Substance and Evidence

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

Faith begins where self-sufficiency ends, and we are true believers when faith is the substance of our hope, and we rejoice in that which has not yet appeared. Faith-filled people learn to live in a constant state of expectancy, and the things we used to laugh at (because we were afraid to believe they were possible) we now believe and anticipate.

Our faith in God must be substantial and evidential. In other words, we respond to God's promises with joy, patience and hope. We work to keep a firm focus on Him, the Promise Keeper, while we confidently wait for that which He promised. Since God always keeps His word, we live as if we have what He promised, because we have it in our hearts, and we possess it by faith. That is why Abraham dwelled in tents and never built a house for himself in Canaan, even though God promised him the land. Yes, he looked forward to the day his children would actually possess the land, but he received and believed God's word by faith, and he saw those things which were not as if they were. That is true faith, and that is why the Lord called Abraham righteous and a friend. He desires to say the same about you.

Let’s Pray – Lord, thank You for challenging my faith and causing it to grow in the face of long odds and difficult circumstances. May I learn to embrace those times as opportunities to walk uprightly before You. In Jesus, Amen. 

The Appointed Time

And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh!” (Genesis 18:13-15)

Has anyone ever spoken encouraging words to you that were more than you could believe at the moment? Has anyone ever called you "perfect in Christ," when you were feeling anything but "perfect?" Has anyone ever told you they appreciated your efforts when you thought no one noticed? Has anyone ever seen more goodness in you than you saw in yourself? That's where Abraham and Sarah found themselves, and when the Lord spoke of them as parents, they were afraid to believe; they could only offer nervous laughter. The Lord was increasing their faith, just as He is increasing yours!

The Lord knows we have doubts, and He knows our faith is sometimes small and undeveloped. Therefore, He speaks words to us that are fully dependent on Him and His power, and He gives us the opportunity to believe those words. Thankfully, He is patient, and He will not forsake us when our faith wavers. He is rightly called, the author and finisher of our faith, and He promises to complete what He started in us. We can rest assured that the Lord is good, He knows what He is after, and He keeps His promises. May our faith steadily increase, as God does everything He promised us — even the impossible things -- especially the impossible things.

Let’s Pray – Father, You are doing a perfect work in me, and I must learn to be still while You work. Thank you for challenging me and increasing my faith. Amen.

By Faith Alone

Then God said: “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him. (Genesis 17:19)

Hebrews 11 teaches us that faith is so essential that it is impossible to please God without it. Faith is the foundation of spiritual understanding, and we understand nothing fully until we have faith. The things the Lord spoke to Abraham in this passage could only be received by a believer, one who had made the decision to receive everything spoken by God no matter how impossible it seemed. Fact is, faith must have the platform of the impossible to thrive, and a faithful saint who believes all things are possible will affect the world around him for generations. That is why believers are rightly called the children of Abraham — we have received the inheritance left for us by our spiritual father, Abraham, who simply believed God!

If God wants to do something impossible, can He partner with you? Will you take Him at His Word, or will you respond with doubt, fear, and unbelief? That is always the test for the children of God — how we respond to His Word. Our faith is the only thing we possess capable of believing God, and that faith is what He is looking for when He speaks. Many do not go on with the Lord, because His promises are too great to be received in their intellect and according to their calculations, so they doubt. Let that not be said of you and me. May the Lord increase our faith, so that we hear the Word of life that only the faithful can receive — and believe.

Let’s Pray – Lord, increase our faith, for we want to please You at all times. May we, like Abraham, take You at Your Word and trust You to bring it to pass. In Jesus, Amen!

The Only Message

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:14)

Those of us who receive and obey the call to preach the Word have the most consequential job on earth, and woe to us if we don't preach. The fiercest and most incessant temptation a preacher will face is to present something or someone other than Jesus. Satan doesn't mind preaching, he simply hates preaching that centers on Jesus alone; only then does he have a problem with our message, for Jesus is the true Lord of Creation and the Spirit of Prophecy. Remember, our preaching must be all about Him, or it will amount to nothing.

There are legions of Christian teachers drawn away by doctrines of men and demons, many of them unaware. God never sent anyone to preach healing, financial prosperity, breakthrough, or the like, but to preach Christ and Him crucified. God's work cannot be scheduled or calibrated, and He will not adhere to our models or methods. Those things are grievous to Him, because they blind and stumble men and women, keeping them from the simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Spirit-led preaching always centers on heaven and never on earthly things. Remember, the Kingdom of God is within us, not around us; and we must not preach in a way that draws men back into the world from which Jesus saved them. The wise teacher keeps his or her eyes on the Master, and they preach what they have heard from Him. Let that be said of us, for Jesus Christ is our Message. He is the Word of God.

