Friday, March 27, 2015
QUOTE:
"The Christian religion...is a religion of all others most friendly to liberty, science, and the freest expansion of the human mind." Thomas Jefferson
God's Great Gift of Grace
March 27
A year ago today was quite an eventful day and it is one that makes us thankful for the Lord's hand of protection around us.
We had been traveling on Interstate 81 North and when we had gotten to just beyond mile post marker 21 in West Virginia, traffic had come to a complete halt. We didn't have any idea what had happened but finally found a local radio station that was carrying the news.
Apparently, we had come within a mile or so and within about two to three minutes of being involved in the accident. The clock in our car indicated that it was 8:49 when we came to a stop and the accident, which we could not see, happened at 8:45. It was between mileposts 21 and 23 according to the reports we heard.
It seems there was a sudden snow squall that blinded everyone. We were that close to it but didn't see any evidence of it at all! One driver plowed into the concrete median and a semi skidded into him and a third car skidded under the semi! The news report said there were twenty cars involved to one degree or another in the pile up. A second accident happened in the south bound lane just beyond the 23 milepost. Reports indicate numerous cars in that pile up, too. The final tally was that 44 cars were impacted in some way by the accident--not including the ones who, like us, were stopped for hours.
We sat in totally stopped traffic from around 8:49 until around Noon when we followed the lead of a number of other cars that turned around and went back south in the north bound lane and got off at the milepost 21 on-ramp that was being used as an-off ramp. We got over to the south side at the next ramp and there were very few cars making their way south...just people like us who had been going north but turned around. The north-bound lane didn’t resume normalcy until 5 P.M.!
We saw more emergency vehicles than we've ever seen before, including five medi-vac helicopters. There were numerous injured people and at least two fatalities. We were struck by the fact that so many dear souls, simply going about their routine, had such a calamity befall them.
We had prayed before we left home, as we always do before a trip, and must thank the Lord for His mercy and grace and keeping power over us on a day when so many lives were impacted so devastatingly. An experience such as this one makes very real the words of II Corinthians 6:2, “Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold TODAY is the day of salvation.”
No one has a promise of tomorrow. No one knows the moment when he will breathe his final breath. “At an hour when you think not, the Son of Man shall come,” Matthew 24:44. Whether He comes for us individually or whether He comes on that glorious day of His return (see Acts 1:11), we will each keep that final appointment (see Hebrews 9:27.) An eventful day like today makes us so very cognizant of that inescapable truth.
Ephesians 2:8, 9 becomes very real: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Only the grace of God saves us and only the grace of God keeps us. May we ever be thankful; may we not take His grace for granted. It is indeed God’s greatest gift.
A year ago today was quite an eventful day and it is one that makes us thankful for the Lord's hand of protection around us.
We had been traveling on Interstate 81 North and when we had gotten to just beyond mile post marker 21 in West Virginia, traffic had come to a complete halt. We didn't have any idea what had happened but finally found a local radio station that was carrying the news.
Apparently, we had come within a mile or so and within about two to three minutes of being involved in the accident. The clock in our car indicated that it was 8:49 when we came to a stop and the accident, which we could not see, happened at 8:45. It was between mileposts 21 and 23 according to the reports we heard.
It seems there was a sudden snow squall that blinded everyone. We were that close to it but didn't see any evidence of it at all! One driver plowed into the concrete median and a semi skidded into him and a third car skidded under the semi! The news report said there were twenty cars involved to one degree or another in the pile up. A second accident happened in the south bound lane just beyond the 23 milepost. Reports indicate numerous cars in that pile up, too. The final tally was that 44 cars were impacted in some way by the accident--not including the ones who, like us, were stopped for hours.
We sat in totally stopped traffic from around 8:49 until around Noon when we followed the lead of a number of other cars that turned around and went back south in the north bound lane and got off at the milepost 21 on-ramp that was being used as an-off ramp. We got over to the south side at the next ramp and there were very few cars making their way south...just people like us who had been going north but turned around. The north-bound lane didn’t resume normalcy until 5 P.M.!
We saw more emergency vehicles than we've ever seen before, including five medi-vac helicopters. There were numerous injured people and at least two fatalities. We were struck by the fact that so many dear souls, simply going about their routine, had such a calamity befall them.
We had prayed before we left home, as we always do before a trip, and must thank the Lord for His mercy and grace and keeping power over us on a day when so many lives were impacted so devastatingly. An experience such as this one makes very real the words of II Corinthians 6:2, “Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold TODAY is the day of salvation.”
No one has a promise of tomorrow. No one knows the moment when he will breathe his final breath. “At an hour when you think not, the Son of Man shall come,” Matthew 24:44. Whether He comes for us individually or whether He comes on that glorious day of His return (see Acts 1:11), we will each keep that final appointment (see Hebrews 9:27.) An eventful day like today makes us so very cognizant of that inescapable truth.
Ephesians 2:8, 9 becomes very real: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Only the grace of God saves us and only the grace of God keeps us. May we ever be thankful; may we not take His grace for granted. It is indeed God’s greatest gift.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Cleanse and Restore
March 26
"’Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘that I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the LORD, but shall not find it. In that day the fair virgins and strong young men shall faint from thirst. Those who swear by the sin of Samaria, who say, ‘As your God lives, O Dan!’ And, ‘As the way of Beersheba lives!’ They shall fall and never rise again." Amos 8:11-14
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness…” Romans 1:18.
“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness, “ II Thessalonians 2:9-12.
Would anyone add to or take from the Word of God in this matter! Would anyone be so bold as to purport himself to be capable of expounding upon a word that is pregnant with truth!
Can anyone fail to see the veracity of this warning to our day? Indeed, there is not a lack of the Word of God, but a refusal to hear the Word of God! We who have had the blessing of freedom of worship have turned our liberty into license. We have joined the ranks of those who “call evil good and good evil,” Isaiah 5:20.
We have accepted man’s wisdom and his skewed interpretation of law and we have denied the Law of God that is immutable. We have determined that we can save ourselves; and by our rejection of the TRUTH of the ages we have rejected the Savior who is “the way, the TRUTH, and the life,” John 14:6.
In our rebellion, we have lifted up the flawed word of man and trampled under our feet the eternal Word of the Living God. Can we do anything but fall on our faces before Him in repentance, declare Him to be the holy Christ that He is and implore that He cleanse us afresh and restore us to the Word of Truth that makes us free!
"’Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘that I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the LORD, but shall not find it. In that day the fair virgins and strong young men shall faint from thirst. Those who swear by the sin of Samaria, who say, ‘As your God lives, O Dan!’ And, ‘As the way of Beersheba lives!’ They shall fall and never rise again." Amos 8:11-14
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness…” Romans 1:18.
“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness, “ II Thessalonians 2:9-12.
Would anyone add to or take from the Word of God in this matter! Would anyone be so bold as to purport himself to be capable of expounding upon a word that is pregnant with truth!
Can anyone fail to see the veracity of this warning to our day? Indeed, there is not a lack of the Word of God, but a refusal to hear the Word of God! We who have had the blessing of freedom of worship have turned our liberty into license. We have joined the ranks of those who “call evil good and good evil,” Isaiah 5:20.
We have accepted man’s wisdom and his skewed interpretation of law and we have denied the Law of God that is immutable. We have determined that we can save ourselves; and by our rejection of the TRUTH of the ages we have rejected the Savior who is “the way, the TRUTH, and the life,” John 14:6.
In our rebellion, we have lifted up the flawed word of man and trampled under our feet the eternal Word of the Living God. Can we do anything but fall on our faces before Him in repentance, declare Him to be the holy Christ that He is and implore that He cleanse us afresh and restore us to the Word of Truth that makes us free!
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
A Worthy Legacy
March 25
It Is Not Finished
Real faith is not only getting beyond our past: it’s recognizing that faith is an ongoing process. None of us “have arrived.” At best, we can say we’re “on the way.”
A big mistake many make is the notion that at any given moment we’re going to be complete and thus relieved from the prospect of additional construction. That is not and will never be the case.
While I’m not everything I want to be, I’m not all the things I once was. Our lives are filled with pressure and stress. This is not necessarily bad. Stress and tension, properly balanced, actually give us strength.
Faith involves having something in the distance to motivate us and keep us moving, as the apostle Paul admonished in Philippians 3:14, “We should press on toward the goal of our high calling in Christ Jesus.”
Faith gives us a focus for our future, helps us move in the direction of our destiny, and gives us the capacity to continue working toward a worthy legacy. –Mike Huckabee, from Living Beyond Your Lifetime
"Righteousness rescues those who are honest, but those who can't be trusted are trapped by their own greed," stated in Proverbs 11:6, gives us a very clear picture of what Governor Huckabee is saying here.
If we are honest with ourselves, we are aware that we must not only overcome the sin that besets us but we must live lives worthy of the salvation Christ has purchased for us.
Too often we come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus without emerging from the sinful lifestyle that holiness requires us to leave. We subscribe to the notion of once saved always saved and allow ourselves to languish in the squalor from which His great sacrifice has redeemed us.
We may, subsequent to our receiving the Lord into our heart, give lip service to His authority over us; we may attend church regularly; we may support missionaries who travel to far-flung corners of the earth to share the gospel with those who have not heard; but until we make the Word of God the heart of who we are, we have missed the fullness of what Jesus died to give to us.
May we take Paul’s words seriously! May we indeed press forward into the fullness of our salvation! May we, as Governor Huckabee has said, “…work toward a worthy legacy” of faith in and devotion to our Savior.
It Is Not Finished
Real faith is not only getting beyond our past: it’s recognizing that faith is an ongoing process. None of us “have arrived.” At best, we can say we’re “on the way.”
A big mistake many make is the notion that at any given moment we’re going to be complete and thus relieved from the prospect of additional construction. That is not and will never be the case.
While I’m not everything I want to be, I’m not all the things I once was. Our lives are filled with pressure and stress. This is not necessarily bad. Stress and tension, properly balanced, actually give us strength.
Faith involves having something in the distance to motivate us and keep us moving, as the apostle Paul admonished in Philippians 3:14, “We should press on toward the goal of our high calling in Christ Jesus.”
Faith gives us a focus for our future, helps us move in the direction of our destiny, and gives us the capacity to continue working toward a worthy legacy. –Mike Huckabee, from Living Beyond Your Lifetime
"Righteousness rescues those who are honest, but those who can't be trusted are trapped by their own greed," stated in Proverbs 11:6, gives us a very clear picture of what Governor Huckabee is saying here.
If we are honest with ourselves, we are aware that we must not only overcome the sin that besets us but we must live lives worthy of the salvation Christ has purchased for us.
Too often we come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus without emerging from the sinful lifestyle that holiness requires us to leave. We subscribe to the notion of once saved always saved and allow ourselves to languish in the squalor from which His great sacrifice has redeemed us.
We may, subsequent to our receiving the Lord into our heart, give lip service to His authority over us; we may attend church regularly; we may support missionaries who travel to far-flung corners of the earth to share the gospel with those who have not heard; but until we make the Word of God the heart of who we are, we have missed the fullness of what Jesus died to give to us.
May we take Paul’s words seriously! May we indeed press forward into the fullness of our salvation! May we, as Governor Huckabee has said, “…work toward a worthy legacy” of faith in and devotion to our Savior.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Loving God/Obeying His Law
March 24
Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. Matthew 24:11, 12
Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?" And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" Matthew 7:22, 23
The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the Day of Judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, II Peter 2:9,10
For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. II Peter 2:18, 19
Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude 1:3, 4
Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. I John 2:3, 4
Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. I John 3:4
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. I John 5:2, 3
This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. II John 1:6
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. Romans 8:7
It requires but a cursory reading of a few scriptures to become fully aware that the awfulness of sin is a prevalent topic in the Word. The God who gave Himself for us has inspired His human scribes to address the matter fully with the intent that mankind will know His truth and that His truth will set man free, John 8:32.
Friendship with the world will certainly obfuscate the truth the Holy One would reveal to His errant creation, for it is enmity with God, James 4:4. The closer man adheres himself to the world and its value system, the less credence he gives to the value system of the One who inhabits eternity.
As the old saying clearly conveys, ‘You are what you eat,’ because the foods you take into yourself greatly impact your fat to muscle ratio, so do the things you take into your spirit impact your inner man--your world to spirit ratio. Will you be focused on the world or will you be holy and righteous?
If you will be righteous and godly, then you must take to yourself the Word of Life and allow the admonitions against sin that you find there to govern you. If living righteously is the goal of your existence, if salvation from sin is your ultimate life’s goal, then you cannot trivialize the words He has given that are intended to the purpose of setting you free.
Christ’s great price, His “unspeakable Gift,” II Corinthians 9:15 will avail you nothing if you elect to disregard the truth that you must build “precept upon precept, line upon line,” Isaiah 28:10. Salvation is indeed free, but if it is esteemed, it will become the centerpiece of life.
All the work we do toward temporal ends is futile, but all we perform in the behalf of Christ’s Kingdom, all we do to further His purposes within ourselves and within others, all we strive to reveal to those who know Him not that they, too, might be saved will extol the virtue of His law. And we will obey the word that says, "Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy," I Peter 1:16.
Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. Matthew 24:11, 12
Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?" And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" Matthew 7:22, 23
The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the Day of Judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, II Peter 2:9,10
For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. II Peter 2:18, 19
Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude 1:3, 4
Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. I John 2:3, 4
Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. I John 3:4
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. I John 5:2, 3
This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. II John 1:6
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. Romans 8:7
It requires but a cursory reading of a few scriptures to become fully aware that the awfulness of sin is a prevalent topic in the Word. The God who gave Himself for us has inspired His human scribes to address the matter fully with the intent that mankind will know His truth and that His truth will set man free, John 8:32.
Friendship with the world will certainly obfuscate the truth the Holy One would reveal to His errant creation, for it is enmity with God, James 4:4. The closer man adheres himself to the world and its value system, the less credence he gives to the value system of the One who inhabits eternity.
