April 30
Who among us is so blind as to be unable to recognize the total unworthiness of virtually every entity around us? Who cannot see the fact that our leaders are morally and ethically lacking and that business and even religious leaders are so consumed with the desire to profit financially that they will do or say anything, compromise any principle, in order to gain wealth and power?
Who among us has not felt the snare of temptation tugging upon us, heard temptation’s siren song wooing us to compromise our own integrity so we could become partakers more fully in the rewards that seem to accrue to those who set aside the standard of God and embrace the tactics of the world?
Whether the incentive might be to cheat on our taxes or to cheat on our spouse in order to realize a short-term prize of some sort, in the depth of our being we know that whatever ‘advantage’ we may appear to gain through the compromise of our integrity before God, it will be short-lived and it will turn to bitterness that will gnaw within us and ultimately destroy us.
Though we may not appear to gain an advantage when we do things God’s way, His Word assures us that we do. Proverbs 3:5, 6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Our ways, the world’s ways may bring an advantage to those who employ them, but it is fleeting. God’s ways are established and His ways are eternally blessed.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Eternal Day of Reckoning
April 29
We live in an age that is growing ever more lawless. Man has always had a proclivity toward rebellion against authority but it was once held in check by the constraints of community and family pressure to conform to an appropriate, societally acceptable, standard of behavior.
The desire to remain within appropriate boundaries of behavior, the requirement of living up to a generally accepted standard is no longer imposed upon anyone. Our society has given us the license to do our own thing. There will be no finger pointing, no hint of disapproval. We have become entities unto ourselves and the attitude is, “I’m OK; you’re OK.”
Well, I may be OK in your eyes as long as I don’t attempt to impose my standard upon you, and you may be fine in my opinion as long as you don’t try to shove your choices down my throat—but neither your assent nor mine are the ultimate standard of approval that we will be measured by. And, yes, there will be a day of accounting even though our society has dismissed it.
Ultimately, God has not changed. He remains constant in spite of the ebb and flow of societal mores, in spite of the ever-changing, ever diminishing standards of man who is steeped in sin. In Haggai 1:5, the Lord Almighty makes a simple yet sobering assertion. He says, “Give careful thought to your ways.” If we as individuals or as a people neglect to do so, we will find those ways found wanting on His eternal day of reckoning.
We live in an age that is growing ever more lawless. Man has always had a proclivity toward rebellion against authority but it was once held in check by the constraints of community and family pressure to conform to an appropriate, societally acceptable, standard of behavior.
The desire to remain within appropriate boundaries of behavior, the requirement of living up to a generally accepted standard is no longer imposed upon anyone. Our society has given us the license to do our own thing. There will be no finger pointing, no hint of disapproval. We have become entities unto ourselves and the attitude is, “I’m OK; you’re OK.”
Well, I may be OK in your eyes as long as I don’t attempt to impose my standard upon you, and you may be fine in my opinion as long as you don’t try to shove your choices down my throat—but neither your assent nor mine are the ultimate standard of approval that we will be measured by. And, yes, there will be a day of accounting even though our society has dismissed it.
Ultimately, God has not changed. He remains constant in spite of the ebb and flow of societal mores, in spite of the ever-changing, ever diminishing standards of man who is steeped in sin. In Haggai 1:5, the Lord Almighty makes a simple yet sobering assertion. He says, “Give careful thought to your ways.” If we as individuals or as a people neglect to do so, we will find those ways found wanting on His eternal day of reckoning.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
With You Forever
April 28
As we might imagine, the disciples were distraught when Jesus told them He would be leaving them. As Jews of that day—and unto this day believe—the Messiah would come as a conqueror! He would deliver Israel from their oppressors and He would establish an everlasting kingdom.
When Jesus said He was leaving, their hope of His establishing that kingdom was dashed, along with their aspirations of helping Him govern it. After His crucifixion, they hid in fear in an upper room, dreading the arrival of the Roman soldiers who would carry them off to a similar fate.
What transformed them from cowering recluses into a band of men who transformed the world? The miracle of boldness within them and the accompanying success of their mission sprang from the words of Jesus found in John 14: 16-17. Here, the Lord makes a promise that enabled them to achieve all He set before them to do. It can empower YOU to fulfill all He has for your life as well!
“Jesus said, ‘I will ask the Father and He will give you a Comforter to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept Him because it doesn’t see Him or know Him but YOU know Him, for He lives with you and He dwells in you.’” The Holy Spirit in you is all you need to overcome the world as Jesus and His disciples did! The Holy Spirit will transform the world around you so you, too, can further His Kingdom!
As we might imagine, the disciples were distraught when Jesus told them He would be leaving them. As Jews of that day—and unto this day believe—the Messiah would come as a conqueror! He would deliver Israel from their oppressors and He would establish an everlasting kingdom.
When Jesus said He was leaving, their hope of His establishing that kingdom was dashed, along with their aspirations of helping Him govern it. After His crucifixion, they hid in fear in an upper room, dreading the arrival of the Roman soldiers who would carry them off to a similar fate.
What transformed them from cowering recluses into a band of men who transformed the world? The miracle of boldness within them and the accompanying success of their mission sprang from the words of Jesus found in John 14: 16-17. Here, the Lord makes a promise that enabled them to achieve all He set before them to do. It can empower YOU to fulfill all He has for your life as well!
“Jesus said, ‘I will ask the Father and He will give you a Comforter to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept Him because it doesn’t see Him or know Him but YOU know Him, for He lives with you and He dwells in you.’” The Holy Spirit in you is all you need to overcome the world as Jesus and His disciples did! The Holy Spirit will transform the world around you so you, too, can further His Kingdom!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Heaven's Draft Board
April 27
The Lord our God is awesome beyond our ability to describe or comprehend. He holds the whole earth, everyone in it, and everything that exists, in the hollow of His hand. Yet many pooh-pooh His ability to intervene in the affairs of men, and some deny Him outright. Today, may I share an experience that occurred during the time of the Viet Nam War.
A young teacher received a draft notice. When he shared that information with a colleague, it was dismissed with the assertion, “God doesn’t want you in the Army; He wants you here, teaching fifth grade.”
As was required, he got his affairs in order and prepared to set off for boot camp. Meanwhile, the colleague who spoke so adamantly regarding God’s will in the matter asked her students to write letters to the draft board beseeching that their beloved teacher be exempted from military service in order to remain in the classroom. Several weeks passed without any acknowledgment of those letters.
The Sunday night immediately prior to the Tuesday that the draftee was required to report for duty, his friend attended a church service in spite of the fact that she was discouraged because it appeared that all efforts to prevent his going into the army were futile. She felt her statement of faith had not only made her a laughing stock but had cast aspersions upon God, for whom it appeared she had presumed to speak.
After the lively singing, there was a message in tongues that quickened her faith and her hope. It was, “There’s a daughter of Mine here tonight who thinks she has cast aspersions on Me by proclaiming My word to her. I want her to know that tomorrow she shall see My promise fulfilled.”
That same night, the young man received a phone call from Mr. Robert Ford, the head of the Selective Service System in the state of Pennsylvania where he resided. Mr. Ford said, “The draft board has reviewed the children’s letters and we agree with them. You do NOT have to report to induction headquarters on Tuesday.” The next morning, he shared that happy news!
Jesus showed Himself to be in control of the draft board that day. He is also in control of whatever it is that may be impacting your life, disrupting your future, destroying your hope. Now as then you may do as stated in Jeremiah 33:3, “Call unto Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things that you cannot imagine.” Your God has more power than all that opposes you. Watch Him use it in your behalf!
The Lord our God is awesome beyond our ability to describe or comprehend. He holds the whole earth, everyone in it, and everything that exists, in the hollow of His hand. Yet many pooh-pooh His ability to intervene in the affairs of men, and some deny Him outright. Today, may I share an experience that occurred during the time of the Viet Nam War.
A young teacher received a draft notice. When he shared that information with a colleague, it was dismissed with the assertion, “God doesn’t want you in the Army; He wants you here, teaching fifth grade.”
