July 31
Many people profess faith in Christ and some of us are accused (rightly or wrongly) by unbelievers of being hypocrites. We who bear the name of the Lord must be ever mindful of the message our words and actions convey to people who are not in the household of faith. We may be the only ‘Bible’ they ever read,’ so we must display Him clearly, accurately, and faithfully.
If those around us see Jesus in us, they may be attracted to Him by the loveliness of the Savior that they perceive in us. We may not represent Him as well as we should, but even the glimpse of His glory and His love that we may convey can be sufficient to bring a lost soul to the foot of the cross, to a point of decision.
Our prayer, of course, is that in drawing close to the Christ they see in us, they will receive Him as their own and begin to know Him personally, in the more perfect revelation He will convey when they behold Him in truth. The ability to see Him causes all else the world esteems to wan in its allure.
In receiving Jesus, in beholding His glory, is great eternal treasure and great temporal peace. Paul says in Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” No hypocrisy we see around us can rob us of the beauty we see in Him.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Paid in Full
July 30
The heart of the Great God and Savior that we serve is tenderly turned toward His people. He is mindful of our frame. He knows our weaknesses and He knows our proclivity to sin. Because we are foolish children who cannot begin to approximate His lofty standard, He has attained it for us and gives it to us as a gift (II Corinthians 9:15).
Beyond the perfect life that Jesus lived in the behalf of fallen mankind in order that we who confess our sin and lay our lives at His feet may be the recipients of eternal life, He has also intervened in our behalf regarding the day-to-day perplexities of life.
We who are beset by lack in a troubled economy may claim the promise that says, “My God shall supply all you need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). The One who “owns the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10) is not impacted by an economic downturn or reliant upon a strong stock portfolio.
He invested Himself in our physical well-being by taking our sicknesses upon Himself so we need not be scourged by them. Malachi 4:2 says, “For you who revere My name, the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings and you will go out leaping like calves from the stall…” Salvation. Sufficiency. Healing. Paid in full.
The heart of the Great God and Savior that we serve is tenderly turned toward His people. He is mindful of our frame. He knows our weaknesses and He knows our proclivity to sin. Because we are foolish children who cannot begin to approximate His lofty standard, He has attained it for us and gives it to us as a gift (II Corinthians 9:15).
Beyond the perfect life that Jesus lived in the behalf of fallen mankind in order that we who confess our sin and lay our lives at His feet may be the recipients of eternal life, He has also intervened in our behalf regarding the day-to-day perplexities of life.
We who are beset by lack in a troubled economy may claim the promise that says, “My God shall supply all you need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). The One who “owns the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10) is not impacted by an economic downturn or reliant upon a strong stock portfolio.
He invested Himself in our physical well-being by taking our sicknesses upon Himself so we need not be scourged by them. Malachi 4:2 says, “For you who revere My name, the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings and you will go out leaping like calves from the stall…” Salvation. Sufficiency. Healing. Paid in full.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Through Christ
July 29
Our nation is close to abandoning compliance with the ‘law’ in favor of deferring to individual rights and preferences. Without advocating a return to stringent edicts such as the one that bans spitting on the sidewalk (perhaps we don’t need laws like this one because of our heightened awareness of good hygiene) we might want to consider the consequences of our folly.
More disconcerting than our abandonment of the rule of law in favor of deferring to the preferences of individuals, is the underlying basis for our doing so. By individualizing the concept of law, we are negating the right of the Ultimate Law Giver to require our adherence to the dictates He has issued to us. In so doing, we are dismissing the idea that laws are beneficial because the Author of them desires what’s best for us.
If we will agree that the original basis for law in this country was the perception that God is the Author and Giver of rights, we must further conclude that He is also the Author and Giver of responsibilities. Allowing this, we can conclude that the collapse of this perception must be rooted in our decline from acceptance of His authority over us.
We want to shirk our responsibility to acquiesce to the will of God so we dismiss His authority entirely. When we do this in the political and societal realm, we do it also in the spiritual realm, leaving ourselves without a savior. We forget that, “Through Jesus Christ the law of the Spirit of life has set us free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2) and no longer avail ourselves of the wondrous gift of salvation.
Our nation is close to abandoning compliance with the ‘law’ in favor of deferring to individual rights and preferences. Without advocating a return to stringent edicts such as the one that bans spitting on the sidewalk (perhaps we don’t need laws like this one because of our heightened awareness of good hygiene) we might want to consider the consequences of our folly.
More disconcerting than our abandonment of the rule of law in favor of deferring to the preferences of individuals, is the underlying basis for our doing so. By individualizing the concept of law, we are negating the right of the Ultimate Law Giver to require our adherence to the dictates He has issued to us. In so doing, we are dismissing the idea that laws are beneficial because the Author of them desires what’s best for us.
If we will agree that the original basis for law in this country was the perception that God is the Author and Giver of rights, we must further conclude that He is also the Author and Giver of responsibilities. Allowing this, we can conclude that the collapse of this perception must be rooted in our decline from acceptance of His authority over us.
We want to shirk our responsibility to acquiesce to the will of God so we dismiss His authority entirely. When we do this in the political and societal realm, we do it also in the spiritual realm, leaving ourselves without a savior. We forget that, “Through Jesus Christ the law of the Spirit of life has set us free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2) and no longer avail ourselves of the wondrous gift of salvation.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Where the Spirit of the Lord Is...
July 28
Freedom is something that is viewed differently from one culture to another. It is a shocking revelation to the Western observer, but some people don’t want us to liberate them. Signs of this cultural discrepancy were graphically conveyed during a march by Moslems in the city of London where they have immigrated in large numbers.
In addition to bearing signs that extolled the virtues of Islam, they also carried shocking messages such as, “Freedom, Go To Hell!” When one considers that the word ‘Islam’ means ‘submission,’ it becomes more readily understandable that there is a great divide between the mindset of the West which has been largely influenced by Christianity and that of the Islamic world.
Our Lord and Savior gave Himself in order that we may be free—free from bondage to sin—and Western thinkers have extrapolated from that the further freedom that men are to enjoy in a political and societal sense. That idea of individual freedom has come to its fullest fruition in the founding documents of the United States of America.
Lest we become smugly complacent in our freedom, however, let us be mindful of the qualification stipulated in II Corinthians 3:17, “…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” If we continue to expunge Jesus from the fabric of our national life, the precious freedom we now enjoy will be lost from us.
Freedom is something that is viewed differently from one culture to another. It is a shocking revelation to the Western observer, but some people don’t want us to liberate them. Signs of this cultural discrepancy were graphically conveyed during a march by Moslems in the city of London where they have immigrated in large numbers.
In addition to bearing signs that extolled the virtues of Islam, they also carried shocking messages such as, “Freedom, Go To Hell!” When one considers that the word ‘Islam’ means ‘submission,’ it becomes more readily understandable that there is a great divide between the mindset of the West which has been largely influenced by Christianity and that of the Islamic world.
Our Lord and Savior gave Himself in order that we may be free—free from bondage to sin—and Western thinkers have extrapolated from that the further freedom that men are to enjoy in a political and societal sense. That idea of individual freedom has come to its fullest fruition in the founding documents of the United States of America.
Lest we become smugly complacent in our freedom, however, let us be mindful of the qualification stipulated in II Corinthians 3:17, “…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” If we continue to expunge Jesus from the fabric of our national life, the precious freedom we now enjoy will be lost from us.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Power
July 27
There is a power that spoke the word and the worlds came into existence and the stars were hurled into space. It is the power that took dust from the earth and a man was brought forth. From the rib of the man, a helpmate was created and Adam and Eve were given charge of all creation—by the power within them as they walked with God. (Genesis, Chapters One and Two)
There is a power that ordained the children of Sarah to be the children of the Living God while the children of Hagar were to be disinherited (Genesis 21:9-21). There is a power that spoke to Abraham and a sacrifice was provided at Mount Moriah (Genesis 22: 1-13). There is a mighty voice that spoke to Moses and the people were brought forth from captivity and led to safety on the other side of the Red Sea—and that power allowed them to walk through the sea on dry ground (Exodus 14: 13-27).
There is a power that spoke to Mary and caused a Holy Life to be planted within her that would emerge as a Babe but would grow to become the Savior of the world (Luke 1:27-35). There is a power that caused that Holy Child to grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). There is a power that endued the God-Man with wisdom that amazed the scholars of the day (Luke 2:46). There was a power within Him that enabled Him to touch blind eyes and they would see, to unstop deaf ears and they would hear, to reach out to crippled limbs and they would run.
