We are drawn to displays of power. When one shows wisdom or intelligence, we want to talk with them. When one shows strength, we want them on our side. When one is successful, we promote their leadership. While we wait for the Lord's powerful return, we can be distracted to follow lesser powers. Psalm 97 paints a powerful picture of the Lord's return and calls us to devote ourselves to Him alone.
The world, our lives, and even the earth groans at the mess. Can anyone fix our mess? Can anyone establish righteousness again? Psalm 96 answers the question - yes - but it calls us to worship the King who is coming to judge the earth. He will fix everything! He offers salvation to the unrighteous. He will rule with righteousness. He will establish righteousness and truth all over the world.
If you asked anyone, "What do you worship?" they’d probably give you one of two answers: "God (or a divine being)" or "nothing." Most people don't realize our lives are full of worship. While we may not physically bow down, our choices show our worship. When I do something for myself, I am bowing to myself in worship. Instead, Psalm 95 invites us to worship the Lord as King, Maker, and Shepherd.
Notice how often revenge is a theme of movies and books through the years! We rarely see true justice served and so we want to take matters into our own hands. But Psalm 94 reminds us to turn to the King of the Universe. Vengeance belongs to Him, and we trust Him. When the anxieties caused by injustice multiply within us, only the comfort of the Lord's perfect nature can delight our souls.
This world is full of power struggles. Whether it's nations on the global scale, or siblings in the home, we encounter the battle for control. Psalm 93 stops the striving by turning our attention to the Lord and reminding us that He reigns. Period. He is the King of the Universe. No power can compete with Him. From eternity past, and for eternity future, the Lord reigns.
As we face trials and suffering in this life, it can be tempting to despair when we cannot see an end or turn to what the world claims will bring comfort. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, we will learn to praise the God of all Comfort not just in spite of suffering, but because of how He works through it.
Spring 2025 Equip Class - Christians in the Workplace
Spring 2025 Equip Class
Many things cry out for our attention and affection. Facebook wants us to continue scrolling. Lust tells us to take one more look. Greed tells us we need more. Wisdom calls us to listen and avoid every trap. How do we avoid the sinful traps of life? In this Proverbs section, Solomon tells his son how to walk the path of wisdom. It's the only path that leads to goodness, righteousness, and life.
Spring 2025 Equip Class - Christians in the Workplace
Spring 2025 Equip Class - Job
Everyone loves the idea of wisdom, but few of us pour energy into seeking wisdom because, if we are honest with ourselves, we see ourselves as relatively wise. But wisdom is not found in comparing ourselves with others. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. From there, we realize how much we need to grow.
Spring 2025 Equip Class - Christians in the Workplace
Lesson Eight: Finding a Job: Putting First Things First
Spring 2025 Equip Class - Job
What is freedom? We often follow our hearts to find our destiny. This sounds nice initially because we get what we want, but we miss that this is slavery. Living under this belief, we enslave ourselves to the power of our desires. But thankfully, Jesus died and rose again so that God could declare us righteous in Jesus. We now can live Jesus’ righteousness in our bodies to the glory of God.
Spring 2025 Equip Class - Christians in the Workplace
Lesson Seven: Ethics: Case Studies for the Modern Workplace
Spring 2025 Equip Class - Job
What should I do with my life? We struggle to determine the best way to use our time and resources. What if the King of the Universe gave you an important mission? That's exactly what happens. The risen King gathers His followers, reminds them of His authority, and commissions them to recruit more followers. If we consider ourselves followers of Jesus, we must devote ourselves to His mission.
Spring 2025 Equip Class - Christians in the Workplace
Lesson Six: Christians are not Balanced People and Being Who You are in the Workplace