Although the Jews did not like the Samaritans, Jesus purposely went through their territory; for it was here in the shade of a well to an ostracized woman He announced His identity: “I am the Messiah.” Suddenly the insignificance of her life was swallowed by the significance of the moment. “God is here! God has come! God cares…for me.” -Max Lucado

After expressing His own regard to the work that was given Him to do, our Savior stimulates His disciples to similar zeal. The people were ready to hear if only the gospel were delivered unto them.

The Israelites often burned incense, but this holy incense could be burned only in the tabernacle. Here God gave the recipe for this special incense. This incense was burned to show honor and reverence to God. This incense was so holy that the people were strictly forbidden to copy it for personal use. The visual aids, described in Exodus 30:34-38, gives us a wonderful insight into the area of worship:

Hear a millennial's plea. The Gospel is growing around the world and America is trending towards the Vanishing Christianity of Europe unless the next generation takes its faith seriously, and the older generations express a willingness to engage younger believer's tough questions.

Today we look squarely and honestly into the center of the dark clouds and the raging storm in the life of Job. Job is portrayed as a wealthy man of upright character who loves God. Yet God allows Satan to destroy his flocks, his possessions, his children, and his health. Job refuses to give up on God, even though he does not understand why this is happening to him. We, too, must trust God when we do not understand the difficulties we face.

Paul's dramatic trip to Rome was an eventful journey of faith against the most difficult of circumstances. One of the lessons we learn is that no matter how hard the enemy tries to stop God's work in a believer's life, believers can trust God. The Holy Spirit enables believers to trust God and persevere during difficult times. In spite of all that happened to him, Paul remained focused on the gospel of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:12-14).

The crises of life have often been compared to stormy seas. There are times life seems like a relentless voyage from one storm to the next. The text is a reminder of Jesus' saving presence in the presence of storms that seek to overwhelm the believer's life.

God can use unlikely sources to humble us, God can send us unlikely places for help, and God uses unlikely people to teach us about trust.

A look at our true identity in Christ

Hands are capable of performing surgery or playing a musical instrument. They are able to lift objects weighing hundreds of pounds or throwing something very far. They can be used to deliver a violent blow or for the most gentle caress. Hands can be used for the earthiest of tasks like changing a diaper or for the most sacred of purposes such as receiving the bread and cup that remind us of the death of Jesus. May I invite you to consider the difference between hands which are open to help, heal, share, and bless as Jesus does and hands that are closed, hard, and tight-fisted. ‘Hands’ are mentioned in the Bible over 1,800 times.