Learning to Serve

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. (John 13:3-5)

 

Servanthood is something entirely different in the Kingdom than in the world. The world sees servants as less-than or inferior to those being served, therefore servants are often roughly treated and poorly esteemed. Not so in the Kingdom of God. A servant's heart is highly valued by the Lord, especially in His sons and daughters. That is why Jesus is the perfect example of royalty, sonship, and servanthood — and His example reflects the heart of His Father.

 

Everything Jesus did for others was rooted in His identity as God's Son. He fully understood the privilege and meaning of His relationship to the Father, so He was not ashamed or embarrassed to serve others, and He could do so with joy and abandon. That is the same understanding we are to receive, that sonship means service; and when we think that way, we will possess the energy and attitude that pleases God and serves others well. Whose feet are you washing?

 

Let's Pray - Father, teach us to serve others according to Your Word and Your purpose for them. I lay down every agenda, and I look to You for instruction and opportunity to minister to others. Amen.

You Will Know

Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” (John 13:6-7)

 

Jesus is the perfect example of servanthood, and it is His deepest desire to present us to the Father faultless, perfect, and holy. He, therefore, became our Savior through His sacrifice — that is, the blood He shed for us that washed away our sins and the condemnation they brought. By washing His disciples' feet, He was giving them an example of the ministry they would receive. They, too, would lay down their lives in order to present every man faultless, perfected, and holy to the Father, so we might be received into the family of God with joy.

 

The disciples would learn to lay down their lives and their rights for the sake of others, just as Jesus had done for them. That is the unmistakable Spirit of all true ministry. No servant of God serves himself at the expense of the church, but he or she can be found washing feet, serving the poor, aiding widows and orphans, and preaching the unadorned Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

We who are true servants desire to see God bring many sons and daughters to glory, and we are given the honor of washing their feet, just as Jesus did for us. Now, they too are clean, and together, we all can sit at the Lord's table. This is what Jesus was teaching His disciples by washing their feet, and this is what He is teaching us — ". . . you will know after this." Now you know.

 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, thank You for teaching us the value of service. May we do the same for others that You have done for us. May You find us washing our brothers' and sisters' feet. In Jesus, Amen.

Power for Service

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

 

The gift the disciples received by waiting is the same gift we receive when we wait on the Lord — that is, the power to be witnesses of Jesus Christ. We alone have that power, for we alone have His Spirit, and if we do not have His Spirit, we are not His witnesses. The indwelling Spirit is the only difference between us and all other religious people, for He is the only proof that we have an authentic relationship with the True and Living God. Any other claim to spiritual legitimacy is counterfeit, for only the Holy Spirit is God Himself alive in us. And if He is alive in us, we will be His witnesses, and He will show Himself great through us.

 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)

 

God is not interested in excellent, efficient, philanthropic, or successful Christian service. All these things can be accomplished with the sheer force of our will and efforts. The test of every ministry is whether it is Spirit-given, Spirit-led, and whether the minister serves in the spirit of humility and sacrifice. That is why we must wait on God before we go. We must receive God's power from on high before we go down into the valley of darkness and death — lest we be unprepared and overwhelmed by the needs and depravity of men, as well as our own. We who minister must die daily to every independent inclination if we are be God's witnesses in the world. Only those who are fully dependent on Him can serve Him acceptably, and that is what Paul means by "your reasonable service." Is your service "reasonable" by God's standard?

 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, may Your people be content to wait on You and receive Your Power, so that we might be holy witnesses to Your greatness and holy messengers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Focus on Jesus

Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)

 

The disciples did not get it. Even after Jesus had been crucified and He rose from the dead, they were still clueless about the Kingdom of God. They did not understand the Kingdom they would inherit is not of this world, and it showed by the questions they asked. “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” It is a snare for us to desire great things on this earth — even great "Christian" things. Jesus was not concerned or impressed with great people, places, or things, and He did not want His disciples to be either. They were to be fully focused on their relationship to the Father. What are you focusing on?

 

"The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)

 

The Christian life is a spiritual phenomenon, not an earthly one; and we are to walk by faith and not by sight. So, why is there still so much preaching and prophesying about material blessings, breakthroughs, and prosperity — things we can see and handle? It is because many Christians (like the disciples) are still carnal in their thinking, and they are looking for the Lord to do what they desire, not what He desires. Once the disciples received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, their hearts were changed, and their eyes were lifted up to heaven; and they could finally see the Lord and come to understand what He has said to them. They were no longer bound by their own affections, but they began to see the Kingdom of God in all its glory. We, too, must receive the Spirit of God, if we are to see the Lord and His Kingdom on earth. So, stop looking down and around, leave the world alone and look to Jesus, and Him alone. Look with the eyes of faith, see the Kingdom within, and see the glory of the Lord.

