2023

As we wrap up the year and deck the halls with festive decorations, it’s only natural to ponder the true essence of Christmas. In this blog article, we delve into various Christmas perspectives with Ps Matt Anderson of Surprise Church in Bismarck, ND, USA – from the insights gathered in our community to the disappointments and expectations that often accompany the holiday season. Join us on a journey through the levels of hope, exploring both the hazardous pitfalls and the hope that doesn’t disappoint. We embarked on a quest to understand what Christmas means to our community. The responses were as diverse as the holiday itself. From the warmth of family gatherings to the solitude that sometimes accompanies the season, Christmas emerged as a nuanced experience. It’s a time of both joy and sorrow, a realisation that sets the stage for a more profound exploration of the holiday’s true impact. While Christmas is often associated with joy and celebration, it’s essential to acknowledge that it can also bring disappointment. January, in particular, tends to be a month of post-Christmas blues. We unpack the reasons behind these disappointments, reflecting on why individuals may struggle after the festive lights dim. By understanding these dynamics, we can navigate the complexities of the holiday aftermath more empathetically. Levels of Hope: Coping Mechanisms and Christmas Connections Introducing the concept of “levels of hope,” we explore the different ways people cope with the realities of life. At the first level, there’s the dangerous attempt to escape, where dark thoughts and self-harm may arise. This level finds an unexpected connection with Joseph’s initial reaction in the Christmas story to Mary’s pregnancy, highlighting the universality of human struggles across time. Moving to the second level of hope, we discuss self-medication, a coping mechanism that involves relying on chemicals, media, or habits to numb the pain. In an era of high-stimulation culture and addictive behaviours, we ponder the impact of these choices on individuals’ mental and emotional well-being. As an alternative, we propose the radical approach of accepting emotions, labelling them as short-term experiences rather than perpetual states. Encouraging the acceptance of emotions becomes a central theme. We advise approaching emotions with curiosity, acknowledging and labelling them without judgment. Using the metaphor of waving at negative feelings as they pass by, we emphasise the impermanence of emotions and the power of allowing them to naturally ebb and flow. The Hope that Doesn’t Disappoint: As we wrap up this exploration, we emphasize the importance of placing hope in the right place. The levels of hope discussed find echoes in the Christmas story, drawing parallels between the human experience and the timeless narrative of the birth of Jesus. We tease the upcoming exploration of the hope that doesn’t disappoint, leaving room for further elaboration in the upcoming sermon series, “God Wants to Help.” In unwrapping Christmas perspectives, we find that acknowledging the complexities, disappointments, and coping mechanisms is a step toward embracing the true spirit of the season. By understanding the levels of hope and recognising the hope that doesn’t disappoint, we pave the way for a more meaningful and transformative Christmas experience.

In a world where inspiration is abundant and waiting for the right circumstances is the norm, the call for desperate faith rings louder than ever. A recent sermon by Ps Bojan, drawing from the biblical account in John 5, sheds light on the transformative nature of a faith that actively seeks breakthrough and healing. Ask yourself what is the single most important thing you need healing/restoration/breakthrough in right now? The central question posed is not about inspiration or waiting but about the intensity of your desire for change and restoration in various life areas. Desperate faith moves the heart of God The crux of the message lies in the significance of desire. How badly do you want it? The level of your desire determines the extent to which you are willing to go to achieve a goal. In a society often characterised by instant gratification, the call for persistent determination is striking. God wants to heal and restore every area of your life. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralysed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” John 5:2-3 NKJV Most people are for; A more convenient season Dreams and visions Signs and wonders To be compelled For a revival For particular feelings God will often question our desire as not everyone wants to be made well. God is an active participant our journey of faith. His questions serve as a gauge of commitment. These questions are not mere inquiries but a divine method to assess if we are willing to do whatever it takes to realise our desires. 