June 30
Confusion reigns in today’s world. Because of failed economic systems, people are in a quandary as to how they can keep body and soul together. The financial resources in which they trusted have betrayed them. Political leaders have, through design or ineptitude, taken a turn onto a road that leads away from freedom.
Religious concepts have been introduced in the name of freedom of religion that have muddied the water of truth and left the Biblically illiterate vulnerable to all manner of deception. As concisely as it can be stated, ‘We have lost our way.’ Because we long ago abandoned our compass of faith in Jesus, we are now totally lost apart from Him.
This phenomenon has crept into the United States in the years since WW II, but it has been true in many countries besides this one. The Middle East was a bulwark of faith before the Islamic conquest which resulted in the crushing of all other religions. Europe was an exporter of Christ’s Truth and Salvation until it became a haven for false ideologies. What are we to do in our abysmal state? How do we extricate ourselves from the pit we’ve dug for ourselves? How do we overcome the scriptural truth, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” Romans 1:22?
JESUS is the answer. THE ONLY ANSWER. Politicians can’t save us. Treaties can’t save us. Jurists can’t save us. We must return to the faith that made us free. As the beloved Apostle says in I John 5:20, “We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so we may know HIM WHO IS TRUE—even His SON JESUS CHRIST. He is the TRUE GOD AND ETERNAL LIFE.” When we know the One in whom TRUTH is embodied, we will be free in spite of political and economic chains.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
There's No Comparison
June 29
There’s an old saying that’s rather depressing. It certainly doesn’t conjure up much reason for exercising hope or optimism when contemplating the future. It says, “The only things that are certain are death and taxes.” Apart from the hope, joy, peace and love that we receive through the salvation found in Jesus, that is a concise expectation of life—in the proverbial nut shell.
A poem written decades ago, titled, “Undaunted,” says:
“In despair man must cry, ‘Where is the end, when will it come; can it go on and never bend? How, Life, so cruelly wasteth thou away in misery and tears—Known? Too fully known. The chaff the wind driveth away is like unto thy promises. Ah, Life, they are broken all, except that death must conquer.
“With aspiration high, man rises, only to farther fall when Fancy strikes thee, Life, to pull thy prank again! Yet, if thou cruel must be and never bend; if thou thy hand hast set against the day when man shall know his dream, fulfill his hope, still, Life, thou’lt find him brave, undaunted to the end.”
The sentiments herein expressed may be repeated again and again in the experience of men who have not attained the knowledge of the help and hope that are to be found in trusting the Lord Jesus Christ and laying life at His feet. When one has that transformative experience, he may say with the psalmist, “O, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever,” I Chronicles 16:34.
Life’s trials pale in comparison to God’s promise of life eternal. Death has no sting (see I Corinthians 15:52-58) when viewed from the vantage point of Christ’s great sacrifice which achieved Heaven for all who believe. Giving thanks becomes the portion of the individual who has “tasted the goodness of the Lord and seen that He is good,” Psalm 34:8.
There’s an old saying that’s rather depressing. It certainly doesn’t conjure up much reason for exercising hope or optimism when contemplating the future. It says, “The only things that are certain are death and taxes.” Apart from the hope, joy, peace and love that we receive through the salvation found in Jesus, that is a concise expectation of life—in the proverbial nut shell.
A poem written decades ago, titled, “Undaunted,” says:
“In despair man must cry, ‘Where is the end, when will it come; can it go on and never bend? How, Life, so cruelly wasteth thou away in misery and tears—Known? Too fully known. The chaff the wind driveth away is like unto thy promises. Ah, Life, they are broken all, except that death must conquer.
“With aspiration high, man rises, only to farther fall when Fancy strikes thee, Life, to pull thy prank again! Yet, if thou cruel must be and never bend; if thou thy hand hast set against the day when man shall know his dream, fulfill his hope, still, Life, thou’lt find him brave, undaunted to the end.”
The sentiments herein expressed may be repeated again and again in the experience of men who have not attained the knowledge of the help and hope that are to be found in trusting the Lord Jesus Christ and laying life at His feet. When one has that transformative experience, he may say with the psalmist, “O, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever,” I Chronicles 16:34.
Life’s trials pale in comparison to God’s promise of life eternal. Death has no sting (see I Corinthians 15:52-58) when viewed from the vantage point of Christ’s great sacrifice which achieved Heaven for all who believe. Giving thanks becomes the portion of the individual who has “tasted the goodness of the Lord and seen that He is good,” Psalm 34:8.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
My Heart May Sing
June 28
Life. It’s a thin thread. It can snap without warning. The news is replete with evidence of the suddenness of the transitions that can be not only life-transforming but life-ending. No one knows when his last day upon this tumultuous planet will dawn; no one knows when he will be stricken with illness or struck down by an accident or undone by an act of violence. No one knows.
But there is One who holds man and all his days in the hollow of His loving hand, and He is the One to whom we turn for comfort when confronted by the insecurities of living a very tenuous existence. When we lay our frail being at the feet of Jesus and allow Him to take charge of the life He has given us for time and eternity, we are transformed from doubters who dwell in dread to stalwarts of faith who dwell in power!
The mere fact of receiving Jesus and the salvation He provides has an amazingly positive impact upon our perception of life. As David says in Psalm 30:11, 12, “You turned my mourning and sorrow into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy so my heart may sing to You and not be silent. O, Lord, my God, I will give You praise forever.”
Praise Him forever. Simply laying our lives at His feet transforms our lives from frail, tenuous beings in time to eternal existence. We no longer need fear the suddenness with which death and loss can assail, for we know we never die! We live forever to praise and glorify the One who set us free from fear, free from loss, free from death! The God who gives us life gives life eternal.
Life. It’s a thin thread. It can snap without warning. The news is replete with evidence of the suddenness of the transitions that can be not only life-transforming but life-ending. No one knows when his last day upon this tumultuous planet will dawn; no one knows when he will be stricken with illness or struck down by an accident or undone by an act of violence. No one knows.
But there is One who holds man and all his days in the hollow of His loving hand, and He is the One to whom we turn for comfort when confronted by the insecurities of living a very tenuous existence. When we lay our frail being at the feet of Jesus and allow Him to take charge of the life He has given us for time and eternity, we are transformed from doubters who dwell in dread to stalwarts of faith who dwell in power!
The mere fact of receiving Jesus and the salvation He provides has an amazingly positive impact upon our perception of life. As David says in Psalm 30:11, 12, “You turned my mourning and sorrow into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy so my heart may sing to You and not be silent. O, Lord, my God, I will give You praise forever.”
Praise Him forever. Simply laying our lives at His feet transforms our lives from frail, tenuous beings in time to eternal existence. We no longer need fear the suddenness with which death and loss can assail, for we know we never die! We live forever to praise and glorify the One who set us free from fear, free from loss, free from death! The God who gives us life gives life eternal.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Receiving a Kingdom
June 27
Much of what we trust in life is beyond our ultimate control. We assess our options and endeavor to make the best possible financial decisions. We interact socially with many people and marry the one with whom we think we will be most compatible through a lifetime together. But some of our best investments and our best relationships go awry.
Life’s highways and byways are littered with the broken dreams and shattered expectations of people who planned well and plotted their course carefully. That’s because the unexpected twists and turns along the way are fraught with challenges which can work to the disadvantage of the most careful architect of the good life.
But there is a place of stability and confidence where our expectations cannot be disappointed. It is a place where our investments of money will bear eternal reward and our commitment to relationship will have everlasting love and joy! That precious place is the Kingdom of Christ. What we devote of our resources to Him will reap benefits that transcend time and accrue to our eternal account the treasure of souls won to the Lord and love invested in the One who is love (see I John 4:7-12).
As Paul states in His letter to the believers in Jerusalem, “Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,” Hebrews 12:28. The Lord offers us something the world cannot give and that is the assurance that what we invest of our resources and ourselves into His Kingdom will not only abide but thrive—forever. For this, we cannot but thank and praise and worship Him.
Much of what we trust in life is beyond our ultimate control. We assess our options and endeavor to make the best possible financial decisions. We interact socially with many people and marry the one with whom we think we will be most compatible through a lifetime together. But some of our best investments and our best relationships go awry.
Life’s highways and byways are littered with the broken dreams and shattered expectations of people who planned well and plotted their course carefully. That’s because the unexpected twists and turns along the way are fraught with challenges which can work to the disadvantage of the most careful architect of the good life.