 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, my eyes are fixed on You today. Lift me up where You dwell, and give me heaven's perspective, so that I might walk in wisdom and assurance. Amen.

While They Watched

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11)

 

The disciples were looking for Jesus in the wrong place. They were gazing into the skies where He ascended, but He was not there. How often we, like the disciples, look for the Lord in the places we expect, but He has moved on. Yet, if we simply remember the things Jesus told us, we will understand He is being true to the words He spoke. He has gone to be with the Father, and He dwells in us by His Spirit, and He is coming again to receive us to Himself. That is the blessed hope of the believer, and believers know where to find the Lord.

 

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9) When we look with the eyes of faith, we see Jesus every time. He is not found in our words or deeds, no matter how noble; but He is readily available to those of us who humble ourselves and take Him at His Word. In fact, He is the Word of God, and the faithful draw near and hear every word He speaks. Believe that He is near, and don't be found searching for the Him when He is already here.

 

Let's Pray - Father God, thank You for the reality of Your work and presence in my life. May the Spirit of Christ find a peaceful and healthy resting place in my heart today. Amen.

Your Own Affections

"But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished." (Matthew 17:12)

 

You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. (2 Corinthians 6:12)

 

Before we surrendered our lives to Christ, we used to go wherever we wanted and do whatever we pleased. We thought and acted according to our whims and desires, came and went as we saw fit, and we believed we had every right to live that way. Then, the Lord introduces us to someone who lives a holy life and walks more closely with Him than we do -- and He holds us accountable for our response to what we witness. If we are not careful, that believer's discipline and attention to spiritual details will appear stodgy and unreasonable, and we will resent the standard he sets — "Who does he think he is?" But the Lord has placed him or her in our lives as a sign that points toward heaven — and if we are offended, we are not offended with them, but with God. Be careful how you heed God's signs.

 

The mature saint is not restricted by his own affections and selfish desires, and he is open to the leading of the Spirit. So you must be very careful to heed God's voice and recognize the divine opportunities and relationships He ordains. Don't miss your "Elijah" when he appears. He is not hard to recognize. He is the one pointing you back to God.

 

Let's Pray - Father, I will be careful to take note of the people and signs You place before me. May I respond to every challenge they present me to grow in my walk with You. Amen.

Forgiveness and Confrontation

“Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between him and you alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17)

 

Forgiving others does not require that we continue to place ourselves in precarious positions or engage in unsafe relationships. Our willingness to forgive is not a blank check for others to sin against us with impunity. We must be wise enough to remove ourselves from injurious, damaging relationships, and we also must be responsible enough to hold those we deal with accountable to acceptable standards of behavior. This takes a tremendous amount of wisdom and grace.

 

"Go and tell him his fault" 

"Take with you one or two more . . ." 

"Tell it to the church . . ." 

"Let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector." 

Here, Jesus gives us a process to follow when a brother or sister sins against us, and we must be sure to follow every step. When we do not follow the order He prescribes, confusion ensues. But Jesus provides a clean path for us, and He expects us to walk in it. Surely, there will be offenses, and those offenses are meant to divide us and defeat God's plan and purpose. But if we will follow Jesus, He will lead us and show us the righteous way to deal with these difficulties. Jesus is the way — walk in it.

 

Let's Pray - Lord, give me the Spirit of love and wisdom, and help me to know how to conduct myself well in every situation. I need You more than ever to show me how to respond to offenses wisely. Amen.

We Must Forgive

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." 

(Matthew 6:14-15)

 

We are most like Christ when we respond to offenses like He did – by forgiving. Since the Lord’s willingness to forgive us is so great, and since we derive such wonderful benefits from that forgiveness, He will not let us get away with an unwillingness to forgive. In fact, the refusal to forgive may indicate a lack of understanding of our salvation! It is, at least, an indication that we do not yet understand how our Lord works and what He expects.

