June 30
We don’t have to seek out things to trip us up. We generally stumble upon them. That’s why they’re called ‘pitfalls.’ The things we’re looking for, the problems we anticipate, are, for the most part, the ones that never happen. We don’t even realize we avoided them because they weren’t on our radar screen.
However, we do need to be cautious as we venture through life in order that we may avoid unnecessary hardship to ourselves. One area in which we might easily become entangled is in the realm of finances. If we are impulsive, we may squander our resources on items we don’t really need or want.
If we don’t guard our eyes from the tempting things that could allure us into expenditures that we can’t really afford, we will find ourselves crushed under a mountain of debt. One thing that will compel us into the bad habit of buying expensive things we don’t need is the jealousy that can well up within us because other people already have them.
Jesus Himself cautioned His followers to guard against the greed that can undo them. In Luke 12:15 He said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed! A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” If we think our value is the sum total of what we possess, the Lord says we are on the wrong track.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Someone On Whom To Depend
June 29
Man wants someone, something, upon whom or which he can depend. When he establishes a friendship, it is with the hope that it will be an abiding one. The old saying is that new friendships are silver; old ones are gold. When he makes a purchase—a car or a home or a refrigerator—he expects that he’s acquiring something of lasting quality.
Some of the major disappointments in life spring out of the reality that many of life’s trappings fall into the category of the corruptible. The purchase of equipment is with the understanding that as soon as the warranty expires, ‘programmed obsolescence’ will kick in.
Relationships, too, sometimes have an expiration date. The boyfriend or girlfriend who seemed like ‘the one’ at first meeting, who stood far above all others by comparison, who shined like the sun of the smitten one’s existence begins, with time, to diminish, to lack the radiance that once seemed to exude from every pore.
Yet the search continues—but the object of man’s diligent quest will not come until he finds the longing of his heart in Jesus. Of Him Paul says in II Thessalonians 3:3, “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” Man may depend upon Him and on His strength and protection. His keeping power is everlasting!
Man wants someone, something, upon whom or which he can depend. When he establishes a friendship, it is with the hope that it will be an abiding one. The old saying is that new friendships are silver; old ones are gold. When he makes a purchase—a car or a home or a refrigerator—he expects that he’s acquiring something of lasting quality.
Some of the major disappointments in life spring out of the reality that many of life’s trappings fall into the category of the corruptible. The purchase of equipment is with the understanding that as soon as the warranty expires, ‘programmed obsolescence’ will kick in.
Relationships, too, sometimes have an expiration date. The boyfriend or girlfriend who seemed like ‘the one’ at first meeting, who stood far above all others by comparison, who shined like the sun of the smitten one’s existence begins, with time, to diminish, to lack the radiance that once seemed to exude from every pore.
Yet the search continues—but the object of man’s diligent quest will not come until he finds the longing of his heart in Jesus. Of Him Paul says in II Thessalonians 3:3, “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” Man may depend upon Him and on His strength and protection. His keeping power is everlasting!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Superlatives
June 28
We tend to speak of the things we value—as well of the things we disdain—in superlatives. ‘I just love Aunt Alice’s salad dressing.’ ‘That’s the worst example of umpiring a game that I’ve ever seen—kill the umpire!’ We give high praise to things we like or enjoy. (What salad dressing deserves our ‘love’? What mere, fallible mortal deserves death for missing a call at a sports event?)
We exaggerate the importance of little things to the degree that words don’t mean what they were originally intended to convey. We have used them in this way for so long that nobody thinks of them as they were originally intended. By our misuse of words, we have changed their meanings. Language, therefore, evolves.
Because it does, we may not be impacted by such truth as stated in John 3:16, “For God so loves the world, He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” If we equate ‘love’ to our favorite salad dressing, what can God’s unfathomable love possibly mean to us? It is indeed just that, unfathomable!
So, in His Word, God speaks to us of His love in graphic terms, painting a word picture for us that, if we will allow it to do so, can convey to us some understanding of the depth of that wonderful feeling the Majesty on High holds out to us. One such example is in Psalm 108:4 which says, “Great is Your love, higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” The Lord’s love is so great, it is beyond our scope.
We tend to speak of the things we value—as well of the things we disdain—in superlatives. ‘I just love Aunt Alice’s salad dressing.’ ‘That’s the worst example of umpiring a game that I’ve ever seen—kill the umpire!’ We give high praise to things we like or enjoy. (What salad dressing deserves our ‘love’? What mere, fallible mortal deserves death for missing a call at a sports event?)
We exaggerate the importance of little things to the degree that words don’t mean what they were originally intended to convey. We have used them in this way for so long that nobody thinks of them as they were originally intended. By our misuse of words, we have changed their meanings. Language, therefore, evolves.
Because it does, we may not be impacted by such truth as stated in John 3:16, “For God so loves the world, He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” If we equate ‘love’ to our favorite salad dressing, what can God’s unfathomable love possibly mean to us? It is indeed just that, unfathomable!
So, in His Word, God speaks to us of His love in graphic terms, painting a word picture for us that, if we will allow it to do so, can convey to us some understanding of the depth of that wonderful feeling the Majesty on High holds out to us. One such example is in Psalm 108:4 which says, “Great is Your love, higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” The Lord’s love is so great, it is beyond our scope.
Monday, June 27, 2011
The Remarkable Metamorphosis
June 27
Sinning can be a nasty little habit that is difficult to overcome. We are born with a fallen nature. We have a proclivity to sin. It’s what we do. Watch children at play. Sweet, cherubic darlings that they are. See how long it takes until they are tugging on the same toy, shouting, “Mine!”
Notice school children in their little ‘clicks,’ whispering together about another child who has been shuttled aside, feeling quite rejected and forlorn. Children can be extremely unkind to one another—especially to one who seems insecure, to one who perhaps needs their kindness most.
As adults, we manifest the same tendencies we did as children. Yes, we camouflage them better now than we did then, but they’re still there. Apart from an experience with Christ, receiving Him into our heart and being guided by His Holy Spirit, we have virtually no genuine love or kindness within us. Upon receiving Jesus, however, we are transformed! We love as He loved. We desire to help others as He did.
How can this remarkable metamorphosis occur? The beloved apostle tells us in I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and will purify us from all unrighteousness.” The ‘sin nature’ that was imposed upon us from birth is washed away in the shed blood of Jesus. When we ask to be forgiven, we are cleansed of all unrighteousness by the Righteous One whose blood removes sin’s stain from us.
Sinning can be a nasty little habit that is difficult to overcome. We are born with a fallen nature. We have a proclivity to sin. It’s what we do. Watch children at play. Sweet, cherubic darlings that they are. See how long it takes until they are tugging on the same toy, shouting, “Mine!”
Notice school children in their little ‘clicks,’ whispering together about another child who has been shuttled aside, feeling quite rejected and forlorn. Children can be extremely unkind to one another—especially to one who seems insecure, to one who perhaps needs their kindness most.
As adults, we manifest the same tendencies we did as children. Yes, we camouflage them better now than we did then, but they’re still there. Apart from an experience with Christ, receiving Him into our heart and being guided by His Holy Spirit, we have virtually no genuine love or kindness within us. Upon receiving Jesus, however, we are transformed! We love as He loved. We desire to help others as He did.
How can this remarkable metamorphosis occur? The beloved apostle tells us in I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and will purify us from all unrighteousness.” The ‘sin nature’ that was imposed upon us from birth is washed away in the shed blood of Jesus. When we ask to be forgiven, we are cleansed of all unrighteousness by the Righteous One whose blood removes sin’s stain from us.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
To a Thousand Generations
June 26
There is a wondrous and up-lifting fact stated in Psalm 111:7-8 that says, “The works of His hands are faithful and just; all His precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast for ever and ever. They are done in faithfulness and uprightness.” We can depend upon the God we serve. He is not fickle. In Him is, “…no shadow of turning” James 1:17.