As was required, he got his affairs in order and prepared to set off for boot camp. Meanwhile, the colleague who spoke so adamantly regarding God’s will in the matter asked her students to write letters to the draft board beseeching that their beloved teacher be exempted from military service in order to remain in the classroom. Several weeks passed without any acknowledgment of those letters.
The Sunday night immediately prior to the Tuesday that the draftee was required to report for duty, his friend attended a church service in spite of the fact that she was discouraged because it appeared that all efforts to prevent his going into the army were futile. She felt her statement of faith had not only made her a laughing stock but had cast aspersions upon God, for whom it appeared she had presumed to speak.
After the lively singing, there was a message in tongues that quickened her faith and her hope. It was, “There’s a daughter of Mine here tonight who thinks she has cast aspersions on Me by proclaiming My word to her. I want her to know that tomorrow she shall see My promise fulfilled.”
That same night, the young man received a phone call from Mr. Robert Ford, the head of the Selective Service System in the state of Pennsylvania where he resided. Mr. Ford said, “The draft board has reviewed the children’s letters and we agree with them. You do NOT have to report to induction headquarters on Tuesday.” The next morning, he shared that happy news!
Jesus showed Himself to be in control of the draft board that day. He is also in control of whatever it is that may be impacting your life, disrupting your future, destroying your hope. Now as then you may do as stated in Jeremiah 33:3, “Call unto Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things that you cannot imagine.” Your God has more power than all that opposes you. Watch Him use it in your behalf!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Good Is Enemy of the Best
April 26
It isn’t easy to recognize the best option in every situation. The old adage is, ‘The good is enemy of the best.’ Often, it is the good things around us that beckon us away from the ultimate prize.
The husband who has grown weary with the routine of married life seeks excitement in the arms of an illicit new love. In so doing, he robs himself forever of the joys of watching his children grow to respect him and honor him—to have his family around him when the ravages of old age begin to take their ultimate toll.
The lovely new home with the open floor plan is preferred over the traditional one, even though the older home has sturdier construction and will afford a more easily maintained and dependable place to live for a longer period of time. How can we know, when we are faced with alluring choices, just how precipitous a fall we can have if we select the wrong one?
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask of God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” God does not fault us for being tempted by sin, but for succumbing to sin. He does not expect that we be able to discern the right choice in every circumstance. He simply wants us to recognize that the right answers always lie with Him and that it behooves us to seek Him for them.
It isn’t easy to recognize the best option in every situation. The old adage is, ‘The good is enemy of the best.’ Often, it is the good things around us that beckon us away from the ultimate prize.
The husband who has grown weary with the routine of married life seeks excitement in the arms of an illicit new love. In so doing, he robs himself forever of the joys of watching his children grow to respect him and honor him—to have his family around him when the ravages of old age begin to take their ultimate toll.
The lovely new home with the open floor plan is preferred over the traditional one, even though the older home has sturdier construction and will afford a more easily maintained and dependable place to live for a longer period of time. How can we know, when we are faced with alluring choices, just how precipitous a fall we can have if we select the wrong one?
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask of God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” God does not fault us for being tempted by sin, but for succumbing to sin. He does not expect that we be able to discern the right choice in every circumstance. He simply wants us to recognize that the right answers always lie with Him and that it behooves us to seek Him for them.
Monday, April 25, 2011
The Way of Salvation
April 25
We are a forward-looking people. We anticipate opportunity and grasp it. In a depressed real estate market, this means purchasing foreclosed properties. In a bearish stock market, it means going with the companies which are in a good position to rebound in a bullish market. In relationships, it means hanging with the ‘in crowd.’
We are always endeavoring to position ourselves with the winners. It doesn’t make sense to lag behind, to be among those who are left in the dust of the people who blaze trails into new ventures with new ideas and new strategies.
But the Word of God, as always, has a somewhat different perspective. In Jeremiah 6:16 the Lord says, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient path; ask where the good way is and walk in it—then you will find rest for your souls.” In all our forward-looking, we must not recklessly abandon the tried and true path.
In this day when religious choices abound, we must hold fast to our Christian faith that has brought us to blessings that exceed those of all previous generations. Though many may walk onto spiritual paths that lure them into new directions, the wise man of faith in Jesus will steadfastly remain in the Way of Salvation that only He provides.
We are a forward-looking people. We anticipate opportunity and grasp it. In a depressed real estate market, this means purchasing foreclosed properties. In a bearish stock market, it means going with the companies which are in a good position to rebound in a bullish market. In relationships, it means hanging with the ‘in crowd.’
We are always endeavoring to position ourselves with the winners. It doesn’t make sense to lag behind, to be among those who are left in the dust of the people who blaze trails into new ventures with new ideas and new strategies.
But the Word of God, as always, has a somewhat different perspective. In Jeremiah 6:16 the Lord says, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient path; ask where the good way is and walk in it—then you will find rest for your souls.” In all our forward-looking, we must not recklessly abandon the tried and true path.
In this day when religious choices abound, we must hold fast to our Christian faith that has brought us to blessings that exceed those of all previous generations. Though many may walk onto spiritual paths that lure them into new directions, the wise man of faith in Jesus will steadfastly remain in the Way of Salvation that only He provides.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
THE GLORIOUS RESURRECTION!
The cherubs on their harps will play
To usher in this Easter Day
While angels sing in sweet accord
The glory of our risen Lord.
But humble man must kneel and pray--
His Resurrection sets us free to say--
"The stain of sin I bear no more!
Christ's sacrifice has made me pure."
HAPPY EASTER!
April 24
What is one to do when fear raises its ugly head? What is one to do when confronted with financial ruin or with physical illness or with relational upheaval? What is one to do when the waves of an impending storm threaten to devastate all that is held dear?
There are self-help gurus who offer copious books containing information that is designed to afford assistance in plying through the quagmire of life’s problems—or at least to make the author wealthy in the process of selling his ideas!
But in the depth of the spirit of a man at the point of his extremity is the quiet reminder that there is but One who is worthy of his complete confidence at the crossroad where he needs help in deciding which way to turn; at the point where he needs wisdom beyond his own to assure that the path he chooses will lead where he desires to go.
At that juncture, at that pivot point where it is absolutely imperative that the right choice is made, that the correct path is taken, the Word of God gives encouragement. In Deuteronomy 31:6 the Lord’s word to His people is, “Be strong and of a good courage. Do not be afraid…for the Lord your God is with you…He will never forsake you.” Never!
The cherubs on their harps will play
To usher in this Easter Day
While angels sing in sweet accord
The glory of our risen Lord.
But humble man must kneel and pray--
His Resurrection sets us free to say--
"The stain of sin I bear no more!
Christ's sacrifice has made me pure."
HAPPY EASTER!
April 24
What is one to do when fear raises its ugly head? What is one to do when confronted with financial ruin or with physical illness or with relational upheaval? What is one to do when the waves of an impending storm threaten to devastate all that is held dear?
There are self-help gurus who offer copious books containing information that is designed to afford assistance in plying through the quagmire of life’s problems—or at least to make the author wealthy in the process of selling his ideas!
But in the depth of the spirit of a man at the point of his extremity is the quiet reminder that there is but One who is worthy of his complete confidence at the crossroad where he needs help in deciding which way to turn; at the point where he needs wisdom beyond his own to assure that the path he chooses will lead where he desires to go.
At that juncture, at that pivot point where it is absolutely imperative that the right choice is made, that the correct path is taken, the Word of God gives encouragement. In Deuteronomy 31:6 the Lord’s word to His people is, “Be strong and of a good courage. Do not be afraid…for the Lord your God is with you…He will never forsake you.” Never!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Fear Nothing! Fear No One!
April 23
Fear can be paralyzing. Unless you have been in its grip, it will be difficult for you to imagine the magnitude of that assertion. Until you have felt yourself virtually strangled by its tentacles, you cannot appreciate the devastation it can wreak in a life.
There are many among us who have restricted themselves from ever traveling beyond a limited radius of their own homes because they are afraid of flying, or of driving on major highways. There are those among us who have tantamount to imprisoned themselves in their homes because they cannot face the outside world.
Even believers in Christ deny themselves the peace He promises to provide by neglecting to appropriate the serenity of spirit that His presence in their lives can afford to them. They continue to grapple with the unseen cobwebs of fear within their minds that hold them captive to irrational worry and its negative mindset.
