August 31
The Apostle Paul is arguably the most dedicated espouser of the truth of the Living Christ who has ever walked the earth. That is not to negate the amazing outreach of a man like Billy Graham who has probably touched more people for the Kingdom of Christ than anyone else who’s ever lived. However, given the constraints under which Paul labored, his effort was more intense.
Paul had striven for excellence in his own life. His adherence to the law of God was without peer. He was known among the religious individuals with whom he practiced the Jewish faith as “a Hebrew of the Hebrews” (Philippians 3:5). Yet, when he came to know Christ as Savior and Lord, none of his accomplishments had merit in his eyes.
He went on to say in this same chapter (vs.7), “What things were gain to me, those I count as loss for Christ.” In having met the risen Savior, Paul realized that there was nothing any mortal man could do or be that in any way equated to the excellence of the finished work Jesus had done in mortal man’s behalf. With this realization, Paul knew he could not but spend himself in the endeavor of sharing that truth.
Paul did not count himself to have yet taken hold of the fullness of this great truth, but he vowed to steadfastly endeavor to attain it. In Philippians 3:13, 14 he states it thusly, “Forgetting what is behind (his successes at maintaining the law on his own), I press on toward the goal of winning the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” May we emulate him in this incomparable task.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Whole-hearted
August 30
God does not expect His people to be slackers. He doesn’t expect those who profess faith in Him to be half-hearted in their endeavors. It is His wish that we select our goals wisely and with deference to His purposes and that we then pursue them with all our energy.
This is conveyed clearly by what Paul says in I Corinthians 9:24 where he acknowledges, “…in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize! Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Our Heavenly Coach doesn’t expect His ‘team’ to be also-rans! He expects them to be winners!
If we truly believe that Jesus has saved us from sin by sacrificing Himself as the propitiation for our sin, if we truly believe, “…there is no other name given under heaven whereby men might be saved,” (Acts 4:12), then we will make sharing the gospel, the ‘good news,’ our top order of business.
We will want everyone to know Him as Savior and be blessed. We will want His name to be lifted up in the hearts and minds of everyone whose life touches ours. In doing so, we will come into the full realization of the Lord’s promise that, if we “…seek His Kingdom and His righteousness first, all things will be added to us” Matthew 6:33.
God does not expect His people to be slackers. He doesn’t expect those who profess faith in Him to be half-hearted in their endeavors. It is His wish that we select our goals wisely and with deference to His purposes and that we then pursue them with all our energy.
This is conveyed clearly by what Paul says in I Corinthians 9:24 where he acknowledges, “…in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize! Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Our Heavenly Coach doesn’t expect His ‘team’ to be also-rans! He expects them to be winners!
If we truly believe that Jesus has saved us from sin by sacrificing Himself as the propitiation for our sin, if we truly believe, “…there is no other name given under heaven whereby men might be saved,” (Acts 4:12), then we will make sharing the gospel, the ‘good news,’ our top order of business.
We will want everyone to know Him as Savior and be blessed. We will want His name to be lifted up in the hearts and minds of everyone whose life touches ours. In doing so, we will come into the full realization of the Lord’s promise that, if we “…seek His Kingdom and His righteousness first, all things will be added to us” Matthew 6:33.
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Flip Side
August 29
There is a ‘flip side’ to every coin. There are pros and cons to every endeavor. By taking the most expeditious route on a trip, for example, the traveler could miss some beautiful scenery. By resolving to climb the corporate ladder at a rapid pace, a young executive might rob himself of satisfaction in personal relationships.
So we weigh our options and select those that seem most conducive to the achievement of our highest goals. This is true in the spiritual realm as well as in every other area of life. We know that a believer is expected to, “Study to show yourself approved of the Lord, rightly dividing the word of truth,” II Timothy 2:15.
Part of what we discover when we study the Word is that the Lord considers generosity to be a fundamental aspect of our lives as espousers of His truth. Many examples of His affirmation of this expectation can be found in the Word. Proverbs 22:9, for example, says, “A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.” Jesus said in Matthew 6:3, 4, “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…then your Father…will reward you.” So, just who is to be the recipient of our secret benevolence?
Our generosity must extend beyond those close to us or those served by our donations to our church or other worthy organizations. Proverbs 25:21 says, “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” So we weigh our options. What do we gain by incorporating this philosophy of giving into our personal lives? Proverbs 28:27 gives us the answer, “He who gives to the poor will lack nothing but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.” If we are to please Jesus, we must conclude that blessings are the flip side to a generous heart.
There is a ‘flip side’ to every coin. There are pros and cons to every endeavor. By taking the most expeditious route on a trip, for example, the traveler could miss some beautiful scenery. By resolving to climb the corporate ladder at a rapid pace, a young executive might rob himself of satisfaction in personal relationships.
So we weigh our options and select those that seem most conducive to the achievement of our highest goals. This is true in the spiritual realm as well as in every other area of life. We know that a believer is expected to, “Study to show yourself approved of the Lord, rightly dividing the word of truth,” II Timothy 2:15.
Part of what we discover when we study the Word is that the Lord considers generosity to be a fundamental aspect of our lives as espousers of His truth. Many examples of His affirmation of this expectation can be found in the Word. Proverbs 22:9, for example, says, “A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.” Jesus said in Matthew 6:3, 4, “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…then your Father…will reward you.” So, just who is to be the recipient of our secret benevolence?
Our generosity must extend beyond those close to us or those served by our donations to our church or other worthy organizations. Proverbs 25:21 says, “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” So we weigh our options. What do we gain by incorporating this philosophy of giving into our personal lives? Proverbs 28:27 gives us the answer, “He who gives to the poor will lack nothing but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.” If we are to please Jesus, we must conclude that blessings are the flip side to a generous heart.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Good
August 28
What is good? Everyone wants to see good things happen for himself and for those he loves. Everyone wants to live a good life. Are we all on the same page when we wish for those good things?
Some people apply themselves diligently to their careers, believing that to reach the pinnacle of success in their chosen profession is to achieve a good goal. Some people invest themselves in relationships with the hope that to do so is will be to ingratiate themselves to the people who are important to them.
Psalm 112:5 promises that, “Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, to him who conducts his affairs with justice.” This seems to say that kindness and honor are at the core of any truly good outcome in a life. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
Taken in concert, these two scriptures give us to understand that the one whose motivation is selfless, the one whose actions are orchestrated to honor God by being kind and generous to people who the Lord loves, the one who spends himself for the Kingdom of God is the one who ultimately reaps good—who reaps true rewards.
What is good? Everyone wants to see good things happen for himself and for those he loves. Everyone wants to live a good life. Are we all on the same page when we wish for those good things?
Some people apply themselves diligently to their careers, believing that to reach the pinnacle of success in their chosen profession is to achieve a good goal. Some people invest themselves in relationships with the hope that to do so is will be to ingratiate themselves to the people who are important to them.
Psalm 112:5 promises that, “Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, to him who conducts his affairs with justice.” This seems to say that kindness and honor are at the core of any truly good outcome in a life. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
Taken in concert, these two scriptures give us to understand that the one whose motivation is selfless, the one whose actions are orchestrated to honor God by being kind and generous to people who the Lord loves, the one who spends himself for the Kingdom of God is the one who ultimately reaps good—who reaps true rewards.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Reap Real Riches
August 27
The spiritual ‘law of reciprocity’ entices many people who aren’t naturally inclined to be generous but are intrigued by the idea that what they give will be multiplied and returned to them. In a troubled economy, many are lured by unscrupulous ‘snake oil salesmen’ into donating their meager resources so they can reap abounding wealth.
Common sense tells us to beware of ‘get rich quick’ schemes, no matter who is promoting them, but desperate people sometimes do desperate things. Yet there is a scriptural basis for believing that the Lord sees and rewards generosity.
In Luke 6:38, Jesus says, “Give and it will be given to you. In good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will it be poured unto you. For the same measure you use in giving will be measured to you.” This has more to do with the reality that if you plant tomatoes, tomatoes will grow in your garden than it does with a promise of great wealth in exchange for being generous in giving to ministry outreaches.
