23 “And if by this discipline you are not turned to me but walk contrary to me, 24 then I also will walk contrary to you, and I myself will strike you sevenfold for your sins.

This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 and of instruction about washings,  the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.n>

My brother (in Christ) Graig Austin has been seeking God for His guidance about adopting one or two children from Kenya. He sent out an email today indicated that he, and his wife Sara, are going to go ahead with adopting two. I’m excited for them on this journey and for the faithfulness they’ve showed so far. Greg shared two email verses in his email and I wanted to share them here. They are great verses of encouragement for making decisions and trusting God.

Ecclesiastes 11:4 – He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.

1 Samuel 14:6 – 6 Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.”

Graig has been a great friend, especially during our search for a new church. His council is both wise and welcome, forthright and frequent. That two rather different guys can be brought together as brothers in Christ is a wonderful example of God’s grace. To Him be all glory and honor and power.

Pilate, the first postmodern.

Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’

But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void.

“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others

Psalm 128: 1-6

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
who walks in his ways!
2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
who fears the Lord.

5 The Lord bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life!
6 May you see your children’s children!
Peace be upon Israel!