June 1
“Solomon son of David established himself in his kingdom; the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.”
(2 Chronicles 1:1, NRSV)
(2 Chronicles 1:1, NRSV)
Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba. When he was born, he was brought up in the royal family. God had a special relationship with King David. God sought that same strong bond with Solomon. From early on, God blessed Solomon. God had hoped Solomon would be a good and faithful ruler. When Solomon “established himself in his kingdom”, taking the leadership over Judah, God was “with him and made him exceedingly great” (2 Chronicles 1:1). Through Solomon, God was hoping for a long and faithful leadership of Israel.
As a gift to Solomon, God was willing to grant Solomon a gift. God “appeared” to Solomon one night and offered to grant him something (1 Chronicles 1:7). Solomon asked God for “the wisdom and knowledge to govern” (1 Chronicles 1:10). God was pleased to grant him wisdom and knowledge. With this great gift, Solomon is believed to have authored the book of Proverbs. Other wisdom literature of the time is attributed to his hand or his work. It seemed that Solomon was destined to be a faithful and great leader in his time.
But something happened on the road to success. Solomon made some big errors and sinned against God. The Kingdom grew greatly under his leadership. He grew very rich. He ended up with many wives and concubines. He made treaties and prospered with trade from foreign nations. He even built the very first temple in Jerusalem, part of which still exists today. Along the way, all this success weakened Solomon’s relationship with God. I Kings 11 tells us that Solomon’s wives encouraged him to worship other gods, and he did. Solomon allowed other gods to be worshiped in his household. As he grew older and richer, Solomon’s faith faltered. His success laid the foundation for his failure.
Success and good times have a way of eroding your faith. You may think that you have a lot going for you and begin to rely more on yourself and your wisdom than upon God and God’s grace. People close to you may tempt you to sin. Your wealth might give you the opportunity to dabble in bad habits or make decisions that are wrong for you. Success can be a great time of temptation for many. Even wise Solomon fell to temptation only after garnering success in his life.
“In 1966, about a year before he died, the brilliant physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer said, "I am a complete failure!" This man had been the director of the Los Alamos Project, a research team that produced the atomic bomb, and he had also served as the head of the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton. Yet, in looking back, he saw his achievements as meaningless. When asked about them, he replied, "They leave on the tongue only the taste of ashes."
The number of people who commit suicide after experiencing the fame and fortune of worldly success is astonishing. Multimillionaire George Vanderbilt killed himself by jumping from a hotel window. Lester Hunt, twice governor of Wyoming before being elected to the U.S. Senate, ended his own life. Actress Marilyn Monroe, writer Ernest Hemingway, and athlete Tony Lazzeri represent a host of highly influential and popular people who became so disenchanted with earthly success that they took their own lives.” (Our Daily Bread)
Success can be a wonderful experience. It can also be a great temptation. Few can handle success without resorting to some type of sin. My hope for you is that you can handle both failure and success. Hold onto God through good days and bad. Don’t let anything come between you and your Lord! Even success!
As a gift to Solomon, God was willing to grant Solomon a gift. God “appeared” to Solomon one night and offered to grant him something (1 Chronicles 1:7). Solomon asked God for “the wisdom and knowledge to govern” (1 Chronicles 1:10). God was pleased to grant him wisdom and knowledge. With this great gift, Solomon is believed to have authored the book of Proverbs. Other wisdom literature of the time is attributed to his hand or his work. It seemed that Solomon was destined to be a faithful and great leader in his time.
But something happened on the road to success. Solomon made some big errors and sinned against God. The Kingdom grew greatly under his leadership. He grew very rich. He ended up with many wives and concubines. He made treaties and prospered with trade from foreign nations. He even built the very first temple in Jerusalem, part of which still exists today. Along the way, all this success weakened Solomon’s relationship with God. I Kings 11 tells us that Solomon’s wives encouraged him to worship other gods, and he did. Solomon allowed other gods to be worshiped in his household. As he grew older and richer, Solomon’s faith faltered. His success laid the foundation for his failure.
Success and good times have a way of eroding your faith. You may think that you have a lot going for you and begin to rely more on yourself and your wisdom than upon God and God’s grace. People close to you may tempt you to sin. Your wealth might give you the opportunity to dabble in bad habits or make decisions that are wrong for you. Success can be a great time of temptation for many. Even wise Solomon fell to temptation only after garnering success in his life.
“In 1966, about a year before he died, the brilliant physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer said, "I am a complete failure!" This man had been the director of the Los Alamos Project, a research team that produced the atomic bomb, and he had also served as the head of the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton. Yet, in looking back, he saw his achievements as meaningless. When asked about them, he replied, "They leave on the tongue only the taste of ashes."
The number of people who commit suicide after experiencing the fame and fortune of worldly success is astonishing. Multimillionaire George Vanderbilt killed himself by jumping from a hotel window. Lester Hunt, twice governor of Wyoming before being elected to the U.S. Senate, ended his own life. Actress Marilyn Monroe, writer Ernest Hemingway, and athlete Tony Lazzeri represent a host of highly influential and popular people who became so disenchanted with earthly success that they took their own lives.” (Our Daily Bread)
Success can be a wonderful experience. It can also be a great temptation. Few can handle success without resorting to some type of sin. My hope for you is that you can handle both failure and success. Hold onto God through good days and bad. Don’t let anything come between you and your Lord! Even success!
June 2
“You shall therefore keep my statutes and my ordinances, by doing which a man shall live: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 18:5, RSV)
What is the purpose of the Bible? I have heard teenagers tell me that the Bible was meant to force you to have rules and never have fun! People in hospitals have told me that the Bible is a source of comfort and hope. Some have told me the book is confusing and full of mumbo-jumbo. However, the scripture for today postulates a different purpose for God’s Word. The Bible is meant to be a source of “life”.
The book of Leviticus is full of priestly laws. To many, these laws and mandates and commands of God read like a laundry list of things not to do in life. Don’t have sex with your neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). Do not eat the blood of animals (Leviticus 17:10). You need to make atonement for your sins at least once a year to cleanse you from your sins (Leviticus 16:30). You need to bathe and keep clean, especially when coming to the house of the Lord (Leviticus 15). All these laws tend to make you think God cares more about “Do this!” and “Don’t do that!”. God does care about right and wrong, but these laws were meant for much more. All the laws of the Bible were meant to bring life to the faithful, to you. The laws are meant to protect your life and nurture your relationship with God. Thus, God’s laws aren’t meant to keep you from enjoying life, but to protect all life. Leviticus 18:5 contains a reminder from God about this very topic. In this verse, God reminds God’s people to “keep [His] statutes and ordinances”. Why? By following God’s rules, “a man shall live”. Thus, following God’s laws and rules and commands will end up bringing a better life to any person. From my own experience, I have found this to be very true.
Let me tell you about two brothers from my early years of ministry. Both were brought up in the church, attended Sunday School, and spent two years in Confirmation classes. Both attended youth group functions and spent most Sundays at the church building at various events. However, after High School both took very different routes in life. Both went off to college, but Justin dropped out. Justin didn’t like studying and found a good job. He worked in a growth industry and did well financially. Keith graduated from college, and had a hard time finding work due to the economy and his field of choice. Keith kept going to church. Justin did not. Keith struggled for a decade, getting his girlfriend pregnant and having a child when he didn’t have much money. Justin grew more and more successful. He got married and had two beautiful kids. He drank more, but often touted his wealth to his brother. What do you think happened to the two?
Fast forward thirty years. Keith never stopped going to church. Justin never went again, except for occasional funerals. Their lives could not have been more different. Keith got his act together and had a stressful but rewarding life. He led the youth group when his daughter was a teenager and later became an elder. Justin used his wealth to get into drugs and alcohol. Whereas Keith’s marriage continued strong, Justin’s marriage crumbled, and he was divorced. Today, Keith is a doting grandfather with a smaller home and many friends. Justin’s friends live in bars and tend to be alcoholics or recreational drug users. By repenting of the sins of his youth, Keith grew in his relationship with God over the years. Justin, in his pridefulness, wasted his money and wealth living in sin. Though starting off right, he never had a real relationship with God. If you met them today, you might not even know they were brothers.
When you live a life of faith, it will show over time. Being willing to make things right with God and following God’s commands will bring good things to you. If you enjoy sin, it will take a serious toll on your future. God’s ways bring life. Sin’s effects bring death. It’s as simple as that.
How well do you follow God’s prescription for life found in God’s commands? Who is the Lord of your life? Are you willing to listen and heed God’s Word? Do you rebel against God at times? Over and over, I’ve seen the long-term results of true faith. They always bring hope and joy and peace in the long run. Always.
The book of Leviticus is full of priestly laws. To many, these laws and mandates and commands of God read like a laundry list of things not to do in life. Don’t have sex with your neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). Do not eat the blood of animals (Leviticus 17:10). You need to make atonement for your sins at least once a year to cleanse you from your sins (Leviticus 16:30). You need to bathe and keep clean, especially when coming to the house of the Lord (Leviticus 15). All these laws tend to make you think God cares more about “Do this!” and “Don’t do that!”. God does care about right and wrong, but these laws were meant for much more. All the laws of the Bible were meant to bring life to the faithful, to you. The laws are meant to protect your life and nurture your relationship with God. Thus, God’s laws aren’t meant to keep you from enjoying life, but to protect all life. Leviticus 18:5 contains a reminder from God about this very topic. In this verse, God reminds God’s people to “keep [His] statutes and ordinances”. Why? By following God’s rules, “a man shall live”. Thus, following God’s laws and rules and commands will end up bringing a better life to any person. From my own experience, I have found this to be very true.
Let me tell you about two brothers from my early years of ministry. Both were brought up in the church, attended Sunday School, and spent two years in Confirmation classes. Both attended youth group functions and spent most Sundays at the church building at various events. However, after High School both took very different routes in life. Both went off to college, but Justin dropped out. Justin didn’t like studying and found a good job. He worked in a growth industry and did well financially. Keith graduated from college, and had a hard time finding work due to the economy and his field of choice. Keith kept going to church. Justin did not. Keith struggled for a decade, getting his girlfriend pregnant and having a child when he didn’t have much money. Justin grew more and more successful. He got married and had two beautiful kids. He drank more, but often touted his wealth to his brother. What do you think happened to the two?
Fast forward thirty years. Keith never stopped going to church. Justin never went again, except for occasional funerals. Their lives could not have been more different. Keith got his act together and had a stressful but rewarding life. He led the youth group when his daughter was a teenager and later became an elder. Justin used his wealth to get into drugs and alcohol. Whereas Keith’s marriage continued strong, Justin’s marriage crumbled, and he was divorced. Today, Keith is a doting grandfather with a smaller home and many friends. Justin’s friends live in bars and tend to be alcoholics or recreational drug users. By repenting of the sins of his youth, Keith grew in his relationship with God over the years. Justin, in his pridefulness, wasted his money and wealth living in sin. Though starting off right, he never had a real relationship with God. If you met them today, you might not even know they were brothers.
When you live a life of faith, it will show over time. Being willing to make things right with God and following God’s commands will bring good things to you. If you enjoy sin, it will take a serious toll on your future. God’s ways bring life. Sin’s effects bring death. It’s as simple as that.
How well do you follow God’s prescription for life found in God’s commands? Who is the Lord of your life? Are you willing to listen and heed God’s Word? Do you rebel against God at times? Over and over, I’ve seen the long-term results of true faith. They always bring hope and joy and peace in the long run. Always.
June 3
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation”
(Psalm 42:5, ESV)
(Psalm 42:5, ESV)
Mother and father were struck by the difference between their twin boys; one was an incurable optimist, the other a pessimist. The parents were worried about their extremes of behavior and attitude and finally took the boys in to see a psychologist. The psychologist observed them a while and then said that they could be easily helped.
The psychologist filled a room with all the toys a boy could want. He put the pessimist in that room and allowed him to enjoy himself. He also had another room that he filled with horse manure. He put the optimist in that room. Together, the psychologist and the parents observed both boys through one-way mirrors. The pessimist continued to be a pessimist, stating that he had no one to play with. They went to look in on the optimist and were astounded to find him digging through the manure. The psychologist ran into the room and asked what on earth the boy was doing. He replied that with all that manure, he was sure there had to be a pony in the room somewhere.
Inside of every true believer in God is an optimist. When you believe in God, you know that God has unlimited potential. God can make miracles happen. If God can save slaves in Egypt with ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, God can help your situation, no matter how dire. You are like the optimistic boy in the story above. Even when surrounded by manure, he was seeking something special among the dung. Even in your darkest hour, you know God can bring light!
Psalm 42 seems at first like a series of depressing verses. The author, David, kept saying his soul was “cast down”. He mentioned this three times in only fourteen verses. He was hurting, beaten, and tired. He felt forgotten (Psalm 42:5). He was taunted and teased for his faith (Psalm 42:10). Tears and sadness tore at his heart and soul “day and night” (Psalm 42:3). He felt broken and discouraged. He longed to feel God’s healing touch. He longed for God to bring help. In the midst of his hurt and pain, our verse for today has David “hoping in God”. He called God his “salvation” (Psalm 42:5). God was a great source of comfort during those difficult days. God was David’s great source of hope. While his life was in “turmoil”, he knew God would soon come to help. David felt that in no time God would act, and his sadness would be turned to joy.
When you are hurting and your soul aches, do you also long for God’s presence to bring joy and relief? I bet you do! The reason why is obvious. You have hope in God! You know God is close to you and watches over you. You know God’s power. God is able to bring life in the midst of death, peace to war, and healing to suffering. Your God is powerful! That’s why you can “hope in God”, like David. God will be with you despite all obstacles. God will make things better in His time and His way.
Why do you hope in God? Because God comes through. God does not sit on the sidelines and only watch. God sends angels to guard the faithful. With faith, there is healing and wholeness. With God’s Spirit, you are never alone. You can hope in God, because God doesn’t fail the faithful. No matter the odds, God will not be kept away from you. Even in this moment, God is present. His ear hears. His eyes see. He knows your name. If there is anything you can be optimistic and hopeful about, it’s that God will be there when you need Him. How’s that for good news! Isn't that something to be optimistic about?
The psychologist filled a room with all the toys a boy could want. He put the pessimist in that room and allowed him to enjoy himself. He also had another room that he filled with horse manure. He put the optimist in that room. Together, the psychologist and the parents observed both boys through one-way mirrors. The pessimist continued to be a pessimist, stating that he had no one to play with. They went to look in on the optimist and were astounded to find him digging through the manure. The psychologist ran into the room and asked what on earth the boy was doing. He replied that with all that manure, he was sure there had to be a pony in the room somewhere.
Inside of every true believer in God is an optimist. When you believe in God, you know that God has unlimited potential. God can make miracles happen. If God can save slaves in Egypt with ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, God can help your situation, no matter how dire. You are like the optimistic boy in the story above. Even when surrounded by manure, he was seeking something special among the dung. Even in your darkest hour, you know God can bring light!
Psalm 42 seems at first like a series of depressing verses. The author, David, kept saying his soul was “cast down”. He mentioned this three times in only fourteen verses. He was hurting, beaten, and tired. He felt forgotten (Psalm 42:5). He was taunted and teased for his faith (Psalm 42:10). Tears and sadness tore at his heart and soul “day and night” (Psalm 42:3). He felt broken and discouraged. He longed to feel God’s healing touch. He longed for God to bring help. In the midst of his hurt and pain, our verse for today has David “hoping in God”. He called God his “salvation” (Psalm 42:5). God was a great source of comfort during those difficult days. God was David’s great source of hope. While his life was in “turmoil”, he knew God would soon come to help. David felt that in no time God would act, and his sadness would be turned to joy.
When you are hurting and your soul aches, do you also long for God’s presence to bring joy and relief? I bet you do! The reason why is obvious. You have hope in God! You know God is close to you and watches over you. You know God’s power. God is able to bring life in the midst of death, peace to war, and healing to suffering. Your God is powerful! That’s why you can “hope in God”, like David. God will be with you despite all obstacles. God will make things better in His time and His way.
Why do you hope in God? Because God comes through. God does not sit on the sidelines and only watch. God sends angels to guard the faithful. With faith, there is healing and wholeness. With God’s Spirit, you are never alone. You can hope in God, because God doesn’t fail the faithful. No matter the odds, God will not be kept away from you. Even in this moment, God is present. His ear hears. His eyes see. He knows your name. If there is anything you can be optimistic and hopeful about, it’s that God will be there when you need Him. How’s that for good news! Isn't that something to be optimistic about?
June 5
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”” (Hebrews 13:5, ESV)
The heading for Hebrews 13 is listed in the English Standard Version of the Bible is “Sacrifices Pleasing to God”. This chapter contains a variety of spiritual elements that God desires and blesses among the faithful. This verse is the fifth sacrifice that pleases God. According to the writer of Hebrews, God desires all faithful people to be “free from the love of money” (Hebrews 13:5). According to the author, you can’t really be free from the love of money unless you are “content with what you have”. I believe these two statements are mutually inclusive. Nobody can be free from the love of money unless he or she is content with what they have. Conversely, nobody can be content with what they have unless they are free from the love of money. Contentedness and being free from financial desire go hand in hand.
One day a certain old, rich man of a miserable disposition visited a rabbi, who took the rich man by the hand and led him to a window. "Look out there," he said. The rich man looked into the street. "What do you see?" asked the rabbi. "I see men, women, and children," answered the rich man. Again the rabbi took him by the hand and this time led him to a mirror. "Now what do you see?" "Now I see myself," the rich man replied.
Then the rabbi said, "Behold, in the window there is glass, and in the mirror there is glass. But the glass of the mirror is covered with a little silver, and no sooner is the silver added than you cease to see others, but you see only yourself."
What the rabbi taught the old man is memorable. It reminds us all that a little money or wealth can taint what we see and do. One’s view of money, silver, gold, stocks, riches, and wealth will exude influence into all other areas of one’s life. The more you love wealth, the more that the wealth will rob you of your humanity, your compassion, your view of justice, and your contentedness. Having a lot of money tempts you to seek even more. Like an alcoholic craves another drink, a person who loves money will crave more and more and never be content with what he or she has.
