June 2
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:7, ESV)
The Hebrew word for “trust” used in the verse above means “reliable, faithful, with confidence”. Throughout the Bible, the word is often used to convey the idea that God is reliable, trust-worthy, and will come through. However, despite the clear evidence we have in scripture that you can place your trust in God, the same cannot be said of humankind. Humans tend to lack trustworthiness, but often cannot be trusted to follow through or remain faithful.
James Brown wrote the following in “Discoveries”… “There is no situation I can get into that God cannot get me out. Some years ago, when I was learning to fly, my instructor told me to put the plane into a steep and extended dive. I was totally unprepared for what was about to happen. After a brief time, the engine stalled, and the plane began to plunge out-of-control. It soon became evident that the instructor was not going to help me at all. After a few seconds, which seemed like eternity, my mind began to function again. I quickly corrected the situation.
Immediately I turned to the instructor and began to vent my fearful frustrations on him. He very calmly said to me, "There is no position you can get this airplane into that I cannot get you out of. If you want to learn to fly, go up there and do it again." At that moment God seemed to be saying to me, "Remember this. As you serve Me, there is no situation you can get yourself into that I cannot get you out of. If you trust me, you will be all right." That lesson has been proven true in my ministry many times over the years.” (Fall 1992, Vol 2, No. 4)
James Brown had to learn to trust his flight instructor. Only by being put in difficult situations did Brown discover how much he needed to learn from his mentor. In the same way, you may find yourself in difficult situations. During those times, God will want you to trust Him to work it through. God is faithful and trustworthy. God can find ways to overcome any situation you put to Him. Even death is not something God cannot overcome. That’s why HE created Heaven!
The scripture for today urges you to “trust in the Lord”. The scripture causes the person who places trust in the Lord as “blessed”. Your life will become blessed if you put your faith in God, trusting in God’s strength and providence. If you put your faith in people or money or worldly goals, these are liable to fail you. God will not. God is a rock upon which you can build your faith and trust. God is THE only sure thing in this world. You can lean on HIM.
The problem with many people in our world is that we have a hard time leaning upon God. Humans have a hard time trusting their future and fate to a divine being that is sometimes not powerfully present and cannot be manipulated. That’s where faith comes in. Do you have the faith to trust in God when in a difficult situation? Do you only put your trust in God when everything else fails you? According to today’s scripture, blessing doesn’t necessarily come from putting your trust in things of this world. Blessing comes when you fully and completely put your trust in God.
In my first church, there was a man who was going through some real challenges in his life. He was a lifelong member of that church and a constant presence in worship. While feeling the heat from a number of mistakes and problems in his life, he began to question himself. Soon, he was having troubles with his faith. The difficulties were shaking up everything he believed in. After sharing his issues with me, I felt the need to ask him a question when nobody could overhear. I asked him, “How much do you trust God today?”
He looked up to the sky and said, “75 percent.” I smiled and said, “Only 75%?”
A week later, I asked again, “How much do you trust God today?”
He responded, “About 47%”. I smiled and said, “God gets only a 47%?”
After doing this for five or six times over a month or so, he began to question why his trust in God never hit 100%. I could tell it bothered him. I knew him well enough to see him reevaluating his relationship with God. Two months later, when I asked him another time how much he trusted God, he said, “100%”. I got the same answer a few more times before I stopped asking. He had chosen to believe in God with his whole heart. He didn’t need me to remind him.
You are going to have to choose how much you trust in the Lord. You might find that your life isn’t blessed by God until you are ready to commit your trust fully to the Lord (Jeremiah 17:7). God knows if the trust isn’t there or it is wavering. God wants to bless you. But can God bless you if you aren’t entirely trustworthy? Can God bless you if you rely more on your own power and decisions and friendships and less on God's direction and plan?
How much do you trust God today?
James Brown wrote the following in “Discoveries”… “There is no situation I can get into that God cannot get me out. Some years ago, when I was learning to fly, my instructor told me to put the plane into a steep and extended dive. I was totally unprepared for what was about to happen. After a brief time, the engine stalled, and the plane began to plunge out-of-control. It soon became evident that the instructor was not going to help me at all. After a few seconds, which seemed like eternity, my mind began to function again. I quickly corrected the situation.
Immediately I turned to the instructor and began to vent my fearful frustrations on him. He very calmly said to me, "There is no position you can get this airplane into that I cannot get you out of. If you want to learn to fly, go up there and do it again." At that moment God seemed to be saying to me, "Remember this. As you serve Me, there is no situation you can get yourself into that I cannot get you out of. If you trust me, you will be all right." That lesson has been proven true in my ministry many times over the years.” (Fall 1992, Vol 2, No. 4)
James Brown had to learn to trust his flight instructor. Only by being put in difficult situations did Brown discover how much he needed to learn from his mentor. In the same way, you may find yourself in difficult situations. During those times, God will want you to trust Him to work it through. God is faithful and trustworthy. God can find ways to overcome any situation you put to Him. Even death is not something God cannot overcome. That’s why HE created Heaven!
The scripture for today urges you to “trust in the Lord”. The scripture causes the person who places trust in the Lord as “blessed”. Your life will become blessed if you put your faith in God, trusting in God’s strength and providence. If you put your faith in people or money or worldly goals, these are liable to fail you. God will not. God is a rock upon which you can build your faith and trust. God is THE only sure thing in this world. You can lean on HIM.
The problem with many people in our world is that we have a hard time leaning upon God. Humans have a hard time trusting their future and fate to a divine being that is sometimes not powerfully present and cannot be manipulated. That’s where faith comes in. Do you have the faith to trust in God when in a difficult situation? Do you only put your trust in God when everything else fails you? According to today’s scripture, blessing doesn’t necessarily come from putting your trust in things of this world. Blessing comes when you fully and completely put your trust in God.
In my first church, there was a man who was going through some real challenges in his life. He was a lifelong member of that church and a constant presence in worship. While feeling the heat from a number of mistakes and problems in his life, he began to question himself. Soon, he was having troubles with his faith. The difficulties were shaking up everything he believed in. After sharing his issues with me, I felt the need to ask him a question when nobody could overhear. I asked him, “How much do you trust God today?”
He looked up to the sky and said, “75 percent.” I smiled and said, “Only 75%?”
A week later, I asked again, “How much do you trust God today?”
He responded, “About 47%”. I smiled and said, “God gets only a 47%?”
After doing this for five or six times over a month or so, he began to question why his trust in God never hit 100%. I could tell it bothered him. I knew him well enough to see him reevaluating his relationship with God. Two months later, when I asked him another time how much he trusted God, he said, “100%”. I got the same answer a few more times before I stopped asking. He had chosen to believe in God with his whole heart. He didn’t need me to remind him.
You are going to have to choose how much you trust in the Lord. You might find that your life isn’t blessed by God until you are ready to commit your trust fully to the Lord (Jeremiah 17:7). God knows if the trust isn’t there or it is wavering. God wants to bless you. But can God bless you if you aren’t entirely trustworthy? Can God bless you if you rely more on your own power and decisions and friendships and less on God's direction and plan?
How much do you trust God today?
June 4
“And you, do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them …”” (Jeremiah 45:5, NRSV)
The words above were spoken by God through the prophet Jeremiah to Baruch. God was not pleased at faithful Baruch. When Baruch discovered that God had pronounced judgment upon faithless Israel, he grew upset that in the coming judgment his personal ambitions would have to be sacrificed. Working many hours in service to God, Baruch had hoped for a better life for himself. In the years ahead, God did watch over his life (Jeremiah 45:5b), but God was displeased that Baruch thought of his own glory at such a crucial time in the history of Israel. God advised him not to “seek great things” for himself.
It is not uncommon for people to “seek great things for themselves”. Many are filled with ambition, jealousy, envy, vindictiveness, vengeance, and many other selfish thoughts and dreams. Are you numbered among them? Baruch was chastised by God for his self-interest. God is always desiring His people to be less ego-centric and more faithful. God blesses those who aren’t materialistic. God rejects those who are self-interested. However, the world today is different. It lauds selfishness. It applauds materialism. It praises those who look out for themselves. Which side does your heart rest with today? Are you self-absorbed and materialistic or faithful and God-centered?
A lawyer in a small town looked back on his first ten years of work. He didn’t see a lot of money in his bank account. He lived in a modest home. Life wasn’t easy. He thought about moving to a bigger city where he could make more money. Instead, he realized that in his small town, he was only one of two lawyers. So, he bought out the business of the other lawyer and made a few changes. Desiring to “get his due”, the lawyer increased his fees greatly. He charged high prices for his service. He started to dress up more and do less work. He was rolling in the dough. People had to go twenty miles away to find another lawyer, and that lawyer didn’t have near the credentials.
After a few years, the lawyer noticed something about his neighbors. They didn’t talk to him any longer. Thinking back a few years, he couldn't remember a single person smiling in greeting him. The lawyer may be much wealthier, but he was despised in his hometown. He had no friends. Even when he ate in a restaurant, nobody greeted him or wished him well. Greed had driven people away. Disgust at his machinations had resulted in social isolation. It didn’t take him long to realize that he may have gotten what he wanted, but it cost him dearly in many other ways.
It may be dangerous “to seek great things for yourself”. When you become self-important, self-absorbed, or selfishly arrogant, you will find your life consumed by the wrong values and ideals. Material possessions will start to possess you. Life will become less meaningful. God will be replaced by other “things”. The more self-concerned you become, the less you will find joy and peace. Spiritually, you will become stagnant and isolated. It won’t take long for you to lose your connection with God.
Baruch, a man who knew God well, made the mistake of seeking great things for himself. You’d think a “holy man”, close to the prophet Jeremiah and respected for his spiritual leadership, would not make this selfish mistake. However, nobody is free from the danger of selfishness. We all struggle with it. Selfishness is a spiritual killer. It will damage your soul and wreck your values. It’s a temptation you will have to quell.