But there is a place of stability and confidence where our expectations cannot be disappointed. It is a place where our investments of money will bear eternal reward and our commitment to relationship will have everlasting love and joy! That precious place is the Kingdom of Christ. What we devote of our resources to Him will reap benefits that transcend time and accrue to our eternal account the treasure of souls won to the Lord and love invested in the One who is love (see I John 4:7-12).
As Paul states in His letter to the believers in Jerusalem, “Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,” Hebrews 12:28. The Lord offers us something the world cannot give and that is the assurance that what we invest of our resources and ourselves into His Kingdom will not only abide but thrive—forever. For this, we cannot but thank and praise and worship Him.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
P.U.S.H.
A seasoned Christian had taken a new believer under his wing. They worked together so it was easy to interject a mini-faith-lesson into the course of their daily interaction.
One day when he entered her cubicle, he saw an unusual sign above her work area. It said simply, "P-U-S-H."
He asked her the significance of the sign.
She replied, "It reminds me to, "PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS."
That's a good reminder for all of us.
Don't give up when it seems your prayers bounce off the ceiling.
Don't give up when discouragement tells you that God doesn't hear you.
Remain steadfast, knowing that Luke 18:1 is true for you--"Men ought always to pray and not to faint."
Your Jesus loves you.
"He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all you can ask or think according to His power at work within you" Ephesians 3:20.
And He will help you.
One day when he entered her cubicle, he saw an unusual sign above her work area. It said simply, "P-U-S-H."
He asked her the significance of the sign.
She replied, "It reminds me to, "PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS."
That's a good reminder for all of us.
Don't give up when it seems your prayers bounce off the ceiling.
Don't give up when discouragement tells you that God doesn't hear you.
Remain steadfast, knowing that Luke 18:1 is true for you--"Men ought always to pray and not to faint."
Your Jesus loves you.
"He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all you can ask or think according to His power at work within you" Ephesians 3:20.
And He will help you.
Our Great Gift
June 26
Presents excite us. Whether young or old, poor or rich, we happily anticipate the receipt of a gift. Some who are a bit more seasoned in years may protest; they may insist that no gift is required—but the fallacy of that assertion may be proven the first time a special occasion is overlooked and no gift or card appears to commend it.
Perhaps it isn’t so much the gift or its value that is esteemed. Maybe it is simply the fact of recognizing the special occasion that is important. Everyone desires to be acknowledged; everyone wants to know that those who are important to him consider him to be significant enough to honor the important occasions of his life.
The most wondrous gift that can be received in life is that which the Lord of Creation purchased for you at Calvary. The One we are told (Philippians 2:6-8), “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation…and gave Himself to death on the cross,” so you would not be subject to death but would have eternal life.
That gift should excite us and it should inspire us to live our lives as His representatives. As Paul said in Colossians 2:6,7, “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” May we be challenged to use our great gift to lift up the name of our Great Lord; may others see Him in us and receive His matchless gift.
Presents excite us. Whether young or old, poor or rich, we happily anticipate the receipt of a gift. Some who are a bit more seasoned in years may protest; they may insist that no gift is required—but the fallacy of that assertion may be proven the first time a special occasion is overlooked and no gift or card appears to commend it.
Perhaps it isn’t so much the gift or its value that is esteemed. Maybe it is simply the fact of recognizing the special occasion that is important. Everyone desires to be acknowledged; everyone wants to know that those who are important to him consider him to be significant enough to honor the important occasions of his life.
The most wondrous gift that can be received in life is that which the Lord of Creation purchased for you at Calvary. The One we are told (Philippians 2:6-8), “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation…and gave Himself to death on the cross,” so you would not be subject to death but would have eternal life.
That gift should excite us and it should inspire us to live our lives as His representatives. As Paul said in Colossians 2:6,7, “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” May we be challenged to use our great gift to lift up the name of our Great Lord; may others see Him in us and receive His matchless gift.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Utter a Word of Gratitude
June 25
Most of us, when listing the things for which we give thanks to the Lord, don’t even mention those taken-for-granted treasures that we glean from His hand every day. How often have you thanked God for the air you breathe? Have you thanked Him for a fresh, clean water supply lately? How about the three square meals you eat a day?
Most of us are quite lax in extending a heart-felt ‘thank You’ to our Heavenly Provider. It doesn’t cross our minds that apart from His steadfast provision, we are on the precipice of total devastation. Perhaps we could survive a while on the accumulated fat around our well-fed middles, but how long could we last without water or air? Right.
The Word admonishes us to give thanks for these things. The reality is, if we don’t feel grateful to our Maker for the basics of life, we probably don’t feel obligated to thank Him for the ‘grander’ things of life that we’ve acquired. Just as we receive the simple things of life without attributing our having them to His wondrous provision, neither do we extend a word of thanksgiving to Him for the wonderful acquisitions we feel we’ve obtained through our own effort and our own skill.
Psalm 107:8, 9 says, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” If you haven’t thanked Him lately for the love He evidenced toward you through His kind deeds and abundant provision, perhaps today could be a turn-around day for you. Perhaps today you might actually lift your eyes and heart heavenward and utter a word of gratitude for the wonderful deeds He’s done for you.
Most of us, when listing the things for which we give thanks to the Lord, don’t even mention those taken-for-granted treasures that we glean from His hand every day. How often have you thanked God for the air you breathe? Have you thanked Him for a fresh, clean water supply lately? How about the three square meals you eat a day?
Most of us are quite lax in extending a heart-felt ‘thank You’ to our Heavenly Provider. It doesn’t cross our minds that apart from His steadfast provision, we are on the precipice of total devastation. Perhaps we could survive a while on the accumulated fat around our well-fed middles, but how long could we last without water or air? Right.
The Word admonishes us to give thanks for these things. The reality is, if we don’t feel grateful to our Maker for the basics of life, we probably don’t feel obligated to thank Him for the ‘grander’ things of life that we’ve acquired. Just as we receive the simple things of life without attributing our having them to His wondrous provision, neither do we extend a word of thanksgiving to Him for the wonderful acquisitions we feel we’ve obtained through our own effort and our own skill.
Psalm 107:8, 9 says, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” If you haven’t thanked Him lately for the love He evidenced toward you through His kind deeds and abundant provision, perhaps today could be a turn-around day for you. Perhaps today you might actually lift your eyes and heart heavenward and utter a word of gratitude for the wonderful deeds He’s done for you.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Rich Beyond Calculation
June 24
Do you say ‘grace’ at meals? Many people do not. The rare family bows their heads in thanks to the Lord when they partake of the provision He has made for their nutritional needs to be met. Some few families even take a moment to offer thanks when dining in a public facility. These offerings are rare and refreshing—especially to God.
But the Word of God is replete with verses that specify the attitude of gratitude that should pervade the breast of man who has been so abundantly supplied with the good things of life. Yet, the reality is that it is often those among us who are in short supply who lift thankful hearts to the God who provides even their meager needs.
We are prone to believe that it is our own ingenuity, our own intelligence, our own insight, our own effort that brings us to a fruitful place in life, when in actuality, it is the good hand of the Lord upon us that has enabled us to translate our gifts into the actuality of the abundance we possess. Let us not think for a moment that there are not others, far more capable than are we, whose measurable achievements do not match our own.
One admonition to which we should all submit our spirits is found in Colossians 3:16 where Paul says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” No matter what our status in life, we hold the rich treasure of salvation within us; we are the dwelling place of the Spirit of God—that makes us rich beyond calculation.
Do you say ‘grace’ at meals? Many people do not. The rare family bows their heads in thanks to the Lord when they partake of the provision He has made for their nutritional needs to be met. Some few families even take a moment to offer thanks when dining in a public facility. These offerings are rare and refreshing—especially to God.
But the Word of God is replete with verses that specify the attitude of gratitude that should pervade the breast of man who has been so abundantly supplied with the good things of life. Yet, the reality is that it is often those among us who are in short supply who lift thankful hearts to the God who provides even their meager needs.
We are prone to believe that it is our own ingenuity, our own intelligence, our own insight, our own effort that brings us to a fruitful place in life, when in actuality, it is the good hand of the Lord upon us that has enabled us to translate our gifts into the actuality of the abundance we possess. Let us not think for a moment that there are not others, far more capable than are we, whose measurable achievements do not match our own.
One admonition to which we should all submit our spirits is found in Colossians 3:16 where Paul says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” No matter what our status in life, we hold the rich treasure of salvation within us; we are the dwelling place of the Spirit of God—that makes us rich beyond calculation.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
I Will Sing
June 23
Music is almost magical in its ability to transform. Lives can be turned from optimism to gloom simply by hearing the familiar strains of a song that is associated with a difficult place in one’s experience. By the same token, one’s mood may emerge from the depth of depression to joyful expectation simply by listening to the lilting strains of a lovely song that brings back the memory of a happy time.
