How to Please God: Part 1

Over the past few weeks I have been studying and teaching on the value of Pleasing God.  In the next couple of lessons I will be showing us how to please God!

How to Please God: Part 1

Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.


Pastor Fred's Transliteration:

When we are separated from persuasion and conviction (faith) in God we are weak and unable (impossible) to please Him: for anyone that approaches to worship God must understand it is necessary to have faith in the credibility (believe) that He is (exists), and  He is a rewarder (pays the wages of) of those who seek out, investigate and search for (in a Hebraism - with an attitude for worship) HIM.

1. We must find a way to be persuaded that He Exists.
2. We must find a means of conviction that He Exists.

Example:
1. I am persuaded that God exists from my upbringing and my own personal studies.  Also, nature shows me that there is a God who is a magnificent creator.
2. I am convinced and convicted beyond doubt that God exists because of my own personal experience.  A. God Healed me of Epilepsy  B. God Healed many other people that I saw being healed.  C. God filled me with His presence, and I know that He lives within me.

3. Rom 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 
    A. We must be willing to hear and listen to a Word from God.  This is something that speaks to you about a matter or topic in your life.  That is the reason for the preacher; to bring life into your life for a specific purpose or reason.  The preacher is a guide to lead you the Jesus Christ the Saviour, but he is not a professor to fill you with all the knowledge of God instantly.  You can't handle all of God!  The preacher gives you a word today, and another tomorrow and so on until you come to the knowledge of Christ.  That is why faith is so important!  We must have faith in Jesus that the word we received today will take us through until we receive the next word!

4. Without this kind of faith our spirit is weak and we are unable to do those things that please God.
Rom 8:5-8  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  (6)  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  (7)  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  (8)  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

The Carnal mind of mankind is so separated from God's ways that we can't even imagine them, and without even realizing what we are doing go to war against the ways of God.  (No matter how good we think we are we just can't understand God from man's point of view.)

5. There is one thing that we must understand!
God will always reward those who seek Him out!  He will always reveal Himself to you if you are willing to find Him.

Jas 4:8  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 

Whenever we begin to get close to God He is always near to you and waiting for you to open your heart!

Mat 7:7  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 
Rev 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 

Jesus is always near to anyone if we will just seek Him!

6. We must believe that He exists!
The starting point of any journey is belief that you are going to reach your destination!  We must have a basic understanding that God is out there!

If we can believe that there is a God out there we are on our way to pleasing Him!

Quick Fixes.....

2 Samuel 11

2 Samuel 12

Introduction

Have you ever tried to fix something, and you just stuck everything together so that the item would work, but you really didn’t do a proper job. This is what we call an “Easy Fix”. Usually, down the road easy fixes come undone, and you have to repair them again.

This morning we are going to talk about easy fixes.

1. People are always trying to sell an easy fix for life’s problems.

In this day and age of computers and technology eventually everything breaks down, and needs to be fixed. You can surf the internet far and wide, and you’ll soon see that there are a thousand easy fixes for every problem. The question is which one will really work.

I’ve been working on my computer trying to fix a networking problem, and haven’t found an easy fix yet. I’ve ready papers, downloaded programs, and studied other people’s solutions, but nothing has worked. Why? Because, there is no such thing as an “Easy Fix!”

2. Saul tried to fix his problems.

I realize we read in our text about David, but before we talk about him let’s look at his father-in-law Saul. Saul was a humble young man when God called him to be king over Israel. However, it wasn’t long before Saul became proud, and longed for the praise of men. It was this character flaw that lead to his down fall. Finally, God sent the prophet Samuel to reprimand him. Every time the prophet came, Saul, would make excuses and blame the people instead of taking responsibility for his own actions. Finally, God took away the kingdom from Saul and gave it to David. When Saul realized who God gave the kingdom to he began to scheme and devise plans to kill David. That was the “Easy Fix”. The End result. Saul wasted his life chasing David when He should have been repenting of his sins. He died in battle because he never became humble enough to take care of his problems right.