This is not what the Lord would have for any believer in Christ. His peace that calms all fear and dispels anxiety is to be the portion of those who trust in Him. As Psalm 27:1 states so tenderly, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” The answer? Fear nothing! Fear no one!
Fear can be paralyzing. Unless you have been in its grip, it will be difficult for you to imagine the magnitude of that assertion. Until you have felt yourself virtually strangled by its tentacles, you cannot appreciate the devastation it can wreak in a life.
There are many among us who have restricted themselves from ever traveling beyond a limited radius of their own homes because they are afraid of flying, or of driving on major highways. There are those among us who have tantamount to imprisoned themselves in their homes because they cannot face the outside world.
Even believers in Christ deny themselves the peace He promises to provide by neglecting to appropriate the serenity of spirit that His presence in their lives can afford to them. They continue to grapple with the unseen cobwebs of fear within their minds that hold them captive to irrational worry and its negative mindset.
This is not what the Lord would have for any believer in Christ. His peace that calms all fear and dispels anxiety is to be the portion of those who trust in Him. As Psalm 27:1 states so tenderly, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” The answer? Fear nothing! Fear no one!
Friday, April 22, 2011
He Speaks to Our Storm
April 22
The trials of life are daunting. There are times when a person barely seems to get his head above the water of one challenge that has threatened to engulf him when he is struck by another. It is rather like a ship at sea during a hurricane—in having ridden out one wave the mariner has no promise of surviving the storm.
So what is a believer to do when his frail bark seems battered by the winds and waves of adversity? How is he to proceed when it seems he’s at the end of his endurance? Should he simply surrender himself to the tumultuous waves that are engulfing him when he is too worn to struggle against them any longer?
That’s not what the Word says. Our Father God recognizes that life will be a struggle at times. He knows that of ourselves we haven’t the power to overcome those challenges to our life—to our faith. He knows our ship needs an anchor to hold us securely when life’s waves rise above our craft and threaten to wash us into oblivion.
Of those times, He says in Isaiah 41:10, “I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” We’re not alone at the point of struggle. We’re not wrestling the waves in our own strength. As He did when the disciples were terrified their boat would be engulfed, Jesus will speak to our storm, “Peace, be still” Mark 4:37-40.
The trials of life are daunting. There are times when a person barely seems to get his head above the water of one challenge that has threatened to engulf him when he is struck by another. It is rather like a ship at sea during a hurricane—in having ridden out one wave the mariner has no promise of surviving the storm.
So what is a believer to do when his frail bark seems battered by the winds and waves of adversity? How is he to proceed when it seems he’s at the end of his endurance? Should he simply surrender himself to the tumultuous waves that are engulfing him when he is too worn to struggle against them any longer?
That’s not what the Word says. Our Father God recognizes that life will be a struggle at times. He knows that of ourselves we haven’t the power to overcome those challenges to our life—to our faith. He knows our ship needs an anchor to hold us securely when life’s waves rise above our craft and threaten to wash us into oblivion.
Of those times, He says in Isaiah 41:10, “I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” We’re not alone at the point of struggle. We’re not wrestling the waves in our own strength. As He did when the disciples were terrified their boat would be engulfed, Jesus will speak to our storm, “Peace, be still” Mark 4:37-40.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Godly Will Be Secure
April 21
God distinguishes between good and evil men. In Matthew 13: 25-30 Jesus shares a parable that tells us that evil may be allowed to dwell alongside good for a season but the time is coming when all that opposes God will be gathered up and cast into an eternal punishment. The godly will be taken to their everlasting heavenly home.
Sometimes it is difficult for the people of God to see any difference between their lives and the lives of the people around them who have chosen to live a life of sin. That’s because the Lord has said there wouldn’t be. Both groups have ups and downs in life. As the passage in Matthew 13 tells us, they exist side-by-side –for a season.
But that will all change when Jesus splits the sky! When He comes back to gather His own to Himself there will be a staggering number of people left behind to fend for themselves through the horrors of the antichrist’s reign of terror. Even that shall not daunt them in their wickedness, they shall yet rail against God (Revelation 6: 15-17).
When all this transpires, the godly will be secure. Proverbs 3:25-26 says of that time, “Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and He will keep your foot from being snared.” Those who trust in Jesus may hold confidently to His Word, to His hand—even at that great eternal day.
God distinguishes between good and evil men. In Matthew 13: 25-30 Jesus shares a parable that tells us that evil may be allowed to dwell alongside good for a season but the time is coming when all that opposes God will be gathered up and cast into an eternal punishment. The godly will be taken to their everlasting heavenly home.
Sometimes it is difficult for the people of God to see any difference between their lives and the lives of the people around them who have chosen to live a life of sin. That’s because the Lord has said there wouldn’t be. Both groups have ups and downs in life. As the passage in Matthew 13 tells us, they exist side-by-side –for a season.
But that will all change when Jesus splits the sky! When He comes back to gather His own to Himself there will be a staggering number of people left behind to fend for themselves through the horrors of the antichrist’s reign of terror. Even that shall not daunt them in their wickedness, they shall yet rail against God (Revelation 6: 15-17).
When all this transpires, the godly will be secure. Proverbs 3:25-26 says of that time, “Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and He will keep your foot from being snared.” Those who trust in Jesus may hold confidently to His Word, to His hand—even at that great eternal day.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
A God Worth Knowing
April 20
God is a personal God. We know it is His desire to have a relationship with each of us. We know it is His will that we seek Him early in life and walk with Him all our days. We know He wants us to know Him face-to-face. That is why He came to earth as a Man. Jesus’ incarnation fleshed God out for us.
Although that did not occur in fullness until Christ laid aside His deity and dwelt among men as described in Philippians 2: 5-7 which says, “Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation and took upon Him the form of …a man…” yet there were Old Testament types and shadows of the incarnation.
One was the declaration of His presence with man that is found in Deuteronomy 7:21 which says, “The Lord your God who is among you is a great and awesome God.” It is obviously His will—it has always been His will—to walk among His people and to interact with them in great and mighty ways.
Our loving, omnipresent Father God wants to demonstrate His awesome power among us. If it were not His intent to be everything to us that we need for salvation in life and for hope of life eternal, why would He have left heaven to reveal His love to us in such a graphic way? A God who would do all that for us is certainly a God worth knowing well!
God is a personal God. We know it is His desire to have a relationship with each of us. We know it is His will that we seek Him early in life and walk with Him all our days. We know He wants us to know Him face-to-face. That is why He came to earth as a Man. Jesus’ incarnation fleshed God out for us.
Although that did not occur in fullness until Christ laid aside His deity and dwelt among men as described in Philippians 2: 5-7 which says, “Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation and took upon Him the form of …a man…” yet there were Old Testament types and shadows of the incarnation.
One was the declaration of His presence with man that is found in Deuteronomy 7:21 which says, “The Lord your God who is among you is a great and awesome God.” It is obviously His will—it has always been His will—to walk among His people and to interact with them in great and mighty ways.
Our loving, omnipresent Father God wants to demonstrate His awesome power among us. If it were not His intent to be everything to us that we need for salvation in life and for hope of life eternal, why would He have left heaven to reveal His love to us in such a graphic way? A God who would do all that for us is certainly a God worth knowing well!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
When...
April 19
Trials are inevitable. Danger lurks in the dark corners of our path as well as in the recesses of our mind. They say it’s the things we worry about that never happen but sometimes just the act of worrying itself is sufficient to rob us of our joy and power in believing.
Though we serve a God who is infinitely knowing, who can see the end from the beginning and assures us we may walk confidently through life; though we serve a Christ who is omnipotent to the point of overcoming man’s last great enemy, death, and washing away our sin in the process of doing so; though we know He’s always with us, yet we magnify our concerns and diminish our faith when we should lay our cares at His feet (I Peter 5:7) and abandon ourselves to Him fully.
Isaiah 43: 2, 3 gives a very up-lifting word to the person of faith at the point of his severe testing. It says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you go through the swollen rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not kindle upon you—for I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your SAVIOR.”
