The Vicissitudes of Life

The Weekly Alphabet Bible Study moves on with the letter V. Life surely has its changes--its vicissitudes. The way you handle these vicissitudes defines your attitude. Life will never be fair. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. Now that we know this to be a fact, how can we deal?

Mark 9:22-24 says, "...Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”

The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Just like the father who son was possessed by demons, ask for help. This father took his son to Jesus and asked Him to remove the demons--if you can. Jesus told the father, "All things are possible to those who believe."  If Jesus said it then, He says it now. You just got to believe. If you are still struggling with the concept, then just like that father, ask Him to help you overcome your unbelief.


As a believer, we have a Savior that always has our best interest at heart. You may not understand the test or the trial. Still there is Someone watching out for you and the changes you deal with. Therefore, trust God. Believe in Him. These vicissitudes are nothing compared to the God we serve. So if something comes along that causes you to not believe, ask God for help. He will oblige. 


Soli Deo Gloria,


SA Brown

You may not understand it.

The Weekly Alphabet Bible Study marches on. As the letter T mentions how you will be tested and shaken and stirred, some of us struggle with the ways of God. Yet, there are many times in the bible that He tells us you may never understand. He flat-out says you cannot understand Me, but He leaves you instructions when you don't.


Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need.  The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."


With that in mind, I would like to offer you my comfort when I feel like God doesn't know what He's doing. I'll admit, I have said that to myself. God, what are You doing? Truth is, God knows. You may not know but He knows. 


Prayerfully, I hope you know Him. That should be enough but oftentimes, it is not. How your heart, emotions, and flesh deceive you. Knowing God is enough. Knowing that He is a loving and caring Father is enough. Knowing He will withstand nothing that is good for you from you is enough. Knowing that He cares enough to correct you is enough. Knowing God... Learn to make that enough.


As I grow in my own personal walk, I hope I can inspire others to spend time with their Higher Power. Whatever you conceive Him to be, know that His will is better than yours. Always has been; always will be. Sometimes we all struggle with His choices and His decisions. Keep in mind that His actions depend upon yours (free will). Yet, He is so omniscient that He already knows your mistakes before you make them and has made provision for the consequences. (praise moment) God loves you more than you could love yourself. Embrace that love and all of benefits that come with it. He has already told us in Romans that all the good and all the bad work together for your good. Please understand that.


When the struggle comes (and it will come), I hope you can remember Philippians 4:6-7. Don't worry about your circumstances and situations; instead pray over them. Always be grateful for what He has done as you ask Him, humbly, for things you need. Experience God's peace which passes anything we could ever understand. He will protect your heart and mind as you do so.


A peace that passes all understanding? God can give you so much peace that you don't have to understand.


Deo Soli Gloria,


SA Brown

Tests, Trials, and Tribulations

The Weekly Alphabet Bible Study is in the latter part of the alphabet. The goal is to be complete by July 4. So let's get it.


Hopefully by the title, you can tell what this week's letter is. Everyday, we have a chance to get better. God uses other people, our situations, and our own lives to test us. Each test gives us a chance to be better on the other side. 


Job loss, death, financial woes, betrayal, abuse. Just about anything you can think of that pushes you further than you believe you can go is a test. Your job is to get closer to God and ask for the lesson to be learned. You should make yourself palatable. Allow God to make you into what He wants. The way He makes these transformations is by bending you, breaking you, shaking you. There is no way around it.


In 1 Peter, we are reminded to "count it all joy" when you suffer for Christ's sake. But there are tests. There are trials. There are tribulations that are about you becoming the person He wants. 


Most of us know the story of Job. He lost everything, more than most realize. He went through it all. He praised God. He questioned God. I believe we have all been there. In the end, Job got double for the trouble. 


The point is that we ALL have things to deal with. There are no expectations; this is the rule. Deal with it. As you go through, please try to remember our example of Job. Job had no idea what God was doing in his life but Job knew it was the best thing for him. For me, I find myself quoting Job 23:10. You can borrow it if you wish.