3. David doesn’t learn Saul’s lesson.

One would think that after seeing what Saul went through that David would be more careful and watch himself. Yet, he too became complacent with his position that God gave him, and did do what he should have done. As the first couple of verses in chapter 11 tell us, David was supposed to be out on the front lines with his troops leading them to victory. Instead he was home lounging around the family fireplace. This lazy complacent attitude put him in a very compromising position with another man’s wife. Instead of owning up to his sin, he too tried to find a “Quick Fix”. David had Uriah come home, and tried to make him sleep with his wife so it would look like the baby was Uriah’s. However, the man was righteous and as a good solider wouldn’t go home to his wife. Then David set him up to be killed in the battle.

Sometimes people think that tying up the loose ends will take care of all our problems, yet it never works that way. Eventually our sins will find us out. There is no easy fix. There is never a quick solution.

4. Punishment.

Both of our examples ended in some form of punishment. Saul was killed in battle and David got the kingdom. In David’s case God sent the prophet and told him that he was “the man”. The punishment was family discord and problems, and his new born son would die! Always remember that there is never an easy quick fix!

5. Solution.

John 14:6

Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing: but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

The solution to every problem is Jesus. We sometimes try to fix our own problems, but that never works. We must lay aside our pride, and let Jesus take care of our problems. He will show you what to do!

5 steps to free your mind......

Today I've decided to post a messege I preached recently. This messege will help you keep your mind clear of the clutter that keeps us from functioning at peak efficiency. Also, I will be posting another messege in a couple days that will compliment this one so keep looking for more of Pastor Fred's thoughts! May God richly bless you!

(Below are a couple different translations of the same verse to give you an better idea as to the meaning and spirit of the scripture.)

Phi 4:4-8 KJVR Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (5) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (6) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Phi 4:4-8 GW Always be joyful in the Lord! I'll say it again: Be joyful! (5) Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. (6) Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. (7) Then God's peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable.

Phi 4:4-8 ALT Be rejoicing in the Lord always! I will say again, be rejoicing! (5) Let your* gentleness [or, considerateness] be known to all people. The Lord [is] near! (6) Stop being anxious about anything, _but_ in every [thing] by prayer and by petition, with thanksgiving, be letting your* requests be made known to God. (7) And the peace of God, the [peace] surpassing all understanding, will guard [or, protect] your* hearts [fig., inner selves] and your* thoughts in Christ Jesus. (8) [As to] the rest [or, Finally], brothers [and sisters], as many things as are true, as many as [are] worthy of respect [or, honorable], as many as [are] righteous, as many [things] as are pure, as many as [are] acceptable [or, lovely], as many as [are] commendable, if [there is] any virtue [or, moral excellence], and if any[thing] deserving to be praised, be meditating on [or, thinking about] these things.

5 steps to free your mind...

As it says in Proverbs 6 thing does God hate, yea seven are an abomination, so we can say this morning – “4 things will free your mind, yea five will keep your conscience clear!”

There is something very important about having a free mind. I realized this morning a truth I’ve known before, but hadn’t really put much thought to it. If a mind is bound so is the spirit of a person. If the mind is free the person’s spirit will be free soon after. In order to break a person’s spirit you must attack the mind, and what that individual knows to be true. If you can destroy their faith in themselves and others you will soon break their spirit.

If you want to have a great spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ you must have a free mind. A mind that is free of all encumbrances of this life. The cares of this world should have no affect upon you! ( I do realize that the cares of life usually do affect each one of us, but that isn't the way Jesus designed for it to happen. We must be willing and humble enough to believe that Jesus is in control, and he will take care of you!)

1. Rejoice in the Lord Always.

Remember to keep the joy of the Lord in your heart and mind at all times! “The Joy of the Lord is my strength!” There is something very powerful about joy through it all! One thing that we must remember is that there is a big, very big, difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is an emotion, but joy is a state of mind. Happiness can come or can go in a moment of time, but real joy will be constant through thick or thin. Let me explain it in terms of love. Many people love other people, but it really isn't love. It's an emotional experience because of a chemical connection between two individuals. True Love will stay up all night when your partner or children are sick. True love will love someone no matter what kind of a mess that they get thereselves into. True love will forgive sin not cover sin. True love is there no matter if you have an arguement or fight with your spouse. True love will allow you to stay married for 60+ years. True love does not ride upon emotions, rather it sticks through thick and thin.

In the very same way joy can be your constant companion. Joy because you know that Jesus is your friend and he will be with you no matter what. Joy because you know that your redeemer lives. Joy because you know that you can take everything to him in prayer. Joy be God is good all the time!