Moralists—parents and grandparents—express concern regarding the musical choices of the young. Whether the rich tones of Frank Sinatra on ‘records’ or the driving beat of today’s rap on ‘i-phones’, the worry has been that impressionable youth would be caught in a snare of sin because of the music they enjoy.
Given the fact that the evil one was the chief musician of heaven before his fall from grace, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that one of his favorite weapons to use against the young would be that which he has wielded with great success both in heaven and upon earth. How like him to employ something as seemingly innocent as music to undo the morals and the character and the faith of young believers. How like him to take something the Lord meant for His worship and praise and turn it to our detriment.
But there is an anecdote for the virus of reprobation that might be passed to the unwary by the songs that are among their ‘i-tunes.’ It is found in the Word of the Holy One in Psalm 59:16 where David says, “I will sing of Your strength in the morning; I will sing of Your love, for You are my fortress and refuge…” He who is our fortress and refuge against the threats of corruption and war and disease, can certainly guard us from the threat of music.
Music is almost magical in its ability to transform. Lives can be turned from optimism to gloom simply by hearing the familiar strains of a song that is associated with a difficult place in one’s experience. By the same token, one’s mood may emerge from the depth of depression to joyful expectation simply by listening to the lilting strains of a lovely song that brings back the memory of a happy time.
Moralists—parents and grandparents—express concern regarding the musical choices of the young. Whether the rich tones of Frank Sinatra on ‘records’ or the driving beat of today’s rap on ‘i-phones’, the worry has been that impressionable youth would be caught in a snare of sin because of the music they enjoy.
Given the fact that the evil one was the chief musician of heaven before his fall from grace, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that one of his favorite weapons to use against the young would be that which he has wielded with great success both in heaven and upon earth. How like him to employ something as seemingly innocent as music to undo the morals and the character and the faith of young believers. How like him to take something the Lord meant for His worship and praise and turn it to our detriment.
But there is an anecdote for the virus of reprobation that might be passed to the unwary by the songs that are among their ‘i-tunes.’ It is found in the Word of the Holy One in Psalm 59:16 where David says, “I will sing of Your strength in the morning; I will sing of Your love, for You are my fortress and refuge…” He who is our fortress and refuge against the threats of corruption and war and disease, can certainly guard us from the threat of music.
Friday, June 22, 2012
He Penetrates the Darkness!
June 22
One needn't read too many testimonies of conversions from religions of darkness to faith in our Savior before realizing that there is a great move of the Spirit of God over peoples who have been long in bondage to darkness. Evidence abounds that the God of all creation is reaching out in very real ways to those who hunger to know Him and to escape from their prison of lies.
While ‘Christian’ nations are falling away from faith, turning away from the Christ who made them strong and free, those who have been under the power of dictatorial leaders imposing the tenets of cruel religious doctrines upon them are finding themselves face-to-face with the King of kings and Lord of lords who died to set them free.
Jesus visits them in the night seasons. He penetrates their prisons and invades their pits of despair with the gospel of truth and hope. He causes His love to dissolve their fear and to lift their courage. He personally conveys to them His strength to endure the persecution they will face because of their decision to follow Him and to trust in the power of His holy name.
Our Lord is above the false gods of religions of devils, and His assurance comes to those who follow Him. David clearly conveyed this truth to us in Psalm 46:1 where he said, “God is our refuge and our strength; He is an ever-present help in times of trouble.” How blessed we are when we place our faith in His truth; when we place our lives in His hands.
One needn't read too many testimonies of conversions from religions of darkness to faith in our Savior before realizing that there is a great move of the Spirit of God over peoples who have been long in bondage to darkness. Evidence abounds that the God of all creation is reaching out in very real ways to those who hunger to know Him and to escape from their prison of lies.
While ‘Christian’ nations are falling away from faith, turning away from the Christ who made them strong and free, those who have been under the power of dictatorial leaders imposing the tenets of cruel religious doctrines upon them are finding themselves face-to-face with the King of kings and Lord of lords who died to set them free.
Jesus visits them in the night seasons. He penetrates their prisons and invades their pits of despair with the gospel of truth and hope. He causes His love to dissolve their fear and to lift their courage. He personally conveys to them His strength to endure the persecution they will face because of their decision to follow Him and to trust in the power of His holy name.
Our Lord is above the false gods of religions of devils, and His assurance comes to those who follow Him. David clearly conveyed this truth to us in Psalm 46:1 where he said, “God is our refuge and our strength; He is an ever-present help in times of trouble.” How blessed we are when we place our faith in His truth; when we place our lives in His hands.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Jesus is Coming Back!
June 21
Jesus is coming back. There’s a statement that can generate gales of laughter or profound silence, depending upon the audience that hears the assertion. If you don’t mind exposing yourself to ridicule (or worse—depending on where you are when you say it), go ahead and tell people you believe He’ll return.
Even many who profess Christianity have dismissed the idea of Christ’s imminent return from their thoughts. They have faith in Him. They own Him as Savior and Lord, but when it comes to the notion of a day of reckoning for sin, of a day of accounting for deciding for or against Him, they don’t think beyond their own mortality.
There is a prominent world view that affirms a belief in Christ’s return, but the Christ they expect will not return as conquering Lord over sin and death and hell, but as the ‘second fiddle’ to an entity whose character is reflective of that of the Biblical antichrist. In the picture they paint of this returning Jesus, he is little more than the ‘hatchet man’ for their awaited one. Death and havoc rather than peace and love are in his wake.
This version of Jesus does little to affirm the notion that, “God will strengthen your hearts so you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord comes with His holy ones,” as stated in I Thessalonians 3:13. May the Holy Spirit give us a fresh revelation of who Jesus is, so neither laughter nor persecution can shake us of our resolve to “watch unto prayer” for His return (see I Peter 4:7).
Jesus is coming back. There’s a statement that can generate gales of laughter or profound silence, depending upon the audience that hears the assertion. If you don’t mind exposing yourself to ridicule (or worse—depending on where you are when you say it), go ahead and tell people you believe He’ll return.
Even many who profess Christianity have dismissed the idea of Christ’s imminent return from their thoughts. They have faith in Him. They own Him as Savior and Lord, but when it comes to the notion of a day of reckoning for sin, of a day of accounting for deciding for or against Him, they don’t think beyond their own mortality.
There is a prominent world view that affirms a belief in Christ’s return, but the Christ they expect will not return as conquering Lord over sin and death and hell, but as the ‘second fiddle’ to an entity whose character is reflective of that of the Biblical antichrist. In the picture they paint of this returning Jesus, he is little more than the ‘hatchet man’ for their awaited one. Death and havoc rather than peace and love are in his wake.
This version of Jesus does little to affirm the notion that, “God will strengthen your hearts so you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord comes with His holy ones,” as stated in I Thessalonians 3:13. May the Holy Spirit give us a fresh revelation of who Jesus is, so neither laughter nor persecution can shake us of our resolve to “watch unto prayer” for His return (see I Peter 4:7).
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Your Loving Heavenly Father
June 20
Man sometimes feels ignored, neglected by the Lord. He feels his needs are not recognized by the Holy One. He believes the great power of our God is reserved for the blessings of others, but are unavailable to him. Isaiah 40:27-31 speaks to such a man and reveals to him the fact that his loving heavenly Father cares profoundly about him.
It asks, “Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God’? Do you not know, have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth! He will not grow weary and His understanding no one can fathom! He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak! Even youths grow tired and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength! They will mount up on wings like eagles! They will run and not be weary! They will walk and not faint!”
What an outstanding promise! Your God, beloved, sees you where you are. He understands about your situation. He knows your frame and He knows the weight of your burden. Realize that HE WILL STRENGTHEN YOU WHEN YOU ARE WEARY! HE WILL INCREASE YOUR POWER WHEN YOU ARE WEAK!
The might of the young and powerful will ultimately bring them to weariness, but relying on the Lord will bring the person of faith ultimately to renewed power! Walk in the invigorating assurance of His Word of truth!
Man sometimes feels ignored, neglected by the Lord. He feels his needs are not recognized by the Holy One. He believes the great power of our God is reserved for the blessings of others, but are unavailable to him. Isaiah 40:27-31 speaks to such a man and reveals to him the fact that his loving heavenly Father cares profoundly about him.
