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!

 

God 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 time and  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.

 

. . . being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

(Philippians 1:6)

 

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 —  preach the Word. 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 — 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, so they are not yet trustworthy with ministry or spiritual things. God is calling His servants 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 child.

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 those relationships, we cannot offer ourselves to God for Him to do what He pleases (remember Abraham was separated from his family, even 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 fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters in the faith 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 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. That is the true meaning of family. 

 

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.

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 to lead 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. 

God 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 encountering 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.  

 

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, Abram 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 unentangled, 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. Likewise, 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 promised to do for Sarah what only He could do, and He would prove Himself faithful and true to His Word. 

 

We, too, must receive the promises of the Lord as Sarah did, even in the face of impossibilities. That is when 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 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.