is always reason to give thanks and rejoice because we are the beloved of the Creator. Though we don’t deserve it, God smiles upon us each day and invites us to look up as we make ourselves more dependent on God, and relinquish our anxieties and fears. This perspective reminds us that each day is a gift from God, and walking in righteousness involves living each day in joyful gratitude for His salvation. “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it,” becomes more than simple liturgy, and infuses our soul with joy. With joy we understand that walking in the light is an active choice we must make each day because darkness begs us to yield to it and flee from the light. God goes to great lengths to show us that we are cared for and loved, we need to walk in such a way that we show off our belovedness. For when we do this, our community is ministered to in a way that the Gospel flows from us and into the hearts of those witnessing the grace and peace present in our steps and actions.

As we regularly reflect on the magnitude of God’s love and the salvation that Christ secured for us, we understand that the walk of faith starts with Christ tearing down the wall and opening the gate for our salvation. Therefore we are called to express our thanks through prayer, worship, and obedience. When we do this our hearts seek to live righteously in every area of your life. This includes your relationships, work, finances, and personal conduct. Thus it is imperative that we strive to align our thoughts, words, and actions with God’s will. Nothing is more important than our walk with God; every aspect of our life must reflect a transformation and an understanding that God has a purpose for us. We are called to live a life that honors God and reflects the transformative power of His grace. You can walk in righteousness and thanksgiving, experiencing the fullness of joy and purpose that He intends for us, and through this the whole community can be lifted up through the power of God moving through us.

JRMITCH85 Character, Faith, Hope, thanksgiving

I Am Able

We often underestimate our potential when faced with a true test. In these challenging moments, we discover our strength and resilience and realize that we are capable of more than we ever imagined. However, we don’t simply rely upon a self-made power or resiliency; instead, we rest in the strength of the Lord and remember that. Our world is increasingly divided, and looking at the election results and response, that becomes transparent. As followers of Christ, we may look upon that and say there is no way we can bridge that divide, but no matter where you find yourself on that spectrum, through Christ, it is possible. However, we cannot simply complain and wallow about the circumstance and wish it would change, but the Gospel demands that we reframe our mindset. Joy must be chosen, our hearts must be devoted to prayer, and we must become mindful of how we look at our world. Paul, in his closing words to the church in Phillipi, reminded them that no matter whether they were flourishing or troubled, a mind devoted to prayer and thanksgiving can change the world through Christ’s power.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Philippians 4:4-20.

We must remember that God is present with us and continuously asks us to offer every concern and emotion. Through this, God molds and mends our hearts and minds to focus on God’s calling. Whether in a time of prosperity or trouble, we must remember that God is with us continuously. Clearly, there will be good times and bad times throughout life, but we cannot allow our minds to feel powerless and out of control. Give our hearts to the Almighty, and power will be imbued within us. With the power of the Almighty, we can change the world around us. Just as the church in Phillipi offered kindness to Paul, which changed his outlook and situation, the church today is called to bring kindness to the division found in our world. Kindness brings healing, mercy, and peace. No matter who we are, we can always be kind. This is the power of God moving through us to change hurt into healing, chaos into peace, and hatred into love, which God calls the church to embody.

Our minds are powerful tools, and we have been given the incredible power to direct our thoughts. By focusing on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy, we can shape our perspective and experience a life of hope. Through supplication and thanksgiving, God grants us significant control over our thoughts. We might be tempted to think negatively because negativity and darkness surround us through the news and social media. However, Christ implores us to focus on what is beneficial and good. Just as  Paul offered thanks for the Phillipian church and their offerings to strengthen him, his focus was on the good they had offered him. While he could have been stuck in a negative spiral from the rejections he faced, he instead focused on the hope instilled by the church’s kindness and gave thanks to God for the gift. In this season, the church must bring hope to those in despair. Many people fear the future, and instead of speaking with language that minimizes or discards their emotions, we must learn to walk alongside people instead of clinging to false virtuosity. The church’s mission is to bring hope to the world by focusing on God’s promises and sharing those with our community because we remember that our hope is in Christ, not the government. 

When the source of our power comes from Christ, we can rise above any circumstance, fostering a sense of resilience and empowerment. Through the power of Christ, we understand how to be content and that our troubles are only temporary. Understanding how hope or anything positive can exist in hardship is difficult. Trouble seemingly begets trouble; however, Christ’s power can circumvent the downward spiral that darkness can take us down. Jesus’s power to overcome even death shows us that we are not confined to this difficulty; we can overcome and rise by Christ’s power of hope and peace. Paul reminded the people that his power came from Christ in the midst of both good and bad. There was no limit to what he could accomplish in his ministry through Christ. When persecutions come, Christ enables Paul to overcome and still carry out his purposes. This is exemplified by the way Paul continued the spread of the Gospel to Rome, even while he was imprisoned; therefore, even chains couldn’t prevent him from an empowered ministry. We look at our world and may think there is too much division to do any good. However, Paul reminds us that just as he was able to spread the Gospel throughout the Gentiles despite numerous setbacks and failures, it was powered by Christ and not by his power. Similarly, we are not powered to ministry through any government entity or any self-propulsion, but rather, when we are ready to take on the mantle of the Gospel, we are empowered by Christ. Thus, all excuses melt away, and we must proclaim that through Christ, I am able.