The Holy One whose power was employed could speak to the raging waves, “Peace, be still,” (Mark 4:39) and they would obey Him. Jesus could speak to demonic powers that tormented the faithful and cast them into the midst of the sea (Mark 5: 2-13). The power that controlled the forces of nature and delivered man from every sort of oppression of the enemy is the same power that raised Jesus when the evil one thought he had triumphed over Him (Luke 24:6).
That same power abides in you (Romans 8:11).
There is a power that spoke the word and the worlds came into existence and the stars were hurled into space. It is the power that took dust from the earth and a man was brought forth. From the rib of the man, a helpmate was created and Adam and Eve were given charge of all creation—by the power within them as they walked with God. (Genesis, Chapters One and Two)
There is a power that ordained the children of Sarah to be the children of the Living God while the children of Hagar were to be disinherited (Genesis 21:9-21). There is a power that spoke to Abraham and a sacrifice was provided at Mount Moriah (Genesis 22: 1-13). There is a mighty voice that spoke to Moses and the people were brought forth from captivity and led to safety on the other side of the Red Sea—and that power allowed them to walk through the sea on dry ground (Exodus 14: 13-27).
There is a power that spoke to Mary and caused a Holy Life to be planted within her that would emerge as a Babe but would grow to become the Savior of the world (Luke 1:27-35). There is a power that caused that Holy Child to grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). There is a power that endued the God-Man with wisdom that amazed the scholars of the day (Luke 2:46). There was a power within Him that enabled Him to touch blind eyes and they would see, to unstop deaf ears and they would hear, to reach out to crippled limbs and they would run.
The Holy One whose power was employed could speak to the raging waves, “Peace, be still,” (Mark 4:39) and they would obey Him. Jesus could speak to demonic powers that tormented the faithful and cast them into the midst of the sea (Mark 5: 2-13). The power that controlled the forces of nature and delivered man from every sort of oppression of the enemy is the same power that raised Jesus when the evil one thought he had triumphed over Him (Luke 24:6).
That same power abides in you (Romans 8:11).
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Be Assured
July 26
Jesus “does all things well,” according to Mark 7:37. There was never a time in the entirety of His ministry—or His life for that matter—when He can be observed to be at variance with the commandments of God or with the dictates of propriety. He always comported Himself with dignity and godliness, and He never failed.
Jesus, the perfect God-Man was renowned for His good works. In an age when communication relied primarily upon men on foot or on horseback, the news of His exploits spread like wildfire not only in the regions of Palestine where He lived but throughout the Roman Empire.
It is said that the Emperor Tiberius was so enthralled with the itinerant preacher who had lived in the far recesses of his empire that he commissioned a likeness of Him to be carved upon an emerald so he could see for himself the visage of this amazing Man among men. Because no one has ever been able to negate or refute Jesus’ amazing reputation, His fame has continued to be passed through the generations.
If the sands of time sifting through the hour glass of history affirm and substantiate the claims made about the Lord Jesus Christ—that He healed all manner of disease and delivered from every type of affliction—cannot we who recognize our need for salvation rely upon His assurance, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed”? (John 8:36) Can we not be assured that He has done even this remarkable feat well!
Jesus “does all things well,” according to Mark 7:37. There was never a time in the entirety of His ministry—or His life for that matter—when He can be observed to be at variance with the commandments of God or with the dictates of propriety. He always comported Himself with dignity and godliness, and He never failed.
Jesus, the perfect God-Man was renowned for His good works. In an age when communication relied primarily upon men on foot or on horseback, the news of His exploits spread like wildfire not only in the regions of Palestine where He lived but throughout the Roman Empire.
It is said that the Emperor Tiberius was so enthralled with the itinerant preacher who had lived in the far recesses of his empire that he commissioned a likeness of Him to be carved upon an emerald so he could see for himself the visage of this amazing Man among men. Because no one has ever been able to negate or refute Jesus’ amazing reputation, His fame has continued to be passed through the generations.
If the sands of time sifting through the hour glass of history affirm and substantiate the claims made about the Lord Jesus Christ—that He healed all manner of disease and delivered from every type of affliction—cannot we who recognize our need for salvation rely upon His assurance, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed”? (John 8:36) Can we not be assured that He has done even this remarkable feat well!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Dogs in Heaven
July 25
Do dogs go to heaven? This is a question that dog lovers and those who are allergic to these frisky creatures might ponder on any given day. While those who count their beloved pets as members of the family can’t see any reason why Fido won’t be there, those who have an aversion to dogs, for whatever reason, are hoping he won’t.
The Bible tells us in Isaiah 11:6, “The wolf shall lie down with the lamb…and a little child shall lead them,” so we know there will be no fear among various species of animals that are predator and prey in our fallen world, and humans will be able to interact with fearsome animals who are too wild to tame as things are today.
We also know that there is a blanket promise regarding death that seems to include all of life in Romans 8:21. Here Paul states, “Creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." We know that Jesus died that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.
This passage seems to indicate that when the Kingdom of the One who inhabits eternity has been attained, representatives of all species of creation will be found there. It is hard to imagine that creation, which the Word says is groaning in anticipation of deliverance from corruption (Romans 8:22), shall be disappointed on that glorious day.
Do dogs go to heaven? This is a question that dog lovers and those who are allergic to these frisky creatures might ponder on any given day. While those who count their beloved pets as members of the family can’t see any reason why Fido won’t be there, those who have an aversion to dogs, for whatever reason, are hoping he won’t.
The Bible tells us in Isaiah 11:6, “The wolf shall lie down with the lamb…and a little child shall lead them,” so we know there will be no fear among various species of animals that are predator and prey in our fallen world, and humans will be able to interact with fearsome animals who are too wild to tame as things are today.
We also know that there is a blanket promise regarding death that seems to include all of life in Romans 8:21. Here Paul states, “Creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." We know that Jesus died that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.
This passage seems to indicate that when the Kingdom of the One who inhabits eternity has been attained, representatives of all species of creation will be found there. It is hard to imagine that creation, which the Word says is groaning in anticipation of deliverance from corruption (Romans 8:22), shall be disappointed on that glorious day.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Self-made?
July 24
I’m my own man. I’m a self-made man. These are rather impressive-sounding assertions. Anyone who states these emphatic claims is either a complete fool who is unaware of the realities of life, or a liar.
No one is entirely his own. Each life is like the pie chart we used in elementary school to learn our fractions. Our lives are divided into several separate areas, each under the influence of people or circumstances within the various categories. Ones professional life, for example, is impacted by co-workers or customers or supervisors or all the above.
None of us is self-made. Those who have reached a high pinnacle on the ladder of success have had help along the way. Nobody attains a significant degree of success without some kind of ‘break’—an inheritance, a worthy recommendation from an admiring teacher, a novel idea expressed at the precise right moment in time…So we are all indebted to someone or something. This is true even in the spiritual realm.
We must serve someone to whom we are ‘beholding.’ In Romans 8:21 Paul says it this way, “Now that you have been set free from sin, you have become slaves to God and the benefits lead to holiness and the result is eternal life.” While we were once slaves to sin and subjected to its dictates, we are now free to submit our will to the will of Jesus, who will exchange our surrender of the temporary for the joy of the eternal.
I’m my own man. I’m a self-made man. These are rather impressive-sounding assertions. Anyone who states these emphatic claims is either a complete fool who is unaware of the realities of life, or a liar.
No one is entirely his own. Each life is like the pie chart we used in elementary school to learn our fractions. Our lives are divided into several separate areas, each under the influence of people or circumstances within the various categories. Ones professional life, for example, is impacted by co-workers or customers or supervisors or all the above.
None of us is self-made. Those who have reached a high pinnacle on the ladder of success have had help along the way. Nobody attains a significant degree of success without some kind of ‘break’—an inheritance, a worthy recommendation from an admiring teacher, a novel idea expressed at the precise right moment in time…So we are all indebted to someone or something. This is true even in the spiritual realm.
We must serve someone to whom we are ‘beholding.’ In Romans 8:21 Paul says it this way, “Now that you have been set free from sin, you have become slaves to God and the benefits lead to holiness and the result is eternal life.” While we were once slaves to sin and subjected to its dictates, we are now free to submit our will to the will of Jesus, who will exchange our surrender of the temporary for the joy of the eternal.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
He Fills and Fulfills Prophecy
July 23
Biblical prophecy is ‘yea and amen.’ It has never failed. It will never fail. The Old Testament is a remarkable book. It not only accurately chronicles the history of God’s chosen people Israel, it also includes many types and shadows of the Messiah who is to come. The Word includes prophecies that have been fulfilled of the ‘Suffering Messiah,’ and prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled of the ‘Conquering Messiah.’