As the old saying clearly conveys, ‘You are what you eat,’ because the foods you take into yourself greatly impact your fat to muscle ratio, so do the things you take into your spirit impact your inner man--your world to spirit ratio. Will you be focused on the world or will you be holy and righteous?
If you will be righteous and godly, then you must take to yourself the Word of Life and allow the admonitions against sin that you find there to govern you. If living righteously is the goal of your existence, if salvation from sin is your ultimate life’s goal, then you cannot trivialize the words He has given that are intended to the purpose of setting you free.
Christ’s great price, His “unspeakable Gift,” II Corinthians 9:15 will avail you nothing if you elect to disregard the truth that you must build “precept upon precept, line upon line,” Isaiah 28:10. Salvation is indeed free, but if it is esteemed, it will become the centerpiece of life.
All the work we do toward temporal ends is futile, but all we perform in the behalf of Christ’s Kingdom, all we do to further His purposes within ourselves and within others, all we strive to reveal to those who know Him not that they, too, might be saved will extol the virtue of His law. And we will obey the word that says, "Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy," I Peter 1:16.
Monday, March 23, 2015
How You Deal With Today
March 23
I pray you have a richly blessed time in our Father's presence; I pray you listen to His voice as He speaks to you and I pray you follow where He leads, and abide in His presence always, for as the Word assures, "In His presence is fullness of joy," Psalm 16:11.
I pray you take that presence and that joy with you as you go about life's tasks and I pray the indwelling Christ is such a real and integral part of who you are that the words of Colossians 1:27, "Christ in you, the hope of glory," will be fully realized in every challenge you face and in every task you undertake and in every thought you think and in every aspect of who you are.
If you live in a place where corporate worship is dangerous or impossible, I pray you have such a blessed fellowship with Him within yourself that wherever you may be becomes a temple of worshipful expression within the heart of who you are.
May you “Sing forth the honor of His name and make His praise glorious,” according to Psalm 66:2, so even if the song must be sung within the quiet of your own heart, it will no less redound to His glory in the heavenlies.
You are precious to me, dear reader, and you are far more precious to Jesus than you are to me. You are greatly beloved. You are a child of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Let who you are and Whose you are make a difference for good in every aspect of your life for time and for eternity.
Let who you are and whose you are make a difference for good in how you deal with today.
I pray you have a richly blessed time in our Father's presence; I pray you listen to His voice as He speaks to you and I pray you follow where He leads, and abide in His presence always, for as the Word assures, "In His presence is fullness of joy," Psalm 16:11.
I pray you take that presence and that joy with you as you go about life's tasks and I pray the indwelling Christ is such a real and integral part of who you are that the words of Colossians 1:27, "Christ in you, the hope of glory," will be fully realized in every challenge you face and in every task you undertake and in every thought you think and in every aspect of who you are.
If you live in a place where corporate worship is dangerous or impossible, I pray you have such a blessed fellowship with Him within yourself that wherever you may be becomes a temple of worshipful expression within the heart of who you are.
May you “Sing forth the honor of His name and make His praise glorious,” according to Psalm 66:2, so even if the song must be sung within the quiet of your own heart, it will no less redound to His glory in the heavenlies.
You are precious to me, dear reader, and you are far more precious to Jesus than you are to me. You are greatly beloved. You are a child of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Let who you are and Whose you are make a difference for good in every aspect of your life for time and for eternity.
Let who you are and whose you are make a difference for good in how you deal with today.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Whatever It Takes
March 22
Whatever It Takes
A couple of years ago, a member of my church’s vocal team, and I were invited by a Christian leader named Yesu to go to southern India. There we would join a team of people from various parts of the U.S. We were told that God would use us to reach Muslims and Hindus and non-religious people for Christ. We all felt called by God to go, but none of us knew what to expect.
When we arrived, Yesu met us and invited us to his home. Over the course of the next few days, he told us about his ministry. Yesu’s father, a dynamic leader and speaker, had started the mission in a Hindu-dominated area. One day a Hindu leader came to Yesu’s father and asked for prayer. Eager to pray with him, hoping he would lead him to Christ, he took him into a private room, knelt down with him, closed his eyes and began to pray.
While he was praying, the Hindu man reached into his robe, pulled out a
knife and stabbed him repeatedly. Yesu, hearing his father’s screams, ran to help him. He held him in his arms as blood poured out onto the floor of the hut. Three days later, his father died.
On his deathbed he said to his son, “Please tell that man that he is forgiven. Care for your mother and carry on this ministry. Do whatever it takes to win people to Christ.”
by American pastor Bill Hybels from Too Busy Not To Pray
How many of us would be willing to lay down our lives for the sake of sharing the gospel with someone who was not merely unsaved but that despised us with a vitriolic hatred because we love and serve Jesus Christ?
Let alone allow ourselves to be sacrificed for the sake of the Gospel, how many of us are willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of sharing our faith? Can we trouble ourselves to witness to our neighbors? Do we support community outreach programs with our enthusiastic participation?
How many of us care enough to be aware of such ministries and have an insight into the needs they face? The unfortunate reality is that apart from placing our meager contribution into the collection plate, we are abysmally uninvolved in the Great Commission to “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature,” Mark 16:15.
If our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ cared enough to leave the glory of Heaven that we might be saved, should we not be willing to leave our comfort zone in order that those who have not heard may hear?
For the Word is very clear, “How can they believe in Him they have not heard? And how can they hear if there is no preacher? And how can they preach unless they be sent?” Romans 10:14, 15.
Jesus, our example, would have us to live our lives for Him and to love even the unlovely for Him. If believers are impassioned enough to lay down their lives in the behalf of His Kingdom’s purposes, surely we should be willing to devote ourselves to assuring that no one within our sphere of influence lacks a knowledge of the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.
Whatever It Takes
A couple of years ago, a member of my church’s vocal team, and I were invited by a Christian leader named Yesu to go to southern India. There we would join a team of people from various parts of the U.S. We were told that God would use us to reach Muslims and Hindus and non-religious people for Christ. We all felt called by God to go, but none of us knew what to expect.
When we arrived, Yesu met us and invited us to his home. Over the course of the next few days, he told us about his ministry. Yesu’s father, a dynamic leader and speaker, had started the mission in a Hindu-dominated area. One day a Hindu leader came to Yesu’s father and asked for prayer. Eager to pray with him, hoping he would lead him to Christ, he took him into a private room, knelt down with him, closed his eyes and began to pray.
While he was praying, the Hindu man reached into his robe, pulled out a
knife and stabbed him repeatedly. Yesu, hearing his father’s screams, ran to help him. He held him in his arms as blood poured out onto the floor of the hut. Three days later, his father died.
On his deathbed he said to his son, “Please tell that man that he is forgiven. Care for your mother and carry on this ministry. Do whatever it takes to win people to Christ.”
by American pastor Bill Hybels from Too Busy Not To Pray
How many of us would be willing to lay down our lives for the sake of sharing the gospel with someone who was not merely unsaved but that despised us with a vitriolic hatred because we love and serve Jesus Christ?
Let alone allow ourselves to be sacrificed for the sake of the Gospel, how many of us are willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of sharing our faith? Can we trouble ourselves to witness to our neighbors? Do we support community outreach programs with our enthusiastic participation?
How many of us care enough to be aware of such ministries and have an insight into the needs they face? The unfortunate reality is that apart from placing our meager contribution into the collection plate, we are abysmally uninvolved in the Great Commission to “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature,” Mark 16:15.
If our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ cared enough to leave the glory of Heaven that we might be saved, should we not be willing to leave our comfort zone in order that those who have not heard may hear?
For the Word is very clear, “How can they believe in Him they have not heard? And how can they hear if there is no preacher? And how can they preach unless they be sent?” Romans 10:14, 15.
Jesus, our example, would have us to live our lives for Him and to love even the unlovely for Him. If believers are impassioned enough to lay down their lives in the behalf of His Kingdom’s purposes, surely we should be willing to devote ourselves to assuring that no one within our sphere of influence lacks a knowledge of the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Today
March 21
II Chronicles 7:14 says, “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.”
But Isaiah 1:11-14 says, "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me? Says the LORD. I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs or goats. When you come to appear before Me, who has required this from your hand, to trample My courts?
“Bring no more futile sacrifices; incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies— I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; they are a trouble to Me; I am weary of bearing them.”
Our God and Savior is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish (see II Peter 3:9), but it is apparent from the words of Isaiah that He does reach a breaking point; He does weary with the way professed believers give lip service to Him without surrendering their hearts or their minds or their lifestyles to Him.
Taken together the passages in II Chronicles and in Isaiah tell us that there is a limit to what our Lord will put up with. He is eager to save us; Jesus died to set us free from sin and its consequences, but He will not abide our feigned worship and false life before Him.
He poses to us the same option He expressed through Moses' successor in Joshua 24:15, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Will we, like Joshua, resolve to be faithful to the One who delivered the people from bondage in Egypt?
Will we relinquish our attachment to the world and its pleasures and its foibles and sins in order to serve Christ in the beauty of holiness according to Psalm 29:2?
Will we “Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; and tremble before Him, all the earth,” as Psalm 96:9 admonishes that we do?
We have a choice to make, People!
It is time to stop playing church!
It is time to stop straddling the fence!
What fence, you ask! We must stop straddling the fence between commitment to Christ and abandonment to the world and its pleasures!
Will we be people on our face before Him according to II Chronicle 7:14, or will we be people rebuked by Him according to Isaiah 1:11-14? The sobering words of II Corinthians 6:2 are more weighty today than when they were first spoken, “Behold now is the accepted time; behold, today is the day of salvation.”
How many tomorrows can there be until Acts 1:11 is fulfilled, “This same Jesus who is taken from you into Heaven will come again in like manner as you have seen Him go”?
And when He comes, for all of us collectively or for each of us individually, it will be too late to turn from the wickedness that has beset us.
The only viable response any of us has is the one that admonishes us to accept Him today: "Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your heart," Hebrews 3:15.
II Chronicles 7:14 says, “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.”
But Isaiah 1:11-14 says, "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me? Says the LORD. I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs or goats. When you come to appear before Me, who has required this from your hand, to trample My courts?
“Bring no more futile sacrifices; incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies— I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; they are a trouble to Me; I am weary of bearing them.”
Our God and Savior is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish (see II Peter 3:9), but it is apparent from the words of Isaiah that He does reach a breaking point; He does weary with the way professed believers give lip service to Him without surrendering their hearts or their minds or their lifestyles to Him.
Taken together the passages in II Chronicles and in Isaiah tell us that there is a limit to what our Lord will put up with. He is eager to save us; Jesus died to set us free from sin and its consequences, but He will not abide our feigned worship and false life before Him.
He poses to us the same option He expressed through Moses' successor in Joshua 24:15, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Will we, like Joshua, resolve to be faithful to the One who delivered the people from bondage in Egypt?
Will we relinquish our attachment to the world and its pleasures and its foibles and sins in order to serve Christ in the beauty of holiness according to Psalm 29:2?
Will we “Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; and tremble before Him, all the earth,” as Psalm 96:9 admonishes that we do?
We have a choice to make, People!
It is time to stop playing church!
It is time to stop straddling the fence!
What fence, you ask! We must stop straddling the fence between commitment to Christ and abandonment to the world and its pleasures!
Will we be people on our face before Him according to II Chronicle 7:14, or will we be people rebuked by Him according to Isaiah 1:11-14? The sobering words of II Corinthians 6:2 are more weighty today than when they were first spoken, “Behold now is the accepted time; behold, today is the day of salvation.”
How many tomorrows can there be until Acts 1:11 is fulfilled, “This same Jesus who is taken from you into Heaven will come again in like manner as you have seen Him go”?
And when He comes, for all of us collectively or for each of us individually, it will be too late to turn from the wickedness that has beset us.
The only viable response any of us has is the one that admonishes us to accept Him today: "Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your heart," Hebrews 3:15.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Apate
March 20
Apate (Greek) noun: "Treachery, deceitfulness." Trick, deceit, and fraud are among the meanings found in classical Greek. The term itself comes from the verb apateo, "to deceive, cheat."
As Christians, we live in an age of great perile. An age in which we are in danger of "Falling away from the faith" without knowing it! An age in which Jesus warned, even the "elect" might possibly be misled. An age in which "a deluding influence" (see 2 Thessalonians 2:11, literally, "a working of error") can and will come upon all who do not "love the truth."
Apate is found just seven times in the New Testament...each usage is incredibly important for those of us living in the "age of delusion."
1-2. The deceitfulness of money. Matthew 13:22/Mark 4:19.
"...The 'apate' of riches choke out the word..."
The Bible warns us that money is "deceitful." It tends to blind us from the word of God, and lead us away from the truth. This is why the Bible instructs us, "Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it" (Proverbs 23:4).
Why? Because much wealth tempts us to trust in our money rather than our Lord. Thus, the Bible warns, "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Indeed, "He who trusts in riches will fall" (Proverbs 11:28).
3. The deceitfulness of lust. Ephesians 4:22.
"In reference to your former manner of life,
you lay aside the old self, which is being
corrupted in accordance with the lusts of 'apate.'"
The Bible warns us that lust is "deceitful." This is why the Bible instructs, "Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever" (1 John 2:15-17).
In this "age of delusion" in which we live, the entire world is currently being consumed by the "lusts of 'apate.'"
4. The deceitfulness of human philosophy. Colossians 2:8.
"See to it that no one takes you captive
through philosophy and empty 'apate',
according to the tradition of men,
according to the elementary principles
of the world, rather than according to Christ."
The Bible is either what it claims to be, or it is not. It is either "inspired by God" (see 2 Timothy 3:16) and therefore, "not a matter of one's own interpretation" (see 2 Peter 1:20-21), or it isn't.
When the Bible becomes anything less than, "everything pertaining to life and godliness" we become enslaved by "the corruption that is in the world by lust" (see 2 Peter 1:3-4). The man who strays from God's word by declaring, "That's just your interpretation," has lost everything. There are only two sources of revelation in the world: The Bible...and human philosophy. One is the truth, the other is 'apate'.