The election results provide a unique challenge to the church right now. God has called us to become a bridge during these tumultuous and divisive times, bringing hope, peace, and many prayers. While there may be many reasons we either don’t want to do this or feel we are incapable of such a high task. Christ eliminates these excuses by empowering all believers to carry out this mission into the world. When we focus our thoughts on God’s virtue, we remember the goodness God has supplied us in times of good and bad. This leads us toward thanksgiving and a renewed understanding that God has called us to walk alongside our hurting neighbors. In all circumstances, by choosing to rejoice in worship, we provide a balm to the pain experienced during times of strife. Through Paul’s example, the church finds inspiration to guide our community to the Gospel despite the rampant chaos and pain. He did not use any circumstance to prevent him from sharing the Gospel, but instead focused his mind on God and remembered that through Christ’s power, there are no barriers to his mission. We then must go out and respond to Christ’s call on our lives by responding that if Christ empowers us, I am able to accomplish it.

JRMITCH85 Faith, Hope, thanksgiving

Always Choosing Joy

As we approach the election, it’s clear that many of us are grappling with a shared sense of unease about what the future holds. This collective anxiety seems to transcend political divides, uniting us in a way that’s both comforting and disconcerting. No matter the election results, God calls each and every follower of Jesus to hold onto the joy of the Gospel. A thankful Christian must be a joy-filled servant ready to listen to how we can best serve people in our community. Paul’s admonition for the church in Thessalonica is equally true for the church here in the US. We are called to love, peace, encouragement, and joy. Therefore, with an eye on the call from Scripture, we must devote ourselves to bringing peace to our world.

12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24.

One of the most beautiful and powerful traits of a Christ follower is their unwavering joy, a joy that transcends circumstances and brings light to the darkest of times. If the church earnestly desires to influence the world, we must do it through our dedication to seeking joy in all circumstances. Doing anything else will more likely add to the chaos instead of speaking and acting as an instrument that brings healing to the divisions within the structure of our elections. Our joy always seeks to bring good to our community, even those who are opponents. At all times, our hearts must seek peace with all and for all our community. With this mindset, we shift from adversaries to ones with whom we seek mutual benefit. Through these actions, we shift from selfishness to humility in the face of becoming a joy-filled follower. We become light to everyone, and a source where we become an oasis to those weary in our community striving to flee the darkness.

Regardless of our feelings or the darkness that may seem to envelop the world, Christians are always called to seek God in prayer. This powerful act of communion with our Creator is a source of strength and reassurance, connecting us to the divine in times of uncertainty. Our prayers must dwell richly with those that may hate us and oppose us at every turn, because we must seek that God blesses our world. For we live among our community and we strive to implore that God’s everlasting grace bless the land and the people of the land that it may lead to a complete and true transformation. The prayers we actively pursue in relationship with God needs to be mindful of the situation we are in, but also to eliminate the very concept of vengeance from our minds. As in testing times like this there is always the temptation to vanquish our opponents, but as followers of Christ we see Paul calling us to prayer, and Jesus reminds us to love our enemies, thus our prayers must include asking God to heal our hearts as well. For in our prayers, we are reminded of God’s goodness, and the greatness of the Gospel. Thus, we must have hearts that understand that in this season we are to be thankful for the ability to come to the Almighty in prayer no matter what happens in our world.

As pillars of the Christian faith, joy and prayer lead Christ’s followers to a profound understanding. Through the Almighty God, we are called to a deep sense of thankfulness for the Gospel and God’s providence available to Christians. This gratitude uplifts our spirits and helps us appreciate the blessings surrounding us, even amid trials. We have no reason to fear because the outpouring of God’s love in our lives will keep us and protect us in the midst of any trial, and thus God desires that we remain without fault in the light of the Gospel, which leads us to worship and thanksgiving. None of those on the ballot can promise us what Jesus has already done, therefore our hope must firmly be placed in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The converse is also true, no one on the ballot can remove the efficacy of Christ’s death on a cross; therefore, we head into this week without a spirit of fear, but rather with a spirit of thanksgiving for what God has done.