Yes, if you sow investment skill into your life, the seeds of those wise investments will accrue to your financial account. But if you sow into the Kingdom of Jesus; you scatter seeds of truth among the lost, you pray prayers of faith over the sick, you sow your finances into the work of the Kingdom, so you will see many souls saved, many bodies healed, and much of the Lord’s work—real riches--accrued, pressed down, in great measure.
The spiritual ‘law of reciprocity’ entices many people who aren’t naturally inclined to be generous but are intrigued by the idea that what they give will be multiplied and returned to them. In a troubled economy, many are lured by unscrupulous ‘snake oil salesmen’ into donating their meager resources so they can reap abounding wealth.
Common sense tells us to beware of ‘get rich quick’ schemes, no matter who is promoting them, but desperate people sometimes do desperate things. Yet there is a scriptural basis for believing that the Lord sees and rewards generosity.
In Luke 6:38, Jesus says, “Give and it will be given to you. In good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will it be poured unto you. For the same measure you use in giving will be measured to you.” This has more to do with the reality that if you plant tomatoes, tomatoes will grow in your garden than it does with a promise of great wealth in exchange for being generous in giving to ministry outreaches.
Yes, if you sow investment skill into your life, the seeds of those wise investments will accrue to your financial account. But if you sow into the Kingdom of Jesus; you scatter seeds of truth among the lost, you pray prayers of faith over the sick, you sow your finances into the work of the Kingdom, so you will see many souls saved, many bodies healed, and much of the Lord’s work—real riches--accrued, pressed down, in great measure.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Partnership with Christ
August 26
God doesn’t want anything from you that you don’t want to give to Him. He doesn’t need your paltry contribution to His coffers, for He “owns the cattle on a thousand hills” Psalm 50:10. This is His way of conveying to us that everything belongs to Him—including our stuff.
So, then, what’s the point of the collection basket that is passed in every service in every church on the planet? If our Lord needs nothing from us, why should we give anything at all, let alone give a tithe of all we earn as He says we should? (Malachi 3:10)
Why should, “Each man give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”? (II Corinthians 9:7) Why shouldn’t each man simply decide to keep what he has for himself? That’s the world’s way and God wants nothing that isn’t given happily—who can joyfully part with his hard-earned money in a tough economy! Wouldn’t a loving God understand that holding tightly to the resources one possesses is the practical thing to do when times are unstable!
The reality is that giving to the Lord, to the work of the church which is spreading the gospel and alleviating the suffering of man, actually blesses the one who gives. It allows him to be part of something greater than himself. It allows him to invest himself in the things the Lord cares about. It allows him to enter a level of partnership with Christ who paid it all in man's behalf that tightly grasping the resources in his possession can never give to him.
God doesn’t want anything from you that you don’t want to give to Him. He doesn’t need your paltry contribution to His coffers, for He “owns the cattle on a thousand hills” Psalm 50:10. This is His way of conveying to us that everything belongs to Him—including our stuff.
So, then, what’s the point of the collection basket that is passed in every service in every church on the planet? If our Lord needs nothing from us, why should we give anything at all, let alone give a tithe of all we earn as He says we should? (Malachi 3:10)
Why should, “Each man give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”? (II Corinthians 9:7) Why shouldn’t each man simply decide to keep what he has for himself? That’s the world’s way and God wants nothing that isn’t given happily—who can joyfully part with his hard-earned money in a tough economy! Wouldn’t a loving God understand that holding tightly to the resources one possesses is the practical thing to do when times are unstable!
The reality is that giving to the Lord, to the work of the church which is spreading the gospel and alleviating the suffering of man, actually blesses the one who gives. It allows him to be part of something greater than himself. It allows him to invest himself in the things the Lord cares about. It allows him to enter a level of partnership with Christ who paid it all in man's behalf that tightly grasping the resources in his possession can never give to him.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Lay Up Treasures
August 25
One of the traits of successful people is the ability to project into the future. Oh, no, they don’t have a crystal ball but they do possess a power of observation of trends and an understanding of statistics that enables them to assess current conditions and to extrapolate from them the logical progression of things into the future.
This is particularly helpful where matters of money and investment are concerned. Most successful people have an affinity for weighing market trends and investment opportunities, and, from what they observe in the present, they are able to formulate strategies that enable them to attain success in the future—at least most of the time.
But James, the brother of Jesus challenges this in his book. He says, “You can’t begin to know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life but a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes? Rather than rely upon your vision of the future, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that’” James 4:14, 15. It is not so much that James is advocating that we lay common sense aside but that in all our planning for and charting our future course, we recognize that God is sovereign.
We cannot help but think of the rich man who planned to tear down his barn and build a larger one (Luke 12:18) for storing his goods and resting in his prosperity, without knowing that his soul would be required of him that night. When we are surrendered to the Lord, He can guide us into the fullness of blessings that He desires to bestow upon us and we will not neglect to, “…lay up treasures in heaven,” for that will indeed be, where our true treasure and “…our heart” are. (Luke 12:34)
One of the traits of successful people is the ability to project into the future. Oh, no, they don’t have a crystal ball but they do possess a power of observation of trends and an understanding of statistics that enables them to assess current conditions and to extrapolate from them the logical progression of things into the future.
This is particularly helpful where matters of money and investment are concerned. Most successful people have an affinity for weighing market trends and investment opportunities, and, from what they observe in the present, they are able to formulate strategies that enable them to attain success in the future—at least most of the time.
But James, the brother of Jesus challenges this in his book. He says, “You can’t begin to know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life but a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes? Rather than rely upon your vision of the future, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that’” James 4:14, 15. It is not so much that James is advocating that we lay common sense aside but that in all our planning for and charting our future course, we recognize that God is sovereign.
We cannot help but think of the rich man who planned to tear down his barn and build a larger one (Luke 12:18) for storing his goods and resting in his prosperity, without knowing that his soul would be required of him that night. When we are surrendered to the Lord, He can guide us into the fullness of blessings that He desires to bestow upon us and we will not neglect to, “…lay up treasures in heaven,” for that will indeed be, where our true treasure and “…our heart” are. (Luke 12:34)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
The Word Stands Forever
August 24
Life on planet earth can be unnerving. Man not only has weapons of mass destruction, but those weapons are in the hands of madmen; madmen who are steeped in hatred for everyone who does not embrace their particular worldview. They are also possessed of an apocalyptic vision that they believe is their duty and privilege to usher in.
So those who consider ourselves to be of sound mind, who value life and do not believe suicide (which includes expediting as many by-standers as possible to their eternal destination) to be the ultimate assurance of attaining a sensually-charged, pleasure-filled eternity, certainly have cause to ponder the beliefs of 1.57 billion of our fellow sojourners on this planet.
If the word ‘fear’ lends itself to the emotion generated within us because of these ponderings, it is because along with the awareness of these beliefs is the recognition that there is nothing we can do to dissuade those who harbor them from believing they are perfectly right in doing so. Not our generosity toward those of this mindset, nor our inviting them to be among us, nor our assent that they are legally permitted to hold their views—nothing—can assuage the belief or the desire for its ultimate outcome. Yet, in spite of the dire outlook, in the end, we know we win. We can trust Jesus our Savior, no matter what desperate days may lie ahead.
Yes, there may be a time of great trial upon the earth because of the determination of some of its inhabitants’ to control every person and conform all the family of man to their ideology, but we do know we win. Why? How can we be sure? Because the God of all creation, the One true and living God who inhabits eternity has spoken. He has known of this turn of events from eternity and He has set the boundary of its influence and power. His Word, as found in Psalm 33:11 stands true, “The plans of the Lord stand firm forever; the purposes of His heart will last through all generations.” Ideologies may come and go but the Word of God shall stand forever.
Life on planet earth can be unnerving. Man not only has weapons of mass destruction, but those weapons are in the hands of madmen; madmen who are steeped in hatred for everyone who does not embrace their particular worldview. They are also possessed of an apocalyptic vision that they believe is their duty and privilege to usher in.
So those who consider ourselves to be of sound mind, who value life and do not believe suicide (which includes expediting as many by-standers as possible to their eternal destination) to be the ultimate assurance of attaining a sensually-charged, pleasure-filled eternity, certainly have cause to ponder the beliefs of 1.57 billion of our fellow sojourners on this planet.