Because we know His character, we may, as the Word admonishes in II Corinthians 5:7, “…walk by faith, not by sight.” We needn’t fear the unknown. We needn’t be intimidated by world conditions. We needn’t fret over matters of personal health or finance. We needn’t stress over anything for our God has assured that His promises will not fail. Jesus “will not leave or forsake you” Hebrews 13:5.
Does He know we might have moments of anxiety and doubt? Yes, He does; and He has given us a promise that encourages us to depend upon His faithfulness! In Deuteronomy 7:9 He says, “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God! He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.”
His promises aren’t just for you! No! If you love Him and strive to walk faithfully beside Him, His promises are for you and your progeny—for a thousand generations! If the Lord Jesus Christ tarries His return, you and your children and their children into the future will be saved and blessed, will be living epistles of His steadfast love and power to a thousand generations! A thousand generations!
There is a wondrous and up-lifting fact stated in Psalm 111:7-8 that says, “The works of His hands are faithful and just; all His precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast for ever and ever. They are done in faithfulness and uprightness.” We can depend upon the God we serve. He is not fickle. In Him is, “…no shadow of turning” James 1:17.
Because we know His character, we may, as the Word admonishes in II Corinthians 5:7, “…walk by faith, not by sight.” We needn’t fear the unknown. We needn’t be intimidated by world conditions. We needn’t fret over matters of personal health or finance. We needn’t stress over anything for our God has assured that His promises will not fail. Jesus “will not leave or forsake you” Hebrews 13:5.
Does He know we might have moments of anxiety and doubt? Yes, He does; and He has given us a promise that encourages us to depend upon His faithfulness! In Deuteronomy 7:9 He says, “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God! He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.”
His promises aren’t just for you! No! If you love Him and strive to walk faithfully beside Him, His promises are for you and your progeny—for a thousand generations! If the Lord Jesus Christ tarries His return, you and your children and their children into the future will be saved and blessed, will be living epistles of His steadfast love and power to a thousand generations! A thousand generations!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Our Burden Bearer
June 25
Trials can weigh one down. Day after weary day goes by and the burden one is bearing becomes heavier each morning. It is not merely the weight of the problem itself that one bears; it is also the fact that thoughts of it burden the mind. Trials can engulf the thought life of an individual and render one virtually incapable of a good mindset.
But this is not how the Lord would have His people to be. Jesus has invited believers to, “Cast all your cares upon HIM (Jesus), for He cares for you” I Peter 5:7. Our Savior desires to be our Burden Bearer as well as our Healer, our Teacher, the Lover of our souls. He invites us to relinquish our burdens to Him and He will carry them.
This isn’t easy to do. We have been trained from an early age to handle our own responsibilities. Children are taught to tie their shoes and make their beds and do their own homework. Reliance on even Mom and Dad is expected to lessen in each child’s life until he is totally viable on his own. But Jesus says we don’t have to be on our own…He will carry our burdens for us! This is virtually too much for us to grasp!
But, when our burdens are heavy, we can know with certainty, “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed. His compassions fail not; they are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness” Lamentations 3:22-23. When a new day arises with a lingering trial to bear, God’s own dear ones may know with certainty that Jesus is going to carry the burden for them again that day.
Trials can weigh one down. Day after weary day goes by and the burden one is bearing becomes heavier each morning. It is not merely the weight of the problem itself that one bears; it is also the fact that thoughts of it burden the mind. Trials can engulf the thought life of an individual and render one virtually incapable of a good mindset.
But this is not how the Lord would have His people to be. Jesus has invited believers to, “Cast all your cares upon HIM (Jesus), for He cares for you” I Peter 5:7. Our Savior desires to be our Burden Bearer as well as our Healer, our Teacher, the Lover of our souls. He invites us to relinquish our burdens to Him and He will carry them.
This isn’t easy to do. We have been trained from an early age to handle our own responsibilities. Children are taught to tie their shoes and make their beds and do their own homework. Reliance on even Mom and Dad is expected to lessen in each child’s life until he is totally viable on his own. But Jesus says we don’t have to be on our own…He will carry our burdens for us! This is virtually too much for us to grasp!
But, when our burdens are heavy, we can know with certainty, “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed. His compassions fail not; they are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness” Lamentations 3:22-23. When a new day arises with a lingering trial to bear, God’s own dear ones may know with certainty that Jesus is going to carry the burden for them again that day.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Through the Rough Seasons
June 24
How strong is your faith? What would it take to shake it? Don’t be too hasty to respond. It’s easy to think you’re a pillar of steadfast commitment on whom the Lord can depend through thick and thin—until life’s fabric gets a little thin, until its threads start to unravel.
Then, how securely do you stand on the Word, stand on your faith, stand on the assurances that you thought were the underpinnings of your entire life? Perhaps, it’s at those times that your faith takes on its mightiest proportions.
Perhaps when the winds of adversity blow, you wrap your faith around you even more securely and go on with the Lord even closer by your side. Isaiah 54:10 gives us reason to believe your faith will intensify through the rough seasons of life. Here the prophet states some of the most encouraging words of scripture…
…”Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed…yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace removed.” Because the Lord has great compassion for His people, because He knows your frame, He is resolute in His determination to manifest His unfailing love for you at your time of greatest need.
How strong is your faith? What would it take to shake it? Don’t be too hasty to respond. It’s easy to think you’re a pillar of steadfast commitment on whom the Lord can depend through thick and thin—until life’s fabric gets a little thin, until its threads start to unravel.
Then, how securely do you stand on the Word, stand on your faith, stand on the assurances that you thought were the underpinnings of your entire life? Perhaps, it’s at those times that your faith takes on its mightiest proportions.
Perhaps when the winds of adversity blow, you wrap your faith around you even more securely and go on with the Lord even closer by your side. Isaiah 54:10 gives us reason to believe your faith will intensify through the rough seasons of life. Here the prophet states some of the most encouraging words of scripture…
…”Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed…yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace removed.” Because the Lord has great compassion for His people, because He knows your frame, He is resolute in His determination to manifest His unfailing love for you at your time of greatest need.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
His Love...His Faithfulness...
June 23
Sometimes we ponder what will become of our little ones. Although we delight in our children and grandchildren—and great grandchildren—we cannot help but wonder how they will fare in this old world of ours. Things seem to be getting worse and worse as the Bible predicts they will (II Timothy 3:13) and we are concerned how our young ones will maintain the faith and live godly lives in such an evil environment.
We endeavor to nurture them in the wisdom and admonition of the Lord. We encourage them to seek wise counsel when they find themselves facing dilemmas of any sort. We admonish them to select friends whose commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ is steadfast and whose lives reflect that commitment. But we aren’t sure our efforts are enough to counter their continual bombardment with the world’s skewed view.
When we find ourselves agonizing over our own helplessness to avail those who are most precious to us with a secure place to escape from the hail of evil that is falling upon planet earth with greater and ever increasing intensity, we cannot help but to lament the darkening horizon and to pray HE will make their way when it seems there is no way.
If we consider the words of Psalm 100:5, we will discover that our Lord has already anticipated our concern and counters the lament within our bosom. Here the psalmist says, “The Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations…” Yes!...through all generations!!!! As long as Jesus tarries His return, those we’ve committed to Him will be secure in His keeping.
Sometimes we ponder what will become of our little ones. Although we delight in our children and grandchildren—and great grandchildren—we cannot help but wonder how they will fare in this old world of ours. Things seem to be getting worse and worse as the Bible predicts they will (II Timothy 3:13) and we are concerned how our young ones will maintain the faith and live godly lives in such an evil environment.