The Spirit of God transcends our current circumstances; thus, we cannot allow anxiety to dictate whether we will follow Christ’s and Paul’s instructions. We must strive after sanctification in all things, but that begins with us choosing joy in Christ at all times. Regardless of our feelings about this upcoming election, we are called to choose joy. Joy has the power to transform our communities from places of division into havens for peace, and that is God’s mission for the church right here and right now. Think about joy in the words you use with your neighbor, and may your actions reflect the goodness of the Gospel as it has penetrated your heart. Through all of this we look upon what God has done for us and what God is doing in our community, and we give thanks, and lead our world to give thanks, not because of the outcome of an election, but because God is active and present bringing peace to us all.

JRMITCH85 Uncategorized

Jesus Gives Us Enough

Complaints and calls for change stem from an utter lack of satisfaction today. Although a quest for satisfaction is not new, it hearkens back to the beginning of the world when humans in Eden wanted more as they succumbed to temptation in the garden. The Rolling Stones echoed this, as they couldn’t get satisfaction. This lack leads to all sorts of questing for more, and people will go to odd ends to do so. From seeking validation through online platforms and measuring our worth by the number of followers or likes we receive rather than finding our identity in Christ. We may constantly compare our spiritual lives or achievements to those of others, leading to envy, pride, or a sense of inadequacy instead of finding contentment in Christ. We may look to human authorities for validation or direction rather than seeking guidance from God’s Word and the Holy Spirit.

We may become preoccupied with outward religious practices or adherence to specific doctrines while neglecting the true heart transformation that God desires. Our appearance takes precedence rather than cultivating a genuine relationship with God. This action leads to overlooking the daily miracles of creation – the sunrise, the changing seasons, the intricate design of a flower – and failing to see them as reflections of God’s glory. When this happens, we neglect the everyday miracles of human connection and the blessings of relationships. Jesus presented himself to the people for a relationship and showed great compassion for them, but even with all the miracles, there were many who simply wanted more.

In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. 3 And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away.” 4 And his disciples answered him, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” 5 And he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” 6 And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. 7 And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them.8 And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. 9 And there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. 10 And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.

11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mark 8:1-13.

God’s unwavering care for humanity is exemplified through His divine sustenance and mercy, regardless of our worthiness. This undeserved favor should fill our hearts with gratitude. Christ’s compassion is evident as He perceives the physical needs of the crowd even before His disciples do. His compassion precedes provision, reminding us that God is always aware of and cares for His people, proactively acting on our behalf. Before performing the miracle of feeding the multitude, Jesus offers thanks, acknowledging that all good things originate from God and are ultimately His to bestow. Our response of gratitude recognizes our dependence on Him. The crowd’s contentment with Jesus’ provision teaches us to be content with what God provides, trusting in His wisdom and believing that He knows and will fulfill our needs.

Arrogantly seeking more than what we have already been given implies that we believe we deserve something extra. Jesus Christ, the ultimate sign from heaven, exemplified by His miraculous feeding of 4,000 people, affirms His divine authority and power. He is the fulfillment of all divine promises, and we should not seek guidance or fulfillment elsewhere. Seeking signs beyond Christ reveals a lack of faith, as seen in the Pharisees’ demand for a sign. Their hearts were challenging God rather than genuinely seeking Him. True faith in Christ alone is sufficient; it does not necessitate additional proof or signs. Christ’s sufficiency silences our demands, as He has already provided everything necessary for our salvation and life through Him.

In our journey of following Christ, worship finds its ultimate expression in thanksgiving. This natural response to our undeserved faith echoes the crowd’s reception of the meal as a gracious gift from Jesus. Just as they received salvation and spiritual blessings, we too are recipients of these undeserved favors. This unmerited favor cultivates humility within us, reminding us of our dependence on God and countering the pride that seeks more than Christ’s sufficiency. Furthermore, gratitude fosters a heart filled with praise and adoration, leading us to worship God for who He is and all He has done. Recognizing His sufficiency fuels our worship, as we adore Him in response to His grace. In this way, worship becomes a cycle of receiving and responding, a beautiful exchange between us and our loving Father.

The passage concludes by emphasizing the importance of cultivating gratitude as followers of Christ. This gratitude is rooted in recognizing God’s providential care, Christ’s sufficiency, and our own grace in Him. We are called to be content with what God provides, trusting that He is enough and that asking for more is unnecessary. Furthermore, we are called to be agents of compassion and justice in the world, inspired by Jesus’ compassion for the hungry crowd. We are to see the needs around us and respond with love and action, following Jesus’ example. Just as Jesus provided physical bread for the crowd, we are called to share the “Bread of Life” – the Gospel – with a world hungry for meaning and purpose. While we may feel inadequate or our resources may seem small, the passage reminds us that God can multiply what we offer for His glory. The cultivation of gratitude, coupled with our role as agents of compassion and the sharing of the Gospel, encapsulates the essence of our calling as followers of Christ.