If the word ‘fear’ lends itself to the emotion generated within us because of these ponderings, it is because along with the awareness of these beliefs is the recognition that there is nothing we can do to dissuade those who harbor them from believing they are perfectly right in doing so. Not our generosity toward those of this mindset, nor our inviting them to be among us, nor our assent that they are legally permitted to hold their views—nothing—can assuage the belief or the desire for its ultimate outcome. Yet, in spite of the dire outlook, in the end, we know we win. We can trust Jesus our Savior, no matter what desperate days may lie ahead.
Yes, there may be a time of great trial upon the earth because of the determination of some of its inhabitants’ to control every person and conform all the family of man to their ideology, but we do know we win. Why? How can we be sure? Because the God of all creation, the One true and living God who inhabits eternity has spoken. He has known of this turn of events from eternity and He has set the boundary of its influence and power. His Word, as found in Psalm 33:11 stands true, “The plans of the Lord stand firm forever; the purposes of His heart will last through all generations.” Ideologies may come and go but the Word of God shall stand forever.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Ultimate Assurance
August 23
If you had the personal assurance of your boss that it was his intention to promote you to the upper echelons of the company if you continued to perform at your current level, would you be encouraged to hope for professional success?
If the love of your life wrapped you in a caring embrace and whispered that you were the only one, that your future together was assured, would you allow this profession of life-long love and commitment to impact your view of the relationship for good?
If God Himself spoke a word to you that promised His intention for you to be of the utmost good, would you allow that promise to supersede any negative experience you may be going through at the moment, any hurtful professional setback, any negative personal experience, any unpredicted financial upset?
Well, He has. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a future and a hope.” When you have placed your life in the hands of the One who controls the universe, you needn’t be shaken by temporary setbacks, for ultimately, His plan for you is glorious.
If you had the personal assurance of your boss that it was his intention to promote you to the upper echelons of the company if you continued to perform at your current level, would you be encouraged to hope for professional success?
If the love of your life wrapped you in a caring embrace and whispered that you were the only one, that your future together was assured, would you allow this profession of life-long love and commitment to impact your view of the relationship for good?
If God Himself spoke a word to you that promised His intention for you to be of the utmost good, would you allow that promise to supersede any negative experience you may be going through at the moment, any hurtful professional setback, any negative personal experience, any unpredicted financial upset?
Well, He has. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a future and a hope.” When you have placed your life in the hands of the One who controls the universe, you needn’t be shaken by temporary setbacks, for ultimately, His plan for you is glorious.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Imitation vs. Transformation
August 22
They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and if that is true, it is the first flattery that we extend to anyone. Children, from a very early age, attempt to walk and talk and behave as they see their parents doing. They even want to 'dress up' in their parents’ clothing so they can more fully replicate what they see in Mommy and Daddy.
God must have instilled this trait within us with the intention that children would have good adult role models after whom to pattern their own behavior. Because man has fallen from his lofty estate, however, little ones do not always have worthy role models to emulate.
From an early age, children can be observed to lie and cheat and inflict harm upon other little ones. We wonder how they could possibly be so cruel until we observe their parents’ behavior. As the old cliché states, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Little children pattern themselves after the adults to whom they are close. Fortunately, in spite of the fact that we have all fallen short when it comes to being good role models for the impressionable youngsters around us, there is One after whom we may all pattern ourselves.
I John 3:2 says, “We are children of God and what we will be has not yet been made known, but we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” Our glorious Savior desires that we be influenced to the uttermost by what we see in Him. He has lived the perfect life, so we know what His expectations are. We may not achieve His level of perfection, and we may fail to let His light shine through us now, but when we see Him face-to-face, we shall be transformed to His own glorious image—not in vain flattery but in conformation to His radiant perfection.
They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and if that is true, it is the first flattery that we extend to anyone. Children, from a very early age, attempt to walk and talk and behave as they see their parents doing. They even want to 'dress up' in their parents’ clothing so they can more fully replicate what they see in Mommy and Daddy.
God must have instilled this trait within us with the intention that children would have good adult role models after whom to pattern their own behavior. Because man has fallen from his lofty estate, however, little ones do not always have worthy role models to emulate.
From an early age, children can be observed to lie and cheat and inflict harm upon other little ones. We wonder how they could possibly be so cruel until we observe their parents’ behavior. As the old cliché states, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Little children pattern themselves after the adults to whom they are close. Fortunately, in spite of the fact that we have all fallen short when it comes to being good role models for the impressionable youngsters around us, there is One after whom we may all pattern ourselves.
I John 3:2 says, “We are children of God and what we will be has not yet been made known, but we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” Our glorious Savior desires that we be influenced to the uttermost by what we see in Him. He has lived the perfect life, so we know what His expectations are. We may not achieve His level of perfection, and we may fail to let His light shine through us now, but when we see Him face-to-face, we shall be transformed to His own glorious image—not in vain flattery but in conformation to His radiant perfection.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Precious Revelation
August 21
We like to be part of the ‘in crowd.’ We like to think that within our circle of friends and family we enjoy a privileged status. We simply want to belong to something so fully that we know we’re totally esteemed within that circle.
We may aspire to greater influence, but if we don’t have at least a comfortable assurance of possessing a respected spot among our closest acquaintances, we can’t hope for much else.
So when someone like the Apostle Paul takes a place beside us and whispers in our ear, we know we’re being extended an amazing privilege! He does just that in I Corinthians 15:51, 52 where he says, “Listen, I will tell you a mystery…” Can’t you just feel his arm around your shoulder and feel his breath as he whispers in your ear the secret to which you are about to become privy! Doesn’t your heart quicken a beat at the thought!
“…We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed. In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the sound of the trumpet, the dead in Christ will be raised imperishable and we who are alive will be changed.” What a glorious thought! What an amazing revelation! The dead in Christ will arise first, but right on their heels will be believers who are privileged to be alive at His return. We will meet Him in the air! What a precious revelation!
We like to be part of the ‘in crowd.’ We like to think that within our circle of friends and family we enjoy a privileged status. We simply want to belong to something so fully that we know we’re totally esteemed within that circle.
We may aspire to greater influence, but if we don’t have at least a comfortable assurance of possessing a respected spot among our closest acquaintances, we can’t hope for much else.
So when someone like the Apostle Paul takes a place beside us and whispers in our ear, we know we’re being extended an amazing privilege! He does just that in I Corinthians 15:51, 52 where he says, “Listen, I will tell you a mystery…” Can’t you just feel his arm around your shoulder and feel his breath as he whispers in your ear the secret to which you are about to become privy! Doesn’t your heart quicken a beat at the thought!
“…We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed. In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the sound of the trumpet, the dead in Christ will be raised imperishable and we who are alive will be changed.” What a glorious thought! What an amazing revelation! The dead in Christ will arise first, but right on their heels will be believers who are privileged to be alive at His return. We will meet Him in the air! What a precious revelation!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Real Life, Not Mere Existence
August 19
We all enjoy pleasant surprises. Yes, you do, too. Perhaps, like others, you profess indifference to the little delights your loved ones plan for you, but if you are honest with yourself, you will acknowledge that, although gifts may not be the focus of any given event, the thoughtfulness that lies behind them does indeed mean quite a lot to you.
And who can deny the rapturous glee on the face of a three-year-old who has just seen the candles flaming on that amazing birthday cake! Although interest in the gifts may be minimal, the joy of blowing out the candles is an incomparable delight to any child.
Yes, we bask in the glow of the candles of life long after they’ve been blown out. The teacher who congratulated us profusely on an extraordinary effort, the boyfriend who bent down on one knee to propose marriage, the child whose bouquet of wildflowers was presented while camping in a tent—these are the things that make life real life, not just mere existence.
Yet all the wonder of life’s joys pale when held before the things the Lord has for His people. I Corinthians 2:9, 10 says, “Eye has not seen and ear has not heard, neither has it entered into the imagination of man the things that God has prepared for those who love Him; yet, He has revealed those things in part to us by His Spirit…” and, O, what a blessing they are! How they glow before the eye of our spirit!
We all enjoy pleasant surprises. Yes, you do, too. Perhaps, like others, you profess indifference to the little delights your loved ones plan for you, but if you are honest with yourself, you will acknowledge that, although gifts may not be the focus of any given event, the thoughtfulness that lies behind them does indeed mean quite a lot to you.