Let’s Pray – Lord, may there be no compromise in what we preach. Everything You are saying to us is found in Jesus. May we hear and speak that message, and that message only. Amen.

That Good Part

And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:39-42)

The Martha/Mary incident was probably not an isolated one. I can hear Martha thinking, "This is what always happens! I get to do all the work, while Mary gets to have all the fun, and it's always been that way! Jesus, please straighten her out!!” But, as we know, it was Mary (at least in this instance) who had chosen what was right and good in the Lord's sight. She seized the moment, prioritized the presence of the Lord, and sat at His feet to receive anything and everything He had to share. Martha chose work, while Mary chose worship — "that good part."

Even today, many Christians are worried and troubled by the ills of the world and the work to be done to cure them. Yes, there is work to do, but not the work we think.

Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:29) 

All our works must flow from our faith in Christ, not out of our sense of goodness, urgency, or duty. Before we set out to serve God, let’s receive the instruction He gives to those who sit at His feet. Only then are we equipped to do the works of the Kingdom. For now, sit still. Jesus is speaking.  

Let's Pray - Dear Father, may we always prioritize the value of sitting at Your feet. Down at Your feet, o Lord, is the highest place! Amen.

Perfect in Christ

"Him (Jesus) we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:28)

We must never tire of preaching the Gospel, and warning men and women of death and hell that awaits those who reject Jesus. Some are saved by the Word's sweet encouragement and promises, and some are snatched from the fire while barely escaping the flames. Either way, we must go, and we must preach. Men will hate us, because our words sting with conviction; but some will hear gladly, confess their sins, repent, and turn from death to life. Only God knows who's who, and we are to preach whether or not we see anyone or anything change. It's God's business to save and our business to preach. 

Beware of the temptation to appeal to men by serving their needs and softening the message of salvation. If man's acceptance is important to us, we will become traitors to Jesus every time, and we will present ourselves and man's goodness as God's standard. God forbid! Jesus preached the truth and cared nothing about the consequences. He knew that everyone the Father predestined to hear and accept the truth would do so and be saved. His mission was to complete the work He was sent to do, and He did just that. You and I must do the same, and God will use our fierce dedication to Jesus and His message to bring many sons and daughters to glory, and to present every man and woman perfect in Christ. That's what it means to preach in the way God approves, and His approval must be all that matters.

Let’s Pray – Dear Lord, may the message we carry be true to Jesus Christ, and may we not be concerned about what it costs us to preach the truth, but what it cost Jesus! In Him alone, Amen.

The Lord’s Correction

My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights. (Proverbs 3:11-12)

Some men would rather argue and cry "foul" than receive correction, and the Lord cannot trust them with ministry or spiritual things. God is calling His saints to put away childish things, grow up in Him, and serve Him acceptably. This can only be accomplished by those who have learned to receive His correction and discipline, and that is one way the Lord shows His love.

We are more and more fit for the Master's use as we learn to wait and depend on Him, as difficult as that might be. If you are going through hardship today as a servant of the Lord, He is getting you pass your self-sufficiency. God's true servants will be found abiding and placing all their hope in Him. So, rest in the fact that God's correction is a sign that He delights in you. Receive His discipline and be blessed. That is what it means to be His son.

Let's Pray – Lord, I gladly receive Your hand of correction, because it leads me to repentance, and repentance leads me to the Cross. That is where my sins are forgiven, and my burden is lifted. That is where I am made more like Jesus. That is where I want to be. Amen.

The Door to Fullness

“There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” (John 6:9)

Emptiness is the door to fullness in the Kingdom. When we are full of resources, knowledge, and worldly wisdom, we will never turn to God, but to our own ingenuity. Too often, we are worried about not having enough, and we are so convinced that all we need is more that we don't bother to thank God and offer Him the little we have. Being in need is not a curse, but a blessing when we take that need to God in faith.

The Lord will take us through seasons of lack, so that we might learn that He is our Sufficiency. That way, He can place us in any situation and trust us to look to Him, and not to our own devices. The miracle happens when we see "not enough" as the opportunity to trust God and exercise our faith. It is the mustard seed of faith that moves mountains and uproots the trees that stand between us and victory in Christ Jesus. If the Lord fed five thousand men plus women and children with two fish and five barley loaves, imagine what He will do for us, if we offer Him what we have. Remember, nothing is impossible with God; and with God, impossible is nothing.