7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. John 5: 7-8 NKJV As the man responded in faith and did exactly what Jesus told him to do, he was immediately made well. Faith, is not a passive waiting game. It’s about responding to God’s instructions even when they seem unfamiliar or challenging. Genuine faith requires stepping into uncharted territory, doing things that one has not done before, and might not fully understand. Contrast in Healing Accounts For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life[a]—is not from the Father but is from the world. Mark 5:25 -28 NKJV A poignant contrast is drawn between two healing accounts – one where a man passively waits for Jesus to act and another where a woman actively seeks healing by touching Jesus’ garment. The underlying message is clear: faith without action may lead to prolonged waiting. Woman with the Issue of Blood The story of the woman with the issue of blood takes center stage, emphasising her desperate faith. Despite societal restrictions and discouragement, she persists in reaching out to touch Jesus and is ultimately healed. Her story becomes a beacon for those seeking transformative change. More than anything, the woman’s faith was in Jesus. The object of her faith was much more important than the quality of her faith. 29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the [f]affliction. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” 31 But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” Mark 5:29-31 NKJV Bumping into Jesus vs. Touching Faith There is a huge difference between bumping into Jesus here and there and reaching out to touch Him in faith. A clear distinction is made between merely being in proximity to Jesus and actively reaching out to touch Him with faith. A desperate and believing touch elicits a response from God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 NKJV 32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” Mark 5:32-34 NKJV It wasn’t touching the clothing of Jesus that healed the woman. Instead, it was her desperate faith in Jesus and what He could do for her. Importance of Diligent Seeking How badly do you want a breakthrough? A casual approach may not be sufficient to elicit a response from God. In a world where casual approaches often yield casual results, the call to desperate faith stands as a powerful reminder. It challenges us to assess our level of desire, respond to God’s questions, and take action in faith. The stories of biblical characters, particularly the woman with the issue of blood, serve as timeless examples of the transformative power of desperate faith. As the sermon suggests, it only requires one touch – a touch fueled by

Embarking on the path of faith often presents us with various temptations that may not always be immediately discernible. How we navigate these challenges can significantly impact our spiritual well-being. This article delves into the insightful messages from a recent sermon, offering cohesive insights on recognising and addressing temptation, understanding our identity in Christ, and relying on God’s strength to overcome. Recognising and Dealing with Temptation: We can find the strength to overcome temptation by realizing that Jesus once stood in our shoes – yet remained blameless. Central to the sermon is the emphasis on the importance of awareness regarding temptation and the need to resist allurements that may seem enticing initially but aren’t aligned with God’s will. Ps Bojan underscores the necessity of remaining vigilant and not succumbing to sinful desires, making a clear distinction between being tempted and actually sinning. Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him,c and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him Matthew 3:13-16 ESV In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;d with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11 ESV Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22 ESV I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ John 1: 31-34 ESV Read: Matthew 3:13-16 ESV Mark 1:9-11 ESV Luke 3:21-22 ESV John 1: 31-34 ESV This is the transformative power of faith, declaring us as not slaves to sin but rather slaves to righteousness. This aligns seamlessly with the core teachings of Christianity, focusing on shaping a righteous and God-aligned life through the grace of faith. Ps Bojan eloquently outlines three main strategies employed by the enemy to divert believers from their path: distraction, discouragement, and offense. Understanding these tactics becomes imperative for staying steadfast on the journey and fulfilling the destiny God has set for individuals. Jesus’ Baptism and God’s Love: The profound symbolism behind Jesus’ baptism, depicts His identification with humanity despite His sinless nature. This act of humility serves as a poignant reminder of God’s boundless love, culminating in the sacrificial gift of Jesus to cover sins. The purpose was for Jesus to completely identify Himself Testing in the Wilderness: Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Matthew 4:1-2 ESV This was a period of forced dependence upon God the Father. He learned obedience through the things which He suffered. Drawing parallels between the experiences of Israel, Jesus, and the wilderness, the wilderness period acts as a transformative phase where God prepares individuals for the next season in their lives. Temptations and challenges during this period are inevitable, requiring us to endure in faith and avoid growing weary in doing good. Overcoming Temptation with the Word of God: Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered Hebrews 5:8 ESV He endured temptation both so that He could identify with us and to demonstrate His own holy, sinless character. There is power in responding to challenges with the Word of God, and Jesus’ in the desert is a perfect example. Sheer willpower alone is insufficient; we are encouraged to rely on God’s strength and seek His guidance when faced with temptation. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life[a]—is not from the Father but is from the world. John 2:16 ESV 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written: “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:3-4 ESV We are urged to prioritise living by the Word of God rather than relying solely on material sustenance. The analogy of living not by bread alone but by every word from God’s mouth reinforces the importance of spiritual nourishment in the believer’s journey. We are encouraged to actively seek a “proceeding word” for our current season, highlighting the dynamic nature of God’s communication. Temptation to Selfishness and Acknowledging Weakness: Ps Bojan smoothly navigates through the dangers of using God’s gifts for selfish purposes, cautioning against self-worship. Verse 3 also shows that this was a temptation to use God’s gifts for selfish purposes – the lust of the flesh. Jesus did not silently disagree with Satan – He answered Him with the word of God. Jesus used scripture to battle Satan’s temptation, not some elaborate spiritual power inaccessible to

In the hustle and bustle of life, filled with challenges and discouragements, it’s easy for us to lose sight of our dreams and stop allowing ourselves to imagine a future beyond our current circumstances. This is a universal experience addressed on Dream Sunday as delved into the importance of maintaining a sense of vision and imagination, particularly as we grow older and face life’s trials. As children, we often start with big dreams. However, as we age and encounter obstacles or discouragement, there’s a tendency to become more cynical and stop allowing ourselves to dream. We need to reclaim the spirit of dreaming. Proverbs 29:18 NIV | Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. The Significance of Prophetic Vision: Vision keeps us on track and without a clear direction, we can become aimless and perish. Vision, in various aspects of life including personal, business, and church contexts, serves as a guide, keeping us disciplined and focused on our goals. The lack of vision may lead us to be easily swayed by various ideas, even if not every good idea is suitable for us. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us Ephesians 3:20 NIV We need to seek and understand God’s vision for their lives, businesses, and church. This divine vision provides a foundation to withstand challenges and difficulties. Vision is not reliant on individuals but on God’s guidance, and taking the first step in faith is crucial. The Power of Imagination: What we imagine we become. Imagination is a powerful tool in shaping one’s reality. Overcoming fear, disappointment, and past failures is encouraged by giving ourselves permission to dream and envision a future beyond current circumstances. Proverbs 23:7 NIV | for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. God is not only able but willing to exceed expectations and accomplish purposes far beyond what we can imagine or dream. We must embrace a positive vision and avoid inadvertently focusing on what we don’t want to become, as that can shape our reality in unintended ways. Imagination and Creation: God provides resources and encourages individuals to imagine possibilities rather than creating changes directly. We must take risks to dream and imagine which is a way of bringing new things into existence. Understanding the Why – New Season Church Purpose Find God Discover purpose Make and impact Finding God is as a way of discovering life’s purpose. It is a lifelong process connected to understanding God’s calling for us. Finding God is a way of discovering one’s identity, eliminating the lifelong struggle of self-discovery. Making an impact is a supernatural act that involves changing the world around us by leading others to find God, discover their purpose, and make an impact themselves. Being a missionary in one’s immediate surroundings (family, workplace) is a way of making a significant impact. We must influence those around us positively. Our vision: The vision is of a community of leaders who know their identity in Christ, are growing in their gifts, and are impacting the world around them. This sermon seems to be focused on the idea of dreaming and building for God without limitations. Conclusion: The vision for the church over the next 10 years is a testament to the power of imagination and the importance of maintaining a visionary outlook even in the face of challenges. We encourage you to seek God’s vision for their lives and daring to dream beyond limits, with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. In a world filled with uncertainties, this call to envision a positive future serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that, with God, all things are possible.