One of these prophetic passages was read by Jesus when He stood up in the congregation at the onset of His earthly ministry. Doing so was His way of announcing that He was the One whose coming had been long awaited by the Jews, yet when He stated the prophecy in Luke 4:18, 19, He stopped short of its full message from Isaiah 61:1, 2.
He read Isaiah 61:1 in its entirety but only part of verse two, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon Me because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and to release the prisoners from darkness, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Indeed, these words encompass the ministry of Jesus during the three years He walked upon the earth.
Jesus healed the sick and broken in spirit; he set free those who were imprisoned in spiritual darkness and He declared that now is the time to receive Him, but He did not proclaim the second part of verse two which says, “…to proclaim the day of vengeance of our God.” That day, when He shall set all things right and establish His complete authority, is yet to come. As we see the signs of that day unfolding before our eyes, may we be ready to see Him, to meet Him in the air (I Thessalonians 4:17).
Biblical prophecy is ‘yea and amen.’ It has never failed. It will never fail. The Old Testament is a remarkable book. It not only accurately chronicles the history of God’s chosen people Israel, it also includes many types and shadows of the Messiah who is to come. The Word includes prophecies that have been fulfilled of the ‘Suffering Messiah,’ and prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled of the ‘Conquering Messiah.’
One of these prophetic passages was read by Jesus when He stood up in the congregation at the onset of His earthly ministry. Doing so was His way of announcing that He was the One whose coming had been long awaited by the Jews, yet when He stated the prophecy in Luke 4:18, 19, He stopped short of its full message from Isaiah 61:1, 2.
He read Isaiah 61:1 in its entirety but only part of verse two, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon Me because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and to release the prisoners from darkness, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Indeed, these words encompass the ministry of Jesus during the three years He walked upon the earth.
Jesus healed the sick and broken in spirit; he set free those who were imprisoned in spiritual darkness and He declared that now is the time to receive Him, but He did not proclaim the second part of verse two which says, “…to proclaim the day of vengeance of our God.” That day, when He shall set all things right and establish His complete authority, is yet to come. As we see the signs of that day unfolding before our eyes, may we be ready to see Him, to meet Him in the air (I Thessalonians 4:17).
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Barrier
July 22
One of the profound differences the religion of Islam has with Christianity (the two are often compared because Moslems purport that they worship the same God as do Christians and Jews) is their differing doctrine of sin and forgiveness . There are many things that are considered to be sin in the Islamic worldview that are not esteemed so in Christianity.
One of the most obvious is the necessity of women to be veiled in many Moslem countries. The offense of being uncovered will be harshly punished where this tenet of the faith is emphasized. Yet, when it comes to understanding the way to forgiveness of sin, it is perhaps here that Moslem thought departs most from that of that of faith in Jesus.
In Christianity, it is not until the sin is confessed and Jesus’ atonement has been accepted that the penitent may be forgiven. Jesus is the perfect sacrifice presented to God in order to gain forgiveness. In Islam, it is believed that the sin that is uncovered weighs more heavily upon the sinner than the sin that remains concealed.
This is at variance with what David said in Psalm 32:5, “I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord, and You will forgive the guilt of my sin.'” Christians believe this promise. They know they must lay their sins upon the altar and receive the cleansing of Christ’s shed blood if they are to be made clean. This one thing—the perception of sin and how it is washed away—stands forever as a barrier to any true melding of the minds of these two faiths.
One of the profound differences the religion of Islam has with Christianity (the two are often compared because Moslems purport that they worship the same God as do Christians and Jews) is their differing doctrine of sin and forgiveness . There are many things that are considered to be sin in the Islamic worldview that are not esteemed so in Christianity.
One of the most obvious is the necessity of women to be veiled in many Moslem countries. The offense of being uncovered will be harshly punished where this tenet of the faith is emphasized. Yet, when it comes to understanding the way to forgiveness of sin, it is perhaps here that Moslem thought departs most from that of that of faith in Jesus.
In Christianity, it is not until the sin is confessed and Jesus’ atonement has been accepted that the penitent may be forgiven. Jesus is the perfect sacrifice presented to God in order to gain forgiveness. In Islam, it is believed that the sin that is uncovered weighs more heavily upon the sinner than the sin that remains concealed.
This is at variance with what David said in Psalm 32:5, “I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord, and You will forgive the guilt of my sin.'” Christians believe this promise. They know they must lay their sins upon the altar and receive the cleansing of Christ’s shed blood if they are to be made clean. This one thing—the perception of sin and how it is washed away—stands forever as a barrier to any true melding of the minds of these two faiths.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Life's International Date Line
July 21
Crossing the International Date Line is quite an experience. No, you can’t perceive any change when it happens—darkness doesn’t suddenly turn to light and there are no fireworks to commemorate the momentous occasion—but you do get a tingle up your spine in knowing you have just passed from one day to another, either gaining or losing a whole day, depending on which way you’re sailing.
In simply plodding along through life, the same thing happens every day. Morning and evening follow just as they always do. The sun comes up, and with the dawn each person on the planet has another opportunity to apply his skills and his resolve to conquering the set of challenges posed by the new day.
One of the most formidable of those challenges is that of rising above one’s self, of laying aside the things that tempt a believer to compromise his integrity in order to realize a short term goal or to bask in the warmth of a short term pleasure. No matter how committed you are to being the best version of yourself that you can be, this recurring contest is one you can’t be sure of winning.
Yet, if you lose, you have the Word of God to lean on. Though you may travel the path that leads you across the point where light becomes darkness a thousand times, each time you may claim again the promise that is given in Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed your transgressions from you.” Claim the matchless comfort of these words and sail into the light again.
Crossing the International Date Line is quite an experience. No, you can’t perceive any change when it happens—darkness doesn’t suddenly turn to light and there are no fireworks to commemorate the momentous occasion—but you do get a tingle up your spine in knowing you have just passed from one day to another, either gaining or losing a whole day, depending on which way you’re sailing.
In simply plodding along through life, the same thing happens every day. Morning and evening follow just as they always do. The sun comes up, and with the dawn each person on the planet has another opportunity to apply his skills and his resolve to conquering the set of challenges posed by the new day.
One of the most formidable of those challenges is that of rising above one’s self, of laying aside the things that tempt a believer to compromise his integrity in order to realize a short term goal or to bask in the warmth of a short term pleasure. No matter how committed you are to being the best version of yourself that you can be, this recurring contest is one you can’t be sure of winning.
Yet, if you lose, you have the Word of God to lean on. Though you may travel the path that leads you across the point where light becomes darkness a thousand times, each time you may claim again the promise that is given in Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed your transgressions from you.” Claim the matchless comfort of these words and sail into the light again.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
A Reciprocal Action
July 20
We’re good at holding grudges. Even when we think we’ve put a grievance behind us, it still rears its ugly head occasionally—sometimes when we least expect it. From the student we suspected of pilfering our lunch money in grade school to the cheating spouse, we cling to the hurts that have been inflicted upon us.
It is to our detriment to do so. The perpetrator has no doubt long since forgotten the affront and gotten on with his life while we are weighted by the burden of the indignity they required us to bear. Our spirits are not free, not even to worship the Lord, when we allow ourselves to be encumbered by the weight of the wrongs that we’ve endured.
In Matthew 5:23-25, Jesus says that if we bring a gift to the altar we must clear up any matter of un-forgiveness that we harbor against another individual. God will not receive our gift if it is given while we hold a grudge against someone. Forgiveness is the crux of the Christian faith. Jesus forgave us when we didn’t deserve to be forgiven and we must emulate Him in this grace.
In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says, “If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you.” It is a reciprocal action. When you have forgiven, then shall you be forgiven. We cannot hope to enjoy release from the grip our sins have upon us if we are not willing to release others from the grip of their sins.
We’re good at holding grudges. Even when we think we’ve put a grievance behind us, it still rears its ugly head occasionally—sometimes when we least expect it. From the student we suspected of pilfering our lunch money in grade school to the cheating spouse, we cling to the hurts that have been inflicted upon us.
It is to our detriment to do so. The perpetrator has no doubt long since forgotten the affront and gotten on with his life while we are weighted by the burden of the indignity they required us to bear. Our spirits are not free, not even to worship the Lord, when we allow ourselves to be encumbered by the weight of the wrongs that we’ve endured.