Recently, I overhead a man from the Ukraine talking about women and dating in his home country. He has seen a dramatic rise in Ukrainian women leaving the country with wealthy foreign men. The practice has become so common that in large cities of the Ukraine, there are internet businesses that cater to foreign men seeking young Ukrainian women for relationships. In many cases, the best way to attract one of these women is to have lots of money. My Ukrainian friend said that most Ukrainian women now see men as ATM’s. The more money in the ATM, the better the relationship. When the money dries up, the woman goes to find another foreign man or husband. Needless to say, the whole dating and marriage situation for many of these women revolves around money. These women are only content when there’s lots of money available. They become discontented with a relationship when there’s less money available to them. Is this in any way Biblical? No. But sadly, it’s a reality in a world consumed by the love of money.
So many see money as the only way out in our world. If something goes wrong, throw money at the problem until it goes away. If there is a lawsuit against a company, pay off those who are suing. If a woman wants to testify against you in court, pay her off. If a rich or influential man has done you wrong in the past, get them to fork over some “hush money”. In some cities in California, a new business building can only be built when enough money changes hands to political leaders or code-approving organizations. A recent expose said that more than 40% of the costs of building a new business there goes to “grease the wheels” of various groups and individuals. But don’t think for a moment only California does it. As one famous person said, “Money makes the world go ‘round”.
When money becomes the object of your love or the source of your being content or happy in the world, God is no longer going to be important to you. When your future is dependent more on money than upon God, you’ve been sucked into worldliness. This is not to say that people don’t need money to survive; they do for the most part. But when money becomes the main reason you get up in the morning, something is wrong. When money makes you happy, be careful. When winning the lottery becomes a great desire, watch out. When a financial hit causes a change to your personality for the worse, money is worth too much. God is worth too little.
The last line in our scripture for today is revealing. It quotes God as saying, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” This is a promise of God. If you trust in God’s presence, in God always being there, why would you put your hope for the future in the hands of financial wealth instead of God’s secure arms? Don’t you believe God will be there for you? Don’t you think God will give you enough? Knowing those who visit this web site, money isn’t the center of your life. You know the world well enough to realize that money can dry up, but God’s love will not. God will remain faithful. Are you content with that?
One day a certain old, rich man of a miserable disposition visited a rabbi, who took the rich man by the hand and led him to a window. "Look out there," he said. The rich man looked into the street. "What do you see?" asked the rabbi. "I see men, women, and children," answered the rich man. Again the rabbi took him by the hand and this time led him to a mirror. "Now what do you see?" "Now I see myself," the rich man replied.
Then the rabbi said, "Behold, in the window there is glass, and in the mirror there is glass. But the glass of the mirror is covered with a little silver, and no sooner is the silver added than you cease to see others, but you see only yourself."
What the rabbi taught the old man is memorable. It reminds us all that a little money or wealth can taint what we see and do. One’s view of money, silver, gold, stocks, riches, and wealth will exude influence into all other areas of one’s life. The more you love wealth, the more that the wealth will rob you of your humanity, your compassion, your view of justice, and your contentedness. Having a lot of money tempts you to seek even more. Like an alcoholic craves another drink, a person who loves money will crave more and more and never be content with what he or she has.
Recently, I overhead a man from the Ukraine talking about women and dating in his home country. He has seen a dramatic rise in Ukrainian women leaving the country with wealthy foreign men. The practice has become so common that in large cities of the Ukraine, there are internet businesses that cater to foreign men seeking young Ukrainian women for relationships. In many cases, the best way to attract one of these women is to have lots of money. My Ukrainian friend said that most Ukrainian women now see men as ATM’s. The more money in the ATM, the better the relationship. When the money dries up, the woman goes to find another foreign man or husband. Needless to say, the whole dating and marriage situation for many of these women revolves around money. These women are only content when there’s lots of money available. They become discontented with a relationship when there’s less money available to them. Is this in any way Biblical? No. But sadly, it’s a reality in a world consumed by the love of money.
So many see money as the only way out in our world. If something goes wrong, throw money at the problem until it goes away. If there is a lawsuit against a company, pay off those who are suing. If a woman wants to testify against you in court, pay her off. If a rich or influential man has done you wrong in the past, get them to fork over some “hush money”. In some cities in California, a new business building can only be built when enough money changes hands to political leaders or code-approving organizations. A recent expose said that more than 40% of the costs of building a new business there goes to “grease the wheels” of various groups and individuals. But don’t think for a moment only California does it. As one famous person said, “Money makes the world go ‘round”.
When money becomes the object of your love or the source of your being content or happy in the world, God is no longer going to be important to you. When your future is dependent more on money than upon God, you’ve been sucked into worldliness. This is not to say that people don’t need money to survive; they do for the most part. But when money becomes the main reason you get up in the morning, something is wrong. When money makes you happy, be careful. When winning the lottery becomes a great desire, watch out. When a financial hit causes a change to your personality for the worse, money is worth too much. God is worth too little.
The last line in our scripture for today is revealing. It quotes God as saying, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” This is a promise of God. If you trust in God’s presence, in God always being there, why would you put your hope for the future in the hands of financial wealth instead of God’s secure arms? Don’t you believe God will be there for you? Don’t you think God will give you enough? Knowing those who visit this web site, money isn’t the center of your life. You know the world well enough to realize that money can dry up, but God’s love will not. God will remain faithful. Are you content with that?
June 6
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.”
(Psalm 46:1–3, RSV)
(Psalm 46:1–3, RSV)
After moving to a new church some years ago, one of my first tasks was to start up the youth group. The youth in that church had not had a viable youth program for several years, and I wanted a safe place for the youth to be together. During the first year of that youth group, one memorable teen joined the group. She was bright and cheerful, though quiet. She was active in the group, missing very few meetings. During her second year as a member of the group, she came to me at an all-night event. While the others were playing a game, she spoke quietly to me. I could tell she was slightly embarrassed. She mentioned that while at a party, her friends took cocaine and offered her some. She had never seen the drug before and never experienced it. At first, she wanted to take the cocaine, but she did not. Something inside her was saying “NO!”. She listened to that voice in her head and did not take the drug. She felt God was the one saying, “NO!”. I told her that I wouldn’t be surprised if God was speaking directly to her. I had seen that many times in my own life and in ministry.
Seven years later, I heard from that young girl again. She was now married. She sent me an email asking if I remembered that conversation at the youth group event. Honestly, I had forgotten it. She hadn’t. She told me that she had a medical test. It included a DNA test. The doctor told her that he knew she had never used cocaine. She asked how he knew. The doctor then told her: “Based on the test results, I can tell that your body responds poorly to cocaine. I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t get hooked on it the very first time you took it.” She was shocked. She remembered back to that “NO!” voice in her head. She not only thanked God but told me what the doctor had said. She also thanked me for being her pastor and helping her to get through that time in her life. It was one of those days I felt really good about my ministry!
There are defining moments in your life when God will intervene or act. You may or may not notice the hand of God working or the voice of God speaking to you. Those defining moments can change the course of your life. They can mean life or death. They can change your future in the blink of an eye. When you are faithful, God will know about those moments. God will watch over them as HE watches over you. God will be there for you. It is crucial that you look for God’s direction and seek the right path.
Psalm 46 contains beautiful words. In my ministry, I found them such a comfort and strength that I memorized them. I often went on walks and meditated on their meaning. They are great words to call to mind when life becomes crazy or dangerous or fearful. Psalm 46:1 contains the promise that God is your “refuge and strength.” God is “a very present help in trouble”. This verse is a notable reminder that when trouble comes, God is “present.” God is not absent. God is not busy somewhere else. God is near you, available to you, and might even speak to you. In defining moments when trouble is upon you, look for your God to be near.
In Psalm 46:2, the author goes even further. He states that with God present, there is no need to “fear”. Though the earth should change, earthquakes shake the mountains, or the oceans rage, there is no need to be afraid. You are in the best of hands, divine hands. Always remember: God is present. God is near. God is with you. You are not alone. These words should be a great source of hope and courage in facing trials and tribulations. Whenever you need help, God will be present. God knows your situation. Trust in Him. Pray for direction. Ask for God’s powerful Holy Spirit. As Jesus calmed the Sea of Galilee, God can calm any storm that rages around you. Don’t be afraid.
Seven years later, I heard from that young girl again. She was now married. She sent me an email asking if I remembered that conversation at the youth group event. Honestly, I had forgotten it. She hadn’t. She told me that she had a medical test. It included a DNA test. The doctor told her that he knew she had never used cocaine. She asked how he knew. The doctor then told her: “Based on the test results, I can tell that your body responds poorly to cocaine. I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t get hooked on it the very first time you took it.” She was shocked. She remembered back to that “NO!” voice in her head. She not only thanked God but told me what the doctor had said. She also thanked me for being her pastor and helping her to get through that time in her life. It was one of those days I felt really good about my ministry!
There are defining moments in your life when God will intervene or act. You may or may not notice the hand of God working or the voice of God speaking to you. Those defining moments can change the course of your life. They can mean life or death. They can change your future in the blink of an eye. When you are faithful, God will know about those moments. God will watch over them as HE watches over you. God will be there for you. It is crucial that you look for God’s direction and seek the right path.
Psalm 46 contains beautiful words. In my ministry, I found them such a comfort and strength that I memorized them. I often went on walks and meditated on their meaning. They are great words to call to mind when life becomes crazy or dangerous or fearful. Psalm 46:1 contains the promise that God is your “refuge and strength.” God is “a very present help in trouble”. This verse is a notable reminder that when trouble comes, God is “present.” God is not absent. God is not busy somewhere else. God is near you, available to you, and might even speak to you. In defining moments when trouble is upon you, look for your God to be near.
In Psalm 46:2, the author goes even further. He states that with God present, there is no need to “fear”. Though the earth should change, earthquakes shake the mountains, or the oceans rage, there is no need to be afraid. You are in the best of hands, divine hands. Always remember: God is present. God is near. God is with you. You are not alone. These words should be a great source of hope and courage in facing trials and tribulations. Whenever you need help, God will be present. God knows your situation. Trust in Him. Pray for direction. Ask for God’s powerful Holy Spirit. As Jesus calmed the Sea of Galilee, God can calm any storm that rages around you. Don’t be afraid.
June 7
“And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4, NRSV)
There is a belief among many people today that children should be brought up in a home full of love, but devoid of any religious learning. They believe that children should not be given any religious education, so that they “may be able to decide for themselves if they believe in God.” This rationale is absolutely absurd. This is like deciding not to send a child to school hoping that as an adult the child will choose to get a college education. It is like not exposing a child to chores, believing that the child will grow up to know the value of hard work. It is like bringing up a child without any computer in the house, believing the child will be capable of choosing whether or not to be a computer programmer when he or she grows into adulthood. Do you realize the idiocy in this “lifestyle choice”?
The scripture above from Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus explains that the education of any child should naturally involve teaching about God. Paul desired that every faithful father would teach his children “the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Paul was a firm believer in educating the young in the ways of spirituality and faith with the knowledge of God in Christ. This teaching was not optional. It was to be motivational. It was meant to infuse children with the knowledge of how God works, who God is, why Jesus was sent, and what is right and wrong.
Many years ago, when prayer was forced out of schools, some said the day would come when children would disavow any faith in God. Others claimed that children would not learn values like the Ten Commandments. Even more believed that without God, children would become hedonistic and violent. We have seen all these predictions come true. While most Democrats and a few Republicans seem to think taking guns out of the home will spare violence in the schools, long ago it was believed that the best way to keep violence out of schools was to teach children about values and faith and right and wrong. What many people thought for centuries was that a healthy faith in God naturally made for a society that was more civilized. Today, many people think you can legislate laws to force people to be civilized. I highly doubt that will ever happen. That’s why prohibition failed in the United States. Without the knowledge of a God who enforces justice and righteousness, people will always be tempted by power to control and manipulate others. Where God is absent, violence will be an inevitable outcome. Why? People are innately sinful. They will always resort to animal instincts without “the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
Did you notice in the scripture for today that “fathers” are supposed to be involved in the discipline and instruction of children? This verse of the Bible expects fathers to be proactive in the spiritual life of children. This is not just a mother’s job! I know of many households where mothers teach the children to pray; mothers take their children to Sunday School, and mothers teach children right and wrong. This is not how Paul envisioned it! He saw spiritual education by fathers and mothers as crucial for the next generation. According to Ephesians 6:4, fathers should take an active part in the spiritual formation of their children. Sadly, in our world today, many fathers have chosen to be absent from the family. Feminists make the case that fathers are not needed to raise a healthy child. This is a lie. Fathers are crucial to the life of a family. They are central to the spiritual formation of a child. This verse teaches that fathers should teach discipline and be involved in the instruction and education of their children.
When involved in “the discipline and instruction of the Lord”, fathers should refrain from “provoking” their children to anger. In spiritual formation, a father’s job is not to push a child’s buttons, provoking him or her to rebel. Instead, fathers need to find healthy ways to teach about God and faith and right and wrong. Thus, not only is spiritual education important, how a father teaches is clearly important as well.
Future generations may look back upon this period of history as highly destructive for the family unit and children in particular. As fathers are forced away from their children by feminism and the easy access to divorce, the children will suffer. When fathers absent themselves from the family, the children will suffer. As long as fathers ignore their spiritual responsibility for “discipline and instruction of the Lord”, the children will suffer. There are many children suffering today. These children need faithful fathers and spiritual direction. They need to be shown the meaning of loving God. They need to learn about right and wrong and good and evil. Otherwise, the future of the human race looks bleak indeed.
Whether male or female, are you actively involved in the "discipline and instruction of the Lord"? Is there a child who needs you to help with his or her spiritual education? What learning have you passed on to the next generation?
The scripture above from Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus explains that the education of any child should naturally involve teaching about God. Paul desired that every faithful father would teach his children “the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Paul was a firm believer in educating the young in the ways of spirituality and faith with the knowledge of God in Christ. This teaching was not optional. It was to be motivational. It was meant to infuse children with the knowledge of how God works, who God is, why Jesus was sent, and what is right and wrong.
Many years ago, when prayer was forced out of schools, some said the day would come when children would disavow any faith in God. Others claimed that children would not learn values like the Ten Commandments. Even more believed that without God, children would become hedonistic and violent. We have seen all these predictions come true. While most Democrats and a few Republicans seem to think taking guns out of the home will spare violence in the schools, long ago it was believed that the best way to keep violence out of schools was to teach children about values and faith and right and wrong. What many people thought for centuries was that a healthy faith in God naturally made for a society that was more civilized. Today, many people think you can legislate laws to force people to be civilized. I highly doubt that will ever happen. That’s why prohibition failed in the United States. Without the knowledge of a God who enforces justice and righteousness, people will always be tempted by power to control and manipulate others. Where God is absent, violence will be an inevitable outcome. Why? People are innately sinful. They will always resort to animal instincts without “the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
Did you notice in the scripture for today that “fathers” are supposed to be involved in the discipline and instruction of children? This verse of the Bible expects fathers to be proactive in the spiritual life of children. This is not just a mother’s job! I know of many households where mothers teach the children to pray; mothers take their children to Sunday School, and mothers teach children right and wrong. This is not how Paul envisioned it! He saw spiritual education by fathers and mothers as crucial for the next generation. According to Ephesians 6:4, fathers should take an active part in the spiritual formation of their children. Sadly, in our world today, many fathers have chosen to be absent from the family. Feminists make the case that fathers are not needed to raise a healthy child. This is a lie. Fathers are crucial to the life of a family. They are central to the spiritual formation of a child. This verse teaches that fathers should teach discipline and be involved in the instruction and education of their children.
When involved in “the discipline and instruction of the Lord”, fathers should refrain from “provoking” their children to anger. In spiritual formation, a father’s job is not to push a child’s buttons, provoking him or her to rebel. Instead, fathers need to find healthy ways to teach about God and faith and right and wrong. Thus, not only is spiritual education important, how a father teaches is clearly important as well.
Future generations may look back upon this period of history as highly destructive for the family unit and children in particular. As fathers are forced away from their children by feminism and the easy access to divorce, the children will suffer. When fathers absent themselves from the family, the children will suffer. As long as fathers ignore their spiritual responsibility for “discipline and instruction of the Lord”, the children will suffer. There are many children suffering today. These children need faithful fathers and spiritual direction. They need to be shown the meaning of loving God. They need to learn about right and wrong and good and evil. Otherwise, the future of the human race looks bleak indeed.
Whether male or female, are you actively involved in the "discipline and instruction of the Lord"? Is there a child who needs you to help with his or her spiritual education? What learning have you passed on to the next generation?
June 8
“Set up road markers for yourself, make yourself guideposts; consider well the highway, the road by which you went. Return, O virgin Israel, return to these your cities. How long will you waver, O faithless daughter?” (Jeremiah 31:21–22a, NRSV)
After hitting a bad pothole, the driver of an RV had a rough drive for the next fifty miles. The front end of the RV went out of alignment from hitting the pothole. The driver, Kevin, had to steer the RV to the right to keep it straight on the road. Whenever his mind wandered, the RV kept pulling left into oncoming traffic. It was a harrowing drive until repairs could be made. Only when Kevin was at the repair center did he realize that his hands were cramping from all the white-knuckle driving. His shoulders ached from the stress of the endeavor. It was extremely draining to drive an RV that wanted to swerve into oncoming traffic at a moments notice. It was as if the RV had a death wish all its own!
Have you ever known a time in your life when you wanted to waver off the path God had set before you? Do you have a family member who is stressful to live with? Do you find yourself constantly fighting to keep your life on the straight and narrow road that leads to salvation? The scripture for today displayed above is God’s way of showing understanding for handling situations like these. When you or someone you love tends to “go off the wagon”, return to a bad situation, or wander back to bad habits, you might find the scripture for today to be sobering and insightful.
Jeremiah, the prophet, spoke at a time after Israel had wandered away from God. They had worshiped other gods. Society had become embroiled with violence. The powerful took advantage of the weak. Bribes were corrupting the court system. In response, God dealt harshly with them, hoping they would return to faith. Assyrian and Babylonian armies later ravaged the land. Jeremiah predicted the wrath of God, hoping the people would heed the warnings. They didn’t. Then, with more war on the horizon, Jeremiah inquired of Israel; “How long will you waver, O faithless daughter?” (Jeremiah 31:22). God’s faithless daughter Israel had abandoned her love for God the Father. She had sinned greatly. God was wondering when she would return to her senses and recapture her faith.