We endeavor to nurture them in the wisdom and admonition of the Lord. We encourage them to seek wise counsel when they find themselves facing dilemmas of any sort. We admonish them to select friends whose commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ is steadfast and whose lives reflect that commitment. But we aren’t sure our efforts are enough to counter their continual bombardment with the world’s skewed view.
When we find ourselves agonizing over our own helplessness to avail those who are most precious to us with a secure place to escape from the hail of evil that is falling upon planet earth with greater and ever increasing intensity, we cannot help but to lament the darkening horizon and to pray HE will make their way when it seems there is no way.
If we consider the words of Psalm 100:5, we will discover that our Lord has already anticipated our concern and counters the lament within our bosom. Here the psalmist says, “The Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations…” Yes!...through all generations!!!! As long as Jesus tarries His return, those we’ve committed to Him will be secure in His keeping.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Forever 'There'
June 22
Fellowship is not always abiding. Friends we once thought would always ‘be there’ for us have, for one reason or another, been lost to us. Lovers who we trusted have betrayed us. Business partners whose integrity seemed impeccable were discovered to have ‘cooked the books.’ Schoolmates whose association we enjoyed through graduation disappeared after going on to college.
That’s just the way it is. People, like circumstances, change. The acquaintance that seemed perfect for a season simply did not continue as it had been when the season changed. Because of the continual flux that occurs in relationships, we find that we must be adaptable to change. If we are not, we will be stranded in a place that really isn’t there anymore!
The one place where this pervasive situation does not exist is in the spiritual realm. That is not to suggest that church friends or friends who are members of a particular fellowship group will not change with time as well as friends in a secular association; rather, it is to say that there is ONE whose commitment to and love for us will never change.
That ONE is Jesus. When all other relationships have evidenced the fickleness of the human heart, Jesus will still be steadfast and true. The Word assures us of this fact in I Corinthians 1:9 where it says, “God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” Our great God and heavenly Father will forever ‘be there’ for His own who have given their lives to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Fellowship is not always abiding. Friends we once thought would always ‘be there’ for us have, for one reason or another, been lost to us. Lovers who we trusted have betrayed us. Business partners whose integrity seemed impeccable were discovered to have ‘cooked the books.’ Schoolmates whose association we enjoyed through graduation disappeared after going on to college.
That’s just the way it is. People, like circumstances, change. The acquaintance that seemed perfect for a season simply did not continue as it had been when the season changed. Because of the continual flux that occurs in relationships, we find that we must be adaptable to change. If we are not, we will be stranded in a place that really isn’t there anymore!
The one place where this pervasive situation does not exist is in the spiritual realm. That is not to suggest that church friends or friends who are members of a particular fellowship group will not change with time as well as friends in a secular association; rather, it is to say that there is ONE whose commitment to and love for us will never change.
That ONE is Jesus. When all other relationships have evidenced the fickleness of the human heart, Jesus will still be steadfast and true. The Word assures us of this fact in I Corinthians 1:9 where it says, “God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” Our great God and heavenly Father will forever ‘be there’ for His own who have given their lives to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
...Before Jesus Triumphs
June 21
The Book of Revelation contains some hard sayings. This portion of the Bible delves into the events of the ‘end time.’ Much of it is incomprehensible from our vantage point in time and much that we think we do understand is unsettling.
There are various theories of how the last days will unfold. Perhaps the most appealing is the ‘pre tribulation’ theory—the one that says believers in Christ will have been raptured before the cataclysmic events spoken of in Revelation’s pages unfold.
One thing we can ascertain is that those who remain when the man who is the embodiment of evil reveals himself for who he really is (most Biblical scholars believe it will be in the middle of his seven-years of power) will be engulfed in the most pervasive outpouring of wickedness that the world has ever known—far exceeding the Nazi Holocaust!
While it seems virtually impossible that the horrendous degree of evil attained by Hitler’s henchmen could be exceeded, the words of Revelation indicate that it will be. In fact, in Revelation 13:10 it says, “If anyone is to go into captivity, he will go. If anyone is to perish by the sword, he will perish. This time will call for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.” Evil will have its way before Jesus triumphs.
The Book of Revelation contains some hard sayings. This portion of the Bible delves into the events of the ‘end time.’ Much of it is incomprehensible from our vantage point in time and much that we think we do understand is unsettling.
There are various theories of how the last days will unfold. Perhaps the most appealing is the ‘pre tribulation’ theory—the one that says believers in Christ will have been raptured before the cataclysmic events spoken of in Revelation’s pages unfold.
One thing we can ascertain is that those who remain when the man who is the embodiment of evil reveals himself for who he really is (most Biblical scholars believe it will be in the middle of his seven-years of power) will be engulfed in the most pervasive outpouring of wickedness that the world has ever known—far exceeding the Nazi Holocaust!
While it seems virtually impossible that the horrendous degree of evil attained by Hitler’s henchmen could be exceeded, the words of Revelation indicate that it will be. In fact, in Revelation 13:10 it says, “If anyone is to go into captivity, he will go. If anyone is to perish by the sword, he will perish. This time will call for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.” Evil will have its way before Jesus triumphs.
Monday, June 20, 2011
What Does It Take?
June 20
What does it take to realize the promises of eternal security, of the hope of ruling and reigning with Christ throughout eternity? We are simple folk, for the most part. We haven’t been instrumental in operating governments. We haven’t run major corporations. Most of us consider ourselves to be doing well if we can manage our families—ourselves!—rightly.
So what credentials can we present before the Father on that great, eternal day when He judges the quick and the dead? What will commend us to Him, that He might desire that we be among those included around His Throne, forever singing His praises with the angels?
Of course, we know we, “…must be born again,” according to Jesus’ own words in John 3:3. We know, as He explains to Nicodemus that flesh and blood cannot inherit eternal things, for the eternal promise is to the spirit man. Though flesh cannot be redeemed, the spirit surrendered to Jesus, washed in His blood, will, indeed, inherit eternity.
Further, though there are some who espouse the ‘once saved, always saved’ doctrine, there is an admonition given by the risen Lord in Revelation 2:10 that says, “Be ye faithful unto the end, and I will give you the crown of life.” This encourages us to, “Work out your salvation…” Philippians 2:12, rather than take this great gift for granted.
What does it take to realize the promises of eternal security, of the hope of ruling and reigning with Christ throughout eternity? We are simple folk, for the most part. We haven’t been instrumental in operating governments. We haven’t run major corporations. Most of us consider ourselves to be doing well if we can manage our families—ourselves!—rightly.
So what credentials can we present before the Father on that great, eternal day when He judges the quick and the dead? What will commend us to Him, that He might desire that we be among those included around His Throne, forever singing His praises with the angels?
Of course, we know we, “…must be born again,” according to Jesus’ own words in John 3:3. We know, as He explains to Nicodemus that flesh and blood cannot inherit eternal things, for the eternal promise is to the spirit man. Though flesh cannot be redeemed, the spirit surrendered to Jesus, washed in His blood, will, indeed, inherit eternity.
Further, though there are some who espouse the ‘once saved, always saved’ doctrine, there is an admonition given by the risen Lord in Revelation 2:10 that says, “Be ye faithful unto the end, and I will give you the crown of life.” This encourages us to, “Work out your salvation…” Philippians 2:12, rather than take this great gift for granted.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Plan Good and Find Love
June 19
There are side benefits to goodness. In keeping with that thought is the old saying, ‘Everything that goes around comes around.’ The reality of that truth substantiates the Golden Rule which affirms that we must, ‘Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.’
The Word goes so far as to say that we should do good to our enemies (Proverbs 25: 21, 22) and thereby, we shall, “…heap coals of fire upon his head.” This seems to indicate that in returning kindness for animus, the person of faith causes his enemy to ponder his own attitude—and perhaps bring him to a mindset that is in tune with God.