In Matthew 5:23-25, Jesus says that if we bring a gift to the altar we must clear up any matter of un-forgiveness that we harbor against another individual. God will not receive our gift if it is given while we hold a grudge against someone. Forgiveness is the crux of the Christian faith. Jesus forgave us when we didn’t deserve to be forgiven and we must emulate Him in this grace.
In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says, “If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you.” It is a reciprocal action. When you have forgiven, then shall you be forgiven. We cannot hope to enjoy release from the grip our sins have upon us if we are not willing to release others from the grip of their sins.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The Simple Promise
July 19
If being a Christian is so simple, why isn’t everyone a believer in Christ? Of course, we must take into account the reality of the evil one whose purpose is to undo the work of God. In fact, his mischief underlies every possible reason for any individual’s rejection of the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior.
Deception is part and parcel of that wicked one’s bag of tricks. In John 8:44, Jesus expounds upon this aspect of the character of the devil. Jesus says, “…there is no truth in him; when he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Would anyone embrace error if satan were not well-practiced at deception!
So, he spews doctrinal error through false religious systems; he dilutes truth, which then becomes a lie, by luring the foolish to compromise truth for the sake of ecumenism. One of his most effective schemes is to convince a sinner that he must save himself, overcome his proclivity to sin before presenting himself to God.
All these and so many more distortions of truth are disseminated by the evil one and his minions. The lies are used to blind the eyes of the lost to the reality of the simple promise that is for everyone who will receive it, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” I John 1:9.
If being a Christian is so simple, why isn’t everyone a believer in Christ? Of course, we must take into account the reality of the evil one whose purpose is to undo the work of God. In fact, his mischief underlies every possible reason for any individual’s rejection of the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior.
Deception is part and parcel of that wicked one’s bag of tricks. In John 8:44, Jesus expounds upon this aspect of the character of the devil. Jesus says, “…there is no truth in him; when he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Would anyone embrace error if satan were not well-practiced at deception!
So, he spews doctrinal error through false religious systems; he dilutes truth, which then becomes a lie, by luring the foolish to compromise truth for the sake of ecumenism. One of his most effective schemes is to convince a sinner that he must save himself, overcome his proclivity to sin before presenting himself to God.
All these and so many more distortions of truth are disseminated by the evil one and his minions. The lies are used to blind the eyes of the lost to the reality of the simple promise that is for everyone who will receive it, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” I John 1:9.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Can We Hope For Forgiveness?
July 18
When we have transgressed the immutable law of God, do we dare hope that we can actually be forgiven? We tend to carry upon ourselves the weight of all the wrong that we’ve done. We have a difficult time relinquishing the guilt that besets us. We sometimes go from oblivion as to our need for a Savior to certainty that nothing, that no one, can possibly save us.
This traverses the spectrum of sins and the types of people who have committed them. An elderly woman who augmented her family’s paltry resources during WW II when her brothers were fighting in Europe to defeat the Nazis was reduced to tears every time she mentioned the abortion she had, killing the baby she had conceived through prostitution.
A former executive, retired and quite comfortable financially, still became disconcerted when he reflected upon the rising star in the company he had undermined by his false accusations against him. Things that seem so reasonable when we’re doing them come back to haunt us at the most inopportune times. At those times when we wish we could relax and enjoy life, we are instead beleaguered by guilt we thought we’d assuaged long ago. Yet, if we turn to the Word of God, we find great comfort. Isaiah 1:5-18 addresses this perplexity.
It says, “Why should you be stricken any more?...Wash you and make you clean; put away the evil of your doings…cease to do wrong…though your sins be as scarlet…they shall be washed white as snow.” Jesus has cleansed us from every semblance of sin. If we will but appropriate the salvation He has provided through His shed blood, we will be clean. Our conscience will be clean. We will be sin-free for as we are told in Nehemiah 9:17, “You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.”
When we have transgressed the immutable law of God, do we dare hope that we can actually be forgiven? We tend to carry upon ourselves the weight of all the wrong that we’ve done. We have a difficult time relinquishing the guilt that besets us. We sometimes go from oblivion as to our need for a Savior to certainty that nothing, that no one, can possibly save us.
This traverses the spectrum of sins and the types of people who have committed them. An elderly woman who augmented her family’s paltry resources during WW II when her brothers were fighting in Europe to defeat the Nazis was reduced to tears every time she mentioned the abortion she had, killing the baby she had conceived through prostitution.
A former executive, retired and quite comfortable financially, still became disconcerted when he reflected upon the rising star in the company he had undermined by his false accusations against him. Things that seem so reasonable when we’re doing them come back to haunt us at the most inopportune times. At those times when we wish we could relax and enjoy life, we are instead beleaguered by guilt we thought we’d assuaged long ago. Yet, if we turn to the Word of God, we find great comfort. Isaiah 1:5-18 addresses this perplexity.
It says, “Why should you be stricken any more?...Wash you and make you clean; put away the evil of your doings…cease to do wrong…though your sins be as scarlet…they shall be washed white as snow.” Jesus has cleansed us from every semblance of sin. If we will but appropriate the salvation He has provided through His shed blood, we will be clean. Our conscience will be clean. We will be sin-free for as we are told in Nehemiah 9:17, “You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.”
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Forever Clean and New
July 17
The law of God is immutable. His holy standard will never be compromised. Man’s concept of what is right and acceptable has evolved through time until his perception of truth is so corrupted that it bears no resemblance to the holy writ upon which the founding fathers of our nation established this country.
But we may be assured, God is not blotting out any part of His law to conform it to today’s version of ‘right’. Though our congress may dismiss God’s established ordinance with a vote, though our president may abrogate the law with a stroke of his pen, our Holy God’s standard remains unchanged for time and eternity.
We may liberalize our laws to satisfy the sin nature of man but this action does not ultimately satisfy man’s longing. As he plummets further and further into the abyss that is sin, he becomes ever more miserable with his existence, he becomes ever more disillusioned with the “pleasures of sin that endure but for a season” Hebrews 11:25. Fallen man knows in the depth of his corrupt heart that he needs to be extricated from the pit he has dug for himself.
Colossians 2:13, 14 says, “When you were dead in sins and the wretchedness of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all your sins, and canceled out the law in your behalf when He nailed sin to His cross.” When a man is awash in the filth of sin and surrounded by the squalor it produces in his life, he knows in the depth of his innermost being that he needs a Savior. That Savior is Jesus. May each of us embrace Him with a fully surrendered heart that we might be forever clean and new.
The law of God is immutable. His holy standard will never be compromised. Man’s concept of what is right and acceptable has evolved through time until his perception of truth is so corrupted that it bears no resemblance to the holy writ upon which the founding fathers of our nation established this country.
But we may be assured, God is not blotting out any part of His law to conform it to today’s version of ‘right’. Though our congress may dismiss God’s established ordinance with a vote, though our president may abrogate the law with a stroke of his pen, our Holy God’s standard remains unchanged for time and eternity.
We may liberalize our laws to satisfy the sin nature of man but this action does not ultimately satisfy man’s longing. As he plummets further and further into the abyss that is sin, he becomes ever more miserable with his existence, he becomes ever more disillusioned with the “pleasures of sin that endure but for a season” Hebrews 11:25. Fallen man knows in the depth of his corrupt heart that he needs to be extricated from the pit he has dug for himself.
Colossians 2:13, 14 says, “When you were dead in sins and the wretchedness of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all your sins, and canceled out the law in your behalf when He nailed sin to His cross.” When a man is awash in the filth of sin and surrounded by the squalor it produces in his life, he knows in the depth of his innermost being that he needs a Savior. That Savior is Jesus. May each of us embrace Him with a fully surrendered heart that we might be forever clean and new.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
In Jesus
July 16
Some people jump through hoops as they scrupulously follow the tenets of their religious systems with the hope of attaining salvation. There are the pious pilgrims who ascend a ‘holy’ mountain with their foreheads dragging on the ground to please their gods. There are the animists who sacrifice their children to satisfy the blood lust of the gods they serve. There are the terrorists who are counted as martyrs when they blow themselves and their victims up to gain their perceived promises of paradise.
To the Western mind, this sounds foolish and futile. To the Christian mind, it sounds demonic, for anything that smacks of death must be attributed to the evil one who does not come to save men or spare them the rigors of hell but to ‘rob, kill and destroy’ them, and to expedite them to the pit (John 10:10).