“On a frigid night last March, Ellen Hinds, who was 85 and had dementia, left her apartment building in her retirement community north of Philadelphia wearing only light pajamas. There was snow on the ground, and her feet were bare. She carried a potted plant but no key. It was 2:15 a.m. Five hours later, she was found near a different door lying face down in the snow. She was turning blue. Her feet showed signs of frostbite. There were icicles on her hands and feet, according to a report from first responders. She died a week later having never regained consciousness. Family members said she appeared to be in “great agony.” Her death certificate lists “complications of hypothermia” as the cause of death.” (Stacey Burling, phillynews.com, June 8, 2018) It is a terrible thing when a person with dementia wanders off into a winter night, not realizing the danger she was in. It’s also a terrible thing when a person spiritually wanders off. It can be just as deadly.
A friend of mine named John stopped going to church years ago. He wandered away from God and ended up an alcoholic. A youth from a church camp I attended decided God was a figment of one's imagination. He became an avowed atheist and today is an angry, cynical man who lives with many regrets. Justin was very active in his church all throughout high school. He even considered going to seminary for almost a year. When he left for college, his life changed. Leaving God behind, he wandered into drugs for a while, then got a girl pregnant. He divorced his first wife and is nearing his second divorce. So many people have wandered away from their faith in God only to end up lost and resentful. To them, God is still asking, “How long will you waver, O faithless one?” (Jeremiah 31:22a).
Jeremiah explained to the Israelites that they needed to quit their wandering and find their way back to God. They needed to “set up road markers” and “guideposts” along the “road by which they went” (Jeremiah 31:21). These might help them to “return” to God’s ways (Jeremiah 31:22).
When you go down the road of life, it helps to follow God’s signposts back to where you belong. If sin has caused you to wander down a path of regret, look for God to help you find a route to safety. God is always hoping for you to return, repent, or rebound. Whatever it takes to get you on back on the road to eternal life is just fine by Him! You don’t like to “white-knuckle-it" through life, do you?
If you ever find yourself going down the wrong road in life, return back home to God. God will have the lights on and a warm reception waiting for you. I promise.
Have you ever known a time in your life when you wanted to waver off the path God had set before you? Do you have a family member who is stressful to live with? Do you find yourself constantly fighting to keep your life on the straight and narrow road that leads to salvation? The scripture for today displayed above is God’s way of showing understanding for handling situations like these. When you or someone you love tends to “go off the wagon”, return to a bad situation, or wander back to bad habits, you might find the scripture for today to be sobering and insightful.
Jeremiah, the prophet, spoke at a time after Israel had wandered away from God. They had worshiped other gods. Society had become embroiled with violence. The powerful took advantage of the weak. Bribes were corrupting the court system. In response, God dealt harshly with them, hoping they would return to faith. Assyrian and Babylonian armies later ravaged the land. Jeremiah predicted the wrath of God, hoping the people would heed the warnings. They didn’t. Then, with more war on the horizon, Jeremiah inquired of Israel; “How long will you waver, O faithless daughter?” (Jeremiah 31:22). God’s faithless daughter Israel had abandoned her love for God the Father. She had sinned greatly. God was wondering when she would return to her senses and recapture her faith.
“On a frigid night last March, Ellen Hinds, who was 85 and had dementia, left her apartment building in her retirement community north of Philadelphia wearing only light pajamas. There was snow on the ground, and her feet were bare. She carried a potted plant but no key. It was 2:15 a.m. Five hours later, she was found near a different door lying face down in the snow. She was turning blue. Her feet showed signs of frostbite. There were icicles on her hands and feet, according to a report from first responders. She died a week later having never regained consciousness. Family members said she appeared to be in “great agony.” Her death certificate lists “complications of hypothermia” as the cause of death.” (Stacey Burling, phillynews.com, June 8, 2018) It is a terrible thing when a person with dementia wanders off into a winter night, not realizing the danger she was in. It’s also a terrible thing when a person spiritually wanders off. It can be just as deadly.
A friend of mine named John stopped going to church years ago. He wandered away from God and ended up an alcoholic. A youth from a church camp I attended decided God was a figment of one's imagination. He became an avowed atheist and today is an angry, cynical man who lives with many regrets. Justin was very active in his church all throughout high school. He even considered going to seminary for almost a year. When he left for college, his life changed. Leaving God behind, he wandered into drugs for a while, then got a girl pregnant. He divorced his first wife and is nearing his second divorce. So many people have wandered away from their faith in God only to end up lost and resentful. To them, God is still asking, “How long will you waver, O faithless one?” (Jeremiah 31:22a).
Jeremiah explained to the Israelites that they needed to quit their wandering and find their way back to God. They needed to “set up road markers” and “guideposts” along the “road by which they went” (Jeremiah 31:21). These might help them to “return” to God’s ways (Jeremiah 31:22).
When you go down the road of life, it helps to follow God’s signposts back to where you belong. If sin has caused you to wander down a path of regret, look for God to help you find a route to safety. God is always hoping for you to return, repent, or rebound. Whatever it takes to get you on back on the road to eternal life is just fine by Him! You don’t like to “white-knuckle-it" through life, do you?
If you ever find yourself going down the wrong road in life, return back home to God. God will have the lights on and a warm reception waiting for you. I promise.
June 9
“Hear my prayer, O Lord! And let my cry for help come to You. Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my distress; Incline Your ear to me; In the day when I call answer me quickly.” (Psalm 102:1–2, NASB95)
Madeline was in trouble. Her breathing was shallow. It would not be long until she breathed her last. Even when I prayed, I felt her time was near. I did not believe she would be healed and given a longer life. I knew in my soul that God was calling her home. As I left her house, I said to her daughter who was close to me: “Call me when you need me.” She was smart enough to know I didn’t say “if”, but “when”. I think she also knew Madeline’s life was soon to end.
The next morning was bright and beautiful. The peace was broken by the ringing phone at the parsonage. I answered only to find out that Madeline had just breathed her last breath. The funeral home had been notified. The daughter asked me to please come to the house. I stopped everything I was doing and said, “I’ll be there in five minutes.” I got there before everybody else. I walked into the bedroom. Madeline was at peace. Her daughter said to me, “I’m so glad you came before all the madness descends upon this house. Could we say a prayer together?” I told her that was why I came. Madeline’s husband and daughter and I held hands and prayed. She cried softly throughout the prayer. He held back his tears. We all hugged just as the police arrived. In the days and weeks that followed, I was only a phone call away. I visited. We talked. They shared. The daughter only called me once unexpectedly. I was at her home in minutes. Her father was depressed, hurting, needing a little more comfort. I could tell that the daughter needed comfort as well. With God’s hand upon me, I gave them just that.
When people you really care about are hurting and need your help, you might find yourself dropping everything and getting to them as soon as possible. In each of us is this need to be there for those we love. We want to comfort those who are hurting. We want to help where we can. Your desire to drop everything and be there for others is not just a human feeling. God desires to be there for you in the same manner. Built in to God’s character is the urge to comfort and heal, help and defend.
In the scripture from Psalm 102 chosen for today, the human desire to have God’s help in the day of trouble is demonstrated. It shows in the words of distress written by the author. The first words of the Psalm call upon God for help: “Hear my prayer, O Lord!”. These are not words of a patient person. They are not the words of a calm soul. These are words of distress and anxiousness. The author continues by pleading for support in the phrase, “let my cry for help come to You.” Knowing that God’s presence is sought after, the next verse continues the plea with “do not hide Your face from me” and “incline Your ear to me.” The pleading is finalized with the last words for today: “In the day when I call, answer me quickly.” The psalmist desires God to be nearby, listening, watching, and ready to come immediately when a signal of help is given. The psalmist believes that God will come through in the day of “distress”. God will answer the call. God will help quickly. God won’t hold back.
Isn’t it nice to know that God is so ready to help? The author of today’s scripture certainly believes this to be true. Do you? When was the last time you called upon God in a bad situation? What happened when you did?
The reason that the author pleads so openly is that the author knows that God may hide HIS face from the sinful. God may choose not to listen. God might remain aloof in the day of distress. This happens to the sinful. They cannot be sure God will listen to their prayers. They cannot be convinced that God is near. They have chosen to reject God, and in their darkest hour, God might not respond. The sinful souls rejected a relationship with God, so God may not listen to their complaints or pleading. Only with infinite grace, will God respond.
God may or may not respond to desires of the sinful person, but God will respond to the pleas of a faithful servant. Many scriptures bear this out. I have talked to many who do not want to acknowledge that God does not respond to some of the pleas of the faithless. They choose to believe that they can treat God like HE doesn’t exist and then call on HIM when all else fails. God is not mocked. What you sow, you also reap in life (Galatians 6:7). If you sow faithlessness and sin, you will reap destruction. If you sow grace and peace and faith, God will “answer quickly” in the day of your distress.
The next morning was bright and beautiful. The peace was broken by the ringing phone at the parsonage. I answered only to find out that Madeline had just breathed her last breath. The funeral home had been notified. The daughter asked me to please come to the house. I stopped everything I was doing and said, “I’ll be there in five minutes.” I got there before everybody else. I walked into the bedroom. Madeline was at peace. Her daughter said to me, “I’m so glad you came before all the madness descends upon this house. Could we say a prayer together?” I told her that was why I came. Madeline’s husband and daughter and I held hands and prayed. She cried softly throughout the prayer. He held back his tears. We all hugged just as the police arrived. In the days and weeks that followed, I was only a phone call away. I visited. We talked. They shared. The daughter only called me once unexpectedly. I was at her home in minutes. Her father was depressed, hurting, needing a little more comfort. I could tell that the daughter needed comfort as well. With God’s hand upon me, I gave them just that.
When people you really care about are hurting and need your help, you might find yourself dropping everything and getting to them as soon as possible. In each of us is this need to be there for those we love. We want to comfort those who are hurting. We want to help where we can. Your desire to drop everything and be there for others is not just a human feeling. God desires to be there for you in the same manner. Built in to God’s character is the urge to comfort and heal, help and defend.
In the scripture from Psalm 102 chosen for today, the human desire to have God’s help in the day of trouble is demonstrated. It shows in the words of distress written by the author. The first words of the Psalm call upon God for help: “Hear my prayer, O Lord!”. These are not words of a patient person. They are not the words of a calm soul. These are words of distress and anxiousness. The author continues by pleading for support in the phrase, “let my cry for help come to You.” Knowing that God’s presence is sought after, the next verse continues the plea with “do not hide Your face from me” and “incline Your ear to me.” The pleading is finalized with the last words for today: “In the day when I call, answer me quickly.” The psalmist desires God to be nearby, listening, watching, and ready to come immediately when a signal of help is given. The psalmist believes that God will come through in the day of “distress”. God will answer the call. God will help quickly. God won’t hold back.
Isn’t it nice to know that God is so ready to help? The author of today’s scripture certainly believes this to be true. Do you? When was the last time you called upon God in a bad situation? What happened when you did?
The reason that the author pleads so openly is that the author knows that God may hide HIS face from the sinful. God may choose not to listen. God might remain aloof in the day of distress. This happens to the sinful. They cannot be sure God will listen to their prayers. They cannot be convinced that God is near. They have chosen to reject God, and in their darkest hour, God might not respond. The sinful souls rejected a relationship with God, so God may not listen to their complaints or pleading. Only with infinite grace, will God respond.
God may or may not respond to desires of the sinful person, but God will respond to the pleas of a faithful servant. Many scriptures bear this out. I have talked to many who do not want to acknowledge that God does not respond to some of the pleas of the faithless. They choose to believe that they can treat God like HE doesn’t exist and then call on HIM when all else fails. God is not mocked. What you sow, you also reap in life (Galatians 6:7). If you sow faithlessness and sin, you will reap destruction. If you sow grace and peace and faith, God will “answer quickly” in the day of your distress.
June 10
“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25, NLT)
I have taught many of my Bible students that it is good to look at how several versions of the Bible interpret the original languages when doing Bible Study. Sometimes, an interpretation can lose its meaning over time or in certain contexts. For example, the scripture above in the Revised Standard Version of the Bible is very poorly worded for modern times. It reads: “A liberal man will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (Proverbs 11:25, RSV). When a modern person reads and interprets this, they might think that Liberals or Democrats or Inclusive people are those that God blesses and enriches! This is absolutely not what this scripture is saying! When the Revised Standard Version of the Bible was written in the 1950’s, the meaning of the word, “liberal”, meant something very different from that which is interpreted today! In the 1950’s, a liberal person was “generous”. He or she looked out for others and desired to help humanity whenever possible. The meaning of “liberal” today is entirely politicized. It generally means someone who believes in open immigration, a big government that is dedicated to social programs and social engineering, large government social programs, regulated corporate markets, higher taxes for the rich, gender-fluidity, same-sex marriage or open marriage, and the importance of abortion rights. Therefore, I would not advocate a person try to understand this scripture using the Revised Standard Version of the Bible. Even the NEW Revised Standard Version of the Bible (written in the 1970's) changed the wording in this verse to “generous”, taking out the word “liberal”. Do you see how your version of the Bible may influence you wrongly in understanding the meaning of God’s Word?
For today’s scripture, I have chosen the New Living Translation of the Bible. It mentions that those who are “generous will prosper”. I have found many rich people who are dumbfounded with this scripture. They do not understand how someone who gives away money will be enriched! Most rich people are very conservative spenders. They are usually good at saving, but not at sharing. In fact, this is the downfall of many who are rich; they do not share. Jesus even declared this to a rich man he encountered. When this rich man asked Jesus what he should do to gain eternal life, Jesus told him to “go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Mark 10:21). What was the rich man’s response? He went away downfallen, for he had many possessions he could not give up.
When Proverbs teaches us in the scripture for today that “generous” people will “prosper”, some make the mistake of interpreting these words to mean that generous people will “get rich”. To prosper doesn’t always mean to reap great financial riches. It may mean that a person will be rich in their spiritual life, have a rich relationship with God, or be endowed with many true friends. Since generous people tend to be happier in my experience, I find that generous people prosper in multiple ways. Their money no longer defines them. Their money doesn’t make them miserly, but instead gives them the power to help others. That’s why this verse ends with the phrase: “those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). As generous people give to those who need it, they will be rewarded in a variety of ways. Their lives will be continually refreshed by their generosity. Did you know that being generous carried benefits to the giver? It is more blessed to give than to receive.
The Believer’s Bible Commentary comments on this verse by saying that “the generous person reaps dividends that the miser can never know. Whatever we do for others returns to us in blessing.” Not only does God bless your generosity, giving in itself carries with it a blessing. When you give, others are helped. When you give, you feel good. When you give, God is made aware. Because of all the blessings that come with being generous, you might think people would love to share. This is hardly the case. Too many are good at keeping, holding, taking, gathering wealth, hording, or building portfolios. Generosity is a character trait highly needed but very rare in modern times.
How generous are you? How have you benefited from your sharing? Do others see you as a giver or a taker? Do you even see yourself as blessed?
For today’s scripture, I have chosen the New Living Translation of the Bible. It mentions that those who are “generous will prosper”. I have found many rich people who are dumbfounded with this scripture. They do not understand how someone who gives away money will be enriched! Most rich people are very conservative spenders. They are usually good at saving, but not at sharing. In fact, this is the downfall of many who are rich; they do not share. Jesus even declared this to a rich man he encountered. When this rich man asked Jesus what he should do to gain eternal life, Jesus told him to “go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Mark 10:21). What was the rich man’s response? He went away downfallen, for he had many possessions he could not give up.
When Proverbs teaches us in the scripture for today that “generous” people will “prosper”, some make the mistake of interpreting these words to mean that generous people will “get rich”. To prosper doesn’t always mean to reap great financial riches. It may mean that a person will be rich in their spiritual life, have a rich relationship with God, or be endowed with many true friends. Since generous people tend to be happier in my experience, I find that generous people prosper in multiple ways. Their money no longer defines them. Their money doesn’t make them miserly, but instead gives them the power to help others. That’s why this verse ends with the phrase: “those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). As generous people give to those who need it, they will be rewarded in a variety of ways. Their lives will be continually refreshed by their generosity. Did you know that being generous carried benefits to the giver? It is more blessed to give than to receive.
The Believer’s Bible Commentary comments on this verse by saying that “the generous person reaps dividends that the miser can never know. Whatever we do for others returns to us in blessing.” Not only does God bless your generosity, giving in itself carries with it a blessing. When you give, others are helped. When you give, you feel good. When you give, God is made aware. Because of all the blessings that come with being generous, you might think people would love to share. This is hardly the case. Too many are good at keeping, holding, taking, gathering wealth, hording, or building portfolios. Generosity is a character trait highly needed but very rare in modern times.
How generous are you? How have you benefited from your sharing? Do others see you as a giver or a taker? Do you even see yourself as blessed?
June 11
“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12, NRSV)
Marlene lashed out at her husband. The fight started days ago with her snippy answers and cold tone. That escalated to cold stares and barbs, and then yelling. She was so angry at him. From his point of view, Jeremiah didn’t know why she was being so cruel. After three days of cold shoulders, yelling, and all the rest, he had enough. He left home for his best friend’s house. For weeks, she wouldn’t talk to him, her anger burning bright. Finally, a month later, she approached him at work. At first, he tried to get away to an empty workroom. He didn’t make it. She asked to meet him at their favorite restaurant in their favorite booth.
When the time came, she approached the booth. He was already there. He hadn’t ordered yet. He was just sitting there looking beaten. Marlene approached the table and sat down. She looked at him and took hold of his hand. “I’m so, so sorry for what I did. Please forgive me.”
Shocked, he didn’t know what to say. What had prompted her to do this to him? He wasn’t a fool. He just sat there dumbfounded, not knowing what she would do next. Then, after a few seconds she said, “Sweetheart, I need to tell you something. I’ve been sick. They found a brain tumor in me two weeks ago. The doctor said it could change my personality. It did. It’s advanced. There isn’t much they can do. They are afraid to operate. Can you forgive me for how I acted? I just hate myself for this.”
He sat there, saying nothing but knowing he should say something. He finally said: “Oh my God! Are you OK?” Then, he spilled to her that he had started seeing a divorce lawyer and considered separation. He felt horrible about everything. Finally, after a few minutes of quiet, he said to her, “I’m so sorry, too. If only I’d have known this was happening, I would have done everything differently.” Then, the tears started, and the healing began.
It is not unusual in life to not have all the facts, to not understand the situation, or to fail to grasp the meaning of a moment. Life is that way. You can’t know everything. Now and then, hunches may be all you have. In a crucial moment, you may have to rely on instinct instead of facts. When you can’t see the big picture, or you aren’t privy to inside knowledge; it’s easy to make a bad decision or blame an innocent person. You might even blame yourself for something that is not your fault. You can’t know everything! You aren’t God!