Job 23:10 reminds me that He know where I am going and when He tests me, I shall come forth as pure gold.


Soli Deo Gloria,


SA Brown

Study for yourself.

The weekly alphabet bible study moves on. This week's letter is S. I would like to encourage everyone to Study this week. Even God asks you to study. 


II Timothy 2:15 reads: Study to show yourself approved unto God; a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of God.


Now that seems pretty straight-forward. Study to show yourself approved. I know many people go to church every week to listen to someone else tell them what God says. Yet, they never know the word for themselves. I believe God wants a personal relationship with each one of us and that does not involve your pastor. Three really can be a crowd. 


You must give God's Word a place of priority in your everyday life. Practically speaking, this could mean that you confess the Word while getting ready in the mornings. Maybe you could listen to teaching or worship music on the way to work. You may want to use your lunch hour to read the Word or walk outside and pray. Just make sure you pursue His truth on a regular, ongoing basis. Giving His Word a place of top priority will change your life.


I am not trying to discourage anyone from attending church. What I am encouraging is for you to study His Word for yourself. How will you know if your preacher is getting it right if you don't know what is right in the first place? Besides, it says to study to show yourself approved. Not your pastor or minister or preacher or teacher. But YOU and you alone. When the time comes, it will be you standing in judgement. Will you have studied? Will you be approved?


Soli Deo Gloria,


SA Brown

Passion Week

Interrupting the Weekly Alphabet Bible Study for an important announcement. I hope Y'all won't mind.

What is Passion Week? It's the time from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. It is so named because of the passion with which Jesus willingly went to the cross in order to pay for your sins. (Mine, too.)

Have you ever asked yourself what all happened in that week? Well, I did and this is what I discovered.

Before I begin, I want us to remember good old Zaccheus. He's the greedy tax collector that Jesus eats with just before Palm Sunday. People were angry that Jesus ate with ole Zacch but I think, sometimes, folks forget why Jesus came. By the end of their dinner, Jesus saves a soul that night. (Luke 19: 9-10)

                                     SUNDAY

We begin with Palm Sunday and the Trimphal Entry. Jesus rides triumphantly into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilling an ancient prophecy. (Zechariah 9:9) The people welcome Him with chants of 'Hosanna.' Deep down, He knows, by week's end, their tune will change.

                                   MONDAY

Jesus returns to Jerusalem. On His way, He curses the fig-tree, a highly symbolic act. Explanation comes Tuesday. He then enters the Temple and chases out the corrupt money-changers. (Matthew 21:13) This shows His Messianic authority and fulfills another prophecy that implies the Messiah will appear there suddenly and take possession of it. (Malachi 3:1) On the way home, they see the withered fig tree.

                                    TUESDAY

On this day, Jesus personally confronts the authorities and defends His claim to be the Messiah. He pronounces a curse on the city, like He did the fig tree. Because the fig tree has leaves but bore no fruit, He cursed it. That is how Jesus describes the authorities. Like that tree, it was all for show. They had the look (leaves) but no fruit (faith). At the end of the day, Jesus gives the Olivet Discourse, a detailed prophesy about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple due to the rejection of Jesus as Messiah.

                                     WEDNESDAY

Perhaps, this is a quiet day of rest and mediation for Jesus. Most scholars say it spends it with family and friends. I say He was getting His mind right.

                                      THURSDAY

Jesus celebrates Passover and has His Last Supper in the Upper Room. (Cue Mahalia Jackson). Jesus announces there is a betrayer. Jesus gives us communion. Peter faces humility. Jesus prays for a reprieve but knows His destiny. (Matthew 26:39)  His closest friends let Him down. (Matthew 26:41) Judas comes and seals the deal with a kiss. (Matthew 26: 48-49) And so it begins...