It asks, “Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God’? Do you not know, have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth! He will not grow weary and His understanding no one can fathom! He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak! Even youths grow tired and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength! They will mount up on wings like eagles! They will run and not be weary! They will walk and not faint!”
What an outstanding promise! Your God, beloved, sees you where you are. He understands about your situation. He knows your frame and He knows the weight of your burden. Realize that HE WILL STRENGTHEN YOU WHEN YOU ARE WEARY! HE WILL INCREASE YOUR POWER WHEN YOU ARE WEAK!
The might of the young and powerful will ultimately bring them to weariness, but relying on the Lord will bring the person of faith ultimately to renewed power! Walk in the invigorating assurance of His Word of truth!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Blessed and High Potentate
June 19
Exodus 15:2 is a lovely song found in the second book of Moses; it says, “The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will exalt him.” The implication of the first section of the verse is that there is joy in strength. Men and nations who move from a position of strength most often have delight in their status.
That He has become the salvation of His people is an outgrowth of who He has always been in their behalf, but, indeed, His salvation is profoundly felt at this juncture in the nationhood of the Israelites, for they have just been taken from bondage to freedom. When we become believers in Christ, we know this joy—the joy of the captive set free.
Once recognizing Who He is, once attaining the freedom from bondage only He can provide, the born-again, blood-bought saint has naught but to praise “ …the King of kings and Lord of lords…” (I Timothy 6:15) How can we not lift up our hands and our voices in praise to the One Paul tells Timothy is, “the blessed and only Potentate…”
There may be others who exercise the world’s power as they rule from high places. There may be demonic entities who are among those who are, “prince and power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), but the only blessed and high Potentate is the Lord Jesus Christ who invites us to reign with Him (II Timothy 2:12). For this, we sing with Moses.
Exodus 15:2 is a lovely song found in the second book of Moses; it says, “The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will exalt him.” The implication of the first section of the verse is that there is joy in strength. Men and nations who move from a position of strength most often have delight in their status.
That He has become the salvation of His people is an outgrowth of who He has always been in their behalf, but, indeed, His salvation is profoundly felt at this juncture in the nationhood of the Israelites, for they have just been taken from bondage to freedom. When we become believers in Christ, we know this joy—the joy of the captive set free.
Once recognizing Who He is, once attaining the freedom from bondage only He can provide, the born-again, blood-bought saint has naught but to praise “ …the King of kings and Lord of lords…” (I Timothy 6:15) How can we not lift up our hands and our voices in praise to the One Paul tells Timothy is, “the blessed and only Potentate…”
There may be others who exercise the world’s power as they rule from high places. There may be demonic entities who are among those who are, “prince and power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), but the only blessed and high Potentate is the Lord Jesus Christ who invites us to reign with Him (II Timothy 2:12). For this, we sing with Moses.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Assurance
June 18
Theodore Roosevelt is noted for his flamboyant and adventuresome spirit. He was President of the United States at a time when his style of leadership was very effective. He is famous for one quote in particular, “Walk softly, but carry a big stick.” The point of his words was that a nation or an individual should be gentle but strong.
That is good advice yet today. Our sliver of time on life’s clock is moving away from the prosperity and blessing that we’ve enjoyed. We are economically weak. We are burdened with leaders who are lacking in moral and patriotic conviction. Above all, we are spiritually impaired because of a falling away from the truth of God that is the only authentic source of strength for any people.
When we see the result of our decline, we become disheartened, for the outcome of our falling away from a position of economic and political and moral strength portends of a bleak time for the generations that will follow ours. Yet, when we are well-nigh overcome with despair, when every reason for confidence seems to be gone, we reflect upon the Word of God which is our hope in every manner of adverse circumstance.
We contemplate the assurance David gives in Psalm 29:11 which says, “The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” The strength He gives transcends the frailty imposed upon us by passing time. The peace that He gives lifts our spirits even when the temporal aspects of our lives are weighted down with care. His presence and power are our hope in every situation we face.
Theodore Roosevelt is noted for his flamboyant and adventuresome spirit. He was President of the United States at a time when his style of leadership was very effective. He is famous for one quote in particular, “Walk softly, but carry a big stick.” The point of his words was that a nation or an individual should be gentle but strong.
That is good advice yet today. Our sliver of time on life’s clock is moving away from the prosperity and blessing that we’ve enjoyed. We are economically weak. We are burdened with leaders who are lacking in moral and patriotic conviction. Above all, we are spiritually impaired because of a falling away from the truth of God that is the only authentic source of strength for any people.
When we see the result of our decline, we become disheartened, for the outcome of our falling away from a position of economic and political and moral strength portends of a bleak time for the generations that will follow ours. Yet, when we are well-nigh overcome with despair, when every reason for confidence seems to be gone, we reflect upon the Word of God which is our hope in every manner of adverse circumstance.
We contemplate the assurance David gives in Psalm 29:11 which says, “The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” The strength He gives transcends the frailty imposed upon us by passing time. The peace that He gives lifts our spirits even when the temporal aspects of our lives are weighted down with care. His presence and power are our hope in every situation we face.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Maintain the Temple
June 17
The Lord delights in the praise of His people, in fact, the Word tells us that He inhabits the praise of His people (Psalm 22:3). It is ironic, perhaps that David penned these words in the psalm that foretells the crucifixion of Jesus. In fact several of the verses go into great detail regarding this method of execution that the Romans had not yet devised.
It is ironic because Jesus came to set men free from the penalty of sin, to release them to the blessings and power of praise in their lives! Jesus levels the playing field. Because He “gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak,” as stated in Isaiah 40:29, we may stand strong as pillars of faith!
We may all be temples wherein resides the power of the Holy Spirit (II Corinthians 6:16) and as such, we are to have no fellowship with darkness. As the born-again, blood-bought children of the Living and True God, we are to maintain the temple wherein He dwells with utmost diligence.
We are to indeed, “give ourselves to prayer and praise” (Psalm 109:4) in order that the Lord may, “…give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak,” Isaiah 40:29. We will be effective witnesses, we will be towers of spiritual strength, if we will praise the Holy One who lives within us so He may also dwell within our praise.
The Lord delights in the praise of His people, in fact, the Word tells us that He inhabits the praise of His people (Psalm 22:3). It is ironic, perhaps that David penned these words in the psalm that foretells the crucifixion of Jesus. In fact several of the verses go into great detail regarding this method of execution that the Romans had not yet devised.
It is ironic because Jesus came to set men free from the penalty of sin, to release them to the blessings and power of praise in their lives! Jesus levels the playing field. Because He “gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak,” as stated in Isaiah 40:29, we may stand strong as pillars of faith!
We may all be temples wherein resides the power of the Holy Spirit (II Corinthians 6:16) and as such, we are to have no fellowship with darkness. As the born-again, blood-bought children of the Living and True God, we are to maintain the temple wherein He dwells with utmost diligence.
We are to indeed, “give ourselves to prayer and praise” (Psalm 109:4) in order that the Lord may, “…give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak,” Isaiah 40:29. We will be effective witnesses, we will be towers of spiritual strength, if we will praise the Holy One who lives within us so He may also dwell within our praise.
Answer to a Higher Law
June 16
No man left behind. That’s the policy of the military. Wounded, dying, unable to move ahead? Someone will carry you. The Lord has the same attitude toward His people. He doesn’t abandon the weak and weary. It is His policy to hold up the fallen hands, to strengthen the feeble knees, as was spoken of Job in Chapter 4:3, 4.
We seem to be moving away from God’s position in today’s society. Our national mindset is to abort the unwanted or imperfect. We are moving toward a ‘health’ care plan that relegates the sick to an untreated end. Though we have miracle drugs and highly skilled physicians, they will not be able to ply their abilities toward saving the elderly.
This is indeed contrary to the Word of God which says, “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays; I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak…” Ezekiel 34:16. Jesus came to save all from the ravages of our fallen world. His salvation package includes health and healing of body, mind, and spirit. But the verse does go on to indicate those who will face the wrath of the Lord!
It says…”but the sleek and the strong I will destroy! I will shepherd the flock with justice!” Those who are arrogant in their own conceit, those who turn the truth of the Holy One on its head, those who consider themselves above the law (those who voted for the health care bill, for example, excluded themselves from it) will answer ultimately to God’s higher law.
No man left behind. That’s the policy of the military. Wounded, dying, unable to move ahead? Someone will carry you. The Lord has the same attitude toward His people. He doesn’t abandon the weak and weary. It is His policy to hold up the fallen hands, to strengthen the feeble knees, as was spoken of Job in Chapter 4:3, 4.