JRMITCH85 Faith, Hope, thanksgiving

Healed And Ready To Serve

The season of illness is upon us. Those with schoolchildren especially see all sorts of sicknesses spring up around them. Despite the best defensive measures, classrooms become Petri dishes for viruses and bacteria. Ever since the fall of man, sin has been a virus that infects our souls, seemingly breaking us free from our original purpose of worshipping and enjoying the benefits of creation. Instead, we toil and spin into the disease of selfishness and look primarily to our desires rather than caring for others. But Jesus came to heal us. The sacrificial act on the cross restored humanity to a relationship with God. His actions, like those in the healing of the ten leperous men, teach us that healing is a complete body, mind, and soul undertaking. He came to heal our souls from sin and our bodies from disease. This transformative power of God’s healing, when we truly understand it, fills us with hope and inspiration, compelling us to turn our healing into a service to the Almighty.

11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Luke 17:11-17.

Jesus comes to us; therefore, there is no need to travel to a specific place to encounter healing. We don’t see Jesus acting here in a special holy place. Instead, we see this act occurring while He travels and encounters people in their everyday context. Lepers were ritually unclean and forced to live apart, which is why they kept their distance. Yet, Jesus met them where they were, both physically and spiritually, showing that His grace extends to all, regardless of their perceived worthiness or social standing. The lepers were cleansed “as they went.” This signifies that faith in Jesus sets healing in motion before the physical manifestation is complete. We don’t have to earn or achieve access to God. He comes to us in grace through Christ. Just as Jesus met the lepers, He came to us in our brokenness and need. We don’t have to make ourselves “worthy” or travel to a special location. Our part is simply to cry out to Him in faith, like the lepers did, and trust in His mercy.

Trusting God begins by believing in the efficacy of God’s power. When Jesus tells us to do something, we mustn’t question it. Jesus instructed the lepers to show themselves to the priests before they were healed. Even without understanding this unexpected command, they were demanded to trust in Jesus’ authority and the efficacy of His word, prior to seeing the results of Jesus’ power. In the same way, we are called to trust and obey God’s Word, even when before we understand it, because it is His revealed Will for us. True faith is not passive; it leads to action and obedience. While salvation is by grace alone, true faith will inevitably produce good works in response to God’s grace. True faith involves trusting in God’s power and obeying His commands. It’s a call to active obedience, recognizing that God’s ways are higher than ours and that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. For this reason alone we must fill our hearts and minds with thankfulness.

In all circumstances, we must remember Thanksgiving. God heals us because the Almighty loves us and doesn’t require exorbitant payment for services rendered. However, in worship, we respond to God’s goodness with thanksgiving. The one leper’s response shows that gratitude is not merely a feeling but an act of obedience and a mark of spiritual growth—the ongoing process of sanctification, where believers are gradually transformed into the image of Christ. Gratitude is central in this process, shaping our hearts and minds to be more like Christ. It’s a call to appreciate and be humble in the face of God’s goodness. We worship not to earn God’s favor but to express gratitude for what He has done for us in Christ. Therefore, thanksgiving isn’t just a polite afterthought; it’s an essential part of the Christian life, acknowledging our dependence on God and praising Him for His goodness. God’s grace is unmerited by its nature. As we receive unmerited favor, our hearts must flood with thanksgiving and move toward serving God’s mission in our communities. 

The story of the ten lepers reminds us that God’s healing and salvation are gifts of grace. True faith responds with heartfelt thanksgiving and worship, acknowledging our dependence on Him and glorifying Him for His abundant mercy. Even facing illness and disease, while painful and complex realities, we understand that they are not meaningless occurrences, but consequences of the Fall, where sin entered the world and disrupted the perfect harmony of creation. So, even while suffering, God’s sovereignty and grace are at work, using even these trials to draw us closer to Him, refine our faith, and ultimately bring about His redemptive purposes. Most people who experience God’s healing do not respond with thankfulness, but we are called to more. As recipients of God’s amazing grace, we are called to a life transcending the world’s pervasive ingratitude. As healed people, let us strive to recognize, appreciate, and respond to God’s goodness with hearts overflowing with gratitude.

JRMITCH85 Character, Decisions, Faith, thanksgiving

We’ve Been Delivered

Thanksgiving usually gets confined to that brief window between Halloween and Christmas. With it, we think of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and an abundance of food that everyone at least satiated and most likely a bit stuffed. The holiday invites us to reflect upon our thankfulness. At my parents’ home last year, my niece invited us to write down items for which we were thankful. This gesture reminds me that often, we need to look at thankfulness with the heart of a child. However, throughout the scriptures, there are calls and reminders that thankfulness is necessary throughout the year. We have much to be thankful for in all circumstances, and one of our primary focuses should cause us to look at God’s blessings on us even when we have done nothing deserving of anything. The Psalmist leads us toward thanksgiving because when we are in need, God provides deliverance from our struggle, not because we are good or deserving, but because God is good and loves us abundantly.

107 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, 

for his steadfast love endures forever! 

