Christmas Contrasts: Herod and the Magi

Matthew 2:1-16

Pastor Miles

1. Both Herod and the Magi and "kings" with power, wealth and knowledge.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, (Matthew 2:1 ESV)

2. Herod is disturbed by the news, while the Magi seek answers to their questions.

"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; (Matthew 2:2, 3 ESV)

3. Herod sees a threat to his rule, while the Magi see a king to be worshiped.

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." (Matthew 2:7, 8 ESV)

And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:11, 12 ESV)

The Magi used their knowledge to help others, while Herod used his knowledge to hurt others.

Application:
1. What have you done with what God has shown you?
We may not have all the answers to our questions, but that shouldn't be an excuse to keep putting off our commitment. If we act on what God has shown us, He will reveal more to us.

2. How do we see God's rule?
When we consider God's rule, do we see it as a threat to our plans, or an opportunity to surrender and worship the One who is really in control?

True worship is surrendering to His rule in our life.

Christmas Contrast: The Innkeeper and the Shepherds

Pastor Miles

Luke 2:1-20

1 . The innkeeper in Bethlehem had an opportunity
Luke 2:1-7

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

2. The shepherds outside Bethlehem had an opportunity.
Luke 2:8-20

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

3. You will have opportunities
1 Corinthians 3:5

What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. (1 Corinthians 3:5 NIV)

1 Corinthians 16:9

because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me. (1 Corinthians 16:9 NIV)

Galatians 6:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9 NIV)

Will we seize the opportunity that God has given us to receive His Son, like the shepherds did, or reject it, like the innkeeper?

Christmas Contrast: Zechariah and Mary

Luke 1:5-56

Pastor Miles

1. Both Zechariah and Mary have a visit from an angel.

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end."
Luke 1:26-33

2. Mary questioned the process God would use (Luke 1:34-37), while Zechariah questioned the possibility of God working (Luke 1:18-20).

And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God."
(Luke 1:34-37 ESV)

And Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time."
(Luke 1:18-20 ESV)

3. Mary's faith led to surrender, but Zechariah's faith led to discipline.

And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. 

(Luke 1:38 ESV)

And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. (Luke 1:21-23 ESV)

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." And Mary said,
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
(Luke 1:45-51 ESV)

What kind of faith do you have?
God sometimes uses discipline, like in Zechariah's case, to allow us Reflect on His plan for us. He has brought good news, but have we received it?

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, but his mother answered, "No; he shall be called John." And they said to her, "None of your relatives is called by this name." And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.
(Luke 1:57-66 ESV)

And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people
and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David,
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
(Luke 1:67-69, 76, 77 ESV)

Zechariah put his personal faith and believe in God.
Will we continue in our religious traditions & duties and not fully surrender to God? Or should we have faith like Mary's?

"Thanksgiving - more than a great meal"

Colossians 3:15-17

Pastor Miles

1. Thanksgiving is something you do.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
(Colossians 3:15 ESV)

2. Thanksgiving is an attitude you have.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
(Colossians 3:16 ESV)

Put on the "attitude of gratitude".

3. Thanksgiving is the way you do things.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
(Colossians 3:17 ESV)

Do it in such a way that honors Him, that reflects His rule in your life.

How to make a pickle

How to make a pickle
November 13, 2011
Pastor Jeff

Making a pickle is a slow process, a soaking process.
Spiritual growth is also a slow process, a soaking process.
We are created in the image of God (Genesis 1). But we are corrupted by sin. This occurred after the Fall of Adam and Eve, bringing sin and death. Sin now permeates every part of us, including out relationships. But God's saving work in Jesus Christ has redeemed us, undoing the sin of Adam. Our great hope is that we shall be like Him. We now have a choice not to sin.

Ephesians 2: we were dead in our trespasses and sin, and Jesus died for our sins which allows us to live in eternity with Him (alive in Christ). We are transferred as full citizens of God's family/ kingdom.

However we still struggle with sin, being in the physical body. We were not only saved, but redeemed and restored in the image of God. We are transformed into His image.