In a world filled with diverse beliefs and perspectives, it’s crucial for us to have a deep understanding of their faith. Ps Bojan delved into the significance of becoming more Bible literate and emphasised the need for a comprehensive understanding of the Bible, doctrine, and faith. We explored how building one’s faith on a strong foundation, rooted in the Word of God, can lead to a life-giving outcome. The Role of the Bible in Building Faith At the heart of a robust faith lies a profound knowledge of the Bible. The Word of God serves as the bedrock upon which our beliefs and convictions are built. It offers guidance, wisdom, and a comprehensive understanding of God’s plan for humanity. Embracing the Bible as the cornerstone of our faith ensures that we are not swayed by superficial or fleeting experiences. Read:  Matthew 1:1-17 NKJV  Ruth 4:18-22 NKJV 1 Chronicles 1:34 NKJV 1 Chronicles 2:1-15 NKJV Luke 3:31-34 NKJV Jesus: The Living Word Central to our faith is Jesus Christ, who is represented by the Word. Understanding why Jesus is the chosen Messiah and Savior is paramount. The Gospel of Matthew, written with the aim of presenting Jesus as the Messiah, provides a powerful introduction to this concept. 12 “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. 15 But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever. 2 Samuel 7:12-16 NKJV Exploring the Synoptic Gospels The Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—though similar in content, cater to different target audiences. Each Gospel offers a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus, providing a well-rounded understanding of his ministry. The Significance of Jesus’ Genealogy While some may find the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew less attention-grabbing, it holds immense importance. This lineage sets the tone for understanding Jesus’ purpose and mission. By tracing Jesus back to Abraham, it establishes him as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promise of the Messiah. The Covenant with Abraham and David To qualify as the Messiah, Jesus had to be a descendant of David. This requirement ties him directly to the covenants God made with Abraham and David. Through these promises, God ensured the establishment of an everlasting Kingdom—a promise fulfilled in Jesus. Inclusivity and Redemption Jesus’ genealogy contains unexpected names, including women like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Their inclusion showcases God’s inclusivity and willingness to use imperfect individuals in His redemptive plan. It reinforces the idea that God can use flawed individuals to bring about His perfect plan of redemption. 2 Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers. 3 Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram. 4 Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon. 5 Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, 6 and Jesse begot David the king. Matthew 1:2-6 NKJV| Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon. Matthew 1:11 NKJV God pronounces a curse on Jeconiah. If Jesus was the real son of Joseph, He would have come under the curse. But He had to be the legal son of Joseph to inherit the right to the throne of David. Virgin birth solves this. Jesus was the legal heir to the throne through Joesph, but He was the real son of David through Mary. The curse of Jeconiah did not fall on Mary or her children as she was not a descendant of Jeconiah. Jesus is the Messiah by way of lineage of David. The Messiah offers salvation. The Messiah breaks the curse of the law. Jesus’ Upside-Down Kingdom Jesus intentionally chose imperfect individuals as his disciples, breaking down societal norms. This demonstrates that God can use messy people to fulfill His redemptive plan, and that His Kingdom turns the world’s expectations upside-down. Galatians 3:13 NKJV | Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”) God’s love is patient, wide, enduring. God’s love should compel us to offer God our entire selves, and show this same type of patient and enduring love to others. Strengthening Your Faith To navigate a world with varying beliefs and perspectives, it’s crucial to understand and defend our faith. Blindly following tradition or the words of others is insufficient. Instead, focus on personal intellectual understanding, rooted in a solid foundation of knowledge and evidence. Building a strong foundation of faith through Bible literacy and deep understanding is paramount. It empowers us to navigate a diverse world with confidence and articulate our beliefs effectively. Embracing the living Word, Jesus, and anchoring our faith in the promises of God sets us on a path of redemption, inclusivity, and grace. Let us rise above generational curses and put our faith in the one who has already overcome them—Jesus, the Messiah.