Let’s Pray – Lord, help me to see my lack as an opportunity to ask and believe! I know that You will provide everything necessary for life and godliness, so I ask believing! In Jesus name, Amen.

My True Family

And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.” (Mark 3:34-35)

Every relationship has a reason and a season in the life of a believer, and the nature of those relationships must meet the Lord's standard. New wine cannot be poured into the old wineskin of family ties and natural affinities. If we insist on maintaining and pursuing old relationships, we cannot offer ourselves to God for Him to do what He pleases (remember Abraham separated from Lot). The efforts we put into those relationships are much better spent moving forward in Christ and embracing the family of God. There are mothers, brothers, and sisters right before our eyes, sitting at the feet of Jesus!

If we consecrate our lives to the Lord, some will take offense. They will accuse us of being self-righteous and religious, "too good" for the people we once associated with. We must not give in to that kind of talk, and we must keep our eyes on Jesus once we’ve begun to follow Him. We are His, and He is not simply leading us away from our past, but He is leading us in the righteous path. That path is narrow, and few find it. Remember, while many are called, few are chosen; and the chosen ones are found at the feet of Jesus, hearing His Word, and  doing His will. 

Let's Pray – Thank You, Lord, for the church of Jesus Christ, which is my family. I am eternally grateful to be called a child of the Most High, and I will spend my days with my brothers and sisters giving You the worship You deserve. In Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

The Good Fight

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

There are many fights in life, but only one good fight. The good fight is the battle we wage to be sure God is glorified in everything we do. One thing matters — “Is God honored in this?” Peter says, If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. (1 Peter 4:14)

Paul reminds and encourages us to show up every day and fight the spiritual battles the Lord sets before us, to finish the course, and to keep the faith delivered to us once and for all by our Savior, Jesus Christ. So, be encouraged today. Ignite the flame within you with the Word of God and stand with the saints like never before. Lift your hands through the clouds and darkness all around you and be the conqueror God says you are. Put on the full armor of God, get in the fight, take back all Satan and sin have stolen from you, and magnify the Lord in all you do. Most importantly, know this — you have the victory in Christ Jesus. And remember, the only spiritual battle you can lose is the one you refuse to fight!

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

Let's Pray - Dear Father, make me a soldier in Your army, and deploy me on the mission to bring many souls to glory. Amen.

Found in Him

And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” (John 6:65)

Be careful not to let the difficulties in your ministry lead you into frustration. This disposition is always a result of an improper focus — you've taken your eyes off Jesus. The best thing you can do is to stop looking at others and your desires to see them saved and sanctified; then look squarely on Jesus, follow Him, and let God do as He will. Some of us don't go on with God, because we are caught up with folks who have not seen or heard like we have. Leave them to God — their salvation is His province. Jesus says to you, "Follow Me."

It doesn't matter how well you preach, how solid your doctrine, or how sound your academic and corporate systems. Men may heed those things, but God does not. The Lord looks for the man or woman He can trust with souls. He searches for the leader who serves the needs of others above himself, and one who does not need success and acceptance from men. All progress in ministry comes through the Holy Spirit, for He alone reveals the Son, who alone reveals the Father. That is the way of true service, and there will never be another way. Ministry cannot be calculated, measured, or systematized in order to reach the lost. Godly service comes through sacrifice, suffering, humility, and obedience. That is how Jesus served, and those committed to Him do the same.

Let’s Pray – Lord, I want to be found in Jesus. That is the essential attribute I wish to possess – the abiding presence of the Lord. I am willing to let all else work itself out. I just want to be found in You. Amen.

Glorify the Lord

Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. And Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke, saying: ‘By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified.’” So Aaron held his peace. (Leviticus 10:1-3)

Some mistakenly believe that we serve a different God today than in days gone by. Somehow the Old Testament God seems more severe, more demanding, more exacting, and more likely to respond to our transgressions in a forceful way —  but that is not so. We have a greater revelation and deeper knowledge of God in Christ than the saints of old. Much has been given to us, and much will be required of us in return. And yes, God is merciful, and He gives us ample opportunity to confess our sins and repent — but God is as holy today as He ever was, and so must His servants be. May the Lord help us recognize and turn away from careless ministry and ministers.

This passage is a stark reminder of how important it is for God’s servants lead the His people with the utmost attention to the Spirit — and that we walk in humility and obedience like never before. May we take even more earnest heed to the ministry the Lord has entrusted to us! May we be sure to walk righteously, and glorify Him in all we do. 

Let’s Pray – Dear Lord, please show me if there is any action or temperament in me that is offensive to You and correct me. I desire to come before You with a humble heart and clean hands. Please receive my service to You in the Spirit and in Jesus' name. Amen.