I have found that one of the best ways to become less self-centered is to enjoy helping those in need. Doing mission work may open your eyes to what is most important in life. It can reset your values and reform your opinions. It can open your soul up to new spiritual opportunities when done right. However, it can be done wrong. I’ve met people who used their mission work as an ego boost. I’ve witnessed people who volunteer at Thrift Stores steal from the store. There are pastors who love to hear themselves talk. There are missionaries who form their own little kingdoms. Don’t fall into these traps. Keep God first in your life. Don’t let visions of your own greatness get in the way of a deep relationship with God. You will regret it.
It is not uncommon for people to “seek great things for themselves”. Many are filled with ambition, jealousy, envy, vindictiveness, vengeance, and many other selfish thoughts and dreams. Are you numbered among them? Baruch was chastised by God for his self-interest. God is always desiring His people to be less ego-centric and more faithful. God blesses those who aren’t materialistic. God rejects those who are self-interested. However, the world today is different. It lauds selfishness. It applauds materialism. It praises those who look out for themselves. Which side does your heart rest with today? Are you self-absorbed and materialistic or faithful and God-centered?
A lawyer in a small town looked back on his first ten years of work. He didn’t see a lot of money in his bank account. He lived in a modest home. Life wasn’t easy. He thought about moving to a bigger city where he could make more money. Instead, he realized that in his small town, he was only one of two lawyers. So, he bought out the business of the other lawyer and made a few changes. Desiring to “get his due”, the lawyer increased his fees greatly. He charged high prices for his service. He started to dress up more and do less work. He was rolling in the dough. People had to go twenty miles away to find another lawyer, and that lawyer didn’t have near the credentials.
After a few years, the lawyer noticed something about his neighbors. They didn’t talk to him any longer. Thinking back a few years, he couldn't remember a single person smiling in greeting him. The lawyer may be much wealthier, but he was despised in his hometown. He had no friends. Even when he ate in a restaurant, nobody greeted him or wished him well. Greed had driven people away. Disgust at his machinations had resulted in social isolation. It didn’t take him long to realize that he may have gotten what he wanted, but it cost him dearly in many other ways.
It may be dangerous “to seek great things for yourself”. When you become self-important, self-absorbed, or selfishly arrogant, you will find your life consumed by the wrong values and ideals. Material possessions will start to possess you. Life will become less meaningful. God will be replaced by other “things”. The more self-concerned you become, the less you will find joy and peace. Spiritually, you will become stagnant and isolated. It won’t take long for you to lose your connection with God.
Baruch, a man who knew God well, made the mistake of seeking great things for himself. You’d think a “holy man”, close to the prophet Jeremiah and respected for his spiritual leadership, would not make this selfish mistake. However, nobody is free from the danger of selfishness. We all struggle with it. Selfishness is a spiritual killer. It will damage your soul and wreck your values. It’s a temptation you will have to quell.
I have found that one of the best ways to become less self-centered is to enjoy helping those in need. Doing mission work may open your eyes to what is most important in life. It can reset your values and reform your opinions. It can open your soul up to new spiritual opportunities when done right. However, it can be done wrong. I’ve met people who used their mission work as an ego boost. I’ve witnessed people who volunteer at Thrift Stores steal from the store. There are pastors who love to hear themselves talk. There are missionaries who form their own little kingdoms. Don’t fall into these traps. Keep God first in your life. Don’t let visions of your own greatness get in the way of a deep relationship with God. You will regret it.
June 6
“Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.” (1 Corinthians 13:4–6, RSV)
In the scripture above, we are told what love is and what it is not. First, please note that the Greek language has at least three words for love, whereas the English language has only the word “love”. Here in these verses, we are reintroduced to “agape” love. This is the Greek word which means a holy love, a spiritual love. It is not an erotic love, like between lovers. It is not a brotherly love, like between siblings. It is the kind of love that one might have for God or for a person with whom you have a deep spiritual connection.
Explained clearly in the verses above, a godly type of love “is patient and kind”. Thereafter in the scripture, is a list of what true godly love is not. It is not “arrogant” (haughty), “rude”, “insistent on its own way” (selfish), “irritable”, or “resentful”. It does not “rejoice at the wrong”. Then, the list ends by explaining that godly love “rejoices in what is right”. The apostle Paul, who wrote these verses, wanted to clearly define godly love. By understanding "agape-love" as presented in these verses, the reader can separate out true godly love from its counterfeits in his or her life. In our world, there are people who have become good at faking godly love. They may do it to manipulate you. They may do it to appear righteous or holy. They may do it as a habit or with ulterior motives. God desires to keep godly types of love pure and undefiled. God wants you to show love in a holy manner. Don’t let yourself get caught up in fake alternatives.
Darlene was a leader of her women’s group at her church. She had been so for years. Her family was very active in all aspects of church life. On the surface, it seemed as if Darlene had a good and faithful upbringing and family life. However, Darlene had ulterior motives for her actions. Though a leader, she often used her position to get her way. She enjoyed her power a little too much. She used her influence to silence those she didn’t like. While smiling, you could spy a coldness in her eyes. Though Darlene was a Christian, she did not act like it. Contrary to the scripture’s view of godly love, Darlene often “insisted on her own way”. She resented those who failed her. She grew irritable when a project fell behind or made her look incompetent. Her friends in the church knew to walk on her good side. They knew that her resentment and jealousy could wreck a reputation or cause a person to leave the church. Darlene may have claimed to be a Christian and worshiped every week, but she did not have a true, Biblical, godly love as defined in this scripture. Darlene didn’t realize it (I think), but her lack of godly love was frequently used for evil means. Her fake faithfulness went against God and has caused her to be deeply resentful, with an angry and vengeful soul. I have found that people like Darlene are “church-killers”. They destroy budding spiritual life. They wreak havoc in any church where they attend. Every pastor has met a Darlene. They are the worst kind of person. Lacking godly love, they generate feelings in the church like resentfulness, political ambition, jealousy, envy, vengefulness, and other deadly sins.
When Paul wrote the words above in a letter to the budding Corinthian church, he saw great potential among the faithful there. At the same time, he also saw a rising danger. Just as godly love can be real or faked, a church like Corinth can be filled with real and fake Christians. It can have real or fake worship. Followers may have real or fake devotion. Leaders might teach real or fake understandings for God. To combat some serious issues in that church in Corinth, Paul wanted the people to be able to separate out real and fake godly love. It would help them to recognize true devotion to God from those who would cheapen and denigrate what is holy to God. When you don’t practice or don’t recognize true godly love, it usually damages your spiritual life given enough time.
Is there some amount of fake godly love in you? Purge it, by replacing it with a true and real godly love. Are those who practice fake godly love in your church or in your life? Realize it for what it is. Be wary of those who fake godly love. Watch for the signs of false love, such as “jealousy” and “arrogance”, resentfulness and selfishness. Keep true godly love ever in your heart and soul. Be patient with those who have lost their way. Be kind to those who need mercy or grace. Trust in these words of scripture for today, meant to keep your faith pure and undefiled.
True godly love often has benefits which will change lives for good and direct people toward God. Fake love always leads to destruction, not only in the person but in all those lives tainted by it.
Today, have you been patient and kind, rejoicing in the right? Or has a part of you been jealous and boastful, arrogant or rude? Have you insisted on getting your own way? Do you resent something? How might you practice a pure, godly love today?
Explained clearly in the verses above, a godly type of love “is patient and kind”. Thereafter in the scripture, is a list of what true godly love is not. It is not “arrogant” (haughty), “rude”, “insistent on its own way” (selfish), “irritable”, or “resentful”. It does not “rejoice at the wrong”. Then, the list ends by explaining that godly love “rejoices in what is right”. The apostle Paul, who wrote these verses, wanted to clearly define godly love. By understanding "agape-love" as presented in these verses, the reader can separate out true godly love from its counterfeits in his or her life. In our world, there are people who have become good at faking godly love. They may do it to manipulate you. They may do it to appear righteous or holy. They may do it as a habit or with ulterior motives. God desires to keep godly types of love pure and undefiled. God wants you to show love in a holy manner. Don’t let yourself get caught up in fake alternatives.
Darlene was a leader of her women’s group at her church. She had been so for years. Her family was very active in all aspects of church life. On the surface, it seemed as if Darlene had a good and faithful upbringing and family life. However, Darlene had ulterior motives for her actions. Though a leader, she often used her position to get her way. She enjoyed her power a little too much. She used her influence to silence those she didn’t like. While smiling, you could spy a coldness in her eyes. Though Darlene was a Christian, she did not act like it. Contrary to the scripture’s view of godly love, Darlene often “insisted on her own way”. She resented those who failed her. She grew irritable when a project fell behind or made her look incompetent. Her friends in the church knew to walk on her good side. They knew that her resentment and jealousy could wreck a reputation or cause a person to leave the church. Darlene may have claimed to be a Christian and worshiped every week, but she did not have a true, Biblical, godly love as defined in this scripture. Darlene didn’t realize it (I think), but her lack of godly love was frequently used for evil means. Her fake faithfulness went against God and has caused her to be deeply resentful, with an angry and vengeful soul. I have found that people like Darlene are “church-killers”. They destroy budding spiritual life. They wreak havoc in any church where they attend. Every pastor has met a Darlene. They are the worst kind of person. Lacking godly love, they generate feelings in the church like resentfulness, political ambition, jealousy, envy, vengefulness, and other deadly sins.
When Paul wrote the words above in a letter to the budding Corinthian church, he saw great potential among the faithful there. At the same time, he also saw a rising danger. Just as godly love can be real or faked, a church like Corinth can be filled with real and fake Christians. It can have real or fake worship. Followers may have real or fake devotion. Leaders might teach real or fake understandings for God. To combat some serious issues in that church in Corinth, Paul wanted the people to be able to separate out real and fake godly love. It would help them to recognize true devotion to God from those who would cheapen and denigrate what is holy to God. When you don’t practice or don’t recognize true godly love, it usually damages your spiritual life given enough time.
