Faith before Fear

 Serendipitous Reflections: Sugar Bear's Musings on "Faith Before Fear"; as I navigate Divine Mysteries through the Lens of Faith for the upcoming new years. "Overflowing Brotherly Love on, All"

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."Hebrews 11:1"

In the enchanting tapestry of our spiritual journey, let us explore the profound question: "Why is Jesus better?" Embark with me on this serendipitous quest, guided by Sugar Bear's musings, as we navigate the intricate nature of Jesus being placed under the law.

As a conservative Lutheran, my heart resonate with the scriptures, fueled by a passion that seeks not mere understanding but profound revelation. The notion that He, immaculate and sinless, willingly embraced the essence of sin itself draws us into the heart of divine mystery. Consider this: Why choose a Savior who willingly steps into the brokenness of our world?

My serendipitous query, leads us into the sanctum of the temple, where Jesus, in His profound wisdom, willingly subjects Himself to the very law He established. This theological enigma unfolds as we encounter the divine paradox – Jesus embracing the confines of the law to fulfill its purpose. But why this self-imposed humility? To dismantle the grip of the law, allowing it to unfold its transformative work in its entirety.

The gospel, a wellspring of awe and perplexity, reveals profound truths through the refreshing perspectives of loving obedience from children of faith. This perspective mirrors throughout my life as a trusting and faithful child of God. The emphasis on "loving obedience from children of faith" not only highlights a humble and sincere approach but also radiates the joy inherent in sharing one's love for Jesus while delving into the profound messages embedded in the gospel.

This illuminates the revelation that the seemingly stern taskmaster, the law, becomes a precursor to the good news. Attempting to dissect the gospel through human reasoning is, in essence, an exercise within the law itself. So, why choose a Savior whose ways surpass human understanding?

This choice fosters a reliance on faith rather than solely relying on human reasoning, fostering a deeper connection with the mysterious and profound aspects of the divine.

Further more the triune nature of God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – beckons us to embrace divine mystery with unwavering faith. As we grapple with the enigma of how the sinless could become sin, find solace in the understanding that through this very act, redemption unfolds. But why choose a Savior who defies comprehension?

Drawing from the rich tapestry of divinity, let us reflect on the profound sacrifice of Jesus. In His sinless purity, He willingly shoulders the weight of our transgressions. The divine exchange, where the sinless becomes sin, stands as a manifestation of divine love and mercy, soaring beyond human understanding. Why choose a Savior whose love transcends the limits of our comprehension?

Choosing a Savior whose love goes beyond what we can fully understand is like embracing an endless well of comfort and compassion. It means trusting in a love that is so vast and profound that it reaches us in ways we might not even realize. It's an invitation to experience a love that surpasses our understanding, bringing a sense of peace, assurance, and the joy of being deeply cared for; like getting a do-over when you mess up or do something wrong!

Turn with me to the scripture, acknowledging the depth of this truth. Galatians 4:4-5 resonates with the essence of Jesus being placed under the law, offering redemption and adoption to sonship. In conclusion, as conservative Lutherans, we navigate the sacred scriptures with profound reverence. Recognize the serendipitous nature of Jesus submitting Himself to the law for our redemption. Through faith, wholeheartedly embrace the divine paradox, understanding that in His becoming sin, we discover the path to our salvation.

Wholeheartedly I/we embrace the divine paradox, which find solace in the profound truth that through faith, Jesus willingly took on the burden of sin. In His sacrificial act of becoming sin, a path to our salvation unfolds, revealing the depth of divine love and mercy. This unwavering faith in the transformative power of His sacrifice brings a sense of profound gratitude and assurance in the redemption He offers.

God bless You and This Ministry!

Journeying with Jesus Through Tears and Triumphs"

 Serendipitous Reflections by SugarBear for the start of 2024 : Journeying with Jesus Through Tears and Triumphs"

In the echoes of Psalm 34:18, we find solace: "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Paired with James Baldwin's wisdom, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." Together, they unveil a profound truth — in facing our brokenness, we discover the transformative power of God's nearness and the gateway to meaningful change.

