Deuteronomy 7:9–12 Keep in mind that the LORD your God is ⸤the only⸥ God. He is a faithful God, who keeps his promise and is merciful to thousands of generations of those who love him and obey his commands. But he sends destruction to pay back everyone who hates him. He never takes long to pay back anyone who hates him. So obey the commands, laws, and rules I’m giving you today. If you listen to these rules and faithfully obey them, the LORD your God will keep his promise to you and be merciful to you, as he swore to your ancestors.
CHECK YOURSELF, HOW ARE YOU LIVING? DO YOU LOVE GOD?
– Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin leads to separation from God, but redemption is always offered through grace. – Galatians 6:7 – “You will always harvest what you plant.” This principle of sowing and reaping underscores divine justice. – Hebrews 12:6 – “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” God’s discipline is a sign of His love, much like a parent guiding a child. – Proverbs 3:11–12 – “Do not reject the Lord’s discipline… for the Lord corrects those he loves.” Correction is meant to shape character, not crush it. – Jeremiah 17:10 – “I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” God sees both actions and motives, ensuring fairness. – 1 Corinthians 10:11 – Past punishments serve as lessons for future generations. Scripture uses historical judgments to caution believers. – 2 Peter 2:6 – Sodom and Gomorrah were condemned as a warning to the ungodly. – Psalm 103:10 – “He does not punish us for all our sins.” Even when punishment is deserved, God often tempers it with mercy. – Isaiah 30:18 – God waits patiently for repentance, showing compassion before judgment.
ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS QUICK REFRESHER.
The first principle of problem solving is to get the facts. Proverbs 18:13, TLB. “What a shame—yes, how stupid!—to decide before knowing the facts!” The second principle of solving problems is to be open to new ideas. Proverbs 18:15, TLB. “The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them.” The third principle of problem solving is to hear both sides of the story. Proverbs 18:17, TLB. “Any story sounds true until someone tells the other side and sets the record straight.” How does God want us to respond to problems? Realize that problems are inevitable and grow as a result of them. James 1:2-4, NIV. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
The Bible reveals that God created human beings with intention, love, and purpose. Here are several key themes and verses that help illuminate why: Created in God’s Image – Genesis 1:27 – “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” → This shows that humans reflect God’s character—capable of love, creativity, reason, and relationship. – Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” → Our design is intentional and awe-inspiring. Created for Purpose – Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” → We’re made to live out good works that align with His divine plan. – Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord… → God’s creation of humanity is tied to hope and a future. Created for Relationship – John 15:15 – “I have called you friends…” → God desires intimacy with us—not just servitude. – 1 John 1:3 – “Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” → We’re invited into communion with the divine. Created to Steward Creation – Genesis 1:28 – “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it…” → Humanity was given responsibility to care for and cultivate the earth. Created for God’s Glory – Isaiah 43:7 – “Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory…” → Our lives are meant to reflect and magnify God’s greatness. – 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Whatever you do… do it all for the glory of God.” → Even our everyday actions can be worship.
ALLOW THIS WORD OF GOD TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE.
The Bible affirms that we can approach God directly, but it also reveals how and why that access is possible. Direct Access Through Christ – Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace” so we may receive mercy and grace in times of need. – Ephesians 2:18 explains that “through [Christ] we both have access in one Spirit to the Father”. – John 14:6 records Jesus saying, “No one comes to the Father except through Me,” showing that our direct access is made possible through Him. How We Approach God – Prayer is the primary way we approach God. Philippians 4:6-7 urges us to bring everything to Him “by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving”. – Faith and humility are essential. Hebrews 11:6 says “without faith it is impossible to please God” and that those who come to Him must believe He exists and rewards those who seek Him. – Purity of heart matters too. James 4:8 says “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands… and purify your hearts”. Old Testament Echoes Even before Christ’s earthly ministry, figures like Moses spoke with God “face to face” (Exodus 33:11), and David longed to dwell in God’s courts (Psalm 84:10). These moments foreshadowed the fuller access believers now have through Jesus. So, Can We Approach God Directly? Yes — but not by our own merit. The Bible teaches that our access is granted through Jesus, and we’re invited to come boldly, sincerely, and reverently. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being honest, humble, and trusting in His grace.
I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS QUICK REFRESHER TO BE HELPFUL. DO YOU FEEL THAT WE SHOULD CONTINUE POSTING THESE QUICK REFRESHERS.
Numbers 14:18 is a powerful verse that reveals the complex and balanced nature of God’s character. Here’s a breakdown of its meaning and context: Verse (KJV) “The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.” Meaning & Themes – Longsuffering and Mercy: God is patient and slow to anger, showing deep compassion even when His people fail Him repeatedly. – Forgiveness: He is willing to forgive sins—both iniquity (moral wrong) and transgression (rebellion)—when people repent. – Justice and Accountability: While merciful, God does not ignore guilt. Those who persist in wrongdoing without repentance face consequences. – Generational Consequences: The phrase about visiting iniquity on future generations reflects how the impact of sin can ripple through families and communities—not as punishment for others’ sins, but as a sobering reminder of how choices shape legacies. Reflection Numbers 14:18 invites us to hold two truths together: God’s mercy is vast, but His justice is real. It’s a call to repentance, humility, and a recognition that our actions matter—not just for us, but for those who come after. ALLOW THIS WORD FROM GOD TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE.