We seem to be moving away from God’s position in today’s society. Our national mindset is to abort the unwanted or imperfect. We are moving toward a ‘health’ care plan that relegates the sick to an untreated end. Though we have miracle drugs and highly skilled physicians, they will not be able to ply their abilities toward saving the elderly.
This is indeed contrary to the Word of God which says, “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays; I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak…” Ezekiel 34:16. Jesus came to save all from the ravages of our fallen world. His salvation package includes health and healing of body, mind, and spirit. But the verse does go on to indicate those who will face the wrath of the Lord!
It says…”but the sleek and the strong I will destroy! I will shepherd the flock with justice!” Those who are arrogant in their own conceit, those who turn the truth of the Holy One on its head, those who consider themselves above the law (those who voted for the health care bill, for example, excluded themselves from it) will answer ultimately to God’s higher law.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Stand on the Heights
June 15
What do you see when you look into a mirror? Do you see a face of vibrant youth and beauty or do you see the lines and blemishes of age? Do you see the lithe form of adolescence or the portly bulges of middle age? No matter what you see today, the probability is that as you increase in years, your appearance will change.
What do you see when you look into the Bible, the mirror of your soul? Do you see an individual who is changing from the self-oriented attitudes and behaviors of an unbeliever or are they entrenched in you? Do you see a person who is gaining an increasing measure of the gentle strength of faith or one who clings to the folly of unbelief?
Do you see someone who has made himself the center of his universe? Do you reign in your world? Are you master of all you survey, or have you handed the crown you once wore and the scepter that that you once wielded to Christ who you have allowed to become the true Lord of your life?
If you have made Jesus the One to whom your knee bows, then you may say as said the prophet in II Samuel 22:33-34, “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet sure and enables me to stand on the heights.” None can be strong or perfect or sure on his own, but with the Lord, there is nothing one may lack.
What do you see when you look into a mirror? Do you see a face of vibrant youth and beauty or do you see the lines and blemishes of age? Do you see the lithe form of adolescence or the portly bulges of middle age? No matter what you see today, the probability is that as you increase in years, your appearance will change.
What do you see when you look into the Bible, the mirror of your soul? Do you see an individual who is changing from the self-oriented attitudes and behaviors of an unbeliever or are they entrenched in you? Do you see a person who is gaining an increasing measure of the gentle strength of faith or one who clings to the folly of unbelief?
Do you see someone who has made himself the center of his universe? Do you reign in your world? Are you master of all you survey, or have you handed the crown you once wore and the scepter that that you once wielded to Christ who you have allowed to become the true Lord of your life?
If you have made Jesus the One to whom your knee bows, then you may say as said the prophet in II Samuel 22:33-34, “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet sure and enables me to stand on the heights.” None can be strong or perfect or sure on his own, but with the Lord, there is nothing one may lack.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
The Ravages Of Time
June 14
As a man grows older, he begins to view himself and his physical prowess differently. While he once considered himself to be virtually invincible, he now realizes that he, as every other living, breathing creature, is subject to the ravages of time—of age. Where he once defied anything to un-do him, he now realizes that encroaching old age will.
The strength of his back, the might of his arm, as well as the acuity of his mind are evidencing signs of waning. Even men who have performed amazing feats of athleticism are no longer able to maintain the regimen that once sustained them in virtually perfect physical form.
But the believer who observes these same evidences of debilitation can view them and the mortality they foretell without dread. The one who has placed his complete trust in the living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has no fear of death and no dread of what eternity holds. The person of faith knows Whose he is and he knows where he’s going.
The one who knows Jesus may say with the same assurance with which wrote the psalmist, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my life and my portion forever,” Psalm 73:26. Oh, what confidence is had by the person who has placed his life at Jesus’ feet! Time holds no fear for him; eternity holds no dread!
As a man grows older, he begins to view himself and his physical prowess differently. While he once considered himself to be virtually invincible, he now realizes that he, as every other living, breathing creature, is subject to the ravages of time—of age. Where he once defied anything to un-do him, he now realizes that encroaching old age will.
The strength of his back, the might of his arm, as well as the acuity of his mind are evidencing signs of waning. Even men who have performed amazing feats of athleticism are no longer able to maintain the regimen that once sustained them in virtually perfect physical form.
But the believer who observes these same evidences of debilitation can view them and the mortality they foretell without dread. The one who has placed his complete trust in the living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has no fear of death and no dread of what eternity holds. The person of faith knows Whose he is and he knows where he’s going.
The one who knows Jesus may say with the same assurance with which wrote the psalmist, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my life and my portion forever,” Psalm 73:26. Oh, what confidence is had by the person who has placed his life at Jesus’ feet! Time holds no fear for him; eternity holds no dread!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
The Sufficiency of Grace
June 13
Believers tend to wrestle with the ‘Why?’ of the adversities that assail their lives. Oh, yes, Jesus states clearly, “In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world,” (See John 16:33), but we prefer to cling to the more optimistic promises.
We like, for example, the one in Revelation 5:10 that says, “Thou…hast made us …kings and princes and we shall reign on the earth.” We tend to overlook the fact that this is spoken during a time of tribulation when the ultimate penalty is required of those who profess faith in Christ.
Yet, in spite of any misunderstanding about the presence of tribulation in the lives of people of faith, we may cling to the words of the Apostle Paul in II Corinthians 12:9 where he spoke these words of faith in the behalf of all who would suffer. “The Lord Jesus said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’” Christ’s grace is not just helpful in difficult times, it is perfected.
Paul goes on to say, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” We, too, may make that boast with the same confidence Paul had. Like him we may say, “…while we were sinners, Christ died for us ,,,and we are saved from wrath through Him…” Romans 5:8-10. This glorious truth negates the power of worldly trials that will soon be over.
Believers tend to wrestle with the ‘Why?’ of the adversities that assail their lives. Oh, yes, Jesus states clearly, “In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world,” (See John 16:33), but we prefer to cling to the more optimistic promises.
We like, for example, the one in Revelation 5:10 that says, “Thou…hast made us …kings and princes and we shall reign on the earth.” We tend to overlook the fact that this is spoken during a time of tribulation when the ultimate penalty is required of those who profess faith in Christ.
Yet, in spite of any misunderstanding about the presence of tribulation in the lives of people of faith, we may cling to the words of the Apostle Paul in II Corinthians 12:9 where he spoke these words of faith in the behalf of all who would suffer. “The Lord Jesus said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’” Christ’s grace is not just helpful in difficult times, it is perfected.
Paul goes on to say, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” We, too, may make that boast with the same confidence Paul had. Like him we may say, “…while we were sinners, Christ died for us ,,,and we are saved from wrath through Him…” Romans 5:8-10. This glorious truth negates the power of worldly trials that will soon be over.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
The Only Help
June 12
The tasks that man takes upon himself can be daunting. It all seems quite manageable at the onset, but as time goes on, the demands of his professional and personal life become quite formidable to the point where he hasn’t time to recreate, to renew himself, to re-energize his resolve.
When this happens, he may falter. He may seek another career or another spouse. Not knowing how to extricate himself from his dilemma, he thrashes about, trying things that can’t improve his situation and often, make it worse.
A professional change may require a move across the country which will necessitate acquiring a new circle of acquaintances and a new skill set for the new job. A romantic dalliance will complicate home life and place more challenges upon personal as well as professional relationships. The person who was endeavoring to escape a trying set of circumstances finds himself even more profoundly challenged by his new situation.
The Biblical answer to overcoming the ever-pressing demands of juggling work and personal life is found in Philippians 4:13 where Paul tells the believers in Philippi, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” If a believer will give to the Lord the right to pervade his entire environment, his entire environment will be blessed by the kind of help that only our Savior and King can provide.
The tasks that man takes upon himself can be daunting. It all seems quite manageable at the onset, but as time goes on, the demands of his professional and personal life become quite formidable to the point where he hasn’t time to recreate, to renew himself, to re-energize his resolve.
When this happens, he may falter. He may seek another career or another spouse. Not knowing how to extricate himself from his dilemma, he thrashes about, trying things that can’t improve his situation and often, make it worse.
A professional change may require a move across the country which will necessitate acquiring a new circle of acquaintances and a new skill set for the new job. A romantic dalliance will complicate home life and place more challenges upon personal as well as professional relationships. The person who was endeavoring to escape a trying set of circumstances finds himself even more profoundly challenged by his new situation.