The Lord My Refuge

Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; (Psalms 91:9-10)

The choice to trust in Jesus Christ is as consequential as any we will ever make — and it is a choice. We will either go to Him for wisdom, or we will turn to the world or our own counsel. Believers stand on the fact that Jesus is completely trustworthy and His Word is true — and those of us who choose to walk with Him are the only secure people on earth, for there is no other Rock, no other Savior, and no other King. When we believe this way, we will fear no one but the Lord, and our faith gives Him great pleasure. May we all believe like that!

Remember, one man who will humble himself and pray will move the hand of God more than a company of men dependent on their own righteousness and resources. Fling all your cares on God, who already knows the beginning and the end. In fact, He is the Beginning and the End, and you are seated with Him in the heavens — that is the best seat of all. Look up and see Your salvation. Look up and see Jesus. Hallelujah!

Let’s Pray – Dear King, all my springs and my hopes are in You. Therefore, I will not fear what any man says or does, for You are with me and in me. Thank You for the victory! Amen.

A Good Man Speaks

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45)

You and I are that "good man" Jesus talks about. His Spirit makes us good, as He completes His good work in us. That work should be reflected in our speech, which edifies and encourages others at all times. We are God's children, therefore, we must be determined to conduct every conversation in a godly manner — and we will, if we put on Christ! So, let's fight the good fight for godly communication. That's what a good man does.

Jesus says a tree is known by its fruit, and the fruit of our lips will reveal the condition of our hearts every time. So, we must take the spade of the Word of God in order to uproot every trace of bitterness, and we can trust the scriptures to dig up every evil seed Satan has planted. We are good trees, the plantings of God, and our hearts are to be storehouses of good treasure. That should be evident each time we speak. Remember, a good tree will always bear good fruit, and a pure heart always bring forth good treasure. Always.

Let’s Pray – Dear Lord, thank You for Your sanctifying work in my life. I am learning to speak words of kindness and encouragement to everyone I encounter. Please continue to correct and bless my speech. Amen.

People of Influence

Then the man bowed down his head and worshiped the Lord. And he said, "Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His mercy and His truth toward my master." (Genesis 24:26-27a)

Godliness is the greatest point of influence one can exercise, and godly people will have a positive influence on everyone who has the privilege of knowing them. Abraham’s servant demonstrates a knowledge of the true and living God that is surely the result of the influence of his master, who God called His friend. He trusts in God just like Abraham, and he demonstrates an understanding of God's ways that indicates he watched his master closely and learned his lessons well.

As Abraham's servant looked to his master's God, so we look to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus Christ. And just as Abraham's God was found faithful, so will the God of our Lord Jesus be faithful to show Himself strong on our behalf, and He will answer every prayer lifted up to Him in faith. Each of us has been entrusted with opportunities to serve God's purpose, and the Holy Spirit gives us the awesome power and privilege to succeed and glorify God with those divine endeavors. That is what the word calls "good success." May we, too, enjoy that kind of success, give thanks, bow down, and worship God our Master. Amen. 

Let’s Pray – Father, help me to be a true and faithful witness to Your love and goodness. May those who follow my footsteps find themselves in the presence of the Lord, bowing down in worship, and glorifying Your name. Amen.

Separate unto God

But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich . . .' " (Genesis 18:22-24)

Though the king of Sodom appeared to be making a gracious offer, Abram rightly discerned his motives; and by refusing the riches he offered, he avoided any future association or obligation to him. Those ties would have surely become a point of grief to Abram, and he wisely kept himself separate and unencumbered, so the Lord might have His way with him and bless him as He promised. May the same be true of us; separated unto God, and God alone.

God does not need help from anyone or any group of people to keep His promises to us. There is no need to curry favor or seek approval from men and women, nor do we have to meet the qualifications the world requires. The Lord sovereignly chose Abram, and earthly riches did not compare to the blessings laid up for him in Christ. The Lord has sovereignly chosen us, and He desires we live unfettered and uncomplicated lives that are free from relationships, attachments, and commitments that limit us spiritually. That is the choice that Abram made, to have faith in God alone; and we are his children, because we walk by that same type of faith. May all our streams be found in the Lord and no one else, and may we joyfully receive all God's promises to us in Jesus Christ.

Let's Pray – Father, I choose to find my satisfaction in You and You alone. May I resist every temptation to give in to worldliness and compromise. All my hope is in You. Amen.