2  Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, 

whom he has redeemed from trouble 

3  and gathered in from the lands, 

from the east and from the west, 

from the north and from the south. 

4  Some wandered in desert wastes, 

finding no way to a city to dwell in; 

5  hungry and thirsty, 

their soul fainted within them. 

6  Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, 

and he delivered them from their distress. 

7  He led them by a straight way 

till they reached a city to dwell in. 

8  Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, 

for his wondrous works to the children of man! 

9  For he satisfies the longing soul, 

and the hungry soul he fills with good things. 

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ps 107:1–9.

God’s enduring love is always present with us, regardless of our circumstances, and it is always good. It is this gift that the Psalmist directs our hearts to, first and foremost; therefore, our focus in any circumstance must direct us back to focus on God’s providence and mercy. Regardless of where the Israelites are, God shows His followers love by guiding us and leading the people back to the Almighty. This is the repeating refrain of the psalm. No matter what situation we find ourselves in, we can always rely on God’s love and faithfulness. He is always there to deliver us. That deliverance is not temporary nor dependent on some beneficent action on our part. Instead, it comes directly from the grace imparted to the people through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Due to God’s enduring love, we are directed to worship and thank God for delivering us from our circumstances and granting us hope for our future, providing us with a constant source of reassurance and comfort.

When we find ourselves in a precarious position, God hears our cries for mercy and help. The psalmist describes people in distress: lost in the wilderness, hungry and thirsty, imprisoned. But when they cry out to the Lord, He hears them and delivers them from their troubles. We can always pray to God, no matter how difficult our circumstances may seem. The Almighty hears our cries, and God provides us comfort, mercy, and peace when we seek shelter in God’s arms. When we are backed into a corner, the temptation may be to bargain with God, promising to be better than the person we were if God helps us out of the jam. However, that contradicts the prayers and cries God asks of us. Instead, we come before the Almighty with thankful hearts and a spirit of gratitude, requesting deliverance because we recognize God’s merciful heart. 

God delivers us from our physical troubles, but more significantly, God’s deliverance heals us spiritually so that we are transformed into a new creation. The Psalmist recounts that the people were in need and that God had led them gently until that need was fulfilled. This type of fulfillment doesn’t simply create a reliance upon the Almighty God but elicits a response toward transforming their minds toward worship and thanksgiving. Not only does God deliver us from trouble, but also fills our physical and spiritual needs. The Almighty satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry stomach. This speaks to God’s abundant provision and desire to bless people. Once our needs are met, God uniquely touches our hearts so that we may respond to this goodness with gratitude and thanksgiving. These transformative experiences help lead us to a life focused on fulfilling God’s call through worship, prayer, and thanksgiving, inspiring us to live a life of gratitude and service.

Ultimately, Psalm 107 calls each of us to thank God for His goodness and mercy. We thank God for hearing our prayers, delivering us from trouble, and providing for all our needs. Our minds should be focused on acts of devotion, regular prayer, and studying sacred scriptures. These practices help us connect with the Almighty God, cultivate gratitude, and reflect on the blessings in our lives, keeping us engaged and connected to our faith. For God’s enduring love is with us at all times and in all seasons. Whenever we find ourselves in times of trouble we approach the Almighty with hearts full of gratitude and a spirit of appreciation, seeking deliverance. Recognizing God’s compassionate nature, we humbly request His divine intervention. With thankful hearts, we can recognize the love of God has always carried us out. God desires us as followers to not only come before the Almighty when in trouble, but with thankful hearts always lean into the mercy seat, and transform into a new creation that honors God, loves people as God loves people, and worship the Almighty through living our life as an act of worship.

JRMITCH85 Faith, Hope

Why Things Fall Apart

The history of the church in America is full of awakenings and revivals, during which the Holy Spirit moved among vast swaths of people, either devoting themselves to the Gospel or rededicating themselves to a life with God. These stories are not relegated solely to the past, as every so often, we either experience or read about revivals on college campuses throughout the nation. Most frequently, there have been reports from The Ohio State University about a revival led by several of the school’s football players.

While revival and rededication are absolute blessings, the real work of faith comes after the mountaintop experience, and you need to live in the faith that you turned to in that moment. During these times, people are tempted to drift from the way of the Gospel toward the way of the world. It was precisely this type of situation that Nehemiah came back to in Jerusalem. Years after the walls were rebuilt, the people had fallen away from the promises of God and had started to veer away from the Law and toward acting as if they were not living out the promises of God in their lives.

15 In those days I saw in Judah people treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in heaps of grain and loading them on donkeys, and also wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them on the day when they sold food. 16 Tyrians also, who lived in the city, brought in fish and all kinds of goods and sold them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah, in Jerusalem itself! 17 Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day? 18 Did not your fathers act in this way, and did not our God bring all this disaster on us and on this city? Now you are bringing more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.” 

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ne 13:15–18.

