out of the comfort zone

Matthew 15:21

"Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon."

Our study of Women of Faith in the Holy Bible has helped us to understand that it is the unsung heroes that maintain our FAITH. They simply and humbly do what they do for the GLORY of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! It is becoming clear that GOD is looking at our TEMPER and CHARACTER. With GOD it is always a heart issue. GOD sees our motivation and thoughts. GOD calls us to do His work in our world.

When we live in FAITH according to GOD'S plan we benefit from HIS GRACE, COMPASSION & GOODNESS. Our work and our words should always praise the Lord! Throughout the Holy Bible we see the results of God's Abundant Mercy. This week we catch up with Jesus after He has performed miracles that have once again raised the anger of the Pharisees. To the Disciples their current journey looks like they are withdrawing from conflict with the Jewish leadership. Putting them on the road OUT of Israel toward the ancient port cities of Tyre and Sidon. This is a place inhabited and ruled by Gentiles because in the Old Testament days Israel failed to conquer Sidon as they claimed the Promised Land. Ever since then, Tyre and Sidon have been thorns in the side of Israel and often led them into idolatry. We should appreciate that the Disciples would have been a little stressed in this situation...

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I will make you

Matthew 4:19&20 "19 And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him." In our "Follow Me" series, we study Jesus calling His disciples in the Gospel of Matthew. By the Sea of Galilee, a thriving fishing hub, Jesus saw Simon and Andrew casting nets as humble fishermen. His disciples were ordinary workers, not wealthy or educated elites. Jesus approached them and said, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Remarkably, they immediately left their jobs to follow Him. This brief exchange conveys a profound truth: Jesus says, "I will make you." Only God can transform us to accomplish His purpose. We should often pray, "Help me, God," seeking Jesus' guidance to follow His plan for our lives.

God’s patience

2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." God did not immediately punish King Solomon when he allowed his foreign wives to build altars for false gods. Despite multiple compromises, God remained patient. Over time, Solomon’s endorsement of idolatry defied God’s covenant, leading to divine judgment, including the loss of the kingdom for his son. Some mistake God’s patience for indifference or inaction, but He follows His plan in His timing. If our nation, culture, church, or we ourselves stray like Solomon, we can repent and return to God’s path. And, should do so sooner than later! Amen!

we also...

Romans 6:3&4 "3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." In our studies we are striving to understand God’s love and care. God's unconditional love for His followers, appreciating that we are part of GOD’S family! God is with us from cradle to grave. His divine presence is always giving us purpose and guidance. One of the most important milestones in the life of a Christian is baptism. When we are baptized, an indelible mark is made on our soul. This mark signifies a permanent transformation and dedication of the individual to God. The act of Baptism involves water and the invocation of the Holy Trinity. This ritual is seen as a symbolic washing away of original sin and a new birth into the life of Christ. Baptism is a foundational s...

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