Month: July 2025

Dale J. Babinsky Via Bulletin Gold

In the Book of James, we are told that “Mercy triumphs
over judgment” (James 2:13). This is a profound
statement that contains the essence of Christian
teaching. This verse reminds believers of the
importance of showing mnercy to others, as it reflects
God’s own merciful nature, which is evident in Jesus’
Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:7). It is the merciful
who will receive God’s mercy. In the context of James
2, verse 13 emphasizes the dangers of favoritism and
the call to love one’s neighbor as oneself.

The verse also warns that judgment without mercy
will be shown to those who have not been merciful. It
serves as a call to action, urging us to have compassion
and a forgiving attitude in our interactions. Mercy, in
this sense, is not just an act of kindness but a reflection
of God’s divine grace that overcomes the harshness of
judgment.

In a world that is often quick to judge (especially
regarding politics), this verse challenges us to prioritize
understanding and empathy. It encourages a shift from
a mindset of condemnation to one of reconciliation and
peace. By practicing mercy, we align ourselves with
God’s will and make this world a little bit better.
We absolutely must teach people the truth of God’s
word but let us do so in a manner of love and mercy that
is becoming the child of God. After all, what will we
want on Judgment Day: justice or mercy?

Dale J. Babinsky Via Bulletin Gold

While teaching the disciples about the Bread of Life,
many of the followers of Christ turned away from Him.
Indeed, John 6:66 is a thought-provoking verse in the
Bible which reads: “From this time many of his
disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” This
passage occurs after Jesus delivers a challenging
teaching about the importance of His word. In this, He
emphasized the importance of fully committing to Him
and His mission. Many clearly did not understand.

This verse is significant because it marks a turning
point in Jesus’s ministry. It highlights the cost of
discipleship and the challenge of accepting teachings
that are difficult to understand or embrace. Some
followers found Jesus’s words too confusing or hard to
accept, and they chose to walk away rather than ask for
an explanation and seek after the truth. However, this
moment also sets the stage for the steadfast faith of the
remaining disciples, showcasing the contrast between
those who are willing to persevere through difficulty
and those who are not.

From a spiritual perspective, this verse serves as a
reminder of the importance of faith and trust in
moments of doubt or confusion. It invites reflection on
the question: How do we respond when faced with
teachings or challenges that test our commitment to our
beliefs? Let us be like Peter in this moment, as he
responded that Jesus was the only one who has the
words of life (John 6:68). Let us feast on that spiritual
bread.

Adapted from an article by Jay Launius

After a few days of hard work, all the preparations had
made and it was time for the party. The tables were
filled with stacks of paper plates, plastic flatware.
ready, flatware and cups. Cold drinks were iced and ready while the grill
belched out smoke with the smell of cooking steaks. There
was sliced fresh watermelon, homemade ice cream and
apple pie. Hanging decorations moved gently in the breeze
while tunes played from the Bluetooth speaker. It was time
for the party!

A lot of people had been invited. It was going to be a wonderful
day … but, No one came.

By Jeff Arnette Via Bulletin Gold
 
Psalm 31:17 reminds us that we have no reason to be
ashamed: “O Lord, let me not be put to shame, for I call
upon you; let the wicked be put to shame; let them go
silently to Sheol.”
 
In Christ, we have redemption the greatest gift
imaginable. There is nothing greater than being certain that
we have been saved by grace. To know that our heavenly
home has been bought and paid for by Jesus is a source of
unparalleled joy and assurance: “how much more will the
blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered
himselfwithout blemish to God, purify our conscience from
dead works to serve the living God.” (Heb. 9:14)
 
Truly, we are the most blessed people in the world.
Why don’t we have to be ashamed? It is because we have
called on the name of the Lord, and our sins have been
erased and forgiven by Jesus: “To him who loves us and has
freed us from our sins by his blood.” (Rev. 1:5)
 
This redemption can only come from God. It is a miracle
of the highest order. There is no other way for our sins to be
forgiven and for us to be given a new life:as far as the east
is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions
from us.” (Psalm 103:12)
 
“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into
death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead
by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of
life.” (Rom.
 
But who should be ashamed? The wicked-those who rely
on their own devices to navigate this life. While their way
may seem to work temporarily, it is fleeting. One day,
Jesus will return, and they will face eternity in hell. In that
moment, they will wish they had trusted in the Lord: “so
that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through
righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ
our Lord.” (Rom. 5:21)
 
Let us remember these truths and rejoice in the hope we
have in Christ.

By Jeff Arnete Via Bulletin Gold 

Psalm 52-59, with a focus on Psalm 57:4, highlights a time
in David’s life when he was surrounded by trouble.
Sometimes we too face actual hardships, maybe at work, in
the home, or even unexpected crises we never saw coming.
David’s prayerful words remind us that it’s normal to feel frightened
or stressed when circumstances seem  overwhelming. But just like him,
we can hold onto hope because God is bigger than whatever we face.
Even in dangerous situations, David found the strength to praise
God rather than dwell on his fear.
 
Ephesians 6:12 points us to the spiritual side of our
battles. Many times, the problems in front of us go beyond
the physical difficulties we see. We might be dealing with
anxiety that keeps us awake at night or temptations that test
our integrity. It’s not that we ignore physical threats, but we
recognize that our inner struggles can be just as significant.
David wrestled with his enemies in a real way, but he also
turned to God for the spiritual support he needed. This
invites us to do the same. We can’t handle life’s battles
alone; we rely on God’s power and guidance.
 
Acts 16:23-25 shows an example from the New
Testament where Paul and Silas praised God even in prison.
Like David, their circumstances were bleak. They had every
reason to feel hopeless, yet their response was to worship.
Their story assures us that God’s faithfulness isn’t limited
by location or difficulty. Whether we find ourselves stuck
in a dead-end job, dealing with strained relationships, or
facing health challenges, we still have the option to look up
and trust in the One who never fails.
 
Taking these passages together, we learn that praise isn’t
just for the good times. It’s a statement of faith that God is
at work, even when our situation looks grim. In America
today, stress can come from financial pressures, family
conflict, or social tensions, and we often feel like we have
too much on our plates. Yet, like David, we remember our
experiences of God’s deliverance in the past. His record of
faithfulness remains solid. When we cling to that truth, fear
no longer controls us, and our hearts can find peace. In
every trial, we have the assurance that God is with us. By
lifting our voices in praise, we practice a faith that stands
firm and shines light in the darkest places.