Is there some amount of fake godly love in you? Purge it, by replacing it with a true and real godly love. Are those who practice fake godly love in your church or in your life? Realize it for what it is. Be wary of those who fake godly love. Watch for the signs of false love, such as “jealousy” and “arrogance”, resentfulness and selfishness. Keep true godly love ever in your heart and soul. Be patient with those who have lost their way. Be kind to those who need mercy or grace. Trust in these words of scripture for today, meant to keep your faith pure and undefiled.
True godly love often has benefits which will change lives for good and direct people toward God. Fake love always leads to destruction, not only in the person but in all those lives tainted by it.
Today, have you been patient and kind, rejoicing in the right? Or has a part of you been jealous and boastful, arrogant or rude? Have you insisted on getting your own way? Do you resent something? How might you practice a pure, godly love today?
June 9
“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:5, NLT)
Romans 5:5 speaks of a “hope that does not lead to disappointment”. From the preceding three verses, you may deduce that the hope expounded upon in this verse above is based on a faith that leads to salvation. It is a faith that is built stronger through suffering, character building, and endurance. It is a hope that relies upon God first and foremost. Romans 12:12 tells us to rejoice in this kind of hope. The very same verse urges followers of Christ to build this kind of hope up with prayer, especially when facing persecution. 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that true godly hope is powerful in a faithful person. It is nearly as important as faith or love. If you are truly saved in heart and soul, the hope that believes in God can sustain you when others desire only to give up or hide.
“As Vice President, George Bush represented the U.S. at the funeral of former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. Bush was deeply moved by a silent protest carried out by Brezhnev's widow. She stood motionless by the coffin until seconds before it was closed. Then, just as the soldiers touched the lid, Brezhnev's wife performed an act of great courage and hope, a gesture that must surely rank as one of the most profound acts of civil disobedience ever committed: She reached down and made the sign of the cross on her husband's chest.
There in the citadel of secular, atheistic power, the wife of the man who had run it all hoped that her husband was wrong. She hoped that there was another life, and that that life was best represented by Jesus who died on the cross, and that the same Jesus might yet have mercy on her husband.” (Gary Thomas, “Christianity Today”, October 3, 1994, p. 26)
A faithful hope in God does not give up in the knowledge that there are many ways for God to come through. When you are saved, a hope in the power of God will define you. It will fill you with meaning when others feel empty inside. It will sustain you. That kind of hope will lead you to see beyond your own frailty to the power of God beyond yourself. You won’t be afraid where others wilt and cower. You will have doubts or fears, but your hope in God will prove stronger given time.
On April 19, 1913, the mayor of Southampton in England commemorated a memorial placed in the library of the city. The memorial was to honor the musicians who played while the Titanic sank in April of 1912. The musicians played their instruments while passengers were ushered to the lifeboats. The musicians didn’t seek the lifeboats for themselves, knowing that there were was not even enough room in the life boats for all the women and children on board. They were resigned to their fate to drown in the ice-cold Atlantic Ocean. None of the musicians survived the sinking of the Titanic. Only three of the bodies of the eight musicians were ever recovered.
Though these eight men were resigned to their fate, that does not mean they died without hope. In fact, many people believe that the men held out hope in God and eternal life to the end. It is well known that one of the songs they played that night was “Nearer my God to Thee”. The words from the second verse of that song are not well known, but they were known by those musicians. The second verse states: “At the moment of death, my strength is from Heaven. God helps. Nothing should be feared. For ever.” Do you think it is coincidence that these well-taught musicians chose this song? I don’t think so. They may have died tragic deaths, but their hope in God lives on.
When you are a true Christian, a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, desire a hope doesn’t disappoint. It doesn’t matter what may happen to you, God will come through. Even if death were to overtake you on the Atlantic Ocean, it is only a short step to God’s arms in Heaven. There is nothing in life or death that can keep you from the love of God (Romans 8:37-39). No matter how difficult your predicament, hope in the Lord God. Just as Jesus was saved from the tomb, you can be saved in many ways by the all-powerful God of this universe. Seek answers from God when you need them. Trust in God’s grace when you fail. Look to God’s Word for comfort in times of trial. Rest securely in the providence of your Loving and Eternal Heavenly Father.
“As Vice President, George Bush represented the U.S. at the funeral of former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. Bush was deeply moved by a silent protest carried out by Brezhnev's widow. She stood motionless by the coffin until seconds before it was closed. Then, just as the soldiers touched the lid, Brezhnev's wife performed an act of great courage and hope, a gesture that must surely rank as one of the most profound acts of civil disobedience ever committed: She reached down and made the sign of the cross on her husband's chest.
There in the citadel of secular, atheistic power, the wife of the man who had run it all hoped that her husband was wrong. She hoped that there was another life, and that that life was best represented by Jesus who died on the cross, and that the same Jesus might yet have mercy on her husband.” (Gary Thomas, “Christianity Today”, October 3, 1994, p. 26)
A faithful hope in God does not give up in the knowledge that there are many ways for God to come through. When you are saved, a hope in the power of God will define you. It will fill you with meaning when others feel empty inside. It will sustain you. That kind of hope will lead you to see beyond your own frailty to the power of God beyond yourself. You won’t be afraid where others wilt and cower. You will have doubts or fears, but your hope in God will prove stronger given time.
On April 19, 1913, the mayor of Southampton in England commemorated a memorial placed in the library of the city. The memorial was to honor the musicians who played while the Titanic sank in April of 1912. The musicians played their instruments while passengers were ushered to the lifeboats. The musicians didn’t seek the lifeboats for themselves, knowing that there were was not even enough room in the life boats for all the women and children on board. They were resigned to their fate to drown in the ice-cold Atlantic Ocean. None of the musicians survived the sinking of the Titanic. Only three of the bodies of the eight musicians were ever recovered.
Though these eight men were resigned to their fate, that does not mean they died without hope. In fact, many people believe that the men held out hope in God and eternal life to the end. It is well known that one of the songs they played that night was “Nearer my God to Thee”. The words from the second verse of that song are not well known, but they were known by those musicians. The second verse states: “At the moment of death, my strength is from Heaven. God helps. Nothing should be feared. For ever.” Do you think it is coincidence that these well-taught musicians chose this song? I don’t think so. They may have died tragic deaths, but their hope in God lives on.
When you are a true Christian, a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, desire a hope doesn’t disappoint. It doesn’t matter what may happen to you, God will come through. Even if death were to overtake you on the Atlantic Ocean, it is only a short step to God’s arms in Heaven. There is nothing in life or death that can keep you from the love of God (Romans 8:37-39). No matter how difficult your predicament, hope in the Lord God. Just as Jesus was saved from the tomb, you can be saved in many ways by the all-powerful God of this universe. Seek answers from God when you need them. Trust in God’s grace when you fail. Look to God’s Word for comfort in times of trial. Rest securely in the providence of your Loving and Eternal Heavenly Father.
June 11
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.” (Hebrews 10:19, NLT)
I have met Christians who think they deserve to be a leader in their congregation because they have been a church member for a long time. There are teachers who believe that they are called to teach in the church because they are good public-school teachers. Some Christians have the notion that they ought to feel comfortable in worship because they give regular offerings or have supported their church. They “deserve” their spot in the pews because of good hard work. There are visitors who feel they have the right to come into a sanctuary for a wedding and be entertained, because Christians are supposed to be nice. Sadly, all these notions are incorrect, every one of them. The reason you may enter a holy place with confidence is because “the blood of Jesus” has protected you. His sacrifice is the reason God the Father doesn’t take offense at your past wrongs, failed faith, hurtful thoughts, or reprehensible actions.
There have been times that sinful people have dared to enter God’s presence without respect for God, without being protected or forgiven. Ananias and Saphira died immediately (Acts 5). Moses even was fearful, until God approved his presence (Exodus 3:6). The Philistines won the Ark of the Covenant in battle, and dared to believe it was just a relic. After months of suffering and death, they returned it to Israel (1 Samuel 5). When you are not right before God, it is dangerous to admit yourself into God’s presence. When you are protected by the blood of Jesus, as a Christian you can dare come into God’s holy space. It is important you do this knowing that you need to be right with God as you enter. It is dangerous to do otherwise.
In our scripture for today, we are taught that faithful Christians may enter “heaven’s Most Holy Place” after death. We can do this because of the “blood of Jesus”. We can do it “boldly” (Hebrews 10:19). You do not need to fear meeting God face to face after you die IF the blood of Jesus protects you. When you place your full faith in Jesus Christ, His atoning sacrifice on the cross is your salvation. God has accepted you as family (Romans 8:23, 9:26). You can look forward to a future in Heaven. When the Holy Spirit lives in your heart and soul, it is God’s promise that you are a protected member of God’s Kingdom here on this earth (Ephesians 1:14). You can enter boldly into God’s presence.
A visitor walked into a church in Florida. The doors of the church were unlocked because of a wedding that was to occur in several hours. As people were scurrying about preparing for the wedding, this visitor walked into the sanctuary and sat down. He looked around at the worship space. He felt the awe of its holiness. He began to pray. David had been having a difficult time in his life. He decided he would do what his father did many times over the years before his death. He would sit in the sanctuary and pray. He felt called that day to go in and pray for a half hour. David felt he needed a good talk with God to cleanse his soul.
After a short while, the priest saw David in the pew. David's torn jeans and old t-shirt made him appear out of place with the rest of the wedding group. Thus recognizing he was a visitor and not part of the wedding party, the priest came over and asked what David was doing in the sanctuary. The priest was cautious of this visitor. When asked why he was there, David told the priest that he came to pray. The priest was not convinced that this visitor was not there to steal something or bother the guests. Just when he was going to ask the man to come back later, David told the priest that he wanted to pray just as his father had done many times in that very sanctuary. The priest inquired about David’s father. When David told the priest who his father was, the priest smiled and said, “Stay and pray as long as you wish. I knew your father before he died. You are always welcome to pray here!”
David was welcomed with open arms in that church, because he was willing to be there out of faith. He was warmly greeted because of his father’s many years of faithful prayer in that sanctuary.