This is all well and good for the individual who is the enemy of the person of faith. Is there any advantage to the believer in complying with the philosophy of rendering kindness for unkindness? Indeed, the Word tells us that there is. Though it is stated in many places, in many ways, one very clear promise in the matter is found in Proverbs.
These words, attributed to Solomon, the wisest man who has ever lived may be found in Proverbs 14:22 where it says, “Those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.” The outcome of doing good to others, of supplying the needs of even ones enemies assures that believers will find good, for they, “…reap what they sow” Galatians 6:7.
There are side benefits to goodness. In keeping with that thought is the old saying, ‘Everything that goes around comes around.’ The reality of that truth substantiates the Golden Rule which affirms that we must, ‘Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.’
The Word goes so far as to say that we should do good to our enemies (Proverbs 25: 21, 22) and thereby, we shall, “…heap coals of fire upon his head.” This seems to indicate that in returning kindness for animus, the person of faith causes his enemy to ponder his own attitude—and perhaps bring him to a mindset that is in tune with God.
This is all well and good for the individual who is the enemy of the person of faith. Is there any advantage to the believer in complying with the philosophy of rendering kindness for unkindness? Indeed, the Word tells us that there is. Though it is stated in many places, in many ways, one very clear promise in the matter is found in Proverbs.
These words, attributed to Solomon, the wisest man who has ever lived may be found in Proverbs 14:22 where it says, “Those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.” The outcome of doing good to others, of supplying the needs of even ones enemies assures that believers will find good, for they, “…reap what they sow” Galatians 6:7.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Behind His Shield
June 18
The beautiful words of John Newton in the beloved hymn, AMAZING GRACE, stir our hearts with hope and peace and security, “…’tis grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.” Newton had every reason to anticipate hell as his eternal abode. He had been a drunken slave trader whose cruelty was boundless.
But when he found Jesus as his Savior, his life was transformed. As vile as he had been, to the degree he’d been reprobate, to that degree and more he became devoted to the Lord who rescued him from depravity and set him aright on the path of life.
Like John Newton, we, too have allowed ourselves to become stained with sin. Oh, we may not pillage villages and capture people for trafficking in slavery, but our sins are just as vile in God’s eyes as were Newton’s. God’s standard of sin is not incremented by degrees. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23, is God’s definitive word in the matter.
We, then, like John Newton, may hold fast to the word found in Proverbs 2:7-8 which says, “God holds victory in store for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk blameless; He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.” “Though our sins be scarlet, they will be white as snow,” Isaiah 1:18, but because of Jesus, we, like the vilest of sinners, may walk clean behind His shield of blamelessness.
The beautiful words of John Newton in the beloved hymn, AMAZING GRACE, stir our hearts with hope and peace and security, “…’tis grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.” Newton had every reason to anticipate hell as his eternal abode. He had been a drunken slave trader whose cruelty was boundless.
But when he found Jesus as his Savior, his life was transformed. As vile as he had been, to the degree he’d been reprobate, to that degree and more he became devoted to the Lord who rescued him from depravity and set him aright on the path of life.
Like John Newton, we, too have allowed ourselves to become stained with sin. Oh, we may not pillage villages and capture people for trafficking in slavery, but our sins are just as vile in God’s eyes as were Newton’s. God’s standard of sin is not incremented by degrees. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23, is God’s definitive word in the matter.
We, then, like John Newton, may hold fast to the word found in Proverbs 2:7-8 which says, “God holds victory in store for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk blameless; He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.” “Though our sins be scarlet, they will be white as snow,” Isaiah 1:18, but because of Jesus, we, like the vilest of sinners, may walk clean behind His shield of blamelessness.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Justice and Mercy
June 17
Justice is a commodity that everyone desires to have when they feel they have been wronged. When the shoe is on the other foot, when one is in the wrong, he prefers mercy. In God, justice and mercy go hand-in-hand.
He would have us to mirror His perfect justice and perfect mercy in our dealings with one another. How can we, who are fallen and steeped in sin, even begin to approximate the purity of the God who embodies every excellent quality, including justice, including mercy?
We do not contain these virtues, or any others, within ourselves. But we can reflect them as we allow the light and the love and the salvation and the truth and the beauty of Jesus to shine from our lives. To the degree that we allow Him to overshadow our self-hood, to that degree will the loveliness of His character supersede the brokenness of our own.
Not only will we have the joy of being the small candle of light that shines in the darkness of the world around us, but we will also have the blessing of seeing Psalm 37:28 fulfilled in us. It says, “The Lord loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones.” If we will be faithful to extend His justice and mercy—all the good things that Jesus is—to those around us, He will stand by us through time and eternity.
Justice is a commodity that everyone desires to have when they feel they have been wronged. When the shoe is on the other foot, when one is in the wrong, he prefers mercy. In God, justice and mercy go hand-in-hand.
He would have us to mirror His perfect justice and perfect mercy in our dealings with one another. How can we, who are fallen and steeped in sin, even begin to approximate the purity of the God who embodies every excellent quality, including justice, including mercy?
We do not contain these virtues, or any others, within ourselves. But we can reflect them as we allow the light and the love and the salvation and the truth and the beauty of Jesus to shine from our lives. To the degree that we allow Him to overshadow our self-hood, to that degree will the loveliness of His character supersede the brokenness of our own.
Not only will we have the joy of being the small candle of light that shines in the darkness of the world around us, but we will also have the blessing of seeing Psalm 37:28 fulfilled in us. It says, “The Lord loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones.” If we will be faithful to extend His justice and mercy—all the good things that Jesus is—to those around us, He will stand by us through time and eternity.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Coincidence or God's Hand?
June 16
It is a bit disconcerting to think that the Lord takes His cue from man, but there is a body of evidence to suggest under some circumstances, that is exactly what He does. Of course, He is not in the practice of seeking counsel from men as He made absolutely clear to Job when he had endured his grievous ordeal (Job 38:1-36).
But it is an undeniable fact that certain actions, attitudes, and mindsets on the part of an individual precipitate reciprocal outcomes in his life that can be either attributed to mere coincidence or recognized as the hand of the Almighty at work.
In II Samuel 22:26, the prophet asserts to believers as he speaks to them in the behalf of God, “To the faithful, You show Yourself faithful; to the blameless, You show Yourself blameless, O Lord.” Evidently, there is a certain consequence that follows the heart set and the mindset of a man.
If indeed, this is the case, it behooves man to state with David, the great songsmith, warrior, and king over Israel those beautiful words he penned in Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord my Strength and my Redeemer.
It is a bit disconcerting to think that the Lord takes His cue from man, but there is a body of evidence to suggest under some circumstances, that is exactly what He does. Of course, He is not in the practice of seeking counsel from men as He made absolutely clear to Job when he had endured his grievous ordeal (Job 38:1-36).
But it is an undeniable fact that certain actions, attitudes, and mindsets on the part of an individual precipitate reciprocal outcomes in his life that can be either attributed to mere coincidence or recognized as the hand of the Almighty at work.
In II Samuel 22:26, the prophet asserts to believers as he speaks to them in the behalf of God, “To the faithful, You show Yourself faithful; to the blameless, You show Yourself blameless, O Lord.” Evidently, there is a certain consequence that follows the heart set and the mindset of a man.
If indeed, this is the case, it behooves man to state with David, the great songsmith, warrior, and king over Israel those beautiful words he penned in Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord my Strength and my Redeemer.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
No Advantage?
June 15
The God we serve loves all of mankind. He desires that everyone ever born would love Him and receive the free gift of salvation that has been provided by the Lord Jesus Christ. If a man simply turns his back on the best deal ever conceived, he has robbed himself of the only thing in life that can accrue unto his eternal wealth and well-being.
