Deep Devotion in Dark Times

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.
Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD! 

(Psalms 27:13-14)

These words were spoken by a man who knew what it was like to be put into hopeless situations. David experienced great hardships, difficult seasons, deep disappointments, personal attacks, and unfair treatment. Yet, without question he was God's man, anointed and chosen, a warrior and commander, a prophet and psalmist, a man after God's own heart. We might think he would be protected from the things he suffered because he was God's chosen, but he was exposed all the more. Sometimes it's hard to see what God is after in what He allows, and it was hard for David —very hard. But our Lord is always taking us higher, and the Good Shepherd is leading, even through the valley of the shadow. The only question is, will we take His hand and follow where He leads?

 

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed . . .

 

Faith! It is impossible to please God without it. Great faith pleases God greatly, while small and underdeveloped faith grieves the Holy Spirit. The only way for our faith to increase is for God to allow circumstances that challenge us, where our devotion is tested and our hearts purified. Those dark and dire moments are where faith thrives, where our light shines, and where we learn to wait on the Lord and trust in His Word. All things are possible then, because God is there, and we are there with Him by faith. 

 

May we meet every challenge with a determination to glorify Jesus in all we say and do, especially when it is hard. He is trusting us with the uncertainty of the present, just to see if we will look to Him, believe in Him, rely on Him, and wait on Him. I will not lose heart, and I believe I will see His goodness while I live. I believe I'll see His goodness in you. 

Let's Pray - Precious Lord, I am learning to trust You in every circumstance, just as my fathers in the faith did. Thank You for keeping Your promise to never leave or forsake me. I trust You with all my heart, and I will praise You with all my might. In Jesus alone, Amen.

 

What This Woman Has Done

And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticized her sharply. But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” (Mark 14:3)

I’ve spoken to many Christians over the years who expressed the desire to be “used” by God, to do significant works, to exert wide-ranging influence for Jesus, to win the war for the culture, to save their city, and the like. I have been that Christian! Perhaps you have, too. Yet, Jesus shows us a better way.

“She has done what she could.” It strikes me that Jesus praises this woman and her ministry to Him because of it was offered with loving care and simplicity. She simply did what she could do, using what she had, not being caught up in doing something great, but taking what was at hand and honoring the Lord with it when the opportunity presented itself. She seized the moment, and as uninvited, unapproved, and misunderstood as she was, the Lord received her ministry and praised her for it. It strikes me that the scripture does not even mention her name, yet we know her by her sacrifice. (Fame, famous ministers, and famous ministries may not be nearly as important to God as some think!)

Those standing around did not recognize the spirit behind this woman's offering, but the Lord did. So, let people have their preferences and opinions. Give your best to Jesus. His approval is all that matters. “. . . what this woman has done . . .”

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, I pray my offering and service to You are acceptable and honorable. Thank You for every opportunity to glorify Your name.

Dwelling in Unity

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!

It is like the precious oil upon the head,

Running down on the beard,

The beard of Aaron,

Running down on the edge of his garments.

It is like the dew of Hermon,

Descending upon the mountains of Zion;

For there the Lord commanded the blessing—

Life forevermore. (Psalm 133)

 

For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. (Ephesians 5:30)

 

Unity - as one (not one, but “as” one), existing and operating as a unit, united, in agreement, accountable and accounted for. (My definition)

 

Believers, collectively, comprise the church of Jesus Christ, and individually, we are members of His body. As such, we are the expression of our Lord on the earth, and our fellowship is to reflect the perfection and unity of the Holy Trinity — God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. They express oneness in all they are and all they do, and so must we, if we are children of God. We are not called to dependence on one another or independence from one another, but interdependence with one another. We are much better together, and Paul exhorts us this way in Ephesians 4:1-6 —

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

The Psalmist likens our unity to the anointing oil poured upon Aaron the High Priest, who was set apart for God’s purpose and pleasure. We, too, are a royal priesthood, set apart by the Spirit to witness of our King and Savior, Jesus Christ, all to the glory of God the Father. It is our Lord’s greatest desire that we be unified by our love for Him and each other, separated from the world and found together enjoying the peace and power of unity. When we lay aside our agenda and pick up our crosses, we are able to prefer others before ourselves and come together as one, thus fulfilling the law of love as Christ requires. Remember, the Lord would have us unified and focused on one thing only — Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

Let's Pray - Dear Father, please continue to pour Your Spirit upon us as we come together in true fellowship as believers in Jesus Christ. It is an honor to be members of Your church and heirs of Your promises. In Jesus alone, Amen.

Endure and Enjoy

2 Timothy 2:10
Therefore, I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

 

Proverbs 15:13

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance . . .

 

Surely, as the Word says, we enter the Kingdom of God through many trials and much tribulation. That is because the forces of darkness are set against the children of light at every turn. As long as we are on earth and until Jesus returns, that will be so, and we must be prepared. Satan is relentless, but our God reigns supreme, and we are more than conquerors in Him. Therefore, we are given wisdom and strength to endure every trial and pass every test, and to do so joyfully. Truly, the battle is the Lord’s, and the victory is ours in Him. So, Jesus expects us to be of good cheer, for He has already overcome every obstacle we will ever face. Let's be found in Him, and in His presence is fullness of joy!