Do you see the key word in this passage that affirms God’s role as our Savior? It is the word ‘when.’ The Lord doesn’t promise to be with His child ‘if’ he encounters danger. He doesn’t assure him of His presence in the event of a trial that is beyond his control. No. His affirmation is that WHEN the ordeals of life come, when the enemy assails with a vengeance, HE, Jesus, God, will be with the believer to guard him from the onslaught that has come against him.
Trials are inevitable. Danger lurks in the dark corners of our path as well as in the recesses of our mind. They say it’s the things we worry about that never happen but sometimes just the act of worrying itself is sufficient to rob us of our joy and power in believing.
Though we serve a God who is infinitely knowing, who can see the end from the beginning and assures us we may walk confidently through life; though we serve a Christ who is omnipotent to the point of overcoming man’s last great enemy, death, and washing away our sin in the process of doing so; though we know He’s always with us, yet we magnify our concerns and diminish our faith when we should lay our cares at His feet (I Peter 5:7) and abandon ourselves to Him fully.
Isaiah 43: 2, 3 gives a very up-lifting word to the person of faith at the point of his severe testing. It says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you go through the swollen rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not kindle upon you—for I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your SAVIOR.”
Do you see the key word in this passage that affirms God’s role as our Savior? It is the word ‘when.’ The Lord doesn’t promise to be with His child ‘if’ he encounters danger. He doesn’t assure him of His presence in the event of a trial that is beyond his control. No. His affirmation is that WHEN the ordeals of life come, when the enemy assails with a vengeance, HE, Jesus, God, will be with the believer to guard him from the onslaught that has come against him.
Monday, April 18, 2011
I Will Trust In You
April 18
Little children have very real fears—the monsters in the closet, the ‘Cookie Monster’ who chases them in their imagination. The little ones laugh with delight at the notion of these pretend entities that are after them—unless it’s bedtime, the lights are out, and Mommy and Daddy have already left the room.
Adults have similar fears and anxieties. In the light of potential solutions, fear can be laid aside. The test will be easy. The economy will turn around. The new treatment will work. The peace negotiations will succeed. But if the test is difficult, if the economic recovery falters, if the treatment fails, if the negotiations are abandoned…then what?
One reality of life is that there is only One Source. There is only One Answer. And that One is our Jesus. He will never let us down. When every solution we try fails, when every hope we have is dashed, He has not begun to implement the resources He has at His disposal to effect the solution to our problem—to give us our miracle! He is not bound by the seen! He has power in the unseen realm!
Should we let doubt and fear dog our heals? If our hope is in temporal solutions to our problems, they will; but if our hope is in the Living Christ who has overcome sin and death and hell, then we need not fear! What should we do when we’re afraid? Psalm 56:3, 4 says, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You, in God whose word I praise, in God I trust. I will not be afraid.” Let fear be overcome through faith in our faithful God.
Little children have very real fears—the monsters in the closet, the ‘Cookie Monster’ who chases them in their imagination. The little ones laugh with delight at the notion of these pretend entities that are after them—unless it’s bedtime, the lights are out, and Mommy and Daddy have already left the room.
Adults have similar fears and anxieties. In the light of potential solutions, fear can be laid aside. The test will be easy. The economy will turn around. The new treatment will work. The peace negotiations will succeed. But if the test is difficult, if the economic recovery falters, if the treatment fails, if the negotiations are abandoned…then what?
One reality of life is that there is only One Source. There is only One Answer. And that One is our Jesus. He will never let us down. When every solution we try fails, when every hope we have is dashed, He has not begun to implement the resources He has at His disposal to effect the solution to our problem—to give us our miracle! He is not bound by the seen! He has power in the unseen realm!
Should we let doubt and fear dog our heals? If our hope is in temporal solutions to our problems, they will; but if our hope is in the Living Christ who has overcome sin and death and hell, then we need not fear! What should we do when we’re afraid? Psalm 56:3, 4 says, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You, in God whose word I praise, in God I trust. I will not be afraid.” Let fear be overcome through faith in our faithful God.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Be Strong and Take Heart
April 17
Life can be overwhelming. Plans fail. Relationships disappoint. Hope shatters. Dreams are left unrealized. Even those who appear to have ‘made it,’ often dwell in misery within their finely appointed homes. None of the luxuries with which they lavish themselves can assuage the pain of life’s disappointments.
Is there any way to get around life’s let-downs? If they must come—and it appears they come to everyone—is there any way to navigate beyond them? Must the awareness of them impact every future endeavor, cloud every future yearning? Actually, the Word of God has a remedy for the weary ones who are burdened with life’s trials.
God’s solutions are simple and free. There is no ‘self-help’ plan to buy, no guru who professes answers to all life’s problems to consult. The Lord's answer is timeless—it worked for the people who walked the dusty roads of Palestine in Jesus’ day and it works for us today. The Word of God is ‘yea and amen.’ It is steadfast and it is effectual.
Everyone who puts his trust in the Living God may appropriate the unchanging answer to life’s perplexing problems. It is found in Psalm 31:24 where it says, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” If your hope is in Him, He will be the source of your strength; He will be your victory that overcomes all life’s challenges.
Life can be overwhelming. Plans fail. Relationships disappoint. Hope shatters. Dreams are left unrealized. Even those who appear to have ‘made it,’ often dwell in misery within their finely appointed homes. None of the luxuries with which they lavish themselves can assuage the pain of life’s disappointments.
Is there any way to get around life’s let-downs? If they must come—and it appears they come to everyone—is there any way to navigate beyond them? Must the awareness of them impact every future endeavor, cloud every future yearning? Actually, the Word of God has a remedy for the weary ones who are burdened with life’s trials.
God’s solutions are simple and free. There is no ‘self-help’ plan to buy, no guru who professes answers to all life’s problems to consult. The Lord's answer is timeless—it worked for the people who walked the dusty roads of Palestine in Jesus’ day and it works for us today. The Word of God is ‘yea and amen.’ It is steadfast and it is effectual.
Everyone who puts his trust in the Living God may appropriate the unchanging answer to life’s perplexing problems. It is found in Psalm 31:24 where it says, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” If your hope is in Him, He will be the source of your strength; He will be your victory that overcomes all life’s challenges.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
The Same Principles Apply
April 16
Some taxpayers have a terrible time filling out that tax form—they are perhaps the ones who delayed doing so until yesterday’s deadline! It is easy to begrudge the long arm of the government sticking its hand into your pocket so it can spend your hard-earned money—perhaps in ways with which you do not agree.
Of course, as believers in Jesus, we all know that He desires that we give generously to help those who have a legitimate need. In Luke 3:11 He says, “The man with two cloaks should share with him who has none…” The Lord’s assessment regarding such generosity is, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive” Acts 20:35.
Jesus also addressed the concerns of the tax collectors who came to know Him as their Savior and His admonition to them was that they not extort taxes beyond what was legal to require as was generally done in that day. The Roman soldiers who followed Him were also concerned because of the role they were required to play.
To them Jesus stated that they must not require ‘protection’ money from the citizenry, nor must they accuse them falsely. Beyond that, He told them to be satisfied with their pay (Luke 3:12-14). The same principles apply today, for God’s requirements of honor and integrity do not change with the passage of time.
Some taxpayers have a terrible time filling out that tax form—they are perhaps the ones who delayed doing so until yesterday’s deadline! It is easy to begrudge the long arm of the government sticking its hand into your pocket so it can spend your hard-earned money—perhaps in ways with which you do not agree.
Of course, as believers in Jesus, we all know that He desires that we give generously to help those who have a legitimate need. In Luke 3:11 He says, “The man with two cloaks should share with him who has none…” The Lord’s assessment regarding such generosity is, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive” Acts 20:35.
Jesus also addressed the concerns of the tax collectors who came to know Him as their Savior and His admonition to them was that they not extort taxes beyond what was legal to require as was generally done in that day. The Roman soldiers who followed Him were also concerned because of the role they were required to play.
To them Jesus stated that they must not require ‘protection’ money from the citizenry, nor must they accuse them falsely. Beyond that, He told them to be satisfied with their pay (Luke 3:12-14). The same principles apply today, for God’s requirements of honor and integrity do not change with the passage of time.
