Part of our problem is, we don’t think of Jesus as a man with piercings. No, Jesus bears the ultimate body piercings, and they have a richer and more meaningful message to broadcast; they show the depths of God’s love for us and provision for our sin. Jesus, with his piercings honors his Father. It is his statement of love and the consequences of sin- his message rings loud and clear. How far was he willing to go? He followed completely willing, even to the point of death. His marks are the proof of how much pain and discomfort he was willing to endure, not just his physical sufferings, but the weight of all the world’s sin, and the entire wrath of God the Father. This, all, to reconcile us to himself. We who are unworthy and unfaithful, who, too often trample under foot that which is holy.

Before there can be something beautiful, something has to die.

Jesus, of course, is our ultimate example. He raises from the dead in both a spiritual sense and a literal, bodily sense. Every part of our lives; our resources, talents, health, anything of which we have authority, and everything that we have cultivated, ALL, are to be used for the glory of God and the transmission of the gospel. To die, we must deal honestly with ourselves. But the idea of dying to ourselves does not need to be complicated or scary. We die to ourselves every time we simply say, “yes,” to the Lord. How would our lives change if we resolved in our hearts to say “yes”, the next time the Holy Spirit gave unction? What would happen if we were to remain available and look for the places we were being called to serve? What is the next, “yes” you will say to the Lord?

The sin of slander is to be taken seriously in the life of a Christian because all people are created to be image bearers of God. When we tear down others we devalue them, and by proxy vandalize God’s reputation. Slander causes very real, sometimes long lasting damage to ourselves and others. It is stealing the good name of another. Slander destroys relationships with our neighbors and separates close friends. It is discouraging and confusing, and derails the mission of the church, it disrupts our worship, and makes our offering unacceptable.

Thanksgiving, then, is an expression of worship, the natural outpouring of praise from a soul who realizes that while they deserve death-they have been given life. Thanksgiving helps us to remember our faith and protects us from wandering away from God. In view of the work of Christ on the cross, humility and thankfulness are the foundations for joy… and no amount of hardship, pain or suffering can steal from it. Our gratitude is pleasing to God because it is the proper response to His Mercy, our thankfulness shows our adoration.

Let’s celebrate the fact that we are growing even when it may look as though we have stalled. If at some point you fail at a goal, remember your worth is not in your productivity or efforts. Your worldly successes and failures do not define who you are in the eyes of God. Rest in God’s grace and know you are wholly loved.

In and of itself, rightly dividing the Word of God is a weighty task that can take a substantial amount of time.

Practicing unity in an age of diversity is never easy, yet we are called to be peacemakers in this fallen world to very imperfect people.

Too many of us are working from a clear deficit of rest on a regular basis. We often lead with work and rest only when we feel we’ve earned it or, worse, when others feel it’s warranted. It would change the way we live if our mindset was to initially choose to rest, as we are able, before engaging in a substantial season of work. This would naturally set us up to engage from a stronger position, renewed strength, and fresh perspective.

Taking the time to dwell on scripture and the attributes of God helps us to cement the ideas and concepts of character and virtue that we need within our own heart. Yet, even when God’s Word is clear we are a people who easily forget. Taking the time and patience to critically think about the things of God is a discipline that must be practiced.