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. Believing in Jesus is not the end of anything, but the beginning of everything! True 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 correction 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 influence, 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 up his mind 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 by Him, and by 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. 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 this is what Jesus says about those who 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, unloving, judgmental, and close-minded. But 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. If these things are not true of us, we do not know Him, and we 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, delivered from sin, and separate from those who practice sin. That is the condition Jesus sets.

 

Yes, God has His conditions. 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 our need to be reconciled to God who created us for His own purpose. Without forgiveness, we are incapable of measuring up to God’s standard 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 else. The Lord never sent men to teach any other message, but to preach 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 walks with God. This means that every step, every decision, every word and deed is subject to the reality and the standard set by the Lord. When we think of those Bible characters who walked with God, 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 seen 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 shadowy world, and Satan hates the light, because his deeds are evil. The opposition we face in the spiritual realm is fierce. The devil, his demons, and people used by them look to extinguish every vestige of Jesus Christ from the earth.

 

As ambassadors of Christ, we stand for the perfection of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. The world’s attitude toward us is the same as it was toward Christ – dismissive, 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, One who looked beyond the day's test and saw eternity's gain. It is of the utmost importance for every saint to develop the same gift of spiritual insight and foresight. That means being able to look beyond the momentary difficulties to see the glorious end the Lord is a truly after.

 

. . . 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. (Hebrews 12:2)

 

This is what Paul is saying when he points us to "the power of His resurrection." We, too, must die to ourselves to experience a 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.

 

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 look 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. That "something greater" is eternal life, and that life is ours by faith in Jesus Christ.

 

Faith is not about 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 in stormy times, when God prunes instead of multiplies, when our deepest desires seem 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 have 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

 

"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)

 

We are sometimes upset and uneasy about the state of things and how long certain injustices and inequities may persist. 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.

 

God is sovereign, holy, and righteous, and He  knows what time it is. Trust Him and wait on Him!

 

Let's Pray - Father, teach me to redeem the time, and to understand the times and seasons. 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)

Spirit-filled believers are consistent and ready. Consistency reveals a dependence on the Lord that keeps us steady, dependable, and trustworthy in spiritual things. We present a consistent example to those we live and work with, and we rely on the power and goodness of Jesus in every situation.

 

Our readiness displays godly character even when life’s circumstances work against us. Though the winds blow hard and often, we hold on to the unchanging Word of God, proving that He 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 things we have come to depend on might be taken away, so we must be found trusting 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 that which we have cultivated; and it is a good thing if we are practicing the disciplines of prayer, heeding the Word, Spirit-led worship, and the fellowship of believers. That is what Jesus is looking for when He returns. That is what He is looking for 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.

Agreeing With God

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 protocol — just come. The Bible is full of encouragement for us to pray because the God who loves us longs to speak with us. 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. Hearv 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 is not 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.

 

"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)

 

Sin has the last word in our lives, unless we believe that Jesus died for us and rose victoriously from the grave. 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 sit with Him in the heavens, earthly things and worldly measures of success have lost their grip on us.

 

We were 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 what we do with 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 will need to fight the good fight of faith, to build a good testimony, and to "finish the race" set before us. So, He insists we eat the food He serves, and we are well nourished and equipped to meet the demands of the day — and the demands are great!

 

Therefore, we must take more earnest heed to God's Word, or we will surely shrink back into the realm of spiritual laziness and impotence which typifies some.

 

We are not only to eat, but to EAT EVERYTHING — every single Word the Lord speaks! Those who do are the saints who mature and have the energy of the Spirit — enough energy to endure to the end.

 

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.