5. The deceitfulness of unrighteousness.
2 Thessalonians 2:10.
"And with all the 'apate' of unrighteousness
for those who perish, because they did not
receive the love of the truth so as to be saved."
God's way is righteousness, my way is unrighteousness. God's way is the truth that makes man free. The Devil's way is a lie that makes men slaves. The Bible is clear, the "love of truth" is the only way of escape from "delusion" and the 'apate' of unrighteousness.
6. The deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13.
"But encourage one another day after day,
as long as it is still called 'Today,'
so that none of you will be hardened
by the 'apate' of sin."
All sin is delusion. All sin is unbelief. All sin erodes understanding. All sin leads to death. Whenever we choose to sin, whenever we reject God's word, we become "hardened." "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts..." (see Hebrews 3:7,15; 4:7).
"Hardening results from men's persistence in shutting themselves to God's call and command.
A state then arises in which a man is no longer
able to hear and in which he is irretrievably enslaved. Alternatively, God makes the hardening final...God's divine sovereignty in hardening men
is precisely congruent with man's responsibility
for this hardening, hence Psalm 95:7-8...The 'deceitfulness of sin' generates a diving hardening...it is a man's reaction that causes
the hardening... The same sun that melts
the wax hardens the clay."
-The Complete Biblical Library,
Greek/English Dictionary,
Sigma-Omega, p.70.
7. The deceitfulness of False Teachers. 2 Peter 2:13 (context 2 Peter 2:1-22).
"There will be false teachers among you and secretly introduce destructive heresies...
many will follow their sensuality, and
because of them the way of truth will be maligned...They are stains and blemishes,
reveling in their 'apate'...promising them
freedom while they themselves
are slaves of corruption..."
The "age of delusion" is an age in which the "false prophets and false teachers" arise in the Church. Indeed, they have arisen and are rising. They become rich, powerful and influential because the "spirit of the Bereans" has been quenched (see Acts 17:11), thus the people of God are being destroyed (see Hosea 4:6).
"Apate." It appears just seven times and yet, in these last days, it has become "One of the Most Important Words in the Entire Bible."
From Godthoughts Wired by Pastor Brad
This brief study, if we allow it to do so, can transform believers from cultural Christians who enjoy the traditional benefits of living in a society that has been established upon the tenets of faith in Jesus Christ to empowered servants of His eternal Kingdom who understand that the Dominion in which He reigns is the only place where there is joy forevermore.
As Psalm 16:11 tells us, “You make known to me the path of life ...in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” This is not the pleasure that comes through the deceitfulness of riches or sin or the lures of the enemy of the soul. No, this is the “joy unspeakable and full of glory” of I Peter 1:8.
This is the joy that comes through seeing Christ, in faith, believing Him and rejoicing because He has redeemed us from the deceit that surrounds us and would engulf us in its temporary pleasure at the price of our eternal hope.
Let us not fall victim to the seduction described in II Timothy 3:1-13 which says, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
“For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, they are ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as was that of Jannes and Jambres before them.
“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”
Paul goes on to tell us that the way to avoid this deception—in all its forms, in all its pervasiveness—is by being grounded in the WORD! If we desire to make our faith secure in time and our eternity secure in the hand of our Living Lord, we will anchor ourselves to His truth--so the wiles of the enemy through the world and its deceitfulness will have no power over us.
Apate (Greek) noun: "Treachery, deceitfulness." Trick, deceit, and fraud are among the meanings found in classical Greek. The term itself comes from the verb apateo, "to deceive, cheat."
As Christians, we live in an age of great perile. An age in which we are in danger of "Falling away from the faith" without knowing it! An age in which Jesus warned, even the "elect" might possibly be misled. An age in which "a deluding influence" (see 2 Thessalonians 2:11, literally, "a working of error") can and will come upon all who do not "love the truth."
Apate is found just seven times in the New Testament...each usage is incredibly important for those of us living in the "age of delusion."
1-2. The deceitfulness of money. Matthew 13:22/Mark 4:19.
"...The 'apate' of riches choke out the word..."
The Bible warns us that money is "deceitful." It tends to blind us from the word of God, and lead us away from the truth. This is why the Bible instructs us, "Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it" (Proverbs 23:4).
Why? Because much wealth tempts us to trust in our money rather than our Lord. Thus, the Bible warns, "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Indeed, "He who trusts in riches will fall" (Proverbs 11:28).
3. The deceitfulness of lust. Ephesians 4:22.
"In reference to your former manner of life,
you lay aside the old self, which is being
corrupted in accordance with the lusts of 'apate.'"
The Bible warns us that lust is "deceitful." This is why the Bible instructs, "Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever" (1 John 2:15-17).
In this "age of delusion" in which we live, the entire world is currently being consumed by the "lusts of 'apate.'"
4. The deceitfulness of human philosophy. Colossians 2:8.
"See to it that no one takes you captive
through philosophy and empty 'apate',
according to the tradition of men,
according to the elementary principles
of the world, rather than according to Christ."
The Bible is either what it claims to be, or it is not. It is either "inspired by God" (see 2 Timothy 3:16) and therefore, "not a matter of one's own interpretation" (see 2 Peter 1:20-21), or it isn't.
When the Bible becomes anything less than, "everything pertaining to life and godliness" we become enslaved by "the corruption that is in the world by lust" (see 2 Peter 1:3-4). The man who strays from God's word by declaring, "That's just your interpretation," has lost everything. There are only two sources of revelation in the world: The Bible...and human philosophy. One is the truth, the other is 'apate'.
5. The deceitfulness of unrighteousness.
2 Thessalonians 2:10.
"And with all the 'apate' of unrighteousness
for those who perish, because they did not
receive the love of the truth so as to be saved."
God's way is righteousness, my way is unrighteousness. God's way is the truth that makes man free. The Devil's way is a lie that makes men slaves. The Bible is clear, the "love of truth" is the only way of escape from "delusion" and the 'apate' of unrighteousness.
6. The deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13.
"But encourage one another day after day,
as long as it is still called 'Today,'
so that none of you will be hardened
by the 'apate' of sin."
All sin is delusion. All sin is unbelief. All sin erodes understanding. All sin leads to death. Whenever we choose to sin, whenever we reject God's word, we become "hardened." "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts..." (see Hebrews 3:7,15; 4:7).
"Hardening results from men's persistence in shutting themselves to God's call and command.
A state then arises in which a man is no longer
able to hear and in which he is irretrievably enslaved. Alternatively, God makes the hardening final...God's divine sovereignty in hardening men
is precisely congruent with man's responsibility
for this hardening, hence Psalm 95:7-8...The 'deceitfulness of sin' generates a diving hardening...it is a man's reaction that causes
the hardening... The same sun that melts
the wax hardens the clay."
-The Complete Biblical Library,
Greek/English Dictionary,
Sigma-Omega, p.70.
7. The deceitfulness of False Teachers. 2 Peter 2:13 (context 2 Peter 2:1-22).
"There will be false teachers among you and secretly introduce destructive heresies...
many will follow their sensuality, and
because of them the way of truth will be maligned...They are stains and blemishes,
reveling in their 'apate'...promising them
freedom while they themselves
are slaves of corruption..."
The "age of delusion" is an age in which the "false prophets and false teachers" arise in the Church. Indeed, they have arisen and are rising. They become rich, powerful and influential because the "spirit of the Bereans" has been quenched (see Acts 17:11), thus the people of God are being destroyed (see Hosea 4:6).
"Apate." It appears just seven times and yet, in these last days, it has become "One of the Most Important Words in the Entire Bible."
From Godthoughts Wired by Pastor Brad
This brief study, if we allow it to do so, can transform believers from cultural Christians who enjoy the traditional benefits of living in a society that has been established upon the tenets of faith in Jesus Christ to empowered servants of His eternal Kingdom who understand that the Dominion in which He reigns is the only place where there is joy forevermore.
As Psalm 16:11 tells us, “You make known to me the path of life ...in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” This is not the pleasure that comes through the deceitfulness of riches or sin or the lures of the enemy of the soul. No, this is the “joy unspeakable and full of glory” of I Peter 1:8.
This is the joy that comes through seeing Christ, in faith, believing Him and rejoicing because He has redeemed us from the deceit that surrounds us and would engulf us in its temporary pleasure at the price of our eternal hope.
Let us not fall victim to the seduction described in II Timothy 3:1-13 which says, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
“For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, they are ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as was that of Jannes and Jambres before them.
“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”
Paul goes on to tell us that the way to avoid this deception—in all its forms, in all its pervasiveness—is by being grounded in the WORD! If we desire to make our faith secure in time and our eternity secure in the hand of our Living Lord, we will anchor ourselves to His truth--so the wiles of the enemy through the world and its deceitfulness will have no power over us.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Repent, Take to Heart, Act!
March 19
“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing"—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…’” Revelation 3:17.
The risen Lord had aught against His fledgling church and He used the initial pages of the final chapter of the Bible to expound them, for He has already clearly stated in Matthew 5:23 that anyone who has anything against his brother must address his grievance before him before he can offer anything before God.
The Book of Revelation delves into a most crucial topic—that of the end times—and Jesus feels it incumbent upon Him to direct His complaints to the various churches, to clear the air in order to prepare them to hear the words that so impact the ages.
In Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, Jesus addresses the seven churches which were located at:
Ephesus, which is expected to shine His light
Smyrna, which must affirm that Jesus is the first and the last, the one who died and came to life again; that He is the alpha and omega and He lives in the power of endless life.
Pergamum, is reminded that Jesus has the sharp, double-edged sword, He is in the position of authority and power and when he wields authority, it’s a blessing for those who follow and a condemnation for those who do not.
Thyatira, hears the admonition that Jesus has penetrating insight and wisdom in all things; He is swift to move and will perform quickly what needs to be done.
Sardis is reminded that Jesus holds those in leadership in His hands, and provides the seven-fold graces of the spirit.
Philadelphia, hears again that Jesus is the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David, that what He opens, no one can shut and what He shuts, no one can open.
Laodicea is told that Jesus is the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Ruler of creation; He is faithful to all God is; He is totally true and He rules over all in glorious authority.
Among the criticisms that Jesus directs to the churches are these:
1. They have forsaken the love of Jesus and drifted from His heart; they are doing the work of the church from a sense of duty rather than from a heart of love for the Lord.
2. They have held to teachings of traitors, eaten food sacrificed to idols, committed sexual impurity, lead and encouraged people away from righteous teachings and moved them toward idolatry.
3. They have put created things before the Creator. All of this is evidence that they care more for the temporal than the spiritual.
4. They have an exaggerated sense of their importance and effectiveness, but are not even close to being the church that they think they are.
They are here warned that it is that it is time for repentance. It is time to listen, take the words to heart, and act before it’s too late!
As we draw ever-nearer to the closing days of time, should we not attend to His warnings to the early Church? Should we not repent, take His words to heart and act?
“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing"—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…’” Revelation 3:17.
The risen Lord had aught against His fledgling church and He used the initial pages of the final chapter of the Bible to expound them, for He has already clearly stated in Matthew 5:23 that anyone who has anything against his brother must address his grievance before him before he can offer anything before God.
The Book of Revelation delves into a most crucial topic—that of the end times—and Jesus feels it incumbent upon Him to direct His complaints to the various churches, to clear the air in order to prepare them to hear the words that so impact the ages.
In Revelation, chapters 2 and 3, Jesus addresses the seven churches which were located at:
Ephesus, which is expected to shine His light
Smyrna, which must affirm that Jesus is the first and the last, the one who died and came to life again; that He is the alpha and omega and He lives in the power of endless life.
Pergamum, is reminded that Jesus has the sharp, double-edged sword, He is in the position of authority and power and when he wields authority, it’s a blessing for those who follow and a condemnation for those who do not.
Thyatira, hears the admonition that Jesus has penetrating insight and wisdom in all things; He is swift to move and will perform quickly what needs to be done.
Sardis is reminded that Jesus holds those in leadership in His hands, and provides the seven-fold graces of the spirit.
Philadelphia, hears again that Jesus is the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David, that what He opens, no one can shut and what He shuts, no one can open.
Laodicea is told that Jesus is the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Ruler of creation; He is faithful to all God is; He is totally true and He rules over all in glorious authority.
Among the criticisms that Jesus directs to the churches are these:
1. They have forsaken the love of Jesus and drifted from His heart; they are doing the work of the church from a sense of duty rather than from a heart of love for the Lord.
2. They have held to teachings of traitors, eaten food sacrificed to idols, committed sexual impurity, lead and encouraged people away from righteous teachings and moved them toward idolatry.
3. They have put created things before the Creator. All of this is evidence that they care more for the temporal than the spiritual.
4. They have an exaggerated sense of their importance and effectiveness, but are not even close to being the church that they think they are.
They are here warned that it is that it is time for repentance. It is time to listen, take the words to heart, and act before it’s too late!
As we draw ever-nearer to the closing days of time, should we not attend to His warnings to the early Church? Should we not repent, take His words to heart and act?
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
At the Feet of the King
March 18
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17.
The Word of God, the Living Word, Jesus Christ is the One by Whom and through Whom faith comes. If we deny Him, we have no faith at all. Oh, we may think we have faith. We may attend church every time the doors are open, we may spend ourselves tirelessly to further the cause of the Kingdom, we may give of our resources until our coffers are empty, but we will not have done it for faith.
The world is full of people who think they are serving God. From the most radical terrorist who kills in the name of the Holy One who has said, “thou shalt not kill,” Exodus 20:13, to the TV evangelist who goads the gullible into donating their meager resources in order to reap a reward from the Lord, the misguided are everywhere misrepresenting the Word.
And by our self-identified measure of God’s favor, we try to convince ourselves that they’re actually winning. We neglect to remember that, “Without faith it is impossible to please God,” Hebrews 11:6. We fail to grasp the reality that “…he who comes to the Father must believe that HE IS…”
His infallible Word states clearly that the one who comes to him cannot be “driven like the winds of the sea and tossed about,” James 1:6. If anything propels our faith but the Word of God, if anything but the Living Christ is our motivation, then nothing we do, nothing that we believe ourselves to be is of any consequence in the Kingdom’s value system.