Paul knew all about making mistakes because of not knowing enough. At one time in his life, he had persecuted Christians. He had sought to eradicate Christianity. That occurred before he met Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). After his conversion in Damascus, he realized his error. He changed his life. He wrote more books and founded more churches than anyone we know of in the first century AD.
Based on what he had learned, Paul wrote our scripture for today. In this verse from the famous “love chapter of the Bible”, Paul wrote that “now we see in a mirror, dimly”, “now I only know in part” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Paul was completely aware from his own experience that he didn’t have all the answers and didn’t understand what God knew. Being human, Paul was making clear that only in heaven will he “know fully” about some things in his life. God sees more than we can ever see and understands what we do not. God can look into the hearts of those around you to see their true motivations and plans for the future. You might assume a person is being critical when she is not. You might think a boss is being judgmental when he is being proactive. Can you deal with the fact that you don’t know everything?
There may come a time when you are seriously mistaken about a person or situation. You might sin without knowing the whole story. You might make a mistake based on imperfect knowledge or a bad assumption. No matter how nice you are or how much education you have, you might still fail to see something critical. You might fail to act in the right time. You might miss a clue that your friend was suicidal. No matter how many hours of Bible Study training you have had, you might still make that simple error or that basic sin. You are human. You don’t see what God sees. You don’t know what God knows.
Don’t wait until heaven to try and see and learn more. Don’t wait until its too late to ask for God’s help in understanding your situation. God is a great source of knowledge. God also forgives when you make a mistake and show your willingness to repent. Making mistakes is easy in our world. Repentance is necessary for your wholeness. Grace is a beautiful salve for a person who failed miserably.
Do you realize how little you really do know? What can God help you see or understand at this moment of your life? Do you assume things a little too readily? Now, what is this scripture telling you today?
When the time came, she approached the booth. He was already there. He hadn’t ordered yet. He was just sitting there looking beaten. Marlene approached the table and sat down. She looked at him and took hold of his hand. “I’m so, so sorry for what I did. Please forgive me.”
Shocked, he didn’t know what to say. What had prompted her to do this to him? He wasn’t a fool. He just sat there dumbfounded, not knowing what she would do next. Then, after a few seconds she said, “Sweetheart, I need to tell you something. I’ve been sick. They found a brain tumor in me two weeks ago. The doctor said it could change my personality. It did. It’s advanced. There isn’t much they can do. They are afraid to operate. Can you forgive me for how I acted? I just hate myself for this.”
He sat there, saying nothing but knowing he should say something. He finally said: “Oh my God! Are you OK?” Then, he spilled to her that he had started seeing a divorce lawyer and considered separation. He felt horrible about everything. Finally, after a few minutes of quiet, he said to her, “I’m so sorry, too. If only I’d have known this was happening, I would have done everything differently.” Then, the tears started, and the healing began.
It is not unusual in life to not have all the facts, to not understand the situation, or to fail to grasp the meaning of a moment. Life is that way. You can’t know everything. Now and then, hunches may be all you have. In a crucial moment, you may have to rely on instinct instead of facts. When you can’t see the big picture, or you aren’t privy to inside knowledge; it’s easy to make a bad decision or blame an innocent person. You might even blame yourself for something that is not your fault. You can’t know everything! You aren’t God!
Paul knew all about making mistakes because of not knowing enough. At one time in his life, he had persecuted Christians. He had sought to eradicate Christianity. That occurred before he met Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). After his conversion in Damascus, he realized his error. He changed his life. He wrote more books and founded more churches than anyone we know of in the first century AD.
Based on what he had learned, Paul wrote our scripture for today. In this verse from the famous “love chapter of the Bible”, Paul wrote that “now we see in a mirror, dimly”, “now I only know in part” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Paul was completely aware from his own experience that he didn’t have all the answers and didn’t understand what God knew. Being human, Paul was making clear that only in heaven will he “know fully” about some things in his life. God sees more than we can ever see and understands what we do not. God can look into the hearts of those around you to see their true motivations and plans for the future. You might assume a person is being critical when she is not. You might think a boss is being judgmental when he is being proactive. Can you deal with the fact that you don’t know everything?
There may come a time when you are seriously mistaken about a person or situation. You might sin without knowing the whole story. You might make a mistake based on imperfect knowledge or a bad assumption. No matter how nice you are or how much education you have, you might still fail to see something critical. You might fail to act in the right time. You might miss a clue that your friend was suicidal. No matter how many hours of Bible Study training you have had, you might still make that simple error or that basic sin. You are human. You don’t see what God sees. You don’t know what God knows.
Don’t wait until heaven to try and see and learn more. Don’t wait until its too late to ask for God’s help in understanding your situation. God is a great source of knowledge. God also forgives when you make a mistake and show your willingness to repent. Making mistakes is easy in our world. Repentance is necessary for your wholeness. Grace is a beautiful salve for a person who failed miserably.
Do you realize how little you really do know? What can God help you see or understand at this moment of your life? Do you assume things a little too readily? Now, what is this scripture telling you today?
June 12
“Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22–24, RSV)
During the period of Lent, the six weeks before Easter, I often fast from food. One day a week, I will not eat, but only drink water. Despite doing it for years, I have found something to be true about myself. Sometime during that fast day, I will be tempted to eat. If food is available and out in the open, I will be more tempted to eat. As my wife makes something to eat nearing the end of the twenty-four hour fast, my urge to eat becomes almost irresistible. Reading the Bible helps, if I do it early in the day. Once I feel hunger, its more difficult to concentrate. I just can’t enjoy my Bible study time later in the day. Due to these temptations from food, I have found that my fasting usually goes much smoother if I keep food away from me and stay busy during that time.
There are many temptations in life that you should probably keep far away or out of sight. As the old adage goes, “Out of sight, out of mind.” To some extent this is true. If you tend to overindulge in chocolate, would you dare put your favorite chocolates out in containers on the coffee table and next to your bed? If you are tempted to overspend, why would you carry extra money in your wallet or purse? If you want to end a bad habit, you shouldn’t make it easy to take up that habit again. If you wish to stop drinking, don’t hide alcohol in the house. If you are giving up smoking, keep cigarettes out of your way. If you are tempted to cheat on your spouse, keep away from the opposite sex. Having temptations too close all the time is a real danger.
Keeping your distance from temptations and bad old habits is crucial for a healthy spiritual life. Our scripture for today acknowledges this truism. In Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul urges the Ephesian church people to “put off” their sinful nature which is “corrupt” and full of “lusts” (Ephesians 4:22). Paul urges the faithful there to “put on the new nature” which was righteous and holy (Ephesians 4:23). The word in Greek used for “put off” also means to “cast off” or “put down”. Thus, Paul is urging the followers of Christ to keep away from all those “lusts” from their lives. They should instead choose to take part in what is righteous and holy. They should stay away from bad old habits and keep involved in godly habits.
This scripture acknowledges that when you put on God’s nature, it requires a “renewed spirit” in your mind. It takes a new mindset. Before you knew God, you did whatever you wanted. You followed your desires and that probably resulted in a lot of mistakes. When you choose to follow God, you must change your ways. You need to learn to re-educate your mind as to the ways of God. This involves keeping away from “old habits” or “sinful lusts”. It means you need to keep away from those temptations that might cause you to relapse into bad old habits or sinful desires.
Renewing your mind is never easy. It often takes a minute-by-minute or day-by-day attention to your surroundings. You must watch for temptations that entrapped you before, keeping away from habits that might ensnare you. This doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and let loose once in a while. It just means that you need to keep away from those enticements that you just can’t trust yourself around.
Growing closer to God involves getting to know yourself as well as knowing God in Christ. Do you know what are your weaknesses and strengths? What could tempt you today? Is there a person you should avoid? Is there a situation or place that can entice you to sin? When Paul asked the Ephesian Christians to put off their old nature and renew the spirit of their minds, he wasn’t asking the impossible. God doesn’t want you to fail. God wants you to succeed! To do that, sometimes you have to keep away from temptations. You might also have to put away things or thoughts from your “old life” that have no business in your life with Christ.
There are many temptations in life that you should probably keep far away or out of sight. As the old adage goes, “Out of sight, out of mind.” To some extent this is true. If you tend to overindulge in chocolate, would you dare put your favorite chocolates out in containers on the coffee table and next to your bed? If you are tempted to overspend, why would you carry extra money in your wallet or purse? If you want to end a bad habit, you shouldn’t make it easy to take up that habit again. If you wish to stop drinking, don’t hide alcohol in the house. If you are giving up smoking, keep cigarettes out of your way. If you are tempted to cheat on your spouse, keep away from the opposite sex. Having temptations too close all the time is a real danger.
Keeping your distance from temptations and bad old habits is crucial for a healthy spiritual life. Our scripture for today acknowledges this truism. In Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul urges the Ephesian church people to “put off” their sinful nature which is “corrupt” and full of “lusts” (Ephesians 4:22). Paul urges the faithful there to “put on the new nature” which was righteous and holy (Ephesians 4:23). The word in Greek used for “put off” also means to “cast off” or “put down”. Thus, Paul is urging the followers of Christ to keep away from all those “lusts” from their lives. They should instead choose to take part in what is righteous and holy. They should stay away from bad old habits and keep involved in godly habits.
This scripture acknowledges that when you put on God’s nature, it requires a “renewed spirit” in your mind. It takes a new mindset. Before you knew God, you did whatever you wanted. You followed your desires and that probably resulted in a lot of mistakes. When you choose to follow God, you must change your ways. You need to learn to re-educate your mind as to the ways of God. This involves keeping away from “old habits” or “sinful lusts”. It means you need to keep away from those temptations that might cause you to relapse into bad old habits or sinful desires.
Renewing your mind is never easy. It often takes a minute-by-minute or day-by-day attention to your surroundings. You must watch for temptations that entrapped you before, keeping away from habits that might ensnare you. This doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and let loose once in a while. It just means that you need to keep away from those enticements that you just can’t trust yourself around.
Growing closer to God involves getting to know yourself as well as knowing God in Christ. Do you know what are your weaknesses and strengths? What could tempt you today? Is there a person you should avoid? Is there a situation or place that can entice you to sin? When Paul asked the Ephesian Christians to put off their old nature and renew the spirit of their minds, he wasn’t asking the impossible. God doesn’t want you to fail. God wants you to succeed! To do that, sometimes you have to keep away from temptations. You might also have to put away things or thoughts from your “old life” that have no business in your life with Christ.
June 14
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, NIV)
In May, Brandyn Mitchell was looking forward to a day at the beach at Lake Ray Roberts in Denton, Texas. He was an Army Reservist who enjoyed time with family and friends. As he was enjoying the sun and fun, he noticed a child struggling in the water. Without thinking, he leaped to the water and got to the child in good time, placing the child on a flotation device on the water. However, the struggle had sapped his strength. He couldn’t climb on the flotation device himself, not without endangering the child further. When the child made it to shore, Brandyn was nowhere to be found. Though he had saved the child, he drowned in the process. He gave his life to save that child.
Many of Brandyn’s friends and the community were very grateful for Brandyn’s courage and sacrifice. Wonderful words and thanks and prayers were offered via social media and at various gatherings. Many thought his example was not only heroic but a wonderful sign of grace. I would heartily agree.
There are many examples throughout history of people giving their lives in support of another, to help another, to save a friend. We look at each of these sacrifices as heroic and commendable. They are examples of true human love and self-sacrifice. These people are seen as heroes. What I find interesting is that Jesus is often not viewed as a hero. He is viewed as a martyr. His death is not seen as a loving self-sacrifice but more often is viewed as a political or religious “statement”. I think its more than that. I think Jesus’ death is God’s stamp of heroic love in a world that is terribly politicized and polarized, war-torn and violent.
When Jesus died on the cross, He was doing it to save you. Yes, you. He was not doing it to make Himself look good, not as a symbol or a political statement. He was doing it to save people like you. His hope was to defeat sin and evil in the world. He remained faithful through all the suffering and ultimately His death. Some say His death was meant to shake up the Jewish leadership. Others say it was an attempt to overturn the power of Rome. The scripture for today, however, shares the prime motivation in Jesus’ death on the cross. It was God’s “demonstration of love for us” (Romans 5:8a). In death, God was saying that your life and every other life on this earth is worth loving. Jesus died to rescue you and every other soul from evil and sin and death. “Christ died for you.” Even though you may sin, that doesn’t lessen the worth of His life and death. He died so that you might be saved. Like Brandyn Mitchell died to save the life of a child, Jesus died to save your life. YOUR LIFE! And, He did it out of love… for you.
Not long after creation, Adam and Eve sinned against God. Then, they separated themselves from God. They hid from God. Their sin forced their eviction from the Garden of Eden. God did not want humans to hide from Him. God didn't want separation. Throughout history, sin has caused the separation of people from God. Where God wanted to be with them and love them, sin caused them to remove themselves from God’s presence. God hates sin. God will not allow sin to be in His presence. It is unloving. It is self-serving. Out of love, Jesus was sent to change all that. His mission was to bring people back into relationship with God. God wanted to save you. Out of love, Jesus accomplished that on the cross.
Do you realize how much God loves you and wants to be in a relationship with you? In response to God’s love, what will you do today? Knowing of Jesus’ sacrifice, what might you do to show love for another? Brandyn Mitchell gave his life to save a child. Jesus gave His life to save you. Many demonstrate true love by their willing sacrifices. Do you?
Many of Brandyn’s friends and the community were very grateful for Brandyn’s courage and sacrifice. Wonderful words and thanks and prayers were offered via social media and at various gatherings. Many thought his example was not only heroic but a wonderful sign of grace. I would heartily agree.
There are many examples throughout history of people giving their lives in support of another, to help another, to save a friend. We look at each of these sacrifices as heroic and commendable. They are examples of true human love and self-sacrifice. These people are seen as heroes. What I find interesting is that Jesus is often not viewed as a hero. He is viewed as a martyr. His death is not seen as a loving self-sacrifice but more often is viewed as a political or religious “statement”. I think its more than that. I think Jesus’ death is God’s stamp of heroic love in a world that is terribly politicized and polarized, war-torn and violent.
When Jesus died on the cross, He was doing it to save you. Yes, you. He was not doing it to make Himself look good, not as a symbol or a political statement. He was doing it to save people like you. His hope was to defeat sin and evil in the world. He remained faithful through all the suffering and ultimately His death. Some say His death was meant to shake up the Jewish leadership. Others say it was an attempt to overturn the power of Rome. The scripture for today, however, shares the prime motivation in Jesus’ death on the cross. It was God’s “demonstration of love for us” (Romans 5:8a). In death, God was saying that your life and every other life on this earth is worth loving. Jesus died to rescue you and every other soul from evil and sin and death. “Christ died for you.” Even though you may sin, that doesn’t lessen the worth of His life and death. He died so that you might be saved. Like Brandyn Mitchell died to save the life of a child, Jesus died to save your life. YOUR LIFE! And, He did it out of love… for you.
Not long after creation, Adam and Eve sinned against God. Then, they separated themselves from God. They hid from God. Their sin forced their eviction from the Garden of Eden. God did not want humans to hide from Him. God didn't want separation. Throughout history, sin has caused the separation of people from God. Where God wanted to be with them and love them, sin caused them to remove themselves from God’s presence. God hates sin. God will not allow sin to be in His presence. It is unloving. It is self-serving. Out of love, Jesus was sent to change all that. His mission was to bring people back into relationship with God. God wanted to save you. Out of love, Jesus accomplished that on the cross.
Do you realize how much God loves you and wants to be in a relationship with you? In response to God’s love, what will you do today? Knowing of Jesus’ sacrifice, what might you do to show love for another? Brandyn Mitchell gave his life to save a child. Jesus gave His life to save you. Many demonstrate true love by their willing sacrifices. Do you?
June 15
“I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence.”” (Psalm 39:1, NIV84)
A little boy came in the house after playing outside. His mother was busy cleaning the house and knew he was coming and going but didn’t keep close track of him. She trusted him. He was a good little guy with a big heart, and she was proud of him. But that morning, little Terrance did something unusual. Workers had graded and leveled the field behind the house. Their work left several hills of dirt. Terrance took his bike out and drove up and down over the hills. What he didn’t realize is that some of the dirt had turned to mud from the rain the night before. When he rode his bike through mud, his rear tire spit mud onto his back and the back of his legs. When he came in the house, he immediately went to sit and watch TV. His mother came into the den and saw that the couch was coated with mud. She asked Terrance where the mud came from. His reply was a bland, “I don’t know.”
He probably didn’t know that he was the one who dragged the mud in the house. He probably didn’t realize how much mud was on the couch. It was all coated to his back and the back of his pants. He couldn’t see it. His mother asked him, “Terrance, did you play in some mud outside?”
“No,” he replied quickly.
“You wouldn’t lie to me, would you?”
“No,” he said sheepishly.
His mother immediately asked him to take his clothes off in the bathroom. She followed him in and watched the look on his face when he saw the mud on the back of his clothes. She asked him again, “Do you see that mud?”
“Yes,” he answered.
“How did it get there?” his mother asked.
“My bike must have played in the mud, but I didn’t!” was his defense.
Little Terrance knew at some level that he had messed up. Despite his blaming the bike for the mud, he knew that the mud was covering his clothes because of his own actions that morning. He also knew he was caught in a lie, in hiding where he’d been, and in making a mess. These caused him to shift the blame to the bike. His mother knew better. She knew that he was trying to squirm out of responsibility. She knew he had done the deed. She wanted the truth. Later, he confessed to everything.
Each of us have this desire to not be responsible for bad things, to not admit our failures and sins and mistakes. When found guilty, our immediate base tendency can be to lie or tell half-truths. We hide our responsibility with slick wording, small print, or blame someone else for our mistakes. There are many ways to use our tongues to sin. From a harsh word to a lie to blame-shifting, our words betray us.
Psalm 39, written by David, reaffirms the need to watch what we say and do. It acknowledges that sin is close at hand, and one’s words can often lead to sin. Psalm 39:1a declares that you should “watch your ways and keep your tongue from sin”. Taking a step further, it even mentions that at times you will need to “put a muzzle on your mouth”. Your mouth can spew a lie to cover another lie so very easily. The mouth can be used to tear someone down, to flatter another in order to manipulate, to hide the truth, and so much more. When sin is near, when you are tempted to use your words to spew a lie, it is best to just put a muzzle on your mouth. Those lies may come back to haunt you in the future.