Friday, April 15, 2011
A Continual Feast
April 15
If you’re a citizen of the United States, or you live here and earn money here, you presumably have already filed your income tax form because today is the last day to do so. If you haven’t, consider this a gentle reminder—the IRS won’t be kindly disposed toward you if they have to remind you themselves.
We know that this country had not yet been discovered, let alone settled and a government formed in Jesus day, but taxes aren’t a new thing. The Romans exacted taxes of the nations they had conquered and that included the land of the Hebrews where Jesus dwelt. His country was in bondage to Rome through His temporal life.
When the people complained of the heavy taxes they had to pay, He simply said, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” Luke 20:25. In other words, give to the government what it requires of you and give to God what He desires you to give. The government may tax you to the ‘enth’ degree, but what God wants from you is for your own good.
He expects first that you give your life to Jesus, so HE may give eternal life to you. He then expects you to, “…love one another as I have loved you” John 15:12. If we can receive His salvation and be obedient to His commandment to love as Jesus loves, we can reap the fruit of the promise found in Proverbs 15:15, “The cheerful heart has a continual feast.” Come dine with Jesus.
If you’re a citizen of the United States, or you live here and earn money here, you presumably have already filed your income tax form because today is the last day to do so. If you haven’t, consider this a gentle reminder—the IRS won’t be kindly disposed toward you if they have to remind you themselves.
We know that this country had not yet been discovered, let alone settled and a government formed in Jesus day, but taxes aren’t a new thing. The Romans exacted taxes of the nations they had conquered and that included the land of the Hebrews where Jesus dwelt. His country was in bondage to Rome through His temporal life.
When the people complained of the heavy taxes they had to pay, He simply said, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” Luke 20:25. In other words, give to the government what it requires of you and give to God what He desires you to give. The government may tax you to the ‘enth’ degree, but what God wants from you is for your own good.
He expects first that you give your life to Jesus, so HE may give eternal life to you. He then expects you to, “…love one another as I have loved you” John 15:12. If we can receive His salvation and be obedient to His commandment to love as Jesus loves, we can reap the fruit of the promise found in Proverbs 15:15, “The cheerful heart has a continual feast.” Come dine with Jesus.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Every Good Thing
April 14
David was a man who understood exactly WHO was the source of all his blessings. The sweet psalmist had risen from obscurity to kingship. Although he began his life as the son of a wealthy man, he realized at an early age that if he were to succeed, he needed the Lord.
When he tended his father’s sheep, he had slain lions—and he was fully aware that this was not the kind of feat a shepherd boy could accomplish on his own. When he confronted the taunting Philistine giant Goliath whose physical presence engulfed the child-warrior, David knew the Lord would give him the ability to slay the terrifying foe who mocked the living God David served (I Samuel 17:45-51).
In Psalm 16:2 the Song-smith of Israel who God made king extolled his King with these words, “You are my Lord; apart from You, I have no good thing.” David knew that the inheritance he would have received from his father would not have equaled that of his older brothers; he knew he would have had a good but inconsequential life apart from the hand of God upon him.
How about us? How about you? How good would life be for us if the hand of God were removed, if the covering of His protection were gone, if the abundance of His provision were withdrawn? Do we have the insight to see as clearly as David did that every good thing, that every perfect gift—from temporal blessings to eternal salvation—flows from the heart of Jesus who died to give us all things?
David was a man who understood exactly WHO was the source of all his blessings. The sweet psalmist had risen from obscurity to kingship. Although he began his life as the son of a wealthy man, he realized at an early age that if he were to succeed, he needed the Lord.
When he tended his father’s sheep, he had slain lions—and he was fully aware that this was not the kind of feat a shepherd boy could accomplish on his own. When he confronted the taunting Philistine giant Goliath whose physical presence engulfed the child-warrior, David knew the Lord would give him the ability to slay the terrifying foe who mocked the living God David served (I Samuel 17:45-51).
In Psalm 16:2 the Song-smith of Israel who God made king extolled his King with these words, “You are my Lord; apart from You, I have no good thing.” David knew that the inheritance he would have received from his father would not have equaled that of his older brothers; he knew he would have had a good but inconsequential life apart from the hand of God upon him.
How about us? How about you? How good would life be for us if the hand of God were removed, if the covering of His protection were gone, if the abundance of His provision were withdrawn? Do we have the insight to see as clearly as David did that every good thing, that every perfect gift—from temporal blessings to eternal salvation—flows from the heart of Jesus who died to give us all things?
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Contentment
April 13
Contentment. Perhaps contentment is the most elusive commodity on the planet. We strive for ascendancy in our work as well as in our personal lives and when we fall short of what we believe we should achieve or attain, we are certainly not content.
We may not articulate our lack of peace with our circumstances. We may feign total happiness—smile to conceal our true feelings of disappointment, inadequacy, failure, despair—even anger—with our lot in life.
But we rarely fool anyone with our façade—not even ourselves and certainly, not God! Yet we endeavor to perpetuate the illusion of our total enthrallment with our work situation, with our personal relationships, with our financial status, with our social opportunities, with the totality of who we are. If it were true, if we were filled with peace and joy in spite of all the disappointments of our lives, we would be the living fulfillment of I Timothy 6:8. It is in this passage that Paul said to his spiritual son, “If we have food and clothing, we will be content.”
Indeed, Paul had given up everything he’d held dear to serve Jesus, and though his life was fraught with slanderous assaults upon his character by people who had once respected him, with persecution, incarceration and an unjust sentence of death, he was totally content. Under such circumstances, could we be? Under such circumstances would we continue to be content to serve Jesus, our Savior who gave up so much more than we have ever been called upon to relinquish? Would we continue to serve the Christ who had laid aside His deity to save us?
Contentment. Perhaps contentment is the most elusive commodity on the planet. We strive for ascendancy in our work as well as in our personal lives and when we fall short of what we believe we should achieve or attain, we are certainly not content.
We may not articulate our lack of peace with our circumstances. We may feign total happiness—smile to conceal our true feelings of disappointment, inadequacy, failure, despair—even anger—with our lot in life.
But we rarely fool anyone with our façade—not even ourselves and certainly, not God! Yet we endeavor to perpetuate the illusion of our total enthrallment with our work situation, with our personal relationships, with our financial status, with our social opportunities, with the totality of who we are. If it were true, if we were filled with peace and joy in spite of all the disappointments of our lives, we would be the living fulfillment of I Timothy 6:8. It is in this passage that Paul said to his spiritual son, “If we have food and clothing, we will be content.”
Indeed, Paul had given up everything he’d held dear to serve Jesus, and though his life was fraught with slanderous assaults upon his character by people who had once respected him, with persecution, incarceration and an unjust sentence of death, he was totally content. Under such circumstances, could we be? Under such circumstances would we continue to be content to serve Jesus, our Savior who gave up so much more than we have ever been called upon to relinquish? Would we continue to serve the Christ who had laid aside His deity to save us?
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The Choice That Carries Through
April 12
Proverbs 9:10 tells us that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” Fear, the awesome, reverential esteem of God, is the starting point of any understanding we may glean in life. That is not to say we cannot study diligently and possess great knowledge; that is simply to recognize that apart from reverencing God, we cannot be wise.
Knowledge can open the mysteries of science and technology to us. Knowledge can make us proficient at selling real estate or understanding the stock market, but wisdom makes us astute in the matters that determine our eternal salvation. A man may, through knowledge, gain great worldly wealth and power yet be an eternal pauper.
Proverbs 19:23 further states, “The fear of the Lord leads to life; and he that has it shall be satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.” This is an amazing side benefit of holding God in reverential fear. We all want life. The Word encourages us to so align our choices that the blessing of life will be the outcome (Deuteronomy 11:26-28).
When trials come, when the enemy of God assails the child of God with the full force of his arsenal of trouble and pain and sorrow, the child of the Most High may rest in the assurance that the Father has seen his decision to place his life in the hand of the Savior—and that choice will carry him through to victory in time and triumph in eternity.
Proverbs 9:10 tells us that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” Fear, the awesome, reverential esteem of God, is the starting point of any understanding we may glean in life. That is not to say we cannot study diligently and possess great knowledge; that is simply to recognize that apart from reverencing God, we cannot be wise.