Your New Name

Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.” (Genesis 17:15-16)

God changed Sarai's name to Sarah to signify a new day in their relationship, and everything that was to transpire from that point was to be a matter of faith. He set Himself to bless her, provide for her, and fulfill her desire for a child of her own, even though she was far past the age of bearing children. He was determined to do for Sarah what only He could do, and He would prove His word faithful and true. It is not until we receive the promises of the Lord as she did — even in the face of impossibilities — that we begin to walk confidently and fearlessly before Him. Do you believe Him like that?

God doesn't have favorites, but He does have intimates — His children. His pleasure rests on everyone He receives as sons and daughters — everyone who believes in Him. So, I challenge you, believer, to listen for the Father’s still and quiet voice speaking directly to you, just as He spoke to Sarah. Draw close to Him, and You will hear Him confirming His love and revealing His divine path for you. Listen closely and receive your new name today — "Beloved of the Lord."

Let’s Pray – Lord, I want to believe You and trust You more than ever before. When You speak, I will say, “Yes, Lord!” So, speak. Your servant is listening. Amen.

It’s All Good

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

When I am born again and walking with God, my steps are ordered and all things work together for my good. All things may not feel good or look good, but they work together for good, and that is the confidence the Lord would have me possess. When I am walking by faith and my eyes are focused on Him, my life progresses according to His will and good purpose. As I live uprightly before God, I will see His perfect will done in me, just as He promised.

God is all-knowing, and He is able to take all the things we experience and make them serve a larger divine purpose. As Joseph said to his brothers who had once treated him with contempt and cruelty, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good . . .” (Genesis 50:20). Once we grasp this truth, we can walk confidently even in difficult times, knowing the Lord has each of us right where He wants us, and He is doing a good work in us even when it hurts. He has wisely considered "all things" that are necessary for life and godliness where we are concerned; and that is why we can say with great boldness, "It's all good!" Yes, all things are good when we are in Christ.

Let's Pray – Lord, I pray with the greatest assurance and confidence, because I pray in Jesus’ name. I believe I have what I ask in faith, and that faith is rooted in my Lord. Thank You for this eternal perspective and understanding. Amen.

People of Understanding

He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive. (Proverbs 17:27-28)

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; (James 1:19)

We are more likely to transgress by the things we say than the things we do, so when it comes to speech, less is often more. That is because our words have great power, and they render an immediate effect on those who hear them the moment they are spoken. We cannot un-say the things we say any more than we can un-do our actions; so the more carefully and sparingly we speak, the better. This is a difficult but invaluable lesson, and the sooner we learn it, the better.

There is much value in being a determined listener, for it is a greater a privilege to be quiet and listen than to speak and be heard. In fact, those who listen more learn more, and they build up a storehouse of wisdom from which to speak. When we truly understand the power of our words, we will cherish every conversation and count each one an honor. May we be thankful today for each opportunity to listen intently and speak in a way that God approves.

Let’s Pray – Lord, please give us the ear to hear what You are speaking in every situation and every conversation. Help us to be still and quiet enough to receive and share Your counsel daily. Amen.

Flesh vs. Spirit

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:17-18)

I wish I could tell you that spiritual things get easier as you grow older, but that is not true. In fact, the closer and longer we walk with Christ, the hotter the battle between the devil, the world, our flesh, and our spirit — and it is quite the battle for those who are living godly lives. This life is not hard for Christians who are enamored with the wonders of salvation and all its benefits. They never actually show up for Christian duty, and they never experience the rigors of a growing relationship with a holy God. The sufferings of Christ remain a mystery to them, because they follow Jesus at a distance, and they would rather enjoy an unruffled life of blessings and favor. Yet, the Lord would have His sons and daughters gladly engage the rough and tumble of spiritual maturity and vitality, and He desires we enter through the narrow and difficult gate of discipleship.

None of us can please God by the sheer force of our will or our most sincere effort. There are contradictions in our souls that only the indwelling Spirit can reveal and overcome. The principle of sin is a reality we were born with, and it will remain with us as long as we are on this earth. However, the New Covenant is the supreme reality under which we live when we are born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit. Our victorious lives are not lived apart from our weaknesses and struggles, but in the midst of them. The freedom Christ gives us operates in the thick of life's battles, and we rise out of bondage and sin to sit with Him in the heavenly places. That is what it means to be more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. We win battles that could never be won without Him, and we are led by the Spirit into abundance and life; not by the law into condemnation, but by grace in to the glorious liberty that is ours in Him. May we come to articulate and appreciate these things more and more.