The verse for today ends with a call to muzzle one’s mouth especially when in the presence of “the wicked.” This is an important spiritual practice for you to learn. Wicked people will use your own words to hang you. They will push you to say things you shouldn’t say or do things you wouldn’t normally do. As an example, lawyers in court will sometimes push a witness’ buttons in order to get the person to respond inappropriately. Then, they will use the witness’ own words to discredit him or her before the court. Paparazzi are well known for pushing buttons or using slander around famous or wealthy persons. They are hoping the other will lash out in retaliation. The paparazzi will then use that situation and the person’s words in a lawsuit or to seek damages. News reporters often use this tactic to elicit a response that will be used to sensationalize an article. Enemies will often use your words against you or prompt you to say something that be used against you. This scripture is a strong reminder that your mouth can cause great harm, if not closely guarded.
The more spiritual and wiser you get, the more you must control your tongue. At times, you need to just shut up. When appropriate, you will need to control your anger and muzzle that mouth of yours. Your mouth can be used for kisses and words of love and affection. Your words can be a great source of joy and admiration and thanks for others. Your words can also inflict terrible, long-lasting wounds in the soul of another. Your choice of words may also be used against you. So I ask you at the end of this meditation for today: how well do you muzzle that mouth of yours? Are your words mostly filled with things that build up or tear down? You can’t take back what you’ve already said. You can, however, keep a muzzle on a big mouth!
He probably didn’t know that he was the one who dragged the mud in the house. He probably didn’t realize how much mud was on the couch. It was all coated to his back and the back of his pants. He couldn’t see it. His mother asked him, “Terrance, did you play in some mud outside?”
“No,” he replied quickly.
“You wouldn’t lie to me, would you?”
“No,” he said sheepishly.
His mother immediately asked him to take his clothes off in the bathroom. She followed him in and watched the look on his face when he saw the mud on the back of his clothes. She asked him again, “Do you see that mud?”
“Yes,” he answered.
“How did it get there?” his mother asked.
“My bike must have played in the mud, but I didn’t!” was his defense.
Little Terrance knew at some level that he had messed up. Despite his blaming the bike for the mud, he knew that the mud was covering his clothes because of his own actions that morning. He also knew he was caught in a lie, in hiding where he’d been, and in making a mess. These caused him to shift the blame to the bike. His mother knew better. She knew that he was trying to squirm out of responsibility. She knew he had done the deed. She wanted the truth. Later, he confessed to everything.
Each of us have this desire to not be responsible for bad things, to not admit our failures and sins and mistakes. When found guilty, our immediate base tendency can be to lie or tell half-truths. We hide our responsibility with slick wording, small print, or blame someone else for our mistakes. There are many ways to use our tongues to sin. From a harsh word to a lie to blame-shifting, our words betray us.
Psalm 39, written by David, reaffirms the need to watch what we say and do. It acknowledges that sin is close at hand, and one’s words can often lead to sin. Psalm 39:1a declares that you should “watch your ways and keep your tongue from sin”. Taking a step further, it even mentions that at times you will need to “put a muzzle on your mouth”. Your mouth can spew a lie to cover another lie so very easily. The mouth can be used to tear someone down, to flatter another in order to manipulate, to hide the truth, and so much more. When sin is near, when you are tempted to use your words to spew a lie, it is best to just put a muzzle on your mouth. Those lies may come back to haunt you in the future.
The verse for today ends with a call to muzzle one’s mouth especially when in the presence of “the wicked.” This is an important spiritual practice for you to learn. Wicked people will use your own words to hang you. They will push you to say things you shouldn’t say or do things you wouldn’t normally do. As an example, lawyers in court will sometimes push a witness’ buttons in order to get the person to respond inappropriately. Then, they will use the witness’ own words to discredit him or her before the court. Paparazzi are well known for pushing buttons or using slander around famous or wealthy persons. They are hoping the other will lash out in retaliation. The paparazzi will then use that situation and the person’s words in a lawsuit or to seek damages. News reporters often use this tactic to elicit a response that will be used to sensationalize an article. Enemies will often use your words against you or prompt you to say something that be used against you. This scripture is a strong reminder that your mouth can cause great harm, if not closely guarded.
The more spiritual and wiser you get, the more you must control your tongue. At times, you need to just shut up. When appropriate, you will need to control your anger and muzzle that mouth of yours. Your mouth can be used for kisses and words of love and affection. Your words can be a great source of joy and admiration and thanks for others. Your words can also inflict terrible, long-lasting wounds in the soul of another. Your choice of words may also be used against you. So I ask you at the end of this meditation for today: how well do you muzzle that mouth of yours? Are your words mostly filled with things that build up or tear down? You can’t take back what you’ve already said. You can, however, keep a muzzle on a big mouth!
June 16
“Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.”
(John 6:35, RSV)
(John 6:35, RSV)
In our world, 795 million people do not have the basic food necessities to live a normal life. In Sudan, 11 million people are living on the edge. They are often hungry and in need. One-third of Sudanese children are malnourished. In war-ravaged Syria, more than 11 million people have been displaced or have fled the conflict areas. Where most Syrians used to be middle-class, now millions go hungry every day. 1 in 5 children in the United States live in “insecure households”. Many go hungry each week. Rich and poor countries all have levels of hunger among their citizens. In a world where there is enough to feed everyone, so very many go hungry. It’s not just greed that causes hunger. War, violence, financial manipulations and fraud, economic problems and economic collapse all contribute to the problem of physical hunger.
There is another kind of hunger that is rampant in our world: spiritual hunger. It is even more rampant. It can occur in rich and poor families. While being less obvious, it contributes to things like suicide, divorce, domestic violence, drug addiction, incarceration, alcoholism, homelessness, and many other socially destructive scenarios. Its symptoms are not as readily seen at first. Physical hunger can be easily seen in the distended stomach of the malnourished or the “skin and bones” appearance of the undernourished. Spiritual hunger is more subdued. It might show itself in emotional or psychological distress or in unrepentant anger. It might show up as loneliness or self-loathing. It is common in people involved in terrorism. Both physical and spiritual hunger are killers. Both are destructive to the individual, society, and world.
When I try to convince someone of the danger and prevalence of hunger, its not usually difficult. Pictures from the Sudan or from a refugee camp can prove the case. Spiritual hunger is often downplayed. The mainstream media almost never highlights or reports on it. They report that gun violence is caused by guns. They explain how domestic violence is caused by abusive husbands. Alcoholism and drug addiction are now reported as purely psychological illnesses in many articles and journals. With every shred of evidence for spiritual sickness, the mainstream media reports it as always something else. Many religions in modern times report evidence of spiritual hunger in many places on our globe. Its just something people don’t want to talk about, report about, or examine.
True Christians always deal with spiritual hunger. We know its prevalence and its effects. We battle it every day. We see it wherever we go. Unlike the irreligious, we see it as an evil consequence. Unlike mainstream media, we know it is behind most of the ills of modern-day life. Even people who attend worship, talk with imams, visit with gurus, and travel with Christian Rock bands can have spiritual hunger. “Religious” people try to hide their spiritual hunger, not wanting to be stigmatized by evidence of it. As a true Christian, you need to be honest about spiritual hunger. You must fight it in your church, your world, your life. As Jesus told Peter after His resurrection, “Feed my sheep.” Peter was commanded by his Lord and Master to help feed the spiritually hungry of our world. So are you.
After feeding more than 5000 physically hungry people in John chapter 6, Jesus began to talk about spiritual hunger. In our scripture for today, He said, “I am the bread of life: he who comes to me shall not hunger…” (John 6:35). Though having just fed the 5000+ with only a few loaves and fish, Jesus’ statement to the disciples in this verse do not apply to physical hunger. He was talking about spiritual hunger. He knew that people needed food like bread and fish to eat. They also needed spiritual food, spiritual bread, spiritual education, and the water of eternal life. Jesus teachings are filled with spiritual nourishment. He knew the importance of a spiritual life and spiritual joy. He witnessed spiritual hunger even among God’s chosen people in His day.
My hope is that you are very well fed, spiritually. I also encourage you to continue your work in addressing the spiritual hunger of our world. Let Jesus’ words, these meditations, the Bible, prayer, worship and so much more enrich your life. Let them feed you so that you can spiritually feed others. Spiritual hunger is as rampant and deadly as ever. Within your soul is ample food for many. Please don’t let anyone you know go hungry. They need God. They need you.
There is another kind of hunger that is rampant in our world: spiritual hunger. It is even more rampant. It can occur in rich and poor families. While being less obvious, it contributes to things like suicide, divorce, domestic violence, drug addiction, incarceration, alcoholism, homelessness, and many other socially destructive scenarios. Its symptoms are not as readily seen at first. Physical hunger can be easily seen in the distended stomach of the malnourished or the “skin and bones” appearance of the undernourished. Spiritual hunger is more subdued. It might show itself in emotional or psychological distress or in unrepentant anger. It might show up as loneliness or self-loathing. It is common in people involved in terrorism. Both physical and spiritual hunger are killers. Both are destructive to the individual, society, and world.
When I try to convince someone of the danger and prevalence of hunger, its not usually difficult. Pictures from the Sudan or from a refugee camp can prove the case. Spiritual hunger is often downplayed. The mainstream media almost never highlights or reports on it. They report that gun violence is caused by guns. They explain how domestic violence is caused by abusive husbands. Alcoholism and drug addiction are now reported as purely psychological illnesses in many articles and journals. With every shred of evidence for spiritual sickness, the mainstream media reports it as always something else. Many religions in modern times report evidence of spiritual hunger in many places on our globe. Its just something people don’t want to talk about, report about, or examine.
True Christians always deal with spiritual hunger. We know its prevalence and its effects. We battle it every day. We see it wherever we go. Unlike the irreligious, we see it as an evil consequence. Unlike mainstream media, we know it is behind most of the ills of modern-day life. Even people who attend worship, talk with imams, visit with gurus, and travel with Christian Rock bands can have spiritual hunger. “Religious” people try to hide their spiritual hunger, not wanting to be stigmatized by evidence of it. As a true Christian, you need to be honest about spiritual hunger. You must fight it in your church, your world, your life. As Jesus told Peter after His resurrection, “Feed my sheep.” Peter was commanded by his Lord and Master to help feed the spiritually hungry of our world. So are you.
After feeding more than 5000 physically hungry people in John chapter 6, Jesus began to talk about spiritual hunger. In our scripture for today, He said, “I am the bread of life: he who comes to me shall not hunger…” (John 6:35). Though having just fed the 5000+ with only a few loaves and fish, Jesus’ statement to the disciples in this verse do not apply to physical hunger. He was talking about spiritual hunger. He knew that people needed food like bread and fish to eat. They also needed spiritual food, spiritual bread, spiritual education, and the water of eternal life. Jesus teachings are filled with spiritual nourishment. He knew the importance of a spiritual life and spiritual joy. He witnessed spiritual hunger even among God’s chosen people in His day.
My hope is that you are very well fed, spiritually. I also encourage you to continue your work in addressing the spiritual hunger of our world. Let Jesus’ words, these meditations, the Bible, prayer, worship and so much more enrich your life. Let them feed you so that you can spiritually feed others. Spiritual hunger is as rampant and deadly as ever. Within your soul is ample food for many. Please don’t let anyone you know go hungry. They need God. They need you.
June 17
“Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!” (Luke 12:24, RSV)
What surprises me at times is the value people put upon their work, their words, or their life. I’ve seen very wonderful people who did not view their own life as worth living. I’ve seen prideful people who thought the sun rose and set according to their own worth. After counseling soldiers with PTSD, I’ve noticed that they can value their contributions to the world as only death and destruction. That person with a smile may view herself as a failure. The old man with a limp might perceive himself as worthless now that he is disabled. The little girl you saw in the park laughing by the swing set feels lonely and ugly. How do you value your worth?
“Charles Francis Adams, the 19th century political figure and diplomat, kept a diary. One day he entered: "Went fishing with my son today--a day wasted." His son, Brook Adams, also kept a diary, which is still in existence. On that same day, Brook Adams made this entry: "Went fishing with my father--the most wonderful day of my life!" The father thought he was wasting his time while fishing with his son, but his son saw it as an investment of time. The only way to tell the difference between wasting and investing is to know one's ultimate purpose in life and to judge accordingly.” (Silas Shotwell, Homemade; 1987)
In Luke 12, Jesus was teaching His disciples about anxiety. After telling the disciples not to be anxious or worried, he expanded on this concept. Jesus linked some anxiety to one’s own view of worth. If you think you are worthless, you might find many things to make you anxious. If you think your life has great value to God, it may ease your mind. After stating how the ravens were fed by God, Jesus mentioned to His disciples: “How much more value are you than the birds!” (Luke 12:24). With these words, Jesus was confirming that the disciples were very important to God. You are very important to God. You have great value and worth to God. God loves the birds of the air enough to give them ample food. Can you imagine how much God loves you if He sent Jesus to the cross in your place? Do you realize the great value God places in your faith and holy life?
I have found that for many people today, there is a tendency to overestimate or underestimate their value in the world. Prideful, arrogant, worldly people often exaggerate their worth. They can view themselves as a great gift to the world. Looking at their own accomplishments or beauty, they often view themselves as elite and above others. On the other side of the coin, there are those who are depressed, self-loathing, or have suffered some great injustice. They can often view themselves as worth little or nothing. When needing a raise, they will sell themselves short. When up against an obstacle, they may quit rather than fight it. If you desire to have a healthy relationship with God, you need to see your value from God’s point of view.
Today, I would like you consider how much value God places in your life and faith. Do you know how much worth you have in God’s eyes? Do you tend to overestimate or underestimate your value to the world?
“Charles Francis Adams, the 19th century political figure and diplomat, kept a diary. One day he entered: "Went fishing with my son today--a day wasted." His son, Brook Adams, also kept a diary, which is still in existence. On that same day, Brook Adams made this entry: "Went fishing with my father--the most wonderful day of my life!" The father thought he was wasting his time while fishing with his son, but his son saw it as an investment of time. The only way to tell the difference between wasting and investing is to know one's ultimate purpose in life and to judge accordingly.” (Silas Shotwell, Homemade; 1987)
In Luke 12, Jesus was teaching His disciples about anxiety. After telling the disciples not to be anxious or worried, he expanded on this concept. Jesus linked some anxiety to one’s own view of worth. If you think you are worthless, you might find many things to make you anxious. If you think your life has great value to God, it may ease your mind. After stating how the ravens were fed by God, Jesus mentioned to His disciples: “How much more value are you than the birds!” (Luke 12:24). With these words, Jesus was confirming that the disciples were very important to God. You are very important to God. You have great value and worth to God. God loves the birds of the air enough to give them ample food. Can you imagine how much God loves you if He sent Jesus to the cross in your place? Do you realize the great value God places in your faith and holy life?
I have found that for many people today, there is a tendency to overestimate or underestimate their value in the world. Prideful, arrogant, worldly people often exaggerate their worth. They can view themselves as a great gift to the world. Looking at their own accomplishments or beauty, they often view themselves as elite and above others. On the other side of the coin, there are those who are depressed, self-loathing, or have suffered some great injustice. They can often view themselves as worth little or nothing. When needing a raise, they will sell themselves short. When up against an obstacle, they may quit rather than fight it. If you desire to have a healthy relationship with God, you need to see your value from God’s point of view.
Today, I would like you consider how much value God places in your life and faith. Do you know how much worth you have in God’s eyes? Do you tend to overestimate or underestimate your value to the world?
June 18
“I said, “Surely the city will fear me, it will accept correction; it will not lose sight of all that I have brought upon it.” But they were the more eager to make all their deeds corrupt.” (Zephaniah 3:7, NRSV)
When the prophet Zephaniah spoke the words of God above, he was hoping that the city of Jerusalem would heed the warning and repent. The people in Jerusalem had succumbed to sinful ways. There was violence in the streets. Political leaders were rebellious. Priests and prophets used God’s law for selfish purposes (Zephaniah 3:4). Judges didn’t enforce the law; they manipulated it for their own benefit (Zephaniah 3:3). God began to cause suffering in the city. God’s punishment and judgment began. In response, God told the prophet Zephaniah that He hoped the people in the holy city of Jerusalem would come back to true faith. God looked for some “correction” among the people (Zephaniah 3:7a). Instead, what God saw was more corruption and violence (Zephaniah 3:7b). Not long after these words were written, God caused the people of Judah to suffer terribly in war with the Babylonians. Historians guesstimate that as many as hundreds of thousands of people died in the war. Ten thousand people were forced into slavery in Babylon. It all could have been avoided if God would have seen any hint of “correction” among the holy people. However, “correction” was wholly absent.
When sin entered Jerusalem, God sought to correct the evil that followed. God worked hard to get the people to repent. God sent prophet after prophet to help the holy people to come to their senses. In the end, the corruption and violence and law-breaking continued unabated. The warnings by God were not heeded. Soon, threats of coming violence filled the voices of the prophets. Still, the people refused to repent and turn from their sinful ways. Death and destruction was the inevitable result.
What happened to Jerusalem is important for your spiritual life. If sin takes over in a part of your life, God will give you warnings. God will press you for changes. God desires to save you from your sin and see you holy again. If you do not heed the warnings, God will escalate His challenges to your life. God will cause you to have problems, illness, pain, and more. With each obstacle, God will desire to see “correction” as mentioned in our scripture for today. God expects you to change your ways. If you do not, the escalation continues until God’s judgment and punishment are handed down. Choosing your sin over God long-term will inevitably result in your suffering or death.
It is crucial in your life that you follow God’s ways. Your faith saves and protects you. Sin can and will destroy things in your life. When sin appears in your life, God will have expectations that you will turn things around and repent. If you fail to make things right and atone for your sin, God will begin to escalate His judgment in order to save you. God will want to see a correction. If no correction comes and the sin continues, various forms of judgment and punishment will fall upon you. Through it all, God is hoping for your repentance and for faith to win out. God desires to save you at all costs. If you refuse correction, only evil can ever be the result.
One sign of a sinful life is that the person is so prideful that they will not allow themselves any form of correction. Refusing to let go of their own errors, arrogant people will choose to continue in sin. They will not correct the wrongs in their lives. They will sin over and over until they pay for it one way or another. God wants to offer protection. God wants saving grace. Refusing to be corrected by God always ends in one path: suffering and then death. All the while God is issuing warnings, God is hoping for repentance and reconciliation.
How good are you at accepting divine “correction”? Have you ever been too prideful to admit your mistakes or failures? Is there a sin that God has repeatedly warned you against? Do you listen to good advice? Do you heed spiritual warning signs?