                                        FRIDAY

Bogus trials--four of them. His fifth is before the Roman governor, Pilate, finds no fault with Jesus, but the people...the people want justice. Pilate gives the people what they want but washes his hands of the matter. (Matthew 27:24) Now comes the flogging. Jesus suffers licks meant for us. Jesus endures humiliation meant for us. Still, He begs for our forgiveness. (Luke 23:34) Even in the midst of the greatest despair, Jesus saves another soul. (Luke 23: 39-43) The sky darkens. Scholars say it symbolizes the Father turning His back on the one He had once called My Beloved Son. During this time, Jesus experiences hell for us all. Hell is to be utterly forsaken by God. (Matthew 28:46) Since no man can take His life from Him, Jesus willingly lays it down for us. (John 10:18) That's when Jesus proclaims, "It is finished" and gives His spirit back to God. (Luke 23:46) Even His death saves a soul. (Matthew 27:54) At that moment, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple splits in two; eliminating the separation between man and God forever. Now we can boldly and confidently into God's presence. (Ephesians 3:12) Hours later, Jesus is laid to rest in a borrowed tomb. More symbolism--because Jesus only needs it for a little while.

                                       SATURDAY

Jesus' body lies in its borrowed tomb. Scholars say He is in the depths of hell vying for our souls.

                                       SUNDAY

Early on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and 'em go to the tomb and find the stone rolled away. Jesus was gone. He has risen. All the prophesies had come to pass. His death justifies believers and His perfect righteousness is imputed to sinners. His sacrifice secures our salvation. And when Jesus returns to His Father, He promises to send us a Helper (Luke 24:49) and to be with us always--even unto the end of this world. (Matthew 28:20) 

A lot sure can happen in a week...

SA Brown

                                        

Not Until You Bless Me

The Weekly Bible Study moves on with the letter, P. Jacob came to my mind as I thought about the word Persistence for this week's lesson.

So many lessons envelope Jacob and his twin brother, Esau. The ultimate sibling rivalry. They fought in the womb. Jacob pulled Esau by the ankle as they went through the birth canal. As boys, Esau was Daddy's favorite and Jacob was the Mama's boy. As men, Jacob manipulates Esau out of his birthright and steals his blessing. Yet, Jacob suffers the consequences of his actions.

Jacob, too, falls for a deception as his own uncle tricks him in to marrying the wrong daughter. I think they call that karma. Once Jacob decides to reconcile with Esau, the brothers are able to make peace with each other.

Despite all his wrongdoings, Jacob has a one-on-one encounter with God.

Genesis 32:24-30 says: This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket. Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!”
But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
“What is your name?” the man asked.
He replied, “Jacob.”
“Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.”
“Please tell me your name,” Jacob said.
“Why do you want to know my name?” the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there. Jacob named the place Peniel (which means “face of God”), for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.”

Sometimes, you just have to keeping fighting. If you have a word from God, keep believing in that word and keep pursuing it. God's word will come to pass. Then, at that time, you get your blessing. Find that interest, that project, that movement, that whatever it is that won't let you go. Therein lies your passion; your purpose. Tell God you won't let Him go unless He blesses you.

Be persistent in your well-doing.

Soli Deo Gloria,

SA Brown

Judgement Day

The Weekly Alphabet Bible Study moves with the letter N. Today, we will discuss what some consider to be the scariest book of the Bible. God knows you better than you know yourself. In a way, you are always NAKED before God. There are no secrets between you and Him. When I was young, I was told never think something that you would not want others to hear out loud. Honestly, it does not matter what the others hear because they are not your Judge.


Revelation 20:12-15 says: And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.


On Judgement Day, you will stand before God and give an account of every thought, every word, and every action you have done in this life. You will stand there all alone and face His judgement. He will read from the pages and if your name is not there...


Please realize there are no secrets. He sees everything. He knows everything. He knows your thoughts before you think them, your words before you say them, your actions before you do them. You are truly naked before Him. 


Deo Volente, 


SA Brown

He wants to be your motivation.

The Weekly Alphabet Bible Study moves on with the letter M. Can I get a motivation check?