 

Forgiveness is not an isolated event — it is a cycle. The Lord intends that we forgive, because we have been forgiven, and that is how the Kingdom operates. We must release those who sinned against us from the prison of our hurt and anger, because He has released us and remembers our sins no more. When we don't forgive, we stop the flow of the cleansing blood of Jesus, and we hold on to the bitterness that God would wash away — if we would just forgive. It is terrifying to think we will one day find that our sins are not forgiven, because we held on to grudges and offenses we should have released! Let us take God at His word and let us be sure to forgive as we desire to be forgiven. It is a matter of life and death.

 

Let's Pray - Lord, help me forgive the sinful actions of others that hurt me, just as You have forgiven my sinful actions that hurt others. This is an issue of great importance, and I desperately need Your help. In Jesus, 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 with the testimony of Jesus Christ and illuminate the path to heaven 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 shine through us. God does not need us, but He chose us -- and we should be eternally grateful for the unspeakable honor of being witnesses to our Lord.

 

With this light comes a sobering reality. We must live in a way that keeps us available to the Lord exclusively and allows Him to shine His light through us wherever we are. We must fight every thought or action that veils the light, and we must make moment-by-moment decisions that glorify the Lord. When we do, 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 – we shine, men see the light, and God gets the glory! 

 

It is 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. Those who do not believe will not be convinced by our intellect or our arguments, but by our love for them and one another! There is no phenomenon comparable to the sacrificial fragrance of love -- 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.

 

God’s Pleasure and Favor

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord . . . (Acts 3:19)

 

In this passage, Peter opens our eyes to the divine process the Lord employs to lead His children to a clean and free life. That process begins with conviction, which occurs when the Holy Spirit exposes us for the sinners we are. Conviction then leads us to confession, as the process moves to our speech, and we verbally agree with God about what He's shown us. Confession leads us to repentance, where we turn around and walk a new way, and we learn to work righteousness instead of mischief. Then comes restoration, where we redeem lost time and squandered resources, and we come into right standing with God and His people. Finally, we experience times of refreshing, and the Holy Spirit leads us into the sweetness of God’s pleasure and favor.

 

When Peter speaks of "conversion," it is more than the simple act of being saved. Salvation is a sovereign act of God, not a decision made by men. We are saved because of what Jesus did on Calvary, not because we "accepted Christ." He accepted us. Conversion is the change we experience once we step fully into the life God offers us in Christ. When we are truly converted, He changes everything about us and everything within us. We become heavenly-minded, and worldly things lose their grip. This is the new life He promises; a life that is overflowing with the blessings, peace, and purpose of God. This is the life He gives to us and through us freely, if we will simply believe in Him. This is your life. "Repent therefore and be converted . . ."

 

Let's Pray - Father God, I want all You have for me, so I turn to You for everything necessary to live a godly life. Change me, Lord. Thank You for Your Spirit. In Jesus alone, Amen.

A Made Up Mind

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. (Daniel 1:8)

 

Daniel was in no position to bargain. He was a captive of Israel’s dreaded conquerors, the Babylonians. They were a cruel, severe people and God’s hammer of judgment sent to bring the nation of Israel to repentance. Yet, this teenage boy saw a much bigger picture. Though his circumstances were dire, Daniel believed firmly in the power of the God of Israel. He understood that the Lord was still his God, still faithful, still merciful, still present, and still willing to answer his prayers -- even in Babylon.

 

Daniel’s world was filled with limits, because he was a slave. He had no rights, no clout, no earthly possessions, no money, no power, and seemingly, no hope. He lived in a world of can’t. So Daniel did the one thing he could do, and he exercised power over the one thing he could control. He made up his mind! The remarkable life Daniel lived from that point forward was only possible because he made the decision to honor God Almighty no matter the cost. The same is true in our day, that those with a steadfast devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ find the strength to stand and live boldly for Him, even in this difficult hour. Daniel proved that a made up mind is a powerful thing! Have you purposed in your heart to follow Jesus? Is your mind made up?

 

Let's Pray - Father, as the old songs says, "I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back." Thank You for the gift of a made up mind. Amen.