“To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.” (Proverbs 12:1, NLT)
When sin entered Jerusalem, God sought to correct the evil that followed. God worked hard to get the people to repent. God sent prophet after prophet to help the holy people to come to their senses. In the end, the corruption and violence and law-breaking continued unabated. The warnings by God were not heeded. Soon, threats of coming violence filled the voices of the prophets. Still, the people refused to repent and turn from their sinful ways. Death and destruction was the inevitable result.
What happened to Jerusalem is important for your spiritual life. If sin takes over in a part of your life, God will give you warnings. God will press you for changes. God desires to save you from your sin and see you holy again. If you do not heed the warnings, God will escalate His challenges to your life. God will cause you to have problems, illness, pain, and more. With each obstacle, God will desire to see “correction” as mentioned in our scripture for today. God expects you to change your ways. If you do not, the escalation continues until God’s judgment and punishment are handed down. Choosing your sin over God long-term will inevitably result in your suffering or death.
It is crucial in your life that you follow God’s ways. Your faith saves and protects you. Sin can and will destroy things in your life. When sin appears in your life, God will have expectations that you will turn things around and repent. If you fail to make things right and atone for your sin, God will begin to escalate His judgment in order to save you. God will want to see a correction. If no correction comes and the sin continues, various forms of judgment and punishment will fall upon you. Through it all, God is hoping for your repentance and for faith to win out. God desires to save you at all costs. If you refuse correction, only evil can ever be the result.
One sign of a sinful life is that the person is so prideful that they will not allow themselves any form of correction. Refusing to let go of their own errors, arrogant people will choose to continue in sin. They will not correct the wrongs in their lives. They will sin over and over until they pay for it one way or another. God wants to offer protection. God wants saving grace. Refusing to be corrected by God always ends in one path: suffering and then death. All the while God is issuing warnings, God is hoping for repentance and reconciliation.
How good are you at accepting divine “correction”? Have you ever been too prideful to admit your mistakes or failures? Is there a sin that God has repeatedly warned you against? Do you listen to good advice? Do you heed spiritual warning signs?
“To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.” (Proverbs 12:1, NLT)
June 19
““Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”
(Matthew 7:13, ESV)
(Matthew 7:13, ESV)
Alvin Verette made his claim to fame in New Roads, Louisiana in the 1980’s. He designed and ran the nation’s first drive through funeral home. He wanted to make things convenient for those who were pressed with time or could not get out of work. He put a large picture window in the side of the mortuary. Behind that window, he displayed the deceased in the coffin so that people could drive past, make their respects, and get on with their busy lives. In an article in Campus Life Magazine, Alvin Verette was quoted as saying, "We wanted something for people who didn't have time to dress." (Campus Life, February 1980)
I have an issue with making some things too convenient, too easy. To make things overly convenient, oftentimes you lose something special in the process. Might those who go quickly through a drive-through funeral home fail to emotionally and spiritually deal with the trauma of the death? What about the family of the deceased? How will they be helped when nobody is there to help them grieve? Convenience isn’t necessarily a good thing.
Jesus addressed a faith of convenience in the scripture chosen for today, listed above. Among His teachings found in Matthew 7, Jesus gave the following bit of advice to those attending His “Sermon on the Mount”: “the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” With these words, Jesus was taking issue with those who made it “easy” to follow God. In New Testament times, there were people who watered-down the faith to make it more acceptable or simple or enjoyable. They interpreted scripture in such a way that it would be easy to be considered faithful. Some of the Jewish leaders gave lists of laws to follow that would get you to eternal life. Some Gnostics and hedonists advocated that God wanted you to have enjoyment in your faith and stressed that laws were too restrictive. Jesus understood that it was tempting to make faith more acceptable to the masses. He saw the dangers of a faith based on making life easy for some, but not necessarily righteous before God. He was highly critical of making faith a convenience for followers.
Today, those who advocate making faith into a convenience are many. Some advocate that if you go to church on Sunday, you will go to heaven. This sounds simple, but it is not very faithful to the Bible or to God. Don’t you see how a lazy person might interpret this belief? They might go to church on Sundays but then do whatever they feel like the rest of their time on earth. Does this sound holy to you? When you make the road to heaven “easy”, all sorts of things can spring up. I’ve been in churches that have shortened worship to accommodate “busy lives”. I’ve heard sermons where the pastor says that if you only live with a positive attitude, faithfulness will follow. There are pastors who say that if you just tithe, God will bless you in this life and the next. There are thousands of ways that people make religion easy, but how many of them make faith righteous before God?
I’ve never met a faithful person yet who thought true faith was “easy” or “convenient”. Oftentimes, your faith puts you in complicated situations. Prayer can be difficult. Following God’s commands might put you at odds with friends or family. Doing the right thing may hurt a lot! Teaching a Sunday school class might take several hours of your time each week. Helping out a needy friend might make you have to skip a golf outing. Volunteering to help at a youth overnight might cause you to have missed hours of sleep. Many good and valuable and worthwhile parts of true faith can take time or require your patience.
If you want a faith that is convenient, Jesus said clearly in our verses today that “the way is easy that leads to destruction” (Matthew 7:13). This is not to say that doing God’s work can’t bring you joy. I do not believe that faith is always arduous. What I do believe is that if your faith life is easy or convenient, chances are you are not being truly faithful to God. If you want God’s way to be easy, you can find places that will fill that need. Just don’t expect God to accommodate to that kind of faith-life!
When faithfulness becomes challenging, do you shy away? When doing the right thing is costly, do you find a convenient way to get out of it? God’s way isn’t cheap or easy, but it is the right way to eternal life. Are you sure you are up to it?
I have an issue with making some things too convenient, too easy. To make things overly convenient, oftentimes you lose something special in the process. Might those who go quickly through a drive-through funeral home fail to emotionally and spiritually deal with the trauma of the death? What about the family of the deceased? How will they be helped when nobody is there to help them grieve? Convenience isn’t necessarily a good thing.
Jesus addressed a faith of convenience in the scripture chosen for today, listed above. Among His teachings found in Matthew 7, Jesus gave the following bit of advice to those attending His “Sermon on the Mount”: “the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” With these words, Jesus was taking issue with those who made it “easy” to follow God. In New Testament times, there were people who watered-down the faith to make it more acceptable or simple or enjoyable. They interpreted scripture in such a way that it would be easy to be considered faithful. Some of the Jewish leaders gave lists of laws to follow that would get you to eternal life. Some Gnostics and hedonists advocated that God wanted you to have enjoyment in your faith and stressed that laws were too restrictive. Jesus understood that it was tempting to make faith more acceptable to the masses. He saw the dangers of a faith based on making life easy for some, but not necessarily righteous before God. He was highly critical of making faith a convenience for followers.
Today, those who advocate making faith into a convenience are many. Some advocate that if you go to church on Sunday, you will go to heaven. This sounds simple, but it is not very faithful to the Bible or to God. Don’t you see how a lazy person might interpret this belief? They might go to church on Sundays but then do whatever they feel like the rest of their time on earth. Does this sound holy to you? When you make the road to heaven “easy”, all sorts of things can spring up. I’ve been in churches that have shortened worship to accommodate “busy lives”. I’ve heard sermons where the pastor says that if you only live with a positive attitude, faithfulness will follow. There are pastors who say that if you just tithe, God will bless you in this life and the next. There are thousands of ways that people make religion easy, but how many of them make faith righteous before God?
I’ve never met a faithful person yet who thought true faith was “easy” or “convenient”. Oftentimes, your faith puts you in complicated situations. Prayer can be difficult. Following God’s commands might put you at odds with friends or family. Doing the right thing may hurt a lot! Teaching a Sunday school class might take several hours of your time each week. Helping out a needy friend might make you have to skip a golf outing. Volunteering to help at a youth overnight might cause you to have missed hours of sleep. Many good and valuable and worthwhile parts of true faith can take time or require your patience.
If you want a faith that is convenient, Jesus said clearly in our verses today that “the way is easy that leads to destruction” (Matthew 7:13). This is not to say that doing God’s work can’t bring you joy. I do not believe that faith is always arduous. What I do believe is that if your faith life is easy or convenient, chances are you are not being truly faithful to God. If you want God’s way to be easy, you can find places that will fill that need. Just don’t expect God to accommodate to that kind of faith-life!
When faithfulness becomes challenging, do you shy away? When doing the right thing is costly, do you find a convenient way to get out of it? God’s way isn’t cheap or easy, but it is the right way to eternal life. Are you sure you are up to it?
June 20
“After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:10, NIV)
Three of prophet Job’s friends tried to convince Job that he had sinned before God. All three said God was angry at Job and that Job deserved to suffer for his sins. What had actually happened is that Satan had sought to destroy Job, while God protected Job’s life. When Satan’s temptation ended, God began to bless Job. Job had remained faithful to God throughout his time of suffering. God knew this and blessed his fortunes and land and property. But, God was still upset at Job’s three friends. God went to one of the men and said He was “angry with him and his two friends, because they had not spoken rightly about God like Job had.” (Job 42:7). God demanded all three visit Job. God wanted Job to pray for them (Job 42:8). That’s when today’s scripture tells us that Job did indeed pray for his friends. In response, “the Lord restored his (Job’s) fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before” (Job 42:10).
God would not accept the prayers of the three friends. God would only accept the prayer of Job. When Job prayed for his friends, God was glad to respond. No matter how much the three friends prayed, God was withholding forgiveness from them until they made things right with Job. God was making a statement. Job had been faithful. The friends had not. Job’s prayer was heard. The friends needed Job to intercede with God for them. Job’s faithfulness and prayer saved his friends. In response to this intercessory prayer by Job, God blessed Job’s “fortunes”, giving him double what he ever had in his life.
Intercessory prayer is a power spiritual component. The prayer of one righteous person for another has great effects (James 5:16). God would not accept the prayers and forgive the three friends until Job had prayed for them. Job interceded. God responded. Sometimes when a person is destitute or needing to make things right with God, it is the prayer of a faithful person that God blesses. God listens to the righteous person. God responds out of love for the faithful soul.
If you are faithful in your life, you have great power in your prayers. If you have been made right with God, forgiven, or given grace by God, your prayers go a long way to helping others. Your prayers can change the lives of others. When you live righteously, your intercessory prayer is heard by God while other prayers may be ignored. Selfish prayers, prayers of manipulation, prayers from an evil heart, prayers by the unjust all may fall by the wayside, ignored by a righteous God. The prayers of a pure heart are recognized by God and given priority. God brings blessing to those prayers when spoken, as in the scripture for today.
Our world desperately needs the prayers of faithful, committed servants like Job. Intercessory prayer (when you pray for others or on behalf of others) can bring life or forgiveness or grace to person who would not otherwise receive it. Is there someone who needs your intercessory prayer today? Are you right with God, so that your intercessions may be heard? Your prayer may be the best thing that ever happens to a lost soul. Your committed faithfulness to God will always be rewarded.
God would not accept the prayers of the three friends. God would only accept the prayer of Job. When Job prayed for his friends, God was glad to respond. No matter how much the three friends prayed, God was withholding forgiveness from them until they made things right with Job. God was making a statement. Job had been faithful. The friends had not. Job’s prayer was heard. The friends needed Job to intercede with God for them. Job’s faithfulness and prayer saved his friends. In response to this intercessory prayer by Job, God blessed Job’s “fortunes”, giving him double what he ever had in his life.
Intercessory prayer is a power spiritual component. The prayer of one righteous person for another has great effects (James 5:16). God would not accept the prayers and forgive the three friends until Job had prayed for them. Job interceded. God responded. Sometimes when a person is destitute or needing to make things right with God, it is the prayer of a faithful person that God blesses. God listens to the righteous person. God responds out of love for the faithful soul.
If you are faithful in your life, you have great power in your prayers. If you have been made right with God, forgiven, or given grace by God, your prayers go a long way to helping others. Your prayers can change the lives of others. When you live righteously, your intercessory prayer is heard by God while other prayers may be ignored. Selfish prayers, prayers of manipulation, prayers from an evil heart, prayers by the unjust all may fall by the wayside, ignored by a righteous God. The prayers of a pure heart are recognized by God and given priority. God brings blessing to those prayers when spoken, as in the scripture for today.
Our world desperately needs the prayers of faithful, committed servants like Job. Intercessory prayer (when you pray for others or on behalf of others) can bring life or forgiveness or grace to person who would not otherwise receive it. Is there someone who needs your intercessory prayer today? Are you right with God, so that your intercessions may be heard? Your prayer may be the best thing that ever happens to a lost soul. Your committed faithfulness to God will always be rewarded.
June 21
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16, RSV)
In 1902, the poetry editor of Atlantic Monthly returned a stack of poems with this note, "Our magazine has no room for your vigorous verse." The poet who submitted the stack was Robert Frost. In 1905, the University of Bern turned down a doctoral dissertation as "irrelevant and fanciful." The writer of that paper was Albert Einstein. In 1894 an English teacher noted on a teenager's report card, "A conspicuous lack of success." The student was Winston Churchill. (adapted from Signs of the Times article, March 1988, p.12). Each of these people, and many others felt the crushing blow of someone who did not see their worth. Their work was spurned. Their ideas were undervalued at the time. However, years later, all three of these people became famous for their ideas. They are still highly respected in their fields. Entire books are devoted to their genius now. What would have happened if each had faced these demoralizing situations and given up?
When faced with problems, issues, obstacles and failures, far too many people give up on their dreams or goals. When life gets tough, they fold. However, a special few realize that problems and failures and mistakes are part of learning and part of life. When challenges come, and they most certainly will, it is very important that you don’t give up on what you know is right or good or of value. This could end up being your greatest accomplishment!
When the apostle Paul was traveling and preaching and planting churches, he often was sidelined by problems. He was shipwrecked more than once. He was thrown out of certain cities. Some of the members in the church at Corinth threatened to split the church. The congregation in Galatia was threatened by Jewish reactionaries. Despite hundreds of obstacles, Paul kept on working for God in Christ. He did not give up. Aren’t you glad he remained true? Without him, we’d have at least thirteen less books in the New Testament! Through it all, Paul fought on, overcoming what he could. In the scripture for today, he mentioned that “we do not lose heart”. Though their bodies took a toll from the constant pressures, the apostles felt their inner spirit was “renewed every day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).
As I read this scripture, I was reminded how important it is that you do not “lose heart” in your life. What does it mean to “lose heart”? It’s when you give up. After becoming weary and worn down by something, you lose the will to keep on going. Paul wanted the faithful to keep at their holy work. He wanted them to never let the shipwrecks of life stop them from sharing the great story of God’s redeeming love.
During World War Two, American Louis Zamperini suffered a great deal. After his plane was shot down, the crew spent forty-seven days adrift at sea only to be found by the Japanese and taken prisoner. Then, in a prison camp, he spent more than two years of torture and suffering. He lost so much weight during his suffering that you could literally count his bones. When he was liberated following the end of hostilities, Zamperini became a stronger Christian due to his trials. He went on to inspire many. He even traveled to Japan to meet with and forgive his captors. He devoted his life to God. His inspiring strength led to a story being written about him, then a movie based on that story. When they chose to name the movie about his life, it was decided that the title should be “Unbroken”.
There are many things in life that may threaten to “break” you. Challenges and obstacles will always appear to overwhelm you. It is important to remember Paul’s words from this passage for today, “we do not lose heart.” When you do not give up on godly things, it is a great inspiration to others.
How do you deal with failure? Are you too quick to give up when God wants you to keep at something? Do conflicts and personalities cause you to crawl in a hole when the best thing you could do is keep telling the truth? Your faith is precious. Your life is holy. There is no need for you ever to “lose heart.” God will give you all the strength you need in every situation, no matter what. You just have to find it.
When faced with problems, issues, obstacles and failures, far too many people give up on their dreams or goals. When life gets tough, they fold. However, a special few realize that problems and failures and mistakes are part of learning and part of life. When challenges come, and they most certainly will, it is very important that you don’t give up on what you know is right or good or of value. This could end up being your greatest accomplishment!
When the apostle Paul was traveling and preaching and planting churches, he often was sidelined by problems. He was shipwrecked more than once. He was thrown out of certain cities. Some of the members in the church at Corinth threatened to split the church. The congregation in Galatia was threatened by Jewish reactionaries. Despite hundreds of obstacles, Paul kept on working for God in Christ. He did not give up. Aren’t you glad he remained true? Without him, we’d have at least thirteen less books in the New Testament! Through it all, Paul fought on, overcoming what he could. In the scripture for today, he mentioned that “we do not lose heart”. Though their bodies took a toll from the constant pressures, the apostles felt their inner spirit was “renewed every day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).
As I read this scripture, I was reminded how important it is that you do not “lose heart” in your life. What does it mean to “lose heart”? It’s when you give up. After becoming weary and worn down by something, you lose the will to keep on going. Paul wanted the faithful to keep at their holy work. He wanted them to never let the shipwrecks of life stop them from sharing the great story of God’s redeeming love.
During World War Two, American Louis Zamperini suffered a great deal. After his plane was shot down, the crew spent forty-seven days adrift at sea only to be found by the Japanese and taken prisoner. Then, in a prison camp, he spent more than two years of torture and suffering. He lost so much weight during his suffering that you could literally count his bones. When he was liberated following the end of hostilities, Zamperini became a stronger Christian due to his trials. He went on to inspire many. He even traveled to Japan to meet with and forgive his captors. He devoted his life to God. His inspiring strength led to a story being written about him, then a movie based on that story. When they chose to name the movie about his life, it was decided that the title should be “Unbroken”.
There are many things in life that may threaten to “break” you. Challenges and obstacles will always appear to overwhelm you. It is important to remember Paul’s words from this passage for today, “we do not lose heart.” When you do not give up on godly things, it is a great inspiration to others.
How do you deal with failure? Are you too quick to give up when God wants you to keep at something? Do conflicts and personalities cause you to crawl in a hole when the best thing you could do is keep telling the truth? Your faith is precious. Your life is holy. There is no need for you ever to “lose heart.” God will give you all the strength you need in every situation, no matter what. You just have to find it.
June 22
“[Jesus said:] “And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last.””