Let’s Pray – Dear God, may I wake up every day with a readiness and willingness to fight the good fight of faith. I will put on the whole armor of God, which is Christ, and I will be victorious in Him. To God be the glory! Amen.

Fit for the Kingdom

And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:61-62)

Jesus knew where His journey would lead, and it was not a desirable destination. He was on His way to Jerusalem, where He would suffer shameful treatment from men and the wrath of God reserved for sinners deserving hell (of whom I am chief). No man could go to Calvary with or for Him, for Jesus alone is the Lamb of God. Yet, those He calls close to Him will certainly experience the same type of rejection, opposition, and even persecution on His behalf; that is, if we will lay down our lives, pick up our cross, and follow Him. 

Walking with Jesus is not an adventurous or romantic notion. Those motives are fleeting, and they will be found insufficient in the days of trial and drudgery ahead. There is a tremendous amount of hardship along the path of righteousness, because we live among people (especially religious people) who are opposed to God and His sovereign right to rule as He sees fit. Every disciple's commitment will be severely tested, and he must beware of the temptation to turn back when things get hard. Our Lord is always encouraging us to look up and move forward, as He brings us from glory to glory — even when things don't look or feel glorious. So, follow Him closely and faithfully. The cost is worth it, and the Kingdom is at hand.

Let's Pray - Precious Lord, it is most important that I pick up my cross daily and follow You, and I see that as my reasonable service. Thank You for the honor of walking with You. Amen.

The Love of Christ

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Affinity is not love, passion is not love, attraction is not love, and our most sincere feelings fall far short of love. God is love, and He alone defines it. His love finds its clearest expression in Jesus Christ, and Jesus gave His life for us, though we did not deserve it. We, too, must learn to love those who are undeserving, for only then are we truly like God. The Lord will place difficult people and challenges before us to prove and purify our love, and He will always stretch us beyond ourselves and connect us to His interests in others and not our own.

God's love is demonstrative. It is active and effective, and it changes every heart that receives it. We are called to love like He did, and we must not be surprised when we are placed in predicaments that test that love. Those are the conditions in which love thrives, and God's love always proves itself sufficient for any challenge it faces. If Jesus died for me while I cared nothing for Him, then I must be willing to show kindness, even to those who may never appreciate my efforts. In doing so, I am becoming more like Jesus, and the Father is pleased to see the love of Christ at work in me. In fact, that is what pleases Him most. 

Let's Pray – Father, enlarge my capacity for loving others. May I go farther than my feelings will ever take me. Teach me to love others like Jesus loves me. That is the greatest love of all. Amen.

Poured in Our Hearts

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:5)

Love proves I am born from above, and the lack of love proves that I am not! I do not have the option to withhold love, for it is the very foundation of Christian character. The one sure sign that I know God is that my heart reflects His when it comes to the issues of life and relationships. If I love God, every facet of my life will be brought into alignment with that love, and I will be determined to adhere to that standard no matter how difficult the struggle. Love becomes the relentless force moving through my words and deeds, and everything not in agreement with that love must be forsaken. For me and you, it's all about love.

God is Spirit, and God is love. When the Holy Spirit pours His love in our hearts, we begin to see every man and woman as He sees them — according to love. God wants to fill our hearts with love, and He wants us to give that love away. This is an entirely new way of looking at the world, and now we begin to understand all the Lord desires to accomplish. We must learn to lead with love, to default to love, to respond in love, to hope in love, and pray in love. May the Lord increase our understanding of these things — and our love.

Let's Pray – Dear Lord, I pray that my speech and my actions make it clear that I am a child of God. By Your Spirit, I will adjust my every attitude, and make sure I am in alignment with the love You require and expect from me. Amen.

A Call to Humility

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:10)

Satan will offer you a great number of options, but none of them will involve humility. He will convince you to offer lip service without truly serving others — to feel sorry for your actions but fall short of godly sorrow which leads to repentance — to pursue your own agenda and call it ministry. Yet, the Word tells us to humble ourselves in the sight of God and men, because He resists the proud and lifts up the humble. What an honor it is to respond to His call to be like Jesus, who laid aside His glory to serve us and even die for us! Listen closely and you’ll hear Him calling you to a point of humility. Will you answer the call?

It is doubtful the Lord will fill a cup that isn't empty, or that He will lift up a life that is not first laid down. He values meekness over aggression, and He strengthens those who wait, not those who strive. In His Kingdom, the last are first, and the first last, and His servant is more likely to found in the back of the room than the front. Jesus did not come to fix our lives, but to give us life; and He is not interested in solving our problems, because He is the solution. The Bible teaches Jesus was crucified outside the gates of the city, and we are to be found with Him, bearing His reproach (Hebrews 13:13). This is the humility the Lord speaks of and that which He seeks in us. We must learn humility before He exalts us, and He will never allow His child to skip this step. Remember, the fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility. (Proverbs 15:33)

Let’s Pray – Father, I will be swift to humble myself in Your sight and before men, because I know You will lift me up by Your grace. I am reminded that down at Your feet is the highest place! In Jesus I pray, Amen. 

