May 31
Truth has been hijacked! Jesus has been kidnapped! Does that sound foolish? I wish it were. Of course, TRUTH is established and will not be negated. Of course, JESUS is on His throne and will return at the appointed time with great power to rapture His Church and take believers to Heaven with Him.
But there is a religion, a worldview that uses the name of Jesus but that has twisted and perverted Him and His truth into an eschatological nightmare. It purports itself to look for His return, but the false Christ for whom this worldview is looking is nothing like the Jesus of the Holy Bible.
The Islamic Jesus is a literal ‘cutthroat’ of the Mahdi. The henchman of the Twelfth Imam. In Islamic eschatology, Jesus will be tasked with the slaughter of Christians and Jews who do not embrace Islam. As we see Islam on the ascendancy because of oil wealth and the political and cultural influence it exerts because of it, may we be ever mindful that we actually have nothing in common with this belief system.
Their ‘god’ Allah is NOT the Jehovah of the Bible, nor is their Jesus the Biblical Jesus. In an age when “the very elect could be deceived” Mark 13:22, may we remember the testimony of God which affirms, “He who has the Son has life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” I John 11:25, 26. God, according to Islam, has no son!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
If Truth Is To Survive
May 30
Words. Words are cheap. We live in an age of mass communication where words bombard us from so many sources and with so many conflicting ideas that it is virtually impossible to know what to believe. The sheer volume of TV advertising is enough to boggle the mind, let alone the need to sort through the ‘news’ to ascertain truth.
As with the ads from products offered for sale, the news itself is now presented with an agenda in mind. It is no longer delivered objectively and factually but reflects the marketing strategy of its presenters who want the viewer to be persuaded to a point of view, rather than to be informed.
The new bias in news reporting as well as in general TV and movie viewing is geared toward tearing down our culture—the value system, the laws, the faith—that made us the people we are. The new bias is bent upon transforming us into part of a ‘new order’ which negates all that made us unique and all that blessed us as a nation. Our leadership is shifting gears away from truth and embracing a lie.
As we see our values, based on the Judeo-Christian belief system denigrated and others extolled, as we see our common faith denied, we must keep in mind the essential truth of John 3:16 if we are to survive and if truth is to survive in the onslaught of lies: “God so loved the world, He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Words. Words are cheap. We live in an age of mass communication where words bombard us from so many sources and with so many conflicting ideas that it is virtually impossible to know what to believe. The sheer volume of TV advertising is enough to boggle the mind, let alone the need to sort through the ‘news’ to ascertain truth.
As with the ads from products offered for sale, the news itself is now presented with an agenda in mind. It is no longer delivered objectively and factually but reflects the marketing strategy of its presenters who want the viewer to be persuaded to a point of view, rather than to be informed.
The new bias in news reporting as well as in general TV and movie viewing is geared toward tearing down our culture—the value system, the laws, the faith—that made us the people we are. The new bias is bent upon transforming us into part of a ‘new order’ which negates all that made us unique and all that blessed us as a nation. Our leadership is shifting gears away from truth and embracing a lie.
As we see our values, based on the Judeo-Christian belief system denigrated and others extolled, as we see our common faith denied, we must keep in mind the essential truth of John 3:16 if we are to survive and if truth is to survive in the onslaught of lies: “God so loved the world, He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Anticipation
May 29
Most people who have lived to a ‘ripe old age’ would opt for youth if the choice were given to them. Few things about aging are among the things that would be considered ‘optimum.’ In fact, some of them are downright unpleasant.
Yes, there is the financial security that comes with having lived a normal work life. It is nice to receive retirement monies in the mail rather than having to go to work every day to earn a living; and it’s nice to be among those who have invested wisely and can take pleasant vacations when desired. But that’s pretty much ‘it’ on the plus side.
Older folks reflect upon their working years with regret that they no longer possess the vigor of youth and the hope of wonderful things to come. They know that what they enjoy today is probably the best it’s going to be. But there is one area of anticipation that believers have to look forward to in spite of what the aging process may do to them.
Romans 6:23 says, “The wage of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Though our lives may deserve sin’s wage (and the Word tells us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23) we anticipate with joy that precious gift for which Jesus paid so high a price to obtain for us.
Most people who have lived to a ‘ripe old age’ would opt for youth if the choice were given to them. Few things about aging are among the things that would be considered ‘optimum.’ In fact, some of them are downright unpleasant.
Yes, there is the financial security that comes with having lived a normal work life. It is nice to receive retirement monies in the mail rather than having to go to work every day to earn a living; and it’s nice to be among those who have invested wisely and can take pleasant vacations when desired. But that’s pretty much ‘it’ on the plus side.
Older folks reflect upon their working years with regret that they no longer possess the vigor of youth and the hope of wonderful things to come. They know that what they enjoy today is probably the best it’s going to be. But there is one area of anticipation that believers have to look forward to in spite of what the aging process may do to them.
Romans 6:23 says, “The wage of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Though our lives may deserve sin’s wage (and the Word tells us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23) we anticipate with joy that precious gift for which Jesus paid so high a price to obtain for us.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
...Strangely Dim
May 28
As we grow older, people change. Of course, our physical appearance becomes different. While we can still be recognized as the people we were in our youth, we no longer have the definition of feature or the intensity of coloring that we possessed when we were young.
Once fine bone structure is masked by ‘bags’ under the eyes and the sharp chin is camouflaged by two or three additional ones. Deep lines and wrinkles score our faces and our once muscular arms look more like the ‘wings’ of flying squirrels! Even those who were noted for their good looks in youth aren’t particularly attractive any more.
But—an amazing part of this transformation is that we no longer care about such things. Oh, yes, we want to present ourselves in the best way we can, but our focus is no longer on how we look—or what we own or how much money we have in the bank or how effective we are at our jobs. We are now looking to ‘retire.’ We have done our part and we know it’s time to pass the baton to the next generation.
As the Word says in I John 2:17, “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” As we grow older, our focus is on the eternal. Our efforts are channeled toward Heaven. Our eyes are more fully on Jesus. As the old hymn says, “…the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” Halleluiah!
As we grow older, people change. Of course, our physical appearance becomes different. While we can still be recognized as the people we were in our youth, we no longer have the definition of feature or the intensity of coloring that we possessed when we were young.
Once fine bone structure is masked by ‘bags’ under the eyes and the sharp chin is camouflaged by two or three additional ones. Deep lines and wrinkles score our faces and our once muscular arms look more like the ‘wings’ of flying squirrels! Even those who were noted for their good looks in youth aren’t particularly attractive any more.
But—an amazing part of this transformation is that we no longer care about such things. Oh, yes, we want to present ourselves in the best way we can, but our focus is no longer on how we look—or what we own or how much money we have in the bank or how effective we are at our jobs. We are now looking to ‘retire.’ We have done our part and we know it’s time to pass the baton to the next generation.
As the Word says in I John 2:17, “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” As we grow older, our focus is on the eternal. Our efforts are channeled toward Heaven. Our eyes are more fully on Jesus. As the old hymn says, “…the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” Halleluiah!
Friday, May 27, 2011
His Gentle Prodding to Help
May 27
It is difficult to stand by. Although we may not be ‘Type A’ personalities, we do tend to want to jump in with both feet and ‘help out.’ Perhaps it begins in childhood when we see our baby brothers and sisters struggling to learn to tie their shoes, for example. We want to simply do it for them.
This trait follows many of us through life. We can hardly keep ourselves from involvement with the affairs of those around us who may be wrestling with difficulty. As teenagers we extend our counsel to our friends who are wrestling with girlfriend/ boyfriend problems and as adults we extend our advice to anyone who will listen.
When we become believers in Christ and followers of His plan for us, we discover that our tendency toward investing ourselves into the lives of others is encouraged. Of course, we must listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit in order that we do not intrude ourselves into matters where the Lord would not wish us to extend assistance, but as a matter of course, we should be anticipating His gentle prodding to help others.
This willingness to be available to help shoulder the burdens and focus the thinking of our fellow sojourners through life’s mountains and valleys is stated in I Thessalonians 5:11 where it says, “Encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing.” This verse seems to recognize that there is an innate tendency within man to reach out—it is God-planted and should be submitted to His direction.