(Luke 13:30, NASB95)
(Luke 13:30, NASB95)
In the scripture above, the prophet Nehemiah described the mocking tone of Sanballat when the Jews tried to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The walls had been destroyed in the war with the Babylonian armies. Jerusalem had no defenses. The people were afraid of those in the countries surrounding Judah and Jerusalem. The neighboring leaders and armies wanted to keep Jerusalem and Judah weak. They didn’t want Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls. Raiding parties from neighboring countries halted the work on the walls. The lack of skilled workers impeded progress the walls. The taunts and jeers from neighboring leaders and kings caused undue strain on the people of Jerusalem. But, God had promised Nehemiah that the wall would be built. God wanted HIS people protected. Despite the taunts and pressure that mounted against them, the people bound together and finished the walls. It was a terribly difficult work, but the city was again defended thanks to the work of the people and the leadership of those like Nehemiah.
It is heartbreaking to be in a situation where people make fun of you and taunt you. When friends turn to enemies, the betrayal can seem overwhelming. When peers make fun of you, you might feel like curling up in a corner or quitting life. If a boss belittles you, your first response might be to take it, but then the anger burns inside of you. Taunting, teasing, belittling, or making fun of someone is not just done on playgrounds. It can happen everywhere. From locker rooms to taverns, at work or while playing, the ridicule can eat away at your heart and soul. It might make you feel inferior or worthless. When these moments happen, just remember the scripture for today. With God's help, the people overcame the taunts of leaders like Sanballat and built the walls of Jerusalem just like God had promised they would.
The entire book of Nehemiah concerns the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Following the war with the Babylonians, the walls were utterly destroyed. Nehemiah was given the task to rebuild the walls. People like Sanballat saw a political danger to these walls being built. He and others set themselves against Nehemiah and the builders. He was determined to stop them. Surrounded by the armies of Samaria, Sanballat made fun of the feeble attempt to rebuild the walls. He made fun of their efforts: “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore things? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish-and burned ones at that?” (Nehemiah 4:2). With these and many more words, the leaders of surrounding countries sought to apply pressure to the people to give up. But what they didn’t realize at the time was that the Jews were following God’s orders. God wanted the walls built. God was protecting the walls and fortifying the will of the people. God wanted Jerusalem to have protection. God sent Nehemiah to bring that word, to lead the people, to ignore the ridicule, and to get the walls built. And the walls were built. Nehemiah saw to it. He grew wise to the political games the neighboring countries played. He acted wisely. He did not let the mocking get to him so that he made mistakes.
It is crucial in your life that you do not let ridicule, mocking, teasing, or peer pressures define you. They should not stop you from doing what you know is right, what God wills, and what your heart tells you. If God wants something done or something built, God will help see it gets done. If God wants you to remain strong, don’t let the teasing of others stop you from completing the work of God!
It is heartbreaking to be in a situation where people make fun of you and taunt you. When friends turn to enemies, the betrayal can seem overwhelming. When peers make fun of you, you might feel like curling up in a corner or quitting life. If a boss belittles you, your first response might be to take it, but then the anger burns inside of you. Taunting, teasing, belittling, or making fun of someone is not just done on playgrounds. It can happen everywhere. From locker rooms to taverns, at work or while playing, the ridicule can eat away at your heart and soul. It might make you feel inferior or worthless. When these moments happen, just remember the scripture for today. With God's help, the people overcame the taunts of leaders like Sanballat and built the walls of Jerusalem just like God had promised they would.
The entire book of Nehemiah concerns the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Following the war with the Babylonians, the walls were utterly destroyed. Nehemiah was given the task to rebuild the walls. People like Sanballat saw a political danger to these walls being built. He and others set themselves against Nehemiah and the builders. He was determined to stop them. Surrounded by the armies of Samaria, Sanballat made fun of the feeble attempt to rebuild the walls. He made fun of their efforts: “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore things? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish-and burned ones at that?” (Nehemiah 4:2). With these and many more words, the leaders of surrounding countries sought to apply pressure to the people to give up. But what they didn’t realize at the time was that the Jews were following God’s orders. God wanted the walls built. God was protecting the walls and fortifying the will of the people. God wanted Jerusalem to have protection. God sent Nehemiah to bring that word, to lead the people, to ignore the ridicule, and to get the walls built. And the walls were built. Nehemiah saw to it. He grew wise to the political games the neighboring countries played. He acted wisely. He did not let the mocking get to him so that he made mistakes.
It is crucial in your life that you do not let ridicule, mocking, teasing, or peer pressures define you. They should not stop you from doing what you know is right, what God wills, and what your heart tells you. If God wants something done or something built, God will help see it gets done. If God wants you to remain strong, don’t let the teasing of others stop you from completing the work of God!
June 24
“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NKJV)
We were late getting home. It was past my curfew. I and my friend jogged down the sidewalk, across an alley, block after block. To cut down on the time, we decided to take a shortcut through a few backyards. That was our biggest mistake. We were rushing along headlong in the dark side by side. I looked over at my friend just as he ran headlong into an overhanging branch. It was so dark, I didn’t even see the branch as it was hidden in the shadows behind a house. All I heard was, “We’re gonna…. Boooshshshsh!” I stopped to help. My friend had the air knocked out of him and was writhing on the ground. It took me twenty minutes to traverse the last one block home, half carrying him. By the time I got into my house and he hobbled the extra two blocks to his house, it was well past midnight. We both were in trouble. When I saw my friend a few days later, he showed me the black and blue spots all over his chest area. He told me then: “Hey, no more coming home late and rushing through the dark! I’ve hurt for days!” We agreed. We had learned several lessons that night.
It’s not too smart to run full out through an unfamiliar dark patch of ground. You just can’t see where to run, where to step, what to watch out for, or what is safe. As a pastor, I’ve held the cold hand of a teenager who died on a lonely dark road when his car crashed after a party. I brushed away the tears of a young woman who was given a drug in her drink and woke up the next day raped with no knowledge of what happened. Bad things can happen in dark and unfamiliar territory or when you aren’t aware of what is going on around you.
When in dark and unfamiliar places, its best to have some light with you. It helps to see where you are going or what is ahead. It helps to go slowly and watch yourself. This is also important spiritually. When you are in a tough situation or threatening clouds loom ahead, it is important to get your bearings and find some spiritual light for the path ahead. According to the scripture for today, a good place to find spiritual light for the road in life is God’s Word. Psalm 119:105 teaches that God’s Word is “a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path”. The Bible can give ample spiritual light to negotiate your way ahead in life, especially in dark times. God wants us to “walk in the light” (Isaiah 2:5. Ephesians 5:8) given by His wisdom and His Spirit. Otherwise, you won’t see what’s coming at you.
I have found that God can and does shine a light on important things when you seek His direction. After many a night of prayer, God usually gave me just what I needed. When hitting a wall and not knowing which way to go, opening the Bible can really help. Talking with a friend who knows God can be just as beneficial. Meeting with a good pastor for counseling can shed some light on things. There are millions of ways that God and God’s word can give you ample light to negotiate a route ahead. The question for you is not IF God will shine a light for you. The question is: “Are you gonna follow His light and heed His word?”
In the scripture for today, God’s word brings both a lamp and a light. The lamp is meant to show the next step or two. The light is to illuminate the path ahead. God’s word and God’s wisdom can do both. When you find yourself in need of what to do, God not only can give you advice about the next couple of steps in your life, but God is more than able to guide you long-term. Knowing God’s word and wisdom is both good short-term advice and also a long-term profitable investment.
One last word about today’s scripture. If you don’t know God’s word, you will find yourself in the dark. If you don’t talk to God or have God’s Spirit, you may not know how to apply God’s word to your situation. It is crucial that you not only familiarize yourself with the Bible, but you learn how to apply its wisdom to your life. Prayer is required for any long-term application of the Bible. Prayer is the avenue God often uses to give you a better understanding of your surroundings and ample illumination of your needs. Therefore, remember that an appropriation of God’s light requires both a knowledge of the Bible and a heart that listens to God’s voice in prayer. The combination will give you more than enough light to negotiate anything in life.
It’s not too smart to run full out through an unfamiliar dark patch of ground. You just can’t see where to run, where to step, what to watch out for, or what is safe. As a pastor, I’ve held the cold hand of a teenager who died on a lonely dark road when his car crashed after a party. I brushed away the tears of a young woman who was given a drug in her drink and woke up the next day raped with no knowledge of what happened. Bad things can happen in dark and unfamiliar territory or when you aren’t aware of what is going on around you.
When in dark and unfamiliar places, its best to have some light with you. It helps to see where you are going or what is ahead. It helps to go slowly and watch yourself. This is also important spiritually. When you are in a tough situation or threatening clouds loom ahead, it is important to get your bearings and find some spiritual light for the path ahead. According to the scripture for today, a good place to find spiritual light for the road in life is God’s Word. Psalm 119:105 teaches that God’s Word is “a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path”. The Bible can give ample spiritual light to negotiate your way ahead in life, especially in dark times. God wants us to “walk in the light” (Isaiah 2:5. Ephesians 5:8) given by His wisdom and His Spirit. Otherwise, you won’t see what’s coming at you.
I have found that God can and does shine a light on important things when you seek His direction. After many a night of prayer, God usually gave me just what I needed. When hitting a wall and not knowing which way to go, opening the Bible can really help. Talking with a friend who knows God can be just as beneficial. Meeting with a good pastor for counseling can shed some light on things. There are millions of ways that God and God’s word can give you ample light to negotiate a route ahead. The question for you is not IF God will shine a light for you. The question is: “Are you gonna follow His light and heed His word?”
In the scripture for today, God’s word brings both a lamp and a light. The lamp is meant to show the next step or two. The light is to illuminate the path ahead. God’s word and God’s wisdom can do both. When you find yourself in need of what to do, God not only can give you advice about the next couple of steps in your life, but God is more than able to guide you long-term. Knowing God’s word and wisdom is both good short-term advice and also a long-term profitable investment.
One last word about today’s scripture. If you don’t know God’s word, you will find yourself in the dark. If you don’t talk to God or have God’s Spirit, you may not know how to apply God’s word to your situation. It is crucial that you not only familiarize yourself with the Bible, but you learn how to apply its wisdom to your life. Prayer is required for any long-term application of the Bible. Prayer is the avenue God often uses to give you a better understanding of your surroundings and ample illumination of your needs. Therefore, remember that an appropriation of God’s light requires both a knowledge of the Bible and a heart that listens to God’s voice in prayer. The combination will give you more than enough light to negotiate anything in life.
June 25
“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” (Romans 5:1, NLT)
The former soldier came to me because his wife demanded it. He didn’t want to be there in my office. He was experiencing Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder. He was anxious and skittish, irritable from lack of sleep, and constantly tired. As we talked, he mentioned that nothing had helped. He tried pills, psychotherapy, and even hypnosis. He even tried acupuncture and eastern meditation. Nothing seemed to work for him.
Over the months we met, nothing got better until one amazing day. We started talking as usual when I asked him about a fateful mission when several of his friends were killed in an ambush. I asked him to describe every detail of the day. He was agitated. He was upset that I asked it. Despite his protests, I listened to his replay of the events. I felt God telling me that something about that day was crucial for his recovery. Toward the end, he broke down. He felt responsible for the deaths. He had survivor guilt. He was broken. I then asked him if he ever talked to God about this event. He said he had and that it didn’t help. I asked if he had ever given the whole event to God, letting God heal and forgive him. He thought that was just shirking his responsibility.
I escorted him to a place in the church where a large crucifix hung. I pointed to Jesus on the cross and said to the soldier, “Tell him about the event. He knows suffering. He knows betrayal and death. He died to take this pain from you.” In the silence of that evening, a soldier told Jesus about how he felt and all about the horrific event. I made him promise to let Jesus sort things out. I asked him to have faith that Jesus could take care of things. The soldier promised to let the memory be Jesus’. Every time he thought of the ambush, he was to picture Jesus on that crucifix and give him the pain. He did. Two months later, we didn’t need to meet any longer. He bought a large crucifix for his home. When he had a bad day, he would sit by the crucifix and pour his heart out to Jesus and then let Jesus handle it. Faith in Jesus brought him lasting peace.
Real faith changes you. Faith in God’s loving grace can heal. There is nothing like true faith to make things right in your world.
In our scripture for today, the apostle Paul was writing to the Roman Christians. There, he spoke about the power of faith. He wrote that faith “makes you right in God’s sight”. It brings you close to God. With God’s presence, that faith can bring healing, wholeness, and so much more. However, a direct consequence of having true faith is that you can “have peace with God” (Romans 5:1). For Paul, faith in Jesus Christ is something that makes us right with God. Being right with God brings a peace to the soul that the world cannot give (John 14:27). Like the soldier finding peace after unloading his pain to a crucifix, faith in God’s power to heal and forgive and give grace brings peace to any troubled soul. Jesus came into this world to encourage faith, to make things right. Trusting in Him, you will find a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
If you find that your world needs some peace, place more faith in God’s strength. Listen to Jesus’ teaching. Trust in God’s mercy and grace. True faith in Jesus involves a real relationship in which you are willing to give Him your anxiety and fear. If you truly are willing to offer these to Jesus, you will find a peace that endures. To atheists, this sounds like pie-in-the-sky anthropomorphism. To those who have done it, it’s life-changing.
Over the months we met, nothing got better until one amazing day. We started talking as usual when I asked him about a fateful mission when several of his friends were killed in an ambush. I asked him to describe every detail of the day. He was agitated. He was upset that I asked it. Despite his protests, I listened to his replay of the events. I felt God telling me that something about that day was crucial for his recovery. Toward the end, he broke down. He felt responsible for the deaths. He had survivor guilt. He was broken. I then asked him if he ever talked to God about this event. He said he had and that it didn’t help. I asked if he had ever given the whole event to God, letting God heal and forgive him. He thought that was just shirking his responsibility.
I escorted him to a place in the church where a large crucifix hung. I pointed to Jesus on the cross and said to the soldier, “Tell him about the event. He knows suffering. He knows betrayal and death. He died to take this pain from you.” In the silence of that evening, a soldier told Jesus about how he felt and all about the horrific event. I made him promise to let Jesus sort things out. I asked him to have faith that Jesus could take care of things. The soldier promised to let the memory be Jesus’. Every time he thought of the ambush, he was to picture Jesus on that crucifix and give him the pain. He did. Two months later, we didn’t need to meet any longer. He bought a large crucifix for his home. When he had a bad day, he would sit by the crucifix and pour his heart out to Jesus and then let Jesus handle it. Faith in Jesus brought him lasting peace.
Real faith changes you. Faith in God’s loving grace can heal. There is nothing like true faith to make things right in your world.
In our scripture for today, the apostle Paul was writing to the Roman Christians. There, he spoke about the power of faith. He wrote that faith “makes you right in God’s sight”. It brings you close to God. With God’s presence, that faith can bring healing, wholeness, and so much more. However, a direct consequence of having true faith is that you can “have peace with God” (Romans 5:1). For Paul, faith in Jesus Christ is something that makes us right with God. Being right with God brings a peace to the soul that the world cannot give (John 14:27). Like the soldier finding peace after unloading his pain to a crucifix, faith in God’s power to heal and forgive and give grace brings peace to any troubled soul. Jesus came into this world to encourage faith, to make things right. Trusting in Him, you will find a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
If you find that your world needs some peace, place more faith in God’s strength. Listen to Jesus’ teaching. Trust in God’s mercy and grace. True faith in Jesus involves a real relationship in which you are willing to give Him your anxiety and fear. If you truly are willing to offer these to Jesus, you will find a peace that endures. To atheists, this sounds like pie-in-the-sky anthropomorphism. To those who have done it, it’s life-changing.
June 26
“You will not fear the terror of night….” (Psalm 91:5a, NIV84)
It is not uncommon to have a child experience nightmares or night terrors. These occur during dream states and wake the child up in an awful dread. They might scream. They might jump up with a start. Each of these maladies is different, but both are extremely unsettling to both child and parent. They can cause interrupted sleep states and lead to other sleep problems. They can also be a sign of trauma in a child’s life. When experiencing a nightmare or night terror, it can make the child so fearful that they are afraid to move or leave their room or sleep alone. The fear these episodes bring can even make a child afraid to sleep.
Fear can be a powerful motivator. Like night terrors can make a child afraid to go to sleep, the fear of failure, phobias, and other fear states can cause a person to avoid doing something they love. The fear of public speaking might make you feel like never sharing your testimony or faith. Fear of control may make you afraid to try to new things. Fear of rejection causes many to not ask another person out on a date or to get married. Fear of flying might force you to never see the beautiful beaches of Hawaii or your grandparents who live overseas. Fear can drive you to do things that you wouldn’t normally do. Irrational fears can take away some of your enjoyment of life.
Odds against bowling a perfect 300 game are about 225,000 to 1. It is quite an honor to be listed among those who have bowled a perfect score. I heard of one man who tried for years to bowl a perfect 300. Then, one day, he went through 9 perfect frames. It so bothered him that he might fail that he left the building and went home. He never finished the game. He was too afraid to fail after 9 perfect frames! He’ll never know what its like to bowl a perfect score, because he let fear of failure in that last frame stop him from experiencing the joy of a lifetime!
Psalm 91 was written by a soldier who loved God deeply. The author was familiar with the battlefield. He knew the fear of war. However, his love for God was so strong that fear did not terrorize him. God was such a strength in his life that he went into battle confident that his future was in God’s hand (Psalm 91:7). He was so trusting that God was watching over his life, he would sleep like a baby. He didn’t fear “terrors of the night” (Psalm 91:5). He knew his future was in God’s hands. He knew that whatever happened, God would be with him in this life and the next. His God was a fortress of strength (Psalm 91:2), an ever-present protector.
Have you ever been overwhelmed by fear? Do you feel a great confidence in God’s watchfulness over your life? Does God’s protection give you the willingness to stand out, be strong, face obstacles, and overcome challenges?
Fear can be a powerful motivator. Like night terrors can make a child afraid to go to sleep, the fear of failure, phobias, and other fear states can cause a person to avoid doing something they love. The fear of public speaking might make you feel like never sharing your testimony or faith. Fear of control may make you afraid to try to new things. Fear of rejection causes many to not ask another person out on a date or to get married. Fear of flying might force you to never see the beautiful beaches of Hawaii or your grandparents who live overseas. Fear can drive you to do things that you wouldn’t normally do. Irrational fears can take away some of your enjoyment of life.
Odds against bowling a perfect 300 game are about 225,000 to 1. It is quite an honor to be listed among those who have bowled a perfect score. I heard of one man who tried for years to bowl a perfect 300. Then, one day, he went through 9 perfect frames. It so bothered him that he might fail that he left the building and went home. He never finished the game. He was too afraid to fail after 9 perfect frames! He’ll never know what its like to bowl a perfect score, because he let fear of failure in that last frame stop him from experiencing the joy of a lifetime!