Knowledge can open the mysteries of science and technology to us. Knowledge can make us proficient at selling real estate or understanding the stock market, but wisdom makes us astute in the matters that determine our eternal salvation. A man may, through knowledge, gain great worldly wealth and power yet be an eternal pauper.
Proverbs 19:23 further states, “The fear of the Lord leads to life; and he that has it shall be satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.” This is an amazing side benefit of holding God in reverential fear. We all want life. The Word encourages us to so align our choices that the blessing of life will be the outcome (Deuteronomy 11:26-28).
When trials come, when the enemy of God assails the child of God with the full force of his arsenal of trouble and pain and sorrow, the child of the Most High may rest in the assurance that the Father has seen his decision to place his life in the hand of the Savior—and that choice will carry him through to victory in time and triumph in eternity.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Jesus Will Not, Cannot
April 11
Is it possible to live a worry-free existence? Can we who believe in the One whose name is ‘above all names’ Ephesians 1:2, indeed so fully abide in the shelter of His wing that we will find ourselves in faith, believing—even if the circumstances we encounter are dire?
The Word says we can. When we are facing life’s most formidable enemy, death, even then can we walk in the power of the One whose promises are ‘yea and amen.’ In Psalm 23:4 it says, “Yea, though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil because YOU are with me…”
So is it easier to trust at the point of death than it is to trust in the challenges of life? The fact of the matter is that our God wants us to trust Him no matter what our challenges may be, for He is able to deliver us from adversity to temporal victory or to deliver us through adversity to His eternal reward. He wants us to rely totally upon His own provision for us rather than upon our temporal resources, for they shall ultimately fail.
Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep yourselves from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’" Never. We can trust Him for all things. Whether we walk in health or fall to disease; whether we abound in wealth or reside in poverty; whether we enjoy the esteem of men or are ‘'persecuted for His name’s sake,'’ Luke 21:12, we need not rely upon our own insight, our own treasure, or our own power. Jesus will not, cannot, fail or forsake us.
Is it possible to live a worry-free existence? Can we who believe in the One whose name is ‘above all names’ Ephesians 1:2, indeed so fully abide in the shelter of His wing that we will find ourselves in faith, believing—even if the circumstances we encounter are dire?
The Word says we can. When we are facing life’s most formidable enemy, death, even then can we walk in the power of the One whose promises are ‘yea and amen.’ In Psalm 23:4 it says, “Yea, though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil because YOU are with me…”
So is it easier to trust at the point of death than it is to trust in the challenges of life? The fact of the matter is that our God wants us to trust Him no matter what our challenges may be, for He is able to deliver us from adversity to temporal victory or to deliver us through adversity to His eternal reward. He wants us to rely totally upon His own provision for us rather than upon our temporal resources, for they shall ultimately fail.
Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep yourselves from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’" Never. We can trust Him for all things. Whether we walk in health or fall to disease; whether we abound in wealth or reside in poverty; whether we enjoy the esteem of men or are ‘'persecuted for His name’s sake,'’ Luke 21:12, we need not rely upon our own insight, our own treasure, or our own power. Jesus will not, cannot, fail or forsake us.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Ultimately
April 10
There is perhaps no individual in the scriptures or in history in general who more personifies the concept of suffering and loss than does Job. When we are first introduced to Job, it is through a discourse that is transpiring between God and the evil angel Lucifer. God brings up the topic of Job.
He says, “Have you considered my servant Job? He is upright in every way.” The response of the evil one (to paraphrase) is, “Well, what do You expect! He’s got everything a man could want! Take away a few things from him. Let him suffer a little and see how fast he denies Your name!”
So God agrees that evil may enter Job’s life. You know the story. Job’s children are killed in a freak ‘natural disaster;’ his vast properties are destroyed; even his health is finally taken from him. His wife advises Job to ‘curse God and die’ (Job 2:9).’ Yet through his ordeal, Job maintains his integrity before the Lord. In Job 1:21 he reaffirms his faith: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. May the name of the Lord be praised.”
May we, at our hour of trial and loss, be like Job who kept His focus on God and on His goodness in spite of how things appeared in his own personal life. May we ultimately, like Job, realize that while our trials may hone our faith, refine our concept of who we are, even reveal the attitude of the heart of those closest to us, they are ultimately the springboard by which God will show Himself strong in our behalf.
There is perhaps no individual in the scriptures or in history in general who more personifies the concept of suffering and loss than does Job. When we are first introduced to Job, it is through a discourse that is transpiring between God and the evil angel Lucifer. God brings up the topic of Job.
He says, “Have you considered my servant Job? He is upright in every way.” The response of the evil one (to paraphrase) is, “Well, what do You expect! He’s got everything a man could want! Take away a few things from him. Let him suffer a little and see how fast he denies Your name!”
So God agrees that evil may enter Job’s life. You know the story. Job’s children are killed in a freak ‘natural disaster;’ his vast properties are destroyed; even his health is finally taken from him. His wife advises Job to ‘curse God and die’ (Job 2:9).’ Yet through his ordeal, Job maintains his integrity before the Lord. In Job 1:21 he reaffirms his faith: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. May the name of the Lord be praised.”
May we, at our hour of trial and loss, be like Job who kept His focus on God and on His goodness in spite of how things appeared in his own personal life. May we ultimately, like Job, realize that while our trials may hone our faith, refine our concept of who we are, even reveal the attitude of the heart of those closest to us, they are ultimately the springboard by which God will show Himself strong in our behalf.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Godliness with Contentment
April 9
Life isn’t fair. We don’t have to look very far beyond ourselves to discover the enormous inequities that exist between cultures, between nations, between neighbors, between family members.
It’s easy to explain the fact that Western Civilization progressed far beyond others in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. Here science and learning have been honored and provision made for every child to have an opportunity to be educated. Who can imagine the brilliant minds that have been squandered because of a lack of that opportunity!
And, of course, many Western scientists were godly men who believed that if they used the gifts they were given by the Almighty, He would unlock His secrets to them. Many early scientists and explorers were just such men. What about the disparity between neighbors? Who can reconcile the fact that some are abounding in this world’s good things while others barely scratch out a viable living.
How does God see these discrepancies between cultures, nations, people—and His children? The reality is, God is not concerned with the temporal as we are. He is more desirous that His children store up for themselves the treasures of eternity. Perhaps it is Paul who has best stated the final word in the matter in I Timothy 6:6, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Godliness, with any temporal circumstance, is enough.
Life isn’t fair. We don’t have to look very far beyond ourselves to discover the enormous inequities that exist between cultures, between nations, between neighbors, between family members.
It’s easy to explain the fact that Western Civilization progressed far beyond others in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. Here science and learning have been honored and provision made for every child to have an opportunity to be educated. Who can imagine the brilliant minds that have been squandered because of a lack of that opportunity!
And, of course, many Western scientists were godly men who believed that if they used the gifts they were given by the Almighty, He would unlock His secrets to them. Many early scientists and explorers were just such men. What about the disparity between neighbors? Who can reconcile the fact that some are abounding in this world’s good things while others barely scratch out a viable living.
How does God see these discrepancies between cultures, nations, people—and His children? The reality is, God is not concerned with the temporal as we are. He is more desirous that His children store up for themselves the treasures of eternity. Perhaps it is Paul who has best stated the final word in the matter in I Timothy 6:6, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Godliness, with any temporal circumstance, is enough.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Your Source and Your Strength
April 8
The Apostle Paul, like the others who served Christ with the entirety of their energy, endured much hardship because of his resolve to share the good news of Jesus, the Light of our salvation with a world steeped in darkness.
Trials of every sort dogged his heels as he traversed the known world in his determination to introduce the gospel of salvation to everyone whose life touched his. Paul, though beaten and shipwrecked, imprisoned and scorned, maintained a joy that enabled him to stay focused on his goal in spite of his trials.
To us, Paul’s life seems laden with adversity, but he did not see it that way. His own perception of his formidable traumatic experiences is far different than to warrant self-pity or even self-righteousness. In Philippians 4:11-13, he has much to say in the matter and we who suffer today may take to heart his words of encouragement for we share his Source!