 

How far so many have fallen from the strength and joy of the Lord! Truly, most Christians I witness are known by everything and anything except love and joy. Yet the Lord’s expectation for His children is that we would face every day with a heavenly outlook and joyful expectancy. It should be obvious that we truly believe Jesus might come back for us at any moment, and that is a wonderful and awesome prospect. When we keep our eyes on Him, He gives us the power that transforms us into men and women of faith and hope, and we are prepared for the task at hand, no matter how difficult, mundane, or pointless it may seem. God has a purpose for us to fulfill, and He blesses us with the perseverance and patience to do His will with a winsome joy that glorifies Him and encourages men. So, enjoy as you endure. That is God’s will for His children. That is His will for you.

 

Let’s Pray - Dear Father, I am determined to walk before You joyfull and with a bright and uplifted countenance. I have learned to trust You and give You the sacrifice of praise You deserve. In Jesus alone, Amen.

Beware of Contempt

“Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Luke 7:48-50)

The singular truth of the New Testament is Jesus came to save sinners — not black sinners, white sinners, brown sinners, yellow sinners, or red sinners. There is no skin color in the kingdom. There are no good sinners and bad sinners — no cultured sinners  and uncultured sinners — no acceptable sinners and unacceptable sinners — no worse sinner and better sinners — just sinners in need of a Savior. Those of us who are saved would do well to remember this.

 

Christian workers, especially those of us from prosperous places, must be careful that our prejudices and a sense of superiority and privilege do not frustrate or limit the grace of God. That is a danger for ministers and missionaries, and we are often unaware, because pride is blind to itself. Let’s not miss the opportunity to reach souls by protecting ourselves and projecting our world view. Let’s be careful to repent of even the slightest bit of contempt for the very people we are sent to help. 

 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, it is a privilege to serve You and minister to those who are lost and needy. May we see ourselves and others as You do, and may we pursue Your interests in the world, not our own. In Jesus' name, Amen.

In That Hour

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it." (Luke 10:21-23)

Coming into the knowledge of God is not an intellectual achievement, nor is it a matter of merit, but one of privilege — the sovereign choice of God to reveal Himself as He sees fit and to whom He wills. No amount of effort or study can prepare you for this gift, no amount of money can purchase it, nor can pedigree or degrees fetch it. In fact, God uses what we consider foolish to confound worldly wisdom, and He prefers the lowly and humble to the exalted. He values the meek and gentle over the forceful, and He reserves His best for those who approach Him as paupers rather than princes — “Blessed are the poor in spirit . . .”

 

We rise to the highest estate when we fall to our knees, and we know the most when we forsake all we’ve learned and simply hear Him. It is God’s good pleasure to give us the Holy Spirit when we simply ask, seek and knock. And when we seek Him first, all we would work for is given to us. This is the peace beyond understanding only the children of the King enjoy. Are you simple and small enough to be blessed? Are you insignificant enough to be great? Hungry enough to be filled? This is what God requires before He reveals Himself to you . . . “for they will be filled.”

 

Let's Pray - Lord, I simply humble and quiet myself in Your sight. Thank You for touching me and lifting me up. In Christ alone, Amen.

Look to the Manger

"And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." (Luke 2:12)

What a strange place to stash a priceless, extravagant Gift — a barn, an animal stall in the dark of night! I’m sure it wasn’t heated or air conditioned, it didn’t smell so good, and there were no beds, linens, or even a bathroom. And how do you think Mary and Joseph felt when the promises of God led them on a long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in the ninth month of her strange and inexplicable pregnancy? Yet the fulfillment of all God’s promises could not be found in the palaces, treasuries, or museums of the world — but in a manger. 

Look to the manger.   

 

If God wanted the world to receive the Gift of Jesus Christ, why would He hide Him where most of us were sure not to find Him? And how do we find our way there? The manger can only be found by students of the Word following the ways of God, and when we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him! When we finally recognize Him as He truly is (and not how we want Him to be), we discover He was guiding us all along — guiding us by our faith. Faith always seeks Jesus and leads us to the humble, hidden, obscure depths of intimacy. Seek and you will find. 

Look to the manger.

 

Let's Pray - Father, thank You for leading us by faith and bringing us to the feet of Jesus Christ — to the manger. That is the most high place. In Jesus, Amen.

Your Sanctification

“Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more,  just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.  For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” (1 Thessalonians 4:1-3a)

Every believer has a desire to know the will of God for his or her life. The Holy Spirit places the longing to know and be close to the Father deep within us, and as we grow in Christ, that longing only increases. God has made His will for us plain and simple; that we love and obey Him and receive His Son Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Then, the will of God becomes clearer to us as we walk in the simplicity of childlike faith. As we realize that God wants us to know Him as He knows us, we will find the clear path to understanding He offers us in Jesus. Things only become complicated as we lean to our own understanding; but the moment we turn to the Christ, truth and light burst forth like the morning sun. 