We must not allow ourselves to be compelled to act in the way the world expects us to comport ourselves or in compliance with the things the belief systems in which we were nurtured anticipate that we will conduct ourselves.
No, we must hear the Word of God, the true. Infallible, eternal, living Word of God; we must have faith in it and in the One who gave it to us; and we must act upon it in the power of His name. As we do, that faith will become alive in us, and we will do exploits in the behalf of the Kingdom that we serve; we will, because we have placed our lives at the feet of the King.
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17.
The Word of God, the Living Word, Jesus Christ is the One by Whom and through Whom faith comes. If we deny Him, we have no faith at all. Oh, we may think we have faith. We may attend church every time the doors are open, we may spend ourselves tirelessly to further the cause of the Kingdom, we may give of our resources until our coffers are empty, but we will not have done it for faith.
The world is full of people who think they are serving God. From the most radical terrorist who kills in the name of the Holy One who has said, “thou shalt not kill,” Exodus 20:13, to the TV evangelist who goads the gullible into donating their meager resources in order to reap a reward from the Lord, the misguided are everywhere misrepresenting the Word.
And by our self-identified measure of God’s favor, we try to convince ourselves that they’re actually winning. We neglect to remember that, “Without faith it is impossible to please God,” Hebrews 11:6. We fail to grasp the reality that “…he who comes to the Father must believe that HE IS…”
His infallible Word states clearly that the one who comes to him cannot be “driven like the winds of the sea and tossed about,” James 1:6. If anything propels our faith but the Word of God, if anything but the Living Christ is our motivation, then nothing we do, nothing that we believe ourselves to be is of any consequence in the Kingdom’s value system.
We must not allow ourselves to be compelled to act in the way the world expects us to comport ourselves or in compliance with the things the belief systems in which we were nurtured anticipate that we will conduct ourselves.
No, we must hear the Word of God, the true. Infallible, eternal, living Word of God; we must have faith in it and in the One who gave it to us; and we must act upon it in the power of His name. As we do, that faith will become alive in us, and we will do exploits in the behalf of the Kingdom that we serve; we will, because we have placed our lives at the feet of the King.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
We Need a Savior
March 17
"While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
“So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’
And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
"Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,” Acts 26:12-19.
Paul, the great Apostle who ultimately gave his life for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ, had been “a Hebrew of the Hebrews.” In Philippians 3:4-14, he expands upon his background of faith in the law of Moses and in the religion of his nation:
“I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but dung, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
Paul here acknowledges his knowledge, his training in the law and religion of his heritage; he acknowledges his zeal for the things he had been taught and the lofty height he had reached as a representative of his faith.
He also confesses the utter worthlessness of all he valued when it came to the eternal security of his own soul. Paul declares that everything he counted of worth in the service to his God was utter refuse in the value system of the Almighty.
Paul, because of the encounter he had with the Living Christ on the Road to Damascus, the Living Christ whom he had persecuted, was able to recognize that all the knowledge of religion, all the practice of the tenets of faith, all the zealous pursuit of the purpose of God—if viewed from a skewed perspective, are worthless.
Paul was able to conclude through his encounter with Jesus that Jesus Himself is the only viable way to God, the only reasonable object of devotion and service. Paul was able, because of knowing Jesus face-to-face that owning the Living Christ is the only way of salvation.
We, in our injudicious zeal today, must come to that same conclusion. Nothing can save us. No amount of misguided service to God can please Him. Our hope is “built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness,” (from On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand, by Edward Mote).
We, like Paul, need a savior…and the only Savior is Jesus Christ.
"While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
“So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’
And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
"Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,” Acts 26:12-19.
Paul, the great Apostle who ultimately gave his life for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ, had been “a Hebrew of the Hebrews.” In Philippians 3:4-14, he expands upon his background of faith in the law of Moses and in the religion of his nation:
“I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but dung, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
Paul here acknowledges his knowledge, his training in the law and religion of his heritage; he acknowledges his zeal for the things he had been taught and the lofty height he had reached as a representative of his faith.
He also confesses the utter worthlessness of all he valued when it came to the eternal security of his own soul. Paul declares that everything he counted of worth in the service to his God was utter refuse in the value system of the Almighty.
Paul, because of the encounter he had with the Living Christ on the Road to Damascus, the Living Christ whom he had persecuted, was able to recognize that all the knowledge of religion, all the practice of the tenets of faith, all the zealous pursuit of the purpose of God—if viewed from a skewed perspective, are worthless.
Paul was able to conclude through his encounter with Jesus that Jesus Himself is the only viable way to God, the only reasonable object of devotion and service. Paul was able, because of knowing Jesus face-to-face that owning the Living Christ is the only way of salvation.
We, in our injudicious zeal today, must come to that same conclusion. Nothing can save us. No amount of misguided service to God can please Him. Our hope is “built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness,” (from On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand, by Edward Mote).
We, like Paul, need a savior…and the only Savior is Jesus Christ.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Choose
March 16
“God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God. Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; for You render to each one according to his work,” Psalm 62:11, 12.
David has heard God speak concerning two of the most essential points required if man is to truly know God. David has heard Him speak regarding His power and His mercy.
The whole earth testifies to the power of God. Anyone who has ever stood before the raging sea in a furious storm knows beyond the shadow of doubting that there is an awesome force behind the soaring waves and the furious winds that drive them.
Anyone who has ever stood frozen in fear as an earthquake shook the ground beneath his feet is aware of the exceeding power of the one who not only holds the earth in the hollow of His hand, but the one who can shake it at His will, (see Hebrews 12:27)
Isaiah 40:12 states His unfathomable power thusly, “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?”
And who of the millions of believers in Christ who have placed their broken lives at the feet of the Lord is not aware of the amazing and vast bridge of mercy that we have found there? It is a bridge we may cross from darkness to light, from despair to hope, from sin to forgiveness, from death to life!
Who among us who has seen a glimpse of the holiness of God has not marveled that such an infinitely pure being can have mercy upon those of us who have been engulfed in sin? Indeed, Isaiah 1:18 assures us, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be washed white as snow.”
The shed blood of Jesus, “…cleanses us from all unrighteousness,” I John 1:7 as soon as we, “Walk in the light as He is in the light,” and enables us to, “have fellowship with one another,” as well as allowing us to have fellowship with our Holy God.
May everyone embrace the God who sacrificed Himself that we might live. May everyone walk in the power of the immutable Word He has made alive to us, (see John 1:1 and John 1:14.) May everyone choose to abide in the One who is the Truth that sets us free, (see John 8:32.)
“God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God. Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; for You render to each one according to his work,” Psalm 62:11, 12.
David has heard God speak concerning two of the most essential points required if man is to truly know God. David has heard Him speak regarding His power and His mercy.
The whole earth testifies to the power of God. Anyone who has ever stood before the raging sea in a furious storm knows beyond the shadow of doubting that there is an awesome force behind the soaring waves and the furious winds that drive them.
Anyone who has ever stood frozen in fear as an earthquake shook the ground beneath his feet is aware of the exceeding power of the one who not only holds the earth in the hollow of His hand, but the one who can shake it at His will, (see Hebrews 12:27)
Isaiah 40:12 states His unfathomable power thusly, “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?”
And who of the millions of believers in Christ who have placed their broken lives at the feet of the Lord is not aware of the amazing and vast bridge of mercy that we have found there? It is a bridge we may cross from darkness to light, from despair to hope, from sin to forgiveness, from death to life!
Who among us who has seen a glimpse of the holiness of God has not marveled that such an infinitely pure being can have mercy upon those of us who have been engulfed in sin? Indeed, Isaiah 1:18 assures us, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be washed white as snow.”
The shed blood of Jesus, “…cleanses us from all unrighteousness,” I John 1:7 as soon as we, “Walk in the light as He is in the light,” and enables us to, “have fellowship with one another,” as well as allowing us to have fellowship with our Holy God.
May everyone embrace the God who sacrificed Himself that we might live. May everyone walk in the power of the immutable Word He has made alive to us, (see John 1:1 and John 1:14.) May everyone choose to abide in the One who is the Truth that sets us free, (see John 8:32.)
Sunday, March 15, 2015
The Same Hour
March 15
"So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, Your son lives. And he himself believed, and his whole household," John 4:53
The nobleman's son was dying. In desperation, his father approached Jesus with the sad tale of his worsening condition. To human eyes, the situation looked hopeless. Human hands couldn't help, but the father of the dying child knew the One to whom he was turning was not bound by human limitations. The loving father knew the One whose help he sought had brought Heaven's power to earth-bound man to set him free from sin and death.
Dire circumstances require dramatic action. Man's helplessness demands Heaven's hope. And Heaven's hope is still where it has always been—it is in Jesus, the One, "...who stretched forth the heavens and laid the foundation of the earth," Isaiah 51:12, 13. In its entirety, the passage says, "Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who shall die and forget the Lord your God...?"
We who profess faith in Him must affirm that confidence, not only by sharing our belief with others but by employing it in our own lives at the point of our own need. We must have the boldness of the nobleman who approached the Lord with his dire problem.
The man was not one of the humble peasants who usually followed Jesus; in fact the Word says, "The royal official implored, "Sir, come down before my child dies." Jesus replied, "You may go. Your son will live." The man took Jesus at His word and departed.
While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour." Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So the nobleman and all his household received the good news of Christ who transforms dire circumstances into cause for faith.
It wasn't as though Jesus were nearby when the nobleman determined to seek His help. Rather, the Lord was 20 miles from Capernaum where the nobleman lived! The anguished father had heard that it was in Cana of Galilee where the Healer could be found and he set upon the journey himself, rather than to send a servant to beseech the Lord to come and heal his son!
The man's desperation compelled him on a journey of love and hope; it set him on an errand that, if it failed, would assure he would not be at his son's side when he breathed his last. It was a journey of complete faith! And his faith was not denied!
Upon his return journey, after receiving Jesus' assurance that his son would live, the nobleman was met by servants of his household who told him that his son was raised from his deathbed! And in case the father might harbor any notion that this was a mere coincidence, the servants told him when the miraculous turn around occurred—and it was at "the same hour" that Jesus had promised his child would be healed!
Believers in Christ, arise! Let faith well up strong within you! Let your hope be "built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness"--(hymn by Edward Mote, written in 1834). Let your confident assurance be in His unchanging love and power. Believe and be sure that whatever your need, "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.
You may know beyond the shadow of doubting that the promise of Jeremiah 33:3, "Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things you cannot imagine," is true TODAY, and it is true for YOU!
"So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, Your son lives. And he himself believed, and his whole household," John 4:53
The nobleman's son was dying. In desperation, his father approached Jesus with the sad tale of his worsening condition. To human eyes, the situation looked hopeless. Human hands couldn't help, but the father of the dying child knew the One to whom he was turning was not bound by human limitations. The loving father knew the One whose help he sought had brought Heaven's power to earth-bound man to set him free from sin and death.
Dire circumstances require dramatic action. Man's helplessness demands Heaven's hope. And Heaven's hope is still where it has always been—it is in Jesus, the One, "...who stretched forth the heavens and laid the foundation of the earth," Isaiah 51:12, 13. In its entirety, the passage says, "Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who shall die and forget the Lord your God...?"
We who profess faith in Him must affirm that confidence, not only by sharing our belief with others but by employing it in our own lives at the point of our own need. We must have the boldness of the nobleman who approached the Lord with his dire problem.
The man was not one of the humble peasants who usually followed Jesus; in fact the Word says, "The royal official implored, "Sir, come down before my child dies." Jesus replied, "You may go. Your son will live." The man took Jesus at His word and departed.
While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour." Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So the nobleman and all his household received the good news of Christ who transforms dire circumstances into cause for faith.
It wasn't as though Jesus were nearby when the nobleman determined to seek His help. Rather, the Lord was 20 miles from Capernaum where the nobleman lived! The anguished father had heard that it was in Cana of Galilee where the Healer could be found and he set upon the journey himself, rather than to send a servant to beseech the Lord to come and heal his son!
The man's desperation compelled him on a journey of love and hope; it set him on an errand that, if it failed, would assure he would not be at his son's side when he breathed his last. It was a journey of complete faith! And his faith was not denied!
Upon his return journey, after receiving Jesus' assurance that his son would live, the nobleman was met by servants of his household who told him that his son was raised from his deathbed! And in case the father might harbor any notion that this was a mere coincidence, the servants told him when the miraculous turn around occurred—and it was at "the same hour" that Jesus had promised his child would be healed!
Believers in Christ, arise! Let faith well up strong within you! Let your hope be "built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness"--(hymn by Edward Mote, written in 1834). Let your confident assurance be in His unchanging love and power. Believe and be sure that whatever your need, "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.
You may know beyond the shadow of doubting that the promise of Jeremiah 33:3, "Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things you cannot imagine," is true TODAY, and it is true for YOU!
Saturday, March 14, 2015
In His Strength
March 14
"Forget about the wrong things people do to you, and do not try to get even. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. I am the Lord," Leviticus 19:18.
People yearn for world peace. People yearn for peace within their home, within their nation, within themselves, but peace is among the most elusive of commodities.
Regarding world peace, the Word tells us in I Thessalonians 5:3, that when we are crying, “peace and safety, then will sudden destruction come.” Perhaps the most important reason for the inability of the entirety of the planet to achieve peace is the reality that its inhabitants are so unable to attain it within themselves.
In Philippians 4:7 the Apostle Paul tells us, “The peace of God that passes all understanding will keep your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.” Can it be that world peace is ever-sought but never-found because we have not allowed the Prince of Peace to reign in ourselves?
Everyday people who lack the kind of authority required to implement national policy or to enact laws may not be able to transform the world through political or military means, but we do have an unfailing source of power that we can employ daily toward the pulling down of the strongholds that impact our lives.