The purpose of the enemy of God is to deceive man however he can and to thereby rob him of the ‘unspeakable gift’(II Corinthians 9:15) that Christ has given him. The evil one doesn’t care whether an individual is deceived to the point of futilely sacrificing his children or himself—as long as his actions end in delusion and death—in a Christ-less eternity.
The blood sacrifice that was made by Jesus Christ, the Holy One at Calvary paid the price for all man’s sin. There is no other blood that must be shed. No other blood can pay the price that’s been paid. “In Jesus we have redemption …the forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God’s grace,” Ephesians 1:7. In Jesus are we saved--completely, eternally.
Some people jump through hoops as they scrupulously follow the tenets of their religious systems with the hope of attaining salvation. There are the pious pilgrims who ascend a ‘holy’ mountain with their foreheads dragging on the ground to please their gods. There are the animists who sacrifice their children to satisfy the blood lust of the gods they serve. There are the terrorists who are counted as martyrs when they blow themselves and their victims up to gain their perceived promises of paradise.
To the Western mind, this sounds foolish and futile. To the Christian mind, it sounds demonic, for anything that smacks of death must be attributed to the evil one who does not come to save men or spare them the rigors of hell but to ‘rob, kill and destroy’ them, and to expedite them to the pit (John 10:10).
The purpose of the enemy of God is to deceive man however he can and to thereby rob him of the ‘unspeakable gift’(II Corinthians 9:15) that Christ has given him. The evil one doesn’t care whether an individual is deceived to the point of futilely sacrificing his children or himself—as long as his actions end in delusion and death—in a Christ-less eternity.
The blood sacrifice that was made by Jesus Christ, the Holy One at Calvary paid the price for all man’s sin. There is no other blood that must be shed. No other blood can pay the price that’s been paid. “In Jesus we have redemption …the forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God’s grace,” Ephesians 1:7. In Jesus are we saved--completely, eternally.
Friday, July 15, 2011
He Forgets to Remember
July 15
We don’t want to hold grudges. We like to think that we are among the rare few truly honorable people on the planet who can genuinely ‘forgive and forget.’ But the reality is that most of us aren’t like that at all. When we think we’ve totally let go of the pain of someone’s barbed comment or unkind action, it still stings upon reflection.
Not only does the memory cause discomfiture, it also causes distrust. We are reluctant to interact in the same way with someone whose trustworthiness has come in question. How blessed we are that the Lord, the Holy One, the Righteous God doesn’t harbor the same attitude toward us!
We have offended Him time and again. Our sins against Him, our ‘weaknesses,’ have reared their ugly head repeatedly. The magnitude of our sins may vary—we tend to see them as significant and insignificant transgressions, as venial or mortal sins—but in His eyes, all sin is the breaking of His immutable law. Breaking it in one ‘jot or tittle’ makes us worthy of punishment, condemns us to eternal death. But, Jesus has paid the price! He sees us washed clean by the power of His shed blood that was spilled in our behalf!
As Paul said, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through HIM, the law of the Spirit of life has set us free from the law of sin and death” Romans 8:1,2. God cleanses us because of Christ and then chooses to forget each recurring transgression when we simply ask Him to do so. Jeremiah 31:34 declares, “…all men shall know Me…I shall forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more.” How blessed we are that He remembers to forgive our sins then forgets to remember them!
We don’t want to hold grudges. We like to think that we are among the rare few truly honorable people on the planet who can genuinely ‘forgive and forget.’ But the reality is that most of us aren’t like that at all. When we think we’ve totally let go of the pain of someone’s barbed comment or unkind action, it still stings upon reflection.
Not only does the memory cause discomfiture, it also causes distrust. We are reluctant to interact in the same way with someone whose trustworthiness has come in question. How blessed we are that the Lord, the Holy One, the Righteous God doesn’t harbor the same attitude toward us!
We have offended Him time and again. Our sins against Him, our ‘weaknesses,’ have reared their ugly head repeatedly. The magnitude of our sins may vary—we tend to see them as significant and insignificant transgressions, as venial or mortal sins—but in His eyes, all sin is the breaking of His immutable law. Breaking it in one ‘jot or tittle’ makes us worthy of punishment, condemns us to eternal death. But, Jesus has paid the price! He sees us washed clean by the power of His shed blood that was spilled in our behalf!
As Paul said, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through HIM, the law of the Spirit of life has set us free from the law of sin and death” Romans 8:1,2. God cleanses us because of Christ and then chooses to forget each recurring transgression when we simply ask Him to do so. Jeremiah 31:34 declares, “…all men shall know Me…I shall forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more.” How blessed we are that He remembers to forgive our sins then forgets to remember them!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Forever Alive and Vibrant
July 14
We relegate the familiar to an area of insignificance. We take much of life’s good things for granted. Not just the fact that we live in the most advanced technological age that’s ever existed—an incalculable number of conveniences are at our fingertips—and that we are wealthy beyond the dreams of a people of a by-gone age, but more importantly that our sins are washed away and Jesus has cloaked us with His righteousness!
Yes, even that precious, ‘unspeakable GIFT’ (II Corinthians 9:15), we tend to take for granted. How many of us go through an entire day, an entire week—even while at church!—without considering the magnitude of what He’s saved us from? How many of us bother to reflect upon the priceless treasure He has availed to us? How many of us ever share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ with another lost soul?
Unfortunately, not many of us are involved at all in evangelizing those around us, let alone going into a mission field. Our communities are becoming populated by people from differing cultural and religious backgrounds. To how many of them have we reached out with the salvation message? Oh, we don’t want to offend them—will that excuse ‘hold water’ when we use it to explain our silence before His Throne?
We need to proclaim the message that is of more significance than any other that has ever been uttered! We need to boldly declare as did Peter before the throng that gathered on the Day of Pentecost, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” Acts 2:38. The good news is forever alive and vibrant! Share it daily!
We relegate the familiar to an area of insignificance. We take much of life’s good things for granted. Not just the fact that we live in the most advanced technological age that’s ever existed—an incalculable number of conveniences are at our fingertips—and that we are wealthy beyond the dreams of a people of a by-gone age, but more importantly that our sins are washed away and Jesus has cloaked us with His righteousness!
Yes, even that precious, ‘unspeakable GIFT’ (II Corinthians 9:15), we tend to take for granted. How many of us go through an entire day, an entire week—even while at church!—without considering the magnitude of what He’s saved us from? How many of us bother to reflect upon the priceless treasure He has availed to us? How many of us ever share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ with another lost soul?
Unfortunately, not many of us are involved at all in evangelizing those around us, let alone going into a mission field. Our communities are becoming populated by people from differing cultural and religious backgrounds. To how many of them have we reached out with the salvation message? Oh, we don’t want to offend them—will that excuse ‘hold water’ when we use it to explain our silence before His Throne?
We need to proclaim the message that is of more significance than any other that has ever been uttered! We need to boldly declare as did Peter before the throng that gathered on the Day of Pentecost, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” Acts 2:38. The good news is forever alive and vibrant! Share it daily!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
...If That's All...
July 13
In God’s estimation, there is nothing gained by the recognition or the accolades of men. In fact, Jesus said in Matthew 6:2-6, “When you do your alms, do not announce your gift as do the hypocrites so they will have glory from men. Indeed they have their only reward; rather, when you do alms, don’t even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…and you will receive the reward of your Father.”
The honor of men is of no eternal value, although most of us strive to attain it. We consider ourselves to be unfortunate, unlucky, cheated, if we do not find ourselves crowned with honor by men for the small things we achieve.
We are swallowed up in the world’s idea of glory. We are enthralled by awards. From athletic competition to conflagration among nations, the old adage to which we adhere is, ‘To the winner go the spoils.’ We want the spoils. We don’t want to be an ‘also ran.’
But the Lord says something very sobering in Mark 8:36, “What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world but lose his own soul?” The praise of men, the rewards of hard work may be delightful, but if that’s all a man has, he has nothing of eternal value.
In God’s estimation, there is nothing gained by the recognition or the accolades of men. In fact, Jesus said in Matthew 6:2-6, “When you do your alms, do not announce your gift as do the hypocrites so they will have glory from men. Indeed they have their only reward; rather, when you do alms, don’t even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…and you will receive the reward of your Father.”
The honor of men is of no eternal value, although most of us strive to attain it. We consider ourselves to be unfortunate, unlucky, cheated, if we do not find ourselves crowned with honor by men for the small things we achieve.
We are swallowed up in the world’s idea of glory. We are enthralled by awards. From athletic competition to conflagration among nations, the old adage to which we adhere is, ‘To the winner go the spoils.’ We want the spoils. We don’t want to be an ‘also ran.’