 

If we are His, we now have God Himself within our hearts, and the Holy Spirit is here to reveal and verify the will of God. When we yield to His instructions and promptings, we walk in the divine will of the Father without fail. So, if people want to know and understand more about the will of God, they should be able to see it clearly by looking at us! When we walk with the Lord daily, we are the will of God on display for the world to see. Let each of us take the responsibility of living for King Jesus seriously. Remember, this is the will of God – your sanctification!

 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, thank You for choosing me and setting me apart for Your divine purpose. I yield to the Holy Spirit, and I ask that You reveal Jesus to and through me daily. In Jesus alone, Amen.

Communion Before Community

And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.” But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” (Matthew 26:6-13) 

The Church is not a community organization, a cultural awareness club, a relief organization, or a group of activists doing good deeds. The true Church has no agenda but worship and obedience to God through Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Only a Church living in communion with Christ can rightly serve others in God's estimation. All our efforts to do good are woefully inadequate and a waste of grace, unless we are viably connected to the vine and led by the Holy Spirit moment-by-moment. He is the only true minister in the Church!

 

Our primary focus must always be communion with Jesus Christ. No one cares for the poor, lost, and unfortunate like He does — and He will equip and send us out to be a witness and a blessing, if we will wait on Him. Our Lord's approach is not emotional, political, or social, but spiritual; and we are best prepared to help others when we are closest to Jesus and identified with His ways and means. Let us refuse the pre-occupation with serving people, their needs, and their interests. There is a proper time and venue for meeting those needs within and outside the church, but this is not the primary focus or mission of a Bible-believing church. We must trust God with the affairs and well-being of people and keep our focus on Him! This is a difficult but essential point in our quest for spiritual maturity.

 

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23)

 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, please forgive us for seeking to serve men out of any goodness of our own. Jesus Christ and Him crucified is the only answer for men and their needs. May we preach no other message. Amen.

Let it Shine

"You are the light of the world . . ." (Matthew 5:14) 

No, this wasn’t someone speaking to Jesus. This was Jesus speaking to us, the people of God. What a charge! We are called to light up the world and illuminate the path to God for all men to see. Though none of us are sufficient in ourselves for such a task, we have been given the pure light of the Holy Spirit to enable us. God does not need us, but He chose us — and we should be eternally grateful for the unspeakable honor of beings witnesses to our Lord. Hallelujah!

 

With this grace comes a sobering reality. We must choose to live in such a way keeps us available to house the presence of a holy God, and allow Him to employ us as “lamps” that chase the gloom and darkness of the world around us. We must fight every thought or action that veils the light, and we must make the moment-by-moment decisions that promote and protect the purpose of the Savior. When we do this, the power of God beams from us into the mean circumstances around us, and men see the unmistakable hand of God at work. Then, even those who don’t know Him will acknowledge His works and give Him glory. Here’s how it works – I shine, men see the light, and God gets the glory! 

 

It safe to say that men who would never glorify the Lord will be compelled to do so when we live and speak like the children of light. The atheist, skeptic, agnostic, and wayward will not be convinced by our intellectual arguments, but by our love for them and one another! There is no phenomenon comparable to the sacrificial fragrance of agape — the love of God in Christ. As we keep our lamp aflame, the demons must retreat, and the unbelievers will shout a praise they never knew was in them! Now doesn’t that make you more determined than ever to shine your light?

 

Let's Pray - Dear Father, I will let my light shine, and men will see You clearly through my worship. Lead me by Your Spirit today. In Jesus, Amen.

Come to the Father

And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. (Luke 15:13) 

But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants." And he arose and came to his father. (Luke 15:17-20a)

 

The prodigal (wasteful) lifestyle is an unfortunate choice driven by many false notions about life. The son in Jesus’ story reminds us all too often of many young lives we witness today — a false sense of immortality, entitlement, carelessness, and a disdain for any type of rule or authority. These traits are often passed off as youthful indiscretion or “sowing wild oats." But some fail to realize we reap what we sow! 

 

Every one of us can identify with the prodigal son in this passage. We have all at one point gone astray, determined to have life on our own terms, only to realize our ways are unprofitable, because they are not God’s ways. Proverbs 14:12 says, There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Our young man was headed toward death — death of his hopes and dreams, death of his potential and future, death of his relationship with his father. Then, "he came to himself!" This was the blessed turning point in his life, as it was for those of us who realized our rebellious ways were leading us down a path of destruction. He repented and found a father who was more than ready to receive him again, as if he’d never left. What a marvelous picture of our Heavenly Father! Let us turn back to God today. Let us fall into His outstretched arms. Don’t keep Him waiting.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)

 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, thank You for Your marvelous patience with us. Thank You for never leaving or forsaking us, and for always receiving us when we turn back to You. May we walk away from prideful and wasteful living and run to the Living God! Amen.

Are You Trustworthy?