II Corinthians 10:3, 4 tells us, “Though we live in the world we are not warring against the world, for the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”
Our focus must ever be on the hearts and souls of men. Certainly we care that the poor be fed and clothed, that the freedoms we hold dear be maintained, but if we do not invest ourselves in the transforming of souls from death to life in Christ, no other of our longings stand any chance of being fulfilled.
Until Christ is all and in all, our efforts will be vain and unfruitful. With Him, however, we can do all things—not in our own strength but in His, Philippians 4:13.
"Forget about the wrong things people do to you, and do not try to get even. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. I am the Lord," Leviticus 19:18.
People yearn for world peace. People yearn for peace within their home, within their nation, within themselves, but peace is among the most elusive of commodities.
Regarding world peace, the Word tells us in I Thessalonians 5:3, that when we are crying, “peace and safety, then will sudden destruction come.” Perhaps the most important reason for the inability of the entirety of the planet to achieve peace is the reality that its inhabitants are so unable to attain it within themselves.
In Philippians 4:7 the Apostle Paul tells us, “The peace of God that passes all understanding will keep your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.” Can it be that world peace is ever-sought but never-found because we have not allowed the Prince of Peace to reign in ourselves?
Everyday people who lack the kind of authority required to implement national policy or to enact laws may not be able to transform the world through political or military means, but we do have an unfailing source of power that we can employ daily toward the pulling down of the strongholds that impact our lives.
II Corinthians 10:3, 4 tells us, “Though we live in the world we are not warring against the world, for the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”
Our focus must ever be on the hearts and souls of men. Certainly we care that the poor be fed and clothed, that the freedoms we hold dear be maintained, but if we do not invest ourselves in the transforming of souls from death to life in Christ, no other of our longings stand any chance of being fulfilled.
Until Christ is all and in all, our efforts will be vain and unfruitful. With Him, however, we can do all things—not in our own strength but in His, Philippians 4:13.
Friday, March 13, 2015
He Will Be Glorified
March 13
Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith,” Hebrews 11:6, 7.
Faith is something everyone has but that many of us misplace. We eagerly put our trust in people, in institutions, in the weather! But we neglect to lay it at the feet of Jesus where it belongs—and indeed—where it will do us the most good.
Our race is much too preoccupied with the world. We live in an age of over-abundance and self-indulgence. Our grocery stores afford us aisle after aisle of foods and products from every state in the union and from many countries in the world.
We have the opportunity to satisfy our taste for the exotic fare of the far-flung corners of the globe, by simply strolling the aisles of our local grocery stores. The internet gives us access to recipes for preparing these acquisitions in the authentic fashion of their nations of origin.
We believe in the ever-increasing resources that are daily more readily available to us, but as we become ever more reliant upon the world and its assets, we find ourselves less and less in possession of the power of the Living God at work in our lives.
Jesus said we could “ask anything,” using His name as the basis for our authority and it “will be done,” John 14:14, yet our prayers in His name rarely produce the results we seek. Why? Has His mighty name lost its power? Has the authority He gave us, reiterated again and again, been withdrawn from us?
James 4:3 addresses this lack. Here, the brother of the Lord tells us that we ask with the wrong motives. Although our God understands our frame, Psalm 103:14 and He knows our needs before we express them, Isaiah 65:24, and it is His desire to fulfill them, His great intent is not so much to gratify the yearning within us as it is to satisfy His own desire!
And what is the desire of the heart of the Holy One? John 14:13 tells us His reason is “that the Father might be glorified in the Son.” Is His glory the intent of our hearts when we pray? Psalm 37:4 assures that if we, “delight in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart.”
If we will change our focus from our desires, from our needs, from the achievement of our ends to the purpose of Jesus—that His name be lifted up (see John 12:32), He will reach down from Heaven and grant us our petition. And in so doing, He will be glorified by drawing all men to Himself.
Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith,” Hebrews 11:6, 7.
Faith is something everyone has but that many of us misplace. We eagerly put our trust in people, in institutions, in the weather! But we neglect to lay it at the feet of Jesus where it belongs—and indeed—where it will do us the most good.
Our race is much too preoccupied with the world. We live in an age of over-abundance and self-indulgence. Our grocery stores afford us aisle after aisle of foods and products from every state in the union and from many countries in the world.
We have the opportunity to satisfy our taste for the exotic fare of the far-flung corners of the globe, by simply strolling the aisles of our local grocery stores. The internet gives us access to recipes for preparing these acquisitions in the authentic fashion of their nations of origin.
We believe in the ever-increasing resources that are daily more readily available to us, but as we become ever more reliant upon the world and its assets, we find ourselves less and less in possession of the power of the Living God at work in our lives.
Jesus said we could “ask anything,” using His name as the basis for our authority and it “will be done,” John 14:14, yet our prayers in His name rarely produce the results we seek. Why? Has His mighty name lost its power? Has the authority He gave us, reiterated again and again, been withdrawn from us?
James 4:3 addresses this lack. Here, the brother of the Lord tells us that we ask with the wrong motives. Although our God understands our frame, Psalm 103:14 and He knows our needs before we express them, Isaiah 65:24, and it is His desire to fulfill them, His great intent is not so much to gratify the yearning within us as it is to satisfy His own desire!
And what is the desire of the heart of the Holy One? John 14:13 tells us His reason is “that the Father might be glorified in the Son.” Is His glory the intent of our hearts when we pray? Psalm 37:4 assures that if we, “delight in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart.”
If we will change our focus from our desires, from our needs, from the achievement of our ends to the purpose of Jesus—that His name be lifted up (see John 12:32), He will reach down from Heaven and grant us our petition. And in so doing, He will be glorified by drawing all men to Himself.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
To See Beyond
March 12
Jesus’ words in John 10:27-30 convey a substantial level of doctrinal truth.
He says, “My sheep listen to My voice. I know them and they follow Me. I give them eternal life and they will never die; no one can steal them out of My hand, for My Father gave My sheep to Me. He is greater than all, and no person can steal My sheep out of My Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
If a person had no more of scripture than these few verses, he could establish his faith on the solid rock of Jesus and His eternal truth.
Add to this Romans 8:38, 39, “I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” and the battery of evidence of the worthiness of the plan of salvation becomes even more profound upon each of our lives.
What will we do with this actuality? What will we do with these words that compel us from our vain lifestyle of pleasurable pursuits and short-term achievements to an investment of the entirety of our person-hood into endeavors that further the eternal longing of the heart of God that “all men might be saved”? I Timothy 2:4.
If our answer is anything but, “Here am I, Lord, send me,” Isaiah 6:8, then we have fallen far short of the destiny our Father and our God desires us to have.
Unless we can say with Paul, “I count all things but dung for the sake of the precious knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord,” Philippians 3:8, then we are short-changing ourselves in the only eternal area of our lives.
Lord Jesus, help us to see beyond this Vale of Tears and its temporary allurements, beyond “all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, which is not of the Father, but is of the world,” I John 2:16, and help us to fix our gaze on You, “the Author and Finisher of our faith,” Hebrews 12:2.
Jesus’ words in John 10:27-30 convey a substantial level of doctrinal truth.
He says, “My sheep listen to My voice. I know them and they follow Me. I give them eternal life and they will never die; no one can steal them out of My hand, for My Father gave My sheep to Me. He is greater than all, and no person can steal My sheep out of My Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
If a person had no more of scripture than these few verses, he could establish his faith on the solid rock of Jesus and His eternal truth.
Add to this Romans 8:38, 39, “I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” and the battery of evidence of the worthiness of the plan of salvation becomes even more profound upon each of our lives.
What will we do with this actuality? What will we do with these words that compel us from our vain lifestyle of pleasurable pursuits and short-term achievements to an investment of the entirety of our person-hood into endeavors that further the eternal longing of the heart of God that “all men might be saved”? I Timothy 2:4.
If our answer is anything but, “Here am I, Lord, send me,” Isaiah 6:8, then we have fallen far short of the destiny our Father and our God desires us to have.
Unless we can say with Paul, “I count all things but dung for the sake of the precious knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord,” Philippians 3:8, then we are short-changing ourselves in the only eternal area of our lives.
Lord Jesus, help us to see beyond this Vale of Tears and its temporary allurements, beyond “all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, which is not of the Father, but is of the world,” I John 2:16, and help us to fix our gaze on You, “the Author and Finisher of our faith,” Hebrews 12:2.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
...Follow God When the Path Isn't Clear
March 11
Three Ways to Follow God When the Path Isn’t Clear by Jennifer Heeren
The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1).
God didn’t give Abram (later to be called Abraham) a detailed map or even show him the exact final destination. He basically said, “Abram, leave your comfort zone and go where I will show you.” However, God also added that he would bless Abram and his descendants if Abram obeyed him. Abram didn’t know where he would end up, but he knew and trusted God’s character, so he obeyed anyway.
Abram’s obedience happened one step at a time. With each step, Abram heard a little more from God.
I feel that this is what God requires of me as well. In November, I lost my job. I don’t know exactly where God is taking me next but I am trusting that it will be a good place—a place of blessing. Each day since, I have been doing what I know to do within each day. I’ve been looking, applying, and networking. I’ve also been taking advantage of the time and learning some new skills. All the while remembering that God is a good God who loves to give good gifts to his children. Each day I feel like I’m a little closer to knowing where he is taking me next and this brings me peace even in the not knowing.
Like Abram, I am learning lessons as I walk through my journey. Three lessons that God is teaching me are:
1. Step Out of My Comfort Zone
God wants me to continually step out of my comfort zone and trust him with the unknowns. I have to leave room for God to guide me. If God were to come show me step-by-step his exact will for my life, it wouldn’t require faith for me to follow him. Moreover, if I know exactly where I’m going beforehand, the idea probably isn’t from God. It probably came out of my own head and ideals. God likes me to follow him in faith and trust—not in knowing. This frees me from getting stuck in my own ideas, which often can take me away from God’s will, because let’s face it, my own ideas can be very flawed as well as limited. God sees everything—past, present and future. He is not limited.
When I think back to times when I actually did step out of my comfort zone, it can give me confidence to do it again. A few years ago, I got married and moved many, many miles away from the state that I’d lived in my entire life. I knew it was for a good reason but I didn’t know a lot of the details that I would encounter after the move. But I did it anyway.
2. Take One Step at a Time
There’s also another reason God doesn’t want me to know too much too soon. If I know too quickly, I might get overwhelmed and give up because it seems too hard. I might know where I’ll end up but I won’t necessarily know how. And, this not knowing how would cause me to have all kinds of anxious and worried thoughts. Nobody can do their best work under stress. God doesn’t ask me to take a step that is five miles up the road. Each step of this step-by-step approach is made under the daylight of the present moment. Everyone can take one step at a time.
I once tried a ropes course that was over twenty feet above the ground. My initial thought was that there was no way I could balance myself and walk across those ropes. I wore a safety harness but my jitters didn’t seem to understand that I was completely safe. It was still scary. But…as I took one step at a time, I reached my destination.
3. Action Lessens Worry
I tend to overanalyze everything and overanalyzing causes me to worry and even become paralyzed. Taking action erases a lot of these worries because the act of doing something takes on a life of its own. I concentrate on the task at hand, not the results that will come later. Worry about future results usually happens before I ever take an action to complete something. Taking actions regularly is a way of living in the moment and often deletes some of the fears of the future and regrets of the past.
Also in that ropes course, I realized that most of my worries came before I started each section. Thinking about the possibility of falling happened before my first step. But…when I took the action necessary and started moving, my action really did erase a few fears because I wasn’t thinking about them.
Bonus Lesson: God is With Me as I Go
Abram was able to trust God in the not knowing because he believed that God was with him. I also have this assurance because Jesus said, “…be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Even to the end of the age means in every moment of my life.
Is God speaking to you about leaving your comfort zone and going without knowing? If he is, spend some time in the Bible and in reflective thought and wait for him to give you your first step, not the whole plan, just the first step.
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going (see Hebrews 11:8).
Three Ways to Follow God When the Path Isn’t Clear by Jennifer Heeren
The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1).
God didn’t give Abram (later to be called Abraham) a detailed map or even show him the exact final destination. He basically said, “Abram, leave your comfort zone and go where I will show you.” However, God also added that he would bless Abram and his descendants if Abram obeyed him. Abram didn’t know where he would end up, but he knew and trusted God’s character, so he obeyed anyway.
Abram’s obedience happened one step at a time. With each step, Abram heard a little more from God.
I feel that this is what God requires of me as well. In November, I lost my job. I don’t know exactly where God is taking me next but I am trusting that it will be a good place—a place of blessing. Each day since, I have been doing what I know to do within each day. I’ve been looking, applying, and networking. I’ve also been taking advantage of the time and learning some new skills. All the while remembering that God is a good God who loves to give good gifts to his children. Each day I feel like I’m a little closer to knowing where he is taking me next and this brings me peace even in the not knowing.
Like Abram, I am learning lessons as I walk through my journey. Three lessons that God is teaching me are:
1. Step Out of My Comfort Zone
God wants me to continually step out of my comfort zone and trust him with the unknowns. I have to leave room for God to guide me. If God were to come show me step-by-step his exact will for my life, it wouldn’t require faith for me to follow him. Moreover, if I know exactly where I’m going beforehand, the idea probably isn’t from God. It probably came out of my own head and ideals. God likes me to follow him in faith and trust—not in knowing. This frees me from getting stuck in my own ideas, which often can take me away from God’s will, because let’s face it, my own ideas can be very flawed as well as limited. God sees everything—past, present and future. He is not limited.
When I think back to times when I actually did step out of my comfort zone, it can give me confidence to do it again. A few years ago, I got married and moved many, many miles away from the state that I’d lived in my entire life. I knew it was for a good reason but I didn’t know a lot of the details that I would encounter after the move. But I did it anyway.
2. Take One Step at a Time
There’s also another reason God doesn’t want me to know too much too soon. If I know too quickly, I might get overwhelmed and give up because it seems too hard. I might know where I’ll end up but I won’t necessarily know how. And, this not knowing how would cause me to have all kinds of anxious and worried thoughts. Nobody can do their best work under stress. God doesn’t ask me to take a step that is five miles up the road. Each step of this step-by-step approach is made under the daylight of the present moment. Everyone can take one step at a time.