WE MUST REALIZE OUR SINS DO NOT ONLY AFFECT US, BUT OUR SINS AFFECT OTHERS ALSO.
John 15:1–8 Then Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father takes care of the vineyard. He removes every one of my branches that doesn’t produce fruit. He also prunes every branch that does produce fruit to make it produce more fruit. “You are already clean because of what I have told you. Live in me, and I will live in you. A branch cannot produce any fruit by itself. It has to stay attached to the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit unless you live in me. “I am the vine. You are the branches. Those who live in me while I live in them will produce a lot of fruit. But you can’t produce anything without me. Whoever doesn’t live in me is thrown away like a branch and dries up. Branches like this are gathered, thrown into a fire, and burned. If you live in me and what I say lives in you, then ask for anything you want, and it will be yours. You give glory to my Father when you produce a lot of fruit and therefore show that you are my disciples.
WE MUST LIVE IN GOD, YES, WE MUST STAY ATTACHED TO GOD.
First, the Bible doesn’t forbid cremation. It also doesn’t dictate if a person should be buried or cremated. Second, throughout the Bible, people treated the human body with great respect and often showed deep concern regarding a dead person’s remains, as can be seen in Genesis 49:29-31. Third, it was a great disgrace not to have a proper burial. (See 1 Samuel 31:9-13; 2 Samuel 2:4-6; Ecclesiastes 6:3.) Fourth, Genesis 50:26 and Mark 16:1 show that embalming was practiced in both the Old and New Testament times. Returning to dust After death, God ordained that a person should be reduced to dust. “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). When the body of a dead person is buried in the ground, the process of oxidation disintegrates it and in time reduces it to dust. Cremation or burning is merely another way of hastening the process of oxidation. Cremation does in a few minutes what burial in the ground would require years to do but the results are the same—the body is reduced to dust. Therefore, cremation is in harmony with God’s purpose for the disposal of the dead. The final resurrection The resurrection of the dusty remains of those who have died will present no difficulties to the Life-giver. The omniscient, omnipotent God who created the world out of nothing and who marks the resting place of His saints, will, at His coming, bring them back from the dead and glorify their bodies regardless of their condition in death or if they were cremated or buried. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and John 5:25-29.) Cremation in Modern Times Cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for the final disposition of the body at death. Funeral arrangements for a cremated body are not that different from other options. The body may still be viewed prior to the service, and a service may be held with the deceased present in most cases. There are a number of options available as to the disposition of the cremated remains, including burial and scattering. Be considerate in contemplating cremation and the other choices available, Christians will want to give thoughtful consideration to all who may be affected by the decision, such as loved ones who may have strong feelings on the subject of cremation. One certainly would not like to bring unnecessary distress to anyone. Final Thoughts on Cremation As we finish examining what the Bible says about cremation, let’s consider the following: The attitude of the Christian’s heart will show deep respect for the wonderful body that God designed. (Psalm 139:14) God will resurrect all of His children regardless of what has become of their bodies. When Jesus comes, “The dead in Christ” will be raised and given immortal bodies, “fashioned like unto his glorious body” (1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:54; Philippians 3:21). How happy we are as we look forward to that great day!
Scripture offers many verses that guide us in becoming more like Christ, emphasizing humility, love, service, and transformation. Imitating Christ’s Character – 1 Corinthians 11:1 — “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” – 1 Peter 2:21 — “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” – Philippians 2:5 — “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Walking in Love and Humility – Ephesians 5:2 — “Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.” – Philippians 2:3-4 — “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… value others above yourselves.” – Matthew 20:28 — “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Living by Faith and Obedience – Galatians 2:20 — “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” – John 14:15 — “If you love me, keep my commandments.” – 1 John 2:6 — “Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.”
WHO ARE YOU STRIVING TO BE LIKE? LET US STRIVE TO BE LIKE CHRIST.
Jeremiah 7:16 “So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you. Judges 16:20 She said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him. 1 Samuel 16:14 Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him. Psalm 71:11 Saying, “God has forsaken him; Pursue and seize him, for there is no one to deliver.”
DON’T LIVE YOUR LIFE IN A WAY THAT WILL CAUSE GOD TO ABANDON YOU. THINK ABOUT IT.
Created in God’s Image
Created for Purpose
Created for Relationship
Created to Steward Creation
Created for God’s Glory
Direct Access Through Christ
How We Approach God
Old Testament Echoes
So, Can We Approach God Directly?
Verse (KJV)
Meaning & Themes
Walking in Love and Humility