“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” (Matthew 25:23)

 

God loves nothing more than relationship. This is proven by the fact that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us all that we might become His children and have relationship with Him. An essential earmark of that relationship is trust. God is trustworthy, and we must become so. Trust means the parties involved can depend on the other’s faithfulness, truthfulness, and loyalty. Trust allows us to expect righteous dealings from one another, and we share a mutual understanding of acceptable behavior and agreed upon standards. Trust means each party does its best to keep up its end of the bargain and to honor the other without fail. Marriages, families, churches, and governments function poorly or fail altogether without trust. May we all become trustworthy in our Lord’s estimation.

 

While the Lord never instructs us to trust in men (or ourselves), He does expect us to become trustworthy. He has every right to expect such, because He’s given us His Holy Spirit as our Guide and Teacher. We will give an account for how we handle our lives and the opportunities, so we must give our undivided attention and earnest effort to living acceptably before the Lord. Are you being trustworthy and faithful in God’s opinion? It’s a matter of reward or loss, so you need to be sure.

 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, teach me to be a trustworthy steward of all You place before me. I want to hear You speak the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant . . ." In Jesus' name, Amen.

How We Know

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:17-19) 

John the Beloved teaches us that God is love. When we love as He loves, we are actually manifesting the true and living God in the world, so they are without excuse because of our witness. God’s love is undeniable and unmistakable, as it is of a higher order than the world’s love, and no other love can be compared to it. God’s love is without manipulation or agenda, it gives its all and expects nothing in return – it is not exhausted nor frustrated, because God is neither exhausted nor frustrated. Therefore, when we abide in Him and He abides in us, we enjoy the perfect union that casts out all fears of failure, inadequacies, and shortcomings that typify every other relationship. We even experience fear-free and uncomplicated relationships with others, because we are pursuing those friendships according to God’s will and not ours! We are fearless lovers of God and men, because of our complete immersion into the life of the Spirit and our status as perfected, justified, glorified children of God. This is the state of His children who are fully identified with Him in love. We have nothing to fear, because Christ has defeated Satan and sin, and we are in Christ . . . because as He is, so are we in this world. (1 John 4:17) 

What a privilege it is to be representatives of Christ in a desperate and needy world. When we identify with the Lord, we are changed from within, and we no longer desire to pursue our own agenda for those around us (even our “Christian” agenda), but we are completely surrendered to the Lord’s will for every life. We are confident that He who has begun a good work in us will see that work completed, and we are not encumbered by the fear that torments every man who does not know Jesus as Lord. That man knows in his heart that he will give an account for his words and deeds; and if he does not acknowledge that, it is because he is puffed up with pride and deceived in his mind -- The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” (Psalm 14:1, Psalm 53:1) We, however, declare Him boldly, continually, and fearlessly. That’s how we know we are the children of God! 

 

Let's Pray - Father, thank You for the blessed assurance that I am Your child. You are perfecting me in Your love, and may I have great faith and confidence in Your power to finish the work You started. Amen.

Blessed and Changed

Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee's house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” (Luke 7:36-39)

In the passage I cited above, you will see the love of Jesus clearly portrayed. The woman who came to Him was a known sinner. Her lifestyle was sad and tragic, and the expectation of those around Jesus was that He would dismiss her, because she was unclean, craven, and unworthy of being in the presence of upright and holy men. Surely Jesus, if He was truly a man of God, would have nothing to do with her, and He would see her presence as an unwelcome and improper intrusion. You can easily imagine the dinner guests saying,

“How did she get in here? She was not invited.”

“She cannot be trusted!”

“Send her away! She’s unclean and unworthy.”

“What if more of ‘those kind’ come around?”

But Jesus looked at her and loved her. He received her offering, heard her cry, forgave her many sins, and sent her away blessed and changed. I believe she is in heaven, waiting and praying for us. 

 

Beloved ones, do as Jesus did and as He commands. Give to those who ask, holding back nothing. Bless and do not curse. Learn to think more highly of others than you do of yourself. Treat the poor, the “other,” the uneducated and uncultured, the unsaved, and the undeserving as better than yourself. If you do, the Lord will bless and protect your every step, because He can trust you with souls and situations. May the Lord open the eyes of our hearts, and may we see His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. And remember, the Kingdom is within you!

 

Let's Pray - Dear Father, thank You for spiritual wisdom and understanding. Teach me to see others as You see them and to treat them with the same love and grace You have shown to me. Let Your Kingdom come, and let it come first in me. In Christ alone, Amen.

A New Heart

Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. (1 John 2:7-11)   

The Christian life is the progressive life, and we are to grow from faith to faith. In other words, God intends that we never stop growing in grace and love as long as we are on this earth — and that is a good thing. John is not contradicting himself as he writes of the “old” and “new” commandments being both the same and different.  God’s commandment has always been to love our neighbor as ourselves, yet before the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we had little chance of successfully obeying that command. John is telling us that the new commandment is the same as the old, only made more real and accessible to us in Jesus Christ, through the power given us by the in-dwelling Spirit. So, while the commandment is not new, we are new creatures able to approach the original standard with the vigor of Spirit-filled, born-again believers! 