We have been given 3 gifts:
1. His Word
2. His Spirit
3. His Body (the church)

Are we living a transformed life or is our exterior merely changed with a rotten inner core?
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2 ESV)

We need to soak in the truth of His Word, taking risks to allow Him to do great things in our lives. We need to keep practicing the spiritual disciplines.

Spiritual Growth Exercises

November 6, 2011

Pastor Miles

1. Why do we need spiritual growth exercises?
Because relationships need time to grow (in knowledge, trust and affection).
Because spiritual growth exercises keep your soul healthy and strong.
Just like there are various physical exercises, there are also different spiritual exercises (to withstand the hardships of life).

2. What are some of theses spiritual growth exercises?
A. Exercises of engagement:

1. Bible study, reading and reflection.

Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path. 

(Psalm 119:105 ESV)

Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night. 
(Psalm 1:1, 2 ESV)

2. Prayer.

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

(Philippians 4:6 ESV)

3. Fellowship.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. 

(Hebrews 10:24, 25 ESV)

Our needs are met through the diversity of spiritual gifts amongst fellow believers.

4. Confession.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 

(1 John 1:9, 10 ESV)

B. exercises of abstinence.
1. Silence and solitude.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 

(Mark 1:35 ESV)

Jesus needed undistracted time with his heavenly father (quiet time).

"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!" 
(Psalm 46:10 ESV)

We need to practice silence, and find our rest in God. We need to listen to the still small voice of God.

2. Fasting.

The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days." 

 (Luke 5:35 ESV)

"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 
(Matthew 6:16-18 ESV)

We can fast from eating, from media, entertainment.
Fasting is a form of self-denial. It reveals how much we are being in control by our appetite. It allows us to be released from the power of our appetites and focus on more important spiritual things.

3. Secrecy.

"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. "Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 

(Matthew 6:1-4 ESV)

We need to seek the praise and approval of God and not men.

4. Simplicity and sacrifice.

but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 

(Mark 4:19 ESV)

Simplicity includes time, lifestyle...

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 
(2 Corinthians 11:3 ESV)

We should try to abstain from relying on our resources to satisfy ourselves. We need to learn to depend on God instead.
Sacrifice involves risk where we give up something that we may need.
Sometimes we need variety or a coach to invigorate our spiritual growth and exercises.

Next step: which exercise will I try this week?

God is Self-Sacrificing

October 23, 2011

Pastor Miles

1. The sacrifice of Christ demonstrates God's love.

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 

(John 15:13 ESV)

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 
(Romans 5:6-8 ESV)

2. The sacrifice of Christ was necessary.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 

(Romans 3:23 ESV)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
(Romans 6:23 ESV)

Jesus experienced both a physical and spiritual death for us.

3. The sacrifice of Christ was sufficient. 

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 
(2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV)

In Christ we are justified (made righteous).

4. The sacrifice of Christ must be received by faith.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

(Romans 6:23 ESV)

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 

(John 1:11-13 ESV)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 
(Ephesians 2:8, 9 ESV)

whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 
(Romans 3:25 ESV)

All it takes is child-like faith.

Isaiah 53:5-6 (NIV)

⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions,
   he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
   and by his wounds we are healed.
⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
   each of us has turned to our own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
   the iniquity of us all.

Songs to Ponder God's Sacrifice

This is How We Know - Matt Redman

The Wondrous Cross

Boy Like Me, Man Like You - Rich Mullins

From page 140 of "The Good and Beautiful God":

Did Jesus as a child, feel the same things we do?

God is Holy

Oct 16, 2011

Pastor Miles

Isaiah 6:1-8

The holiness of God refers to His moral attributes & excellence that separates Him from others.
God's holiness is a loving holiness.

1. God's holiness refers to His moral perfection.

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said:
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!"
(Isaiah 6:1-3 ESV)

2. God's holiness brings light & truth.

And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" 

(Isaiah 6:4, 5 ESV)

We are utterly exposed in the pure light of God's holiness. We see who we really are.
God becomes the standard by which we measure ourselves.