When you come to God with a faithful and open heart, you too will be welcomed with open arms. God will see your faith as a sign of your willingness to be a part of the Kingdom. When you accept Christ and are filled with the Holy Spirit, you are joyfully received in God’s presence. You can feel safe and protected in holy places due to your true love and devotion toward God in Christ.
Beware of feeling self-righteous in the presence of God. That will result in God’s condemnation. Beware of thinking that your works or deeds in Jesus’ name gives you the justification to be in God’s presence. It is the blood of Jesus and your faithful response to Christ that gives you any right to be in holy places. You can never be holy enough to deserve a face-to-face meeting with God. However, Christ’s blood can protect you in ways you do not even understand. Jesus’ sacrifice redeems your faith. True faith in Jesus makes Heaven a home, eternal life with God a possibility, forgiveness and grace a sure hope.
There have been times that sinful people have dared to enter God’s presence without respect for God, without being protected or forgiven. Ananias and Saphira died immediately (Acts 5). Moses even was fearful, until God approved his presence (Exodus 3:6). The Philistines won the Ark of the Covenant in battle, and dared to believe it was just a relic. After months of suffering and death, they returned it to Israel (1 Samuel 5). When you are not right before God, it is dangerous to admit yourself into God’s presence. When you are protected by the blood of Jesus, as a Christian you can dare come into God’s holy space. It is important you do this knowing that you need to be right with God as you enter. It is dangerous to do otherwise.
In our scripture for today, we are taught that faithful Christians may enter “heaven’s Most Holy Place” after death. We can do this because of the “blood of Jesus”. We can do it “boldly” (Hebrews 10:19). You do not need to fear meeting God face to face after you die IF the blood of Jesus protects you. When you place your full faith in Jesus Christ, His atoning sacrifice on the cross is your salvation. God has accepted you as family (Romans 8:23, 9:26). You can look forward to a future in Heaven. When the Holy Spirit lives in your heart and soul, it is God’s promise that you are a protected member of God’s Kingdom here on this earth (Ephesians 1:14). You can enter boldly into God’s presence.
A visitor walked into a church in Florida. The doors of the church were unlocked because of a wedding that was to occur in several hours. As people were scurrying about preparing for the wedding, this visitor walked into the sanctuary and sat down. He looked around at the worship space. He felt the awe of its holiness. He began to pray. David had been having a difficult time in his life. He decided he would do what his father did many times over the years before his death. He would sit in the sanctuary and pray. He felt called that day to go in and pray for a half hour. David felt he needed a good talk with God to cleanse his soul.
After a short while, the priest saw David in the pew. David's torn jeans and old t-shirt made him appear out of place with the rest of the wedding group. Thus recognizing he was a visitor and not part of the wedding party, the priest came over and asked what David was doing in the sanctuary. The priest was cautious of this visitor. When asked why he was there, David told the priest that he came to pray. The priest was not convinced that this visitor was not there to steal something or bother the guests. Just when he was going to ask the man to come back later, David told the priest that he wanted to pray just as his father had done many times in that very sanctuary. The priest inquired about David’s father. When David told the priest who his father was, the priest smiled and said, “Stay and pray as long as you wish. I knew your father before he died. You are always welcome to pray here!”
David was welcomed with open arms in that church, because he was willing to be there out of faith. He was warmly greeted because of his father’s many years of faithful prayer in that sanctuary.
When you come to God with a faithful and open heart, you too will be welcomed with open arms. God will see your faith as a sign of your willingness to be a part of the Kingdom. When you accept Christ and are filled with the Holy Spirit, you are joyfully received in God’s presence. You can feel safe and protected in holy places due to your true love and devotion toward God in Christ.
Beware of feeling self-righteous in the presence of God. That will result in God’s condemnation. Beware of thinking that your works or deeds in Jesus’ name gives you the justification to be in God’s presence. It is the blood of Jesus and your faithful response to Christ that gives you any right to be in holy places. You can never be holy enough to deserve a face-to-face meeting with God. However, Christ’s blood can protect you in ways you do not even understand. Jesus’ sacrifice redeems your faith. True faith in Jesus makes Heaven a home, eternal life with God a possibility, forgiveness and grace a sure hope.
June 13
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4, RSV)
After being called to a new church, Pastor Tim moved his family and belongings two states away, settling in the parsonage. Then, the unpacking began. He and his wife had to find the children a new school, transfer school records, and get the kids ready for the upcoming semester. There were so many other details to handle, from change of address notifications to finding a new doctor. Despite the many details, the pastor was excited to get to work. He was hopeful at the new opportunities that God would lay before him. He had dreamed of the possibilities in this new ministry. However, what Pastor Tim found at church that first Sunday was quite a contrast.
Upon entering the church early for Sunday morning worship, Pastor Tim noticed a car in the parking lot. After Pastor Tim unlocked the doors to the church, a man shuffled in. He trudged silently into the sanctuary, never speaking to his new Pastor. When Pastor Tim tried to engage the elderly man in conversation, he was met with grunts and averted eyes. The man’s whole demeanor looked negative. The man sat in the back pew, set aside his cane, and didn’t move for the next two hours. Throughout the whole time, Pastor Tim noticed that he didn’t talk to anyone, nor even stand for the hymns. He never smiled, not even once. When Pastor Tim asked another member about the man, the response he got was, “That’s George Bartley. He’s the crabbiest man you’ll ever meet. He’s miserable on good days. He only comes to church to make others feel his misery.” Until he died, George Bartley put a damper wherever he was present. He was a negative voice in an otherwise wonderful congregation. Where others saw hope, George saw obstacles. While others got excited about a new mission, George complained about the waste of resources. Ever run into a George Bartley at a church? I bet you have!
The George Bartleys in the world all have a serious problem with the scripture for today. They can’t honestly and joyfully “take delight in the Lord” (Psalm 37:4). Their heart is often so full of pain or resentment or negativity that they can’t bring themselves to enjoy the presence of God. In worship, they will feel uncomfortable singing praises. After the ladies in the church work hard for hours at a mission outreach dinner, they won’t utter one compliment. Often, they are stingy with their money as well as their encouragement. And, they wonder why God doesn’t bless the desires of their heart!
Negativity, resentments, regrets, judgmental thoughts, elitism, emotional pain, self-centeredness, and more can poison the soul. These emotions can take over your mind and damage your relationship with God. They can take away not only your delight in life, but your delight in the Lord. Many scriptures, including today’s verse, encourage you to actively find joy and delight in God or God’s blessings. Habakkuk 3:18 urges followers to rejoice in the Lord even if they have difficulties in life. Psalm 146:5 teaches us that happy are those who hope in the Lord. Galatians 5:22 lists “joy” as one of the gifts of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:4-5 explained that his prayers for the church in Philippi were always filled with “joy” and “thankfulness”. How well do you remain joyful, hopeful, and thankful in the Lord? How well do you “take delight in the Lord”?
Psalm 37:4 closes by promising that when people delight in the Lord, God gives them the desires of their heart. This doesn’t mean that people who act happy in church get whatever they want in life! What it does mean is that people who truly find joy and thankfulness in their relationship with God will find God giving them what they need when they need it. They may not win the lottery, but how many people find true joy in life by winning the lottery? When you delight in the Lord, you may get things that God knows you truly need, not things that the world awards the successful.
If you find that you are unsatisfied with your life, take some time to learn how to rekindle your delight in the Lord. When you find yourself saying words in prayer out of rote like a robot, without even realizing what you are saying, devote yourself to finding delight in prayer. Should worship become boring, find something to help spice up your devotion to God. If you focus on the negatives at your church, maybe its time you changed up something in your spiritual world. Dare I say that if your marriage has hit a rough patch, something might be amiss in your spiritual life?
When your delight in the Lord is missing or fading, how can God ever give you the true desires of your heart?
Upon entering the church early for Sunday morning worship, Pastor Tim noticed a car in the parking lot. After Pastor Tim unlocked the doors to the church, a man shuffled in. He trudged silently into the sanctuary, never speaking to his new Pastor. When Pastor Tim tried to engage the elderly man in conversation, he was met with grunts and averted eyes. The man’s whole demeanor looked negative. The man sat in the back pew, set aside his cane, and didn’t move for the next two hours. Throughout the whole time, Pastor Tim noticed that he didn’t talk to anyone, nor even stand for the hymns. He never smiled, not even once. When Pastor Tim asked another member about the man, the response he got was, “That’s George Bartley. He’s the crabbiest man you’ll ever meet. He’s miserable on good days. He only comes to church to make others feel his misery.” Until he died, George Bartley put a damper wherever he was present. He was a negative voice in an otherwise wonderful congregation. Where others saw hope, George saw obstacles. While others got excited about a new mission, George complained about the waste of resources. Ever run into a George Bartley at a church? I bet you have!
The George Bartleys in the world all have a serious problem with the scripture for today. They can’t honestly and joyfully “take delight in the Lord” (Psalm 37:4). Their heart is often so full of pain or resentment or negativity that they can’t bring themselves to enjoy the presence of God. In worship, they will feel uncomfortable singing praises. After the ladies in the church work hard for hours at a mission outreach dinner, they won’t utter one compliment. Often, they are stingy with their money as well as their encouragement. And, they wonder why God doesn’t bless the desires of their heart!
Negativity, resentments, regrets, judgmental thoughts, elitism, emotional pain, self-centeredness, and more can poison the soul. These emotions can take over your mind and damage your relationship with God. They can take away not only your delight in life, but your delight in the Lord. Many scriptures, including today’s verse, encourage you to actively find joy and delight in God or God’s blessings. Habakkuk 3:18 urges followers to rejoice in the Lord even if they have difficulties in life. Psalm 146:5 teaches us that happy are those who hope in the Lord. Galatians 5:22 lists “joy” as one of the gifts of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:4-5 explained that his prayers for the church in Philippi were always filled with “joy” and “thankfulness”. How well do you remain joyful, hopeful, and thankful in the Lord? How well do you “take delight in the Lord”?