 

Love is the litmus test for any authentic relationship with Jesus Christ, and where there is hatred, the Holy Spirit does not and will not abide. No spiritual work can be done in an atmosphere of darkness and sin, and there is no circumstance under which hatred and contempt for fellow believers is acceptable, because the Lord has given us His Holy Spirit and we cannot hate others any longer. Therefore, the Lord holds us accountable for walking in the light of His countenance — in forgiveness, in freedom, in purity, in peace with one another, and in love.

 

Let's Pray - Father, let us make every effort to be found in true fellowship with every believer. Thank You for Your unrelenting standard of love and Christ-likeness. Amen.

The Hard Truth

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.  (1 John 1:5)  

There is no duplicity in God when it comes to His essence and His moral makeup —  and there should be none in us, either. If we say we are saved, we must walk in the light of truth as expressed in the scriptures. In fact, the confirmation of our salvation is we practice the Word of God in every area of our lives. If we are truly His, He will not relent until He has washed us clean and made us holy. Unholy behavior is a sign that we are not saved, nor are we truly members of His body, for Jesus is returning for a bride without spot or wrinkle. This is a difficult and fearful truth for a relativistic and compromising Christian culture.

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

 

There were (and still are) heretics who teach that sin is an illusion and not a fact of life or attribute of a fallen race. These men, therefore, deny the necessity of the Cross and the atonement which appeases the anger of God, washes us clean, and justifies us in His sight. This lie is an affront to the truth and gives expression to the very darkness John speaks of. This egregious error is based on a Christ-denying mindset that supposes man possesses intrinsic goodness and a divine nature that can be developed by good works and an elevated spiritual consciousness. Yet, when John speaks of sin, he not only alludes to acts of sin, but the principle, propensity, and disposition of sin in all of us. In other words, we are born sinners, and our sin is a fatal problem until we repent and accept the sacrifice Christ made for us on Calvary. Therein, we see the difference between light and darkness. Light accepts the truth about Christ, about us, and about sin — and darkness rejects it.

 

Let's Pray - Father, I accept the truth as it is presented in the scriptures. I am a sinner, saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and Him alone. Thank You for this truth, for Jesus is the Solid Rock of my salvation. Amen.

For Ministers Only

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17) 

As ministers of the New Covenant, we work exclusively for the Lord and His interests in the lives of His sheep and His church. We do not work for men, or boards, or denominations, but for God. Wherever there is any battle for our allegiance, we must remove ourselves from the fray and re-establish the pre-eminence of Christ at once — and that without regard to the consequences. Therein is the difference between a son and a hireling. The message we preach and the life we live will make men and women uncomfortable, but that is to be expected — it is simply the friction between the spirit and the flesh. It is a holy discomfort that drives some men to their knees to seek the Lord, while others run to and fro looking for a shepherd who will cater to their flesh and make them feel at ease. So be it.

 

The road to heaven is difficult and treacherous, and if you portray it in any other way, you are a traitor to the Gospel. Jesus had to die to make a way for us, and we, too, must put our earthly members (our ways and our will) to death that Christ might live in our mortal bodies. We are not called to the ministry to make friends with our sheep, but to see them become friends of God — and that is an entirely different matter. Wield the sword (the Word) on behalf of your Lord and leave the outcome to Him. “I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” (Matt 10:34)

 

Let's Pray - Father, I pray that Your ministers will resist every temptation to preach another Gospel, for there is no other message than Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Strengthen us and fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and we will endure until the end and glorify Your name. In Jesus Christ, Amen.

Things Not Seen

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Our faith is the shield that armors us against the storms of spiritual attacks. It steadies us when sorrows crush our emotions, and when disappointments threaten to steal our hope. Faith assures us of God's care and presence when the winds and rain threaten to destroy our possessions, unsettle our minds, and steal our peace. Faith keeps us walking righteously, and we trust in God when others fall into despair and sin. Thank God for faith.

 

Every difficulty is an opportunity to believe God and exercising our faith in Him is the greatest work of all. Even a mustard seed of faith is greater than mighty works, and a small measure of faith is greater than a lifetime of labor. God sent His Son, that He might become the center of our hope and joy, and that we might put all our trust in His love and power. That was and will always be the Father's will, that we trust in Jesus as if our lives depend on it. In truth, our lives do depend on it; for true and new life come from faith in Jesus alone. All that God requires of us is faith, and faith always comes to God and believes God. Therein lies our good testimony. Is your testimony a good one?

 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, I realize there is no substitute for faith. So, I come to You daily, and I come believing that You love me, see me, and hear me when I call. I will walk by faith, looking forward to one day seeing Your face. In Jesus I pray, Amen.