And who can deny the rapturous glee on the face of a three-year-old who has just seen the candles flaming on that amazing birthday cake! Although interest in the gifts may be minimal, the joy of blowing out the candles is an incomparable delight to any child.
Yes, we bask in the glow of the candles of life long after they’ve been blown out. The teacher who congratulated us profusely on an extraordinary effort, the boyfriend who bent down on one knee to propose marriage, the child whose bouquet of wildflowers was presented while camping in a tent—these are the things that make life real life, not just mere existence.
Yet all the wonder of life’s joys pale when held before the things the Lord has for His people. I Corinthians 2:9, 10 says, “Eye has not seen and ear has not heard, neither has it entered into the imagination of man the things that God has prepared for those who love Him; yet, He has revealed those things in part to us by His Spirit…” and, O, what a blessing they are! How they glow before the eye of our spirit!
Friday, August 19, 2011
OOPS!
The August 20th post was inadvertently entered today, August 19. I will simply post the August 19th entry tomorrow, August 20th. I apologize for the confusion.
We Eagerly Await Our Savior
August 20
When this mortal puts on immortality, it will be a feat beyond anything we can contrive for ourselves in our wildest imaginations. Stories of paupers who have been elevated to the status of kings delight our imagination. We all yearn to enjoy our own ‘Cinderella story’ where only we can wear the perfectly sized glass slipper.
When a loved one goes on to his eternal reward, we are saddened by our loss but encouraged by the greatest gain that any human has ever achieved. When the portals of heaven are opened and one who has dwelt within a tabernacle of flesh walks through, there is a transformation that is beyond our ability to grasp.
It is the earnest longing of our hearts to glimpse beyond the veil that covers our eyes and prevents our seeing a revelation of the glory He assures He will share with us if we are but faithful to the end. We long to see a snippet of what our loved ones now enjoy in their absence from the family circle. The reason for our longing is explained in the Word.
Philippians 3:20, 21 says, “Our citizenship is in heaven and we eagerly await our Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so they will be like His glorious body.” We know the amazing change that will occur within us is more wonderful than we can imagine and we await it with joy.
When this mortal puts on immortality, it will be a feat beyond anything we can contrive for ourselves in our wildest imaginations. Stories of paupers who have been elevated to the status of kings delight our imagination. We all yearn to enjoy our own ‘Cinderella story’ where only we can wear the perfectly sized glass slipper.
When a loved one goes on to his eternal reward, we are saddened by our loss but encouraged by the greatest gain that any human has ever achieved. When the portals of heaven are opened and one who has dwelt within a tabernacle of flesh walks through, there is a transformation that is beyond our ability to grasp.
It is the earnest longing of our hearts to glimpse beyond the veil that covers our eyes and prevents our seeing a revelation of the glory He assures He will share with us if we are but faithful to the end. We long to see a snippet of what our loved ones now enjoy in their absence from the family circle. The reason for our longing is explained in the Word.
Philippians 3:20, 21 says, “Our citizenship is in heaven and we eagerly await our Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so they will be like His glorious body.” We know the amazing change that will occur within us is more wonderful than we can imagine and we await it with joy.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
You Remember, You Care
August 18
Sometimes people pour out their hearts but nobody seems to grasp the magnitude of what they’re trying to say, or to feel the depth of yearning within them that is crying out for empathy, for understanding.
Our fellow sojourners on this very busy planet barely have time to wrestle with their own needs—their emotional turmoil, their physical problems, their financial challenges—let alone extend themselves in the behalf of someone else who’s going through difficulty.
When the economy is teetering on the brink of collapse as is ours today, there is intense pressure upon people who are trying so desperately to make ends meet that they are oblivious to the more subtle issues of life. Who can contemplate a friend’s quandary due to a rocky marriage when one is struggling to put food on the table for his family!
But in the throes of our dilemma, there is One who has the time to listen when we lay our cares at His feet. No matter the nature of our problem, He has an ear to hear us when we lament before Him. Jeremiah 15:15 assures, “You understand, O Lord; You remember me and care for me,” and I Peter 5:7 invites us to cast our cares upon Jesus for He cares for us.
Sometimes people pour out their hearts but nobody seems to grasp the magnitude of what they’re trying to say, or to feel the depth of yearning within them that is crying out for empathy, for understanding.
Our fellow sojourners on this very busy planet barely have time to wrestle with their own needs—their emotional turmoil, their physical problems, their financial challenges—let alone extend themselves in the behalf of someone else who’s going through difficulty.
When the economy is teetering on the brink of collapse as is ours today, there is intense pressure upon people who are trying so desperately to make ends meet that they are oblivious to the more subtle issues of life. Who can contemplate a friend’s quandary due to a rocky marriage when one is struggling to put food on the table for his family!
But in the throes of our dilemma, there is One who has the time to listen when we lay our cares at His feet. No matter the nature of our problem, He has an ear to hear us when we lament before Him. Jeremiah 15:15 assures, “You understand, O Lord; You remember me and care for me,” and I Peter 5:7 invites us to cast our cares upon Jesus for He cares for us.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
When We Trust Him
August 17
We live in a very stressful time. Oh, it is arguable that there has never been a time since Adam and Eve ate the apple when life on planet earth has not been fraught with anxiety. The Roman army struck fear into the known world of its day and certainly the Mongolian hordes terrified peasant villages as well as walled cities in the Middle Ages.
The ability to communicate every new turn of events as it happens simply makes today’s stressful circumstances more readily known than those of a by-gone age. When nations verge on financial collapse and when natural disasters devastate entire cities and when ruthless men inflict harm upon their fellow man, we know instantly.
Whether our anxiety is of a personal nature—health concerns, financial challenges, professional disappointments, relational issues—or whether it is more global in scope—terrorism, national insolvency, starvation, natural disasters—it takes a devastating toll upon our well-being.
Yet, we have One who loves us and has assured us that we may, “Cast all our cares upon Him (Jesus), for He cares for us,” I Peter 5:7. And Psalm 50:15 says, “Trust Me in your day of trouble. I will deliver you and you will glorify Me.” Yes, trouble and stress abound, but we have a Savior who not only cares about our concerns but also delivers us from all of them when we trust Him to do so.
We live in a very stressful time. Oh, it is arguable that there has never been a time since Adam and Eve ate the apple when life on planet earth has not been fraught with anxiety. The Roman army struck fear into the known world of its day and certainly the Mongolian hordes terrified peasant villages as well as walled cities in the Middle Ages.
The ability to communicate every new turn of events as it happens simply makes today’s stressful circumstances more readily known than those of a by-gone age. When nations verge on financial collapse and when natural disasters devastate entire cities and when ruthless men inflict harm upon their fellow man, we know instantly.
Whether our anxiety is of a personal nature—health concerns, financial challenges, professional disappointments, relational issues—or whether it is more global in scope—terrorism, national insolvency, starvation, natural disasters—it takes a devastating toll upon our well-being.
Yet, we have One who loves us and has assured us that we may, “Cast all our cares upon Him (Jesus), for He cares for us,” I Peter 5:7. And Psalm 50:15 says, “Trust Me in your day of trouble. I will deliver you and you will glorify Me.” Yes, trouble and stress abound, but we have a Savior who not only cares about our concerns but also delivers us from all of them when we trust Him to do so.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The Heart...the Fullness...the Reason
August 16
The Lord God of all Creation is tenderly disposed toward the work of His hands. The most precious of all He has fashioned was not made by the word of His mouth as was everything else that He designed; no, that was not sufficient for His highest creation.
Though all of nature was fashioned by His word, it was by the touch of His hand that He fashioned clay into the man Adam. It was as though the mere speaking of humankind into being was not intimate enough.
Our loving Heavenly Father wants us to be aware that His touch has been upon us from the beginning. Having a relationship with us was not an afterthought that occurred to Him after the fall. It wasn’t that He scrambled to correct a blunder! It happened just as He knew at the onset that it would have to be.
He tells us as much in Hosea 11:4 where the prophet says, “I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.” To Him, man is not an abstraction. To Him, man is the heart of His creation, the fullness of the work of His hands, the reason for Jesus’ sacrificial love.