It is difficult to stand by. Although we may not be ‘Type A’ personalities, we do tend to want to jump in with both feet and ‘help out.’ Perhaps it begins in childhood when we see our baby brothers and sisters struggling to learn to tie their shoes, for example. We want to simply do it for them.
This trait follows many of us through life. We can hardly keep ourselves from involvement with the affairs of those around us who may be wrestling with difficulty. As teenagers we extend our counsel to our friends who are wrestling with girlfriend/ boyfriend problems and as adults we extend our advice to anyone who will listen.
When we become believers in Christ and followers of His plan for us, we discover that our tendency toward investing ourselves into the lives of others is encouraged. Of course, we must listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit in order that we do not intrude ourselves into matters where the Lord would not wish us to extend assistance, but as a matter of course, we should be anticipating His gentle prodding to help others.
This willingness to be available to help shoulder the burdens and focus the thinking of our fellow sojourners through life’s mountains and valleys is stated in I Thessalonians 5:11 where it says, “Encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing.” This verse seems to recognize that there is an innate tendency within man to reach out—it is God-planted and should be submitted to His direction.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
He Won't Let The Righteous Fall
May 26
Who can you trust? A young couple pledges life-long fidelity to one another. They will love until death parts them. Before they’ve celebrated their tenth anniversary, one, perhaps both of them, is cheating.
The purchase of a new kitchen appliance is a major expenditure. When it doesn’t function properly, the buyer wants a replacement that works. What he gets is numerous visits from the repair department of the store where he made his purchase.
An ally in the ‘war on terror’ receives billions of dollars in aid yearly—and then it is discovered that the world’s most notorious terror mastermind has been living comfortably in a military town there for six years. The host country, that harbored the international criminal, feigned shock at his presence in their midst. They also protested vehemently when its borders were breached in order to bring the terrorist to justice. Who can you trust?
Life is fraught with the anxiety that comes with the fact that so much of life is beyond accepting at face value. What you see ain’t what you get! But the Christ we serve is a God of honor and truth and integrity. His Word says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall,” Psalm 55:22. You may place your absolute confidence in Him for time and eternity. He never breaks His promises. He never fails.
Who can you trust? A young couple pledges life-long fidelity to one another. They will love until death parts them. Before they’ve celebrated their tenth anniversary, one, perhaps both of them, is cheating.
The purchase of a new kitchen appliance is a major expenditure. When it doesn’t function properly, the buyer wants a replacement that works. What he gets is numerous visits from the repair department of the store where he made his purchase.
An ally in the ‘war on terror’ receives billions of dollars in aid yearly—and then it is discovered that the world’s most notorious terror mastermind has been living comfortably in a military town there for six years. The host country, that harbored the international criminal, feigned shock at his presence in their midst. They also protested vehemently when its borders were breached in order to bring the terrorist to justice. Who can you trust?
Life is fraught with the anxiety that comes with the fact that so much of life is beyond accepting at face value. What you see ain’t what you get! But the Christ we serve is a God of honor and truth and integrity. His Word says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall,” Psalm 55:22. You may place your absolute confidence in Him for time and eternity. He never breaks His promises. He never fails.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
He Will Perform His Promises
May 25
Things are not always as they first appear. Many have learned that lesson because they made a snap decision based upon initial information that subsequently proved to be erroneous. Many of us have done something as simple as to follow a fashion fad because ‘everyone’ was wearing it only to recognize it was totally unsuitable for our body type.
Many of us have purchased exercise equipment with utmost confidence that it would help us keep our resolve to get our weight to a desirable level, that we would be toned and fit, only to recognize after months of the equipment sitting unused in the basement that we simply aren’t as resolute as we thought we were.
There is One upon Whom we may stake our confidence, knowing with absolute certainty that, “What He has promised, He is able to perform,” Romans 4:21. He is the One whose Word assures us, “The Lord will not reject His people; He will never forsake His inheritance. Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and the upright in heart will follow it,” Psalm 94:14, 15. We live in an age when right and wrong have been turned around.
The deception of the enemy has blinded the eyes of many to the danger of abandoning God’s law and living as a law unto ourselves. But those who trust in the One who is steadfast and true may rest confidently in His assurance that they have been neither forsaken nor rejected—and on that great day of Jesus’ appearing, righteousness will be established. Unlike fickle man, our God is ever faithful; He will perform His promises.
Things are not always as they first appear. Many have learned that lesson because they made a snap decision based upon initial information that subsequently proved to be erroneous. Many of us have done something as simple as to follow a fashion fad because ‘everyone’ was wearing it only to recognize it was totally unsuitable for our body type.
Many of us have purchased exercise equipment with utmost confidence that it would help us keep our resolve to get our weight to a desirable level, that we would be toned and fit, only to recognize after months of the equipment sitting unused in the basement that we simply aren’t as resolute as we thought we were.
There is One upon Whom we may stake our confidence, knowing with absolute certainty that, “What He has promised, He is able to perform,” Romans 4:21. He is the One whose Word assures us, “The Lord will not reject His people; He will never forsake His inheritance. Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and the upright in heart will follow it,” Psalm 94:14, 15. We live in an age when right and wrong have been turned around.
The deception of the enemy has blinded the eyes of many to the danger of abandoning God’s law and living as a law unto ourselves. But those who trust in the One who is steadfast and true may rest confidently in His assurance that they have been neither forsaken nor rejected—and on that great day of Jesus’ appearing, righteousness will be established. Unlike fickle man, our God is ever faithful; He will perform His promises.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The Great Goal of the Climb
May 24
There is one truth to which we may hold fast no matter how arduous our climb of the Mountain of Life becomes. The reality is indeed, that this formidable mount will challenge our skills as we forge our way through its valleys and peaks.
We are much like the venturous souls who defied the Rockies to reach a new land—one difficult stretch of the climb follows another with little respite between. Sometimes the challenges of the slopes defy our progress—but we resolutely trudge on.
Our spiritual progress can be challenged, too. There are many things along the trail that beckon us to turn aside to them. There may be gold to be discovered if we will but pan the mountain streams we pass. There may be picturesque views to admire if we will but stop to survey them.
But the Word tells us in Lamentations 3:25, 26 that, “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the ones who seek Him, who wait quietly for His salvation.” When the climb is challenging, the distractions, attractive, His assurance is that those who plod on will attain the great goal of the climb—salvation through Jesus Christ.
There is one truth to which we may hold fast no matter how arduous our climb of the Mountain of Life becomes. The reality is indeed, that this formidable mount will challenge our skills as we forge our way through its valleys and peaks.
We are much like the venturous souls who defied the Rockies to reach a new land—one difficult stretch of the climb follows another with little respite between. Sometimes the challenges of the slopes defy our progress—but we resolutely trudge on.
Our spiritual progress can be challenged, too. There are many things along the trail that beckon us to turn aside to them. There may be gold to be discovered if we will but pan the mountain streams we pass. There may be picturesque views to admire if we will but stop to survey them.
But the Word tells us in Lamentations 3:25, 26 that, “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the ones who seek Him, who wait quietly for His salvation.” When the climb is challenging, the distractions, attractive, His assurance is that those who plod on will attain the great goal of the climb—salvation through Jesus Christ.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Perception vs. Truth
May 23
Unseen truth is of infinitely more worth to man in an ultimate sense than is the seen perception of truth that may not be truth at all. Perhaps one of the most graphic examples of that reality is in the story of the Titanic.
Almost everyone remembers the tale of the great ship that was built to such amazing specifications that even God, as one observer stated, ‘…couldn’t sink the Titanic.’ Of course, when the magnificent ship struck an iceberg, it, and many of its passengers, went swiftly to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
A reality of life is the aging process. The evidence that this phenomenon is occurring in all humankind may be more or less noticeable in us, but it is happening to everyone. From the newborn to the centenarian, we are all wasting away as we progress through temporal life to physical death. Some may be taking longer strides than others toward that destination, but it awaits everyone sailing upon life’s tempestuous sea.
This is an unsettling thought until we read the word Paul gives us in the matter found in II Corinthians 4:16. Here the great apostle of the faith says, “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. As long as we remain anchored to Jesus, our inner man is strengthening. The icebergs of life can’t sink us for He is far greater than any force of nature.
Unseen truth is of infinitely more worth to man in an ultimate sense than is the seen perception of truth that may not be truth at all. Perhaps one of the most graphic examples of that reality is in the story of the Titanic.