Psalm 91 was written by a soldier who loved God deeply. The author was familiar with the battlefield. He knew the fear of war. However, his love for God was so strong that fear did not terrorize him. God was such a strength in his life that he went into battle confident that his future was in God’s hand (Psalm 91:7). He was so trusting that God was watching over his life, he would sleep like a baby. He didn’t fear “terrors of the night” (Psalm 91:5). He knew his future was in God’s hands. He knew that whatever happened, God would be with him in this life and the next. His God was a fortress of strength (Psalm 91:2), an ever-present protector.
Have you ever been overwhelmed by fear? Do you feel a great confidence in God’s watchfulness over your life? Does God’s protection give you the willingness to stand out, be strong, face obstacles, and overcome challenges?
June 27
“O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; now restore us!”
(Psalm 60:1, NRSV)
(Psalm 60:1, NRSV)
Psalm 60 is entitled as a Psalm of David and refers to David’s battles in the Valley of Salt. 2 Samuel 8 clarified that these battles were a series of great victories for David and his armies. The Syrians were conquered, and various armies of Edom were vanquished. However, the Psalm doesn’t begin with verses of victory. Instead, it begins with a plea to God in the midst of a war. These are the words of a leader who fears that due to sin or mismanagement, God will reject their victory in the end. In part, this did not happen to David, because he called upon God for help often. He was the apple of God’s eye (Psalm 17:8). He listened for God’s direction and did not enjoy the awful fighting of war. David feared the day when God would allow the enemies of Judah and Israel to win. He knew to remain steadfast in his trust that God would be with him in the day of battle. David’s steadfast faith in God led to many victories.
Psalm 60:1, though intended as a plea to God in the day of war, can also apply to your life. In this verse, David asks for grace from God who in a crucial moment of battle had “been angry” and “broken our defenses”. Isn’t it interesting that that one of the greatest military leaders of all times, David, fears how easily God can break down his carefully set up defenses in battle? That’s because God knows David’s military weaknesses. In the same way, God can break through your defenses when you sin.
Just like a military general puts up defenses to guard his flank, we put up defenses to our lies, mistakes, and sins. You might get defensive when your spouse points out a character flaw. Your hackles might go up when a person makes fun of you. A defensive posture might be taken when you fear being hurt or hear angry words. Are you defensive when it comes to certain things in your life? Well, God is great at breaking through the best of defenses. The scripture for today acknowledges that fact.
In 2017, a Christian song called “Love Broke Thru” sung by TobyMac climbed to number one on many Christian music charts. The song was lauded for its realistic view of a person who “put up walls” that God had to inevitably break through in order to save his soul. It’s a beautiful rendition that describes every person in life. We all put up walls, shore up our defenses, take the wrong side. In the end, God will break through all the defenses to show us the truth and bring HIS love to bear. Below, I have a link to the video.
A long time ago, I met a young girl. She was someone very special. After knowing her for years, she said to me in a private moment when she was trying to figure out her life, “Pastor Dave, what do you think will happen to me?” I thought for a moment; I said a quick prayer and listened for God’s response. I take these kinds of questions seriously. I told her that I believed her future would be very important to many. I told her that she and God would grow closer and closer. I felt that God was literally calling her to something special. Ten years later, God fulfilled that promise. Today, she helps many women who are going through tough days. She is a leader in her church. Often, her pastor goes to her for advice. She is very close to God, and even reaches out to encourage me when she knows I’m hurting. When young, this girl had insecurities and worries. She was shy and quiet, at times withdrawn. God broke through the walls she would sometimes put up. The more God broke through her defenses, the more she became an awesome person of faith whom others could reach out to for help.
Are you defensive in any way? Do you tend to put up walls that shouldn’t be there? God may break through your spiritual or psychological or emotional defenses in order to bring you love or forgiveness or grace. God may have to break through and expose a lie you have been living. Right now, God may be attacking some sinful thought that has taken hold in your mind or heart. God knows your weaknesses. God knows how defensive you can be. Sometimes, you just need to let God in. As TobyMac says in his song, God loves you enough to “pursue you” even when your defenses are meant to keep His truth and love away. No defenses can withstand God’s attention for long.
Psalm 60:1, though intended as a plea to God in the day of war, can also apply to your life. In this verse, David asks for grace from God who in a crucial moment of battle had “been angry” and “broken our defenses”. Isn’t it interesting that that one of the greatest military leaders of all times, David, fears how easily God can break down his carefully set up defenses in battle? That’s because God knows David’s military weaknesses. In the same way, God can break through your defenses when you sin.
Just like a military general puts up defenses to guard his flank, we put up defenses to our lies, mistakes, and sins. You might get defensive when your spouse points out a character flaw. Your hackles might go up when a person makes fun of you. A defensive posture might be taken when you fear being hurt or hear angry words. Are you defensive when it comes to certain things in your life? Well, God is great at breaking through the best of defenses. The scripture for today acknowledges that fact.
In 2017, a Christian song called “Love Broke Thru” sung by TobyMac climbed to number one on many Christian music charts. The song was lauded for its realistic view of a person who “put up walls” that God had to inevitably break through in order to save his soul. It’s a beautiful rendition that describes every person in life. We all put up walls, shore up our defenses, take the wrong side. In the end, God will break through all the defenses to show us the truth and bring HIS love to bear. Below, I have a link to the video.
A long time ago, I met a young girl. She was someone very special. After knowing her for years, she said to me in a private moment when she was trying to figure out her life, “Pastor Dave, what do you think will happen to me?” I thought for a moment; I said a quick prayer and listened for God’s response. I take these kinds of questions seriously. I told her that I believed her future would be very important to many. I told her that she and God would grow closer and closer. I felt that God was literally calling her to something special. Ten years later, God fulfilled that promise. Today, she helps many women who are going through tough days. She is a leader in her church. Often, her pastor goes to her for advice. She is very close to God, and even reaches out to encourage me when she knows I’m hurting. When young, this girl had insecurities and worries. She was shy and quiet, at times withdrawn. God broke through the walls she would sometimes put up. The more God broke through her defenses, the more she became an awesome person of faith whom others could reach out to for help.
Are you defensive in any way? Do you tend to put up walls that shouldn’t be there? God may break through your spiritual or psychological or emotional defenses in order to bring you love or forgiveness or grace. God may have to break through and expose a lie you have been living. Right now, God may be attacking some sinful thought that has taken hold in your mind or heart. God knows your weaknesses. God knows how defensive you can be. Sometimes, you just need to let God in. As TobyMac says in his song, God loves you enough to “pursue you” even when your defenses are meant to keep His truth and love away. No defenses can withstand God’s attention for long.
June 28
“For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want.” (Galatians 5:17, NET)
If the Holy Spirit dwells in you, the worldly desires in your body and mind will constantly fight against it. Your body has lusts. It craves food, sex, money, power, lazy days, accolades, and other selfish things. In moderation and in holy pursuit, these things will not overwhelm you. However, the lusts of your body can crave things that lead to sin, corruption, hurt, pain, and death. The Holy Spirit will attempt to moderate these desires, helping you to do what is right by God. Each day, your body and mind will tell you what they desire. The Holy Spirit will tell you what is good for you. You will have to choose every day, every moment, all your life whether to follow your carnal desires or God’s Spirit.
Don and Joanna had a poor marriage. Don loved hard work. He was well respected for the business he started. Joanna was insecure. She loved Don’s attention and the gifts he showered upon her. She loved planning parties for people from Don’s company. She was sometimes moody, but genuinely cared about Don. As the years passed by, Don found that Joanna was more involved with charities and projects and social media than she was with him. Joanna found that Don was wrapped up in growing his business. Some days they never talked. Their marriage became a convenience. Joanna liked the money. Don liked being a businessman. However, when middle age hit them, they didn’t see much value in their marriage.
Joanna found other pursuits and friendships that partially filled the hole left by the poor marriage. Don threw himself into his job, working long hours, but drinking too much. Joanna found comfort in expensive clothes and friendships. Don found comfort in alcohol. Then, he began to look for some joy outside his marriage and had multiple affairs. Joanna stayed in the marriage to keep her status and money. Don stayed in the marriage to look good to business partners. Both were living a lie, desiring worldly highs, sucked in by alcohol or spending sprees, filling their empty lives with empty pursuits. Their souls hungered for true love and meaning. They replaced their empty souls with all the wrong worldly, fleshly desires that would never bring them true happiness.
What happened to Don and Joanna can happen to you. In response to the feelings of loneliness, lost love, death, pain, suffering, or boredom, you might listen to the fleshly desires of your mind and heart. These will try to fill the loss with things, pills, alcohol, cheap thrills, sexual highs, food, and so much more. For example, when you feel lonely, you might eat to compensate. How can eating fill your empty heart? Yet, that’s what your body seems to desire. All the food in the world cannot fill a lonely heart. Still, you do it. It will never work. That’s the problem with desires of the flesh. They can never fill a hurting heart or soul. They might make you feel good for a few minutes or hours or days, but their desires can never replace a healthy relationship with God or the true love of a faithful spouse.
Our scripture for today is straightforward and honest. It reminds you that bodily desires are “opposed to the Spirit”. Its lusts can never satisfy the hurting heart or thirsty soul. Spirit and flesh are “in opposition to each other” (Galatians 5:17). They each speak to you today, every day. You must feed your body, but you can’t worship it. You need to nourish your spiritual life and soul, but you will need to have a job and make a living. You can never let your fleshly desires control you, otherwise sin and suffering and death of some sort will result. You need to nourish your spiritual side. God’s Spirit will want you to shy away from filling your life with empty pursuits and selfish living.
Body and soul each serve their purpose in this life. The base cravings of your body and mind will get you to desire things you shouldn’t have. The only remedy to a life filled with empty desires is a soul that is filled with God’s Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps you to separate what your body craves from what your body needs. It will separate out for you what is good for the body and what is good for the soul. Do you ever succumb to cravings of your body or mind in a sinful way? Let God’s Spirit temper those cravings and fill your life with peace, goodness, love and so much more. Nourish the body, but don’t let it control you. Nourish your soul with God’s Spirit, and let God bring peace to your body, mind, and spirit.
Don and Joanna had a poor marriage. Don loved hard work. He was well respected for the business he started. Joanna was insecure. She loved Don’s attention and the gifts he showered upon her. She loved planning parties for people from Don’s company. She was sometimes moody, but genuinely cared about Don. As the years passed by, Don found that Joanna was more involved with charities and projects and social media than she was with him. Joanna found that Don was wrapped up in growing his business. Some days they never talked. Their marriage became a convenience. Joanna liked the money. Don liked being a businessman. However, when middle age hit them, they didn’t see much value in their marriage.
Joanna found other pursuits and friendships that partially filled the hole left by the poor marriage. Don threw himself into his job, working long hours, but drinking too much. Joanna found comfort in expensive clothes and friendships. Don found comfort in alcohol. Then, he began to look for some joy outside his marriage and had multiple affairs. Joanna stayed in the marriage to keep her status and money. Don stayed in the marriage to look good to business partners. Both were living a lie, desiring worldly highs, sucked in by alcohol or spending sprees, filling their empty lives with empty pursuits. Their souls hungered for true love and meaning. They replaced their empty souls with all the wrong worldly, fleshly desires that would never bring them true happiness.
What happened to Don and Joanna can happen to you. In response to the feelings of loneliness, lost love, death, pain, suffering, or boredom, you might listen to the fleshly desires of your mind and heart. These will try to fill the loss with things, pills, alcohol, cheap thrills, sexual highs, food, and so much more. For example, when you feel lonely, you might eat to compensate. How can eating fill your empty heart? Yet, that’s what your body seems to desire. All the food in the world cannot fill a lonely heart. Still, you do it. It will never work. That’s the problem with desires of the flesh. They can never fill a hurting heart or soul. They might make you feel good for a few minutes or hours or days, but their desires can never replace a healthy relationship with God or the true love of a faithful spouse.
Our scripture for today is straightforward and honest. It reminds you that bodily desires are “opposed to the Spirit”. Its lusts can never satisfy the hurting heart or thirsty soul. Spirit and flesh are “in opposition to each other” (Galatians 5:17). They each speak to you today, every day. You must feed your body, but you can’t worship it. You need to nourish your spiritual life and soul, but you will need to have a job and make a living. You can never let your fleshly desires control you, otherwise sin and suffering and death of some sort will result. You need to nourish your spiritual side. God’s Spirit will want you to shy away from filling your life with empty pursuits and selfish living.
Body and soul each serve their purpose in this life. The base cravings of your body and mind will get you to desire things you shouldn’t have. The only remedy to a life filled with empty desires is a soul that is filled with God’s Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps you to separate what your body craves from what your body needs. It will separate out for you what is good for the body and what is good for the soul. Do you ever succumb to cravings of your body or mind in a sinful way? Let God’s Spirit temper those cravings and fill your life with peace, goodness, love and so much more. Nourish the body, but don’t let it control you. Nourish your soul with God’s Spirit, and let God bring peace to your body, mind, and spirit.
June 30
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7, NIV)
Three men were marooned on a desert island. As the days slowly went by, they dreamed of what it would be like to be at home with their friends and family, to be back at their jobs doing the things they loved. One day one of the men found a bottle that contained a genie. He opened the bottle and the genie announced that he would grant each of them one wish.
One of the men said, "Boy, I want to be back in Seattle with my wife and kids." POOF--he was gone.
The second man immediately said, “I want to be back in Portland with my fiancé" and again in a flash he was gone.
The third man was left all alone sitting on the sandy beach. He said, "Boy, it really is lonely with my friends gone. I sure wish they were back here with me again.
And POOF! -- (I’m sure you know what happened next!)
There’s an old saying: “Be careful what you wish for. You might just get it and be very sorry you did.” You may think you know what would be best in a situation, but that may not always be the case. You might think you understand what needs to be done or who needs to do what, but you are fallible. What you think, wish for, your needs, your wants, your desires, and so much more can be off-base. What you wish for might prove to be your undoing. What you desire might hurt those you love. What you long for might be bad for you.
When Jesus was teaching His disciples, he told them: “… ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7b). In this verse, Jesus sounds like a genie in a bottle who is offering you three wishes for anything your heart desires. Many readers of the Bible read these words and get all kinds of ideas in their heads about their wishes coming true! But, they ignore the first half of this verse. There, Jesus explained that he would gladly fulfill the wishes of the faithful “IF YOU REMAIN IN ME AND MY WORDS REMAIN IN YOU” (John 15:7a). This conditional statement by Jesus meant that God is not one who just gives you whatever you want and wish for. Instead, when you ask for a true need in faith, God will grant what you need. God will come through. God doesn’t just give you whatever you ask for. When your wish is offered with a right heart, God grants your wish. God may not grant every wish in the manner expected, but God will grant the faithful person the necessary desires of his or her heart.
I met a man who lost his wife. He was miserable. He went to work and came home to his empty house and just felt kind of lost. As I counseled him, I asked him what he wanted God to do for him at this period of his life. What would make him happy? He responded that God couldn’t help him. He said he wanted a loving home to come to when he finished work, not a cold and empty house. I talked about his making some changes in his life that we both felt God desired. He kept on with counseling. Time passed.
Today, his house is full of love. He married a woman who lost her husband. She moved in with her two dogs. Every few days, her kids stop by. They also babysit the grand-kids often. The man thought his life was over, but asked God to fill his home with love. He asked in true faith. He didn’t even think God would answer his wish the way it happened. He honestly did not want to remarry, but God knew better.
Be careful when you ask God for things you really need. When you ask for them in true faith, you never know how God might answer those petitions. Also, don’t put time limits on God to fulfill the desires of your heart. It might be that God knows better what you need than you do! AND, some things take time for God to work His miracles!
But, please, don’t forget to “ask God for whatever you wish” (John 15:7b). If you ask with a faithful heart, God will come through. And, you might be amazed by what God does with your wish!
One of the men said, "Boy, I want to be back in Seattle with my wife and kids." POOF--he was gone.
The second man immediately said, “I want to be back in Portland with my fiancé" and again in a flash he was gone.
The third man was left all alone sitting on the sandy beach. He said, "Boy, it really is lonely with my friends gone. I sure wish they were back here with me again.
And POOF! -- (I’m sure you know what happened next!)
There’s an old saying: “Be careful what you wish for. You might just get it and be very sorry you did.” You may think you know what would be best in a situation, but that may not always be the case. You might think you understand what needs to be done or who needs to do what, but you are fallible. What you think, wish for, your needs, your wants, your desires, and so much more can be off-base. What you wish for might prove to be your undoing. What you desire might hurt those you love. What you long for might be bad for you.
When Jesus was teaching His disciples, he told them: “… ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7b). In this verse, Jesus sounds like a genie in a bottle who is offering you three wishes for anything your heart desires. Many readers of the Bible read these words and get all kinds of ideas in their heads about their wishes coming true! But, they ignore the first half of this verse. There, Jesus explained that he would gladly fulfill the wishes of the faithful “IF YOU REMAIN IN ME AND MY WORDS REMAIN IN YOU” (John 15:7a). This conditional statement by Jesus meant that God is not one who just gives you whatever you want and wish for. Instead, when you ask for a true need in faith, God will grant what you need. God will come through. God doesn’t just give you whatever you ask for. When your wish is offered with a right heart, God grants your wish. God may not grant every wish in the manner expected, but God will grant the faithful person the necessary desires of his or her heart.
I met a man who lost his wife. He was miserable. He went to work and came home to his empty house and just felt kind of lost. As I counseled him, I asked him what he wanted God to do for him at this period of his life. What would make him happy? He responded that God couldn’t help him. He said he wanted a loving home to come to when he finished work, not a cold and empty house. I talked about his making some changes in his life that we both felt God desired. He kept on with counseling. Time passed.
Today, his house is full of love. He married a woman who lost her husband. She moved in with her two dogs. Every few days, her kids stop by. They also babysit the grand-kids often. The man thought his life was over, but asked God to fill his home with love. He asked in true faith. He didn’t even think God would answer his wish the way it happened. He honestly did not want to remarry, but God knew better.
Be careful when you ask God for things you really need. When you ask for them in true faith, you never know how God might answer those petitions. Also, don’t put time limits on God to fulfill the desires of your heart. It might be that God knows better what you need than you do! AND, some things take time for God to work His miracles!
But, please, don’t forget to “ask God for whatever you wish” (John 15:7b). If you ask with a faithful heart, God will come through. And, you might be amazed by what God does with your wish!