Born of God

And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself,  just as He is pure. Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.  And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. (1 John 3:3-9) 

The Lord has a “zero-tolerance policy” for sin in the life of His children. The Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is this — He has set us free from the dominating power of sin and Satan. By continuing in sinful indulgences, we are telling Him He does not possess the power to deliver us from evil. But the proof that we are truly saved is the freedom we now possess to live in the same purity in which Jesus lived, because we are in-dwelt by the same Spirit! It is absolutely imperative that we do everything in our power to maintain the life bought for us on Calvary and realized in us by the Holy Spirit. The failure to walk in this freedom means we are not truly born again, for those born of the Spirit glorify the Lord with holiness and obedience, which reflects Jesus Himself and pleases our Heavenly Father.

 

The Lord's work at Calvary is sufficient to break the shackles of sin and bondage, and that work releases us from the prison of our past transgressions and sinful experiences. The fact that we now have power over the sin which once dominated us is a startling new reality, and that newness is ours in Christ. We are truly “new creatures," and we cannot be bound by fear and failure any longer; we have been set free to live for Jesus! Thus, holiness is the essence of the Christian life, not just the by-product. In Matthew 5:48, Jesus says, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Only He is able to accomplish this perfect work in us; and if we are truly His, He will accomplish that work. Amen!

 

Let's Pray - Precious Lord, thank You for setting me free from sin and death, and for giving me eternal life. I will sing of Your great love both now and forever. In Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

Few Are Chosen

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, "Repent . . ." (Acts 2:37-38a) 

Could it be that the Gospel is a great deal simpler than some preachers have made it? Peter spoke the indisputable truth — Jesus the Messiah came to the children of Israel, he loved them, taught them, healed them, fed them, raised their dead, gave many infallible proofs, was rejected by His people, crucified, rose on the third day, showed Himself to hundreds, ascended to heaven, and He still wasn't done! He sent the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and those who were in the temple heard and saw it! Once Peter explained to them what they were witnessing, the asked the question that was begging to be asked — "What now!" 

 

Simply put, this is how things work in the Kingdom. God confronts us with truth and our response is determined by the condition of our hearts. Some heard, received correction, and repented, but most did not. That is why the Lord said, "Many are called, but few are chosen." Another way of putting it is, "Many are corrected, but few repent." May we be found walking in repentance. May we be found among the few.

 

Let's Pray - Lord, may I be quick to hear Your voice and to turn to You immediately when You speak. May my ears and eyes be open toward heaven today. Thank You for revealing Yourself and Your will to Your servant. In Jesus, Amen.

Anxious for Nothing

Be anxious for nothing . . . (Philippians 4:6) 

The level of anxiety we routinely carry about is the sign that we have not yet won the battle for our peace, the simple and imperturbable belief that our Lord is Who He says He is and will do what He promised to do. The prevalence of fear in our hearts is the sure sign that we do not have enough experience with God, and He is constantly working to bring us to a simple and childlike faith that seeks His face and obeys His voice all the time. 

 

One sign that we still have far to come in this area is the desire for more, bigger, greater, and higher things here on earth. Contentment rooted in a heaven-ward focus is a lost virtue in a church that is obsessed with herself, her image, and her agenda. The church is to be completely pre-occupied with her Husband/Savior, Jesus Christ — not His blessings, but His Person and character, His Word and His will, His Cross and His crown. We are not to be so concerned about principles, but earnestly seeking His Presence! Therein is peace, for in His presence is fullness of joy!

 

Let's Pray - Dear Father, I trust You, and I'm learning to trust You more and more each day. I understand You have my life and the whole world in Your hands, and I rejoice in that truth. Be magnified in me today. Amen. 

Jesus My Advocate

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 John 2:1-6)

Sin is the one and only thing that can separate us from the love of God in Christ. Therefore, the Father sent Jesus Himself as the answer to our hellish dilemma, and all who believe in Him are instantly received into God’s blessed family with all the benefits of heaven placed within us, and victory is given over all things around us! The sacrifice Jesus made is sufficient to wipe away every transgression ever committed, and only sinners who have been washed in His blood and baptized by His Spirit are chosen to receive this inheritance of everlasting life. That life does not begin when we die, but when Christ quickens us by His grace and through our faith in Him and His work on the Cross of Calvary. We are called to live this life today, and that Spirit-filled life is the confirmation that we are saved. 

 

This overcoming life leaves no doubt that we are saved. Our faith in the Word of the Lord gives us victory where death once loomed and strength where we were weak and defeated. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to do the things God commands, and by doing those things, we prove we are His and we have been saved. Because we are His, we are pleasing in His sight, and our conduct in Him is chaste, pure, and holy. Nothing less than a life built on God’s perfecting power is acceptable to Him, and the true child of God is one determined to hold fast to the liberty he has been given to live according to God’s will. 

 

So, simply put, there need be no doubt who is saved and who is only deceiving himself. We know we are saved because of the power we have received to conquer sin, to love, and to walk as Christ walked. May our faith and obedience put every fear and doubt to death as we boldly live for the Lord for all to see!

 

Let's Pray - Dear Father, thank You for the cleansing power of the Blood of Jesus. May I be living proof of that power and may my life give you glory each and every day. In Jesus alone, Amen.