Love and Conditions

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

 

God is love, and love is accurately defined in Him, and in Him alone. Love is not what we think or say it is, but what God says it is — and He says His love is conditional, and that condition is Jesus Christ. Those who advance the concept of "unconditional love" are really saying, "It doesn't matter what I do, God will still love me, accept me, and receive me." But Jesus says this about those who believe they can practice sin and still claim to be Christians, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"

 

If you say God's love has conditions, some will call you narrow, judgmental, and close-minded. But, you see, God is very particular about His children and His Kingdom. The Bible teaches the road to heaven is narrow and difficult, and few find it! That is because God has His conditions. He must have His conditions. If we are going to enter in, we must be His, we must be holy, and we must be faithful — that is what the Bible teaches! If these things are not true of you, you do not know Him, and you are not known by Him. Jesus is coming back for a church without spot or wrinkle, and the Holy Spirit is preparing her for His return. If you are His, you are clean, free, and separate from sin and those who practice sin. That is what Jesus requires, and the Holy Spirit is ready and able to accomplish God’s will in us. 

 

Yes, God has His conditions, and those conditions must be met if we want Him to abide. His love has never been unconditional, no matter what some preach and sing. Thank God for His very conditional love. Thank God for Jesus.

 

Let's Pray- Father, those who know You understand and accept Your conditions. Jesus is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. Thank You, in my Savior's sweet name, Amen.

The Righteousness of God

“For He {God} made Him {Jesus} who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

 

The term “forgive” means to send away, dismiss, release, or cancel (as in a debt). Biblically, the concept of forgiveness rests on the requirement that we be reconciled to the holy God who created us for His own purpose. Without forgiveness, we are otherwise incapable of measuring up to God’s standards because of our sin. The righteous punishment due the sinner is death, or permanent estrangement from God. Yet, because God loves us so, He designed a way back into a right relationship with Him. That “way” is Jesus Christ who gave His life and died in our place, thereby, paying our sin-debt by taking our punishment on Himself. This is the most important and wonderful truth we will ever learn — and learn it, we must, if we are ever to see God.

 

This is the simple and complete Gospel, and nothing needs to be added. The Lord never sent men to teach any other message, but simply Christ, and Him crucified! That is the entry point and the assurance of eternal life, and it needs no embellishment. Those of us who preach must never tire of repeating the only message that matters; "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!" (John 1:29) Our fullness, joy, and righteousness are found in Him. May He be found alive and well in us.

 

Let's Pray - Father, I do not deserve the gift of everlasting life. Yet, Jesus gave His life for mine, and I humbly and gladly believe and receive the truth. That truth has set me free — free indeed! Amen.

Walk in His Ways

“You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you that you may live and it be well with you . . .” (Deuteronomy 5:32)

 

The most powerful statement one can make about a believer's life is to say he or she walks with God. This means that every step, every decision, every word and deed are subject to the standard set by the Lord. When we think of those Bible characters who walked with the Lord, they almost seem mythical in comparison to other men — but truthfully, they were frail and imperfect like the rest of us. It was God who stood by their side and made them seem nobler, wiser, and better than the rest of us. The same is true of those who walk with God today; great is the Lord who lives within us and works through us!

 

We do not need to figure out what God wants from us, because He has expressed Himself clearly in Jesus Christ. The Father looks for a likeness to His Son in us; that is what He is drawn to, and that is what He approves. There is no other word, and no deeper message or truth. It is all about Jesus — no one or nothing else. Every wayward step, every anxious thought, every idle word, and every ungodly act can be traced to the moment we took our eyes off Jesus and put them on ourselves. Yet, the Lord promises us sweet communion when we turn to the Savior and abide in His love. May we all make the choice to walk in His ways today. That is what He expects from us, if we are truly His. 

 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, I desire to walk with You in spirit and truth. I want to be a man known for my closeness to You. Amen.

Hands and Heart

 Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?

Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

He who walks uprightly,

And works righteousness,

And speaks the truth in his heart; (Psalms 15:1-2)

 

In scripture, hands and hearts are poignant symbols of a saint's work and worth. The hands symbolize all that we produce, invent, fashion, build up, and establish. The heart symbolizes our character, emotions, and motivation. The Bible teaches that the truth can be known about each of us by what we produce with our hands and the words which proceed from our heart. The honest Christian is one who has come to the Lord and received clean hands and hearts, which will bring forth the fruit of a holy life.  

 

If we are going to draw close to the Lord, it will have to be on His terms, and He requires purity. As much as Jesus loves us, He hates sin, and He will not suffer sinful folks or their behavior. It is a grave mistake to believe He loves us so much that we can continue in sin without paying a painful price. Yet, Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us and to receive us when we turn to Him in repentance and sincerity. His instructions are clear, and we must follow them closely if we want to abide with Him, and if He is to dwell in us.  