I once tried a ropes course that was over twenty feet above the ground. My initial thought was that there was no way I could balance myself and walk across those ropes. I wore a safety harness but my jitters didn’t seem to understand that I was completely safe. It was still scary. But…as I took one step at a time, I reached my destination.
3. Action Lessens Worry
I tend to overanalyze everything and overanalyzing causes me to worry and even become paralyzed. Taking action erases a lot of these worries because the act of doing something takes on a life of its own. I concentrate on the task at hand, not the results that will come later. Worry about future results usually happens before I ever take an action to complete something. Taking actions regularly is a way of living in the moment and often deletes some of the fears of the future and regrets of the past.
Also in that ropes course, I realized that most of my worries came before I started each section. Thinking about the possibility of falling happened before my first step. But…when I took the action necessary and started moving, my action really did erase a few fears because I wasn’t thinking about them.
Bonus Lesson: God is With Me as I Go
Abram was able to trust God in the not knowing because he believed that God was with him. I also have this assurance because Jesus said, “…be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Even to the end of the age means in every moment of my life.
Is God speaking to you about leaving your comfort zone and going without knowing? If he is, spend some time in the Bible and in reflective thought and wait for him to give you your first step, not the whole plan, just the first step.
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going (see Hebrews 11:8).
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
The Importance of Scripture
March 10
The Importance of Scripture by John W. Ritenbaugh
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work,” II Timothy 3:16, 17.
God's instruction is given so that we are well-supplied with knowledge, understanding, inspiration, and motivation to live actually and practically by faith. Yielding to God's sovereignty is not merely the rationale for divine government. Doctrine means "teaching," and it is by means of these teachings that the great realities of our God and Savior are revealed to us. We are spiritually nourished by doctrine, and as we apply it, growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ occurs.
A couple of easily understood scriptures will help us see how God's Word and living by faith work together to cause growth.
Romans 1:16-17 informs us: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
Add to this Jesus' words in John 6:63: "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life."
Jesus is characterized as the living Word of God. At the most basic level, as with any book, the Bible is simply a collection of words. However, its words are specifically instructions from our Creator God who is Spirit and inhabits eternity. Because that God lives in and oversees our lives, the Bible's words are full of dynamic powers, if we believe them and use them. They will guide us to become like the eternal, spiritual God.
It is impossible to be formed into the image of Jesus Christ without His Word in us because we must voluntarily cooperate with God in His purpose in order for Him to do the forming. The forming must be accompanied by our knowing and understanding His will. We must never forget that Jesus says that truth sets free (John 8:32). God's truths set us free—free from ignorance of God and His purpose; free from the power of evil; free from the wiles of Satan; free from human nature.
The doctrine of God's sovereignty is foundational to Christian life because, as we move through a life lived by faith, we must firmly, even absolutely, know where we stand in relation to Him and His purpose, or our human nature will rise up and resist conforming to His will. We must know that He is close, that He is love, that He is wisdom, and that He has power over every situation in our lives.
God says through Moses in Deuteronomy 8:3: “So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.”
Notice how God's supplying of manna—symbolic of food and therefore implying eating—shows a spiritual need met in the wilderness. God's Word is just as essential to spiritual life as food is to physical life. Just as one must discipline himself to provide and eat physical food, so must one exercise discipline to seek, provide, and ingest spiritual food. If one will not do this, just as physical health will decline without adequate food, an inadequate spiritual diet will lead to spiritual weakness and disease.
God provides the Bible to promote righteous living and to motivate us to subjugate our carnal natures to His will. A major effect of seeking God and grasping His sovereignty, then, is that it promotes humility by means of the admiration and appreciation gained from comparing our puny lives and characters to His.
The Importance of Scripture by John W. Ritenbaugh
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work,” II Timothy 3:16, 17.
God's instruction is given so that we are well-supplied with knowledge, understanding, inspiration, and motivation to live actually and practically by faith. Yielding to God's sovereignty is not merely the rationale for divine government. Doctrine means "teaching," and it is by means of these teachings that the great realities of our God and Savior are revealed to us. We are spiritually nourished by doctrine, and as we apply it, growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ occurs.
A couple of easily understood scriptures will help us see how God's Word and living by faith work together to cause growth.
Romans 1:16-17 informs us: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
Add to this Jesus' words in John 6:63: "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life."
Jesus is characterized as the living Word of God. At the most basic level, as with any book, the Bible is simply a collection of words. However, its words are specifically instructions from our Creator God who is Spirit and inhabits eternity. Because that God lives in and oversees our lives, the Bible's words are full of dynamic powers, if we believe them and use them. They will guide us to become like the eternal, spiritual God.
It is impossible to be formed into the image of Jesus Christ without His Word in us because we must voluntarily cooperate with God in His purpose in order for Him to do the forming. The forming must be accompanied by our knowing and understanding His will. We must never forget that Jesus says that truth sets free (John 8:32). God's truths set us free—free from ignorance of God and His purpose; free from the power of evil; free from the wiles of Satan; free from human nature.
The doctrine of God's sovereignty is foundational to Christian life because, as we move through a life lived by faith, we must firmly, even absolutely, know where we stand in relation to Him and His purpose, or our human nature will rise up and resist conforming to His will. We must know that He is close, that He is love, that He is wisdom, and that He has power over every situation in our lives.
God says through Moses in Deuteronomy 8:3: “So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.”
Notice how God's supplying of manna—symbolic of food and therefore implying eating—shows a spiritual need met in the wilderness. God's Word is just as essential to spiritual life as food is to physical life. Just as one must discipline himself to provide and eat physical food, so must one exercise discipline to seek, provide, and ingest spiritual food. If one will not do this, just as physical health will decline without adequate food, an inadequate spiritual diet will lead to spiritual weakness and disease.
God provides the Bible to promote righteous living and to motivate us to subjugate our carnal natures to His will. A major effect of seeking God and grasping His sovereignty, then, is that it promotes humility by means of the admiration and appreciation gained from comparing our puny lives and characters to His.
Monday, March 9, 2015
Building a Temple
March 9
Iceland Building a Temple to Thor by Dr. Jim Denison
Icelanders are building their first temple to Thor since the Viking age. Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson is high priest of a movement that promotes Thor, Odin, and other Norse gods. His group will start construction this month on a temple that will stand on a hill overlooking ReykjavÃk, the capital of Iceland. Membership in their movement has tripled in the last decade. Their temple will host weddings and funerals, among other rituals.
"As he thinketh in his heart, so is he," Proverbs 23:7. When we change our worldview, we change our world.
While 94.8 percent of Icelanders are registered with a religion, only 31 percent believe a Supreme Being exists; 51 percent believe in their own personal version of god or a life force. Two percent attend church on any given week. Now consider that more than half the babies in Iceland are born to unwed mothers. The average Icelandic adolescent begins having sex at the age of 15. Cohabitation typically precedes or replaces marriage.
Behavior follows beliefs. When we jettison a biblical worldview, we replace it with a non-biblical one. Chesterton noted that "the first effect of not believing in God is to believe in anything." He also observed, "The nineteenth century decided to have no religious authority. The twentieth century seems to disposed to have any religious authority." He could have been reading today's news.
John F. Kennedy said, "A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on." For good or for evil, ideas change the world. For instance, ISIS captured the news cycle again by burning alive a captured Jordanian pilot. Their leaders are convinced that they are obeying the Qur'an. Also making news, a university in Vermont now allows students to select any gender identification they choose. Other schools are expected to follow suit, accommodating a culture that no longer believes God made us "male and female," Genesis 1:27.
By contrast, when Pope Francis was a seminary professor 40 years ago, he founded a farm where he worked alongside his students. Together they grew food to feed the hungry in their community. When a child came to him complaining of the cold, his commitment to the teachings and example of Jesus led him to give her the blanket from his own bed.
When we make Jesus King of every dimension of our lives and world, we position ourselves to experience all his grace intends to give. In his last sermon, C. S. Lewis noted that God "claims all, because he is love and must bless. He cannot bless us unless he has us. When we try to keep within us an area that is our own, we try to keep an area of death. Therefore, in love, he claims all. There's no bargaining with him."
When we see Jesus as King of all, others will see our King in us. After he was elected pope, Francis reminded the conclave that the moon has no light of its own, but only reflects the light of the sun. He warned that the Church must not mistake itself for the sun, and noted that it shines only by reflecting the light of the divine.
Whose light will the world see in you today?
Iceland Building a Temple to Thor by Dr. Jim Denison
Icelanders are building their first temple to Thor since the Viking age. Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson is high priest of a movement that promotes Thor, Odin, and other Norse gods. His group will start construction this month on a temple that will stand on a hill overlooking ReykjavÃk, the capital of Iceland. Membership in their movement has tripled in the last decade. Their temple will host weddings and funerals, among other rituals.
"As he thinketh in his heart, so is he," Proverbs 23:7. When we change our worldview, we change our world.
While 94.8 percent of Icelanders are registered with a religion, only 31 percent believe a Supreme Being exists; 51 percent believe in their own personal version of god or a life force. Two percent attend church on any given week. Now consider that more than half the babies in Iceland are born to unwed mothers. The average Icelandic adolescent begins having sex at the age of 15. Cohabitation typically precedes or replaces marriage.
Behavior follows beliefs. When we jettison a biblical worldview, we replace it with a non-biblical one. Chesterton noted that "the first effect of not believing in God is to believe in anything." He also observed, "The nineteenth century decided to have no religious authority. The twentieth century seems to disposed to have any religious authority." He could have been reading today's news.
John F. Kennedy said, "A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on." For good or for evil, ideas change the world. For instance, ISIS captured the news cycle again by burning alive a captured Jordanian pilot. Their leaders are convinced that they are obeying the Qur'an. Also making news, a university in Vermont now allows students to select any gender identification they choose. Other schools are expected to follow suit, accommodating a culture that no longer believes God made us "male and female," Genesis 1:27.
By contrast, when Pope Francis was a seminary professor 40 years ago, he founded a farm where he worked alongside his students. Together they grew food to feed the hungry in their community. When a child came to him complaining of the cold, his commitment to the teachings and example of Jesus led him to give her the blanket from his own bed.
When we make Jesus King of every dimension of our lives and world, we position ourselves to experience all his grace intends to give. In his last sermon, C. S. Lewis noted that God "claims all, because he is love and must bless. He cannot bless us unless he has us. When we try to keep within us an area that is our own, we try to keep an area of death. Therefore, in love, he claims all. There's no bargaining with him."
When we see Jesus as King of all, others will see our King in us. After he was elected pope, Francis reminded the conclave that the moon has no light of its own, but only reflects the light of the sun. He warned that the Church must not mistake itself for the sun, and noted that it shines only by reflecting the light of the divine.
Whose light will the world see in you today?
Sunday, March 8, 2015
God Hates Sin
March 8
“Yet I sent you all My servants the prophets, again and again, saying, Oh, do not do this abominable thing which I hate,” Jeremiah 44:4
There is an old saying that we should love the sinner but hate the sin. Sin in all its guises is repugnant to God so we who believe in Him should follow His example and disdain sin in all its forms.
Some sins are quite easy to recognize. We can’t watch the nightly news on television without seeing sin being reported, but lest we preoccupy ourselves with the thought that sin is what is heinous to us, let us remember that ALL sin is a stench in the nostrils of God.
The ‘little white lie’ we tell to elevate ourselves in the esteem of our friends, the small amount of money we neglected to leave as a tip for service rendered in a restaurant, the hurling of expletives at someone who’s offended us while driving in traffic—all these little sins are abominable to God—because God is holy.
Further, when we reduce our condemnation of sin, those around us who do not know the Lord as we know Him, begin to conceive of sin in a distorted way. They fail to grasp its magnitude; they become confident that their own small departures from righteousness are of no consequence.
Tragically, watering down the truth of God's word for ANY reason, withholds the love of God from those who are in desperate need of the washing, the cleansing that only Jesus can give. There is no other covering for sin but the blood of Jesus, and that covering must be for all our sin, not just the heinous sin that reviles human sensibilities.
God HATES sin! He HATES ALL SIN!
Here is a brief list of things that includes some sins that may seem small in the eyes of men alongside the big things with which they’re listed, but they, too loom large from God’s vantage point:
"There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers," Proverbs 6:16-19.
God makes His position quite clear, so we who follow after Him should assume His attitude toward sin in all its forms. Why should we unapologetically declare the Lord’s total condemnation of sin?
It is because God loves people. God so completely loves His children that He hates anything that hurts them. Sin in all its manifestations, whether small sins or heinous sins in the eyes of man, not only hurts people but it destroys them. To withhold God's truth regarding sin is to withhold the awareness of the need for forgiveness and cleansing under the blood of Jesus, and thereby it is to withhold God's love from sinners who are “dead in trespasses and sins,” (see Ephesians 2:1, 5, 6).
Therefore, we who know the truth must proclaim the truth, and trust that it will set free those who are captive to sin, according to Luke 4:18.
“Yet I sent you all My servants the prophets, again and again, saying, Oh, do not do this abominable thing which I hate,” Jeremiah 44:4
There is an old saying that we should love the sinner but hate the sin. Sin in all its guises is repugnant to God so we who believe in Him should follow His example and disdain sin in all its forms.
Some sins are quite easy to recognize. We can’t watch the nightly news on television without seeing sin being reported, but lest we preoccupy ourselves with the thought that sin is what is heinous to us, let us remember that ALL sin is a stench in the nostrils of God.
The ‘little white lie’ we tell to elevate ourselves in the esteem of our friends, the small amount of money we neglected to leave as a tip for service rendered in a restaurant, the hurling of expletives at someone who’s offended us while driving in traffic—all these little sins are abominable to God—because God is holy.