The Biblical answer to overcoming the ever-pressing demands of juggling work and personal life is found in Philippians 4:13 where Paul tells the believers in Philippi, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” If a believer will give to the Lord the right to pervade his entire environment, his entire environment will be blessed by the kind of help that only our Savior and King can provide.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Our Help, Comfort, and Deliverer
June 11
There are times when it seems absolutely stupid not to be afraid! If one is on a sinking boat in shark infested water, for example, fear is rational. Or is it? It may be natural to be frightened when confronted with an apparently insurmountable challenge, but it’s not sensible. In order to overcome challenges, one must be clear-thinking and logical.
This formidable task is easier, perhaps, for people of faith than for non-believers, because those who have placed their lives into the loving hand of Jesus are unshakable in their conviction that He is with them and that He is their help. This belief is affirmed in I Peter 5:7 which says, “Cast all your cares upon Jesus, for He cares for you.”
This New Testament scripture reaffirms promises from the Old Testament that afford great comfort to those who trust the Almighty for their safety and well-being. There are many places where God makes clear His intent to guard and guide His people. From providing manna in the wilderness (see Genesis 16) to the extraordinary strength He gave Samson to defend His people (see Judges 14-16) we see the great lengths to which God will go to guide and guard His own.
In Isaiah 41:10, the prophet conveys the message of the Lord to people of faith. He says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold you with my strong right hand.” Our Lord does not want us to fear wars or rumors of wars or personal or world-wide calamity of any sort—for He is our Help, He is our Comfort, He is our Deliverer—no matter what befalls!
There are times when it seems absolutely stupid not to be afraid! If one is on a sinking boat in shark infested water, for example, fear is rational. Or is it? It may be natural to be frightened when confronted with an apparently insurmountable challenge, but it’s not sensible. In order to overcome challenges, one must be clear-thinking and logical.
This formidable task is easier, perhaps, for people of faith than for non-believers, because those who have placed their lives into the loving hand of Jesus are unshakable in their conviction that He is with them and that He is their help. This belief is affirmed in I Peter 5:7 which says, “Cast all your cares upon Jesus, for He cares for you.”
This New Testament scripture reaffirms promises from the Old Testament that afford great comfort to those who trust the Almighty for their safety and well-being. There are many places where God makes clear His intent to guard and guide His people. From providing manna in the wilderness (see Genesis 16) to the extraordinary strength He gave Samson to defend His people (see Judges 14-16) we see the great lengths to which God will go to guide and guard His own.
In Isaiah 41:10, the prophet conveys the message of the Lord to people of faith. He says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold you with my strong right hand.” Our Lord does not want us to fear wars or rumors of wars or personal or world-wide calamity of any sort—for He is our Help, He is our Comfort, He is our Deliverer—no matter what befalls!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Be Strong! Do Not Fear!
June 10
Many people believe that we are living in the ‘last days’ before the occurrence of some cataclysmic event. That conviction is shared by belief systems as wide-ranging as the Christian Church which anticipates the soon return of Christ and those who anticipate the end of the world because the ancient Mayan calendar ends in December of 2012.
Though some subscribe to none of the doomsday theories, the preponderance of mankind anticipates an event of some magnitude, if for no other reason than that there is so much strife on our planet. Weighing heavily in favor of the imminent world-wide conflagration theory is the fact that a large segment of the Islamic population is endeavoring to usher in their ‘Twelfth Mahdi’ by generating turmoil and ultimately, war.
Because of the unrest among men and nations and religious persuasions, as well as the reality of the increased frequency of natural disasters, man is in a state of anxious anticipation as he awaits the next awful event. The Bible offers a word of counsel to those who find themselves confronting fear within themselves and among those around them.
In Isaiah 35:3, 4, the prophet says, “Strengthen the feeble hands and steady the quaking knees; say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong; do not fear! Your God will come!’” So the thing that ignites a sense of un-ease, one of the scenarios that generates anxiety—the return of the Lord—is the very thing the Bible says is to allay our fear! If we have received Christ as Savior, we need not dread His coming.
Many people believe that we are living in the ‘last days’ before the occurrence of some cataclysmic event. That conviction is shared by belief systems as wide-ranging as the Christian Church which anticipates the soon return of Christ and those who anticipate the end of the world because the ancient Mayan calendar ends in December of 2012.
Though some subscribe to none of the doomsday theories, the preponderance of mankind anticipates an event of some magnitude, if for no other reason than that there is so much strife on our planet. Weighing heavily in favor of the imminent world-wide conflagration theory is the fact that a large segment of the Islamic population is endeavoring to usher in their ‘Twelfth Mahdi’ by generating turmoil and ultimately, war.
Because of the unrest among men and nations and religious persuasions, as well as the reality of the increased frequency of natural disasters, man is in a state of anxious anticipation as he awaits the next awful event. The Bible offers a word of counsel to those who find themselves confronting fear within themselves and among those around them.
In Isaiah 35:3, 4, the prophet says, “Strengthen the feeble hands and steady the quaking knees; say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong; do not fear! Your God will come!’” So the thing that ignites a sense of un-ease, one of the scenarios that generates anxiety—the return of the Lord—is the very thing the Bible says is to allay our fear! If we have received Christ as Savior, we need not dread His coming.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Who's My Brother?
June 9
Who is my neighbor? Who is my brother? Questions such as these arise essentially because we’re trying to find some ‘wiggle room’ for ourselves. We don’t want to feel obligated to anyone—especially if it requires an investment of our time or money in their behalf—so we want to be sure we streamline the list of people to whom we’re beholdin’.
A scholar of the law posed the question of just who is indeed his neighbor to Jesus in Luke 10:29. The Lord answered with a parable. He told the story of a traveler who was attacked, robbed, and left for dead along the side of a road. A priest, then a Levite passed by without helping the stricken man. However, a Samaritan stopped to not only help the man but to pay for his on-going care until he recovered. (See Luke 10:30-36).
Jesus concluded the parable with the question, “Who do you think was his neighbor?” Of course, the answer was obvious to His listeners. It was the despised Samaritan who evidenced the role of a neighbor, of a brother, to the bruised and bleeding stranger. Neither the priest nor the Levite (those entrusted with the performance of holy duties) extended any concern for the man.
In I John 2:10, the beloved Apostle affirms the tremendous advantage of being like the Samaritan. Here he says, “Whoever loves his brother lives in the light and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.” When the law of love governs a man’s actions, there is nothing in him that can cause him to fall from the high estate to which he’s been called—called to be like Jesus who gave Himself for strangers and sinners.
Who is my neighbor? Who is my brother? Questions such as these arise essentially because we’re trying to find some ‘wiggle room’ for ourselves. We don’t want to feel obligated to anyone—especially if it requires an investment of our time or money in their behalf—so we want to be sure we streamline the list of people to whom we’re beholdin’.
A scholar of the law posed the question of just who is indeed his neighbor to Jesus in Luke 10:29. The Lord answered with a parable. He told the story of a traveler who was attacked, robbed, and left for dead along the side of a road. A priest, then a Levite passed by without helping the stricken man. However, a Samaritan stopped to not only help the man but to pay for his on-going care until he recovered. (See Luke 10:30-36).
Jesus concluded the parable with the question, “Who do you think was his neighbor?” Of course, the answer was obvious to His listeners. It was the despised Samaritan who evidenced the role of a neighbor, of a brother, to the bruised and bleeding stranger. Neither the priest nor the Levite (those entrusted with the performance of holy duties) extended any concern for the man.
In I John 2:10, the beloved Apostle affirms the tremendous advantage of being like the Samaritan. Here he says, “Whoever loves his brother lives in the light and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.” When the law of love governs a man’s actions, there is nothing in him that can cause him to fall from the high estate to which he’s been called—called to be like Jesus who gave Himself for strangers and sinners.
Friday, June 8, 2012
A Simple Matter
June 8
God is ever near. There is no place a mortal may go that He will not be. The man who seeks Him in church will surely hear Him speak through the pastor’s voice or through the music of the choir or feel Him in the touch of a believer who extends a hand of welcome. But He can also be found along the highways and byways of life.
The story is told of a young woman who found Him while she danced in a cage at a ‘go-go’ bar. Jesus doesn’t stay outside when those He came to save enter denizens of iniquity. As David asks in Psalm 139:7, “Whither can I flee from Your Spirit?...If I rise to Heaven, You are there…if I say the darkness covers me, even the night shall be light…”
Man says that he longs to find God: he’s searching for Someone lost along the way. He’s searched the land and forests deep but cannot seem to find the One his sin and shame and pride required he leave behind. But when he enters a quiet place, kneels to pray; to beseech the One he’s seeking, “Guide, O Lord, my way! Hear my fervent plea, fulfill my search, lift from my eyes this veil to clearly see the lamp that lights Your loving face,” it’s then he will behold Jesus!
