Psalm 99

God is not just your run-of-the-mill ruler. He doesn’t reign over a nation but all nations. God is far holier and mightier than the best earthly ruler. God rules with perfect justice and equity. God reigns for you.

While God may seem too lofty, too holy, too strong, and too just for us to approach him, we know he uses all his best qualities to serve us. We know because he sent us his Son to prove it. Our God who is lofty and holy above all stoops down into an intimate relationship with us, his subjects.

Matthew 10:24-33

The pep-talk Jesus gives his disciples, and us, before sending us out as his proclaimers might sound a little sobering. He's honest with us about the dangers and persecutions we may face.

But Jesus comforts and assures us that God is on our side. He will preserve and protect us. Three times here Jesus tells us "Don't be afraid." Trust those words as you carry out God's mission.

Matthew 9:35-10:8

"Here am I. Send me!" Those words may not come easily to our lips. But the God who sends his only Son to bring forgiveness to harassed and helpless sinners is sending us.

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. What a privilege to be one of those few - out on the front lines bringing good news to a hurting world.

Matthew 9:9-13

Matthew the tax collector wasn't a guy who seemed like he would well represent the Messiah. But Jesus called Matthew and Matthew followed.

And God says something to us in the calling of Matthew. "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." That's the best news we sinners could hope to hear!

1 Kings 22:10-28

God speaks, we listen. Except sometimes we'd rather not. Sometimes God lays out some inconvenient truths we'd rather not hear.

God tells it like it is...but he also speaks words of grace and hope. God has some very good things to speak to us. Let's open our ears to listen.

Proverbs 16:1-9

God plans and God carries out his plans.

That's a truth we struggle with.

That's a truth we rejoice in.

That's a truth we plot our course by.

The one who planned and carried out our salvation is the one we want directing our whole lives with his love.

Matthew 28:16-20

When Jesus gave his "Great Commission" to his disciples he also commissioned us to go make disciples too. Take a look at the purpose and the promises Jesus gave his people for this new operating system

Acts 2:1-21

Our world needs a reboot. Not just a reboot to get us out of pandemic or the current problems of racism...We all need a gospel reboot.

God gave his New Testament Church a reboot on the day of Pentecost. He gave his Holy Spirit upgrade to us. Now we get to be messengers, bringing the gospel reboot to a hurting, confused world.

Luke 24:44-53

40 days after Jesus rose from the dead he ascended into heaven. But we might have a problem with the ascension. We probably wish Jesus could have just stayed here with us!

But Jesus' ascension is a victory. It's a joyful day. Listen in to hear why we can say that.

2 Corinthians 4:13-18

Our eyes tend to be fixated on the problems, worries, and stresses that face us each day. We can't ignore them - but we don't have to fix our eyes on them.

We fix our eyes on Christ and the eternal glory he's prepared for us through his resurrection. When we zoom out on the big picture of God's grace we can even view our earthly struggles as light and momentary. No matter what happens in this life, God gives us victory!