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Bible Blog Post Friday May 4th From Keisha Polak

June 4

2 Samuel 22:1-23:23

Acts 2:1-47

Psalm 122:1-9

Proverbs 16:19-20

 

Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. - Proverbs 16:19-20

 

Two simple verses, yet so much can be taken from them. Through much of my reading lately, I've been noticing a recurrence of putting aside one's pride and ego to trust in the Lord, and this scripture from Proverbs is another clear example of that. Our world is very much focused on prideful activities where one can boast about their triumphs, but these situations often leave others feeling less-than, unworthy, jealous, or angry. Those who go about boasting of worldly deeds ultimately aren't putting God first in their lives, and this choice will ultimately be their own downfall.

 

Why would someone feel compelled to boast of earthly things as if THEY themselves had a hand in creation? We are told not to boast, but if we do, may we boast only in the Lord, for it is because of Him that we have life and obtain any victory. Instead of spending time with others that boast of themselves, and keep us in constant competition, the Lord wants us to live humbly and turn to those that are less fortunate. Jesus commands us to love one another, and to do so you must have a humble and compassionate heart. Instead of focusing on a victory and the benefits that you imagine will come with it, turn to lift up those who don't have a vision of victory. Connect with others by humbly meeting them where they are in life, just as Jesus meets us where we are, not coming from a place of judgment or hierarchy, but from a place of grace. If we listen to these commands and these instructions and put our trust in the Lord no matter our circumstance, we will be able to truly live a joyful life. And when we live our lives in this matter, we are able to show others that they can confidently put their trust in the Lord, and in turn, they can find joy in their situations.

 

Obey the Lord for all your days and put your full faith in Him in every circumstance, show Him how much you truly love him by your faith and actions, and in return receive His eternal blessing. What can be more joyful than that?

Bible Blog Post Friday May 28th from Keisha Polak

May 28 - Keisha Polak

2 Samuel 13:1-39

John 17:1-26

Psalm 119:81-96

Proverbs 16:6-7

John 17:9-10 "My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. "

While reading this scripture in which our Lord is praying, I found myself sitting in awe of His obedience, love, and compassion. Jesus begins by praying for Himself, so that He may complete his job which was to teach us all of the only true God and to give us the precious gift of salvation. By completing His job, He brings glory to the Father and is able to be united in glory with him. While reading verse 5, I truly felt the love and unity between Son and Father as Jesus says, "Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began." I see Jesus painting a picture of the relationship He wants us to have, through His relationship with the Father. In His words, I noticed the mirror that Jesus plays for us. As Jesus obeys the Father's commands, he brings Him glory and is united with Him. As we obey Jesus' commands, we honor and bring glory to Him, and we also will unite with Him, all, in turn, glorifying the Father. I'm in awe of the beauty of the design and plan God has set forth.

Jesus' words flow with such love and also concern for his people. He cares for us in such precious ways because we belong to Him. He knows the devil's deceitful ways and prays that we are protected from the enemy. He prays that we not be overcome by the devil and destruction, but be unified with each other and that we become sanctified by the Truth. Finding unity with each other is extremely important, unity in fellowship can be our strength when we feel weary. And for the whole Christian family to move together in unity, to me, is a clear sign of the Holy Spirit at work sanctifying us and reminding us of Jesus' words. When we stand unified in the Word and in our faith, we show the world the glory of Jesus Christ.

This scripture is such a beautiful prayer from Son to Father, but also was a moment where Jesus presented to me ways in which He obeyed his Father's commands, and how he poured out His love for His Father and for us. Obey His commands, love Him, and be filled by the love from God.

bible blog post Keisha Polak May 21st

I am sorry for the delay in sending yesterday's blog, I sent it to the wrong email yesterday.

May 21
1 Samuel 29:1-31:13
John 11:55-12:19
Psalm 118:1-18
Proverbs 15:24-26
The Lord is my strength and my song;he has become my salvation. -- Psalms 118:14

The Book of Psalms contains such powerful scripture, and Psalms 118 is such a wonderful example of that power within God's word. While reading I was overtaken by the gratitude I have for our Lord's grace. We can all relate in saying we've been through trying times recently, but even so, what rings true is that the Lord's faithful love endures forever. Through all of the chaos, He was still working.

There is so much strength and comfort that I have found within these words. I pray that if there are any who are weary that they find this passage, and that everyone who reads Psalms 118 feels that same strength and comfort that I have felt.

Verse 6 asks us what can a mere mortal do if the Lord is for you? This is something that I took a lot of time thinking about because I feel it is very prevalent in the times we are living through. The world has grown very fearful in a way I haven't ever experienced before, and to me, it has been painful and overwhelming to have so much fear pushed on us all. But, through all of that fear the Lord has given me strength in His word. The more that I keep myself in God's word the more fear I overcome, knowing that I trust Him, what can any person do to me that He hasn't already deemed.

No matter what worldly things I do, our Father is the only one who truly holds the power. God is always in control, and that is where I find all of my peace, that is my salvation. This is exactly why we must take refuge in Him, not relying on what the world offers. Psalms 118:9 - It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in nobles.

This world is pushing us all hard, attempting to make us fall. The world wants us to doubt our faith and be filled with fear, but we must remember where to turn. If you believe in God, seek refuge in Him and he will help you. He will give you strength, peace, joy, and salvation.

bible blog post Mike Polak May 22nd

May 22

2 Samuel 1:1-2:11

John 12:20-50

Psalm 118:19-29

Proverbs 15:27-28

It's either God or the world can't have it both ways!

When Jesus speaks to the people gathered at the festival, Jesus tells the people the prophecy about his crucifixion. But also, He explains to the people how he knows there are people in the crowd that believe in him and will not follow. Jesus says in John 12:25-26, "The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there My servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him."

Have you ever had a moment in your life as a believer in Christ where maybe you decided to go with the societal norm of the word instead of just having full belief in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? I sometimes find myself in a situation where I have to decide whether it's going to be God or whatever makes the people of the world happy and not uncomfortable. I usually try to choose God, even though there are times in my life where I don't and I am guilty of that, but for the most part, I do try to make an effort to put God before myself and others. Sometimes it may rock the boat, but God tells us we were never promised happiness in this world, we could never be treated better than He was, and we must make a choice. It's either God or the world, but we cannot have it both ways.

May God bless you. Remember to trust God because when He is with you, who can be against you?