Almost everyone remembers the tale of the great ship that was built to such amazing specifications that even God, as one observer stated, ‘…couldn’t sink the Titanic.’ Of course, when the magnificent ship struck an iceberg, it, and many of its passengers, went swiftly to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
A reality of life is the aging process. The evidence that this phenomenon is occurring in all humankind may be more or less noticeable in us, but it is happening to everyone. From the newborn to the centenarian, we are all wasting away as we progress through temporal life to physical death. Some may be taking longer strides than others toward that destination, but it awaits everyone sailing upon life’s tempestuous sea.
This is an unsettling thought until we read the word Paul gives us in the matter found in II Corinthians 4:16. Here the great apostle of the faith says, “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. As long as we remain anchored to Jesus, our inner man is strengthening. The icebergs of life can’t sink us for He is far greater than any force of nature.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
It's All Good
May 22
God’s intention for man is good. From the moment He formed him from the dust of the earth and took for him a helpmate from his own side, the God of the universe has desired that His supreme creation walk in blessing.
Perhaps one of the most undeniable evidences of that fact is the assertion of the Holy One in Genesis 1:26, “Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness…” Here we see that God’s masterpiece, man, was given the unique trait of being made in the image of God!
As God is a triune being, so is man who is fashioned with not only a body of flesh and blood, but a mind and a spirit. Just as God is One in the aspects of Himself, so is man. Man cannot be separated from the tabernacle of flesh within which he dwells, nor can he be separated from his thoughts or from the spirit of himself which will live forever.
What is a man’s intention for himself? He has been given a free will and may use his body, mind and spirit for good or for ill; he may live his life to the glory of God or spend himself on worldly pursuits. As for God, He says in Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you…to give you a future and a hope.” God’s intention for man is all good.
God’s intention for man is good. From the moment He formed him from the dust of the earth and took for him a helpmate from his own side, the God of the universe has desired that His supreme creation walk in blessing.
Perhaps one of the most undeniable evidences of that fact is the assertion of the Holy One in Genesis 1:26, “Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness…” Here we see that God’s masterpiece, man, was given the unique trait of being made in the image of God!
As God is a triune being, so is man who is fashioned with not only a body of flesh and blood, but a mind and a spirit. Just as God is One in the aspects of Himself, so is man. Man cannot be separated from the tabernacle of flesh within which he dwells, nor can he be separated from his thoughts or from the spirit of himself which will live forever.
What is a man’s intention for himself? He has been given a free will and may use his body, mind and spirit for good or for ill; he may live his life to the glory of God or spend himself on worldly pursuits. As for God, He says in Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you…to give you a future and a hope.” God’s intention for man is all good.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
If God Be God...
May 21
When the gauntlet was thrown down by the prophets of Baal to sacrifice to their respective gods in order to ascertain whose god was really God, God’s prophet Elijah accepted the challenge.
The 450 prophets of the false god Baal assembled together before the people of Israel who were invited to the spectacle by Elijah. His word to them was, “How long will you hover between faith in this false god and faith in the God of Abraham? If God be God, then worship Him alone” (See I Kings 18: 19-39).
When the false prophets cried out to their god, nothing happened! But when Elijah poured water over his sacrifice, saturating it beyond human ability to kindle and then called to the Living God to pour fire down from heaven and consume the saturated offering, it was not only kindled by fire from heaven and devoured by the flames but the water was lapped up, too!
This intervention on the part of the Holy One of Israel into the affairs of men, this extension of His hand to perform a miracle to confirm to them His great power and His unfailing love for them turned them around from darkness to light. It affirmed afresh the word in Psalm 10:17, “You hear, O Lord, the cry of the afflicted; You encourage them.” Thank You, Lord, that You still hear and encourage the afflicted today.
When the gauntlet was thrown down by the prophets of Baal to sacrifice to their respective gods in order to ascertain whose god was really God, God’s prophet Elijah accepted the challenge.
The 450 prophets of the false god Baal assembled together before the people of Israel who were invited to the spectacle by Elijah. His word to them was, “How long will you hover between faith in this false god and faith in the God of Abraham? If God be God, then worship Him alone” (See I Kings 18: 19-39).
When the false prophets cried out to their god, nothing happened! But when Elijah poured water over his sacrifice, saturating it beyond human ability to kindle and then called to the Living God to pour fire down from heaven and consume the saturated offering, it was not only kindled by fire from heaven and devoured by the flames but the water was lapped up, too!
This intervention on the part of the Holy One of Israel into the affairs of men, this extension of His hand to perform a miracle to confirm to them His great power and His unfailing love for them turned them around from darkness to light. It affirmed afresh the word in Psalm 10:17, “You hear, O Lord, the cry of the afflicted; You encourage them.” Thank You, Lord, that You still hear and encourage the afflicted today.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Eternal Encouragement And Good Hope
May 20
There are times when man’s best intentions simply don’t cut it. Though a word of encouragement is uttered, though a hand of help is extended, though heartfelt praise is offered, the recipient of the well-intentioned grace is simply not helped.
There are trials in life that are beyond human capacity to remedy on ones own or to be alleviated by the kind motivation of ones friends. There are some circumstances of life that are simply too much to handle apart from help extended by the living Christ. And when His help is needed, He’s always there.
Paul recognized the need for and availability of such divine intervention into the affairs of men. He stated as much in II Thessalonians 2: 16, 17 where he said, “May the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who loves us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
May we be quick to offer this kind of encouragement to others who are bent down by life’s weighty burdens and may we be quick to reach out to Him in our own times of need. We must take strength from Paul’s assertion that God’s encouragement is eternal and that the hope He gives is good. As it was to the people in Thessalonica, it will be a source of strength to us.
There are times when man’s best intentions simply don’t cut it. Though a word of encouragement is uttered, though a hand of help is extended, though heartfelt praise is offered, the recipient of the well-intentioned grace is simply not helped.
There are trials in life that are beyond human capacity to remedy on ones own or to be alleviated by the kind motivation of ones friends. There are some circumstances of life that are simply too much to handle apart from help extended by the living Christ. And when His help is needed, He’s always there.
Paul recognized the need for and availability of such divine intervention into the affairs of men. He stated as much in II Thessalonians 2: 16, 17 where he said, “May the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who loves us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
May we be quick to offer this kind of encouragement to others who are bent down by life’s weighty burdens and may we be quick to reach out to Him in our own times of need. We must take strength from Paul’s assertion that God’s encouragement is eternal and that the hope He gives is good. As it was to the people in Thessalonica, it will be a source of strength to us.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Sharing Truth
May 19
Sworn testimony must be given before the appropriate people. A judge and a jury must hear it in order for it to be effectual toward the end that it is presented. Any written statement must be signed and notarized in order that it becomes legally binding. Our law takes the veracity of information very seriously.
The most important testimony any individual can present to another is that regarding his own spiritual experience. When a believer takes it upon himself to present an account of his faith in Jesus to another, it must be done with complete awareness of the gravity of the matter he is broaching.
Paul, a man who had persecuted believers in Christ, who had pursued them and arrested them and returned them to Jerusalem for trial, found Himself ‘arrested’ by the Lord whose people he’d been relentlessly pursuing while on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-20). This encounter with the risen Savior transformed his life and through the rest of his days, Paul concerned himself only with propagating the gospel of the King of kings and Lord of lords. He thereafter lived for Jesus and was willing to die for Jesus.
Paul desired that his testimony be established by the highest authority he knew so he stated his faith, “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead…” and he admonished his hearers to, “…Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with patience and careful instruction,” II Timothy 4: 1,2. Paul desired everyone to hear this truth—and he desired that everyone who heard it would, like him, become a preacher of it.
Sworn testimony must be given before the appropriate people. A judge and a jury must hear it in order for it to be effectual toward the end that it is presented. Any written statement must be signed and notarized in order that it becomes legally binding. Our law takes the veracity of information very seriously.
The most important testimony any individual can present to another is that regarding his own spiritual experience. When a believer takes it upon himself to present an account of his faith in Jesus to another, it must be done with complete awareness of the gravity of the matter he is broaching.