Paul said, “…I have learned to be content whatever my circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry; whether living in abundance or in want. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Jesus, your Source, is your Strength, too.
The Apostle Paul, like the others who served Christ with the entirety of their energy, endured much hardship because of his resolve to share the good news of Jesus, the Light of our salvation with a world steeped in darkness.
Trials of every sort dogged his heels as he traversed the known world in his determination to introduce the gospel of salvation to everyone whose life touched his. Paul, though beaten and shipwrecked, imprisoned and scorned, maintained a joy that enabled him to stay focused on his goal in spite of his trials.
To us, Paul’s life seems laden with adversity, but he did not see it that way. His own perception of his formidable traumatic experiences is far different than to warrant self-pity or even self-righteousness. In Philippians 4:11-13, he has much to say in the matter and we who suffer today may take to heart his words of encouragement for we share his Source!
Paul said, “…I have learned to be content whatever my circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry; whether living in abundance or in want. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Jesus, your Source, is your Strength, too.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Approach with Confidence
April 7
It is said that a supplicant before Thai royalty is required to approach the monarch on hands and knees with head bowed to the ground, scraping his forehead as he approaches the lofty one.
In the Bible we are told of Esther’s courage to approach her husband the king without having been invited into his presence. To do so put her life in jeopardy, for had he been disposed to do so, he could have had his wife executed for appearing before him without being expressly told to do so (Esther 4:11).
Try getting into Buckingham Palace to see the reigning monarch or into the White House to visit the president in the Oval Office without an invitation and one will find himself dispatched into the custody of the secret service for intense questioning and background investigation. A prison sentence might be part of the consequence. Presumption upon the person of one’s leader is a grave offense.
But in Hebrews 4:16, we are given a different perspective on entering into the presence of One who is far loftier than these mentioned here! It says, “Let us approach the Throne of Grace with confidence, so we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Our God wants us to come to Him with heart and hand outstretched, with the assurance that He cares and it is His desire to help.
It is said that a supplicant before Thai royalty is required to approach the monarch on hands and knees with head bowed to the ground, scraping his forehead as he approaches the lofty one.
In the Bible we are told of Esther’s courage to approach her husband the king without having been invited into his presence. To do so put her life in jeopardy, for had he been disposed to do so, he could have had his wife executed for appearing before him without being expressly told to do so (Esther 4:11).
Try getting into Buckingham Palace to see the reigning monarch or into the White House to visit the president in the Oval Office without an invitation and one will find himself dispatched into the custody of the secret service for intense questioning and background investigation. A prison sentence might be part of the consequence. Presumption upon the person of one’s leader is a grave offense.
But in Hebrews 4:16, we are given a different perspective on entering into the presence of One who is far loftier than these mentioned here! It says, “Let us approach the Throne of Grace with confidence, so we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Our God wants us to come to Him with heart and hand outstretched, with the assurance that He cares and it is His desire to help.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
In That Name
April 6
The Word tells us that in the end times deception will be so rampant that, “…if it were possible, the very elect would be deceived.” Matthew 24:24. In Chapter 24, the Lord tells us that there will be false prophets, even false Christs—and many will follow them.
We are told that when it is proclaimed that Jesus is in our midst, we should not be gullible. We should not go after the great signs and lying wonders that these satanic imitators of Christ, these masters of deception, will perform.
In verses nine and ten, believers are warned that they shall be, “…hated of all nations for My name’s sake…many shall betray one another…false prophets shall rise…iniquity shall abound…” As the time of the antichrist (the man of lawlessness) draws closer, the rule of law shall be challenged and godly people shall be despised.
In I John 2:28, the beloved Apostle encourages people of faith with these words: “Dear Children, continue in Him so when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.” We who name the glorious name of Jesus must stand fast in that holy, mighty name—even unto death, for in His name is eternal life.
The Word tells us that in the end times deception will be so rampant that, “…if it were possible, the very elect would be deceived.” Matthew 24:24. In Chapter 24, the Lord tells us that there will be false prophets, even false Christs—and many will follow them.
We are told that when it is proclaimed that Jesus is in our midst, we should not be gullible. We should not go after the great signs and lying wonders that these satanic imitators of Christ, these masters of deception, will perform.
In verses nine and ten, believers are warned that they shall be, “…hated of all nations for My name’s sake…many shall betray one another…false prophets shall rise…iniquity shall abound…” As the time of the antichrist (the man of lawlessness) draws closer, the rule of law shall be challenged and godly people shall be despised.
In I John 2:28, the beloved Apostle encourages people of faith with these words: “Dear Children, continue in Him so when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.” We who name the glorious name of Jesus must stand fast in that holy, mighty name—even unto death, for in His name is eternal life.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Peace That Transcends the World's Woes
April 5
There is a shaking going on. If we were visitors from another planet and read the daily headlines, we would be required to conclude that Planet Earth is a volatile place. It isn’t only the natural disasters—the earthquakes, the tsunamis, the extremes of weather that blanket southern states with ice and snow—it’s also the man-made woes that jolt our peace.
Radiation is carried by the wind from a damaged reactor in Japan to far-flung corners of the globe. What had been a peaceful energy producer has become life-threatening. The total impact of the events that rocked Japan may not be fully known for generations to come.
People longing for freedom rise up against their oppressive governments and their ruthless leaders are merciless in putting down their assertion for the rights and dignity that God desires all people to have. Indeed, the resultant turmoil might usher in a worse oppression. We know there can be no real peace apart from the Prince of Peace.
How can we anticipate anything will improve? II Corinthians 3:4, 5 sheds light on the way to gain victory. Here it says, “Such confidence as this is ours through Christ…Not that we are competent in ourselves… but our confidence comes from Him.” Apart from Jesus, we continue to be a volatile planet. When we embrace Him, His truth, and salvation however, we gain His peace that transcends the world and its woes.
There is a shaking going on. If we were visitors from another planet and read the daily headlines, we would be required to conclude that Planet Earth is a volatile place. It isn’t only the natural disasters—the earthquakes, the tsunamis, the extremes of weather that blanket southern states with ice and snow—it’s also the man-made woes that jolt our peace.
Radiation is carried by the wind from a damaged reactor in Japan to far-flung corners of the globe. What had been a peaceful energy producer has become life-threatening. The total impact of the events that rocked Japan may not be fully known for generations to come.
People longing for freedom rise up against their oppressive governments and their ruthless leaders are merciless in putting down their assertion for the rights and dignity that God desires all people to have. Indeed, the resultant turmoil might usher in a worse oppression. We know there can be no real peace apart from the Prince of Peace.
How can we anticipate anything will improve? II Corinthians 3:4, 5 sheds light on the way to gain victory. Here it says, “Such confidence as this is ours through Christ…Not that we are competent in ourselves… but our confidence comes from Him.” Apart from Jesus, we continue to be a volatile planet. When we embrace Him, His truth, and salvation however, we gain His peace that transcends the world and its woes.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Love Never Fails
April 4
God’s love is beyond our ability to fathom apart from the Holy Spirit’s revelation of His heart to our heart. The best we see of love evidenced in this Vale of Tears where fallen man treads is through a Lillian Trasher or a Mother Teresa. We stand in awe when we see the sacrifices such ones are willing to make in the behalf of their fellow man.
For the most part, the love we see has strings attached. The beautiful young woman is adored until she gains weight or becomes matronly. The successful executive is put on a pedestal until a monetary setback leaves him without financial resources. We like to think we love better than that, but typically, we don’t. Mankind is a selfish lot.
The Bible makes it plain that, “…love never fails” I Corinthians 13:8. How can this scriptural assertion be true if what we see and know of love evidences the contrary? How can love be unfailing when it has so many qualifiers attached to it—like a complicated legal document? I John 4:16, 17 sheds the Lord’s light upon this seeming disparity.
Here it says, “We know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in God, lives in love, and God in him. In this way, our love is made complete…we are like Him.” It isn’t our love that never fails, it’s God’s love! To the degree we allow Him to manifest His love through us, to that measure, our love, His love in us, cannot fail.