3. God's holiness demands atonement.

You who are of purer eyes than to see evil
and cannot look at wrong,
why do you idly look at traitors
and remain silent when the wicked swallows up
the man more righteous than he? 
(Habakkuk 1:13 ESV)

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for." 
(Isaiah 6:6, 7 ESV)

God's holiness separates us from Him.
Yet, God's holiness shows us the greatness of His grace in calling us back to Him.

4. God's holiness invites our response.

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." 
(Isaiah 6:8 ESV)

No matter how far we have fallen, there is hope that His grace reaches us if respond to His grace in faith.

Q: What would our lives look like if we lived out this truth?
A: Transparent. Gratitude. Freedom from guilt.

Songs to ponder on His holiness

Holy - Matt Redman

Holy is the Lord

You're The One - Lincoln Brewster

Psalm 97: The Lord Reigns

An old song, but still rings true today. By Bob Fitts

Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina
(divine reading)
From "The Good and Beautiful God", p. 108

How to "pray the scriptures"

1. First reading: Read slowly and thoroughly, pause silently.

2. Second reading: read the passage again, pausing even longer and be aware of any words or phrases that stand out. Make mental notes.

3. Third reading: reread the passage up to the word or phrase that catches you. Stop and repeat it several times.

4. Pondering: reflect on the word and phrase. Let it touch your mind and heart. Wonder "what might God want to say to me specifically?"

5. Prayer: turn the last question into prayer. Ask God "what is the word you have for me in this passage? Is there anything you want to say to me today?" write down anything you sense God might be saying to you.

6. Rest: be still and silent. Enjoy the presence of God.

7. Response: ask yourself and God, what am I being called to do as a result of the word I have been given?

God is Love

10/9/2011
Pastor Miles

It is easier to live in a performance-driven world where we appear to be in control.
Analogy: we feel safer swimming in a pool than in an ocean.
From young we have been brought up in a performance-driven relationship, and we project that in our relationship with God.

1. What is it like to live in Performance?
The Brother of the Prodigal Son.

"Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, 'Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'" (Luke 15:25-32 ESV)

Living in performance leads to constant comparison.
Comparison can lead to pride: "I deserve God's love!"
It can also lead to shame.
Living in performance leads to resentment.
The feeling like we are not getting what we deserve.

2. How do you get out of performance?
A. Admit where you have been living.
B. Remember your identity in Christ.

And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. (Luke 15:31 ESV)

Are we making the mistake of trying to earn God's love?
God loves us for who we are and not what we do.

C. Learn to live in the love of God.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 ESV)

Replace "love" with "God" for God is love.

3. What is it like to live in God's love?

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20 ESV)

God is jealous for us. He wants what's best for us.

"How He Loves Us"

God's love for us is a purifying love, not a "Teddy bear" love.
His love for us is like a hurricane, and we are a tree, being overwhelmed by His love.

All Who are Thirsty by Kutless

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCwDtSFMjdw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Hillsong - God Is Able

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTSknArjnWM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

God is Generous

10/2/2011
By Pastor Miles

1. God is generous because He loves you.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ESV)

God gives because we are the objects of His love and compassion.
Read Matthew 20:1-15 The parable of the workers.
Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' (Matthew 20:15 ESV)

2. Reflect on God's generosity:
Read Psalm 23

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:10, 14, 15, 27, 28 ESV)

Q: Are we living in the abundance of God's generosity or are we living in scarcity?
God has blessed us to be a blessing.

Psalm 23 - meditation

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousnesst
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwellt in the house of the Lord
forever.
(Psalm 23:1-6 ESV)

Song by Don Moen

God is Good

By Pastor Miles
September 18, 2011

1. No one is good in the way God is good.

All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one." (Romans 3:12 NIV)

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. (Romans 7:18, 19 NIV)

"Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:9-11 NIV)

"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. (Mark 10:18 NIV)

2. "God is good" does not mean that God does what you think is good.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8 NIV)

What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? (Matthew 16:26 NIV)

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NIV)

3. "God is good" means God is for you.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 NIV)

They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:10, 11 NIV)

I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13 NIV)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whot have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:28, 29 NIV)