Of course, it’s not always easy to perceive the great advantage that a man of faith in Jesus possesses. In fact, it’s easy to look around and conclude that there is no advantage at all. There are people who have great wealth and power who don’t claim even a nodding acquaintance with the Lord and have no desire to gain one.
But, when the day of reckoning finally comes—whether the Rapture, when all believers will be taken up with the Lord in the clouds and will forever be with Him, or whether the day each individual keeps his appointment with death (Hebrews 9:27), everyone who has ever walked in a tabernacle of flesh will stand face-to-face before his Maker.
With that reality in mind, the Word affirms to all men in Psalm 31: 23, “Love the Lord, all His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud He pays back in full.” This is not a paycheck we want to collect! May our dear and precious Savior give the faithful heart to each believer that overcomes pride and disdains its recompense.
The God we serve loves all of mankind. He desires that everyone ever born would love Him and receive the free gift of salvation that has been provided by the Lord Jesus Christ. If a man simply turns his back on the best deal ever conceived, he has robbed himself of the only thing in life that can accrue unto his eternal wealth and well-being.
Of course, it’s not always easy to perceive the great advantage that a man of faith in Jesus possesses. In fact, it’s easy to look around and conclude that there is no advantage at all. There are people who have great wealth and power who don’t claim even a nodding acquaintance with the Lord and have no desire to gain one.
But, when the day of reckoning finally comes—whether the Rapture, when all believers will be taken up with the Lord in the clouds and will forever be with Him, or whether the day each individual keeps his appointment with death (Hebrews 9:27), everyone who has ever walked in a tabernacle of flesh will stand face-to-face before his Maker.
With that reality in mind, the Word affirms to all men in Psalm 31: 23, “Love the Lord, all His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud He pays back in full.” This is not a paycheck we want to collect! May our dear and precious Savior give the faithful heart to each believer that overcomes pride and disdains its recompense.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Favor and a Good Name
June 14
God places a high premium upon integrity. It is His desire that a man’s “yea be yea and his nay be nay,” James 5:12. We are, in this same passage, told that we needn’t swear by anything if our word is our bond as the Lord would have it to be.
Our word should be as steadfast in our personal lives as it is in a court of law. Our marriage vows must be given with the utmost intention of keeping them for the entirety of our lives.
Proverbs 3:3, 4 says, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
Even if the world mocks our integrity as man slips further and further down the slippery slope of deception and dishonor, we will have favor and a good name in the sight of God. As Peter said in Acts 5:29, “It is better to obey God than man.”
God places a high premium upon integrity. It is His desire that a man’s “yea be yea and his nay be nay,” James 5:12. We are, in this same passage, told that we needn’t swear by anything if our word is our bond as the Lord would have it to be.
Our word should be as steadfast in our personal lives as it is in a court of law. Our marriage vows must be given with the utmost intention of keeping them for the entirety of our lives.
Proverbs 3:3, 4 says, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
Even if the world mocks our integrity as man slips further and further down the slippery slope of deception and dishonor, we will have favor and a good name in the sight of God. As Peter said in Acts 5:29, “It is better to obey God than man.”
Monday, June 13, 2011
Appropriate the Power of Truth
June 13
Truth. We stand on TRUTH when we stand on Christ, for Jesus is, “…the way, the TRUTH, and the life…” John 14:6. He goes on to say in that verse that nobody will ever see God apart from Him. Jesus is the way to God. Jesus is the truth of God. Jesus is the Giver of life eternal that God extends to all who will receive Him as Savior and Lord.
The TRUTH on which we stand as believers in Jesus is an incalculable resource. We cannot begin to measure its depth and breadth and height. We cannot begin to fathom its impact upon our lives once we have appropriated it. We, in a society that was established upon it but has fallen from it, cannot begin to calculate the cost of what we’ve lost because of our foolishness.
But there is a grandiose quality to TRUTH that Jesus states in Matthew 17:20. Here He says, “…if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here and be cast into the sea,’ and it shall be done. Nothing shall be impossible for you.”
Let us appropriate that great power that He holds out to us! Let us employ it to save the lives of the lost, to heal the bodies of the sick, to speak the word of deliverance over the captive – all that the name of Jesus may be exalted on the earth! We do not seek glory for ourselves, O Lord! No! We seek the glory of Your matchless, holy name!
Truth. We stand on TRUTH when we stand on Christ, for Jesus is, “…the way, the TRUTH, and the life…” John 14:6. He goes on to say in that verse that nobody will ever see God apart from Him. Jesus is the way to God. Jesus is the truth of God. Jesus is the Giver of life eternal that God extends to all who will receive Him as Savior and Lord.
The TRUTH on which we stand as believers in Jesus is an incalculable resource. We cannot begin to measure its depth and breadth and height. We cannot begin to fathom its impact upon our lives once we have appropriated it. We, in a society that was established upon it but has fallen from it, cannot begin to calculate the cost of what we’ve lost because of our foolishness.
But there is a grandiose quality to TRUTH that Jesus states in Matthew 17:20. Here He says, “…if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here and be cast into the sea,’ and it shall be done. Nothing shall be impossible for you.”
Let us appropriate that great power that He holds out to us! Let us employ it to save the lives of the lost, to heal the bodies of the sick, to speak the word of deliverance over the captive – all that the name of Jesus may be exalted on the earth! We do not seek glory for ourselves, O Lord! No! We seek the glory of Your matchless, holy name!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Employ Your Promise
June 12
Lord Jesus, help us appropriate the promise you have given in John 14:12! Here You have stated, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing; he will do even greater things than I have done because I am going to the Father.”
What a remarkable assurance! Lord, You are God incarnate. You came to earth as a Man above all men, an absolutely sinless man. You showed Yourself compassionate toward the sick and the poor and the hungry and the possessed. You spoke the word and the dead were raised to life!
You endured cruel stripes on Your back to affect our healing; You bore our sins to the cross of Calvary where You were the perfect sacrifice for all our transgressions—and You arose from the tomb on the third day! You showed Yourself alive to Your disciples. Even secular historians acknowledge that this amazing miracle of life over death and thereby, the triumph of righteousness over sin, actually took place as the Bible affirms.
And You have promised that we have access to that same power that You evidenced when You healed the sick and provided for the hungry and raised the dead! Almighty God of Heaven and Earth and all that exists, we humbly hold out our hearts and ask You to fill them with faith. We humbly hold out our hands and ask You to endue them with power to employ Your promise among the suffering of mankind around us.
Lord Jesus, help us appropriate the promise you have given in John 14:12! Here You have stated, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing; he will do even greater things than I have done because I am going to the Father.”
What a remarkable assurance! Lord, You are God incarnate. You came to earth as a Man above all men, an absolutely sinless man. You showed Yourself compassionate toward the sick and the poor and the hungry and the possessed. You spoke the word and the dead were raised to life!
You endured cruel stripes on Your back to affect our healing; You bore our sins to the cross of Calvary where You were the perfect sacrifice for all our transgressions—and You arose from the tomb on the third day! You showed Yourself alive to Your disciples. Even secular historians acknowledge that this amazing miracle of life over death and thereby, the triumph of righteousness over sin, actually took place as the Bible affirms.
And You have promised that we have access to that same power that You evidenced when You healed the sick and provided for the hungry and raised the dead! Almighty God of Heaven and Earth and all that exists, we humbly hold out our hearts and ask You to fill them with faith. We humbly hold out our hands and ask You to endue them with power to employ Your promise among the suffering of mankind around us.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Peace
June 11
Peace is a very elusive entity. The world at times seems like a stick of dynamite that is set aflame and about to explode. Enmity between nations and cultures is palpable and the inclination toward compromise is virtually absent from all quarters. Though there are many nations that rise against one another, there is one looming conflict that could precipitate WW III, if not Armageddon.