But the Lord says something very sobering in Mark 8:36, “What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world but lose his own soul?” The praise of men, the rewards of hard work may be delightful, but if that’s all a man has, he has nothing of eternal value.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Ultimate Ownership
July 12
God wants all believers to leave a spiritual inheritance to their children. There is a reason He says regarding the law of the Lord, “Keep the commandments you have learned from your father and forsake not the instruction of your mother; bind them continually upon your heart and wear them over your heart.”
It goes on to say, “When you go, they will lead you, when you sleep, they shall keep you. When you awake, they shall walk with you; for the commandment is a lamp and the law is light. The reproof of their instruction is the way of life,” Proverbs 6:20-23.
The treasure of the Word is something we desire to bequeath to our children even more than we wish to leave them a financial inheritance. We know that the very foundation of the world is being shaken and the things we have always considered steadfast are toppling around us. We know the only thing that will endure is the truth of Christ.
We know the promise of the Lord in Proverbs 13:22 is, “A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” Ultimately, every good thing belongs to the people of God. Those who depend upon earth’s treasure will lose it all. Those who rely on the Lord will have it all!
God wants all believers to leave a spiritual inheritance to their children. There is a reason He says regarding the law of the Lord, “Keep the commandments you have learned from your father and forsake not the instruction of your mother; bind them continually upon your heart and wear them over your heart.”
It goes on to say, “When you go, they will lead you, when you sleep, they shall keep you. When you awake, they shall walk with you; for the commandment is a lamp and the law is light. The reproof of their instruction is the way of life,” Proverbs 6:20-23.
The treasure of the Word is something we desire to bequeath to our children even more than we wish to leave them a financial inheritance. We know that the very foundation of the world is being shaken and the things we have always considered steadfast are toppling around us. We know the only thing that will endure is the truth of Christ.
We know the promise of the Lord in Proverbs 13:22 is, “A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” Ultimately, every good thing belongs to the people of God. Those who depend upon earth’s treasure will lose it all. Those who rely on the Lord will have it all!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Total Prosperity
July 11
The ‘steady-as-you-go’ financial plan isn’t likely to generate billionaires. No matter how effective the diligent plodder may be in assuring both his short-term and long-range financial well-being, he isn’t likely to be the individual whose portfolio will accrue him tens of millions of dollars.
Though we are privileged to live in the wealthiest country that has ever existed, though we have opportunities for success that are bounded only by our own abilities, we must recognize that part of the boundaries to our financial parameters are established by the resources with which we have to work.
Yet, those limitations are not entirely restricted to the dollars-and-sense means we have at our disposal, nor are they hemmed in by our financial savvy. Deuteronomy 15:10 presents a plan to us that reminds us that the Lord has His part in our economic well-being. He is fully able to prosper His people, regardless of their limitations. He is not bound by salaries or bonuses or Wall Street trends.
This passage states, “Give generously to your needy brother and do so without a grudging heart; then, because of this, the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to do.” God does not care only about your financial well-being but about your emotional, physical, mental and spiritual prosperity, too. When you heed His counsel, He will make all areas of your life to thrive.
The ‘steady-as-you-go’ financial plan isn’t likely to generate billionaires. No matter how effective the diligent plodder may be in assuring both his short-term and long-range financial well-being, he isn’t likely to be the individual whose portfolio will accrue him tens of millions of dollars.
Though we are privileged to live in the wealthiest country that has ever existed, though we have opportunities for success that are bounded only by our own abilities, we must recognize that part of the boundaries to our financial parameters are established by the resources with which we have to work.
Yet, those limitations are not entirely restricted to the dollars-and-sense means we have at our disposal, nor are they hemmed in by our financial savvy. Deuteronomy 15:10 presents a plan to us that reminds us that the Lord has His part in our economic well-being. He is fully able to prosper His people, regardless of their limitations. He is not bound by salaries or bonuses or Wall Street trends.
This passage states, “Give generously to your needy brother and do so without a grudging heart; then, because of this, the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to do.” God does not care only about your financial well-being but about your emotional, physical, mental and spiritual prosperity, too. When you heed His counsel, He will make all areas of your life to thrive.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Little by Little
July 10
It would be wonderful to work for a company that paid enormous bonuses to its top ‘performers.’ It would be great if every well-considered investment accrued exponentially. But it doesn’t always work that way. Often, the least-recognized workers in an office are the most diligent and the best investment prospects go awry.
Our economy seems to be darkening. As we survey the horizon for a glimmer of a new day rising we don’t see even a thread of light that would indicate a bright new morning is about to dawn. It would be easy to throw up our hands in despair and resign ourselves to hopeless desperation—until we factor our God into the equation.
The Christ we serve is the ultimate Owner of all that exists. His Word that cannot fail and cannot lie reminds us that we are not dependent upon the latest report from the financial meccas of the world. Our security doesn’t come from Wall Street or from China or from the capitals of Europe!
Proverbs 13:11 assures us that, “He who gathers money little-by-little makes it grow.” We may not glean a great wind-fall bonus for our hard work and we may not reap an enormous pay back on our investments, but if we will lean on the Lord, trust in His faithfulness, we will gain a steady increase from our labor.
It would be wonderful to work for a company that paid enormous bonuses to its top ‘performers.’ It would be great if every well-considered investment accrued exponentially. But it doesn’t always work that way. Often, the least-recognized workers in an office are the most diligent and the best investment prospects go awry.
Our economy seems to be darkening. As we survey the horizon for a glimmer of a new day rising we don’t see even a thread of light that would indicate a bright new morning is about to dawn. It would be easy to throw up our hands in despair and resign ourselves to hopeless desperation—until we factor our God into the equation.
The Christ we serve is the ultimate Owner of all that exists. His Word that cannot fail and cannot lie reminds us that we are not dependent upon the latest report from the financial meccas of the world. Our security doesn’t come from Wall Street or from China or from the capitals of Europe!
Proverbs 13:11 assures us that, “He who gathers money little-by-little makes it grow.” We may not glean a great wind-fall bonus for our hard work and we may not reap an enormous pay back on our investments, but if we will lean on the Lord, trust in His faithfulness, we will gain a steady increase from our labor.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
He Will Supply
July 9
We are living in a very problematic economic time. If you are one who is inclined to see the hand of God moving through circumstances, you may have concluded by now that the failure of once stalwart business institutions and the ruination of once mighty industrial giants have occurred because we have relied upon man rather than on God.
In our early years and through the trials and challenges of the years of our growth to become the world’s military and economic powerhouse, we were a people who honored the God of our forefathers. We recognized as did they, the hand of Providence upon us. We considered ourselves to be a people of ‘manifest destiny.’
Today, the ‘wise’ among us declare those who are people of faith in the Living Christ to be foolish. If our founders were alive to see their mockery of all that is right and holy, they would stand aghast at the headlong plummet into false religion and godlessness that those in leadership positions over us have fallen. Though we have fallen long and hard away from the foundation of our republic, we who believe in His name still have the words of Christ to which we cling.
In Matthew 7:31-33 He said, “Do not worry about what you shall eat or what you shall wear as the pagans do; rather, remind yourself that your Heavenly Father knows what you need. He wants you to first seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, then He will add all things unto you.” We are not dependent upon the economy; we are dependent upon God Almighty! If we will turn to Him at the point of our distress, He will, “…supply all our need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19.
We are living in a very problematic economic time. If you are one who is inclined to see the hand of God moving through circumstances, you may have concluded by now that the failure of once stalwart business institutions and the ruination of once mighty industrial giants have occurred because we have relied upon man rather than on God.
In our early years and through the trials and challenges of the years of our growth to become the world’s military and economic powerhouse, we were a people who honored the God of our forefathers. We recognized as did they, the hand of Providence upon us. We considered ourselves to be a people of ‘manifest destiny.’
Today, the ‘wise’ among us declare those who are people of faith in the Living Christ to be foolish. If our founders were alive to see their mockery of all that is right and holy, they would stand aghast at the headlong plummet into false religion and godlessness that those in leadership positions over us have fallen. Though we have fallen long and hard away from the foundation of our republic, we who believe in His name still have the words of Christ to which we cling.
In Matthew 7:31-33 He said, “Do not worry about what you shall eat or what you shall wear as the pagans do; rather, remind yourself that your Heavenly Father knows what you need. He wants you to first seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, then He will add all things unto you.” We are not dependent upon the economy; we are dependent upon God Almighty! If we will turn to Him at the point of our distress, He will, “…supply all our need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19.
