Laying sunbeams in a row

Warren Wiersbe "I felt like a man trying to lay sunbeams in a row while evening was marching inexorably in"

Work can feel impossible, with God all things are possible (Christ, listening, receptive to wisdom)

• Simple, pure devotion to Christ is all that's needed (2 Cor 11:3)
• Regret: A life lived well comes from listening to instruction and reproof (Proverbs 5:11-14)
• If we're receptive to wisdom and ask for it, Lord reveals it to us (Proverbs 2:1-10

I'm again reminded that Christians united, single-minded according to scripture (1 Peter 3:8-4:19) make the difference:

1 Peter 4:13-14) be eager to do good, you'll be safe, if mistreated for righteousness - still blessed by God

15-16) In heart set Christ apart as Lord, ready to give a logical defense of hope and confident assurance elicited by faith I have with gentleness and respect, let them see my good life because I belong to Christ

17) it's better to suffer for good than wrong

Lord bless the people I work for today, that they would see you. Bless the final class of Alpha, that each man would have a miraculous testimony to share - that they would be eager to find out. In Jesus name, amen. 

God can "lay the sunbeams in a row" - amen

Philippians 2:2 "Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."

1 Peter 3:8 "Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind."

From Practical ways to depend on God alone

Prayer is, among other things, an acknowledgment of God’s power, promises, and provision. When you pray, you show our dependence on God. The biblical command is to “present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

later this morning, at just the right time of year, where the sun reflects on the edges of a curved building - the lord shows me this:

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Unity is God's plan for His people

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1

I enjoy a weekly Bible Study with bsfinternational.org. I get to share miracles and hear about miracles every week. This week Edwin shared our prayers were answered with Angel's surgery, previously our prayers were answered with Angel's faith in this life or death situation.

This past weekend I spent Saturday praying for and with other friends. Jordon's sister Abby - rescue/protection, James father would accept Jesus as Lord and Savior - make this known. Sam's brother Timothy would thrive in his marriage and life, recovering from surgery - protected from addictive medication. We prayed for healing, emotional-physical-mental. We prayed for Cody's girlfriend's recovery and strength to lead as a man of God. For Anders and Wyatt, patience and understanding. For Joe's baby mama, Nicole - she lost a child and went dark - we prayed for the light of God to shine in her heart - protection in the storm and for others to come into her life. Dale and I prayed for forgiveness, admitted our sins and others followed in that process.

Disunity brings pain, 2 Samuel 2:8-5:5

New Reality of unity
God not only has united you with Christ, but also with all believers in one body through the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:4-6
Love unites: Colossians 3:14

Through Christ we can live these realities (from BSF Notes: People of the Promised Land I, Lesson 22)

• New goal: “Complete unity ... then the world will know that you [Father] sent me [Jesus] and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:22-23
• New calling: “Live a life worthy of [your] calling.” Ephesians 4:1
• New lifestyle: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2, Colossians 3:12-17
• New work: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3
• New motive: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
• New mindset: “In humility value others above yourselves. … In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:1-5
• New power: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” Acts 1:8
• New limit: “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18

Simple devotion to Christ, brings wisdom, protects against deceit and regret
Christians united, single-minded according to scripture (1 Peter 3:8-4:19)
Christ brought peace, unity on the cross, broke the wall of hostility between us (Eph 2:14)

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Simple devotion to Christ, brings wisdom, protects against deceit and regret

2 Cor 11:3; Proverbs 5:11-14; 2:1-10
A) Simple, pure devotion to Christ is all that's needed
But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. - 2 Cor 11:3

B) Regret:  A life lived well comes from listening to instruction and reproof
And you groan at your final end,
When your flesh and your body are consumed;
And you say, “How I have hated instruction!
And my heart spurned reproof!
“I have not listened to the voice of my teachers,
Nor inclined my ear to my instructors!
“I was almost in utter ruin
In the midst of the assembly and congregation.” - Proverbs 5:11-14

C) If we're receptive to wisdom and ask for it, Lord reveals it to us
My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,
Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;
For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;
If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will discern the fear of the Lord
And discover the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones.
Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.
For wisdom will enter your heart
And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; - Proverbs 2:1-10

Lord, you have made my soul still and refreshed my heart. I haven't been sleeping well thinking of all the big items in my work life and conversations I'll be having. But today I rest in you and I'm listening to your instruction and reproof. 

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Christians united, single-minded according to scripture (1 Peter 3:8-4:19)

1 Peter 3:8-4:19
Peter explains Psalm 34
What’s this scripture about (facts)?
A) Christians be of one mind, in accord with scriptures (1 Peter 3:8-12, Ps 34:12-16)
(8-12)  sympathize, brotherly, kindhearted family, humble spirit/attitude that blesses rightly, not evil in word or deed.

B) Be eager to do good as a witness that I belong to Christ who suffered, died but was raised to life in the Spirit as I've identified with him in baptism
13-14) be eager to do good, you'll be safe, if mistreated for righteousness - still blessed by God
15-16) In heart set Christ apart as Lord, ready to give a logical defense of hope and confident assurance elicited by faith I have with gentleness and respect, let them see my good life because I belong to Christ
17) it's better to suffer for good than wrong
18) Christ suffered, died for our sins without sinning
19) Christ was preached by Noah, yet only a few were saved
20-22) our baptism is a response to God, appeal for a good (clear) conscience we believe what is our through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

What does it mean (principles)?
(8-12) God's word shows how we rightly fit together
(13-22) Good, baptism, speaking and

What does it mean to me (application)?

- (8-12) How will I live out God's purpose for my life today?

(13-22) Doing good, to spread good will, to preach the good news

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Christ brought peace, unity on the cross, broke the wall of hostility between us (Eph 2:14)

For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. Ephesians 2:14 NLT  

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

For Christ himself has brought peace to us

• Isaiah 9:6, For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

He united Jews and Gentiles into one people 

• There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:28

when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us

• through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross. Col 1:20

http://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-14.htm

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