Jude 3
"Beloved, while I was making every effort to write to you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints."
Jude, writing not to unbelievers, but to members of the body of Christ. His great fear was that many would be lulled into a false state of calm and rest, discounting the hazards and pitfalls of the world. This is the reason for the sudden shift in the priority of the letter. Jude would go on to list many who had proved to be contrary to God's best for His people. We all would be wise to heed the admonition found in this little letter.
Pastor Russell
1 Samuel 3:19
"Thus Samuel grew and the Lord was with him and let known of his words fail."
Young Samuel grew in physical stature, but much more apparent to those around him was his maturing spiritually. While sequestered away from many normal outside distractions, still other things sought out his attention. For most of us, we are bombarded in today's world with many things other than the Lord. Any number of the cares of the world seek to tear us away from the simplicity and purity of devotion to the Lord. While we are reminded by Peter: "but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 1 Peter 3:18
Pastor Russell
1 Samuel 2:35
"But I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who will do according to what is in my heart and in My soul; and I will build him an enduring house, and he will walk before my anointed always."
While Eli and his sons dealt treacherously with the things of God's ministry, the Lord already had in motion a fix. Young Samuel stood by in the wings, his focused unfettered by the goings on around him, yet God looked towards future events, as with the coming of our great high priest. We're told in Hebrews 7:25, "Hence also He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He lives to make intercession for them." God's plan and timing, always perfect.
Pastor Russell
1 Samuel 2:17 NKJV
"Therefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord, for men despised the offering of the Lord."
"But Samuel....." Here, the very next verse in the passage interjects, but Samuel ministered..... But in spite of all the distractions, the worldly pursuits around him, Samuel ministered. For us, he becomes an example of one with unfettered interest, singleness of heart and mind, and firm devotion. You may ask, what seeks to take my focus? My passion to move forward? My desire to minister as unto the Lord? What consumes our time and energy? While we may not like all the answers, it becomes a starting off point for an honest appraisal of where we are at.
Pastor Russell
Luke 15:20
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him, and kissed him."
The story of the prodigal son strikes a resounding note in our hearts and minds. Though the prodigal, wayward and once filled with thoughts and plans of grandeur outside of the father's watchful eyes and guidance. only to find no fulfillment in the world. All the while, like our heavenly Father, he waited and watched, hoping and believing the best, praying for his child. His son's return was not filled with chiding or scolding, but with great joy and celebration. And so it is, as many of us who have strayed, heaven is filled with a celebration beyond our belief, as one comes home to be with the Father.
Pastor Russell
1 Samuel 2:18
"Now Samuel was ministering before the Lord before the Lord as a boy wearing a linen ephod."
Amidst all the distractions and improprieties in and around the tent of meeting caused by Eli and his sons, we find young Samuel, seemingly undeterred by the goings on. The young lad had not lost focus on his worship of the Lord. For the child of God today, Samuel becomes a model of one adorned with a robe of righteousness, whose devotion is not hindered by all the goings on of the world, but continues on with eyes fixed on the Lord.
Pastor Russell
1 Samuel 1:10
"And she was greatly distressed, prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly."
The stigma and disappointment of a childless woman in the day of Samuel brought not only heartache, but was tempered by the constant taunting of her close rival. Distress at the situation would not move her to inaction, and bitterness would not drive her away and into the arms of more fleshly pursuits. Much to her credit we find her in prayer. A great example we find for all of us, not wrapped up in a place of woe, or paralyzed by the situation, but with hopeful confidence, trusting in God's outcome. We may, at one time or another face differing circumstances, but how we face them is the question.
Pastor Russell
Hebrews 13:1&16
The Spirit reminds us at the close of Hebrews, "Let brotherly love continue." And, "But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."
The practical encouragements of God, bring reminder of the basics, love for one another, the admonition to do good, and to share. How basic are the desires of the Lord's heart. Not so much the burnt offerings, or the announcement of large gifts, but the sacrifices that bring praise to the Lord as we love, pray and encourage each other. In Him good works flow out from us, and sharing, whether in word, deed or acts of charity, as we are moved in the Spirit.
Pastor Russell
Hebrews 13:10
"We have an altar, from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat."
As the priest along with the offeror could partake of a portion of the offering sacrificed at the temple, the meal was always flavored with an admixture of the legalism of the law. Rigid, with possibly the flavor of the resentment of having to do so. Whereas, the Christian coming before the Lord's Table, sitting or reclined, in a position of ease, rest and safety, no longer incumbered by the law, enjoying the love and grace of Jesus. The emblems of the bread and the cup, which we freely partake of, now reminding us of His completed work on the cross, done on our behalf.
Pastor Russell
Hebrews 12:15
"See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled"
The Spirit, warns the believer of underlying circumstances that would allow a root to take hold within their life that would allow bitterness to take hold. Many are the reasons which cause us to question the faithfulness of God. How come? Why this? Where are You? It's taking too long, may be some of the commentary toward the Lord as we question the situation. The solution, we all could use more of His grace. It's His favor, His lovingkindness towards us, His mercy that bears us up in the time of testing. Resting in His love is a great place to be at, trusting in Him. In all things, recall His faithfulness, taking your eyes off the situation, and placing them upon Him.
Pastor Russell
Mathew 14:30
But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord save me!"
"I know, I know" had been a pat answer for many years from one brother to another. Having given his life to the Lord many years prior, yet since leaving his old church, friends and ministry, embarking on a new life that sought employment, housing, the pursuit of old life styles, all of a long sudden the cares of life crowded out the joy and peace he once knew. Oh, I catch it on the radio......when he had a vehicle, now things of employment, health and other troubles came his way, still he only sees the wind. In the midst of the storm, we can too often fail to engage our lives with the Lord, failing to reach and lay hold of all He has. "And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him....." vs 31. In all things, we in faith, need to grab on to His hand stretched out to us. Bible reading, prayer, in person worship and fellowship, loving and serving are all key to stay afloat.
Pastor Russell
Psalm 113:1
Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord.
The first verse of one of six Psalms, 113 through 118 that were chanted or sung by the priests as the Passover lambs were scarified at the altar. They were to be reminded of the Lord's goodness and faithfulness towards His people. Psalm 118 is especially telling, as we see in verse 24, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Though the brutality of the crucifixion endured by our Lord was horrendous, it would mean a new beginning for all who would receive Him. It would mean for those in Christ Jesus, life in His death and resurrection. "I shall not die, but live, and tell of the works of the Lord." verse 17 "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting." verse 29
Pastor Russell
Mark 10: 21
"And looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him"
Jesus, in speaking with the rich young ruler, looked upon him with great love. Though our Lord, on His way to keep His appointment with the cross, took the time from His journey to dialogue with this one, who seemingly had much going for him. Power, prestige, wealth, youthfulness and honor was just some of the long list of items attached to his resume. Having much, but not really having anything, the emptiness within his heart brought no real hope or assurance of eternal life. Seeking Jesus' counsel would bring the real answer for him. Though not immediately heeded, we can only hope that down the road, the words of Jesus were taken to heart. For those we have had the opportunity to in love, share the good news of the gospel, we pray for receptive hearts.
Pastor Russell