 

Let's Pray - Dear God, give me clean hands, that I may offer an acceptable sacrifice; and a clean heart, that You might be glorified in me. In Jesus, Amen.

An Honest Saint

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” (John 1:47)

 

Honesty is required in the child of God, and He expects truthfulness from us in all our dealings. Integrity is a basic biblical principle that must be honored, otherwise, you and I cannot increase in spiritual understanding and stature. Every dishonest act, even the slightest shading of the truth is a serious affront to the Living God, who is holy and pure; and He will not receive dishonesty or dishonest people into His kingdom.

 

In the world (and sometimes in the church), integrity is viewed as a nuisance, and it is much more important to be effective, successful, and get the desired result. Yet, our Lord looks upon our hearts, and He values righteousness and truth in the inward parts of us. He detests lies, as they reflect Satan and his influence, and there is nothing devilish in heaven, nor should there be in the church of Jesus Christ. Likewise, Nathanael was a man who disdained foolishness and deceit, and the Lord acknowledged Him for his integrity. He was a man God could trust with the truth, and He longs to trust you and me in the same way. So, place your name here — "Behold, ____ indeed, in whom is no deceit!" May it be true of each of us, Lord! 

 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, I desire to be one who speaks truthfully at all times. Teach me to be honorable in my dealings with others, as You are with me. Amen.

Joy in Suffering

“ . . . that I may know Him in the power of His resurrection, and in the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” (Philippians 3:10) 

Christians who are rooted in Christ are spiritual lights in this dark world, and Satan hates the light, because his deeds are evil. The opposition we face in the spiritual realm is fierce, as Satan, his demons, and people used by them seek to extinguish every vestige of Jesus Christ from the earth. As ambassadors of Christ, we represent the perfection of the Kingdom of Heaven on this fallen and dying planet. The world’s attitude toward us is the same as it was toward Christ –- violent and oppositional. Thus, we share in the sufferings of Christ, and we do so joyfully!

 

In Christ, we find the example of a heavenly visionary, who looked beyond the day’s tests and saw eternity's gain. It is of the utmost importance for every saint to develop the same gift of spiritual foresight. That means being able to look beyond the momentary difficulties and seeing the glorious end the Lord is a truly after. Hebrews 12:2 puts it this way, . . . looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. This is what Paul is saying when he points us to "the power of His resurrection." We, too, must die to ourselves in order to experience a victorious resurrected life. Simply put, Jesus never took His eyes off His Father, but He endured, laid down His life, rose in power, and so must we! Therein lies the purpose and power of His resurrection. Therein lies your purpose and your power.

 

Let's Pray - Father, it is an honor to suffer for the name of Jesus Christ, for we overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony! We desire to be those who overcome in You. Amen.

Narrow and Difficult

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

 

There are those who seek to make this world their home, to make it comfortable and palatable, teaching that faith is a means to a prosperous life full of success and creature comforts. Yet, the Word clearly says that faith points us to something greater and more meaningful than that. That "something greater" is eternal life, and that life is ours by faith in Jesus, and in Him alone.

 

Faith is not proven by our victories, our breakthroughs, our prosperity, or our successes -- the opposite is true. True faith requires that we hold tightly to God when we do not see, do not understand, and we do not agree with the things He permits. Faith thrives when we do not know where or when our deliverance will arrive, when we suffer losses and setbacks that discourage us, and when we feel like strangers and pilgrims in the earth. Faith grows when it is challenged in stormy times, when God prunes instead of multiplies, when our deepest desires seems farther away than ever, and when the things we feared most are at the door. That is when God draws us near and separates us from the carnal Christianity that must see and possess in order to believe. That is where the road narrows and the many become few. 

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

 

Let's Pray - Father, may we learn to take You at Your Word, and not fashion a "gospel" to our own liking. Help us to cling to You and nothing else in these uncertain times. You are faithful, and so must we be. In Jesus, Amen.

There is a Season

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

 

Let us learn to appreciate God’s divine sense of timing, so that we keep our peace by trusting and waiting on Him who knows the times and seasons. Waiting on the Lord is not a despondent, detached, or careless attitude that says, “Whatever will be, will be.” Remember, He sees purpose in things we might disdain and overlook, so we must ask Him daily for patience, perspective, and wisdom. May we always be expectant and faithful as we move forward knowing the Lord will do the right thing at the right time.