The Lord God of all Creation is tenderly disposed toward the work of His hands. The most precious of all He has fashioned was not made by the word of His mouth as was everything else that He designed; no, that was not sufficient for His highest creation.
Though all of nature was fashioned by His word, it was by the touch of His hand that He fashioned clay into the man Adam. It was as though the mere speaking of humankind into being was not intimate enough.
Our loving Heavenly Father wants us to be aware that His touch has been upon us from the beginning. Having a relationship with us was not an afterthought that occurred to Him after the fall. It wasn’t that He scrambled to correct a blunder! It happened just as He knew at the onset that it would have to be.
He tells us as much in Hosea 11:4 where the prophet says, “I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.” To Him, man is not an abstraction. To Him, man is the heart of His creation, the fullness of the work of His hands, the reason for Jesus’ sacrificial love.
Monday, August 15, 2011
The Compelling Force
August 15
It is the longing of the heart of the people of God to share the truth they have received with others. It is the yearning of the man who loves Jesus to invest the whole of his energy in proclaiming the Word of God that transcends the trials and disappointments of life and death, and enables him to help others possess the life he enjoys.
The man who has seen Christ, who knows His heart, who has felt the great love that abides there, desires to be the lamp through whom the light of that amazing love might be shed upon the blind. He yearns to be the vessel through whom the Lord may be revealed to souls around him who can neither see His light nor feel His love.
The believer who basks in the wonder that is Jesus desires, like the Apostle in I John 1:3 to, “… proclaim what we have seen and heard so that you may also have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.”
That precious relationship that has become the only essential thing he has, is now the compelling force in the believer’s life. It is the desire of his heart to share the truth that has set him free from the bondage of sin and death with everyone he meets.
It is the longing of the heart of the people of God to share the truth they have received with others. It is the yearning of the man who loves Jesus to invest the whole of his energy in proclaiming the Word of God that transcends the trials and disappointments of life and death, and enables him to help others possess the life he enjoys.
The man who has seen Christ, who knows His heart, who has felt the great love that abides there, desires to be the lamp through whom the light of that amazing love might be shed upon the blind. He yearns to be the vessel through whom the Lord may be revealed to souls around him who can neither see His light nor feel His love.
The believer who basks in the wonder that is Jesus desires, like the Apostle in I John 1:3 to, “… proclaim what we have seen and heard so that you may also have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.”
That precious relationship that has become the only essential thing he has, is now the compelling force in the believer’s life. It is the desire of his heart to share the truth that has set him free from the bondage of sin and death with everyone he meets.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
If His Faithfulness...
August 14
We have established (see the August 3rd entry) that loyalty and honesty are among those virtuous characteristics that man esteems most highly in his friends. We who know our frame are aware that these attributes are rarely found to great degree in those who walk in a tabernacle of flesh.
Our inclination is to shroud truth in enough confusion to allow ourselves ‘latitude,’ to give ourselves ‘wiggle-room,’ if the need arises to alter our position, or modify our commitment. We use the ‘smoke screen’ to conceal our views so they can be changed to suit our ends without our appearing to have done so. Politicians are particularly masterful at this device.
Yet this is not the way our God and Savior would have us to govern ourselves. He would have our word to be unshakable; it is to be a bond that secures us to our stated position and our stated position is to be based in our knowledge of Jesus and His righteousness.
Stated concisely, our words and actions should always be rooted in what Jesus Himself would do in our place. If His faithfulness is the foundation for our interaction with other people, we will reflect the faithfulness of God, the One who has, “…called you to fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ who is faithful,” I Corinthians 1:9.
We have established (see the August 3rd entry) that loyalty and honesty are among those virtuous characteristics that man esteems most highly in his friends. We who know our frame are aware that these attributes are rarely found to great degree in those who walk in a tabernacle of flesh.
Our inclination is to shroud truth in enough confusion to allow ourselves ‘latitude,’ to give ourselves ‘wiggle-room,’ if the need arises to alter our position, or modify our commitment. We use the ‘smoke screen’ to conceal our views so they can be changed to suit our ends without our appearing to have done so. Politicians are particularly masterful at this device.
Yet this is not the way our God and Savior would have us to govern ourselves. He would have our word to be unshakable; it is to be a bond that secures us to our stated position and our stated position is to be based in our knowledge of Jesus and His righteousness.
Stated concisely, our words and actions should always be rooted in what Jesus Himself would do in our place. If His faithfulness is the foundation for our interaction with other people, we will reflect the faithfulness of God, the One who has, “…called you to fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ who is faithful,” I Corinthians 1:9.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Made Worthy By Heaven's Perfect King
August 13
The concept of being on an equal footing—in any regard—with the Lord Jesus Christ is mind boggling, and even smacks of sacrilege. Yet He has indicated that indeed He sees those who believe in Him, those who have surrendered to Him, those who have learned of Him, in just that way.
In John 15:15 He says, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” That is an absolutely mind-defying concept! Imagine, the Creator of the universe has shared His secrets with man!
Jesus has assured that we know the secrets of life as they regard salvation. He has unfolded His plan whereby man might be saved to those who will simply receive it. Man needn’t wonder how to navigate through the rough water of the Sea of Life in order to attain Heaven’s shore, for Jesus has shared His secret.
Perhaps most astounding is that in receiving the truth that He imparts to those who will trust in and learn of Him, man is also given the amazing privilege of ruling and reigning with the Lord! (II Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:10) That such honor would be bestowed is beyond the ken of man who is made worthy of such esteem by Heaven’s perfect King.
The concept of being on an equal footing—in any regard—with the Lord Jesus Christ is mind boggling, and even smacks of sacrilege. Yet He has indicated that indeed He sees those who believe in Him, those who have surrendered to Him, those who have learned of Him, in just that way.
In John 15:15 He says, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” That is an absolutely mind-defying concept! Imagine, the Creator of the universe has shared His secrets with man!
Jesus has assured that we know the secrets of life as they regard salvation. He has unfolded His plan whereby man might be saved to those who will simply receive it. Man needn’t wonder how to navigate through the rough water of the Sea of Life in order to attain Heaven’s shore, for Jesus has shared His secret.
Perhaps most astounding is that in receiving the truth that He imparts to those who will trust in and learn of Him, man is also given the amazing privilege of ruling and reigning with the Lord! (II Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:10) That such honor would be bestowed is beyond the ken of man who is made worthy of such esteem by Heaven’s perfect King.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Indeed, HE IS
August 12
What is righteousness? How can man, whose essence is steeped in sin, whose every thought turns away from God to contemplate worldly pursuits, even begin to grasp an understanding of this concept that is so totally foreign to his nature? Is there hope that any of us might appropriate righteousness into our understanding, let alone into the expression of who we are?
The Lord Jesus who knows our frame, who came to live the perfect, righteous life we are incapable of living as well as to cover our sins with His own holy perfection, gives us the ‘visual’ of the concept. When we look upon Him, we see One whose every action, every word, every thought was anchored to the mind and heart of our righteous God.
Yet, in seeing, we are still beyond our capacity to emulate Him. Even though the desire of our heart might be to be like Him, even though we may purpose to live righteously before Him with the entirety of the resolve of our will, we don’t proceed very far into our endeavor before we realize that we cannot fulfill our own heart’s longing to be Christ-like by any means of our own.
Should we then abandon all hope? Indeed not, for He has shown us the way! James 2:23 tells us, “Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness and he was called God’s friend.” When we believe that Jesus died for our sins, when we then trust our God to be our full supply, indeed, HE IS! All we need, including the righteousness it requires to please Him, is lavished upon us.
What is righteousness? How can man, whose essence is steeped in sin, whose every thought turns away from God to contemplate worldly pursuits, even begin to grasp an understanding of this concept that is so totally foreign to his nature? Is there hope that any of us might appropriate righteousness into our understanding, let alone into the expression of who we are?
The Lord Jesus who knows our frame, who came to live the perfect, righteous life we are incapable of living as well as to cover our sins with His own holy perfection, gives us the ‘visual’ of the concept. When we look upon Him, we see One whose every action, every word, every thought was anchored to the mind and heart of our righteous God.