Paul, a man who had persecuted believers in Christ, who had pursued them and arrested them and returned them to Jerusalem for trial, found Himself ‘arrested’ by the Lord whose people he’d been relentlessly pursuing while on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-20). This encounter with the risen Savior transformed his life and through the rest of his days, Paul concerned himself only with propagating the gospel of the King of kings and Lord of lords. He thereafter lived for Jesus and was willing to die for Jesus.
Paul desired that his testimony be established by the highest authority he knew so he stated his faith, “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead…” and he admonished his hearers to, “…Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with patience and careful instruction,” II Timothy 4: 1,2. Paul desired everyone to hear this truth—and he desired that everyone who heard it would, like him, become a preacher of it.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Losing and Finding
May 18
It is part of the nature of man to protect what is his. Just as the nature of a mother is to nurture and guard her child and the nature of a father is to secure for his family the best his talents and abilities can accrue to them, so the whole of mankind is oriented around these basic innate traits that are geared toward self-preservation and aggrandizement.
We want to have the best and we want to be the best and we want to extend the best to our progeny. Yet, Christ has a better way for us. Oh, that is not to say that He would negate our responsibilities to utilize to the fullest the talents He’s given to us (Luke 19:22), or to provide well for our families (I Timothy 5:8)!
Rather, that is to say that every aspect of life in the here-and now should be superseded by our submission of ourselves to the Holy Spirit of God who will prepare us for our eternal home in Heaven by teaching us “all things” relevant to the Lord’s Kingdom (John 16:7-14). There is a further aspect to the focus of the believer upon the things of Christ.
In Matthew 16: 24-25 Jesus says, “”If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it.” All earthly treasure and accomplishments will perish, but all that’s focused on the Lord will last through eternity.
It is part of the nature of man to protect what is his. Just as the nature of a mother is to nurture and guard her child and the nature of a father is to secure for his family the best his talents and abilities can accrue to them, so the whole of mankind is oriented around these basic innate traits that are geared toward self-preservation and aggrandizement.
We want to have the best and we want to be the best and we want to extend the best to our progeny. Yet, Christ has a better way for us. Oh, that is not to say that He would negate our responsibilities to utilize to the fullest the talents He’s given to us (Luke 19:22), or to provide well for our families (I Timothy 5:8)!
Rather, that is to say that every aspect of life in the here-and now should be superseded by our submission of ourselves to the Holy Spirit of God who will prepare us for our eternal home in Heaven by teaching us “all things” relevant to the Lord’s Kingdom (John 16:7-14). There is a further aspect to the focus of the believer upon the things of Christ.
In Matthew 16: 24-25 Jesus says, “”If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it.” All earthly treasure and accomplishments will perish, but all that’s focused on the Lord will last through eternity.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
To My Father's Glory
May 17
Things happen. Sometimes they are wonderful things that rejoice the heart of the individual who is the recipient of the good that accrues from them. Sometimes they are burdens that grieve to the very core of his being the one who must endure them. As the Word says, “The rain falls on the just and on the unjust; the sun shines on the just and on the unjust” Matthew 5:45.
Life on Planet Earth is sometimes a roller-coaster ride; moving from blessing to burden to blessing again more swiftly than the emotions have opportunity to adjust! So, how do we adjust? How do we enjoy the blessings that often occur in concert with the storms? The key to handling the ups and downs in life is in keeping our focus aright.
If we are oriented around ourselves—our abilities to deal with problems or to handle great blessings—we won’t always get it right. Our efforts will be ‘hit and miss’ at best. If we focus on the circumstances, they will require us to zig and zag as they fluctuate. This constant shifting of gears to account for changing events will challenge our emotions and our efforts to the core.
But if we keep our eyes upon Jesus in the good times and in the bad, if we allow Him to be our Source, if we make Him the object of our praise when things are going right and if we trust Him to be our Help when things have gone awry, then, as He says in John 15:8, “This (all things) will be to My Father’s glory…” toward the end that the children of the Holy One, “…bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.”
Things happen. Sometimes they are wonderful things that rejoice the heart of the individual who is the recipient of the good that accrues from them. Sometimes they are burdens that grieve to the very core of his being the one who must endure them. As the Word says, “The rain falls on the just and on the unjust; the sun shines on the just and on the unjust” Matthew 5:45.
Life on Planet Earth is sometimes a roller-coaster ride; moving from blessing to burden to blessing again more swiftly than the emotions have opportunity to adjust! So, how do we adjust? How do we enjoy the blessings that often occur in concert with the storms? The key to handling the ups and downs in life is in keeping our focus aright.
If we are oriented around ourselves—our abilities to deal with problems or to handle great blessings—we won’t always get it right. Our efforts will be ‘hit and miss’ at best. If we focus on the circumstances, they will require us to zig and zag as they fluctuate. This constant shifting of gears to account for changing events will challenge our emotions and our efforts to the core.
But if we keep our eyes upon Jesus in the good times and in the bad, if we allow Him to be our Source, if we make Him the object of our praise when things are going right and if we trust Him to be our Help when things have gone awry, then, as He says in John 15:8, “This (all things) will be to My Father’s glory…” toward the end that the children of the Holy One, “…bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.”
Monday, May 16, 2011
Do You Follow From A Distance?
May 16
Many people follow Christ from a distance. Yes, something attracts them to the Man who is unlike any other, but they don’t want to get too close to Him—perhaps for fear that He will require more of them than they desire to give. They are much like the rich young ruler of Luke 18: 18-23.
When Jesus told him to sell all he had and distribute it to the poor and follow Him, he turned away—sadly—for he knew Jesus was worth following, yet felt He was not worth impoverishing himself for. Are we afraid Jesus will require too much of us if we decide to follow Him? Do we value the things of earth more than we value having a relationship with the Lord of Eternity?
The reality is that He may not require our financial resources of us. Perhaps He will ask us to relinquish a habit (alcohol, for example), or a relationship (maybe an extramarital affair), or a mindset (self-sufficiency) in order to be His modern-day disciple. And perhaps we, like the rich young ruler, value it too much to give it up. Some of us may delude ourselves to thinking we are followers of Jesus without giving up the thing to which we cling.
We go through the motions of faith in Him without complying with His requirements. Yet His Word to us is clearly, “If you hold to My teaching, you are truly My disciples,” John 8:31. How closely do we hold His teaching? For, indeed, a measure of our devotion to Him is the degree to which His Word is important to us. It is not merely a book among others on the coffee table but it is the blueprint for our lives. If we hold His teaching with a firm grip, we will also hold tightly to Him.
Many people follow Christ from a distance. Yes, something attracts them to the Man who is unlike any other, but they don’t want to get too close to Him—perhaps for fear that He will require more of them than they desire to give. They are much like the rich young ruler of Luke 18: 18-23.
When Jesus told him to sell all he had and distribute it to the poor and follow Him, he turned away—sadly—for he knew Jesus was worth following, yet felt He was not worth impoverishing himself for. Are we afraid Jesus will require too much of us if we decide to follow Him? Do we value the things of earth more than we value having a relationship with the Lord of Eternity?
The reality is that He may not require our financial resources of us. Perhaps He will ask us to relinquish a habit (alcohol, for example), or a relationship (maybe an extramarital affair), or a mindset (self-sufficiency) in order to be His modern-day disciple. And perhaps we, like the rich young ruler, value it too much to give it up. Some of us may delude ourselves to thinking we are followers of Jesus without giving up the thing to which we cling.
We go through the motions of faith in Him without complying with His requirements. Yet His Word to us is clearly, “If you hold to My teaching, you are truly My disciples,” John 8:31. How closely do we hold His teaching? For, indeed, a measure of our devotion to Him is the degree to which His Word is important to us. It is not merely a book among others on the coffee table but it is the blueprint for our lives. If we hold His teaching with a firm grip, we will also hold tightly to Him.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Loved by the Triune Majesty
May 15
Luke 7:47 tells us that they who are forgiven by God of much sin, love Him much, while they who are forgiven of sins that are little in their own eyes tend to love Him little. This truth was stated by Jesus in the context of Mary Magdalene washing His feet with her tears and drying them with her hair.
The custom of the day was to have a servant wash the feet of a guest because he would have accumulated the dust of the journey as he traveled to the home of his host. The Pharisee in whose home Jesus was visiting had not extended this courtesy to Him. Mary Magdalene, a sinful woman, bowed before Him and used her tears for that purpose.