Throughout our faith journey, we will face opposition but we must continue to follow after God with courage and wisdom. The story of Nehemiah rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem, as described in Nehemiah Chapter 4, offers valuable insights on how we can navigate the hurdles we face while following God with courage and wisdom. Nehemiah’s experience demonstrates that even in the face of discouragement and adversity, it is possible to persevere and triumph. But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews. 2 And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish—stones that are burned?” 3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Whatever they build, if even a fox goes up on it, he will break down their stone wall.” Nehemiah 4:1-3 NKJV Here we see Sanballat and Tobiah, who were furious and mocking the Jews as they rebuilt the wall. This attack was filled with lies and discouragement. It’s important to note that discouragement often contains some elements of truth, but it tends to overshadow the greater truth – that God is with us and has promised to see us through. A lying, discouraging attack will often have some truth in it, but it will neglect the great truth. God is with us and has promised to see us through. Where faith believes God and His love and promises, discouragement looks for and believes the worst.  Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. Hebrews 10:38 NKJV Sanballat and Tobiah had no authority to actually stop the work. All they could do was to discourage the Jews from continuing the work.  4 Hear, O our God, for we are despised; turn their reproach on their own heads, and give them as plunder to a land of captivity! 5 Do not cover their iniquity, and do not let their sin be blotted out from before You; for they have provoked You to anger before the builders. Nehemiah 4:4-5 NKJV When faced with discouragement, prayer was Nehemiah’s first response not his last resort. When faced with adversity, our first response should always be to seek God through prayer. It’s a reminder that prayer should not be our last resort, but our initial and ongoing strategy. 6 So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. Nehemiah 4:6 NKJV Satan wants to destroy our mind to work. He wants to make us feel defeated, passive, self-focused, discouraged. The immediate answer to the prayer did not change their enemies. The prayer was answered by the people of God doing the work. The answer to Nehemiah’s prayer was not an immediate change in their circumstances but the people of God taking action. 7 Now it happened, when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored and the [a]gaps were beginning to be closed, that they became very angry, 8 and all of them conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. Nehemiah 4:7-8 NKJV Usually we become confused because we are distracted by the tricks of our enemy instead of focusing on God and His promises. When the enemies heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored, they conspired to attack and create confusion. Distractions and confusion are often the tools of the enemy. To counter this, we must maintain our focus on God and His promises. Our spiritual enemies thrive on our moments of weakness, so we should always be vigilant. Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night. Nehemiah 4:9 NKJV Prayer does not mean we do nothing. We must set a watch. Prayer does not replace our actions; prayer makes our actions effective for God’s work.  Then Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is failing, and there is so much rubbish that we are not able to build the wall.” Nehemiah 4:10 NKJV It isn’t enough to just begin well. We must persevere to end strong. And our adversaries said, “They will neither know nor see anything, till we come into their midst and kill them and cause the work to cease.” Nehemiah 4:11 NKJV Our spiritual enemies know when we are discouraged, tired, angry, or proud in self-confidence. The only way to get them to stop serving God and doing His work was to kill them. For many believers, the devil does not have to kill them. Discouragement, compromise, money, relationships, frustration, or trouble get them to stop serving God. 13 Therefore I positioned men behind the lower parts of the wall, at the openings; and I set the people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” Nehemiah 4:13-14 NKJV These two verses illustrate the seriousness of the situation. Nehemiah positioned his people for battle, reminding them to remember the Lord, great and awesome, as they fought for their families and homes. We fight most effectively for the Lord when we understand what is at stake.  And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had brought their plot to nothing, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work. Nehemiah 4:15 NKJV Defending against the attack was not