Further, when we reduce our condemnation of sin, those around us who do not know the Lord as we know Him, begin to conceive of sin in a distorted way. They fail to grasp its magnitude; they become confident that their own small departures from righteousness are of no consequence.
Tragically, watering down the truth of God's word for ANY reason, withholds the love of God from those who are in desperate need of the washing, the cleansing that only Jesus can give. There is no other covering for sin but the blood of Jesus, and that covering must be for all our sin, not just the heinous sin that reviles human sensibilities.
God HATES sin! He HATES ALL SIN!
Here is a brief list of things that includes some sins that may seem small in the eyes of men alongside the big things with which they’re listed, but they, too loom large from God’s vantage point:
"There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers," Proverbs 6:16-19.
God makes His position quite clear, so we who follow after Him should assume His attitude toward sin in all its forms. Why should we unapologetically declare the Lord’s total condemnation of sin?
It is because God loves people. God so completely loves His children that He hates anything that hurts them. Sin in all its manifestations, whether small sins or heinous sins in the eyes of man, not only hurts people but it destroys them. To withhold God's truth regarding sin is to withhold the awareness of the need for forgiveness and cleansing under the blood of Jesus, and thereby it is to withhold God's love from sinners who are “dead in trespasses and sins,” (see Ephesians 2:1, 5, 6).
Therefore, we who know the truth must proclaim the truth, and trust that it will set free those who are captive to sin, according to Luke 4:18.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Deep Things
March 7
Deep Things
From: Today God Is First by Os Hillman
"He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light," (Job 12:22).
One of the great mysteries of the Kingdom is how God uses the darkest times in our lives to reveal greater depths of understanding of His ways. The only way we can receive these deeper things is to be driven to the depths of darkness. It is here that we discover important truths that He plans to use in our lives and in the lives of others.
There is a process God uses to draw us into greater levels of intimacy. The first phase involves a depth of soul experience that causes great pain in our lives. We seek God for deliverance from the incredible emotional pain this causes. Our primary motivation for seeking God is to get out of our pain.
During this time, God meets us in the depths of darkness. We discover that He never left us but is with us in the midst of the darkness. We develop a new relationship with God. Gradually our motivation turns from removal of pain to love and intimacy with God. This is the place our Heavenly Father desires us to be.
During this season God will make spiritual deposits into your life. Others will be making withdrawals in the future from your life as well. You see, God reveals deep things in darkness that will be revealed in the light.
If you find yourself in great distress, know that God will bring your deep shadows into the light. The key to your deliverance is becoming satisfied in God. He becomes your all. He is your life. You will know your deliverance is near when your circumstances simply don't matter to you anymore.
Love the Lord your God with all your soul and see what things He will show you in the deep things of darkness.
Deep Things
From: Today God Is First by Os Hillman
"He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light," (Job 12:22).
One of the great mysteries of the Kingdom is how God uses the darkest times in our lives to reveal greater depths of understanding of His ways. The only way we can receive these deeper things is to be driven to the depths of darkness. It is here that we discover important truths that He plans to use in our lives and in the lives of others.
There is a process God uses to draw us into greater levels of intimacy. The first phase involves a depth of soul experience that causes great pain in our lives. We seek God for deliverance from the incredible emotional pain this causes. Our primary motivation for seeking God is to get out of our pain.
During this time, God meets us in the depths of darkness. We discover that He never left us but is with us in the midst of the darkness. We develop a new relationship with God. Gradually our motivation turns from removal of pain to love and intimacy with God. This is the place our Heavenly Father desires us to be.
During this season God will make spiritual deposits into your life. Others will be making withdrawals in the future from your life as well. You see, God reveals deep things in darkness that will be revealed in the light.
If you find yourself in great distress, know that God will bring your deep shadows into the light. The key to your deliverance is becoming satisfied in God. He becomes your all. He is your life. You will know your deliverance is near when your circumstances simply don't matter to you anymore.
Love the Lord your God with all your soul and see what things He will show you in the deep things of darkness.
Friday, March 6, 2015
Transforming Prayers
March 6
Transforming Prayers by Dr. D. James Kennedy
“You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures,” James 4:3.
Unanswered prayers are a stumbling block. Often when people pray but don’t hear answers from God, they believe that God doesn’t listen, that He doesn’t care, or even that He doesn’t exist.
But God is most definitely there, and He wants to answer our prayers. However, we often get in His way. God doesn’t answer some of our prayers because we ask “amiss,” as James 4:3 puts it. In other words, there’s something wrong with the sender (us), not the hearer (God), of the prayers.
If you’ve persistently asked God to answer a prayer, yet you haven’t heard an answer from Him, you might have “static on the line,” an obstruction in communication with your heavenly Father. I’d like to share with you five prayers that can put you back on course to an effective prayer life:
“O God, slay me.” As new creatures in Christ we constantly wrestle with our old wretched selves. As long as the old nature prevails, God will not answer our prayers. Thus, we should ask God to slay our old nature.
“O God, cleanse me by Thy blood.” If we expect God to answer our prayers, we should not come into His presence stained in sin. Instead we must confess and turn away from our sins.
“Fill me with the Holy Spirit.” We need to pray that the Spirit will fill us and empower us to live for God daily and to overcome temptation.
“God, lead me this day.” God has a perfect plan, a far better plan for our lives than we can create. We must allow Him to lead us in His will daily.
“Dear Lord, use me this day for your glory.” We must make ourselves available to God as His bond servants, willing to do whatever He asks of us.
I encourage you to sincerely pray these prayers, meditate upon them, and use them to present yourself to God as a clean and willing servant. As you pray this way, Christ will surprise you with joy as He makes Himself known more fully in your daily walk. You’ll no doubt find that as you pray according to His will, you’ll experience some incredible answers beyond your wildest dreams!
“Heaven is never deaf but when man’s heart is dumb,” Francis Quarles
Transforming Prayers by Dr. D. James Kennedy
“You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures,” James 4:3.
Unanswered prayers are a stumbling block. Often when people pray but don’t hear answers from God, they believe that God doesn’t listen, that He doesn’t care, or even that He doesn’t exist.
But God is most definitely there, and He wants to answer our prayers. However, we often get in His way. God doesn’t answer some of our prayers because we ask “amiss,” as James 4:3 puts it. In other words, there’s something wrong with the sender (us), not the hearer (God), of the prayers.
If you’ve persistently asked God to answer a prayer, yet you haven’t heard an answer from Him, you might have “static on the line,” an obstruction in communication with your heavenly Father. I’d like to share with you five prayers that can put you back on course to an effective prayer life:
“O God, slay me.” As new creatures in Christ we constantly wrestle with our old wretched selves. As long as the old nature prevails, God will not answer our prayers. Thus, we should ask God to slay our old nature.
“O God, cleanse me by Thy blood.” If we expect God to answer our prayers, we should not come into His presence stained in sin. Instead we must confess and turn away from our sins.
“Fill me with the Holy Spirit.” We need to pray that the Spirit will fill us and empower us to live for God daily and to overcome temptation.
“God, lead me this day.” God has a perfect plan, a far better plan for our lives than we can create. We must allow Him to lead us in His will daily.
“Dear Lord, use me this day for your glory.” We must make ourselves available to God as His bond servants, willing to do whatever He asks of us.
I encourage you to sincerely pray these prayers, meditate upon them, and use them to present yourself to God as a clean and willing servant. As you pray this way, Christ will surprise you with joy as He makes Himself known more fully in your daily walk. You’ll no doubt find that as you pray according to His will, you’ll experience some incredible answers beyond your wildest dreams!
“Heaven is never deaf but when man’s heart is dumb,” Francis Quarles
Thursday, March 5, 2015
...Abiding...?
March 5
Are You Abiding in the Shadow of the Almighty? By Sandra Clifton
Because I was late when I arrived at the intercessory prayer meeting I had been invited to attend, I sought a far, vacant corner of the room that everyone seemed to be avoiding.
The frantic hand signals of a fellow intercessor stopped me in my tracks. Her finger was pointing to an ominous reflection on the wall next to me. There, looming bigger than life, was the shadow of a spider—hairy legs and all!
I shivered. My mind raced with pictures of the hairy beast jumping onto my sweater—or worse, into my hair! I shivered again. Thank God someone stopped me! What if it had bitten me? Then I saw the culprit.
Was that it? Why had I been so afraid? I laughed. The actual spider wasn't as big as the shadow it had cast. It raced to a crack in the door and disappeared. Obviously, it had been a shadow.
This reminded me of the enemy and how he works. Satan whispers to us all the time, playing the "What if?" game. What if you lose your job? What if they whisper about you when you leave the room? What if you gain all that weight? What if you go belly up financially? What if you are too old to try something new?"
Satan's lies, like dark, ominous shadows on the wall, loom big, at times bigger than our power to do anything about them. God's Word warns us that the devil walks about like a roaring lion (see 1 Peter 5:8). He isn't the real McCoy, but his threats can, if we are not careful, get us to take our eyes off Jesus and His great power that guides, provides for and protects us.
That is not to say that you or I don't need to take care of ourselves and our families as good stewards; but we do so with our eyes on Jesus and not on the fears that overshadow Him and His great powerful promises of God—promises for eternal life and for abundant life on earth, promises for a future, no matter how bad the past has been.
Jesus commands us in Matthew 6:25: "Therefore, I say to you, take no thought about your life, what you will eat, or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on." No worry or ominous threat to us is any match for our Lord, "the God of all flesh" (Jeremiah 32:27). It is He, after all, who is the "head of all principality and power" (see Colossians 2:10).
It is sometimes hard to remember this during seasons in which you see nothing but shadows. Yet God promises to take care of us in such times. Psalm 23 mentions "the valley of the shadow of death" (v.4)—revealing that it is a place one goes through but doesn't live in permanently.
And even in the valley we are to fear no evil, for the Lord our Shepherd is with us. The psalm ends with a promise of position for us—that we are to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. A God who claims us for eternity is a God of power. What, then, is there to fear in the shadows?
You and I are in Christ—"the secret place of the Most High" (Psalm 91:1)—which means that you and I are under only one shadow, and that is the shadow of the Almighty (v. 2). When the dark shadow on the wall sees the shadow of the Almighty, in whom we dwell, it has to go.
Are You Abiding in the Shadow of the Almighty? By Sandra Clifton
Because I was late when I arrived at the intercessory prayer meeting I had been invited to attend, I sought a far, vacant corner of the room that everyone seemed to be avoiding.
The frantic hand signals of a fellow intercessor stopped me in my tracks. Her finger was pointing to an ominous reflection on the wall next to me. There, looming bigger than life, was the shadow of a spider—hairy legs and all!
I shivered. My mind raced with pictures of the hairy beast jumping onto my sweater—or worse, into my hair! I shivered again. Thank God someone stopped me! What if it had bitten me? Then I saw the culprit.
Was that it? Why had I been so afraid? I laughed. The actual spider wasn't as big as the shadow it had cast. It raced to a crack in the door and disappeared. Obviously, it had been a shadow.
This reminded me of the enemy and how he works. Satan whispers to us all the time, playing the "What if?" game. What if you lose your job? What if they whisper about you when you leave the room? What if you gain all that weight? What if you go belly up financially? What if you are too old to try something new?"
Satan's lies, like dark, ominous shadows on the wall, loom big, at times bigger than our power to do anything about them. God's Word warns us that the devil walks about like a roaring lion (see 1 Peter 5:8). He isn't the real McCoy, but his threats can, if we are not careful, get us to take our eyes off Jesus and His great power that guides, provides for and protects us.
That is not to say that you or I don't need to take care of ourselves and our families as good stewards; but we do so with our eyes on Jesus and not on the fears that overshadow Him and His great powerful promises of God—promises for eternal life and for abundant life on earth, promises for a future, no matter how bad the past has been.
Jesus commands us in Matthew 6:25: "Therefore, I say to you, take no thought about your life, what you will eat, or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on." No worry or ominous threat to us is any match for our Lord, "the God of all flesh" (Jeremiah 32:27). It is He, after all, who is the "head of all principality and power" (see Colossians 2:10).
It is sometimes hard to remember this during seasons in which you see nothing but shadows. Yet God promises to take care of us in such times. Psalm 23 mentions "the valley of the shadow of death" (v.4)—revealing that it is a place one goes through but doesn't live in permanently.
And even in the valley we are to fear no evil, for the Lord our Shepherd is with us. The psalm ends with a promise of position for us—that we are to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. A God who claims us for eternity is a God of power. What, then, is there to fear in the shadows?
You and I are in Christ—"the secret place of the Most High" (Psalm 91:1)—which means that you and I are under only one shadow, and that is the shadow of the Almighty (v. 2). When the dark shadow on the wall sees the shadow of the Almighty, in whom we dwell, it has to go.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Naaman
March 4
“So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha's house. Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, 'Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.'
“But Naaman went away angry and said, 'I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?' So he turned and went off in a rage.
“Naaman's servants went to him and said, 'My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, Wash and be cleansed!
“So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean as that of a young boy,” II Kings 5:9-14.
We are much like Naaman, who thought the solution to his problem required a great intervention by the hand of God as evidenced through His servant Elisha when all that was really needed was simple obedience to the word that was given.
There are great and precious promises given to us in the Scriptures, words of truth and of hope and of promise, but we trod through our lives, tackle our difficulties, bear our burdens, accept our trials without employing them into our situation.
Naaman was a foreign general, a powerful man who heard of the powerful prophet Elijah through a young Israelite slave girl who had been captured and who worked in his household. She was not even bold enough to speak to the great general herself but told his wife about the wonders that had been done through Elisha and the healing Naaman might obtain through him.
Sometimes we haven’t a direct link to the Lord and His promises, but we know someone who knows Him and employs His promises toward great ends. We go to that person with our need, hoping that through him we shall obtain our blessing.
God sometimes intervenes through His servants to pour His favor upon those who call to Him in faith believing, but sometimes He wants us to come to Him to come in our own simple faith.
However He chooses to bless the supplicant, may each seeker, “come boldly to the Throne of Grace and there find help in time of need,” Hebrews 4:16.