The fall from the post-revival high inevitably comes as our priorities move from Holiness and Worship to commerce and politics. In his observance, Nehemiah was deeply troubled by the people of Judah’s violation of the Sabbath. They were treading winepresses, bringing in harvests, and transporting goods into Jerusalem on the holy day. This desecration was particularly egregious as it involved not only the Jews but also people from Tyre, who were bringing fish and other wares into the city for sale. When separated from regular connection to God’s will, our mindset will lean toward doing what we want instead of asking ourselves what God wants us to accomplish. Namely, we will seek the things that fill our carnal desires in money and power and fall from the ideal set before us in Christ Jesus. The world is grasping for our attention, and if we are not diligent in following God through the gauntlet placed before us, we might easily be led astray. Therefore, we must commit ourselves to prayer, fellowship, scripture, and worship to ensure we seek God’s Kingdom first and foremost.

A leadership void is created when the Church fails to fulfill God’s calling. With the shift in priorities, the place of worship is endangered to become just another social club rather than a house of prayer and worship. Nehemiah, filled with righteous indignation, confronted the nobles of Judah. He rebuked them for their blatant disregard for God’s commandments, reminding them of the historical consequences of Sabbath-breaking. The destruction of Jerusalem was a direct result of the people’s disobedience, a stark reminder of the need for spiritual renewal. The churches that were places of revival and commitment often became places where faith and the world intermingled. People utilized the church to huddle into positions and belief systems, much like in social clubs. In doing so, the church abdicates its leadership position to the core principles of the Gospel. God calls the Church to stand out and seek holiness over acceptance. Holiness understands that the church is a place of worship and doesn’t belong to any singular social or political group but must welcome all who seek to worship God. Only by fulfilling this mission does the church lead people to repentant living.

We forget about God’s faithfulness and turn back into the people we were before the Gospel transformed us. Less than a few years after the walls were up and the city was rebuilt and dedicated, the people had already walked away from their vows to give God the glory due. They resumed integrating worldly living into their daily lives and neglecting their relationship with God. The transformation in the Gospel is supposed to change our life and perspective. However, without a regular recharge, we become susceptible to the same thinking we had before the Gospel changed us. It leads to the question of how people know we are followers of Christ or among those commonly called Christians. If it is only because of a bumper sticker or piece of jewelry, how is that different from carrying an ID card so people know we belong? As Christ’s disciples, we are expected to have it shown through the way we act, the words we speak, and how we treat others. 

Even as things seemingly fall apart and we lose hope, we must remember that there is always room for repentance. Even though we are far from God, the Gospel reminds us that we are welcomed back to honor God by following the Holy Spirit. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem after a significant period away and saw that the people’s devotion to God had ebbed. They had become the type of people who led to the exile. His response was to try to create space so that the people could not sin, but ultimately, this process failed as the people continued to fall away from God. Therefore, it isn’t putting walls around sin that will keep the faithful following God; it has to be ingrained in us to maintain our relationship with the Almighty. Instead of working to outlaw and prevent sin, our focus should be on guiding people to a fulfilling life of walking in worship and focusing on the Gospel message that even while we were sinning, God went out of the way to save us. Our calling is to live a life full of worship, singing God’s praises, looking to God in prayer, and seeking community with God’s people through church and the scriptures.

JRMITCH85 Uncategorized

A Grateful Community Of Faith

The fragmentation among churches has led many Christians to worship in privacy, undermining the true essence of communal worship. The historical divisions within the church, from the Great Schism to the Protestant Reformation and the subsequent emergence of numerous denominations and individual belief groups, have contributed to this phenomenon. It is essential for the church, as a community of faith, to unite in gratitude for God’s blessings and seek divine guidance for a welcoming and sacred worship experience. Rather than focusing on differences, the church should come together to celebrate God’s grace and seek divine guidance in understanding scripture. A prayer is offered for divine guidance in fostering a welcoming and sacred worship community where all believers can come together in unity and fellowship.

And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres. And the sons of the singers gathered together from the district surrounding Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathites; also from Beth-gilgal and from the region of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built for themselves villages around Jerusalem. And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and they purified the people and the gates and the wall.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Nehemiah 12:27-30

In Jerusalem, where walls once stood in disrepair, a vibrant community gathered to celebrate the wall’s dedication with worship and praise. This momentous occasion showcased the transformative power of communal faith and underlined the profound gratitude for God’s work in their midst. The physical gathering of believers emphasized the necessity of collective worship for a balanced and fulfilling faith. While individual devotional practices hold great value, they alone are insufficient to experience the richness and depth of worship fully.

Within the faith community, effective communication and worship are essential for understanding God’s message and fostering deeper connections. Through shared experiences of praise, prayer, and reflection, believers journey together from brokenness to restoration, finding solace, joy, and gratitude in one another’s presence. This journey calls us to engage deeply in our faith, embracing the transformative power of communal worship.