The book of Jeremiah shows us the letters the prophet wrote to Jerusalem, reminding them that, amidst their suffering, God is still with them. Jerusalem was suffering due to their rebelliousness toward God. When sin brings negative consequences into our lives, we must turn to God instead of becoming bitter. Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the rest of the elders in exile and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 This was after King Jeconiah [also called Coniah and Jehoiachin] and the queen mother, the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen and the smiths had departed from Jerusalem. 3 [The letter was sent] by the hand of Elasah son of Shaphan and Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. It said: 4 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the captives whom I have caused to be carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build yourselves houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat the fruit of them. 6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not be diminished. 7 And seek (inquire for, require, and request) the peace and welfare of the city to which I have caused you to be carried away captive; and pray to the Lord for it, for in the welfare of [the city in which you live] you will have welfare. Jeremiah 29:1-7 AMPC No matter what season we are in, we are called to seek the peace and comfort of those around us. We are called to be impactful in every season. Our circumstances should not define us; we are still called to impact those around us. Instead of being bitter, we must be impactful. For thus says the Lord, When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you and keep My good promise to you, causing you to return to this place. Jeremiah 29:10 AMPC God’s promises never change. The same promise to Abraham remains unaltered. The people may change, but God does not. The Lord told them it would not be a quick season, but there would be an end. Sometimes our seasons are not quick, but they will end. To every season, there is an appointed end. Revelation is not about what needs to end, but what we need to learn. That’s why some seasons take longer than others. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV God is saying to these rebellious people that He knows the plans He has for them. God thinks about us; He doesn’t just have thoughts towards us, He thinks about us. His thoughts are good, for a future and hope, regardless of what we do. But remember, all things are permissible, but not all things are beneficial. Psalm 40:5 echoes this sentiment: ‘Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.’ God not only thinks of His people, but His thoughts are toward them. God has a future and a hope for His people, even when we suffer and hurt under deserved discipline or judgment. It is the devil’s deception to rob people of our sense of God’s future and hope for us. If the enemy can get us to not believe what God thinks about us, then we will start believing what we think about ourselves. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive. Jeremiah 29:12-14 NKJV Keep in mind here that Jerusalem is still in captivity, but they still must seek Him and God promises that they will find Him, we will find Him when we seek Him. God also promises that He will bring us to the place He has called us. God does not hide Himself from His people when we seek Him. God remains faithful to His promise even when we are faithless. 2 Timothy 2:13 reminds us that ‘if we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.’ Our response to this should be a life surrender.

In our journey of faith, it’s easy to get lost in the complexities of theology and the intricacies of religious practice. However, Isaiah reminds us of the fundamental truth that our ultimate destination is not a place, but a person – Jesus. This revelation grounds our understanding of faith and challenges us to seek a heart transformation rather than attempting to legislate righteousness. God’s call for us to be formed in the image of Christ is a profound directive. It beckons us to emulate the very essence of Jesus in our character, actions, and attitudes. This is not achieved through rules and regulations but through a genuine heart transformation. Because of Jesus, God’s mercy and grace are offered to all people. You haven’t sinned too much to be redeemed. We often hear that “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” This encapsulates the essence of faith. It’s not merely about wanting to do right; it’s about addressing the deeper matters of the heart. True transformation begins within, where our desires align with God’s will. Isaiah’s name, meaning “salvation of the Lord,” points directly to the heart of the Gospel message. Salvation is not a human achievement but a divine gift, a testament to God’s unfathomable love for us.  Isaiah 52: 13 – 14 NKJV | 13 Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high. 14 Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man,And His form more than the sons of men; The first words spoken by the LORD through the prophet concerning His Servant proclaim His triumph. The Messiah will win because He will be honored and praised. There is no denying it. Before any of His suffering is announced, Jesus glorious triumph is assured. Faith untested is not faith at all. Trials and tribulations reveal the depth of our trust in God. It’s easy to say we believe, but it’s in the crucible of adversity that our faith is truly proven. Isaiah 52:15 NKJV | So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; For what had not been told them they shall see, And what they had not heard they shall consider. Isaiah 53:1 NKJV | Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? Isaiah introduces us to the concept of the “Arm of the Lord,” signifying the power of God. It reminds us that in the midst of difficulties, it is this divine power that sustains us and carries us through. But the strength, power, and might of God will be expressed in the midst of this suffering, seemingly weak Messiah. Isaiah 53:2-3 NKJV | For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground.He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. 