2. Let your considerateness be know to all me.

People need to know how fair, gentle, considerate, and kind you are. We must show the Love of Christ everywhere, for He is coming soon! There is something very special helping other people that takes your mind off of your own problems. Give it a try sometime you might just be pleasantly surprised.

3. Don’t let the cares of life get you down.

Things are going to happen in life that are really not nice or good. However, it is in your best interest as a child of God to not dwell on these situations. Don’t hold grudges. Don’t think to much about a circumstance. Don’t dwell on the past. Give it all to Jesus!

4. Give everything to Jesus through prayer and thanksgiving.

Again I say, “Give everything to Jesus!” A merry heart does well like medicine! By giving everything to Jesus and casting all our care upon Him we can keep the Joy of the Lord in our mind!

5. Keep your thoughts in the right place.

Truth, Honesty, Righteousness, Purity, Love, and Things worthy of talking about should be our top priority to think about!

When you look at a situation look for the virtue and look for what can be praised. I know people who only ever see the good in a situation. This is the proper way to look at life. Don’t worry about the bad and evil. Let each day worry about its evil. Just look to Jesus and find those things that are wonderful!

Result and Conclusion

The Peace of God will be a sentry and guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ! Jesus will help you keep a free mind. It may see difficult at first be the good Lord will help you to become a powerhouse of peace. Don't sweat the small stuff.

What to do when you're against the odds....

No Matter What Stay In The Fire!

2 Timothy 3:12

2Ti 3:12-14 And indeed, all the ones desiring to be living in a godly manner in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (13) But evil people and impostors will advance to the worse [fig., will go from bad to worse], leading astray [fig., deceiving] and being led astray [fig., being deceived]. But _you_ be remaining in the [things] you learned and were entrusted with, knowing from whom you learned [them],

A. There is no escape from persecution!
Anyone with a new or different idea will always be persecuted. Besides that we are also believers of and in the Name of Jesus, which puts a second mark on us. Not only are we marked for having religious beliefs and ideas that go against the flow, but we also, follow a faith, which has a name and leader with all power. And, the enemy of our soul will always rise up against that name. Mark One - Humanity is afraid of those things they don't understand. Mark Two - Satan is in constant battle against those who are of the Name of Jesus!

B. Stay in the fire!
Just because persecution is inevitable, doesn't give us the right to give up. Paul instructed Timothy in our text: "Stay in the Fire!" (Remain in the things you have learned.) Just because someone isn't going to like you doesn't mean you should stop doing the right thing! If your boss askes you to lie about something on the phone are you going to do it? NO! You do the right thing even if it costs you your job! Stay in the fire! We can't afford to let the wet blankets of this world get us down. Instead of caving in to the conformity of this world, burn hotter and brighter and make the wet blankets burst into flames!

Romans 8:35

Rom 8:35-39 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? [Will] affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword? (36) Just as it has been written, "For Your sake we are being put to death the whole day; we were accounted as sheep for slaughter." [Psalm 44:22] (37) _But_ in all these [things] we are completely victorious through the One having loved us. (38) For I have been persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers nor powers nor [things] present nor things about to be (39) nor height nor depth nor any other created [thing] will be able to separate us from the love of God, the [one] in Christ Jesus our Lord!

C. If we stay in the fire can anyone take you out?
NO! Nothing can separate us from the Love of God! Mankind and Satan himself can through all kinds of terrible things our way, but if we stay in the Light as He is in the Light, nothing can separate us from Jesus! His Spirit, Blood, Word and Name are our Salvation, Sheild, Sword and Armor!

Joh 10:25-30 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. (26) But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. (27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (28) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (29) My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. (30) I and my Father are one.

We are one with Jesus if we will be willing to stay in the fire!

Acts 11:19

Act 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

D. When persecution comes what will be your response!?
Too often we are like people in the parable of the sower:
Matthew 13:21 & Mark 4:17

Mat 13:20-22 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; (21) Yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. (22) He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

Why must we be so shallow? Why must we be so inconsistant? When you love someone do you leave them at the first sign of trouble? Though the thought may cross your mind you stick with them even in the rough times, because love is more important and powerful and trouble, money, pain, discord or distress!

What can separate us from the Love of Jesus? "Nothing!"
What can separate us from the Love of Jesus? "Nothing!"
What can separate us from the Love of Jesus? "Nothing!"