 

We are often tempted to be upset and uneasy about the state of things and how long certain injustices and inequities may persist. It is far too common to see Christians fighting and struggling to change things for the better, rather than trusting and waiting on the Lord. There is the dangerous temptation to get ahead of God and take heroic action to bring about the change we deem necessary. But it is best to remember that Jesus is on the throne in heaven, and He has the world and everything in it in His hand. He is sovereign, holy, and righteous; and we will all give account for our words and actions, rather or not they were wrought in righteousness or selfishness. We do well to remember Peter's words, "But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (2 Peter 3:8) God knows what time it is, and He is in control. Trust Him and wait on Him!

 

Let's Pray - Father, teach me to redeem the time I've been given, and to understand the times and seasons of my life. Let me be found waiting on You and trusting You through it all. In Jesus, Amen.

Consistent and Ready

Be ready in and out of season . . . (2 Timothy 4:2)

 

Two earmarks of being a Spirit-filled believer are consistency and readiness. Consistency reveals obedience and dependence on the Lord that keeps us steady, dependable, and trustworthy in spiritual things. We are called to present a useful and consistent example to the people we live and work with, relying on the power and goodness of Jesus in every situation. Readiness speaks of being prepared to display godly character even in the face of forces and circumstances working against us. Though the winds of life blow hard and often, we hold on to the unchanging Word of God, proving that it has the power to keep us standing and victorious in these uncertain times.

 

No one knows when Jesus will return, so we must be ready. No one knows when everything we've come to depend on might be taken away, so we must be found trusting only in Him. Each of us must form the devotional habits that will sustain us in and out of season, when things are well and when they are ill. When times are uncertain, we will fall back upon the lifestyle and habits we have cultivated; and it is a good thing if we are found practicing the disciplines of prayer, heeding the Word, Spirit-led worship, and fellowship. That is what Jesus is seeking when He returns. That is what He is seeking now. Are you ready?

 

Let's Pray - Lord, I desire to be consistently obedient to Your Word and Your promptings. Help me stay rooted and grounded in my spirit, and willing and ready to do Your will! Amen.

A Clean Conscience

And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (John 16:8)

 

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12)

 

We are poor judges of ourselves, so the Spirit Himself convicts us and points out our sin. He wants us to know the truth, because the truth will set us free from the bondage of sin and death. When we receive God's conviction and agree with Him about our sins, He forgives us, and our relationship to Him is restored. God then awakens our consciences and begins teaching us His ways, and His ways are higher than ours. Yes, the Spirit has come to convict us and open our eyes, so we might receive our sight and see how much we need a Savior.

 

When we acknowledge God's standards and understand His will, our consciences will become sensitive to the slightest whisper of the Holy Spirit. That is the safest place for Christians to be, and the Spirit will lead us when we quiet ourselves and heed His voice. That is His will, that we come to Him like children and receive the life He offers freely. Will you come? Will you come now?

 

Let's Pray - The Spirit is the lamp of the body, and I deeply desire to live in the light. Father, make me aware of myself and my sin. When You do, I will quickly repent and turn back to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Obtaining God’s Favor

Now it came about on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace in front of the king’s rooms, and the king was sitting on his royal throne in the throne room, opposite the entrance to the palace. It happened when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter. (Esther 5:1, 2)

 

Prayer is the awesome privilege to go before the Father and speak to Him from our hearts. He is not like earthly kings who require appointments, pomp and circumstance, or needless protocol -- just come. The Bible is filled with encouragement for us to pray, because the God who loves us longs to speak with us about our lives. He is ever extending His "scepter" to us with an open heart to receive us when we come to Him in prayer.

 

You will find the rest and peace you so desire in the closet of prayer. Jesus promised that when you pray to God in secret, He will reward you openly (Matthew 6:4). Like Esther, the Lord will clothe you with the royal garments of righteousness, He will receive you, and He will answer your prayers because of His great love for you. So, come to the throne with the same confidence Esther displayed. The King is reaching out His hand to you!

 

Let’s Pray- Father, You will find me believing You, trusting You, and praying to You, just as You have taught me. Hear my earnest plea and lead me in the everlasting way. In Jesus, Amen.