Psalm 37:4 closes by promising that when people delight in the Lord, God gives them the desires of their heart. This doesn’t mean that people who act happy in church get whatever they want in life! What it does mean is that people who truly find joy and thankfulness in their relationship with God will find God giving them what they need when they need it. They may not win the lottery, but how many people find true joy in life by winning the lottery? When you delight in the Lord, you may get things that God knows you truly need, not things that the world awards the successful.
If you find that you are unsatisfied with your life, take some time to learn how to rekindle your delight in the Lord. When you find yourself saying words in prayer out of rote like a robot, without even realizing what you are saying, devote yourself to finding delight in prayer. Should worship become boring, find something to help spice up your devotion to God. If you focus on the negatives at your church, maybe its time you changed up something in your spiritual world. Dare I say that if your marriage has hit a rough patch, something might be amiss in your spiritual life?
When your delight in the Lord is missing or fading, how can God ever give you the true desires of your heart?
June 15
“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, RSV)
“Some years ago, musicians noted that errand boys in a certain part of London all whistled out of tune as they went about their work. It was talked about and someone suggested that it was because the bells of Westminster were slightly out of tune. Something had gone wrong with the chimes and they were discordant. The boys did not know there was anything wrong with the peals, and quite unconsciously they had copied their pitch.
So we tend to copy the people with whom we associate; we borrow thoughts from the books we read and the programs to which we listen, almost without knowing it. God has given us His Word which is the absolute pitch of life and living. If we learn to sing by it, we shall easily detect the false in all of the music of the world.” (Donald Grey Barnhouse)
There are ways that the world can slip its values and ideals and goals and ethics right into your mind and heart and soul without you even knowing it is happening. You may not see its creep into your life, but after a while you will be able to see its effects. Soon, it will get you to compromise your beliefs. A little white lie, stealing something small, spreading a word of gossip, or choosing to sleep in on the Lord’s Day for a month or two. Those little cracks in your faith-life will grow larger in time, if you don’t reign in the worldliness that tempts your soul.
“The Bible defines worldliness by centering morality where we intuitively know it should be. Worldliness is the lust of the flesh (a passion for sensual satisfaction), the lust of the eyes (an inordinate desire for the finer things of life), and the pride of life (self-satisfaction in who we are, what we have, and what we have done). Worldliness, then, is a preoccupation with ease and affluence. It elevates creature comfort to the point of idolatry; large salaries and comfortable life-styles become necessities of life.
Worldliness is reading magazines about people who live hedonistic lives and spend too much money on themselves and wanting to be like them. But more importantly, worldliness is simply pride and selfishness in disguises. It's being resentful when someone snubs us or patronizes us or shows off. It means smarting under every slight, challenging every word spoken against us, cringing when another is preferred before us. Worldliness is harboring grudges, nursing grievance, and wallowing in self-pity. These are the ways in which we are most like the world.” (Dave Roper, The Strength of a Man)
The scripture for today, written above, clearly shows the temptation of worldliness. Written by the Apostle Paul, it cautions you to “not be conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). With these words, you are reminded that this world likes you to conform to its standards, adopt its principles, settle for its goals, align to its ethics. You must resist.
I am surprised by the amount of people who believe they can wholeheartedly adopt a worldly ideology AND still claim to be a Christian. There are women who let feminism define their faith. Many scientists use rationalism to determine their take on God. God must conform to the scientific principles of this world, where miracles are only facts which science has yet to explain, where beliefs must be adapted to scientific principles, where science is what they worship. Many people have let capitalism or socialism inform their view of the Bible. They read the Bible and interpret it based on political ideologies or economic rationale. God is not Republican or a Socialist. Jesus was not a hippie!
Recently, I read where a person in New York described Jesus as a fascist. This is a perfect example where a worldly person with a political mindset interpreted a Biblical figure as if HE was endowed with a political agenda. JESUS HAD A GOD-AGENDA! The person was so entrenched in his worldly views that he couldn’t read about Jesus and not see HIM from any other perspective other than his own political/social mindset.
The scripture for today goes on to explain that you must “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” in order to be a “good”, “acceptable”, or “perfect” example for God. You must think differently than worldly people. If your ideas mesh well with a worldview that is not Biblical, that will become your faith. You won’t have a Biblical faith. In her book, Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Meyer wrote that until you reject worldly thoughts, you will never find true faith and peace. Satan will battle your faith in the arena of your thoughts, long before we see damage to your faith. What you start to think now will inevitable work itself out in the actions you soon take. The battle for true faith begins in your mind and winds up in the decisions you make in life. Faith is won or lost in the battlefield of the mind that settles into the reality of your soul.
Don’t lie to yourself. The world is at war with your soul. Evil is always looking for a way to corrupt your mind, then take over your soul. True faith in God through the eyes of our Savior Jesus Christ needs to transform your mind, then heart, then soul. Without a mind transformed by God, there is no hope for you in this world. You will be manipulated by the worldly spirit of modern times, not the Holy Spirit. Is that what you want?
So we tend to copy the people with whom we associate; we borrow thoughts from the books we read and the programs to which we listen, almost without knowing it. God has given us His Word which is the absolute pitch of life and living. If we learn to sing by it, we shall easily detect the false in all of the music of the world.” (Donald Grey Barnhouse)
There are ways that the world can slip its values and ideals and goals and ethics right into your mind and heart and soul without you even knowing it is happening. You may not see its creep into your life, but after a while you will be able to see its effects. Soon, it will get you to compromise your beliefs. A little white lie, stealing something small, spreading a word of gossip, or choosing to sleep in on the Lord’s Day for a month or two. Those little cracks in your faith-life will grow larger in time, if you don’t reign in the worldliness that tempts your soul.
“The Bible defines worldliness by centering morality where we intuitively know it should be. Worldliness is the lust of the flesh (a passion for sensual satisfaction), the lust of the eyes (an inordinate desire for the finer things of life), and the pride of life (self-satisfaction in who we are, what we have, and what we have done). Worldliness, then, is a preoccupation with ease and affluence. It elevates creature comfort to the point of idolatry; large salaries and comfortable life-styles become necessities of life.
Worldliness is reading magazines about people who live hedonistic lives and spend too much money on themselves and wanting to be like them. But more importantly, worldliness is simply pride and selfishness in disguises. It's being resentful when someone snubs us or patronizes us or shows off. It means smarting under every slight, challenging every word spoken against us, cringing when another is preferred before us. Worldliness is harboring grudges, nursing grievance, and wallowing in self-pity. These are the ways in which we are most like the world.” (Dave Roper, The Strength of a Man)
The scripture for today, written above, clearly shows the temptation of worldliness. Written by the Apostle Paul, it cautions you to “not be conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). With these words, you are reminded that this world likes you to conform to its standards, adopt its principles, settle for its goals, align to its ethics. You must resist.
I am surprised by the amount of people who believe they can wholeheartedly adopt a worldly ideology AND still claim to be a Christian. There are women who let feminism define their faith. Many scientists use rationalism to determine their take on God. God must conform to the scientific principles of this world, where miracles are only facts which science has yet to explain, where beliefs must be adapted to scientific principles, where science is what they worship. Many people have let capitalism or socialism inform their view of the Bible. They read the Bible and interpret it based on political ideologies or economic rationale. God is not Republican or a Socialist. Jesus was not a hippie!
Recently, I read where a person in New York described Jesus as a fascist. This is a perfect example where a worldly person with a political mindset interpreted a Biblical figure as if HE was endowed with a political agenda. JESUS HAD A GOD-AGENDA! The person was so entrenched in his worldly views that he couldn’t read about Jesus and not see HIM from any other perspective other than his own political/social mindset.
The scripture for today goes on to explain that you must “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” in order to be a “good”, “acceptable”, or “perfect” example for God. You must think differently than worldly people. If your ideas mesh well with a worldview that is not Biblical, that will become your faith. You won’t have a Biblical faith. In her book, Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Meyer wrote that until you reject worldly thoughts, you will never find true faith and peace. Satan will battle your faith in the arena of your thoughts, long before we see damage to your faith. What you start to think now will inevitable work itself out in the actions you soon take. The battle for true faith begins in your mind and winds up in the decisions you make in life. Faith is won or lost in the battlefield of the mind that settles into the reality of your soul.
Don’t lie to yourself. The world is at war with your soul. Evil is always looking for a way to corrupt your mind, then take over your soul. True faith in God through the eyes of our Savior Jesus Christ needs to transform your mind, then heart, then soul. Without a mind transformed by God, there is no hope for you in this world. You will be manipulated by the worldly spirit of modern times, not the Holy Spirit. Is that what you want?
June 18
“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1, LEB)
For the first 100 years after Jesus’ resurrection, many Christians worshiped and lived as Jews. Some left Judaism during the early persecutions by Jews between 35 and 55 AD. Some left Judaism when the Roman persecutions began. Some left after the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD. Some stayed Jewish until 120 AD when many Jewish religious laws were enacted to purge the Christian faith from Judaism once and for all. Paul was both Christian and Jewish. After his conversion, he believed wholeheartedly that Jesus was the Messiah, and he urged his fellow Jews to adopt Jesus as their Savior. However, for many Christians, there was a need to keep the connection with Judaism alive. They kept worshiping in the Temple and synagogues (the Apostle Paul did!) and continued to follow Jewish dietary restrictions. They continued being faithful to Jewish purity laws and other Jewish traditions. Seeing some Christians moving away from grace in Jesus Christ back to following Jewish laws as their prime spiritual life, Paul wrote scriptures like the one above. He urged fellow Christians not to “be subject again to a yoke of slavery” to Jewish laws and customs (Galatians 5:1). He wanted them to “be free” to follow God through the grace of Jesus Christ.