A Growing Faith

But also, for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8)

We are saved by grace through faith, and nothing needs to be added to that from God's end. We, on the other hand, are called to a vigorous pursuit of our relationship with God, to become complete and lack nothing of the Holy Spirit, to be mature, prepared, equipped, and perfect in Christ. Being a child of God is a full-time job, and it is good work and worthy of all our effort. That is what Peter means when he instructs us to “add” to our faith.

A healthy faith is alive and increasing, and it takes that kind of faith to live the overcoming life ordained for us. As we come to understand God's plan, we realize that we are His plan. Yes, we are the victory, the breakthrough, the miracle of God, and the Lord does not have a back-up plan! Jesus is determined to bring many sons and daughters to glory, and we are His holy offspring. Since our faith is all we have that pleases God, let's diligently add to that faith; and in that increase, He is greatly pleased. God is glorified when we walk by faith, and we add to it by discipline, diligence, and obedience. Let's add to our faith and give Him the glory He deserves.

Let's Pray – Dear Lord, increase my faith daily. I desire to be fruitful and useful in Your in the Kingdom. Thank You, Sir. Amen.

Our God Remembers

And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham. (Genesis 19:29)

We can get so distracted by the outward appearance of things that we miss what is most important. Sodom, Gomorrah and the entire surrounding region were destroyed in one of the most horrific displays of judgment in the Bible — yet the Lord's focus and favor were upon Lot and his daughters, because Abraham interceded. You can imagine the news coverage of the day, with all its attention heaped upon the tragedy and its consequences. But only those who are close to the Lord have the faintest clue of what truly transpired . . . God remembered Abraham. 

We serve a holy God, and that holiness is the standard by which everything in the universe will be judged — Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 14:12) He will be vindicated and proven righteous when He judges, no matter how harsh and unrelenting that judgment may appear. Remember, Abraham interceded and prayed fervently for Sodom and Gomorrah, and if God could have found ten righteous souls there, He would have spared them. So, the true message of this Bible story is not the wrath of God poured out on two sinful cities, but the mercy of God and the power of prayer. That is why, when all was said and done, God remembered Abraham. May we learn to see all things from God's perspective, and may we be the ones God remembers.

Let’s Pray – Dear Lord, I will have confidence when I pray, because the Word tells me You love to answer prayer. May I receive Your perspective on all things, understand the knowledge of Your will, and pray accordingly. Amen.

Working Your Faith

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

It is the work of the interior that matters most to God, for the Kingdom of God is within us. Faith is serious business to God, and it ought to be more serious to us. Walking by faith is the work we are called to do, but it is also the work most neglected. If we are not careful, we will find ourselves immersed in a myriad of worldly enterprises and poorly invested in the Kingdom of God.  We are to walk by faith and not by sight. 

What is this faith the Lord hopes to find when He returns? It is the conviction that God's Word is true, and He is Lord regardless of the sin that dominates the world around us. Even if the elect falter, God's faithful ones look to Jesus, refusing to look to another. Faith triumphs over fear, and faith-filled saints wait on the Lord and renew their strength. Faith rejects the chains of law and religion, and it walks in the liberty of the Spirit. Faith and grace alone save and keep us, and may Jesus find us full of grace and faith when He returns. 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, may I be found in You. I realize I cannot work for You, but I must surrender my life that You might work through me. Help me keep the attitude of a servant. Use me as You see fit. Amen.

Love Never Fails, pt. 2

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

Love does not look and act like we think or expect, but like God thinks and expects. It always supersedes, always succeeds, always overcomes, and always wins. The reason every other person pales in comparison to Jesus Christ is His flawless expression of love. Pure love can only be found in Jesus, for God is love, and Jesus is God.

Jesus was not the Messiah Israel expected, and they rejected Him out of hand. The same is true today, as Israel still rejects her King — but God's love is undeterred. He has a plan for Israel, and that plan will succeed, because it is rooted in His love. There is nothing anyone can do to keep God's plan of redemption from succeeding, because His love is everlasting, it overcomes, and it endures forever. He has the same love for us all, and He will not stop until the Gospel is preached for all to hear and receive. He is willing to bear, believe, hope and endure all things, by the power of His enduring love. In spite of all that might hinder and oppose, God's love overcomes — and yes, it wins every time. It's true; His love never fails.