The tiny state of Israel, about the size of New Jersey, is surrounded by Arab neighbors who detest the fact that she exists. In fact, a tenet of the Islamic faith, to which the preponderance of Arabs adhere, is that all Christians and Jews must ultimately be eradicated so a ‘one world Islamic caliphate can rule the world under shariah law.
Though Moslems are free to practice their faith peaceably in the West, that freedom is not always extended to Western Christians who may live and work in Moslem lands. Jews are not welcome to live or work in many Islamic countries at all. The only way a Jew might somehow find his way into one is if his name didn’t sound Jewish and his passport did not indicate his true religion.
Is there any way to overcome this seething hatred that Moslems harbor for those who do not subscribe to Islam? Romans 5:1 has an answer. Here it says, “We have been justified through faith in Christ and we have peace with God through Him.” If any man allows Jesus to wash away his sin, he will indeed be at peace with God—and when he has made peace with Him, he will also have peace with all his fellow men.
Peace is a very elusive entity. The world at times seems like a stick of dynamite that is set aflame and about to explode. Enmity between nations and cultures is palpable and the inclination toward compromise is virtually absent from all quarters. Though there are many nations that rise against one another, there is one looming conflict that could precipitate WW III, if not Armageddon.
The tiny state of Israel, about the size of New Jersey, is surrounded by Arab neighbors who detest the fact that she exists. In fact, a tenet of the Islamic faith, to which the preponderance of Arabs adhere, is that all Christians and Jews must ultimately be eradicated so a ‘one world Islamic caliphate can rule the world under shariah law.
Though Moslems are free to practice their faith peaceably in the West, that freedom is not always extended to Western Christians who may live and work in Moslem lands. Jews are not welcome to live or work in many Islamic countries at all. The only way a Jew might somehow find his way into one is if his name didn’t sound Jewish and his passport did not indicate his true religion.
Is there any way to overcome this seething hatred that Moslems harbor for those who do not subscribe to Islam? Romans 5:1 has an answer. Here it says, “We have been justified through faith in Christ and we have peace with God through Him.” If any man allows Jesus to wash away his sin, he will indeed be at peace with God—and when he has made peace with Him, he will also have peace with all his fellow men.
Friday, June 10, 2011
How to Withstand the Storms
June 10
How can anyone who abides in a frail tabernacle of flesh withstand the storms that assail? How can anyone who sails a frail bark upon the tumultuous Sea of Life be sure that his craft will not be overturned in the waves that regularly wash over the ship of his life?
How can we, who are undone by our own sinful nature expect that the God who dwells in eternity will have any reason to reach down from Heaven and give us the peace we need, the calm assurance we long to have, that He is with us and that His intention is to do us good?
When we are confronted by our proclivity to falter as we trod the path of righteousness that the Lord would have us to walk by His side, we have the same assurance that Abraham had. In Romans 4:3 we are told, “Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness.”
Like Abraham, who claimed his wife was his sister to spare himself harm when Pharaoh desired to take her as his own wife (Genesis 12:11-20), we, too have let God down. But as with Abraham, it is not our righteousness that impressed the Lord in the first place! It is our trust in the shed blood of Jesus that enables the Holy One to see us as righteous.
How can anyone who abides in a frail tabernacle of flesh withstand the storms that assail? How can anyone who sails a frail bark upon the tumultuous Sea of Life be sure that his craft will not be overturned in the waves that regularly wash over the ship of his life?
How can we, who are undone by our own sinful nature expect that the God who dwells in eternity will have any reason to reach down from Heaven and give us the peace we need, the calm assurance we long to have, that He is with us and that His intention is to do us good?
When we are confronted by our proclivity to falter as we trod the path of righteousness that the Lord would have us to walk by His side, we have the same assurance that Abraham had. In Romans 4:3 we are told, “Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness.”
Like Abraham, who claimed his wife was his sister to spare himself harm when Pharaoh desired to take her as his own wife (Genesis 12:11-20), we, too have let God down. But as with Abraham, it is not our righteousness that impressed the Lord in the first place! It is our trust in the shed blood of Jesus that enables the Holy One to see us as righteous.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
We Have The Blessing
June 9
In Psalm 33:22, King David beseeches the Lord for something for which none of us ever need ask. Oh, yes, we may ask God for anything with the assurance that if it is in accordance with His will, He will do it as promised in I John 5:14.
Yes, we know if two or more agree as touching any matter, the Lord Himself is in the midst of them and He will give them what they desire of Him according to the will of the Father in Heaven (Matthew 18:19).
We know the Word affirms in James 4:2, “You have not because you have not asked.” If, indeed, the burden of receiving the answers to our prayers is upon us, what is it that we’re missing from the equation? What is it we’re not seeing that is part of the valuable truth that opens the windows of Heaven that our blessings may be poured upon us?
Going back to Psalm 33:22, perhaps it is that one thing for which we needn’t ask but that we neglect to appropriate that hinders the flow of answers to our prayers and blessings to our lives, that being, “Your unfailing love rests upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You.” If we hope in Him, we already HAVE the blessing! Appropriate it!
In Psalm 33:22, King David beseeches the Lord for something for which none of us ever need ask. Oh, yes, we may ask God for anything with the assurance that if it is in accordance with His will, He will do it as promised in I John 5:14.
Yes, we know if two or more agree as touching any matter, the Lord Himself is in the midst of them and He will give them what they desire of Him according to the will of the Father in Heaven (Matthew 18:19).
We know the Word affirms in James 4:2, “You have not because you have not asked.” If, indeed, the burden of receiving the answers to our prayers is upon us, what is it that we’re missing from the equation? What is it we’re not seeing that is part of the valuable truth that opens the windows of Heaven that our blessings may be poured upon us?
Going back to Psalm 33:22, perhaps it is that one thing for which we needn’t ask but that we neglect to appropriate that hinders the flow of answers to our prayers and blessings to our lives, that being, “Your unfailing love rests upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You.” If we hope in Him, we already HAVE the blessing! Appropriate it!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Share His Truth with Everyone
June 8
In His letter to his son in the faith, Paul declares a truth to which we who believe may anchor our hope for time and eternity. Oh, yes, Paul has proclaimed much truth to us. The writer of the preponderance of the New Testament penned much of the doctrine upon which faith in Jesus is established.
We treasure the words of the gospel writers as well as the accounts of Peter and John of the progress of the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ but Paul is the well-spring of faith and wisdom and eloquence that the Lord used most profoundly to share the word of truth with a lost and unbelieving world.
In I Timothy 4: 9-10, Paul declares to the young disciple, “This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance, for which we labor and strive, that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe.” There it is plainly declared—God is the Savior of all men. Yet we tend to dismiss some people from the Arc of Safety.
They are entrenched in their own belief system and would reject overtures of witness that would draw them from it. They are offended if we suggest their beliefs are wrong and they need Jesus as Savior and Lord. Yet our God, the Living Savior, desires that all men be saved. The price has been paid, Christ’s blood has been shed for all. May we share His truth with them. May they receive it and be secure for eternity.
In His letter to his son in the faith, Paul declares a truth to which we who believe may anchor our hope for time and eternity. Oh, yes, Paul has proclaimed much truth to us. The writer of the preponderance of the New Testament penned much of the doctrine upon which faith in Jesus is established.
We treasure the words of the gospel writers as well as the accounts of Peter and John of the progress of the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ but Paul is the well-spring of faith and wisdom and eloquence that the Lord used most profoundly to share the word of truth with a lost and unbelieving world.
In I Timothy 4: 9-10, Paul declares to the young disciple, “This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance, for which we labor and strive, that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe.” There it is plainly declared—God is the Savior of all men. Yet we tend to dismiss some people from the Arc of Safety.