Gratitude for God’s blessings and communal worship serve as a wellspring of joy and support through life’s challenges. When we gather to worship, we celebrate God’s goodness and create a space to uplift and encourage one another. Even in times of sorrow, worshiping as a community allows us to experience God’s comforting presence and find strength in our shared faith. In the inspiring words of Nehemiah, we are reminded of the importance of a more committed and enthusiastic approach to attending church. He underscores the vital role of community in spiritual growth and emphasizes that understanding God’s joy is inextricably linked to our engagement with others.

The community serves as a location for spiritual preparation, refining our hearts and minds to embrace God’s joy amidst life’s challenges. Through communal worship, we learn to surrender our burdens, trust God’s providence, and find hope and peace amid adversity. Ultimately, joyful worship in the community is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the boundless love of God. As we gather together, we become part of something greater than ourselves, experiencing the fullness of joy and the assurance of God’s presence in our lives.

A unified and grateful church community is vital for spiritual development, meaningful worship, and support in times of challenges, emphasizing the significance of communal faith and appreciation for divine blessings. Being in tune with the Holy Spirit and spiritually prepared equips individuals to respond promptly when the call to action arises, much like runners poised at the start of a race. A grateful faith community engages in collective worship, aiming to share God’s word, joy, love, and peace with all. This community actively seeks to hear God’s message through joint preparation for worship and extend joy, love, and peace to their congregation and beyond. A faithful community is called to worship with gratitude and intentionality, uplifting and glorifying God’s name.

JRMITCH85 Uncategorized

Who Is Going To Lead?

Our world is currently grappling with a severe leadership crisis. Many leaders are driven by personal ambition, using their positions to elevate their names and reputations. They see leadership as a path to self-aggrandizement rather than a humble service to others. However, God’s vision for the church’s leadership is starkly different. One does not seek to glorify the leader but to bring glory to God’s Holy name. The situation in Nehemiah 11 serves as a powerful reminder that authentic leadership is not about personal glory, but about serving others and bringing glory to God. When leaders prioritize the needs of their constituents and seek God’s guidance, they foster a climate of trust, cooperation, and shared purpose. This, in turn, inspires and motivates others to achieve great things.

Now the leaders of the people lived in Jerusalem. And the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while nine out of ten remained in the other towns. And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Nehemiah 11:1-2

In a world where the significance of leadership cannot be overstated, God calls the church to embody His provision and the transformative power of the Gospel. The leaders in Nehemiah were required to have a physical presence in the political epicenter and the spiritual heart of the nation, Jerusalem. This had a profound impact on shaping governance and upholding worship as a central societal pillar. However, genuine leadership demands more than mere rhetoric; it necessitates leaders aligning their actions with their calling, eschewing hypocrisy by expecting others to embrace what they are unwilling to do. As Christian leaders, we must prioritize the worship of God, allowing the Gospel’s transformative example to be mirrored in our lives. Only then can we effectively guide others toward righteousness and transformation.

The rebuilding of Jerusalem and the subsequent choosing of leaders to establish their homes in the capital provided a beacon pointing to the nation’s restoration and rightful return as a bastion of hope and symbol of resilience after the exile. Therefore, we must echo these actions and strive to bring our community together stitched with hope given to us by the Almighty God. Leaders must prioritize the well-being of all people, shunning self-serving, divisive, and conquering tactics. We must reject divisiveness and animosity towards others, aspiring to be a beacon of unity in a world yearning for connection. If we live antithetically to the promise and sow division within the community, we shatter hope.

Every church must strive to sow hope and actively demonstrate its commitment to the community’s prosperity. In Jerusalem, leaders demonstrated their dedication to the city’s restoration by residing there and encouraging others to follow suit. Their presence symbolized Jerusalem’s safety and potential, inspiring confidence in the rebuilding efforts. We must be willing to exist within our community and not just swoop into and out of the community. Without a personal stake in the community, leaders lack the necessary perspective to make decisions that genuinely benefit their members. God expects us to strive for the flourishing of our communities, as it is a means of extending His mercy and grace to those residing within them.

Within our communities, we yearn for leaders who embody the divine light, carrying the torch of God’s message into the darkest corners. Our mission is to deliver the transformative power of the Gospel, a beacon of strength that transcends divisions and brings forth a harmonious unity. Through the Holy Spirit’s unwavering presence, the Church possesses the ability to ignite the flame of hope within hearts. As we embrace the Gospel’s message, we open ourselves up to the boundless love and forgiveness that God offers, emboldening belonging and purpose within our community. The Church can lead by overcoming the divisive forces that seek to tear us apart, embracing the Holy Spirit’s transformative power. This leads to a Gospel power that brings light to every dark corner of our community.