You may think the scripture above only speaks to an ancient time when the Jewish and Christian worlds were adapting to the times. However, this scripture also applies very much to your life and your world today. In the modern church, there are people who devote themselves to Christian laws or human laws in the church. There are ultra-conservative churches that demand a woman worship in a dress or it’s a sin. Some churches believe that using musical instruments is sinful. There are liberal churches that argue against any form of exclusivity. If you do not believe a liberal agenda, you are sinning. They make laws and rules to keep conservatism at bay. Some churches have rules about who can be buried in their cemetery. Many Roman Catholic churches and institutions have rules about how to take the communion bread or who is permitted to take communion. There are churches who forbid certain words in the church building or frown upon certain types of people in the sanctuary. There are also traditions in many churches that are not based on Biblical standards but instead based on ethnic origins or denominational bias. You also may have your own rules or laws that you keep in order to feel faithful. You might feel guilty for missing a Wednesday night service each week or feel obligated to give a donation to a certain charity in order to feel more worthy. You may get caught up in a belief that if you fall asleep praying or don’t go to an Easter service because you are ill that God is displeased with you. It is very easy to get caught up in a law-based religious life, where God’s grace is secondary to earning your place in Heaven.
When I met Carolyn, she was a bundle of energy. She was very active in her church, in the neighborhood PTA (Parent-Teacher group) and devoted to her family. On the outside, Carolyn looked happy and active, vibrant and faithful. However, on the inside, Carolyn had a demon that caused her suffering at every turn. That demon was people-pleasing. Carolyn’s parents raised her with this notion that if she didn’t do what they wished, she was breaking the fifth commandment (Honor your father and mother). If she failed to follow her parents’ rules, she was shamed. Her church perpetuated this belief by instilling in her an over-exaggerated feeling of guilt for her wrongs. Sermons were based on doing God’s will or you deserve punishment and will earn God’s wrath. The preaching and teaching were not inherently overt with this message, but this message was often there in various forms. When I got to really know Carolyn, I could see that she constantly felt guilty for her weaknesses or failures. Her family would manipulate her using guilt. She would manipulate herself with guilt. She felt as if she deserved punishment for being less than perfect toward others or in the eyes of God. Carolyn was a slave to these thoughts. There was no room for grace or freedom in Christ. She felt burdened, not joyful, in her faith.
There are many, many ways you can become “subject” to something in your life. You can have an addiction and be controlled by a substance or action. You might find yourself being ruled over by a family member or friend, manipulated or controlled by him or her. You might be controlled by a sin from your past, always seeking to make up for a past failure. You might have thoughts that tamp down your happiness by keeping track of all your past mistakes. You might feel stuck in a dead-end job but resigned to remain there. You may find yourself cowering around someone who is strong-willed or domineering. In these ways (and many more!), you will find yourself subject to someone or something other than the true God. The Apostle Paul warns you not give up your freedom in Christ in order to be “subject”, controlled, manipulated, or otherwise kept down by an ungodly or self-destructive spiritual or human law. Jesus freed you from your sins on the cross. Why would you let any sinful thought or action take Jesus' place in your life?
Is there something holding you back from being truly joyful and free in Christ? Are there thoughts or attitudes that have “captured” your spirit and “bound” your joy? Christ has set you free from sin and Satan’s control by His sacrifice on the cross. Why would you ever submit yourself to sinful thoughts or unholy control again? Why not let grace have a say in your life today? Following Jesus always implies an obedience to God’s will. Ungodly laws or notions or manipulations or lies or thoughts do not belong in your life. They will choke God’s Spirit right out of you.
You may think the scripture above only speaks to an ancient time when the Jewish and Christian worlds were adapting to the times. However, this scripture also applies very much to your life and your world today. In the modern church, there are people who devote themselves to Christian laws or human laws in the church. There are ultra-conservative churches that demand a woman worship in a dress or it’s a sin. Some churches believe that using musical instruments is sinful. There are liberal churches that argue against any form of exclusivity. If you do not believe a liberal agenda, you are sinning. They make laws and rules to keep conservatism at bay. Some churches have rules about who can be buried in their cemetery. Many Roman Catholic churches and institutions have rules about how to take the communion bread or who is permitted to take communion. There are churches who forbid certain words in the church building or frown upon certain types of people in the sanctuary. There are also traditions in many churches that are not based on Biblical standards but instead based on ethnic origins or denominational bias. You also may have your own rules or laws that you keep in order to feel faithful. You might feel guilty for missing a Wednesday night service each week or feel obligated to give a donation to a certain charity in order to feel more worthy. You may get caught up in a belief that if you fall asleep praying or don’t go to an Easter service because you are ill that God is displeased with you. It is very easy to get caught up in a law-based religious life, where God’s grace is secondary to earning your place in Heaven.
When I met Carolyn, she was a bundle of energy. She was very active in her church, in the neighborhood PTA (Parent-Teacher group) and devoted to her family. On the outside, Carolyn looked happy and active, vibrant and faithful. However, on the inside, Carolyn had a demon that caused her suffering at every turn. That demon was people-pleasing. Carolyn’s parents raised her with this notion that if she didn’t do what they wished, she was breaking the fifth commandment (Honor your father and mother). If she failed to follow her parents’ rules, she was shamed. Her church perpetuated this belief by instilling in her an over-exaggerated feeling of guilt for her wrongs. Sermons were based on doing God’s will or you deserve punishment and will earn God’s wrath. The preaching and teaching were not inherently overt with this message, but this message was often there in various forms. When I got to really know Carolyn, I could see that she constantly felt guilty for her weaknesses or failures. Her family would manipulate her using guilt. She would manipulate herself with guilt. She felt as if she deserved punishment for being less than perfect toward others or in the eyes of God. Carolyn was a slave to these thoughts. There was no room for grace or freedom in Christ. She felt burdened, not joyful, in her faith.
There are many, many ways you can become “subject” to something in your life. You can have an addiction and be controlled by a substance or action. You might find yourself being ruled over by a family member or friend, manipulated or controlled by him or her. You might be controlled by a sin from your past, always seeking to make up for a past failure. You might have thoughts that tamp down your happiness by keeping track of all your past mistakes. You might feel stuck in a dead-end job but resigned to remain there. You may find yourself cowering around someone who is strong-willed or domineering. In these ways (and many more!), you will find yourself subject to someone or something other than the true God. The Apostle Paul warns you not give up your freedom in Christ in order to be “subject”, controlled, manipulated, or otherwise kept down by an ungodly or self-destructive spiritual or human law. Jesus freed you from your sins on the cross. Why would you let any sinful thought or action take Jesus' place in your life?
Is there something holding you back from being truly joyful and free in Christ? Are there thoughts or attitudes that have “captured” your spirit and “bound” your joy? Christ has set you free from sin and Satan’s control by His sacrifice on the cross. Why would you ever submit yourself to sinful thoughts or unholy control again? Why not let grace have a say in your life today? Following Jesus always implies an obedience to God’s will. Ungodly laws or notions or manipulations or lies or thoughts do not belong in your life. They will choke God’s Spirit right out of you.
June 20
“Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. But he does not hesitate to punish and destroy those who reject him.” (Deuteronomy 7:9–10, NLT)
You may not hear it very often in the United States, but in many places in the world there is a question that is not uncommon: “Which God do you believe in?”. In the United States, people are often asked if they believe in God, not which God they believe in. However, in many places of our world, it is not uncommon to ask which God a person worships. With that knowledge, you can understand the person better. I even believe that atheists worship “a god”. They often worship the self, humanism, or reason. The scripture for today tells us which God Israel was to worship. These verses form a description of their true God.
From the pages of the Biblical book of Deuteronomy, comes a declaration that the God of Israel “IS INDEED GOD” (Deuteronomy 7:9). Though there are many gods in the world and throughout the pages of history, Israel’s God is considered “THE GOD”. He is “the faithful God who keeps covenant for a thousand generations.” He is a God of “unfailing love”. However, that love is reserved for those who “love HIM and obey HIS commands”. Those who reject God are punished and destroyed (Deuteronomy 7:10). For some people, a “loving God” and “a God who punishes and destroys” seem like polar opposites. How can God be both loving and destructive? If you think about it, out of love, God punishes people who are bad for the world. Out of love, God destroys sinfulness. Sinful people will get caught up in God’s judgment against sin. If they do not show respect for God, they will often choose sinful ways. Those sinful ways will be an affront to God. They will also be self-destructive and detrimental to the community. In order to protect and promote true love, God must punish and destroy sinful lusts and desires and actions.
The only child of a happily married couple was adored. Stephen was raised in a house full of toys and love. However, Stephen had a wild streak. When he grew into his teenage years, he exhibited a propensity for getting into trouble. He liked to buck the system, rebel against authority, and take risks. When Stephen was fourteen, he was put in detention at school four times. On his sixteenth birthday, Stephen not only earned his driver’s license, he also received his first speeding ticket. Several times when he came home during his high school years, his parents smelled alcohol on his breath and twice smelled marijuana on his clothes. At seventeen, Stephen was stopped for speeding a second time. While stopped by the policeman, he failed a sobriety test. He was arrested on the spot for drunken driving (DWI). Out of love, his parents decided to hire the best lawyer and get him out of the charge. His charges were dropped to speeding only. At the occasion of his second DUI during the week of graduation from High School, his parents again bailed him out and the charges were lessened. When cited for underage drinking, the parents paid Stephen’s fine and grounded him for two days. Through it all, Stephen grew more and more disrespectful.
As you read this true story of Stephen, how did you respond? Stephen’s parents thought they were being loving by protecting and supporting their son. But were they? By withholding punishment, they were condoning his sinful lifestyle. It would not end well. By nineteen, Stephen was dead. He died in a car crash after partying with friends. His parents grew very despondent at the loss of their son. They eventually divorced. Stephen’s parents thought that godly love shouldn’t involve much punishment. This led to the self-destruction of their son and their marriage. Love and punishment are not mutually exclusive. You can love a child and still punish him or her. You can attack a sin in a son’s life while still showing deep love and respect for that son. God is the perfect example of the amalgamation of love and punishment, faithfulness and destruction of sin. It is not easy to keep love and punishment and faithfulness and destruction of sin in perfect balance as God does. However, it is advisable you try with all your heart to respect these sides of God.