Her humility and love brought to life the words of the Lord in John 14:21, “Whoever has My commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me...” Mary Magdalene had recognized her sin and had come to Jesus for cleansing from it. By forgiving her, He had removed sin far from her and she loved Him with a depth of love that was unmatched by the smug Pharisee who was secure in his own righteousness.
Jesus’ words in John 14:21 go on to say, “…he who loves Me will be loved by My Father and I will love him and show Myself to him.” The most glorious aspect of the life of the individual who has fallen in love with Jesus and been cleansed of sin is that the love he extends to the Lord is returned by the Triune Majesty that governs the universe! How wonderful to see Him with the spiritual eye and to be the recipient of His love!
Luke 7:47 tells us that they who are forgiven by God of much sin, love Him much, while they who are forgiven of sins that are little in their own eyes tend to love Him little. This truth was stated by Jesus in the context of Mary Magdalene washing His feet with her tears and drying them with her hair.
The custom of the day was to have a servant wash the feet of a guest because he would have accumulated the dust of the journey as he traveled to the home of his host. The Pharisee in whose home Jesus was visiting had not extended this courtesy to Him. Mary Magdalene, a sinful woman, bowed before Him and used her tears for that purpose.
Her humility and love brought to life the words of the Lord in John 14:21, “Whoever has My commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me...” Mary Magdalene had recognized her sin and had come to Jesus for cleansing from it. By forgiving her, He had removed sin far from her and she loved Him with a depth of love that was unmatched by the smug Pharisee who was secure in his own righteousness.
Jesus’ words in John 14:21 go on to say, “…he who loves Me will be loved by My Father and I will love him and show Myself to him.” The most glorious aspect of the life of the individual who has fallen in love with Jesus and been cleansed of sin is that the love he extends to the Lord is returned by the Triune Majesty that governs the universe! How wonderful to see Him with the spiritual eye and to be the recipient of His love!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Tested and Found Faithful
May 14
Job 36:11 has a word that the ‘name it and claim it gang’ will grasp as though it’s their ticket to anywhere they want to go! Here it says, “If they obey and serve God, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.” But, these words were spoken by one of Job’s ‘comforters’ when Job was going through a horrific trial.
Elihu was a man who had probably been jealous of Job’s prosperity and of the honor he had enjoyed before God. Unfortunately, even today, many godly people experience this kind of attitude from their associates who resent the relationship they enjoy with the Lord even more than they do the wealth they possess.
Job’s false friend didn’t have spiritual eyes to see the basis of the trial that Job was facing and he didn’t have a true heart of compassion for Job, so he said these words by way of accusation. He cared not that the words he spoke would grind the suffering Job was enduring in his flesh even deeper by the caustic words he spoke into his spirit. He cared not that his words flew in the face of who Job really was or that they totally misunderstood the basis for his circumstances.
Job, a man who had found great favor with God, was put to the test for the same reason that many are today—the enemy of the soul of man, the enemy of the Lord, challenges the Living God to allow strife into their lives to discover the reason they serve Him. Job knew obedience to God was to be extended through the good and bad circumstances of life. He knew prosperity and contentment are found only in conjunction with obedience to the One who is ever faithful and true. Job was tested in this belief, and found faithful!
Job 36:11 has a word that the ‘name it and claim it gang’ will grasp as though it’s their ticket to anywhere they want to go! Here it says, “If they obey and serve God, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.” But, these words were spoken by one of Job’s ‘comforters’ when Job was going through a horrific trial.
Elihu was a man who had probably been jealous of Job’s prosperity and of the honor he had enjoyed before God. Unfortunately, even today, many godly people experience this kind of attitude from their associates who resent the relationship they enjoy with the Lord even more than they do the wealth they possess.
Job’s false friend didn’t have spiritual eyes to see the basis of the trial that Job was facing and he didn’t have a true heart of compassion for Job, so he said these words by way of accusation. He cared not that the words he spoke would grind the suffering Job was enduring in his flesh even deeper by the caustic words he spoke into his spirit. He cared not that his words flew in the face of who Job really was or that they totally misunderstood the basis for his circumstances.
Job, a man who had found great favor with God, was put to the test for the same reason that many are today—the enemy of the soul of man, the enemy of the Lord, challenges the Living God to allow strife into their lives to discover the reason they serve Him. Job knew obedience to God was to be extended through the good and bad circumstances of life. He knew prosperity and contentment are found only in conjunction with obedience to the One who is ever faithful and true. Job was tested in this belief, and found faithful!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Dual Blog for May 12 and May 13
MAY 12 and MAY 13
I apologize to anyone who may be following this blog daily. There has been a technical glitch which they have been working on and seem to have resolved.
Thank you so much for your patience while the blog was down -- and, especially-- thank you for traveling the path of faith with me.
May 13
Who are you following? Where are they leading? And what are they using to light the way as you go? The people at work who commiserate with you around the water cooler when you are feeling under-appreciated by a superior who passed you over for promotion may not be the people whose opinion you should follow.
The ‘best friend’ who is counseling you when you are in a state of emotional upheaval because of being betrayed by a cheating spouse could offer unsound advice—perhaps because this is the individual with whom your spouse is cheating!
An investment counselor will eagerly apply the monies you entrust to his expertise to ventures in which he might not necessarily risk his own resources. You have to be savvy enough to establish the parameters of the risk you are willing to take. And the same caution you exercise in every other area of life must be maintained in the spiritual realm.
Who are you willing to follow with your eternal salvation? There is only One worthy of your confidence in this crucial area. Jesus has said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” John 8:12. He is the only One worthy of your trust as you stake your eternity upon the work of eternal salvation that He has accomplished for you on the cross.
May 12
We would desire above all else that we be so Christ-like in our comportment of ourselves that everyone around us—believers and unbelievers alike—would be able to distinguish the character of Jesus in us, to see Him when they look at us. We pray to have the Holy Spirit residing within so every word we utter would convey godly wisdom.
We would be so attentive to the Spirit’s musings within us that our hearts would burn within us if we were to remain silent rather than to speak as He gives us opportunity to declare the truths of eternity to our fellow man.
It is the longing of our hearts to be so endued with His power that we might pray down healing to the sick, and deliverance to the bound, and salvation to the lost. He says this power is ours and we appropriate it as the opportunity presents itself—and we trust HIM to manifest the miracles HE says He will do when we pray in His matchless name.
But the one thing Jesus said would identify His followers as being Christians is found in John 13:35 where He says, “All men shall know that you are My disciples by the love you have one for another.” Because God is love and love comes from Him (I John 4:7) that is the aspect of His character that is most recognized in those who believe in Jesus.
I apologize to anyone who may be following this blog daily. There has been a technical glitch which they have been working on and seem to have resolved.
Thank you so much for your patience while the blog was down -- and, especially-- thank you for traveling the path of faith with me.
May 13
Who are you following? Where are they leading? And what are they using to light the way as you go? The people at work who commiserate with you around the water cooler when you are feeling under-appreciated by a superior who passed you over for promotion may not be the people whose opinion you should follow.
The ‘best friend’ who is counseling you when you are in a state of emotional upheaval because of being betrayed by a cheating spouse could offer unsound advice—perhaps because this is the individual with whom your spouse is cheating!
An investment counselor will eagerly apply the monies you entrust to his expertise to ventures in which he might not necessarily risk his own resources. You have to be savvy enough to establish the parameters of the risk you are willing to take. And the same caution you exercise in every other area of life must be maintained in the spiritual realm.
Who are you willing to follow with your eternal salvation? There is only One worthy of your confidence in this crucial area. Jesus has said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” John 8:12. He is the only One worthy of your trust as you stake your eternity upon the work of eternal salvation that He has accomplished for you on the cross.
May 12
We would desire above all else that we be so Christ-like in our comportment of ourselves that everyone around us—believers and unbelievers alike—would be able to distinguish the character of Jesus in us, to see Him when they look at us. We pray to have the Holy Spirit residing within so every word we utter would convey godly wisdom.
We would be so attentive to the Spirit’s musings within us that our hearts would burn within us if we were to remain silent rather than to speak as He gives us opportunity to declare the truths of eternity to our fellow man.
It is the longing of our hearts to be so endued with His power that we might pray down healing to the sick, and deliverance to the bound, and salvation to the lost. He says this power is ours and we appropriate it as the opportunity presents itself—and we trust HIM to manifest the miracles HE says He will do when we pray in His matchless name.