The leaders’ presence in Jerusalem served as a profound symbol of the city’s revival, transcending practical considerations and resonating on a deeper, spiritual level. Their dedication and presence were not mere gestures, but they laid the groundwork for a future characterized by hope. Therefore, we must align our actions with God’s command. By reflecting God’s character in our leadership, the Church inspires trust, unity, and cooperation within their communities. Additionally, the Church’s presence has the power to influence the perception and mindset of those they lead. Just as the leaders’ presence in Jerusalem symbolized hope and renewal, the Church can create an empowering environment through it’s physical presence and actions. In essence, when leaders embody God’s heart and align their actions with His commandments, they become beacons of hope and inspiration for those they lead.

JRMITCH85 Character, Decisions, Faith, Hope

Only Your Best

Some weeks start with an exhausted body and mind, and I doubt what I will be able to accomplish. Entering with a fatigued or negative mindset adversely affects my work output, and I simply do not give my maximum effort. However, this lack of doing my best contrasts with how God requires us to live because our life reflects our worship of the Almighty. Many religious traditions today encourage members to tithe (give 10% of their income) or make regular charitable donations to support their religious communities and those in need. This practice mirrors the biblical practice of giving a portion of one’s resources to support the church’s or faith tradition’s work. While this is often seen as the minimum with which we serve the church’s work, God requires us to examine the purpose and act of giving as reflecting worship. After confessing their sins and the sins of their ancestors and hearing the law, the people rededicated their worship through giving. No longer was giving seen as something optional; instead, giving to the church became a vital act of worship. God’s abundant mercy, shown by allowing the people to return from exile, required a response that was recompense. Therefore, the people obligated themselves to give their best to God, as shown in Nehemiah 10.

We obligate ourselves to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of the Lord; also to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God, the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, as it is written in the Law, and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks; and to bring the first of our dough, and our contributions, the fruit of every tree, the wine and the oil, to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and to bring to the Levites the tithes from our ground, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all our towns where we labor.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Nehemiah 10:35-37.

God requires the best of our work, reflecting our worship of God. To exemplify this, as part of their worship, the Jerusalemites committed to bringing the first and best of their crops and fruit trees to the house of the Lord annually, demonstrating their gratitude and recognition of God’s provision. To ensure we have the same attitude, even in our most worn down and depressed state, we must recall that God’s providence never fails us or leaves us and that God calls us to something higher in our giving and our working. God loved us, and now we work for the Almighty and give to the Almighty in all circumstances. While the people proclaim to give to God in the ecstasy of accomplishment and worship, we must ensure we keep the same momentum and spirit in our times of defeat and despair. God calls us to give our best in both victory and defeat and everything in between.

Everything belongs to God; therefore, we should not think of anything as belonging to us. Understanding that worship connected to their relationships, the people of Jerusalem vowed to dedicate their firstborn sons and the firstborn of their animals to God, acknowledging His sovereignty over all life and fulfilling the requirements of the Law. This extends to our time and belongings; when we back up and realize that we have committed our lives to God, we no longer rely on the perfect situation to be our best for God. To worship God means that we understand that it cannot stop, nor can we turn off our worship, but everything that comes out of us should be an act of worship. Let it go. We want to hold onto and control all the variables in life so that everything will align perfectly so that we can get the best in life. However, God asks us to relinquish the reigns of our life to God as we worship God. This requires a new mindset that doesn’t control but realizes that we belong to God, and in that, we find hope, and the power of that hope leads us to be the best we can be every day.

God has given us abundantly; therefore, we should give everything to God with joy-filled hearts because God knows how to use our resources better than we do. In Nehemiah, the people of Jerusalem pledged to give a portion of their produce to the priests and tithes of their harvest to the Levites, ensuring the support of those who served in the Temple and religious leadership. Today, many congregations financially support their religious leaders, recognizing the value of their service and enabling them to focus on their spiritual duties. This practice aligns with the biblical idea of providing for the priests and Levites. However, beyond financial support, the church needs to partner with its leaders and spread God’s message to the neighborhoods and communities. Jesus worked to break down the barriers between priests and God’s followers; now, we all have the ability and mandate to give the best of our work directly to God. We do this by sharing the Gospel with the world.

The concept of first fruits, originating in agrarian societies, remains relevant today and can be expressed in several ways. One way is to dedicate a portion of one’s paycheck to God or a charitable cause, symbolizing the offering of one’s initial earnings. Another way is to present the first fruits of creative endeavors, such as art, music, or writing, as an act of worship. Furthermore, setting aside time each day for prayer and spiritual reflection allows individuals to offer the “firstfruits” of their time to God. The initial part of a harvest is typically the best because it represents the most mature and ready part of the crop. Similarly, the best part of our work reflects our capabilities, competency, and commitment to excellence. It is essential to strive to consistently offer God our best, regardless of circumstances. Rather than allowing circumstances to dictate our approach to the day, we should focus on worshipping God through our work, sharing with others, and living in a way that reflects our faith.