The scripture for today shows that God’s unfailing love is reserved for those who love God back AND obey God’s commands. How well do you follow through on these two responsibilities? Does your love for God ever wane? Do you have a hard time following God’s commands or laws or expectations? God’s love is not limited. It is “unfailing” according to scripture. In return, God expects you will love HIM “with all your heart soul and mind” (Matthew 22:37). In response, you also need to obey God’s commands. Are you prone to fight God’s authority? Do you worship something other than God? If you are devoted in heart and soul, ready to follow the command of God, just know that you are loved. God’s love for you will be unfailing. God’s love will never falter. God’s love for you will last forever, if you truly respect and love Him in return. And even when you falter, God’s love still remains. His arms long for you to love again, respect HIM again, obey His voice again. His forgiveness and grace are legendary. His steadfast love deserves praise. How have you responded to the love of God lately?
From the pages of the Biblical book of Deuteronomy, comes a declaration that the God of Israel “IS INDEED GOD” (Deuteronomy 7:9). Though there are many gods in the world and throughout the pages of history, Israel’s God is considered “THE GOD”. He is “the faithful God who keeps covenant for a thousand generations.” He is a God of “unfailing love”. However, that love is reserved for those who “love HIM and obey HIS commands”. Those who reject God are punished and destroyed (Deuteronomy 7:10). For some people, a “loving God” and “a God who punishes and destroys” seem like polar opposites. How can God be both loving and destructive? If you think about it, out of love, God punishes people who are bad for the world. Out of love, God destroys sinfulness. Sinful people will get caught up in God’s judgment against sin. If they do not show respect for God, they will often choose sinful ways. Those sinful ways will be an affront to God. They will also be self-destructive and detrimental to the community. In order to protect and promote true love, God must punish and destroy sinful lusts and desires and actions.
The only child of a happily married couple was adored. Stephen was raised in a house full of toys and love. However, Stephen had a wild streak. When he grew into his teenage years, he exhibited a propensity for getting into trouble. He liked to buck the system, rebel against authority, and take risks. When Stephen was fourteen, he was put in detention at school four times. On his sixteenth birthday, Stephen not only earned his driver’s license, he also received his first speeding ticket. Several times when he came home during his high school years, his parents smelled alcohol on his breath and twice smelled marijuana on his clothes. At seventeen, Stephen was stopped for speeding a second time. While stopped by the policeman, he failed a sobriety test. He was arrested on the spot for drunken driving (DWI). Out of love, his parents decided to hire the best lawyer and get him out of the charge. His charges were dropped to speeding only. At the occasion of his second DUI during the week of graduation from High School, his parents again bailed him out and the charges were lessened. When cited for underage drinking, the parents paid Stephen’s fine and grounded him for two days. Through it all, Stephen grew more and more disrespectful.
As you read this true story of Stephen, how did you respond? Stephen’s parents thought they were being loving by protecting and supporting their son. But were they? By withholding punishment, they were condoning his sinful lifestyle. It would not end well. By nineteen, Stephen was dead. He died in a car crash after partying with friends. His parents grew very despondent at the loss of their son. They eventually divorced. Stephen’s parents thought that godly love shouldn’t involve much punishment. This led to the self-destruction of their son and their marriage. Love and punishment are not mutually exclusive. You can love a child and still punish him or her. You can attack a sin in a son’s life while still showing deep love and respect for that son. God is the perfect example of the amalgamation of love and punishment, faithfulness and destruction of sin. It is not easy to keep love and punishment and faithfulness and destruction of sin in perfect balance as God does. However, it is advisable you try with all your heart to respect these sides of God.
The scripture for today shows that God’s unfailing love is reserved for those who love God back AND obey God’s commands. How well do you follow through on these two responsibilities? Does your love for God ever wane? Do you have a hard time following God’s commands or laws or expectations? God’s love is not limited. It is “unfailing” according to scripture. In return, God expects you will love HIM “with all your heart soul and mind” (Matthew 22:37). In response, you also need to obey God’s commands. Are you prone to fight God’s authority? Do you worship something other than God? If you are devoted in heart and soul, ready to follow the command of God, just know that you are loved. God’s love for you will be unfailing. God’s love will never falter. God’s love for you will last forever, if you truly respect and love Him in return. And even when you falter, God’s love still remains. His arms long for you to love again, respect HIM again, obey His voice again. His forgiveness and grace are legendary. His steadfast love deserves praise. How have you responded to the love of God lately?
June 22
“And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your desire with good things, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” (Isaiah 58:11, RSV)
The verse above was written for those who were in a faithful relationship with God. If you do not have a faithful, committed relationship with God, this verse does not apply to you. However, if you’ve dedicated yourself to God, the above scripture applies to your life. Isaiah 58 was written at a time when Israel had been redeemed in the eyes of God. Persia had freed the exiled Jews to go back to Israel. Upon returning, they began to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. The walls of Jerusalem were broken down by invading Babylonian armies in the sixth century BC. The Temple was sacked and burned. Rebuilding would take a long time. During this period, the people of Israel wondered if God still loved them. They desired to know what their renewed relationship would be like. Prophets like Ezra, Nehemiah, Isaiah and others poured forth God’s plan and purpose for the people. God was rebuilding the spiritual heart of the country. God wanted the faithful people to grow strong and well, to “satisfy their desires with good things” (Isaiah 58:11). God wanted their faith to be fresh and pure “like a spring of water, whose waters fail not”. It was a time of renewed commitment on the part of Israel and a time of blessing by God. The exile was over. A new era was dawning.
To the faithful ones in those post-exilic times, the Lord had a message; He would “guide them continually” (Isaiah 58:11). Looking at the past, the Lord knew that when the people did not follow His direction, soon after their spiritual lives faltered. Then, violence and sin and all manner of social destruction followed suit. In order to head-off problems, Isaiah told the people that God would guide them continually. God would not let them grope around blindly, unable to discern what to do. God wanted to direct their path toward righteous ways, to protect their future, to enable their future success. By following God's direction, they would enjoy a good life.
Though the Lord promises in these verses to guide the faithful “continually”, it surprises me how often people ignore God’s direction. They make decisions on their own. They use their own knowledge or intuition to guide their steps. Relying on human wisdom, they make choices. Influenced by worldly matters, they might follow the wrong voices. Spurred on by social pressures, they may make spiritually or morally devastating decisions that affect them forever. To the faithful, God sent a message for all generations through the prophet Isaiah. God would guide the faithful continually. God wants you to heed His voice, follow His commands, be directed by His Spirit. If you love a relationship with God, God desires greatly to direct your path in the best manner for you. Will you follow?
“Eli Black was a brilliant businessman best known for two events in his life: He masterminded the multi-million dollar takeover of the United Fruit conglomerate, and he jumped to his death from the 42nd floor of the Pan Am building in New York City.
In the book An American Company, an executive described a business lunch he had with Eli Black. When the waitress brought a plate of cheese and crackers as an appetizer, Black reached out and took them, placed them on the table, blocked them with his arms, and continued talking. The executive hadn't eaten for hours and hinted that he would like a cracker. But Black acted as though he hadn't heard him and went on with the business meeting. After a while, Black placed a cracker and cheese on the tips of his fingers and continued to talk. Several moments later, Black placed the cracker on the executive's plate and then blocked the rest as before. It was clear that Black was in charge, manipulating others as he pleased. When you play "follow the leader," check to see who is at the head of the line. Eli Black, for all his power, ended up in suicide. Jesus Christ, in all His humility, ended up the Savior of the world.” (“Our Daily Bread”, February 6, 1994)
Eli Black followed a worldly business model. He was resented by employees. He was selfish and alone. He killed himself rather than enjoy a blessed life. When you don’t follow God’s continual guidance, it is not uncommon to become selfish, egotistical, controlling, manipulative, and lonely. I have also met many people who could care less about God but who were very successful in life. Though their success may have been financial or political, it wasn’t spiritual. They often had deep holes in their lives. Many were lonely. Most made bad decisions.
Being faithful doesn’t mean you won’t feel lonely or make mistakes. It does mean that God will be there “to guide you continually”. God will always be looking for a way to help you or support you. God will take you to the best places in life for you, though it may not seem like it at the time. Since you have a true and real relationship with God, isn’t it nice to know for certain that God will be watching out for you continually? What a joy it is to never stand alone! God will bless you in ways that are like a spring of water to a thirsty traveler. Let God guide you there. He won’t let you down on the journey.
To the faithful ones in those post-exilic times, the Lord had a message; He would “guide them continually” (Isaiah 58:11). Looking at the past, the Lord knew that when the people did not follow His direction, soon after their spiritual lives faltered. Then, violence and sin and all manner of social destruction followed suit. In order to head-off problems, Isaiah told the people that God would guide them continually. God would not let them grope around blindly, unable to discern what to do. God wanted to direct their path toward righteous ways, to protect their future, to enable their future success. By following God's direction, they would enjoy a good life.
Though the Lord promises in these verses to guide the faithful “continually”, it surprises me how often people ignore God’s direction. They make decisions on their own. They use their own knowledge or intuition to guide their steps. Relying on human wisdom, they make choices. Influenced by worldly matters, they might follow the wrong voices. Spurred on by social pressures, they may make spiritually or morally devastating decisions that affect them forever. To the faithful, God sent a message for all generations through the prophet Isaiah. God would guide the faithful continually. God wants you to heed His voice, follow His commands, be directed by His Spirit. If you love a relationship with God, God desires greatly to direct your path in the best manner for you. Will you follow?
“Eli Black was a brilliant businessman best known for two events in his life: He masterminded the multi-million dollar takeover of the United Fruit conglomerate, and he jumped to his death from the 42nd floor of the Pan Am building in New York City.