They are entrenched in their own belief system and would reject overtures of witness that would draw them from it. They are offended if we suggest their beliefs are wrong and they need Jesus as Savior and Lord. Yet our God, the Living Savior, desires that all men be saved. The price has been paid, Christ’s blood has been shed for all. May we share His truth with them. May they receive it and be secure for eternity.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Genuine
June 7
It’s difficult to feel genuine emotion for someone we cannot see, for someone with whom we cannot easily relate. Perhaps a departure from that fact of human feeling lies in the generosity of the American spirit which always has the ability to reach out to those in need. When disasters occur anywhere on the planet, Americans send relief.
Yet it is true that it is becoming more and more difficult to empathize with the trouble others may be going through simply because so much pain is depicted on TV and in the movies that is mere entertainment that when real tragedies occur our sensibilities have been inured to them.
Peter recognizes this human tendency to distance ourselves from those we do not know intimately and points out the one major area where it has no sway—that being the relationship of believers with the One True and Living God through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
In I Peter 1:21 the Apostle says, “Though you have not seen Christ, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him, you believe in Him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy.” How can we account for the joy we have in the Lord we cannot see? The Third Person of the Triune Majesty, the Holy Spirit, reveals Him to us.
It’s difficult to feel genuine emotion for someone we cannot see, for someone with whom we cannot easily relate. Perhaps a departure from that fact of human feeling lies in the generosity of the American spirit which always has the ability to reach out to those in need. When disasters occur anywhere on the planet, Americans send relief.
Yet it is true that it is becoming more and more difficult to empathize with the trouble others may be going through simply because so much pain is depicted on TV and in the movies that is mere entertainment that when real tragedies occur our sensibilities have been inured to them.
Peter recognizes this human tendency to distance ourselves from those we do not know intimately and points out the one major area where it has no sway—that being the relationship of believers with the One True and Living God through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
In I Peter 1:21 the Apostle says, “Though you have not seen Christ, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him, you believe in Him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy.” How can we account for the joy we have in the Lord we cannot see? The Third Person of the Triune Majesty, the Holy Spirit, reveals Him to us.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Reason to Believe
June 6
I Peter 1:21 states something quite profound. It says, “Through Christ you believe in God who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, so your faith and hope are in God.”
Yes, Jesus came to pay the penalty for our sin. He sacrificed His sinless life so our wretched, sin-filled lives could be redeemed. Yes, we know that only a God-Man could do that, for our human race is steeped in sin. Only God, taking upon Himself the tabernacle of flesh, could be the sinless sacrifice His holiness requires.
And it would not be enough were this precious sacrifice to remain in the tomb—consumed forever as the countless, spotless lambs sacrificed through the centuries until Jesus came as the final, complete, eternal sacrifice. The God who loves us and desires to dwell eternally with us had to do something to get our attention, to inspire our faith!
He accomplished that by the glorious miracle of raising Jesus from the dead. When our Savior emerged from the tomb—the most-well-documented event in antiquity—we were given every reason to believe, to accept His propitiatory death and resurrection in our behalf, to place our hope in Him forever and be on our way to dwell with God eternally!
I Peter 1:21 states something quite profound. It says, “Through Christ you believe in God who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, so your faith and hope are in God.”
Yes, Jesus came to pay the penalty for our sin. He sacrificed His sinless life so our wretched, sin-filled lives could be redeemed. Yes, we know that only a God-Man could do that, for our human race is steeped in sin. Only God, taking upon Himself the tabernacle of flesh, could be the sinless sacrifice His holiness requires.
And it would not be enough were this precious sacrifice to remain in the tomb—consumed forever as the countless, spotless lambs sacrificed through the centuries until Jesus came as the final, complete, eternal sacrifice. The God who loves us and desires to dwell eternally with us had to do something to get our attention, to inspire our faith!
He accomplished that by the glorious miracle of raising Jesus from the dead. When our Savior emerged from the tomb—the most-well-documented event in antiquity—we were given every reason to believe, to accept His propitiatory death and resurrection in our behalf, to place our hope in Him forever and be on our way to dwell with God eternally!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Persuaded
June 5
Faith. What an amazing word. It flies in the face of all we’ve trained ourselves to do and to be. One thing we as individuals living on a fallen planet require of virtually everyone and everything with which we associate ourselves is ‘proof.’
We’re not inclined to take anything for granted. Before investing our money into a venture, we research it carefully to assure ourselves that our outlay of cash will indeed be safe. Whether a stock investment or an automobile purchase, we investigate their claims and records before purchasing.
Trust is in short supply in our world of ponzie schemes and falling real estate values. But, trust is something that the Lord requires of those who profess to believe in Him. Because we are so accustomed to disappointment in those people and things in which we have placed our trust, it’s difficult to wrap our thinking around One who will never let us down, One who will not fail or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
In fact, Hebrews 11:1 goes so far as to say that, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” That certainty isn’t because we’ve investigated our circumstances and concluded that things will turn out to our liking; rather, our assurance comes because we, “know WHOM we have believed and are persuaded that HE IS ABLE TO KEEP THAT WHICH WE’VE COMMITTED TO HIM,” (II Timothy 1:12).
Faith. What an amazing word. It flies in the face of all we’ve trained ourselves to do and to be. One thing we as individuals living on a fallen planet require of virtually everyone and everything with which we associate ourselves is ‘proof.’
We’re not inclined to take anything for granted. Before investing our money into a venture, we research it carefully to assure ourselves that our outlay of cash will indeed be safe. Whether a stock investment or an automobile purchase, we investigate their claims and records before purchasing.
Trust is in short supply in our world of ponzie schemes and falling real estate values. But, trust is something that the Lord requires of those who profess to believe in Him. Because we are so accustomed to disappointment in those people and things in which we have placed our trust, it’s difficult to wrap our thinking around One who will never let us down, One who will not fail or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
In fact, Hebrews 11:1 goes so far as to say that, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” That certainty isn’t because we’ve investigated our circumstances and concluded that things will turn out to our liking; rather, our assurance comes because we, “know WHOM we have believed and are persuaded that HE IS ABLE TO KEEP THAT WHICH WE’VE COMMITTED TO HIM,” (II Timothy 1:12).
Saturday, June 4, 2011
The God-Man Savior
June 4
When Jesus knew the time of His sacrifice for man had come, He did not attempt to circumvent the fate to which He had given Himself. He had laid aside His deity (Philippians 2:5-9) to redeem man, and that act on His part was established in the Throne Room of Heaven before the world was formed (Revelation 13:8).
He was fully aware that His death on the cross was the only way man could be redeemed. He was fully aware that man would concoct schemes to save himself, but the utter futility of them would leave everyone born into the family of man upon the earth with a profound need for a Savior.
Jesus, the God/Man came to be that Savior. He stated in John 17:3, when He was at the threshold of the horrific death that awaited Him on the cross, “This is eternal life: that they may know YOU, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom YOU have sent.” There has never been, there is not, and there never will be, any other way for man to pass from life to eternal life in heaven—the only way is through Jesus.
Jesus came to make that way plain. Jesus came so everyone could see the face of the One, True, Living God. Jesus came so everyone could see the Love of God that planned the cross and carried the cross and hung on the cross. Jesus came so no one would ever need to wonder what the heart of God looks like. Anyone who wants to see—to recognize His love and embrace His plan of salvation—has that opportunity in knowing Jesus.
When Jesus knew the time of His sacrifice for man had come, He did not attempt to circumvent the fate to which He had given Himself. He had laid aside His deity (Philippians 2:5-9) to redeem man, and that act on His part was established in the Throne Room of Heaven before the world was formed (Revelation 13:8).
He was fully aware that His death on the cross was the only way man could be redeemed. He was fully aware that man would concoct schemes to save himself, but the utter futility of them would leave everyone born into the family of man upon the earth with a profound need for a Savior.
