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A country singer has noted in one of his many songs that he has “friends in low places.” As believers in Jesus Christ, it’s worth noting that we have a Friend in high places. This coming weekend is Ascension Sunday. 40 days after He left the tomb, Jesus Christ ascended to the right hand of the Throne of God and He is seated there. He reigns over all.

Sometimes vulnerability is a positive trait. When someone is honest, open to criticism and transparent they are described as “vulnerable.” However, there is a downside to vulnerability. Vulnerable can also mean susceptible to or capable of being hurt, harmed or damaged. For example, periodically, through no fault of their own, children are found in vulnerable circumstances. We should do our best to help reduce their vulnerability.

Numerous things may come to mind when we see the word worship. Some may think of a Sunday church service. Others may think of a concert or of the music portion of a Sunday service. If you attend Calvary, hopefully you remember that worship is one of our core values (behaviors) that aid us in facilitating our mission to develop followers of Jesus for life. The description of our core value adds, “loving and honoring God through surrender and obedience.” When we understand who God is, it should be easy to love and honor Him.

Do you remember the last time you spit out a food or beverage item? It happens. Sometimes it is an involuntary reaction, sometimes whatever the stuff was, it was revolting! We are going to study the last of the seven letters this week, the letter to Laodicea. Jesus is the Amen; the Faithful and True Witness and He diagnosed the unhealthy state of that church and the reasons for their sorry condition. He even said He would “spit them out of His mouth!” That’s bad. When the One who is Infinite love and goodness says He wants to spit some people out of His mouth, He must have some serious issues with them.

One of our older hymns asks the question, “Have we trials and temptations, is there trouble anywhere?” Umm, yes! The answer doesn’t require a lot of thought. Trials come in many forms and often discourage us. Temptations are sneaky and deceive us into thinking that life can be found through means that are actually harmful. This life is fraught with both trials and temptations, and they are often coming at us at the same time.