Conclusion & Summary
We are part of something greater than any one of us individually! We are part of a body that spans the gap between earth and eternity! We are apart of the Body of Jesus Christ! A spiritual body of Believers that stretches through all of time, and that is knit together by a common faith in Jesus Christ.

Let us not be weary in what we are doing for Jesus. Let us not fear what man will try to do to us. Let us not be shallow, but be firmly grounded in Jesus Christ. Let us stay in the fire, and through the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit of Jesus weather every storm that comes our way!

(This is my Sunday Morning Message for December 1, 2007. It will be included in my Bible Studies section above for future reference.)

Yours for truth and commitment,
Pastor Fred

Jesus has a treat in His pocket for You!

(Note: this is an outline of my Sunday Morning Message, and is and expansion from my previous post, which the Lord directed me to prepare.)

Phi 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. (5) Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (6) In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

Phi 4:19 And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

------------------Quick word Study from verses-------------------

• Rejoice : Means "to be happy, to be well, to thrive, to be glad, and to rejoice exceedingly."
• Moderation/Forbearance : Means "that which is appropriate, mild (mannered), gentle, equitable, suitable and fair." (related to self-control).
• Careful/Anxious : Means "to be troubled with cares, to care for (as in looking out for a thing/person), to seek to promote one's interests, and caring or providing for."
• Need : Means "employment, needs, necessities, occasion, demand, requirment or destitution."

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INTRODUCTION
Do you remember as a child being around senior citezens or your grandparents? They always seemed to have something in their pockets or purse to give you! They had some kind of treat whether a piece of gum, candy or a bar. It was always enduring, and you remembered who usually had a treat to give!

I. We often short change our blessings by short changing other people in need.

In verse "19" Paul is declaring the blessings of God upon a group of people. So often we too claim this verse as our own promise out of trouble. However, we often miss the punch line!
Phi 4:14-18 Howbeit ye did well that ye had fellowship with my affliction. (15) And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only; (16) for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need. (17) Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account. (18) But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.

The Philippian Church was a rather poor church, but they always dug deep and gave extra. They travelled great distances to supply the needs of Paul their founder and leader. It seems that when no one else was giving the Philippians gave all the more.
Because they didn't regard their own misfortune and destitution, but gave willingly to the cause of Christ, they were going to be rewarded with a great blessing and provision from God!
So Often as Christians, and even those outside the Church give, because we know that we will receive a blessing in return. WRONG ANSWER! We should be ashamed of ourselves! We must change our way of thinking. We must not give to get, but rather we must give to bless others, and the work of God willingly, without thought of return!

God Loves a Cheerful giver!

II. Anxiety and worry often thwart our best efforts to live within the kingdom and according to His will!

Have you ever worried when the next bill was going to be paid? Have you ever been anxious about when you where going to get more groceries? Have the welfare of your families ever been a concern for you?

Too often we base our feelings and opinions on the circumstances around us, and by what we can see! However, my jesus is bigger than all your fears, worries, cares and troubles. We often let life dictate our fears, but let us learn to cast all of our cares on him for He truly cares about us!
I'm not telling you to quit your job, to stop providing for your family, or even to stop caring about your family, but I am saying we need to start learning to view things God's way!
As someone once said, "See a need, fill a need!" When we help each other out of love and compassion, with the purpose to further the kingdom of God. He steps in and fills your needs!

III. Yes, These two thoughts are part of the same truth!
When we stop worring about ourselves and leave it in His hands, we will begin to see other peoples needs too! We don't stop working and taking care of ourselves and families, but we do leave the worry behind. Do what you can and leave the rest up to Jesus! By leaving worry and cares with Jesus, he can then show us someone else in need. Using what you have fulfill that need, and Jesus in turn will show someone else you have a need and it will be fulfilled!

IV. Keep your attitude right!
(Read Matthew 6:24-34)

Mat 6:31-34 Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

A right attitude does not seek to promote itself, but rather seeks to promote Jesus and His kingdom first! How do you spell Joy?

Jesus Others You!

When we learn to practise this proper attitude we are walking "in the light as He is in the light!" We are living by His commands, and we are His Children. Jesus knows how to take care of His children. He has a pocket full of treats for His kids!

