Hello!

When I think of the phrase “be strong and courageous,” it can come off as something cliché or something you hear off of a bad war movie. But what strikes me about this saying is that it is not a feeling statement. It’s not like it is saying to be happy or hopeful. It is a behavior statement.

We are told to move forward regardless of how we think or feel. Be Strong! Be Courageous! No matter what the outcome will be; however, we can be confident that regardless of what happens, the Lord our God will be with us wherever we go.

When reading scripture, there is a reoccurring theme with people: Old habits die hard. Even when God delivers us from our sins, habits, and difficulties, we are quick to return to our old ways.

Easier said than done. It really is a difficult thing to do; however, there is a method to help us on this life-long journey: Love God, Seek His guidance, and chase justice. While we may struggle with old habits, these methods will guide us back.

It has been a reoccurring theme for me lately to think about what God desires from me. When reading scripture, there can seem to be a lot required in order to please the All-Mighty. But maybe the answer is a lot easier than what we are thinking.

We often think that we can earn our way to heaven; but the reality is that it is freely given to us. We have Jesus’s resurrection as proof. All God wants from us is to seek justice through love of God and our fellow human beings.

In my study of scripture, the 10 Commandments or 10 Words are set in such a way as to be a universal framework for how we navigate life in the Kingdom of God, or, the Promise Land. When viewed as positive words, the Ten Words turn into Ten Values: God, Reason, Respect, Rest, Family, Life, Loyalty, Work, Truth, and Contentment.

These Ten Values are not “check-the-box-then-go-to-heaven” instructions. It first starts with our sincere need to have a covenantal relationship with God in his kingdom. They are roadmaps as we navigate the Wilderness to help us reach the Promise Land.

What I am about to say is heterodox. Meaning, it is not orthodox nor is it heresy. But I will confess the following: There is only one God, the God of Israel, and we are to love Him with our whole being. Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah who is King, High Priest, and Prophet. Jesus died because of us, redeemed us, resurrected, is the voice of God, and rules Earth. Lastly, the Law & Prophets are the Holy Spirit that is living and continues to guide those with ears that listen and hearts that understand.

While not an orthodox view, the Trinity can be viewed as the God of Israel – Father, Jesus the Messiah – Son, and Law & Prophets – Holy Spirit. We are truly blessed to be a part of the Kingdom of God.