Let's Pray – Father, help me to meet the unwavering standard of holy love that I see in Jesus Christ. I realize only the Holy Spirit can give me that kind of love, so I ask You in all humility to pour out Your Spirit on me today, so I can love like I have been loved. Amen.

Love Never Fails, pt. 1

Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:8)

God is love, and therefore love never fails and is never bested, defeated, or frustrated. Love cannot be bribed or compromised, for it is the purest of all motivations. Love is the only absolute proof that we know God and that the Holy Spirit abides in us, our families, and our fellowship. Love is the most universally valued and respected currency in the world, and the Church of Jesus Christ should do more and more to spend it at every opportunity. Love is how we are known. So, let your love shine brightly today, because God is love and you are God’s.

Love is the best revenge, because it wins every time. Love always exudes the fragrance of Jesus Christ, and that is its truest test. Christ is glorified when we love, and He is not when we don't. Therefore, He is only exalted by love, and when He is truly lifted up, all men are drawn to Him by His sacrificial love. God's love is honest and enduring, spiritual and gracious, extravagant and holy. It is not reckless, romantic, or emotional, for Christ is none of those things. His love is holy and true — and remember, His love never fails.

Let’s Pray – Father, thank You for loving me more and better than I can repay or comprehend. I will love others according to the Holy Spirit who lives in me, and may You be pleased and glorified in that love. Amen.

Seeking the Loss

“. . . for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Could it be that God is reaching out to the sinners we reject? Could He be moving among people we've disdained? Does God want to move through us to touch the people, neighborhoods, and nations we've abandoned? Was Jesus Himself not accused of consorting with prostitutes, hated tax-collectors, and a whole assortment of sinners? Are we, then, right to condemn and refuse to even show kindness to the sinners He loved and died for? Lord, forgive us!

It is a sad thing to witness a church which as lost its first love — that is, its ability and willingness to love, and its commitment to love. Without love, the church is a sad caricature of herself, having strayed far from the One who called her into being and keeps her through the ages. The church is to be the body of Christ, with arms outstretched to a lost and dying world, and where the least and last of these find a place of refuge and security. As long as the church is mired in worldly culture and controversy, she cannot fulfill the Great Commission; for we cannot make disciples until we are disciples — disciples of Jesus Christ. We must remember that we are the exclusive messengers of the New Covenant, and Jesus seeks and saves the lost by His ministry through us! May we turn back to Him, and may He once again find us faithful and useful for His divine enterprises. Amen.

Let's Pray - Dear God, please forgive me for a judgmental attitude toward others. I long to take advantage of every opportunity to show the love and compassion You showed me. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Manner of Spirit

But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. (Luke 9:55)

Jesus Christ is not a conservative, a moderate, or a liberal. He is not an American, nor is He limited to or by any nationality. He is not pro-this or anti-that, for the Kingdom of God is not a matter of pros and cons. He is God Almighty, who cannot be contained in any of the politics, principles, theologies, doctrines, or systems we build. In fact, Jesus did not come to give us Christian principles or convictions, but to give us abundant life — and His life does not flow to us from laws and rules, but from the Holy Spirit. The Lord simply won't conform to our constructs, our religion, our buildings, denominations, or programs — and certainly not our principles or convictions (no matter how sincere). Beware of the temptation to mistake your passionate beliefs for His. His ways, His thoughts, and His words are higher than ours, and that will never change.

The Word of God is the only defense we have against our tendency to create our own god and our own spiritual narrative. That's what the writer of Hebrews means when he says, 
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) 

God's Word alone gets to the true heart and spirit of every issue; and if we are to get to the truth, we must get there by His Word. We sometimes do not know what manner of spirit we are of, because we have strayed from the Bible. This is a trap that so many have fallen into in this ambitious religious age, and it has resulted in the perverted form of godliness we too often witness. Some of us are consumed with our own good works and programs, while possessing none of the raw power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and that is why Christians are known by everything except love. If Satan can get us a few degrees off the center of God's Word, he has succeeded in robbing us of the fullness of God in Christ, and we become the blind leading the blind. Unfortunately, he has been far too successful in doing so. May the Lord open our hearts and eyes to the scriptures again, and may He pour out His Spirit upon us afresh and anew.

Let’s Pray – Father, forgive us for making things about us, and not about Jesus. We need Your Holy Spirit, if we are to have abundant life. Refresh and renew us today! In Jesus, Amen.