Long before Kelly Rowland sang her song, God was tugging at your heart. The Lord really does want you to fulfill your life's purposes. He makes you to be motivated...to live for Him. A big part of that motivation is His promises.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the LORD. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

God wants you to be happy. He has wonderful plans for you and me. So where do we go wrong? Well, I think it starts when we sense that twinge of independence and we think we can do everything on our own. That free will can get you every time. Then we expect God to bless our mess.

God will allow you to make a mess of things but He promises to be right there with you to help you through it all. And then He says if you just take the time to get to know me, you will get to know you. That is when your dreams align with His dreams and you and God are walking hand-in-hand. Because you did some things without Him, you will have to deal with the fallout of those choices. There is no federal bail-out in this game. The good news is once you go through the consequences of the plans without God (which was never really the case), then you can get on track to bask in the glory of the plans God has for me. 

And I find that very motivating...

Deo Soli Gloria,

Step Brown

Is it craziness???

The weekly Bible Study carries on and this week, the letter is L. I started to go with Listen. Yet, on my way to work, the word Lunacy came to my mind.

I am coming from a personal space today because I believe God is working on me about something. I realize today that everything really is unfolding as it should. Those times I felt I should be in Atlanta and I missed my chance to be there, now I realize if God needed me to be there, I would be there. It's just that simple.

Remember when Jesus walked the water? Here's the reminder.

Matthew 14: 27-31 reads: But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here! Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”  “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Today, I am feeling like Peter. I am asking God to use me and do great things through me. Yet, when He beckons, I verbally declare I will follow. But at the first sign of any oppression (strong wind) or I sense I MIGHT sink, I jump back in the boat. At least Peter asked the Lord to save him. LOL.

That one passage about Jesus and Peter has so many lessons in it. And the one that grabs me today is that Peter asked God to let him do something crazy. Walk on water? Really? God allowed him to do something crazy but when Peter stopped focusing on God, the oppression (strong wind) almost killed him.

Sometimes, God will ask you to do some radical things for Him if you open your heart to Him. To outsiders, it may seem crazy, an act of lunacy. Quit that job. Open that business. Sell that house. Move to that city. Leave that family. Build that ark. Tell that pharaoh to let my people go. March around that city and the walls will come tumbling down. Build that temple. King that boy. Marry that whore. Birth that baby even though you are a virgin.

To the world, it's craziness. To God, it's just the way He does things.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Step Brown

Before Amazon's Kindle

The Weekly Alphabet Bible Study is on the letter K. With that in mind, I thought of the word KINDLE. According to Webster, kindle means to ignite, to catch fire, to stir up and arouse.

As believers, we should be on fire for God. He created us with a purpose in mind. You were never an afterthought to God. There is a reason for this season. And you owe it to yourself and the others you will affect to ask God what is your role and purpose. After you ask Him, patiently await his perfectly-timed answer.

Isaiah 46:10 says Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass; for I do whatever I wish.

Jeremiah 10:23-24 says I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. So correct me, Lord, but please be gentle. Do not correct me in anger, for I would die.

In the history of Israel, Joseph was born to save them from starvation, Moses was created to deliver them from slavery and Esther was divinely appointed to prevent their extinction. Even outcasts from the nation of Israel, like Rehab the prostitute who helped Joshua and his men, had their use.

Whether big or small, recorded or unrecorded, notable or unknown to the public, you were born to fulfill a need. That need arose even before your birth. Allaround you are people who need you. You might be their evangelist and share the Gospel with them. You might be their teacher and teach them the Word. You could be their exhorter and encourage them to do their purpose for God. The point is be open to what God has for you to do. Know that you have a purpose otherwise you wouldn't be here.

Allow God to light a fire in you to fulfill His divinely-appointed purposes. His will is perfect. Forget Amazon...  It's God who should be your kindle.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Step Brown

Ride of a Lifetime

The Weekly Alphabet Bible Study rolls on with the letter, J. So this week, I'd like to discuss the Journey.