Let us not be like Naaman who almost missed his blessing because he had a specific idea about how the blessing should be given. Rather, let us come with “childlike faith,” Matthew 18:2-4, knowing that the One who has promised is “able to do exceeding, abundantly above all we can ask or think, according to His power at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20.
“So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha's house. Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, 'Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.'
“But Naaman went away angry and said, 'I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?' So he turned and went off in a rage.
“Naaman's servants went to him and said, 'My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, Wash and be cleansed!
“So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean as that of a young boy,” II Kings 5:9-14.
We are much like Naaman, who thought the solution to his problem required a great intervention by the hand of God as evidenced through His servant Elisha when all that was really needed was simple obedience to the word that was given.
There are great and precious promises given to us in the Scriptures, words of truth and of hope and of promise, but we trod through our lives, tackle our difficulties, bear our burdens, accept our trials without employing them into our situation.
Naaman was a foreign general, a powerful man who heard of the powerful prophet Elijah through a young Israelite slave girl who had been captured and who worked in his household. She was not even bold enough to speak to the great general herself but told his wife about the wonders that had been done through Elisha and the healing Naaman might obtain through him.
Sometimes we haven’t a direct link to the Lord and His promises, but we know someone who knows Him and employs His promises toward great ends. We go to that person with our need, hoping that through him we shall obtain our blessing.
God sometimes intervenes through His servants to pour His favor upon those who call to Him in faith believing, but sometimes He wants us to come to Him to come in our own simple faith.
However He chooses to bless the supplicant, may each seeker, “come boldly to the Throne of Grace and there find help in time of need,” Hebrews 4:16.
Let us not be like Naaman who almost missed his blessing because he had a specific idea about how the blessing should be given. Rather, let us come with “childlike faith,” Matthew 18:2-4, knowing that the One who has promised is “able to do exceeding, abundantly above all we can ask or think, according to His power at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Do We Care?
March 3
Some people believe that judgment is coming to the United States. Their argument is compelling. They ask: How can our Holy God continue to overlook the wanton disregard for His law and His authority and His Savior? His wrath may be held back for a season, to allow many lost souls the opportunity to find Christ as their Redeemer and Lord, but surely, He will not tarry His return much longer.
In Habakkuk 1:5-7, 11, He says, “Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days—You would not believe if you were told.
For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, That fierce and impetuous people Who march throughout the earth To seize dwelling places which are not theirs. They are dreaded and feared; Their justice and authority originate with themselves...whose strength is their god."
On September 11, 2001 God removed His "hedge" for the briefest of moments to give strong warning to the people of the United States. “So now let Me tell you what I am going to do to My vineyard: I will remove its hedge and it will be consumed; I will break down its wall and it will become trampled ground." Isaiah 5:5.
In his election victory speech on November 4, 2008 newly elected president Barak Obama made the statement, "Change has come to America:" What Mr. Obama did not realize was that God was speaking through him prophetically. The more practical meaning of what the new American president said was this: "Judgment has come to The United States of America."
About 2,700 years ago God raised up a man by the name of Isaiah to prophesy coming judgment on ancient Israel. The reason for God's judgment was expressed in Six Woes:
Woe #1: Greed. Covetousness. Self-indulgence.
"Woe to those who add house to house and join field to field, until there is no more room, so that you have to live alone in the midst of the land!" -Isaiah 5:8
Woe #2: Drunken Revelry and Disregard for God's Word.
"Woe to those who rise early in the morning that they may pursue strong drink, Who stay up late in the evening that wine may inflame them! Their banquets are accompanied by lyre and harp, by tambourine and flute, and by wine; But they do not pay attention to the deeds of the Lord, nor do they consider the work of His hands." -Isaiah 5:11-12
Woe #3: Defiant Mockery of God.
"Woe to those who drag iniquity with the cords of falsehood, And sin as if with cart ropes; Who say, 'Let Him make speed, let Him hasten His work, that we may see it; and let the purpose of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come to pass, that we may know it!'" -Isaiah 5:18-19
Woe #4: Moral Perversion.
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" -Isaiah 5:20
Woe #5: Unrestrained Arrogance.
"Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes And clever in their own sight!" -Isaiah 5:21
Woe #6: Corrupt Leadership.
"Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and valiant men in mixing strong drink, Who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away the rights of the ones who are in the right!" -Isaiah 5:22-23
Do we care? Does it matter to us that the God who has blessed us through our brief history among the nations of men has specified the areas of His displeasure with us? Can we repent—turn around from our wicked ways? Can we renew our commitment to the Christ who set us free and established us as a free and prosperous nation? Can we be revived? Can we come alive again with hope and truth and faith and love?
Some people believe that judgment is coming to the United States. Their argument is compelling. They ask: How can our Holy God continue to overlook the wanton disregard for His law and His authority and His Savior? His wrath may be held back for a season, to allow many lost souls the opportunity to find Christ as their Redeemer and Lord, but surely, He will not tarry His return much longer.
In Habakkuk 1:5-7, 11, He says, “Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days—You would not believe if you were told.
For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, That fierce and impetuous people Who march throughout the earth To seize dwelling places which are not theirs. They are dreaded and feared; Their justice and authority originate with themselves...whose strength is their god."
On September 11, 2001 God removed His "hedge" for the briefest of moments to give strong warning to the people of the United States. “So now let Me tell you what I am going to do to My vineyard: I will remove its hedge and it will be consumed; I will break down its wall and it will become trampled ground." Isaiah 5:5.
In his election victory speech on November 4, 2008 newly elected president Barak Obama made the statement, "Change has come to America:" What Mr. Obama did not realize was that God was speaking through him prophetically. The more practical meaning of what the new American president said was this: "Judgment has come to The United States of America."
About 2,700 years ago God raised up a man by the name of Isaiah to prophesy coming judgment on ancient Israel. The reason for God's judgment was expressed in Six Woes:
Woe #1: Greed. Covetousness. Self-indulgence.
"Woe to those who add house to house and join field to field, until there is no more room, so that you have to live alone in the midst of the land!" -Isaiah 5:8
Woe #2: Drunken Revelry and Disregard for God's Word.
"Woe to those who rise early in the morning that they may pursue strong drink, Who stay up late in the evening that wine may inflame them! Their banquets are accompanied by lyre and harp, by tambourine and flute, and by wine; But they do not pay attention to the deeds of the Lord, nor do they consider the work of His hands." -Isaiah 5:11-12
Woe #3: Defiant Mockery of God.
"Woe to those who drag iniquity with the cords of falsehood, And sin as if with cart ropes; Who say, 'Let Him make speed, let Him hasten His work, that we may see it; and let the purpose of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come to pass, that we may know it!'" -Isaiah 5:18-19
Woe #4: Moral Perversion.
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" -Isaiah 5:20
Woe #5: Unrestrained Arrogance.
"Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes And clever in their own sight!" -Isaiah 5:21
Woe #6: Corrupt Leadership.
"Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and valiant men in mixing strong drink, Who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away the rights of the ones who are in the right!" -Isaiah 5:22-23
Do we care? Does it matter to us that the God who has blessed us through our brief history among the nations of men has specified the areas of His displeasure with us? Can we repent—turn around from our wicked ways? Can we renew our commitment to the Christ who set us free and established us as a free and prosperous nation? Can we be revived? Can we come alive again with hope and truth and faith and love?
Monday, March 2, 2015
What Must We Do?
March 2
“If someone says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? (21) And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also,” I John 4:20-21.
This verse makes it quite clear—God will not allow us any loophole in our heart-felt attitude or in the way the intent of our heart is played out in our relationships with other men. We cannot claim to love and serve the Holy One who inhabits eternity if we do not have a profound love for His children, especially those He calls our brothers, those who are members of the household of faith.
We are reminded here of Jesus’ own word in the matter, “Love one another as I have loved you,” John 15:12. In John 13:34, 35, the Lord stated emphatically, “A new command I give you, Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
It is most interesting that Jesus did not say that all men would know His disciples by their doctrine but He said all men would recognize those who are His own by their love. Today, and for centuries past, there have been doctrinal differences within the Church, and those doctrinal disputes have caused much fractioning of the Body of Christ.
Churches have split over minute differences in perception of points of doctrine and points of ritual. In so doing, they have undone the unity which could have been the strength of the Church.
And that is not to say that organizations and individuals should not hold fast to sound doctrine. We know that in the last days, “perilous times shall come, 2For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,” II Timothy 3:1, 2, and “The Spirit clearly says that in the later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,” I Timothy 4:1.
In a day characterized by deception, “the love of many shall become cold,” Matthew 24:12. The Word is certainly cautioning us against that day! If we are indeed even casual observers of what is going on around us, it becomes clear to us that the day here described is upon us.
We see a falling away of those who were once stalwart in the faith. We see an embrace on the part of many of doctrines of devils. We hear it officially proclaimed that “good is evil and evil is good,” Isaiah 5:20, and we comply with the laws that declare it so.
What must we do in the face of such wanton rebellion against the authority and the truth of our Holy God who “is the same yesterday, today and forever”? Hebrews 13:8. We must do the thing He has told us to do—we must love our brother who we have seen so it will be clear to all men that we love our God.
“If someone says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? (21) And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also,” I John 4:20-21.
This verse makes it quite clear—God will not allow us any loophole in our heart-felt attitude or in the way the intent of our heart is played out in our relationships with other men. We cannot claim to love and serve the Holy One who inhabits eternity if we do not have a profound love for His children, especially those He calls our brothers, those who are members of the household of faith.
We are reminded here of Jesus’ own word in the matter, “Love one another as I have loved you,” John 15:12. In John 13:34, 35, the Lord stated emphatically, “A new command I give you, Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
It is most interesting that Jesus did not say that all men would know His disciples by their doctrine but He said all men would recognize those who are His own by their love. Today, and for centuries past, there have been doctrinal differences within the Church, and those doctrinal disputes have caused much fractioning of the Body of Christ.
Churches have split over minute differences in perception of points of doctrine and points of ritual. In so doing, they have undone the unity which could have been the strength of the Church.
And that is not to say that organizations and individuals should not hold fast to sound doctrine. We know that in the last days, “perilous times shall come, 2For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,” II Timothy 3:1, 2, and “The Spirit clearly says that in the later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,” I Timothy 4:1.
In a day characterized by deception, “the love of many shall become cold,” Matthew 24:12. The Word is certainly cautioning us against that day! If we are indeed even casual observers of what is going on around us, it becomes clear to us that the day here described is upon us.
We see a falling away of those who were once stalwart in the faith. We see an embrace on the part of many of doctrines of devils. We hear it officially proclaimed that “good is evil and evil is good,” Isaiah 5:20, and we comply with the laws that declare it so.
What must we do in the face of such wanton rebellion against the authority and the truth of our Holy God who “is the same yesterday, today and forever”? Hebrews 13:8. We must do the thing He has told us to do—we must love our brother who we have seen so it will be clear to all men that we love our God.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Persevere
March 1
Persevere by Charles Spurgeon
Perseverance is the badge of true saints. The Christian life is not a beginning only in the ways of God, but also a continuance in the same as long as life lasts. It is with a Christian as it was with the great Napoleon: he said, "Conquest has made me what I am, and conquest must maintain me."
So, under God, dear brother in the Lord, conquest has made you what you are, and conquest must sustain you. Your motto must be, "Excelsior." He only is a true conqueror, and shall be crowned at the last, who continues till war's trumpet is blown no more.
Perseverance is, therefore, the target of all our spiritual enemies. The world does not object to your being a Christian for a time, if she can but tempt you to cease your pilgrimage, and settle down to buy and sell with her in Vanity Fair.
The flesh will seek to ensnare you, and to prevent your pressing on to glory. "It is weary work being a pilgrim; come, give it up. Am I always to be mortified? Am I never to be indulged? Give me at least a furlough from this constant warfare."
Satan will make many a fierce attack on your perseverance; it will be the mark for all his arrows. He will strive to hinder you in service: he will insinuate that you are doing no good; and that you want rest. He will endeavor to make you weary of suffering, he will whisper, "Curse God, and die."
Or he will attack your steadfastness: "What is the good of being so zealous? Be quiet like the rest; sleep as do others, and let your lamp go out as the other virgins do."
Or he will assail your doctrinal sentiments: "Why do you hold to these denominational creeds? Sensible men are getting more liberal; they are removing the old landmarks: fall in with the times."
Wear your shield, Christian, therefore, close upon your armor, and cry mightily unto God, that by His Spirit you may endure to the end.
Persevere by Charles Spurgeon
Perseverance is the badge of true saints. The Christian life is not a beginning only in the ways of God, but also a continuance in the same as long as life lasts. It is with a Christian as it was with the great Napoleon: he said, "Conquest has made me what I am, and conquest must maintain me."
So, under God, dear brother in the Lord, conquest has made you what you are, and conquest must sustain you. Your motto must be, "Excelsior." He only is a true conqueror, and shall be crowned at the last, who continues till war's trumpet is blown no more.
Perseverance is, therefore, the target of all our spiritual enemies. The world does not object to your being a Christian for a time, if she can but tempt you to cease your pilgrimage, and settle down to buy and sell with her in Vanity Fair.
The flesh will seek to ensnare you, and to prevent your pressing on to glory. "It is weary work being a pilgrim; come, give it up. Am I always to be mortified? Am I never to be indulged? Give me at least a furlough from this constant warfare."
Satan will make many a fierce attack on your perseverance; it will be the mark for all his arrows. He will strive to hinder you in service: he will insinuate that you are doing no good; and that you want rest. He will endeavor to make you weary of suffering, he will whisper, "Curse God, and die."
Or he will attack your steadfastness: "What is the good of being so zealous? Be quiet like the rest; sleep as do others, and let your lamp go out as the other virgins do."
Or he will assail your doctrinal sentiments: "Why do you hold to these denominational creeds? Sensible men are getting more liberal; they are removing the old landmarks: fall in with the times."
Wear your shield, Christian, therefore, close upon your armor, and cry mightily unto God, that by His Spirit you may endure to the end.
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