All the while, through the sea of tears, God has been there! Man who is fraught with sin and distress may not ‘feel’ His presence, but He is there, for He has assured in Zechariah 1:3, “Turn ye to Me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn to you, saith the Lord of Hosts.” It’s not a matter of the searcher finding Him; it’s simply a matter of his opening his heart to feel His love and receive Him.
God is ever near. There is no place a mortal may go that He will not be. The man who seeks Him in church will surely hear Him speak through the pastor’s voice or through the music of the choir or feel Him in the touch of a believer who extends a hand of welcome. But He can also be found along the highways and byways of life.
The story is told of a young woman who found Him while she danced in a cage at a ‘go-go’ bar. Jesus doesn’t stay outside when those He came to save enter denizens of iniquity. As David asks in Psalm 139:7, “Whither can I flee from Your Spirit?...If I rise to Heaven, You are there…if I say the darkness covers me, even the night shall be light…”
Man says that he longs to find God: he’s searching for Someone lost along the way. He’s searched the land and forests deep but cannot seem to find the One his sin and shame and pride required he leave behind. But when he enters a quiet place, kneels to pray; to beseech the One he’s seeking, “Guide, O Lord, my way! Hear my fervent plea, fulfill my search, lift from my eyes this veil to clearly see the lamp that lights Your loving face,” it’s then he will behold Jesus!
All the while, through the sea of tears, God has been there! Man who is fraught with sin and distress may not ‘feel’ His presence, but He is there, for He has assured in Zechariah 1:3, “Turn ye to Me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn to you, saith the Lord of Hosts.” It’s not a matter of the searcher finding Him; it’s simply a matter of his opening his heart to feel His love and receive Him.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Delivered
June 7
Our Deliverer is coming. Indeed, He is coming back. We wait with outstretched hands and uplifted hearts for the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh, yes, there are scoffers among us—the Bible tells us that there will be (see II Peter 3:4), but we don’t depend on the wisdom or the doubts of men for our confidence. Our faith in the return of our Lord and Savior is based in the integrity of His Word.
The Word says, “A man (Jesus) shall be as your hiding place from the wind, your covering from the tempest, your river of refreshing in a dry and thirsty place,” Isaiah 32:2. It is the Lord’s intent to deliver believers from every manner of trial and adversity; to deliver the one who trusts in Him from doubt and fear. Even when it appears that deliverance hasn’t come, we know ultimately it will.
As Job discovered through his horrendous trial, the appearance may be that God has forgotten His own, but ultimately, deliverance and restoration come—sometimes they come in time and sometimes they come in eternity. Wherever we are given the ability to see our deliverance, it is assured, it is paid for—by the shed blood of Jesus.
Psalm 116:8, 9 says, “You, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from falling; so I may walk before You in the land of the Living.” He wants us to claim our redemption and to walk free of sin during our sojourn in time. When we claim that glorious gift, we are then assured that we will be found in Him in eternity, too.
Our Deliverer is coming. Indeed, He is coming back. We wait with outstretched hands and uplifted hearts for the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh, yes, there are scoffers among us—the Bible tells us that there will be (see II Peter 3:4), but we don’t depend on the wisdom or the doubts of men for our confidence. Our faith in the return of our Lord and Savior is based in the integrity of His Word.
The Word says, “A man (Jesus) shall be as your hiding place from the wind, your covering from the tempest, your river of refreshing in a dry and thirsty place,” Isaiah 32:2. It is the Lord’s intent to deliver believers from every manner of trial and adversity; to deliver the one who trusts in Him from doubt and fear. Even when it appears that deliverance hasn’t come, we know ultimately it will.
As Job discovered through his horrendous trial, the appearance may be that God has forgotten His own, but ultimately, deliverance and restoration come—sometimes they come in time and sometimes they come in eternity. Wherever we are given the ability to see our deliverance, it is assured, it is paid for—by the shed blood of Jesus.
Psalm 116:8, 9 says, “You, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from falling; so I may walk before You in the land of the Living.” He wants us to claim our redemption and to walk free of sin during our sojourn in time. When we claim that glorious gift, we are then assured that we will be found in Him in eternity, too.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Faultless
June 6
Each of us desires to be able to follow a right path. Each of us wants to be able to look at the man in the mirror and affirm to him that we are doing our best to advance his interests. We want to do what’s right—not just what’s right for ‘Number One,’ but right. We want to be good, honorable, caring, generous, loving people. We just aren’t.
We just aren’t. That’s the bad news. The good news is that God knows our frame and He knows our foibles and He has devised a plan to overcome the worst of our nature, and to conform us to the best of His nature. Jesus is the plan. He took counsel with Himself before the world was established and set the plan in motion (Revelation 13:8).
Jude, the brother of Jesus who referred to himself only as the Lord’s servant wrote some very encouraging words in this regard. In the first chapter of the brief epistle that bears his name, verses 24-25, he said, “To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore. Amen.”
Jesus, our Savior, is the only One who can keep us from falling short of the good we desire to be the essence of our character. Because Jesus bore our sin to Calvary and there died that we may live, that we may thrive in the inner man, we need not fall back into the waywardness and folly of sin. We need only hold fast to Him, and He will hold us up and present us faultless before the throne of the Majesty on High.
Each of us desires to be able to follow a right path. Each of us wants to be able to look at the man in the mirror and affirm to him that we are doing our best to advance his interests. We want to do what’s right—not just what’s right for ‘Number One,’ but right. We want to be good, honorable, caring, generous, loving people. We just aren’t.
We just aren’t. That’s the bad news. The good news is that God knows our frame and He knows our foibles and He has devised a plan to overcome the worst of our nature, and to conform us to the best of His nature. Jesus is the plan. He took counsel with Himself before the world was established and set the plan in motion (Revelation 13:8).
Jude, the brother of Jesus who referred to himself only as the Lord’s servant wrote some very encouraging words in this regard. In the first chapter of the brief epistle that bears his name, verses 24-25, he said, “To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore. Amen.”
Jesus, our Savior, is the only One who can keep us from falling short of the good we desire to be the essence of our character. Because Jesus bore our sin to Calvary and there died that we may live, that we may thrive in the inner man, we need not fall back into the waywardness and folly of sin. We need only hold fast to Him, and He will hold us up and present us faultless before the throne of the Majesty on High.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
The Folly Of Our Days
June 5
“The Folly Of Our Days”
In our discontented world, despair has taken hold
Where hate and strife have reigned for centuries untold.
A people wring their hands, shed many bitter tears,
And cry out to their brother who’s deaf and never hears.
The pompous and the brave strive valiantly to gain
Freedom's cup for captive souls but bring them only pain.
We raise our voice in protest, decry all human ill,
And when the shouting's over the sickness lingers still.
So we'll lose ourselves in comedy and violence on the screen
When face-to-face with tragedy we wish we'd never seen
We'll smoke away our troubles or wash them down with wine,
Or cloak them very carefully within the printed line...
…But we'll keep on moving forward and never call, 'Retreat!'
As we dance on to destruction on our gaily tripping feet.
This poem was written during the 1960s, a very tumultuous time. It proves one thing very clearly, "The more things change, the more they stay the same."
Man, with all his good intentions, with all his investment of time and money and energy, cannot solve mankind's myriad problems. Only Jesus can do that, and we've tied His hands...actually, we’ve nailed them to a cross.
The Word of God states very clearly in Proverbs 10:9, “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be undone.” This poem states man’s resolve to continue in his wayward course that leads him only to un-workable solutions and desperate attempts to escape his dilemma, while the Bible offers its matchless hope that steadfast adherence to the truth of God brings security in spite of the shifting sands of the world.
“The Folly Of Our Days”
In our discontented world, despair has taken hold
Where hate and strife have reigned for centuries untold.
A people wring their hands, shed many bitter tears,
And cry out to their brother who’s deaf and never hears.
The pompous and the brave strive valiantly to gain
Freedom's cup for captive souls but bring them only pain.
We raise our voice in protest, decry all human ill,
And when the shouting's over the sickness lingers still.
So we'll lose ourselves in comedy and violence on the screen
When face-to-face with tragedy we wish we'd never seen
We'll smoke away our troubles or wash them down with wine,
Or cloak them very carefully within the printed line...