Scriptures: Matthew 21: 1-5; Mark 11: 1-3; Luke 19: 29-31; John 12: 14-15

Luke 19: 29-31 reads: 'As He came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, He sent two disciplines ahead. "Go into that village over there," He told them. "As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone should ask you, 'Why are you untying that colt?', just say, The Lord needs it." '

You hear sermons on the triumphant entry many times. Different points of view reveal how every character in that story must have felt. From the disciplines to the worshippers to Jesus Himself, this story of fulfilling prophecy has so many messages. Yet, there is one point-of-view few people consider. What about that little donkey that carries Jesus on his back?

God is methodical. There is no happenstance. Everything is planned out. So it is no accident that Jesus would pick a lowly and insignificant creature to use. A little donkey--a dumb ass if you will--brings the King to His Kingdom. An animal that God knows would just simply obey and do what he was told. That's who gets the privilege of having Jesus on his back.

In addition to that, Jesus tells them 'I need that little donkey so go get him.' That little donkey was minding his own business, not knowing the Lord would ever need him for something. Plus, little donkey was all tied up but Jesus already knew He would have to free the little guy to use him. Jesus also knew little donkey's condition. Because, see, no one had ever ridden him before. So Jesus knew He would have to get little donkey ready for the ride. Jesus knows...

For me, little donkey's story resembles that of a Christian's journey. You see, the Lord knows where you are, your condition, and all the things you have been through. Yet, when He needs you, He will send for you. So maybe being a dumb ass (blind obedience) will make the journey that much easier. You can't go wrong with Jesus on your back. Sure, it may get a little hectic but that is when you think of the One who knows where you are, sends for you, knows exactly what you've been through, unties you from your previous condition and tells the world, 'I have need of him/her.' When you choose to allow Jesus on your back and let Him ride uninhibited, get ready for the ride of a lifetime.  

When the journey gets bumpy, just think of the Guy who's got your back.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Step Brown

Imagine This...

This week's Alphabet Bible Study focuses on H.

Matthew 26:39 reads "He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Imagine this: You come into a new place. You are a stranger. People shun you simply because they don't know you or what you are about. Yet, somehow, you win the people over. Your eloquent speeches, charisma, and deeds show them your worth. Now, they welcome you with accepting arms.




With acceptance comes ridicule. With ridicule comes conviction. Suddenly, you are an outsider again. Everyone turns against you, even those closest to you. Accusations run rampant but in your heart, you know you've done nothing wrong. Still you face your accusers, your judge, your jury, and your condemnation. You bear your cross.

Now, imagine you had to endure all of this on someone else's behalf. It's not even about you. You are doing this for people you know will deny you, curse you, and hate you.  Imagine that their future depends on your present despite their past. Could you bear it?

Humility saved your life. Humility suffered your death. Humility withstood your punishment. Humility hung on your cross. Humility has done the unthinkable for you.

Imagine what your humility could do for Him. Not that He needs you to be humble but you do. He has so much planned for you. Humble obedience just makes the cross easier to bear.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Step Brown

There will be pain...

The Weekly Alphabet Bible Study is on the letter, G. I was so torn between writing about David's Guilt and Job's Grief that I almost did both. I almost flipped a coin. Then I read and reread both passages. Both brought me to tears. Yet, Job's Grief captured my daily essence. So this week's lesson is about grief.

The average church goer knows about Job. Most talk about his patience. Job is highly favored. So much so that Satan has a point to prove. The evil one goes to God and asks God if he could test Job. That is a lesson within itself. Moving on...

Job loses everything. Yet, he does not curse God. That's the story we all hear. Still there is another side to Job's story. Indeed, Job is faithful to God. Job's faithfulness does not mean he was not sad.

Read: Job 7.

Job mentions how bitter he is. He even talks about suicide. There can be a point (even points) in your life when you are totally broken. Some might even say beyond repair. Let me remind me: There is nothing too hard for God. Believe me when I say He has listened to you and heard your request. Life's trials and tribulations come to serve you. There are merely faith tests. So don't give up. Don't give in. He knows...

I want to leave you with Job 42:10-After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. Now take Job's name out and replace it with yours. So that's your message. That's your scripture. Use what God gives you.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Step Brown