God’s love is beyond our ability to fathom apart from the Holy Spirit’s revelation of His heart to our heart. The best we see of love evidenced in this Vale of Tears where fallen man treads is through a Lillian Trasher or a Mother Teresa. We stand in awe when we see the sacrifices such ones are willing to make in the behalf of their fellow man.
For the most part, the love we see has strings attached. The beautiful young woman is adored until she gains weight or becomes matronly. The successful executive is put on a pedestal until a monetary setback leaves him without financial resources. We like to think we love better than that, but typically, we don’t. Mankind is a selfish lot.
The Bible makes it plain that, “…love never fails” I Corinthians 13:8. How can this scriptural assertion be true if what we see and know of love evidences the contrary? How can love be unfailing when it has so many qualifiers attached to it—like a complicated legal document? I John 4:16, 17 sheds the Lord’s light upon this seeming disparity.
Here it says, “We know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in God, lives in love, and God in him. In this way, our love is made complete…we are like Him.” It isn’t our love that never fails, it’s God’s love! To the degree we allow Him to manifest His love through us, to that measure, our love, His love in us, cannot fail.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Answers to Prayer
April 3
“When I pray, my prayers just bounce back and slap me in the face.” “God is too busy running the universe to bother with little old me.” “Other people might be able to prevail upon God in prayer, but I’ve never been one of those lucky ones.” “God is deaf to me, in spite of all my praying.”
Does any of that sound familiar? Perhaps you’ve uttered a similar disparaging remark a time or two in your life when you didn’t get an immediate response to your prayers—in the manner in which you’d hoped to receive it. If not you, maybe someone you know has thrown up his hands in despair of ever receiving an answer to his prayers.
Well, sometimes God’s answer is, ‘No.’ If we consider that as an option, then every prayer we’ve ever lifted Heavenward has received an answer. How does the negative response from the Throne where all power and mercy dwell line up with the Lord’s promise that we could ask in His name and it would be done? (John 15:7) Sometimes we forget that Jesus prefaced that promise with the words, “If you abide in Me and My words abide in you…”
The beloved Apostle states the matter again in I John 5:14, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” Our assumption of a blanket promise is off base. God will never answer a prayer that is contrary to His law or His honor. He will never reward our selfishness. His heart of love and His adherence to justice require that He not only develop our character and strengthen our faith through His answers, but also that He maintains His own integrity.
“When I pray, my prayers just bounce back and slap me in the face.” “God is too busy running the universe to bother with little old me.” “Other people might be able to prevail upon God in prayer, but I’ve never been one of those lucky ones.” “God is deaf to me, in spite of all my praying.”
Does any of that sound familiar? Perhaps you’ve uttered a similar disparaging remark a time or two in your life when you didn’t get an immediate response to your prayers—in the manner in which you’d hoped to receive it. If not you, maybe someone you know has thrown up his hands in despair of ever receiving an answer to his prayers.
Well, sometimes God’s answer is, ‘No.’ If we consider that as an option, then every prayer we’ve ever lifted Heavenward has received an answer. How does the negative response from the Throne where all power and mercy dwell line up with the Lord’s promise that we could ask in His name and it would be done? (John 15:7) Sometimes we forget that Jesus prefaced that promise with the words, “If you abide in Me and My words abide in you…”
The beloved Apostle states the matter again in I John 5:14, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” Our assumption of a blanket promise is off base. God will never answer a prayer that is contrary to His law or His honor. He will never reward our selfishness. His heart of love and His adherence to justice require that He not only develop our character and strengthen our faith through His answers, but also that He maintains His own integrity.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Fear No Evil
April 2
If we are searching for blessed assurance of our eternal security, we need look no further than the cross. When we contemplate the virtually incomprehensible plan of salvation which brought the Creator of the universe to earth as a man who suffered and died for our sins, we can scarcely drink in the wonder of such love and sacrifice.
The scarlet thread of Christ’s shed blood which covers our sin and cleanses us from it is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old testament, it is presented as types and shadows of the coming King who will lay aside His glory, His deity, in order to rescue fallen mankind from sin.
In the New Testament, it becomes the greatest story ever told of love that pays the ultimate price for the lost treasure (man) that is esteemed to be of more value than life itself. Because Jesus came to redeem us from ourselves, we can find comfort in our time of need and at the hour of our death. There is no juncture of our lives at which we cannot find Him, holding out His hand to lead us along the path to safety.
And among the most comforting of scriptures is that found in Psalm 23:4 which says, “Though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil, for YOU are with me; Your rod and staff comfort me.” David goes on to say that the peace the Lord provides is so complete that a man may dine in the presence of his enemies. To enjoy a leisurely meal when surrounded by foes is indeed the epitome of security!
If we are searching for blessed assurance of our eternal security, we need look no further than the cross. When we contemplate the virtually incomprehensible plan of salvation which brought the Creator of the universe to earth as a man who suffered and died for our sins, we can scarcely drink in the wonder of such love and sacrifice.
The scarlet thread of Christ’s shed blood which covers our sin and cleanses us from it is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old testament, it is presented as types and shadows of the coming King who will lay aside His glory, His deity, in order to rescue fallen mankind from sin.
In the New Testament, it becomes the greatest story ever told of love that pays the ultimate price for the lost treasure (man) that is esteemed to be of more value than life itself. Because Jesus came to redeem us from ourselves, we can find comfort in our time of need and at the hour of our death. There is no juncture of our lives at which we cannot find Him, holding out His hand to lead us along the path to safety.
And among the most comforting of scriptures is that found in Psalm 23:4 which says, “Though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil, for YOU are with me; Your rod and staff comfort me.” David goes on to say that the peace the Lord provides is so complete that a man may dine in the presence of his enemies. To enjoy a leisurely meal when surrounded by foes is indeed the epitome of security!
Friday, April 1, 2011
There's a Spider on Your Back!
April 1
Oh, my gosh! There’s a spider crawling on your back! Didn’t fall for this attempted prank, eh? Well, you’d better be on your toes because there will be more of them today—and many will be far more clever than this tired old April Fools’ Day joke!
We do like to think we’re able to see through not only the tricks played on this ‘fun holiday,’ but we want to believe we’re careful enough observers of life and students of character that circumstances and people can’t dupe us into misconceptions that can cause us difficulties.
The Bible has a lot to say about the fool and his actions; none of which is more sobering than the statement in Psalm 14:1, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” This is a frightening place for a person to find himself. Indeed, we’ve all behaved foolishly at times and suffered the consequences of our error, but there is more to this scriptural observation than a mere reaping of the outcome of our temporary idiocy!
The Word of the Lord proclaims that the fool is the man who affirms within his own heart that there is no God. Such a one is a dyed-in-the-wool atheist. Such a man has observed the majesty and wonder of nature, has enjoyed the bounty from God’s hand of provision, has been blessed to receive love and kindness from his fellow man—and still refuses to see the hand of a wonderful God who has created such things for us to enjoy.
If we succumb to this kind of self-deception, we are not as astute as we think we are—no matter how many April Fools’ Day pranks we can see through.
Oh, my gosh! There’s a spider crawling on your back! Didn’t fall for this attempted prank, eh? Well, you’d better be on your toes because there will be more of them today—and many will be far more clever than this tired old April Fools’ Day joke!
We do like to think we’re able to see through not only the tricks played on this ‘fun holiday,’ but we want to believe we’re careful enough observers of life and students of character that circumstances and people can’t dupe us into misconceptions that can cause us difficulties.
The Bible has a lot to say about the fool and his actions; none of which is more sobering than the statement in Psalm 14:1, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” This is a frightening place for a person to find himself. Indeed, we’ve all behaved foolishly at times and suffered the consequences of our error, but there is more to this scriptural observation than a mere reaping of the outcome of our temporary idiocy!
The Word of the Lord proclaims that the fool is the man who affirms within his own heart that there is no God. Such a one is a dyed-in-the-wool atheist. Such a man has observed the majesty and wonder of nature, has enjoyed the bounty from God’s hand of provision, has been blessed to receive love and kindness from his fellow man—and still refuses to see the hand of a wonderful God who has created such things for us to enjoy.
If we succumb to this kind of self-deception, we are not as astute as we think we are—no matter how many April Fools’ Day pranks we can see through.
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