From the earliest days of my faith journey, a simple yet profound prayer echoed in my heart, a gift from my aunt Imogen. She introduced me/us kids to the words, "Jesus wept," found in John 11:35, and shared its spiritual significance. Little did I know then that this brief verse would become a cornerstone, enhancing my faith in ways that unfolded throughout my life.

At a young age, the words "Jesus wept" were more than a prayer; they were a portal into the compassionate heart of Christ. My aunt, with love and wisdom, explained the significance of this verse. It wasn't just a historical fact that Jesus shed tears; it was a revelation of His deep empathy and emotional connection to human pain.

As I grew, I encountered various challenges and sorrows. In those moments, the resonance of "Jesus wept" became more than a memorized phrase – it became a source of comfort and reassurance. The verse illuminated the human aspect of Jesus, a Savior who, despite knowing the outcome, allowed Himself to be moved by the grief of those around Him.

In times of personal loss or struggle, I found solace in the understanding that Jesus, too, experienced the weight of sorrow. The verse became a bridge between my human emotions and the divine compassion of Christ. It reminded me that my Savior is not distant or indifferent to my pain; rather, He intimately understands and cares.

As I faced life's complexities, "Jesus wept" transformed into a beacon of hope. It became a reminder that my faith was not in a distant deity but in a compassionate Redeemer who walked the path of human experience. The verse opened my heart to the profound reality that Jesus, in His humanity, entered into our sorrows, validating our emotions and offering the promise of eventual joy.

Today, as I reflect on the journey influenced by these simple words, I see how my faith has been enriched. "Jesus wept" is not just a prayer from my childhood; it's a living testament to the enduring relevance of Scripture and the profound impact of understanding Jesus's empathetic nature. May we all find solace in the tears of our Savior, knowing that He understands our sorrows and walks with us through every season of life.

God Bless You and This Ministry!

"Do Your Job Without Fear!"

 "Serendipitous Thoughts" by Sugar Bear beckons you to explore insights igniting fearlessness.

Today, we focus on the profound truth that "The Lord is your defense, salvation, and strength , even in the midst of a snow storm in 'Iowa Nice'– there's no spiritual fear given by God." Join Sugar Bear on a journey empowering you to boldly embrace life's challenges. Uncover transformative wisdom, encouraging you to do your job with unwavering confidence in God's mighty defense.

So, Do Your Job! With the help of the Holy Spirit

Isaiah 12:2 (NIV): "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."

This verse underscores trust in God as the source of salvation, strength, and defense. It encourages reliance on God without fear, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of security.

A role model serves as a living example and guide for decision-making. Personally, my role models included my mom, grandma Margaret, my father's wisdom through constant reading, along with numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and coaches.

The spirit of power instills courage and determination to confront challenges. Love's spirit inspires selfless service. Lastly, a sound mind fosters self-control, vigilance, and adherence to truth. Paul urges Timothy to reject the fear of man or death, preparing for a bold, gospel-focused life.

Resisting a spirit of fear is crucial. Focusing on anxiety generates fear and timidity. Embrace the Spirit, providing power, love, and alertness; it redirects and calms us. Only through God's strength can we confidently share the gospel. Let's not let fear hinder sharing; instead, rely on God for courage!

Fear causes believers to forget God's deeds, resulting in fear of what God can do. Remember, you're already walking in battles won. Christ secured victory before you arrived.

Let the echoes of determination resonate, let the fire of passion ignite your spirit, and fearlessly conquer challenges. Embrace "Do Your Job" with unwavering resolve. With the Lord's mighty help, obstacles become stepping stones. Roar with confidence as divine strength accompanies your journey. Trust in the unwavering support of the Lord. March forward with courage – the Lord's mighty help is your steadfast companion.

"Do Your Job Without Fear!"

God Bless You and This Ministry

Thoughtfulness as a Spiritual Servant.