True Prosperity

". . . but I am carnal, sold under sin." (Romans 7:14b)

 

There is so much preaching today about prosperity and worldly success in the Christian life, but that is a selfish and entrepreneurial perversion of the scriptures. Our problem isn't that we are not rich enough, successful enough, or healthy enough; the issue is and always will be our sin nature. That is what Jesus came to the earth to address and defeat. Sin has the last word in our lives, unless we believe that Jesus died for us and rose victoriously from the grave. "Therefore I (Jesus) said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." (John 8:24) Yes, He did die, He did rise, He does hold the keys to life and death, and He has given everlasting life to every believer. That is the true prosperity, success, and health the Gospel promises; and since we know we are seated with Him in the heavens, earthly things and worldly measures of success have lost their grip on us. We were once sold under sin, and now we are bought with a price — the precious blood of Jesus. Now that is true prosperity!

 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, I realize Jesus is the only way back from my sinful path. Thank You for loving me enough to send Your Son, my Savior, to save my wretched soul. Amen.

Turn to Me

Turn at my rebuke;

Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;

I will make my words known to you. (Proverbs 1:23)

 

We must always be sure to respond to the voice of the Father. When we hear our name, we must turn to Him at once. If we do not, we begin an inevitable march to ruin and judgment — and those things are not meant for His children. God will never force us to slow down, listen, or obey His voice. But when He reveals His will to us, we are responsible for how we respond to that revelation. Our lives are precious gifts, and there is not another moment to waste with the foolishness and selfishness that once dominated us.

 

It is a sad thing for a child of God to refuse to come when He calls. Yet, that is where so many are today. Far too often, sin and fear are as present among believers as the children of the world around them. It is far too uncommon to witness saints living in the fullness of their salvation. How many of the believers you know are living the holy and spotless lives the Bible calls them to? Are you living that way? If not, turn back to Him today, for His arms are ever outstretched to receive You when you do. Don't delay. The Lord is near, even at the door.

 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, I realize the urgency in turning to Your word and receiving Your wisdom. I cannot afford to let Your instruction go unheeded. I have decided to follow Jesus, today and forever. Amen.

Eat Everything

The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. (Proverbs 26:15)

 

Only the Father knows the strength we need to fight the good fight of faith, to establish a good testimony, and to finish the race set before us. And as any good parent does, He insists that we eat the food He serves, so that we are well nourished and equipped to meet the demands of the day — and the demands are great! We must take more earnest heed to God's Word, or we will surely shrink back into the kind of spiritual laziness and impotence that typifies too many. 

The lazy man won't so much as eat the Bread of life God has so graciously set before him. We are not only to eat, but to EAT EVERYTHING — every single word He speaks! Those who do will mature and possess the character and energy of the Spirit — enough energy to endure to the end.

 

Many will read about the cross, write books about the cross, sing about the cross, debate, study, get degrees, preach, hold meetings and seminars, plant churches, start movements, develop theologies about the cross, etc. — but they will never actually pick up their cross and follow Jesus. May the Lord save us from high sounding rhetoric and powerless platitudes that snare so many. May we take God at His Word and live in its power. Remember, take the Bread God serves, and EAT EVERYTHING.

  

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, help me as I discipline myself to read and study Your Word as if my life depended on it — because it does. In Jesus alone, Amen.

Willing and Obedient

“Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;  but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 1:16-20)

 

We must reason with the Lord before it is too late, while His arms are still outstretched, and before we go any farther down the road toward judgment. Repentance and humility are required to enter into these talks, for we have nothing else to offer! On the other hand, the Lord has made provision for our forgiveness, our health, our wholeness, our peace and safety, and our joy. Our sins have been wiped away by the death of His Son, Who lived a sinless and sacrificial life, died in our place, and rose in power and majesty. Now He is seated at the right hand of the Father with all authority in His nail-scarred hands and the Word of truth in His mouth; the same Word that echoes from Isaiah, imploring us to come to Him before night falls and it is too late.

 

Coming to God means turning away from all others and submitting ourselves to Him alone. Many Christians have lent themselves out to causes, ideas, and voices, and they can no longer hear the Lord who is calling them apart to Himself. The knowledge of His ways and His will must become our primary pursuit, as we present ourselves to Him daily to receive the wisdom, grace, and glory He offers freely. That is the only way to walk and live in the light, and the only way to be pleasing in His sight. God is seeking a people who will hear Him and obey — who will come to Him now, come on His terms, and come to Him through Jesus Christ. "Come now . . ."

