One of our Hardest Lessons...

12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4
Paul is talking here about having his physical needs met, but in other places he shows us that contentment applies to so much more - our jobs, our homes, our relationships - every part of our lives.  It is not that we never do anything to make them better, but that we have this sense of peace (see the context of the preceeding passages) which says "it is enough, even if it can be better." May we have that sense in every part of our lives today. May we be content. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FexGqNDBK3g

Do Not BE Disturbed

 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24)

It's a crazy world, and sometimes it seems it is getting crazier all the time. It can be very disturbing. Even keeping up with life, putting up with people, and going through the various struggles of doing life can seem disheartening. But Christ says: "It's going to happen. It is part of the plan."  It is not that God wants us to be miserable; we do that all on our own and to each other.  It is simply a reminder that "this world is not my home," and I can trust in Him.  So, give a listen to an old tune...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhJknAXwplU

The Result of Rejoicing While Struggling

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4)
There it is: the verse of the day... when you really don't want to.  Rejoice.  And what song comes to mind? One we mostly consider to be a Christmas song. But it is far more. It is a song of longing, waiting, struggling, looking for peace. That's what this famous passage promises at the end of rejoicing in anxious struggle: peace.  Let's let beyond Christmas for hope, promise, joy and peace. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roy3Ft6Fvbk

Wherever, Whyever...

8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)

Sometimes we don't know why God is asking us to do what He is. Sometimes I don't know why He leads me to a certain song or passage for that day. But as you look at this, think about the day, and listen to this song, I think you will. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS17lrLxxrg

Transforming Worship

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (II Corinthians 3)
We're not just talking music here. We are talking about an awareness of the presence of God through the Holy Spirit. It is in the "sanctuary", at home, with our friends, and on the street.  It is a freedom to be who we really are, serving God and others openly, allowing Him to change how we view Him, treat others, and handle ourselves.  It is confident living knowing He is watching and we do not need to hide.  The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.  A lot to meditate on...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFByOX8Fb0M

Behold, Our God has Revealed Himself.

22 “These words the Lord spoke to all your assembly at the mountain out of the midst of the fire, the cloud, and the thick darkness, with a loud voice; and he added no more. And he wrote them on two tablets of stone and gave them to me. 23 And as soon as you heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, while the mountain was burning with fire, you came near to me, all the heads of your tribes, and your elders. 24 And you said, ‘Behold, the Lord our God has shown us his glory and greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire. This day we have seen God speak with man, and man still live. 25 Now therefore why should we die? For this great fire will consume us. If we hear the voice of the Lord our God any more, we shall die. 26 For who is there of all flesh, that has heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of fire as we have, and has still lived? 27 Go near and hear all that the Lord our God will say, and speak to us all that the Lord our God will speak to you, and we will hear and do it.’ (Deuteronomy 5)
Of all the great things God has said and done, the most basic one is this: He has revealed Himself to us. He has given us a glimpse that He is on the throne of the universe He has made. He made us, cares about us, and wants fellowship with us.  How can we ignore that? Have a listen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gqrli3Lkf58

The One Who Is Able

25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Romans 16)
Is it possible? Is it possible for those who have lived their whole lives far from God to actually come into relationship with Him?  Is it possible for those Who have had His truth in their faces their whole lives, but keep walking away, to still come back to Him? Is it possible that people of both this backgrounds could be brought together as one people? Yes. God is able to do that, and more. That's the good news of Jesus Christ: in Him, God pulls it all off and pulls it together. The all-wise God of creation is smart enough and powerful enough to do it. All we need to do is obey His commandment: put our faith in His Son, Jesus.