20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith, and pray in union with the Ruach HaKodesh. 21 Thus keep yourselves in God’s love, as you wait for our Lord Yeshua the Messiah to give you the mercy that leads to eternal life.
22 Rebuke some who are disputing; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and to yet others, show mercy, but with fear, hating even the clothes stained by their vices.
24 Now,
to the one who can keep you from falling
and set you without defect and full of joy
in the presence of his Sh’khinah —
25 to God alone, our Deliverer,
through Yeshua the Messiah, our Lord —
be glory, majesty, power and authority
before all time, now and forever.
Amen.
"Push Back, Press Forward" by Author: Gary ShankGrowing a garden is hard work. From soil preparation right through the final harvest, it is a struggle. Yet, every year my wife and I press forward with an eye toward the harvest.
Even though our backyard garden usually produces abundantly, I do not claim to be an expert. One thing I know is that weeds are relentless. They appear quickly, threatening to choke out the desirable plants we are attempting to nurture. In order to flourish and produce fruit, plants need sunlight, water, and proper nutrients. Along with keeping the weeds out, we work diligently to insure the good plants get what they need to thrive.
Growing in faith is also a struggle. Jude writes in verse 3, “Contend for the faith.” Contend, strive for, battle to gain ground with the harvest in mind. There are some who would deter, derail, and lead astray. Oppose those forces that seek to destroy the faith you have received. In the same way, deliberately, with purpose, work to protect and nurture your faith with those elements essential for spiritual growth.
Hymn for Today: "I'm pressing on the upward way" by Johnson Oatman, Jr.
1. I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Refrain:
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
2. My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
Refrain:
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
3. I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.
Refrain:
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
4. I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Refrain:
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
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"Pressing On" by Bob Dylan
Well, I'm pressing on
Yes, I'm pressing on
Well, I'm pressing on
To the higher calling of my Lord
Well, I'm pressing on
Pressing on
Well, I'm pressing on
To the higher calling of my Lord
Pressing on
Pressing on
I know I'm pressing on
To the higher calling of my Lord
Many try to stop me, shake me up in my mind
Say, "Prove to me that He is Lord, show me a sign"
What kind of sign they need when it all come from within
When what's lost has been found, what's to come has already been?
I just keep pressing on
On and on and on and on
Pressing on
Well, I'm pressing on
To the higher calling of my Lord
Pressing on
On and on and on and on
Pressing on
Well, I keep turning 'round
Pressing on
To the higher calling of my Lord
Oh Lord, yeah
Shake the dust off of your feet, don't look back
Nothing can hold you down, nothing that you lack
Temptation's not an easy thing, Adam given the Devil reign
Because he sinned I got no choice, it run's in my vein
Well, I'm pressing on
On and on and on and on
Pressing on, oh yes, I am
Pressing on
To the higher calling of my Lord
Well, I'm pressing on
On and on and on and on
I'm pressing on
Pressing on
To the higher calling of my Lord
Pressing on
On and on and on and on
Pressing on
Pressing on
To the higher calling of my Lord
Pressing on
On and on and on and on
Pressing on
Pressing on
To the higher calling of my Lord.
Thought for Today:
"24 Now,
"24 Now,
to the one who can keep you from falling
and set you without defect and full of joy
in the presence of his Sh’khinah —
25 to God alone, our Deliverer,
through Yeshua the Messiah, our Lord —
be glory, majesty, power and authority
before all time, now and forever.
Amen." Jude 1:24-25.
Please pray:
for the people who are planting and harvesting from new gardens we call church plants or missions.
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for the people who are planting and harvesting from new gardens we call church plants or missions.
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