Yet, in seeing, we are still beyond our capacity to emulate Him. Even though the desire of our heart might be to be like Him, even though we may purpose to live righteously before Him with the entirety of the resolve of our will, we don’t proceed very far into our endeavor before we realize that we cannot fulfill our own heart’s longing to be Christ-like by any means of our own.
Should we then abandon all hope? Indeed not, for He has shown us the way! James 2:23 tells us, “Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness and he was called God’s friend.” When we believe that Jesus died for our sins, when we then trust our God to be our full supply, indeed, HE IS! All we need, including the righteousness it requires to please Him, is lavished upon us.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
If Anyone Loves Me
August 11
A lot of people profess faith in Christ. Christianity is the largest faith block in the world. Unlike its nearest competitor, Islam, which coerces those within the tentacles of its authority to espouse its doctrine, in Christianity, believing in Jesus is totally a matter of ones own heart and mind compelling him to embrace Jesus and His teachings.
Unlike Islam, which was established by its founder Mohammed through the sword of conquest and compulsion, the Lord Jesus Christ approaches man through the power of His Holy Spirit, places before him the option to believe or to deny the Lordship of Christ, and to orchestrate the rest of his life based upon that decision.
The risen Jesus, in Revelation 3:20 says, “Behold, I stand at the door (of a man’s heart) and knock. If anyone hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me.” As a gentleman does not barge into ones house, neither does Jesus force Himself into ones heart or life. Jesus simply makes one aware of His presence and waits the individual’s decision regarding the opportunity to open to Him.
He describes the process of a person receiving Him as Savior and Lord in John 14:23 where He says, “If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.” It is based entirely upon love. When someone recognizes and receives the great love of God through Christ, he willingly surrenders himself to the lordship of the One who redeemed him.
A lot of people profess faith in Christ. Christianity is the largest faith block in the world. Unlike its nearest competitor, Islam, which coerces those within the tentacles of its authority to espouse its doctrine, in Christianity, believing in Jesus is totally a matter of ones own heart and mind compelling him to embrace Jesus and His teachings.
Unlike Islam, which was established by its founder Mohammed through the sword of conquest and compulsion, the Lord Jesus Christ approaches man through the power of His Holy Spirit, places before him the option to believe or to deny the Lordship of Christ, and to orchestrate the rest of his life based upon that decision.
The risen Jesus, in Revelation 3:20 says, “Behold, I stand at the door (of a man’s heart) and knock. If anyone hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me.” As a gentleman does not barge into ones house, neither does Jesus force Himself into ones heart or life. Jesus simply makes one aware of His presence and waits the individual’s decision regarding the opportunity to open to Him.
He describes the process of a person receiving Him as Savior and Lord in John 14:23 where He says, “If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.” It is based entirely upon love. When someone recognizes and receives the great love of God through Christ, he willingly surrenders himself to the lordship of the One who redeemed him.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
The Pros and Cons of Unity
August 10
Psalm 133:3 tells us that it is, “good and pleasant…when brothers dwell together in unity.” It is a state of bliss that cannot be compared with any other earthly pursuit. No matter how much wealth one possesses or how much power he wields, if his life is plagued with discord in his relationships, he will not enjoy the full advantage of all he possesses.
Further, there is a flip side to unity. When one binds himself to the wrong crowd, to a fallacious pursuit, he robs himself of the blessing God intended there to be in unity. A graphic Biblical example of this is found in Genesis 11 where God confounds the tongue of mankind because the people have united for an evil purpose.
So, how can one avoid the kinds of pitfalls that can rob him of blessed fellowship or ensnare him into ungodly relationships? The answer lies in Revelation 3:20 where Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door (of ones heart) and knock. If any man hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him and sup with him and he with Me.”
If an individual will establish the primary relationship of his life—the relationship he has with God—from that will flow the blessing of unity in every other relationship. A man who is born again will select his friends, his professional associations, his marriage partner from among believers, and unity will be easily established among them.
Psalm 133:3 tells us that it is, “good and pleasant…when brothers dwell together in unity.” It is a state of bliss that cannot be compared with any other earthly pursuit. No matter how much wealth one possesses or how much power he wields, if his life is plagued with discord in his relationships, he will not enjoy the full advantage of all he possesses.
Further, there is a flip side to unity. When one binds himself to the wrong crowd, to a fallacious pursuit, he robs himself of the blessing God intended there to be in unity. A graphic Biblical example of this is found in Genesis 11 where God confounds the tongue of mankind because the people have united for an evil purpose.
So, how can one avoid the kinds of pitfalls that can rob him of blessed fellowship or ensnare him into ungodly relationships? The answer lies in Revelation 3:20 where Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door (of ones heart) and knock. If any man hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him and sup with him and he with Me.”
If an individual will establish the primary relationship of his life—the relationship he has with God—from that will flow the blessing of unity in every other relationship. A man who is born again will select his friends, his professional associations, his marriage partner from among believers, and unity will be easily established among them.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Our Highest Calling
August 9
Man isn’t placed on this planet to merely discover how much he can achieve of life’s good things. It isn’t his sole objective to see how expansive his social circle can be. He isn’t here to grasp power however he can take it and to wield it against those who may threaten his opportunities to use it.
Man is here to honor his Maker and to assure his own opportunity of one day dwelling eternally with Him. Jesus Christ has made that goal a reality in the lives of everyone who has been willing to simply place his life into the loving, nail-scared hands of the Lord.
In the process of living life, some never contemplate the claims of Christ upon their lives, however, because they are so busy trying to achieve good things, to expand their social circle and to exert power over other people and circumstances. It is to these people that those who believe in the Lord Jesus must extend their witness of the necessity for a Savior. Sometimes they may perceive that witness to be hurtful, intrusive, meddlesome.
Yet the Word tells us in Proverbs 17:6, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted but an enemy multiplies kisses.” If we truly care about the eternal well-being of our friends, we will pose the gospel message to them, even if they do not understand the sincerity of our intentions. We will apply Proverbs 27:17 to our outreach which says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” The highest calling anyone who trusts in Jesus can fulfill is to honor Him by sharing the good news of salvation with the lost.
Man isn’t placed on this planet to merely discover how much he can achieve of life’s good things. It isn’t his sole objective to see how expansive his social circle can be. He isn’t here to grasp power however he can take it and to wield it against those who may threaten his opportunities to use it.
Man is here to honor his Maker and to assure his own opportunity of one day dwelling eternally with Him. Jesus Christ has made that goal a reality in the lives of everyone who has been willing to simply place his life into the loving, nail-scared hands of the Lord.
In the process of living life, some never contemplate the claims of Christ upon their lives, however, because they are so busy trying to achieve good things, to expand their social circle and to exert power over other people and circumstances. It is to these people that those who believe in the Lord Jesus must extend their witness of the necessity for a Savior. Sometimes they may perceive that witness to be hurtful, intrusive, meddlesome.
Yet the Word tells us in Proverbs 17:6, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted but an enemy multiplies kisses.” If we truly care about the eternal well-being of our friends, we will pose the gospel message to them, even if they do not understand the sincerity of our intentions. We will apply Proverbs 27:17 to our outreach which says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” The highest calling anyone who trusts in Jesus can fulfill is to honor Him by sharing the good news of salvation with the lost.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Walk with the Wise
August 8
Parents have the responsibility and the privilege of charting the course of the lives of their children. From the time they are aware that a baby is on the way, good parents turn their focus toward the things they must do in order to make the life of the new person who is coming to live with them as good as they have the power to achieve.
They think both short term and long term in their endeavor to provide the best their resources can supply to the beloved little person who will fill their hearts and their lives for the remainder of their time on earth. From decorating the nursery to beginning a college fund, they channel their time, energy and money into the well-being of the child.
One of the most important things a parent can try to assure when he is orchestrating his children’s activities regards the other children with whom they will associate. Of course, when they are at school, they will be surrounded by youngsters whose parents may or may not share the values and the goals he has set for his offspring, but it is still critically important that when he can, he should help his children establish good quality friendships. Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Though this has always been true, it is of particular significance today because a child’s companions are not necessarily just those with whom he interacts in school or on the playground. Today’s children are bombarded with friends and playmates that they meet on TV! A parent must endeavor not only to assure that his little ones share the company of nice children but that they watch only high quality TV programs. Because children spend a lot of time in front of the television, good parents must screen the shows they watch to be sure their values and goals are supported by them.