But the one thing Jesus said would identify His followers as being Christians is found in John 13:35 where He says, “All men shall know that you are My disciples by the love you have one for another.” Because God is love and love comes from Him (I John 4:7) that is the aspect of His character that is most recognized in those who believe in Jesus.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
The Most Recognized Aspect of His Character
May 12
We would desire above all else that we be so Christ-like in our comportment of ourselves that everyone around us—believers and unbelievers alike—would be able to distinguish the character of Jesus in us, to see Him when they look at us. We pray to have the Holy Spirit residing within so every word we utter would convey godly wisdom.
We would be so attentive to the Spirit’s musings within us that our hearts would burn within us if we were to remain silent rather than to speak as He gives us opportunity to declare the truths of eternity to our fellow man.
It is the longing of our hearts to be so endued with His power that we might pray down healing to the sick, and deliverance to the bound, and salvation to the lost. He says this power is ours and we appropriate it as the opportunity presents itself—and we trust HIM to manifest the miracles HE says He will do when we pray in His matchless name.
But the one thing Jesus said would identify His followers as being Christians is found in John 13:35 where He says, “All men shall know that you are My disciples by the love you have one for another.” Because God is love and love comes from Him (I John 4:7) that is the aspect of His character that is most recognized in those who believe in Jesus.
We would desire above all else that we be so Christ-like in our comportment of ourselves that everyone around us—believers and unbelievers alike—would be able to distinguish the character of Jesus in us, to see Him when they look at us. We pray to have the Holy Spirit residing within so every word we utter would convey godly wisdom.
We would be so attentive to the Spirit’s musings within us that our hearts would burn within us if we were to remain silent rather than to speak as He gives us opportunity to declare the truths of eternity to our fellow man.
It is the longing of our hearts to be so endued with His power that we might pray down healing to the sick, and deliverance to the bound, and salvation to the lost. He says this power is ours and we appropriate it as the opportunity presents itself—and we trust HIM to manifest the miracles HE says He will do when we pray in His matchless name.
But the one thing Jesus said would identify His followers as being Christians is found in John 13:35 where He says, “All men shall know that you are My disciples by the love you have one for another.” Because God is love and love comes from Him (I John 4:7) that is the aspect of His character that is most recognized in those who believe in Jesus.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Where I Am
May 11
We make a show of being Christians. We carry our Bible to church. We assume our pious expressions at the appropriate moments. We attend prayer meetings and bombard heaven with our ideas about how He should ‘fix’ the world.
But what does Jesus really want from those who purport themselves to be followers of Him? Perhaps it is just that—that we follow Him. Does that require us to sell everything we own and get our passport in order and leave for a mission field? Perhaps it will. But that is not the most likely scenario.
Rather, following Him requires that we be attuned to Him. That we hear the sweet voice of His Holy Spirit that tells us where we are to go and to whom we are to minister –at any given point in time. It may be to a neighbor who is ill. It may be to support a family whose provider is out of work. It may be to a child who is without parental guidance.
Jesus said, “Whosoever serves Me must follow Me and where I am, My servant will be…” We must go to the places, to the people where Jesus would go if He were here in the flesh. Since He is not, we must let Him visit them through us. When we do, He says, “…My Father will honor the one who serves Me.” Let us humbly serve our Lord.
We make a show of being Christians. We carry our Bible to church. We assume our pious expressions at the appropriate moments. We attend prayer meetings and bombard heaven with our ideas about how He should ‘fix’ the world.
But what does Jesus really want from those who purport themselves to be followers of Him? Perhaps it is just that—that we follow Him. Does that require us to sell everything we own and get our passport in order and leave for a mission field? Perhaps it will. But that is not the most likely scenario.
Rather, following Him requires that we be attuned to Him. That we hear the sweet voice of His Holy Spirit that tells us where we are to go and to whom we are to minister –at any given point in time. It may be to a neighbor who is ill. It may be to support a family whose provider is out of work. It may be to a child who is without parental guidance.
Jesus said, “Whosoever serves Me must follow Me and where I am, My servant will be…” We must go to the places, to the people where Jesus would go if He were here in the flesh. Since He is not, we must let Him visit them through us. When we do, He says, “…My Father will honor the one who serves Me.” Let us humbly serve our Lord.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Shun the 'Doctrine of Devils'
May 10
There was a time when the only doctrinal study that one was required to do in order to establish his own religious beliefs involved Catholicism and Protestantism (and, of course, the many denominations of the latter.) That is no longer the case.
Our culture, through immigration from other parts of the world than ‘Christian’ Europe as well as through political correctness and the indoctrination of our young people by our text books into the idea that the contributions of all cultures and religions are equal, has rejected both the concept of American exceptionalism and the faith that brought us to espouse that idea in the first place.
Though we may diminish our patriotism without any eternally-damaging effects upon our spirits, we cannot compromise our faith in Jesus without undoing ourselves in the only way that matters beyond the final breath we take. It therefore behooves us to ascertain the veracity of what we believe and to dedicate ourselves fully to it.
I John 4:2 contains the beloved apostle’s counsel toward that end. Here he says, “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God.” Any religion that denies the deity of the Lord who came in the flesh to save mankind is, “…a doctrine of devils,” I Timothy 4:1, and to be rejected!
There was a time when the only doctrinal study that one was required to do in order to establish his own religious beliefs involved Catholicism and Protestantism (and, of course, the many denominations of the latter.) That is no longer the case.
Our culture, through immigration from other parts of the world than ‘Christian’ Europe as well as through political correctness and the indoctrination of our young people by our text books into the idea that the contributions of all cultures and religions are equal, has rejected both the concept of American exceptionalism and the faith that brought us to espouse that idea in the first place.
Though we may diminish our patriotism without any eternally-damaging effects upon our spirits, we cannot compromise our faith in Jesus without undoing ourselves in the only way that matters beyond the final breath we take. It therefore behooves us to ascertain the veracity of what we believe and to dedicate ourselves fully to it.
I John 4:2 contains the beloved apostle’s counsel toward that end. Here he says, “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God.” Any religion that denies the deity of the Lord who came in the flesh to save mankind is, “…a doctrine of devils,” I Timothy 4:1, and to be rejected!
Monday, May 9, 2011
A Wise Question
May 9
There is a wise question that is said to have been posed by T.S. Elliot, which is, “Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?”
The age in which we live has seen a vast increase in information. It is available at the click of the mouse on our computer, but knowledge is no longer valued by our students or by their teachers who have watered down the academic curricula in order that our young people may ‘feel good’ about themselves without effort, rather than embrace the rigors of diligent and intense study.
Wisdom appears to be lost to those who profess to possess it. Foolishness seems to be the primary characteristic of the day in which we live—from parents who value ‘friendship’ with their children above assuming the responsibilities of their lofty role in the lives of their offspring to governmental and religious leaders who have lost sight of the value of honor and truth and integrity in the execution of their elevated positions—we are swallowed up by menial thoughts and empty actions.
The Bible has an explanation for that unfortunate phenomenon in I Corinthians 2:14-16 where it says, “The man without the Spirit of God does not accept the things that come from God, for they are foolishness to him; he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned…for who has known the mind of God?…” When God, the Source of all wisdom and knowledge is dismissed by a man, the only thing left to him is information—and even that is of little interest to him, for he is steeped in foolish pursuits.
There is a wise question that is said to have been posed by T.S. Elliot, which is, “Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?”
The age in which we live has seen a vast increase in information. It is available at the click of the mouse on our computer, but knowledge is no longer valued by our students or by their teachers who have watered down the academic curricula in order that our young people may ‘feel good’ about themselves without effort, rather than embrace the rigors of diligent and intense study.
Wisdom appears to be lost to those who profess to possess it. Foolishness seems to be the primary characteristic of the day in which we live—from parents who value ‘friendship’ with their children above assuming the responsibilities of their lofty role in the lives of their offspring to governmental and religious leaders who have lost sight of the value of honor and truth and integrity in the execution of their elevated positions—we are swallowed up by menial thoughts and empty actions.