3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. In God’s presence, that which seems to be weak is strong.  Isaiah 53:4-6 NLT | 4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down.And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. 6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. He made our griefs His own, and our sorrows as if they were His. The image is that He loaded them up and carried them on His back, so we wouldn’t have to. Understanding what Jesus accomplished for us on the cross leads to profound worship. The great exchange took place – He took on our sin and clothed us in righteousness. This truth should be the cornerstone of our worship and gratitude. It was in our place that the Messiah suffered. Isaiah 53:7-9 NLT | 7 He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. 8 Unjustly condemned, he was led away.[b] No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream.[c] But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. 9 He had done no wrongand had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. The Servant of the LORD, the Messiah, suffers, but not for Himself, but for the transgressions of My people. God and Jesus worked together at the cross to reconcile the world back to God. Isaiah 53:10 -11 NLT | 10 But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. 11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. On the cross, Jesus may have seemed helpless, but His silence was a powerful declaration. It was a deliberate choice, a demonstration of His unwavering obedience to the Father’s plan. God’s plan doesn’t always align with our expectations. In those moments, faith is not about having all the answers but trusting the One who does. It’s in the surrender to His sovereignty that true faith is cultivated. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 NLT |18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task

As believers, we should be more concerned about the lost coming to Christ than we are about our own comfort. Despite the fact that God has commanded us to reach out to everyone, we only desire to do so with individuals who are similar to us. So we just don’t even bother to reach out to people. We disobey our God and disregard our calling. The book of Jonah reminds us of the God’s love and grace. Jonah was a prophet, and despite the fact that he disobeyed God in many ways, God nonetheless gave him unending love and compassion, leading to his forgiveness. Jonah was also shown mercy and forgiveness by God by how God interacted with others. Jonah was a rebellious prophet who hated God for loving his enemies. Even though Nineveh, his enemy, merited God’s wrath, God nevertheless wanted to demonstrate mercy to them. This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. 2 So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. 3 Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.” Jonah 4:1-3 NLT What if God treated Jonah the way he wanted God to treat Nineveh? Jonah himself pleaded for God’s mercy, and when it was shown to him, he relished it. He now finds it offensive when it is given to other people. Then the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?” Jonah 4:4 NKJV God often asks us questions to reveal our hearts. Additionally, it places us on solid ground in God’s eyes because He has every right to question us and expects us to provide responses. 5 So Jonah went out of the city and sat on the east side of the city. There he made himself a shelter and sat under it in the shade, till he might see what would become of the city. 6 And the Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant. 7 But as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered. 8 And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah 4:5-8 NKJV Jonah was pleased because at last, God was finally doing something for Jonah. Jonah’s happiness was just as fleshly as his anger. Both were about self. 9 Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” And he said, “It is right for me to be angry, even to death!” 10 But the Lord said, “You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left—and much livestock?” Jonah 4:9-11 NKJV Even though the plant was just a plant Jonah had no personal interest or investment in the plant except for what it provided for him at that moment. God’s response to Jonah showed the prophet that he didn’t really know God as well as he thought he did. What further reason is there for God to be concerned about the annihilation of humanity, especially those who bear His image? In this chapter, there are three mistakes that angry people frequently make which were committed by Jonah. Instead of making Jonah’s situation better, each of these things made it worse. 3 incorrect responses when angry with God Jonah’s first mistake: He quit serving God and others. Let’s remember to stay committed to our faith and continue serving others, even when life gets tough. Jonah separated himself from others. Community and support are essential during difficult times. Let’s not isolate ourselves but lean on our faith family for strength. Jonah became a spectator. Instead of engaging with God, he watched from the sidelines. Let’s actively seek God, pray, and stay connected with Him, even when we’re struggling. Let’s strive to respond differently when we face anger or challenges in our faith journey.