A New Reality

"Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?" (John 3:9-10)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.(John 3:16)

 

Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate correction of the Father for us all. He is the light of the world, and everything (and everyone) is lost in darkness without Him. That is the message Jesus was conveying to Nicodemus, and that is the message He is speaking to us. As long as we look for answers from God, we are missing the Answer He has already given, and there will be no other word than what has been spoken — Jesus Christ. Efforts to solve men's problems, deal effectively with the issues and ailments all around us, to "make a difference," or to make the world a better place are foolish and futile in the light of God's revelation in Jesus Christ. The reason so many, even in the church, are fearful, confused, and frustrated is the failure to understand that our complete and obsessive focus must be on Jesus Christ, and Him alone. He is the WORD of God. That is what Jesus is saying to Nicodemus, and it was very difficult for him to hear.

 

Jesus' words are spirit and life, but Nicodemus was accustomed to law and religion. That is why he and the Jewish leaders were so confused about the Lord and His work. Jesus was drawing him to the truth — He had come to give His life and save those who would believe. That was the wonderful plan of God, and that is what He was sharing with Nicodemus. We are called to share the same message with the world today. Let us be sure to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that message alone. 

 

Let's Pray - Father, open the ears of men and women all over the world to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. Release us from the bondage of religion and bless us with spiritual eyes to see and ears to hear. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Perfectly Joined Together

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10) 

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

 

Paul does not mean that saints should not be free to think for themselves, or that we should agree on each and everything as it pertains to the faith. We are not all the same, and we do not tall respond or feel the same about the world around us. When Paul speaks of divisions, he is not speaking of a problem with us as individuals, but individualism. That spirit will always seek to set itself apart from and above other believers, and it wars against the spirit of unity and accountability God desires among those in His church.

 

We must wage a fierce fight against the temptation we will face to strike out in a direction of our own choosing. When we are joined together, willing to submit to one another, accountable, and obedient, the Lord rewards our unity in marvelous ways. There, we will find the Lord commands a blessing, and a fresh anointing flows to us from heaven. Let that be so of our fellowship, and may we walk together —  clean, free, unified, and pleasing to God.

 

Let's Pray - Dear Father, teach us the value of submitting ourselves to one another. May we walk in the unity of the Spirit and enjoy the bond of peace that proves we are the children of God. Amen.

From That Time

From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:17) 

. . . and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him. (Matthew 4:22)

 

I am convinced that the repentance is among the most awesome privileges any man or woman will ever have — it is a gift of God. Repentance is more the determination to stop sinning, and it is more than feeling sorry for our sins, no matter how sincere we are. Repentance is the decision to turn from our ways and to follow Jesus. That is when He gives us a new life, and that new life takes divine energy to live. Repentance is an unfathomably rich and gracious opportunity to position ourselves to see and receive the Kingdom of God. What is the Kingdom of God? It is the life and perspective He gives us when we believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ and receive His Holy Spirit. No one will see the Kingdom of God without repentance.

 

Kingdom life dictates an ever-changing, ever-advancing viewpoint on all things. As we open our hearts to worship Him in spirit and in truth, we experience remarkable changes as the power of God invades every facet of our being — and we gladly offer ourselves a living sacrifice for Him to employ as He wills! It is an exciting journey, and the choice is ours, if only we will REPENT!

 

Let's Pray - Lord God, I appreciate the gift of repentance more and more. It is not only the opportunity to turn from my sins, but the doorway into a life of devotion and ministry. I will repent and turn to You every time the Spirit instructs me, through the power that dwells in me. Amen.

Offenses Must Die

. . . and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matthew 18:3-6) 

God’s economy is antithetical to the world’s. His values are higher, because they are spiritual, and His ways and wisdom are superior, because He is holy. God’s standards are strange to the casual observer, the casual Christian, and unbeliever alike. For example, the requirement that we become like children is ludicrous to the world, but essential for eternal purposes. Humility is the door God has provided for His “little ones.” Yet, in our efforts to be great and successful Christians, we miss the most precious and powerful truth — we are the children of God.

 

That which compromises or violates the innocence of children is a most serious of offense to God. It is better to put oneself to death than to harm a child. 

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)

Therefore, it is of the gravest importance that we pay attention to our behavior and avoid any controversy whatsoever with another child of God. We are to be “perfect” in our dealings with one another, and if anyone has a legitimate issue with us whatever, we must not sleep until we humble ourselves and set things straight with them. If there is a trait, attribute, or disposition that offends, we must kill it! We are not to counsel it, coddle it, think or pray about it — but take the initiative and put it to death. Offenses must die so God’s children can live and be free. Help us, Lord.

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, I desire to be blameless in my dealings with others, particularly with those within the household of faith. Teach me to measure my words and actions, and to treat each conversation as an opportunity to shine Your light and share Your love. In Jesus, Amen.