The Bible has an explanation for that unfortunate phenomenon in I Corinthians 2:14-16 where it says, “The man without the Spirit of God does not accept the things that come from God, for they are foolishness to him; he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned…for who has known the mind of God?…” When God, the Source of all wisdom and knowledge is dismissed by a man, the only thing left to him is information—and even that is of little interest to him, for he is steeped in foolish pursuits.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Obey His Commandments
May 8
Religionists think they have a corner on God. None of them would be shy about ‘sharing’ their version of who God really is with anyone willing to extend them the time to do so. They think they have all truth. Their doctrine may counter that of any official church, but it has been reasoned out in their own minds, so they’re sure it’s valid.
With so many religious claims and counter claims out there, how will an ordinary individual be able to sift through the conflicting versions of ‘truth’ to arrive at a formula that will allow him to practice his faith from a secure position that he can rest assured is the one that focuses on Heaven’s real treasure?
Nobody wants to be overtaken by a religious forgery. None of us who are seekers of truth wants to succumb to spiritual chicanery. So how can we assure that the leadership and the doctrine of the organization we decide to follow is worthy of the trust we place in them? After all, our personal eternity, and that of our children, hangs in the balance. The decision we make will impact our lives and theirs for time and eternity.
One excellent litmus test to apply to any group or individual that we consider following is the one given to us by the Apostle in I John 2:3 of his brief letter written to counter the claims that led to Gnosticism. Here he says, “We know we have truth if we obey His commandments.” We can apply that standard to the contradicting claims in the great pool of ideas that challenge us today--do those espousing them walk in obedience?
Religionists think they have a corner on God. None of them would be shy about ‘sharing’ their version of who God really is with anyone willing to extend them the time to do so. They think they have all truth. Their doctrine may counter that of any official church, but it has been reasoned out in their own minds, so they’re sure it’s valid.
With so many religious claims and counter claims out there, how will an ordinary individual be able to sift through the conflicting versions of ‘truth’ to arrive at a formula that will allow him to practice his faith from a secure position that he can rest assured is the one that focuses on Heaven’s real treasure?
Nobody wants to be overtaken by a religious forgery. None of us who are seekers of truth wants to succumb to spiritual chicanery. So how can we assure that the leadership and the doctrine of the organization we decide to follow is worthy of the trust we place in them? After all, our personal eternity, and that of our children, hangs in the balance. The decision we make will impact our lives and theirs for time and eternity.
One excellent litmus test to apply to any group or individual that we consider following is the one given to us by the Apostle in I John 2:3 of his brief letter written to counter the claims that led to Gnosticism. Here he says, “We know we have truth if we obey His commandments.” We can apply that standard to the contradicting claims in the great pool of ideas that challenge us today--do those espousing them walk in obedience?
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Candle of Truth
May 7
The days in which we live are evil. Certainly, this assertion could have been made at any time in history, but there seems to be an exacerbation of corruption, a rapid movement toward the acceptance of wickedness, in our time. Perhaps it appears that way because communication is swift—as the saying goes, news travels fast.
It seems we hardly absorb the report of a natural disaster or of an enemy attack upon our troops or a weather related calamity before the news of another is fast on its heels. We have become so inured to the onslaught of unpleasant information that we often put it out of our collective mind because our mind is already on ‘overload.’
How should we react to the unfortunate events that directly impact our world, our culture, our community, and often ourselves? How should we feel about the encroachment of foreign ideologies into our legal system? Or about the fall of the U.S. dollar? Or the thousand other concerns that are beamed into our homes daily?
I Thessalonians 5:21, 22 gives sound advice, “Test everything. Hold fast to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.” The world may be ready to succumb to the gross lies and injustices that are being perpetrated but we as believers in Jesus must hold all things before the candle of His absolute, unchanging truth—then hold truth with a secure grip.
The days in which we live are evil. Certainly, this assertion could have been made at any time in history, but there seems to be an exacerbation of corruption, a rapid movement toward the acceptance of wickedness, in our time. Perhaps it appears that way because communication is swift—as the saying goes, news travels fast.
It seems we hardly absorb the report of a natural disaster or of an enemy attack upon our troops or a weather related calamity before the news of another is fast on its heels. We have become so inured to the onslaught of unpleasant information that we often put it out of our collective mind because our mind is already on ‘overload.’
How should we react to the unfortunate events that directly impact our world, our culture, our community, and often ourselves? How should we feel about the encroachment of foreign ideologies into our legal system? Or about the fall of the U.S. dollar? Or the thousand other concerns that are beamed into our homes daily?
I Thessalonians 5:21, 22 gives sound advice, “Test everything. Hold fast to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.” The world may be ready to succumb to the gross lies and injustices that are being perpetrated but we as believers in Jesus must hold all things before the candle of His absolute, unchanging truth—then hold truth with a secure grip.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Open Hearts and Minds
May 6
The beloved apostle tells us in I John 4:1, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” If that was true in John’s day, it is certainly true in ours.
Indeed, the Roman Empire had a pantheon of gods that were worshiped, and they carried these false deities into the lands they conquered. For the most part, the people under their rule incorporated the worship of the Roman gods into their own religious practices. The people of Israel would not. They clung resolutely to the One true and living God, Jehovah.
When Jesus died on the cross to set men free from sin and from false religious beliefs, the truth He established was embraced by His Jewish followers first and rapidly spread through the empire. Indeed, the Pax Romana is credited with having been used by the Lord to allow His apostles great latitude in traveling throughout the known world to spread Christianity.
Just as those who heard the message at that time found its veracity able to withstand the scrutiny of the microscope of truth, so will we as we ‘test the spirits’ today. We do not want to be deceived in an age of rampant deception. Now as then, the Holy Spirit will “…teach all truth,” John 14:26, if we will allow Him to do so by opening our hearts and our minds to the revelation of everything Jesus came to accomplish in us.
The beloved apostle tells us in I John 4:1, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” If that was true in John’s day, it is certainly true in ours.
Indeed, the Roman Empire had a pantheon of gods that were worshiped, and they carried these false deities into the lands they conquered. For the most part, the people under their rule incorporated the worship of the Roman gods into their own religious practices. The people of Israel would not. They clung resolutely to the One true and living God, Jehovah.
When Jesus died on the cross to set men free from sin and from false religious beliefs, the truth He established was embraced by His Jewish followers first and rapidly spread through the empire. Indeed, the Pax Romana is credited with having been used by the Lord to allow His apostles great latitude in traveling throughout the known world to spread Christianity.
Just as those who heard the message at that time found its veracity able to withstand the scrutiny of the microscope of truth, so will we as we ‘test the spirits’ today. We do not want to be deceived in an age of rampant deception. Now as then, the Holy Spirit will “…teach all truth,” John 14:26, if we will allow Him to do so by opening our hearts and our minds to the revelation of everything Jesus came to accomplish in us.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Falsehood for Truth
May 5
Have you ever tried to share your faith with someone who seemed so absolutely indifferent to what you had to say that you thought you must be communicating in a different language from the one they speak?
Those times of verbal break-down are quite frustrating because we are sure the passion we feel for Christ and His truth must resonate to everyone with whom we share it. We cannot fathom the possibility that they simply aren’t ‘getting it.’
And why don’t they ‘get it’? Why can they remain indifferent to the truth that could transform their lives from mundane to glorious? Why do they cling to the paltry things of Earth that will burn in the heat of His judgment? Why do they prefer the fleeting acquisitions of time to the glorious possessions of eternity? Why won’t they gladly exchange eternal separation from God for abiding with Him forever? I John 4:6 gives us insight into the answer to those perplexing questions.
Here the beloved apostle tells us, “…Whoever knows God listens to us, but whoever is not from God does not hear us. This is how we recognize the difference between the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of falsehood.” When the person with whom we share God’s truth receives it, it is because he has exchanged the spirit of falsehood for the Spirit of truth. It is an exchange that cannot occur unless he desires if, for God will not over-ride any man’s free will.
Have you ever tried to share your faith with someone who seemed so absolutely indifferent to what you had to say that you thought you must be communicating in a different language from the one they speak?
Those times of verbal break-down are quite frustrating because we are sure the passion we feel for Christ and His truth must resonate to everyone with whom we share it. We cannot fathom the possibility that they simply aren’t ‘getting it.’