  

In the serendipity of reflections, today's musings take us on a Sugar Bear journey of Great is Thy Faithfulness through timeless wisdom encapsulated in my grandmother's saying, "No good deed goes unpunished." Though not directly from religious scriptures, this phrase resonates with me the complexities of doing good in a world that may not always reciprocate kindness by just saying” Thanks”. 

 

In the enchanting textile of our childhood, we often danced in fields of innocence, blissfully unaware of the profound wisdom woven into the fabric of our days of being a worthy Servant. Like whispers of forgotten hymns, the echo of a grandmother’s saying,” No good deed goes unpunished,” lingered in the air as a model of poetic melody guiding the steps of our tender hearts to always show Thoughtfulness as a spiritual servant.

 

As we journey into the realms of memory, the theme unfolds- “Beautiful Things We Miss as Children.” It’s a delicate exploration of the profound truths masked in simplicity; a gentle unraveling of the treasures overlooked in the innocence of youthful selflessness. Ah, the fragrance of nostalgia, the church of our upbringing stands tall as a beacon of timeless wisdom. Here, the pews were more than wooden benches; they were witnesses to the sermons of life shared through an old school grandma’s saying. “No good deed goes unpunished, “a hymn that harmonized with the teachings echoing from the pulpit”.

 

Drawing inspiration from biblical passages like 1 Peter 3:17, we understand that facing challenges for doing good is not a deviation but a commendable choice on the righteous path. It aligns with the idea that the virtue of goodness may not always be free of obstacles, yet the perseverance through challenges reflects a commitment to righteousness.

 

Amidst these reflections, we encounter the playfully optimistic twist, "No good deed goes. 

unpublished." It encourages us to celebrate and share positive actions, recognizing the value of kindness even when it goes unnoticed or unappreciated. This altered expression adds a positive and hopeful tone to the understanding that goodness deserves acknowledgment.

 

The integration of generosity and gratitude emerges as a cornerstone in our spiritual journey. Aligned with biblical principles, it emphasizes selfless giving and appreciation for virtuous actions. Encouraging volunteerism becomes a tangible expression of generosity, resonating with the teachings of service found in spiritual doctrines.

 

Motivating people of all ages to be generous and express gratitude aligns with the values of kindness and compassion. This approach not only serves as a societal benefit but also aligns with teachings emphasizing the 

importance of grateful living, as highlighted in verses like 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

 

Delving into Psalm 136:1, we discover the profound reasons for gratitude – God's constant goodness and enduring love. This recognition becomes a guiding light, prompting us to appreciate virtuous actions and be thankful in all circumstances, as encouraged by biblical principles.

 

Teaching gratitude becomes a dual blessing, benefiting both society and our spiritual growth. Connecting this wisdom to practical guidance for teenagers prepares them for an adulthood marked by purpose, compassion, and awareness of the positive impact of good deeds.

 

During these reflections, my grandmother's simple yet profound examples resonate. Her reminder about expressing thanks for small deeds echoes the essence of gratitude. As we carry the wisdom of "No good deed goes unpunished," let us understand that challenges may arise, but through acts of generosity and gratitude, we align ourselves with enduring principles that guide our spiritual path. Gratefulness, in all circumstances, becomes a testament to our faith and recognition that our lives are abundantly blessed.

 

Finally, let us draw inspiration from Jesus, who exemplified servanthood by washing the disciples' feet. In his humble act, he showed that no deed, no matter how seemingly small, goes unnoticed in the eyes of love and service. As we journey forward, may we too embrace servanthood, finding joy in the smallest acts of kindness, knowing that they contribute to a tapestry of love and grace in the world. May we rekindle the spirit of gratitude and thoughtfulness, embracing the beauty concealed in these simple acts of a servant of “I miss you” becomes a poignant reminder to cherish the present, appreciating the beautiful things we often overlooked in the tender gaze of childhood and become a rescue example of reaching out expressing love through heartfelt actions as servant to others.

 

God Bless You and This Ministry!