Parents have the responsibility and the privilege of charting the course of the lives of their children. From the time they are aware that a baby is on the way, good parents turn their focus toward the things they must do in order to make the life of the new person who is coming to live with them as good as they have the power to achieve.
They think both short term and long term in their endeavor to provide the best their resources can supply to the beloved little person who will fill their hearts and their lives for the remainder of their time on earth. From decorating the nursery to beginning a college fund, they channel their time, energy and money into the well-being of the child.
One of the most important things a parent can try to assure when he is orchestrating his children’s activities regards the other children with whom they will associate. Of course, when they are at school, they will be surrounded by youngsters whose parents may or may not share the values and the goals he has set for his offspring, but it is still critically important that when he can, he should help his children establish good quality friendships. Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Though this has always been true, it is of particular significance today because a child’s companions are not necessarily just those with whom he interacts in school or on the playground. Today’s children are bombarded with friends and playmates that they meet on TV! A parent must endeavor not only to assure that his little ones share the company of nice children but that they watch only high quality TV programs. Because children spend a lot of time in front of the television, good parents must screen the shows they watch to be sure their values and goals are supported by them.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
With Bread
August 7
A lot of us like to be surrounded by friends. We don’t enjoy being alone, perhaps because we don’t like the silence of our own thoughts. When we are with others, there are many trivial things about which we may converse, many time-wasting activities in which we may engage that will distract us from the pondering of weightier things.
Yet, in allowing ourselves to be focused on the trivial rather than on the significant matters of life, perhaps we are doing a disservice to those we count as our friends. Perhaps we owe them the use of our own ponderings as a sounding board for their deep contemplations.
Proverbs 18:24 seems to confirm this, for it says, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” The suggestion made by this verse is that the one who simply surrounds himself with companions denies himself the closeness of the kind of friendship that more accurately resembles the familial relationship of brotherhood.
Though a companion is one with whom we eat our bread (the word literally means, ‘with bread’) the implication is that it is the bread of abundance, of good times, of shared celebration. This contrasts to the depth of friendship that is enjoyed with one who is more a brother than a friend. A brother will be beside us through not only the good times but also through the rough places; he won’t leave us alone when times are tough.
A lot of us like to be surrounded by friends. We don’t enjoy being alone, perhaps because we don’t like the silence of our own thoughts. When we are with others, there are many trivial things about which we may converse, many time-wasting activities in which we may engage that will distract us from the pondering of weightier things.
Yet, in allowing ourselves to be focused on the trivial rather than on the significant matters of life, perhaps we are doing a disservice to those we count as our friends. Perhaps we owe them the use of our own ponderings as a sounding board for their deep contemplations.
Proverbs 18:24 seems to confirm this, for it says, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” The suggestion made by this verse is that the one who simply surrounds himself with companions denies himself the closeness of the kind of friendship that more accurately resembles the familial relationship of brotherhood.
Though a companion is one with whom we eat our bread (the word literally means, ‘with bread’) the implication is that it is the bread of abundance, of good times, of shared celebration. This contrasts to the depth of friendship that is enjoyed with one who is more a brother than a friend. A brother will be beside us through not only the good times but also through the rough places; he won’t leave us alone when times are tough.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
The Advantage of Cooperation
August 6
One of life’s saddest experiences is to feel isolated. The ultimate punishment inflicted within a prison’s walls upon an inmate is to place him into solitary confinement. Perhaps he has been incorrigible and other efforts to conform him to the rules of life within the walls have failed, but requiring him to be alone is extreme.
Great things are often achieved when they are performed in concert with one or more individuals. The McCormick Reaper was the brainchild of Cyrus McCormick. It revolutionized farming methods, but it didn’t become the great success that it was until McCormick’s son assisted his father in the endeavor.
The Wright brothers, inventors of the airplane, are another notable example of a great accomplishment being brought about when individuals worked together. Marie and Pierre Curie shared the first Nobel Peace Prize for their work in physics and together they pioneered work in radioactivity.
The advantage achieved when two or more apply themselves toward the same goals, whether in the science lab or in a marriage is undeniable. Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work. If one falls, he will be helped to his feet; but pity the one who falls when no one is near to help him up.”
One of life’s saddest experiences is to feel isolated. The ultimate punishment inflicted within a prison’s walls upon an inmate is to place him into solitary confinement. Perhaps he has been incorrigible and other efforts to conform him to the rules of life within the walls have failed, but requiring him to be alone is extreme.
Great things are often achieved when they are performed in concert with one or more individuals. The McCormick Reaper was the brainchild of Cyrus McCormick. It revolutionized farming methods, but it didn’t become the great success that it was until McCormick’s son assisted his father in the endeavor.
The Wright brothers, inventors of the airplane, are another notable example of a great accomplishment being brought about when individuals worked together. Marie and Pierre Curie shared the first Nobel Peace Prize for their work in physics and together they pioneered work in radioactivity.
The advantage achieved when two or more apply themselves toward the same goals, whether in the science lab or in a marriage is undeniable. Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work. If one falls, he will be helped to his feet; but pity the one who falls when no one is near to help him up.”
Friday, August 5, 2011
He Paid The Price
August 5
There is a very profound observation making its rounds of the internet that says, “Only two entities have been willing to die for you—the American soldier who died for your freedom from political tyranny and Jesus Christ who died for your freedom from the tyranny of sin.
Those of us who are ‘of a certain age’ weep at the realization that it is the young who lay down their lives to keep us from the clutches of the terrorists whose vision of the planet is that all men will be bound by the religious tenets they espouse; it is the youth whose whole lives are before them, who lay them down that we may live in freedom.
In John 15:13, Jesus said, “There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” The soldier puts his life on the line for the love of his country, for America and the freedom for which she stands, for the hope she has held out to all who have come in search of opportunity to realize life’s potential. And for this, we thank them with all our hearts.
But apart from the willingness of the One who spoke and the worlds came into being (Genesis 1:3-27 and John 1:3), the One to whom every knee shall bow and every tongue confess (Philippians 2:10, 11) to lay aside His deity (Philippians 2:7) in order that we might be saved, there would be no fulfillment at all of the great manifestation of love of which the Lord spoke or the freedom for which He laid down His life.
There is a very profound observation making its rounds of the internet that says, “Only two entities have been willing to die for you—the American soldier who died for your freedom from political tyranny and Jesus Christ who died for your freedom from the tyranny of sin.
Those of us who are ‘of a certain age’ weep at the realization that it is the young who lay down their lives to keep us from the clutches of the terrorists whose vision of the planet is that all men will be bound by the religious tenets they espouse; it is the youth whose whole lives are before them, who lay them down that we may live in freedom.
In John 15:13, Jesus said, “There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” The soldier puts his life on the line for the love of his country, for America and the freedom for which she stands, for the hope she has held out to all who have come in search of opportunity to realize life’s potential. And for this, we thank them with all our hearts.
But apart from the willingness of the One who spoke and the worlds came into being (Genesis 1:3-27 and John 1:3), the One to whom every knee shall bow and every tongue confess (Philippians 2:10, 11) to lay aside His deity (Philippians 2:7) in order that we might be saved, there would be no fulfillment at all of the great manifestation of love of which the Lord spoke or the freedom for which He laid down His life.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Honor Others Above Ourselves
August 4
We live in a world where the general consensus is that we must, ‘look out for number one.’ If we don’t mind the things that concern us with diligence, we will slip up, we will fail to achieve our goals, or, we will be undone by someone who is more clever than we are and who will take advantage of our ineptitude.
This is not a very optimistic outlook and it doesn’t afford us much incentive to interact with kindness and respect with those around us. It is a mindset that requires us to be forever ‘on guard’ against our own inability to foresee the future and our neighbors’ proclivity to wield whatever advantage they can muster against us to their own ends.
And it is at total variance with the heart of Christ whom we profess to love and serve. It flies in the face of all He would have us to do and to be. It negates the efficatiousness of God’s assurance that He will establish the work of our hands,’ Psalm 90:17. In light of this contradiction, the looming question becomes, ‘Do we trust Him?’
