Tag: faith

God’s Repeatable’s

On By Bp. Justin ElwellIn Applied Theology, InspirationLeave a comment

The Importance of God’s Repeatable’s – pay attention, they are important.

In the Torah, the Law of Moses, we are told “love your neighbor as yourself” only once (Lev. 19:18), but to “love the stranger,” thirty-six times (Lev. 19:34). Why?

Man has a tendency to love and treat with kindness those familiar or similar to themselves; after all, it’s easy to treat kindly those with whom we identify (Matt. 5:46-47).

The call to “love the stranger” is a call to love, respect, and treat with kindness those we are not familiar with, or similar to. It is a directive to recognize the dignity of the human other, and to see in them the image and likeness of God, and the commonality of man.

Example: The Good Samaritan.

Be well. Shalom.

Walk with the Limp

On By Bp. Justin ElwellIn InspirationLeave a comment

Not every limping of God is in the flesh, as with Jacob. For some it is a thorn, as with Paul, for others it is a grief, an illness, an insecurity, or a psychological stressor; but the grace of God that strengthens to the standing and moving in faith is the same, and it is sufficient (II Cor. 12:9).

In Messiah you are not broken, you are whole; sometimes you just limp in the natural differently than you faith neighbor. The Holy Spirit is there to support you, as promised. Walk with the limp God has prepared you for, and His grace will overcome in every step.

Be well. Shalom.

Why Did God Wrestle Jacob

On By Bp. Justin ElwellIn InspirationLeave a comment

Jacob prayed for deliverance from Esau and the 400 men moving in his direction; while immediately attempting self-preservation and deliverance by dividing his camp, and sending tribute.

Then, out of nowhere, God appears and wrestles Jacob to keep him still long enough for Esau to be changed by grace, not bribery. Grace, having done its work, leads brothers, once bitter enemies, to embrace and weep in each other’s arms: forgiveness and restoration (Gen. 32:22 – 33:4).

There are times when the Lord restrains us in order for His grace to do its work along the way He is preparing.

Be well. Shalom.