Friday, July 8, 2011
The Continuing Debt of Love
July 8
Debt. Our progeny will live and die with an acute awareness of what that word means. Our nation is engulfed in a sea of red ink and our creditors are not inclined to forgive our debt as the U.S. did after WW II when virtually all the nations of Western Europe were indebted to us for our role in rescuing them from subjugation by the Nazis.
The largess of our nation toward victims of natural disasters and ruthless dictators is unparalleled in human history. At great cost to ourselves, we have galvanized the mechanism of collecting and distributing monies to the needy throughout the world whenever a crisis arises, no matter the religion or culture or nationality of the victims.
And now, the shoe is, so to speak, on the other foot. Ours is the nation in a tight economic spot, but there is no talk of reciprocal action on the part of nations like China and India who, but for the sharing of our technology with them and the export of our industries to their shores, would still be groveling in abject poverty. Rather than lean upon the goodwill of nations who have long expressed distain for us and our freedom, we should resolve to rely again upon the benevolent hand of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
He raised us up and allowed us to be strong and great among the nations! If we will return to Him, He will be able to help us and to restore what has been taken away from us by the foolishness of our leaders. When we have been delivered from spiritual and economic poverty, we can then appropriate the truth of Romans 13:8, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man fulfills the law.”
Debt. Our progeny will live and die with an acute awareness of what that word means. Our nation is engulfed in a sea of red ink and our creditors are not inclined to forgive our debt as the U.S. did after WW II when virtually all the nations of Western Europe were indebted to us for our role in rescuing them from subjugation by the Nazis.
The largess of our nation toward victims of natural disasters and ruthless dictators is unparalleled in human history. At great cost to ourselves, we have galvanized the mechanism of collecting and distributing monies to the needy throughout the world whenever a crisis arises, no matter the religion or culture or nationality of the victims.
And now, the shoe is, so to speak, on the other foot. Ours is the nation in a tight economic spot, but there is no talk of reciprocal action on the part of nations like China and India who, but for the sharing of our technology with them and the export of our industries to their shores, would still be groveling in abject poverty. Rather than lean upon the goodwill of nations who have long expressed distain for us and our freedom, we should resolve to rely again upon the benevolent hand of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
He raised us up and allowed us to be strong and great among the nations! If we will return to Him, He will be able to help us and to restore what has been taken away from us by the foolishness of our leaders. When we have been delivered from spiritual and economic poverty, we can then appropriate the truth of Romans 13:8, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man fulfills the law.”
Thursday, July 7, 2011
No Distinction
July 7
God is “no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34). He makes no distinction between men of differing nationalities or race or social strata. With Him, the only line of demarcation between men is the fact of their acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9-12).
The unfortunate reality is that we who profess to believe in Jesus do not always follow His example in that regard. We tend to associate with people who concur with our political point of view or with those who are in our income bracket. We sometimes feel uncomfortable with our brothers and sisters if they are not of our race!
We have too many walls of division between ourselves and others of like precious faith. The Word counsels us, for example, in Deuteronomy 15:7-8, “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted and tight-fisted toward him! Instead, open your hand and freely lend him whatever he needs.” We are to embrace those who are of like mind to our hearts.
We are to exchange words of encouragement and faith with them. We are to hold them up in prayer. We are to share our abundance with them. We tend to cling to what is ‘ours,’ forgetting that nothing is ours that HE hasn’t given, for “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof…” (Psalm 24:1). God, who has been generous to us, is pleased when we share of our abundance with others. Let us hold loosely to the things of earth that will soon pass away so we may cling tightly to the eternal treasure He gives us.
God is “no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34). He makes no distinction between men of differing nationalities or race or social strata. With Him, the only line of demarcation between men is the fact of their acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9-12).
The unfortunate reality is that we who profess to believe in Jesus do not always follow His example in that regard. We tend to associate with people who concur with our political point of view or with those who are in our income bracket. We sometimes feel uncomfortable with our brothers and sisters if they are not of our race!
We have too many walls of division between ourselves and others of like precious faith. The Word counsels us, for example, in Deuteronomy 15:7-8, “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted and tight-fisted toward him! Instead, open your hand and freely lend him whatever he needs.” We are to embrace those who are of like mind to our hearts.
We are to exchange words of encouragement and faith with them. We are to hold them up in prayer. We are to share our abundance with them. We tend to cling to what is ‘ours,’ forgetting that nothing is ours that HE hasn’t given, for “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof…” (Psalm 24:1). God, who has been generous to us, is pleased when we share of our abundance with others. Let us hold loosely to the things of earth that will soon pass away so we may cling tightly to the eternal treasure He gives us.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Trusting Through Troubling Times
July 6
How can we rely on God when times are so troubling? Economic woes, governmental woes, cultural woes, even spiritual woes engulf us. How can we simply believe God has everything that concerns us under control when everything around us seems so out of control?
Reflect for a moment upon the days of the early church, that amazing season in time when Christianity was thriving because lives were being transformed by the gospel of the God who became Man and not only dwelt among us but took upon Himself our sin and our shame and endured as His own the just penalty for our rebellion so we don’t have to.
At that pivot point in the world’s history, a powerful empire pitted itself against the fledgling body of believers. Men like James the brother of Jesus, Peter, Paul, all the apostles except John the beloved, and scores of unnamed Christians endured torture and death at the hand of Rome. They were crucified, they were beheaded, they were thrown to the lions, they were made the victims of the gladiators in the Coliseum!
And through it all, they relied on God! As Paul said in Philippians 4:19, which was written from a Roman dungeon as he awaited execution, “My God shall supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Can we, in our tough times express that same confidence! Can we rely upon the God who “will never fail or forsake” (Hebrews 13:5) His people? Can we, too, trust in Jesus, not in circumstances?
How can we rely on God when times are so troubling? Economic woes, governmental woes, cultural woes, even spiritual woes engulf us. How can we simply believe God has everything that concerns us under control when everything around us seems so out of control?
Reflect for a moment upon the days of the early church, that amazing season in time when Christianity was thriving because lives were being transformed by the gospel of the God who became Man and not only dwelt among us but took upon Himself our sin and our shame and endured as His own the just penalty for our rebellion so we don’t have to.
At that pivot point in the world’s history, a powerful empire pitted itself against the fledgling body of believers. Men like James the brother of Jesus, Peter, Paul, all the apostles except John the beloved, and scores of unnamed Christians endured torture and death at the hand of Rome. They were crucified, they were beheaded, they were thrown to the lions, they were made the victims of the gladiators in the Coliseum!
And through it all, they relied on God! As Paul said in Philippians 4:19, which was written from a Roman dungeon as he awaited execution, “My God shall supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Can we, in our tough times express that same confidence! Can we rely upon the God who “will never fail or forsake” (Hebrews 13:5) His people? Can we, too, trust in Jesus, not in circumstances?
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Open the Windows of Heaven
July 5
The secret to financial blessing may lie in the words of the Old Testament prophet Malachi. In Chapter three, verse ten of his book we read, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing you cannot contain.”
God expects His people to be generous. He expects them to contribute to the good work of feeding and clothing the poor, to visiting the widows and prisoners, to sending missionaries to those who haven’t heard the good news. He did not make us to be entities unto ourselves but to function as caring, compassionate beings who reflect the tender heart of Christ in their dealings with people.
Some may feel that it is the responsibility of government to assess and meet the needs of the poor, but that is not the way designated by the Word of God. Governments may assume that responsibility by taxation and allocation of funds obtained from one who has plenty to another who doesn’t have as much, but this is not the Biblical answer to the problem.
Poverty will always exist (see Matthew 26:11) so we are told in advance that it will not be eradicated until Jesus returns, but that does not mean we should accept it! We should do all we can to counter it through our own generosity. It is not the responsibility of the government to do what God wants believers to do as they give their tithe to the church and as they reach out to their brother in need wherever they find him. Open windows of blessings are promised when His people are obedient.
The secret to financial blessing may lie in the words of the Old Testament prophet Malachi. In Chapter three, verse ten of his book we read, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing you cannot contain.”
God expects His people to be generous. He expects them to contribute to the good work of feeding and clothing the poor, to visiting the widows and prisoners, to sending missionaries to those who haven’t heard the good news. He did not make us to be entities unto ourselves but to function as caring, compassionate beings who reflect the tender heart of Christ in their dealings with people.
Some may feel that it is the responsibility of government to assess and meet the needs of the poor, but that is not the way designated by the Word of God. Governments may assume that responsibility by taxation and allocation of funds obtained from one who has plenty to another who doesn’t have as much, but this is not the Biblical answer to the problem.