…But we'll keep on moving forward and never call, 'Retreat!'
As we dance on to destruction on our gaily tripping feet.
This poem was written during the 1960s, a very tumultuous time. It proves one thing very clearly, "The more things change, the more they stay the same."
Man, with all his good intentions, with all his investment of time and money and energy, cannot solve mankind's myriad problems. Only Jesus can do that, and we've tied His hands...actually, we’ve nailed them to a cross.
The Word of God states very clearly in Proverbs 10:9, “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be undone.” This poem states man’s resolve to continue in his wayward course that leads him only to un-workable solutions and desperate attempts to escape his dilemma, while the Bible offers its matchless hope that steadfast adherence to the truth of God brings security in spite of the shifting sands of the world.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Strong, Firm, and Steadfast
June 4
When God seems indifferent to the plight of a believer, discouragement can set in. It takes great resolve to adopt the mindset of the Christian, imprisoned in the Bastille during the French Revolution who affirmed his faith in the midst of one of the most horrific epochs of human history.
On the wall of his cell in that notorious prison he wrote, “I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining. I believe in love, even when I cannot feel it. I believe in God, even when He is silent.” Indeed there have been times in the lives of every person of faith when it seemed God was silent.
Even Jesus, as He hung on the cross, expressed that sense of separation from God—which He who had done no sin, experienced in our behalf. He said, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46) He who was God could not be separated from God, but because He bore our sin, the sense of unity eluded Him.
When a person of faith endures trial and the perception of oneness with Christ is faint, he must then be mindful of I Peter 5:10 which says, “The God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have endured a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” Trust Him to do that!
When God seems indifferent to the plight of a believer, discouragement can set in. It takes great resolve to adopt the mindset of the Christian, imprisoned in the Bastille during the French Revolution who affirmed his faith in the midst of one of the most horrific epochs of human history.
On the wall of his cell in that notorious prison he wrote, “I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining. I believe in love, even when I cannot feel it. I believe in God, even when He is silent.” Indeed there have been times in the lives of every person of faith when it seemed God was silent.
Even Jesus, as He hung on the cross, expressed that sense of separation from God—which He who had done no sin, experienced in our behalf. He said, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46) He who was God could not be separated from God, but because He bore our sin, the sense of unity eluded Him.
When a person of faith endures trial and the perception of oneness with Christ is faint, he must then be mindful of I Peter 5:10 which says, “The God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have endured a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” Trust Him to do that!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Our Only Provision
June 3
Some people keep a large stock of foodstuffs. Look into their pantry and you might find cartons of items on hand. They may be used infrequently, but they are ‘there’ in case the need for them arises. Hoarding—whether food items or money—seems unnecessary in light of a few significant realities.
Reality #1: Spoilage may occur.
Reality #2: Natural or man-made disasters can result in their loss.
Reality #3: Tastes may change.
Reality #4: Improved versions may become available.
People who hoard are often individuals who feel compelled to provide for themselves. They don’t trust anyone else to care about them enough to fill any need they may have. Without their own diligence in assuring their needs will be met, they fear they will suffer lack. People in this category rarely trust God either. They fear that if they believe His word, they will be disappointed.
These unfortunate individuals have never taken comfort in the Word which says, “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress. I will never be shaken” Psalm 62:1, 2. Only the Lord has the ability to provide our needs when we need them. Only Jesus can save us. Once we let Him do that, we can more easily trust Him for “all things” (see Matthew 6:33).
Some people keep a large stock of foodstuffs. Look into their pantry and you might find cartons of items on hand. They may be used infrequently, but they are ‘there’ in case the need for them arises. Hoarding—whether food items or money—seems unnecessary in light of a few significant realities.
Reality #1: Spoilage may occur.
Reality #2: Natural or man-made disasters can result in their loss.
Reality #3: Tastes may change.
Reality #4: Improved versions may become available.
People who hoard are often individuals who feel compelled to provide for themselves. They don’t trust anyone else to care about them enough to fill any need they may have. Without their own diligence in assuring their needs will be met, they fear they will suffer lack. People in this category rarely trust God either. They fear that if they believe His word, they will be disappointed.
These unfortunate individuals have never taken comfort in the Word which says, “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress. I will never be shaken” Psalm 62:1, 2. Only the Lord has the ability to provide our needs when we need them. Only Jesus can save us. Once we let Him do that, we can more easily trust Him for “all things” (see Matthew 6:33).
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Held By God's Hand
June 2
There are those who have been persuaded to become Christians because of the assurance of ‘good news peddlers’ that prosperity will be found along the path of faith. The Lord admonished those He said followed Him not because of their conviction that He was the Messiah, but for the, ”loaves and fishes” John 6:26.
Although John spoke a word of encouragement in this regard in his third general epistle, “…I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers,” III John 2, there is a consensus among Bible scholars that the prosperity spoken of here is essentially spiritual.
Jesus said those who profess faith in Him are to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all things will be added…” Matthew 6:33. The ‘all things’ promised here are not the trappings of life but the glorious blessings of knowing God, glorifying Him, and enjoying Him forever.
The promise that follows this reasoning is found in Psalm 37:23, 24 which says, “If the Lord delights in a man’s way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord holds him with His hand.” To be held by the Most High, to be kept from falling, is indeed the fullest, most valuable of blessings a believer may possess.
There are those who have been persuaded to become Christians because of the assurance of ‘good news peddlers’ that prosperity will be found along the path of faith. The Lord admonished those He said followed Him not because of their conviction that He was the Messiah, but for the, ”loaves and fishes” John 6:26.
Although John spoke a word of encouragement in this regard in his third general epistle, “…I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers,” III John 2, there is a consensus among Bible scholars that the prosperity spoken of here is essentially spiritual.
Jesus said those who profess faith in Him are to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all things will be added…” Matthew 6:33. The ‘all things’ promised here are not the trappings of life but the glorious blessings of knowing God, glorifying Him, and enjoying Him forever.
The promise that follows this reasoning is found in Psalm 37:23, 24 which says, “If the Lord delights in a man’s way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord holds him with His hand.” To be held by the Most High, to be kept from falling, is indeed the fullest, most valuable of blessings a believer may possess.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Right Hand Man
June 1
We’ve used the term ‘right-hand man’ a time or two when referencing someone who fills an important role by helping us to accomplish the things that are important to us. From a vice-president who represents the head of state at social functions to the secretary who keeps a chief executive on schedule, these are individuals who make the tasks of those they assist much more manageable.
We all value highly those reliable people who are unwavering in their willingness to assist us and who are highly competent in their ability to do so. Though some of us have only menial things to accomplish, we appreciate the help of the people around us who facilitate our success by their encouragement and appreciation of what we do.
There is One high and lofty individual who counts on us for our help. It is not that He needs our input, for He is entirely capable of achieving all His goals totally on His own, but He has ordained that things on Planet Earth shall be accomplished through His use of our skilled hands and willing hearts. That One, of course, is Jesus. He told us, in fact, that He would accomplish great things through us (see John 14:12).
Our God does not leave us alone to perform the tasks He sets before us. Rather, He considers Himself to be our ‘right-hand man’ as we labor to accomplish His work. As David said in Psalm 16:8, “I have set the Lord continually before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” The One who used His right hand to hurl the stars into space, offers it to us, to assist us in fulfilling the tasks He gives us to do.
We’ve used the term ‘right-hand man’ a time or two when referencing someone who fills an important role by helping us to accomplish the things that are important to us. From a vice-president who represents the head of state at social functions to the secretary who keeps a chief executive on schedule, these are individuals who make the tasks of those they assist much more manageable.
We all value highly those reliable people who are unwavering in their willingness to assist us and who are highly competent in their ability to do so. Though some of us have only menial things to accomplish, we appreciate the help of the people around us who facilitate our success by their encouragement and appreciation of what we do.
There is One high and lofty individual who counts on us for our help. It is not that He needs our input, for He is entirely capable of achieving all His goals totally on His own, but He has ordained that things on Planet Earth shall be accomplished through His use of our skilled hands and willing hearts. That One, of course, is Jesus. He told us, in fact, that He would accomplish great things through us (see John 14:12).
Our God does not leave us alone to perform the tasks He sets before us. Rather, He considers Himself to be our ‘right-hand man’ as we labor to accomplish His work. As David said in Psalm 16:8, “I have set the Lord continually before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” The One who used His right hand to hurl the stars into space, offers it to us, to assist us in fulfilling the tasks He gives us to do.
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