Jesus, the God/Man came to be that Savior. He stated in John 17:3, when He was at the threshold of the horrific death that awaited Him on the cross, “This is eternal life: that they may know YOU, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom YOU have sent.” There has never been, there is not, and there never will be, any other way for man to pass from life to eternal life in heaven—the only way is through Jesus.
Jesus came to make that way plain. Jesus came so everyone could see the face of the One, True, Living God. Jesus came so everyone could see the Love of God that planned the cross and carried the cross and hung on the cross. Jesus came so no one would ever need to wonder what the heart of God looks like. Anyone who wants to see—to recognize His love and embrace His plan of salvation—has that opportunity in knowing Jesus.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Conform to the Lord's Way
June 3
Paul tells us very clearly in his letter to Titus (ch.3, vs.7) that we are justified by God’s grace so we can become His heirs, having the hope of eternal salvation.” God’s plan of salvation embraces the whole of mankind, for the Word tells us that it is His desire that, “all men be saved and come to a knowledge of truth” I Timothy 2:3, 4).
Yet the evidence abounds that scores of people reject their opportunity to be part of the Lord’s great plan of salvation. We see undeniable evidence of lawlessness on every hand and to every degree. Although man has always had a rebellious spirit that turns his heart away from the law of God, today’s evidence of that unfortunate choice is clearly demonstrated before our eyes through the media daily.
Men and nations and religious systems disdain the law of God in favor of schemes concocted in their own minds. The Word tells us that we are to, “Let this mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God but took upon Himself no reputation and found Himself in the fashion of men and became obedient unto death…,” Philippians 2:5- 9. He did this in order to redeem man from sin.
Even some who profess Christ rely upon their own good works to save them rather than upon Jesus’ finished work on the cross. But the Lord Himself declared in John 10:27-29 that, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish, for no one can snatch them out of My …Father’s hand.” The true evidence of our salvation is our obedience. If we are willing to conform ourselves to the Lord’s way, nothing can separate us from Him.
Paul tells us very clearly in his letter to Titus (ch.3, vs.7) that we are justified by God’s grace so we can become His heirs, having the hope of eternal salvation.” God’s plan of salvation embraces the whole of mankind, for the Word tells us that it is His desire that, “all men be saved and come to a knowledge of truth” I Timothy 2:3, 4).
Yet the evidence abounds that scores of people reject their opportunity to be part of the Lord’s great plan of salvation. We see undeniable evidence of lawlessness on every hand and to every degree. Although man has always had a rebellious spirit that turns his heart away from the law of God, today’s evidence of that unfortunate choice is clearly demonstrated before our eyes through the media daily.
Men and nations and religious systems disdain the law of God in favor of schemes concocted in their own minds. The Word tells us that we are to, “Let this mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God but took upon Himself no reputation and found Himself in the fashion of men and became obedient unto death…,” Philippians 2:5- 9. He did this in order to redeem man from sin.
Even some who profess Christ rely upon their own good works to save them rather than upon Jesus’ finished work on the cross. But the Lord Himself declared in John 10:27-29 that, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish, for no one can snatch them out of My …Father’s hand.” The true evidence of our salvation is our obedience. If we are willing to conform ourselves to the Lord’s way, nothing can separate us from Him.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Whoever Believes in the Son Has Life
June 2
In reflecting upon and comparing and contrasting the views of eternity that are held by some of the world’s major religious systems, it seems to a preponderance of people that those held by adherents to Christianity have the best scenario—based upon the fact that Christianity is the largest and fastest growing religion in the world.
One may argue that Islam is growing as rapidly, but in actuality, the growth in Islam is because of the fact that so many more children are born to Moslem parents than to parents of other faiths. When all that is counted are actual converts to a faith, those statistics are staggeringly in the favor of Christianity.
Additionally, many converts to Islam do so because of coercion. Throughout its history, Islam has added to its number through war. Subjected peoples were given the options of converting to Islam, paying a tax imposed upon non-believers, or death. There are still rigorous pressures to be Moslem within the parts of the world under control of Islam. But Christianity, from its inception, has been fueled by the power of love.
The first act of love was that of Christ coming to earth as a man to pay the penalty for man’s sin by His substitutionary death in man’s place (Philippians 2:5-8); and subsequent to that, believers throughout history have put their own lives on the line in order to share the message of Christ’s love and salvation with even those who are hostile to the message.
Why? Because as Jesus said in John 3:36, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” Apart from Him, there is the eternal pain of loss. So we share the good news in love and we pray the unbeliever will accept it and become one of us.
In reflecting upon and comparing and contrasting the views of eternity that are held by some of the world’s major religious systems, it seems to a preponderance of people that those held by adherents to Christianity have the best scenario—based upon the fact that Christianity is the largest and fastest growing religion in the world.
One may argue that Islam is growing as rapidly, but in actuality, the growth in Islam is because of the fact that so many more children are born to Moslem parents than to parents of other faiths. When all that is counted are actual converts to a faith, those statistics are staggeringly in the favor of Christianity.
Additionally, many converts to Islam do so because of coercion. Throughout its history, Islam has added to its number through war. Subjected peoples were given the options of converting to Islam, paying a tax imposed upon non-believers, or death. There are still rigorous pressures to be Moslem within the parts of the world under control of Islam. But Christianity, from its inception, has been fueled by the power of love.
The first act of love was that of Christ coming to earth as a man to pay the penalty for man’s sin by His substitutionary death in man’s place (Philippians 2:5-8); and subsequent to that, believers throughout history have put their own lives on the line in order to share the message of Christ’s love and salvation with even those who are hostile to the message.
Why? Because as Jesus said in John 3:36, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” Apart from Him, there is the eternal pain of loss. So we share the good news in love and we pray the unbeliever will accept it and become one of us.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Our Promise
June 1
The afterlife plays a prominent role in virtually all religious systems. The ancient Egyptians revealed much about day-to-day life in their world because they were so preoccupied with preparing people for what they believed would be a continuation of life in the ‘here and now’ when the deceased had crossed into eternity.
Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism believe in reincarnation. One who has died will come back in another life form or at another station in life, depending upon how his most recent life has measured up to what is considered a meritorious standard. Islam believes in a land where one who has died in jihad will enjoy the sexual favors of seventy-two eternal virgins, as well as luxuriant, well-watered vistas flowing with the finest libations.
Christianity rests upon the belief in life after death. As Paul said in I Corinthians 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” No. We are not the most miserable of men. Our hope is not merely in a good life that will end with our last breath. Belief in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection in our behalf transcends time and embraces eternity.
In John 11: 25, 26, the Lord Himself said to the sister of Lazarus as they stood at his tomb, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” Our promise is the eternal joy of being in the presence of the One, True, Living God—and of reigning with Him forever (II Timothy 2:12).
The afterlife plays a prominent role in virtually all religious systems. The ancient Egyptians revealed much about day-to-day life in their world because they were so preoccupied with preparing people for what they believed would be a continuation of life in the ‘here and now’ when the deceased had crossed into eternity.
Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism believe in reincarnation. One who has died will come back in another life form or at another station in life, depending upon how his most recent life has measured up to what is considered a meritorious standard. Islam believes in a land where one who has died in jihad will enjoy the sexual favors of seventy-two eternal virgins, as well as luxuriant, well-watered vistas flowing with the finest libations.
Christianity rests upon the belief in life after death. As Paul said in I Corinthians 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” No. We are not the most miserable of men. Our hope is not merely in a good life that will end with our last breath. Belief in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection in our behalf transcends time and embraces eternity.
In John 11: 25, 26, the Lord Himself said to the sister of Lazarus as they stood at his tomb, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” Our promise is the eternal joy of being in the presence of the One, True, Living God—and of reigning with Him forever (II Timothy 2:12).
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