And if we trust Him to truly take care of, to bless and prosper us to the degree our talents and insights can take us, can we then trust Him enough to obey His admonition in Romans 12:10 to, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love, honor one another above yourselves”? Can we make others, rather than ourselves, number one?
We live in a world where the general consensus is that we must, ‘look out for number one.’ If we don’t mind the things that concern us with diligence, we will slip up, we will fail to achieve our goals, or, we will be undone by someone who is more clever than we are and who will take advantage of our ineptitude.
This is not a very optimistic outlook and it doesn’t afford us much incentive to interact with kindness and respect with those around us. It is a mindset that requires us to be forever ‘on guard’ against our own inability to foresee the future and our neighbors’ proclivity to wield whatever advantage they can muster against us to their own ends.
And it is at total variance with the heart of Christ whom we profess to love and serve. It flies in the face of all He would have us to do and to be. It negates the efficatiousness of God’s assurance that He will establish the work of our hands,’ Psalm 90:17. In light of this contradiction, the looming question becomes, ‘Do we trust Him?’
And if we trust Him to truly take care of, to bless and prosper us to the degree our talents and insights can take us, can we then trust Him enough to obey His admonition in Romans 12:10 to, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love, honor one another above yourselves”? Can we make others, rather than ourselves, number one?
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
That Kind of Friend
August 3
Although we can’t pick our family, we can be discriminating when we select our friends. Most people have certain basic qualities that they consider to be essential in anyone they allow into their inner-circle. They want their friends to be loyal, trustworthy, honest, available.
Loyalty is important because betrayal is such a commonplace occurrence in the social and professional worlds. In the arena where it is understood that everyone is out for himself, nobody anticipates loyalty. Therefore, it is placed high on the list of priorities one seeks in a friend.
Trustworthiness and honesty go hand-in-hand. An individual who is trustworthy will evidence this trait to everyone, not just to his friends. He will not betray a confidence even if his best friend tries to pry it out of him. If he is honest, he will tell the truth, even if it doesn’t tickle the ears of the listener—even the listener might be his best friend.
The true friend will be available to laugh with you, cry with you, celebrate with you, grieve with you. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.” That kind of friend, the one who, “sticks closer than a brother,” (Proverbs 18:24) will always empathize with you for his heart will virtually beat with yours.
Although we can’t pick our family, we can be discriminating when we select our friends. Most people have certain basic qualities that they consider to be essential in anyone they allow into their inner-circle. They want their friends to be loyal, trustworthy, honest, available.
Loyalty is important because betrayal is such a commonplace occurrence in the social and professional worlds. In the arena where it is understood that everyone is out for himself, nobody anticipates loyalty. Therefore, it is placed high on the list of priorities one seeks in a friend.
Trustworthiness and honesty go hand-in-hand. An individual who is trustworthy will evidence this trait to everyone, not just to his friends. He will not betray a confidence even if his best friend tries to pry it out of him. If he is honest, he will tell the truth, even if it doesn’t tickle the ears of the listener—even the listener might be his best friend.
The true friend will be available to laugh with you, cry with you, celebrate with you, grieve with you. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.” That kind of friend, the one who, “sticks closer than a brother,” (Proverbs 18:24) will always empathize with you for his heart will virtually beat with yours.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Remade for Heaven
August 2
Jesus makes us aware, if we don’t already realize it, that we are bound to something, and in Luke 16:13 He reminds us that we cannot be bound to two masters. Some of us are profoundly aware of our bondage. We are snared by drugs or alcohol or pornography—things that tether us like chains and drag us into a Sea of Shame.
Some of us are held just as tightly by things that seem more benign—over eating, indulging too much TV time, engaging in gossip—but that ultimately do nothing to improve our character or to contribute to the betterment of those we love. We would like to be free of our foolish indulgences, but they hold us tightly.
There is a flip side to this perplexing coin. We can bind ourselves to something good. The world offers us many wonderful things into which we can delve—volunteerism, charitable activities, maintaining a lovely home for family and friends to enjoy, using our talents to enrich mankind—things that benefit others and make us feel good about ourselves; but even these pursuits cannot totally solve our quandary. Even these worthwhile endeavors leave us feeling empty at times.
What we really need is prescribed in Romans 7:6 where Paul tells us, “It is by dying to what once bound us that we are released from the law so we may serve the Lord in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the law.” Whenever we try to improve our lot via the law, we must ultimately fall short; however, when we die to our ‘self,’ bind our hearts to Jesus and allow Him to remake us in His image, we become new creatures who are blessed on earth and ‘bound’ for Heaven.
Jesus makes us aware, if we don’t already realize it, that we are bound to something, and in Luke 16:13 He reminds us that we cannot be bound to two masters. Some of us are profoundly aware of our bondage. We are snared by drugs or alcohol or pornography—things that tether us like chains and drag us into a Sea of Shame.
Some of us are held just as tightly by things that seem more benign—over eating, indulging too much TV time, engaging in gossip—but that ultimately do nothing to improve our character or to contribute to the betterment of those we love. We would like to be free of our foolish indulgences, but they hold us tightly.
There is a flip side to this perplexing coin. We can bind ourselves to something good. The world offers us many wonderful things into which we can delve—volunteerism, charitable activities, maintaining a lovely home for family and friends to enjoy, using our talents to enrich mankind—things that benefit others and make us feel good about ourselves; but even these pursuits cannot totally solve our quandary. Even these worthwhile endeavors leave us feeling empty at times.
What we really need is prescribed in Romans 7:6 where Paul tells us, “It is by dying to what once bound us that we are released from the law so we may serve the Lord in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the law.” Whenever we try to improve our lot via the law, we must ultimately fall short; however, when we die to our ‘self,’ bind our hearts to Jesus and allow Him to remake us in His image, we become new creatures who are blessed on earth and ‘bound’ for Heaven.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Overcoming Complacency
August 1
Jesus has done it all for us. We have nothing remaining to do to achieve our spiritual freedom, our eternal salvation, but to simply receive what He has purchased in our behalf. We don’t have to attend church a certain number of times a week. We don’t have to read a prescribed set of verses of the Bible daily. We needn’t pray.
Of course, we will want to do those things because we desire to draw close to the Lord who first loved us and Whom we now love, but there is a vast difference between being ‘required’ to do something in order to be worthy of receiving salvation and being ‘compelled’ to do something because we can better know the One we love by doing it.
The one thing we must guard against is our human penchant toward becoming complacent with familiar things. After a time, we take even the best things for granted. We do it in both the natural and the spiritual realms. We buy a new car and it delights us. We clean and wax it continually. We find a favorite food and we indulge it often. Then we become indifferent. The car begins to look as dirty as our old one and we pass when our former favorite food is served.
When we are first saved, we cherish our new status in Christ. We know who we were and from what He’s delivered us, but as time passes, so does our fervency in faith, so does our appreciation of His sacrifice in our behalf. Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” We who have received the gift of freedom mustn’t allow ourselves to lapse back into the mindset or the lifestyle of bondage.
Jesus has done it all for us. We have nothing remaining to do to achieve our spiritual freedom, our eternal salvation, but to simply receive what He has purchased in our behalf. We don’t have to attend church a certain number of times a week. We don’t have to read a prescribed set of verses of the Bible daily. We needn’t pray.
Of course, we will want to do those things because we desire to draw close to the Lord who first loved us and Whom we now love, but there is a vast difference between being ‘required’ to do something in order to be worthy of receiving salvation and being ‘compelled’ to do something because we can better know the One we love by doing it.
The one thing we must guard against is our human penchant toward becoming complacent with familiar things. After a time, we take even the best things for granted. We do it in both the natural and the spiritual realms. We buy a new car and it delights us. We clean and wax it continually. We find a favorite food and we indulge it often. Then we become indifferent. The car begins to look as dirty as our old one and we pass when our former favorite food is served.
When we are first saved, we cherish our new status in Christ. We know who we were and from what He’s delivered us, but as time passes, so does our fervency in faith, so does our appreciation of His sacrifice in our behalf. Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” We who have received the gift of freedom mustn’t allow ourselves to lapse back into the mindset or the lifestyle of bondage.
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