Joh 15:9-12 Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love. (10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. (11) These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. (12) This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you.

When we trust fully in jesus, He will take care of us!

When God Respects You your deliverance is near!

Greetings in Jesus Name!

The following is a message that I prepared for Sunday Morning November 5, 2006. The outline is rather short, and contains a couple word studies, however, I trust you will also get the message.

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WHEN GOD RESPECTS YOU

Exodus 2:23-25

And it came to pass in the course of those many days, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. (24) And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. (25) And God saw the children of Israel, and God took knowledge of them.

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WORD STUDY:

In the King James Version of the Bible the phrase "and God took knowledge of them" reads "and God had respect unto them."

The words respect or knowledge are a hebrew word (yawdah) which means: to know. It means - "to perceive and see, find out and discern; to consider". It's Greek counter part (ginosko): to know means - "to be taking in knowledge, to come to know, understand, or to understand completely".

These words are often used in the sense of approving; and "because God knew" - had respect for and approved of, them, therefore He was determined to deliever them.

or as another comentary put it:

"God heard their crying, and remembered His covenant with the fathers: "and God saw the Children of Israel, and God noticed them." God's notice had all the energy of LOVE and PITY. He accepted them!

In Exodus 3:7,8 God investigated the cry He heard, and when He heard, saw, understood, and remembered He planned the best course of action to deliever.

---

One scripture tells us that God is looking for ways to bless us! He is searching out methods, plans which will benefit His people!

--> Sometimes this means we have to go through some nasty stuffy.

--> In this nasty stuff we are drawn to prayer.

--> When our cry reaches God, He begins to investigate!

--> When He understands and knows everything about our situation He acts accordingly!

Have you ever heard the statement, "I appreciate your situation...." That is kind of what God is saying to us. "I have heard what you are saying, praying and crying, and I appreciate what you are going through, now this is what I'm going to do about it!"

Let's look at a few other situations in which a cry came up before God.

-- Abel's Blood cried unto God for vengeance. God investigated and took appropriate action.

-- David made a regular practice of crying to God. Psalms 18:6

-- The wicked deeds and spilled blood of Sodom and Gomorrah cried unto God for justice, and He came down and investigated. Genesis 18:21; 19:13

-- Cornelius's Prayer built a memorial to God! Acts 10

Summary

When God has respect to you he investigates your need, sees what you are going through, understands how you feel, remembers the promise He gave you and plots the best possible deliverance for your situation!

It may take some time, but He'll be right on time. So, don't delay make your request known to God!

Philippians 4:6

Let God know what you are going through, how you feel, and be thankful for what He has done, is doing and will do!

God bless you!

The Shared Burden...[you are not alone]

Greetings, again, in Jesus Name!

I would like to share a thought and a little study I did for our Wednesday Evening Bible Study. Interestingly enough the original idea came for a comment left for the post "spiritual journey part two". Then after a couple days of thought and prayer, Jesus directed me to this verse, and the ensuing thought.

Matthew 11:28-30 [KVJ]
Come unto me, all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

This verse has been a promise verse for many people who are hurting, downtrodden, depressed, sick, alone, tired etc.... Yet with in the words of this verse is a truth that is more meaningful than this translation an give.

I have done an individual word study on these verses, and will endeavour to simplify it for sake of time, space and ease of understanding.
(Here is the rough transliteration of these verses. Let the message reach into your spirit!)

Come to me everyone who is growing weary, and upon whom a load is being placed, and I will give you a break from your labour.
Take upon your shoulders my yoke which I have already lifted up, and am wearing, and learn by following my example.
For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your life and soul while doing your work (labour).
Because my yoke is useful and kind, and my invoice (translated burden in KJV) is light weight.

What is the point or message of this verse? We are sharing Jesus' yoke. We are trading our weights, sins, burdens, problems, and cares in. Then Jesus brings us close to him and put his yoke on our shoulders, and we walk side by side with him!

Jesus said, "I am come that you might have life, and (not just any life but) life more abundant"

Philippians 4:6,7
"Be careful (or anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests by made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus!"

When we cast all our cares upon Jesus, he takes our load off, and puts a portion of his load on us, and we walk together sharing our burdens! Isn't it great to know that you can share your burdens with Jesus!

Hope this thought finds a place in your heart!

Yours for Christ,

Pastor Fred