And why don’t they ‘get it’? Why can they remain indifferent to the truth that could transform their lives from mundane to glorious? Why do they cling to the paltry things of Earth that will burn in the heat of His judgment? Why do they prefer the fleeting acquisitions of time to the glorious possessions of eternity? Why won’t they gladly exchange eternal separation from God for abiding with Him forever? I John 4:6 gives us insight into the answer to those perplexing questions.
Here the beloved apostle tells us, “…Whoever knows God listens to us, but whoever is not from God does not hear us. This is how we recognize the difference between the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of falsehood.” When the person with whom we share God’s truth receives it, it is because he has exchanged the spirit of falsehood for the Spirit of truth. It is an exchange that cannot occur unless he desires if, for God will not over-ride any man’s free will.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
To What Pursuit...?
May 4
We know that temporal knowledge, like anything ‘of the world’ is fleeting at best. Just as fleshly love is a counterfeit of God’s love, just as Earth’s treasure is a counterfeit of Heavenly treasure, so is the knowledge of the world a counterfeit of the true wisdom that comes from the mind of God.
We may spend a lifetime pursuing the world’s imitation, only to discover upon our entry at the portals of Heaven, that we have spent ourselves in vain. A very significant question that we must, therefore, ask ourselves is, “To what pursuit should I devote myself?”
The Word tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the holy is understanding,” Proverbs 9:10. We glean from this verse the reality that all true wisdom and all worthwhile knowledge begin with our reverential awe of God. Apart from that first building block to the foundation of our life, the whole of it will be unstable.
How then do we attain this wisdom and knowledge for which we seek? Jesus gave us the answer to that in John 16:13 where He said, “When HE, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He knows from God. He will reveal all things to you.” The Holy Spirit is sent to us by God so we will not pursue vain knowledge; rather, that we will learn godly wisdom.
We know that temporal knowledge, like anything ‘of the world’ is fleeting at best. Just as fleshly love is a counterfeit of God’s love, just as Earth’s treasure is a counterfeit of Heavenly treasure, so is the knowledge of the world a counterfeit of the true wisdom that comes from the mind of God.
We may spend a lifetime pursuing the world’s imitation, only to discover upon our entry at the portals of Heaven, that we have spent ourselves in vain. A very significant question that we must, therefore, ask ourselves is, “To what pursuit should I devote myself?”
The Word tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the holy is understanding,” Proverbs 9:10. We glean from this verse the reality that all true wisdom and all worthwhile knowledge begin with our reverential awe of God. Apart from that first building block to the foundation of our life, the whole of it will be unstable.
How then do we attain this wisdom and knowledge for which we seek? Jesus gave us the answer to that in John 16:13 where He said, “When HE, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He knows from God. He will reveal all things to you.” The Holy Spirit is sent to us by God so we will not pursue vain knowledge; rather, that we will learn godly wisdom.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
If You Found A Bottle...
May 3
If you found a bottle—a lovely antique that was clearly a relic from another age, another culture—and as you began to rub and polish it, an amazing thing happened! A genie emerged! And that genie smiled at you and told you that you could rub the bottle one more time and request anything your heart desired—and it would be granted to you…
What would you ask of the genie? Success in personal relationships? Success in business? Fame? Fortune? Long life? Would one wish be enough to satisfy the longing deep within your heart? Perhaps it would be prudent if the one request were that all requests into the unseen recesses of the future be granted!
Alluring as the tale of the magic bottle and its resident genie with the power to grant wishes might be, it is just that—an alluring tale. Were there any substance to it, most of us would spend a lifetime searching for just such a bottle. And many of us do pursue dreams that are as elusive as the proverbial genie in the bottle.
We do that although we have a promise in the Word of God that speaks to the longings of our hearts in a way that is far better than any fabrication of cultural lore. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” The beauty of the promise is that what God gives will be not only your delight to receive but also His delight to grant!
If you found a bottle—a lovely antique that was clearly a relic from another age, another culture—and as you began to rub and polish it, an amazing thing happened! A genie emerged! And that genie smiled at you and told you that you could rub the bottle one more time and request anything your heart desired—and it would be granted to you…
What would you ask of the genie? Success in personal relationships? Success in business? Fame? Fortune? Long life? Would one wish be enough to satisfy the longing deep within your heart? Perhaps it would be prudent if the one request were that all requests into the unseen recesses of the future be granted!
Alluring as the tale of the magic bottle and its resident genie with the power to grant wishes might be, it is just that—an alluring tale. Were there any substance to it, most of us would spend a lifetime searching for just such a bottle. And many of us do pursue dreams that are as elusive as the proverbial genie in the bottle.
We do that although we have a promise in the Word of God that speaks to the longings of our hearts in a way that is far better than any fabrication of cultural lore. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” The beauty of the promise is that what God gives will be not only your delight to receive but also His delight to grant!
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Secret
May 2
There is a secret man needs to discover above all others. It is not the thing for which we most fervently strive, nor is it the thing we believe will accrue the greatest satisfaction and advantage to us, yet it will avail us much if we find it and appropriate it.
In fact, it is probably the one thing we avoid finding most heartily! In Psalm 37:5, the secret is revealed. It says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him.” We are far more inclined to commit our way to our goal and to trust in our ability to attain it.
It isn’t that we don’t want the blessings of God upon our endeavors. And we’ll pray for His intervention if it’s needed. It’s simply that whatever we desire to achieve is seen as ‘ours’. We want the credit when it’s brought to a successful conclusion. We want the glory to ourselves.
We can taste the sweet victory and we don’t want to share a bite of it with anyone—not even with the Lord Himself. Committing ourselves to God, to His purposes, to His glory denies us ‘bragging rights.’ When we deny the veracity of the secret, however, the lack of the secret in our lives becomes our bitter downfall.
There is a secret man needs to discover above all others. It is not the thing for which we most fervently strive, nor is it the thing we believe will accrue the greatest satisfaction and advantage to us, yet it will avail us much if we find it and appropriate it.
In fact, it is probably the one thing we avoid finding most heartily! In Psalm 37:5, the secret is revealed. It says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him.” We are far more inclined to commit our way to our goal and to trust in our ability to attain it.
It isn’t that we don’t want the blessings of God upon our endeavors. And we’ll pray for His intervention if it’s needed. It’s simply that whatever we desire to achieve is seen as ‘ours’. We want the credit when it’s brought to a successful conclusion. We want the glory to ourselves.
We can taste the sweet victory and we don’t want to share a bite of it with anyone—not even with the Lord Himself. Committing ourselves to God, to His purposes, to His glory denies us ‘bragging rights.’ When we deny the veracity of the secret, however, the lack of the secret in our lives becomes our bitter downfall.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
We Need His Blessing
May 1
We’ve all heard the old saying that recognizes the futility of ‘the well-laid plans of mice and men.’ We’ve all, at one time or another, been meticulous to the details of our intentions, only to have them come to nothing in spite of our best efforts.
We plot our course precisely and anticipate an outcome that will reward us greatly, only to find ourselves nursing our disappointment—licking wounds of humiliation, salving the pain of defeat.
Some of us never bounce back from these times of frustration. Bitterness becomes the prevalent taste in our mouth and it prevents our ever savoring the sweetness of striving once more for a worthy goal. We resign ourselves to failure. We prefer that status to the possibility of ever having to deal with disappointment again.
We are reminded when we see someone in this condition of the veracity of the Word of God as stated in Proverbs 16:9, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” The truth is, we need His blessing upon our efforts if we are to accomplish anything! In fact, without Jesus, we ultimately fail—even if we succeed.
We’ve all heard the old saying that recognizes the futility of ‘the well-laid plans of mice and men.’ We’ve all, at one time or another, been meticulous to the details of our intentions, only to have them come to nothing in spite of our best efforts.
We plot our course precisely and anticipate an outcome that will reward us greatly, only to find ourselves nursing our disappointment—licking wounds of humiliation, salving the pain of defeat.
Some of us never bounce back from these times of frustration. Bitterness becomes the prevalent taste in our mouth and it prevents our ever savoring the sweetness of striving once more for a worthy goal. We resign ourselves to failure. We prefer that status to the possibility of ever having to deal with disappointment again.
We are reminded when we see someone in this condition of the veracity of the Word of God as stated in Proverbs 16:9, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” The truth is, we need His blessing upon our efforts if we are to accomplish anything! In fact, without Jesus, we ultimately fail—even if we succeed.
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