Before We Go

And it came to pass on the way, at the encampment, that the Lord met him and sought to kill him. (Exodus 4:24)

In this passage, the love of God and the anger of God collide in a baffling way. Moses was God’s man going forward with God’s plan, with His commission and permission – then the same God who called Moses meets him on the way with the purpose of killing him! This should cause us to ask what habit, action, mindset, or sins are we carrying that is an offense to God? Where has Satan hitched a ride on our heaven-bound expressway? What old issues and attitudes are a hindrance to your new season? What is there about you or within you that needs to die? Where do you need to repent before moving forward? These are the questions we should ask ourselves before taking another step.

 

Let's Pray - Father, open our eyes and show us the truth about ourselves. We desire to be righteous and blameless in Your sight, and that is only possible when the Holy Spirit shines His light on our lives. Help us, Lord. Amen.

The Gift of God

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8) 

We all would agree that God is much more merciful and forgiving than we have any right to expect. Each of us has received the grace of God in ways that are beyond any reasonable explanation, and this is simply because God is the sweetest and most loving person there is. It is a beautiful reality that God loves and identifies Himself with us despite our undeserving state, giving us a perfect understanding of the timeless John Newton lyric:

“Amazing grace,

How sweet the sound, 

That saved a wretch like me…”

 

Yet, a companion truth to God’s boundless mercy is His violent aversion to the sin He so graciously covers. If you have any doubt as to how He views sin, consider the Cross of Jesus Christ. Our Savior died the most gruesome death at the hands of sinners and the complicity of Satan for our sakes. He bore our sins, sickness, and grief while here on earth, tasted the Father’s wrath in our stead on the Cross, and imparts the same power that raised Him from the dead to us - all this, from His throne in Heaven. Once again, God's amazing grace is far beyond our comprehension, but let it not be beyond our appreciation and our worship!

Let's Pray - Lord, we will be singing and praising you with songs of gratitude forever in heaven. Let that same spirit of worship be alive in Your church today and we look forward to the opportunity to see You and praise You face-to-face. Amen.

When He Comes

Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)

Faith is the life blood of our relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a spiritual concept, born of God in heaven; and it takes a spiritual man or woman to grasp it, possess it, and walk in it. Faith is the simple belief that God exists, and He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Oh, the rewards of the saint who forsakes selfish pursuits to seek out the One who has first sought him! Is your walk one of faith? Do you pray as one who knows God to be a God of His Word? Who is benefiting from your incessant trips to the prayer closet? Are you praying for others with purpose and diligence? Are your prayers less and less about you and your things, and more and more about the will of God and others? When the Lord comes to your prayer closet, will He find you there? And will He find faith? I sincerely hope He will!

 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, since faith is the one thing that pleases You, I desire to be a faith-filled believer. Please count me among those who seek Your face daily, and I will be one who simply believes and obeys Your every word and direction. Thank You. In Jesus, Amen.

 

Pearls of Wisdom

“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." (Matthew 7:6)

When you speak of order to an undisciplined man, he will resent you, because he is childish in his ways and his thinking. It is foolish to discuss visions with a blind man or expect hard work from one who is lazy. A prideful man will disdain your good counsel, and an angry man is impossible to reason with. So, while we are to share God's Word and wisdom freely, we must also realize some do not have an ear to hear, eyes to see, or a heart to understand. It is important to be discerning, and we must know when and where to engage others or to be silent. Help us, Lord.

We have all wasted our good words and resources, only to realize we were unwise to share them with those unwilling and unable to receive them. Even the right words spoken at the wrong time or place will be unprofitable for the hearer. Therein lies the danger of going forward without being led by the Spirit. Our desire to do good must be submitted to the Lord's leading and timing, because only He knows who will hear, see, and receive. Wait for God's direction before you say another word or take another step. Your time and wisdom are too precious to waste.

Let's Pray - Father, teach me to be still and quiet until it is time to speak. May I treat every encounter and conversation as a precious opportunity to share the love of Christ. In His name alone, Amen.

Our Continual Calling

There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, "Get justice for me from my adversary." And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, "Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me."  (Luke 18:2-6)

You’ve heard the old saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the oil.” You may not, though, have understood the saying as a foundational principle of prayer. The path to the presence of God leads to the closet of prayer, and diligence is the virtue that stimulates the release of every good and perfect gift from on high. Understand, God is not looking for beggars, as much as He is desiring and responding to a relationship and a desire for communion with us. The fact that we humble ourselves and ask pleases our Father – and while He blesses us whether we ask or not (because He is good), He gives His Spirit to those who pray and wait on Him; and oh, how we need His Spirit!

There is not a Christian in the world who does not desire to pray more and to spend more time in the Word — yet, that desire too often goes unfulfilled. Wanting to do what is right and doing it are two entirely different things. It is our flesh (it's all about me) that resists the Spirit and keeps us from prayer, and we do well to remember our Lord's words, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. (John 6:63) If the unjust judge moves on the widow's behalf because she was persistent, won't our loving Father come to our rescue and answer our prayers, if we do not lose hope? If we pray?

Let's Pray - Precious Lord, teach me to pray on a more consistent and persistent level than ever before. I believe if I ask, seek, and knock, then I will receive, find, and the door will be opened for me. Thank You, Jesus.