 

Let's Pray - Father, I believe and accept the terms of my salvation, the sacrifice Jesus made on the Cross. I am eternally grateful for all that was done for me, and I will display that gratitude by worshiping and serving You all my life. Amen.

In God’s Power

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  (2 Timothy 1:7)

 

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we refuse to submit to the authority of any other spiritual influence. Spirit-filled saints will not bow down at the shrine of worldly success, popularity, acceptance, or tolerance; because friendship with the world makes us the enemies of God. We value the approval of the Lord, and we refuse to fear men. God's power is ours when we remember the battle and the glory are the His alone.

 

There may be many fearful things in this life, but the Holy Spirit has freed us from the power those things once had. That is why God's children shine so brightly in a dark and fearful world. The Spirit who dwells in us is the power to be Christlike, the salt of the earth, and the light of the world. We remain joyful, kind, forgiving, and gracious even though others may treat us poorly in return. If people around us are going to see the fearless love of Christ, they are going to see it in us. We have been called and chosen for this, and we must answer that call!

 

Let's Pray - Yes, Father, the battle is Yours, and so is the kingdom, the power, and the glory. Forever and ever, Amen!

Do Not Worry

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:34)

 

Make no mistake about it, worry is fear, and fear is the archenemy of love and faith. Worry occupies the space in our lives that faith longs to fill, and that faith is the success and confidence of the child of God. We cannot fight the battles of the Lord and worry at the same time, because worry paralyzes us in a world of "what ifs." Anxiety results from the unrest in our hearts when we believe the Lord has not considered all our concerns. But Jesus assures us the Father knows and cares, and He is able and willing to provide every detail of our earthly and spiritual needs. Believe in Him. He is faithful, and He wants us to be worry-free.

 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, I have made the choice to believe in You, and I simply refuse to worry about anything at all. You are my Shepherd, and I shall want for nothing. Thank you, Sir. Amen.

Only in the Spirit

"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24)

 

Everyone and everything on earth that pleases the Father does so according to the leading and power of the Spirit. That is why Jesus insisted His disciples wait before they went out to preach the Gospel -  "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever . . ." (John 14:16) The "Helper" is God Himself, the Holy Spirit. Just as the Father and Son are God, so is the Spirit; and they are united in their determination to bring many sons and daughters to glory. Thank God in heaven for the ministry of the Holy Spirit here on earth!

 

The abiding presence of the Holy Spirit is the only difference between the children of God and all other religious people. Jesus says, (He is) the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:17) The power of the Holy Spirit is the substance of the victorious life, of spiritual vitality, health, holiness, and wholeness. We must never grieve the Spirit by suppressing, ignoring, or limiting Him in our lives and our fellowship. May we love in the Spirit, pray in the Spirit, sing in the Spirit, prophesy in the Spirit, and walk in the Holy Spirit given to us by God as a guarantee of our inheritance as children of the Most High! This is the purpose of every Christian; that we prove what it is to be Spirit-filled!

 

Let's Pray - Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through Him and His love I am being perfected and prepared for eternity moment-by-moment. He is the greatest Gift I will ever receive. In Jesus, Amen.

Rooted in Christ

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:9-10)

 

The Cross of Christ is the only point of contact any man will ever have with a Holy God. The Cross is God's only solution for the sin that would otherwise condemn us. The Cross is not man's idea, but God's. Heaven is real and hell is real, and we all will spend eternity in one place or the other, and that, according to the Cross. Therefore, we must come to Him on His terms, not ours; and we must never follow those who offer a doctrine cheapened with high-minded human philosophy or fruitless religiosity. All true theology and doctrine is rooted firmly in the Cross of Calvary, and it must be embraced by every believer with all gravity and understanding. Some mistakenly suppose there are many ways to God, and they deceive some with sayings like, "Jesus is the one way to God, but there are many ways to Jesus." That is a lie, and Jesus Himself says, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him . . ." (John 6:44)

 

Be sure that Jesus Christ remains the center of all your doctrine and practice. Satan would have you substitute your causes, convictions, and your own sense of righteousness for the unadorned Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is a dangerous snare, and the enemy employs it all too successfully. Let it be said that our hope and faith are built on the Man, Jesus Christ — no one or nothing else. 

 

Let's Pray - Father, I present myself to You on Your terms. Jesus is the only way, and there is no other. May I walk in the truth as it is given in Christ alone. Amen.