Poverty will always exist (see Matthew 26:11) so we are told in advance that it will not be eradicated until Jesus returns, but that does not mean we should accept it! We should do all we can to counter it through our own generosity. It is not the responsibility of the government to do what God wants believers to do as they give their tithe to the church and as they reach out to their brother in need wherever they find him. Open windows of blessings are promised when His people are obedient.
Monday, July 4, 2011
God Bless America; America, Bless God!
July 4
How much longer will we be celebrating the Fourth of July? Of course, patriotic Americans will hold the day sacred for as long as they live. How long will patriotic Americans live—at least—live life as we know it now?
Foreign governments are buying our land. Our industries are moving their production to foreign shores. Foreign governments are influencing our textbooks and our schools, including institutions of higher learning, by their financial contributions which are given in exchange for the prerogative of influencing what is printed in our textbooks and what is taught in our classrooms.
The Word of God tells us that “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord and the people He has chosen for His own inheritance” Psalm 33:12. It also says in verse 18 of that same Psalm, “Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy.”
How long will our nation, the richest, most blessed land that has ever existed continue as not only prosperous but free? How much of our selfhood can we sell or barter away in exchange for loans that are a bandaid on our hemorrhaging debt? The answer is that until we fear God again and hope in His mercy, we will be the victims of our abandonment of Him.
How much longer will we be celebrating the Fourth of July? Of course, patriotic Americans will hold the day sacred for as long as they live. How long will patriotic Americans live—at least—live life as we know it now?
Foreign governments are buying our land. Our industries are moving their production to foreign shores. Foreign governments are influencing our textbooks and our schools, including institutions of higher learning, by their financial contributions which are given in exchange for the prerogative of influencing what is printed in our textbooks and what is taught in our classrooms.
The Word of God tells us that “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord and the people He has chosen for His own inheritance” Psalm 33:12. It also says in verse 18 of that same Psalm, “Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy.”
How long will our nation, the richest, most blessed land that has ever existed continue as not only prosperous but free? How much of our selfhood can we sell or barter away in exchange for loans that are a bandaid on our hemorrhaging debt? The answer is that until we fear God again and hope in His mercy, we will be the victims of our abandonment of Him.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Overflowing Vats
July 3
Investors desire to place their funds into stocks or bonds that show promise. Nobody in his right mind wants to sock away his resources in an unsafe place. The Bible offers counsel to the man who wishes to store his treasure where it will accrue the most interest on his investment.
In Proverbs 3:9-10 it says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing and your vats will brim over with new wine.” That was quite a promise to the agrarian society of Solomon’s day.
How does it apply to the stock brokers and physicians and attorneys and engineers and business people of today? One thing we know about the Word of God for a certainty—it is ‘yea and amen.’ It never changes. What was applicable to the farmers and merchants and tentmakers of Old Testament times is still true for all of us.
With that foundational point upon which to build our financial future, we proceed to lay brick-by-brick the structure of our economic well being. Though we live in a time when investments are failing, when once wealthy countries are virtually bankrupt, we must honor the Lord with all we have and trust that our vats, too, will overflow.
Investors desire to place their funds into stocks or bonds that show promise. Nobody in his right mind wants to sock away his resources in an unsafe place. The Bible offers counsel to the man who wishes to store his treasure where it will accrue the most interest on his investment.
In Proverbs 3:9-10 it says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing and your vats will brim over with new wine.” That was quite a promise to the agrarian society of Solomon’s day.
How does it apply to the stock brokers and physicians and attorneys and engineers and business people of today? One thing we know about the Word of God for a certainty—it is ‘yea and amen.’ It never changes. What was applicable to the farmers and merchants and tentmakers of Old Testament times is still true for all of us.
With that foundational point upon which to build our financial future, we proceed to lay brick-by-brick the structure of our economic well being. Though we live in a time when investments are failing, when once wealthy countries are virtually bankrupt, we must honor the Lord with all we have and trust that our vats, too, will overflow.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Godly Leadership Establishes Blessings
July 2
How does a parent gage the amount of responsibility a child is entrusted to have? A responsible parent, who expects mature behavior that is appropriate to the child’s age, from his offspring, will mete out more and more opportunities for his sons and daughters to weigh in on decisions that affect them as the youngsters evidence the ability to handle them.
Our Heavenly Father has established this pattern in His Word and wise earthly parents follow it as they rear their children. In Luke 16:10, Jesus said, “Whosoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much; and whosoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
If a believer shows himself to be faithful to God’s word and if he is obedient to follow Jesus Christ with a sincere heart, he will find the Lord opening opportunities of service to him, much as a parent turns over more and more responsibility to a child who demonstrates a heart of obedience and maturity. He will be greatly blessed as he serves the Lord in the beauty of holiness (I Chronicles 16: 8-29).
One must conclude that the same pattern holds true with nations. The nation that subscribes to the law of the Most High will be honored as the Word says in II Samuel 6:18 where, “David blessed the people in the name of the Lord of Hosts.” Godly leadership (as with America’s founding fathers) establishes the blessings the Holy One desires to bestow upon people who follow Him.
How does a parent gage the amount of responsibility a child is entrusted to have? A responsible parent, who expects mature behavior that is appropriate to the child’s age, from his offspring, will mete out more and more opportunities for his sons and daughters to weigh in on decisions that affect them as the youngsters evidence the ability to handle them.
Our Heavenly Father has established this pattern in His Word and wise earthly parents follow it as they rear their children. In Luke 16:10, Jesus said, “Whosoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much; and whosoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
If a believer shows himself to be faithful to God’s word and if he is obedient to follow Jesus Christ with a sincere heart, he will find the Lord opening opportunities of service to him, much as a parent turns over more and more responsibility to a child who demonstrates a heart of obedience and maturity. He will be greatly blessed as he serves the Lord in the beauty of holiness (I Chronicles 16: 8-29).
One must conclude that the same pattern holds true with nations. The nation that subscribes to the law of the Most High will be honored as the Word says in II Samuel 6:18 where, “David blessed the people in the name of the Lord of Hosts.” Godly leadership (as with America’s founding fathers) establishes the blessings the Holy One desires to bestow upon people who follow Him.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Resurgence
July 1
Life in America has been good. We have been privileged to live in the most prosperous, free society that has ever existed on the planet. A Frenchman, Alec De Tocqueville, assessed the wonders of the bright, new country when he visited here and he said, “America is a nation of churches. America is great because America is good. If she ever ceases to be good, she will no longer be great.”
What De Tocqueville was saying is essentially that the wonder of our land is not in its factories or its farms or its business enterprise or its cutting edge technological acumen. Rather, the heart of the people, which was at that time (1831-1832) turned in faith toward the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, was the glory and strength of America.
Because of the faith of our founding fathers and of the people who built upon the society they established, America flourished as no other nation before or since has done. Many true patriots long to see a return to the Christianity that made our country great. As our economy falters, as our leaders squander the public trust because of their salacious behavior and their proclivity to wax cold regarding the faith of our fathers, we think of the words of Paul in his letter to the Hebrews.
He says, “Keep your lives here from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). If we will put our confidence in the God of our fathers again; if we will trust in Him; if we will turn away from false gods and from materialism, we will see a revival sweep our land that will transport us from a nation on the brink of economic crisis and loss to a nation that experiences a resurgence of true, eternal wealth.
Life in America has been good. We have been privileged to live in the most prosperous, free society that has ever existed on the planet. A Frenchman, Alec De Tocqueville, assessed the wonders of the bright, new country when he visited here and he said, “America is a nation of churches. America is great because America is good. If she ever ceases to be good, she will no longer be great.”
What De Tocqueville was saying is essentially that the wonder of our land is not in its factories or its farms or its business enterprise or its cutting edge technological acumen. Rather, the heart of the people, which was at that time (1831-1832) turned in faith toward the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, was the glory and strength of America.
Because of the faith of our founding fathers and of the people who built upon the society they established, America flourished as no other nation before or since has done. Many true patriots long to see a return to the Christianity that made our country great. As our economy falters, as our leaders squander the public trust because of their salacious behavior and their proclivity to wax cold regarding the faith of our fathers, we think of the words of Paul in his letter to the Hebrews.
He says, “Keep your lives here from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). If we will put our confidence in the God of our fathers again; if we will trust in Him; if we will turn away from false gods and from materialism, we will see a revival sweep our land that will transport us from a nation on the brink of economic crisis and loss to a nation that experiences a resurgence of true, eternal wealth.
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