In the book An American Company, an executive described a business lunch he had with Eli Black. When the waitress brought a plate of cheese and crackers as an appetizer, Black reached out and took them, placed them on the table, blocked them with his arms, and continued talking. The executive hadn't eaten for hours and hinted that he would like a cracker. But Black acted as though he hadn't heard him and went on with the business meeting. After a while, Black placed a cracker and cheese on the tips of his fingers and continued to talk. Several moments later, Black placed the cracker on the executive's plate and then blocked the rest as before. It was clear that Black was in charge, manipulating others as he pleased. When you play "follow the leader," check to see who is at the head of the line. Eli Black, for all his power, ended up in suicide. Jesus Christ, in all His humility, ended up the Savior of the world.” (“Our Daily Bread”, February 6, 1994)
Eli Black followed a worldly business model. He was resented by employees. He was selfish and alone. He killed himself rather than enjoy a blessed life. When you don’t follow God’s continual guidance, it is not uncommon to become selfish, egotistical, controlling, manipulative, and lonely. I have also met many people who could care less about God but who were very successful in life. Though their success may have been financial or political, it wasn’t spiritual. They often had deep holes in their lives. Many were lonely. Most made bad decisions.
Being faithful doesn’t mean you won’t feel lonely or make mistakes. It does mean that God will be there “to guide you continually”. God will always be looking for a way to help you or support you. God will take you to the best places in life for you, though it may not seem like it at the time. Since you have a true and real relationship with God, isn’t it nice to know for certain that God will be watching out for you continually? What a joy it is to never stand alone! God will bless you in ways that are like a spring of water to a thirsty traveler. Let God guide you there. He won’t let you down on the journey.
June 25
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23–24, NIV84)
It is common and popular today to work hard for others and for yourself. It is rare that people work hard for God. Even in the church, there are those who look out mainly for themselves, push their own agenda, or are part of a clique. It is shocking to me how many Christians are self-serving and selfish, especially when Christ did such unselfish things like heal others, wash the feet of his disciples, and offer up His life to save us. My own denomination is fighting this big time. The United Church of Christ has its national gathering in Wisconsin this week. One of the topics up for vote is whether the denomination will allow a moderate/conservative group in the church to put up a booth at the national gathering. A coalition of liberals has pushed to have this Biblically-based group excommunicated from meeting with people at national gatherings. They don’t want the group to be heard. They see their moderate viewpoint as hurtful and dangerous. If you don’t agree with the coalition, they want you silenced. This is coming from a coalition that says its inclusive and loving. Hardly.
Don’t you see what’s going on in the world? Many, many people are gathering into camps of people who think like them. Liberals want to be with liberals, conservatives with conservatives, gun owners with concealed-carry proponents, and on and on ad nauseum. People will then judge you based on the group with which you identify. It’s all a social and dysfunctional mess. Whether in the church or the world, people now have to identify with a brand of politics, a stand on certain social issues, and more. Even Christians world-over have fallen into this trap. If you ask a Christian what they believe, many begin by stating what denomination they have aligned with. Catholics feel more comfortable with Catholics, Episcopalians with Episcopalians, liberal protestants with liberal protestants, Orthodox feminists with Orthodox feminists, conservative Bible-toting believers with the same. It’s not how Jesus wanted us to “be one” (John 17:11). Why are there over 5,000 Christian denominations and splinter groups in the church? I once had a preacher say he couldn’t pray with me, because I don’t believe the same way he does on the issue of baptism. Isn’t there a better way? Do you have to agree on everything in order to consider a fellow Christian a brother or sister in Christ? Where does it say that in the Bible?
I think all Christians should remember Paul’s words in the verses for today written above. In fact, I believe every human being would be better off to follow his teaching. In speaking to the Colossian church, Paul said that in “whatever you do”, it is important to “work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Don’t get caught up working for others, slaving for your own group, taking sides, drawing up battle lines because others are different. Do your work for the Lord. Keep your eyes focused on God, not on pleasing others, not on what your closest friends might say, not on what is politically correct or socially acceptable. Focus on “working for the Lord, not for men”. Keep yourself aligned with Christ. He is the one you are serving (Colossians 3:24), right? Or do you do what you do in your life so others will see you and give you accolades? (See Matthew 6:16,18 for Jesus’ condemnation of this!) The first commandment found in Exodus 20 states that you shall have no other gods in your life. Jesus told Satan that all people should only serve God (Matthew 4:10). Don’t be “self-serving”. Be a servant of God.
Richard Foster, in his awesome book on spiritual discipline, wrote the following words….
"Self-righteous service comes through human effort. True service comes from a relationship with the divine Other deep inside.
Self-righteous service is impressed with the "big deal." True service finds it almost impossible to distinguish the small from the large service.
Self-righteous service requires external rewards. True service rests contented in hiddenness.
Self-righteous service is highly concerned about results. True service is free of the need to calculate results.
Self-righteous service picks and chooses whom to serve. True service is indiscriminate in its ministry.
Self-righteous service is affected by moods and whims. True service ministers simply and faithfully because there is a need.
Self-righteous service is temporary. True service is a life-style.
Self-righteous service is without sensitivity. It insists on meeting the need even when to do so would be destructive. True service can withhold the service as freely as perform it.
Self-righteous service fractures community. True service, on the other hand, builds community." (The Discipline of Service, Celebration of Discipline)
How well do you serve the Lord? How often do you serve only yourself? Paul mentioned in the scripture for today that “you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward” for faithful service. If you serve God, that work will be blessed. If you get caught up or over-involved in your own issues, your own agenda, your own denomination or group, your own version of Christianity, or even your own emotions, you will probably miss out on that reward. If you keep Christ front and center, God will bless that faithful endeavor.
How can you put the Lord first in your service or work today?
Don’t you see what’s going on in the world? Many, many people are gathering into camps of people who think like them. Liberals want to be with liberals, conservatives with conservatives, gun owners with concealed-carry proponents, and on and on ad nauseum. People will then judge you based on the group with which you identify. It’s all a social and dysfunctional mess. Whether in the church or the world, people now have to identify with a brand of politics, a stand on certain social issues, and more. Even Christians world-over have fallen into this trap. If you ask a Christian what they believe, many begin by stating what denomination they have aligned with. Catholics feel more comfortable with Catholics, Episcopalians with Episcopalians, liberal protestants with liberal protestants, Orthodox feminists with Orthodox feminists, conservative Bible-toting believers with the same. It’s not how Jesus wanted us to “be one” (John 17:11). Why are there over 5,000 Christian denominations and splinter groups in the church? I once had a preacher say he couldn’t pray with me, because I don’t believe the same way he does on the issue of baptism. Isn’t there a better way? Do you have to agree on everything in order to consider a fellow Christian a brother or sister in Christ? Where does it say that in the Bible?
I think all Christians should remember Paul’s words in the verses for today written above. In fact, I believe every human being would be better off to follow his teaching. In speaking to the Colossian church, Paul said that in “whatever you do”, it is important to “work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Don’t get caught up working for others, slaving for your own group, taking sides, drawing up battle lines because others are different. Do your work for the Lord. Keep your eyes focused on God, not on pleasing others, not on what your closest friends might say, not on what is politically correct or socially acceptable. Focus on “working for the Lord, not for men”. Keep yourself aligned with Christ. He is the one you are serving (Colossians 3:24), right? Or do you do what you do in your life so others will see you and give you accolades? (See Matthew 6:16,18 for Jesus’ condemnation of this!) The first commandment found in Exodus 20 states that you shall have no other gods in your life. Jesus told Satan that all people should only serve God (Matthew 4:10). Don’t be “self-serving”. Be a servant of God.
Richard Foster, in his awesome book on spiritual discipline, wrote the following words….
"Self-righteous service comes through human effort. True service comes from a relationship with the divine Other deep inside.
Self-righteous service is impressed with the "big deal." True service finds it almost impossible to distinguish the small from the large service.
Self-righteous service requires external rewards. True service rests contented in hiddenness.
Self-righteous service is highly concerned about results. True service is free of the need to calculate results.
Self-righteous service picks and chooses whom to serve. True service is indiscriminate in its ministry.
Self-righteous service is affected by moods and whims. True service ministers simply and faithfully because there is a need.
Self-righteous service is temporary. True service is a life-style.
Self-righteous service is without sensitivity. It insists on meeting the need even when to do so would be destructive. True service can withhold the service as freely as perform it.
Self-righteous service fractures community. True service, on the other hand, builds community." (The Discipline of Service, Celebration of Discipline)
How well do you serve the Lord? How often do you serve only yourself? Paul mentioned in the scripture for today that “you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward” for faithful service. If you serve God, that work will be blessed. If you get caught up or over-involved in your own issues, your own agenda, your own denomination or group, your own version of Christianity, or even your own emotions, you will probably miss out on that reward. If you keep Christ front and center, God will bless that faithful endeavor.
How can you put the Lord first in your service or work today?
June 27
“For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Corinthians 4:5, RSV)
“As youngsters, we neighborhood kids would play street football. The minute we got home from school we’d drop the books and hit the pavement. The kid across the street had a dad with a great arm and a strong addiction to football. As soon as he’d pull in the driveway from work, we’d start yelling for him to come and play ball. He couldn’t resist. Out of fairness he’d always ask, “Which team is losing?” Then he would join that team, which often seemed to be mine.
His appearance in the huddle changed the whole ball game. He was confident, strong, and most of all, he had a plan. We’d circle around him, and he’d look at us and say, “OK boys, here is what we are going to do.” The other side was groaning before we left the huddle. You see, we not only had a new plan, we had a new leader.
He brought new life to our team. God does precisely the same. We didn’t need a new play; we needed a new plan. We didn’t need to trade positions; we needed a new player. That player is Jesus Christ, God’s firstborn Son.” (Max Lucado, Grace for the Moment, p.259).
There are many people in this world who play “follow the leader” with the wrong leader! Teens follow the words of their favorite idol, written in the pages of a teen magazine. Women follow the suggestions of those on the TV show, “The View”, believing these women intelligent and successful. Many college students become enamored by the teachings of a professor and follow in his or her footsteps long after. There are “self-help gurus” who want you to support their You-tube channel. There are diet-plan promoters who argue that you will be successful in life if only you shed pounds through their program. Even in the church, there are pastors who want you to follow their teachings or doctrines, instead of following the Savior. It is very important in your life that you follow the RIGHT teacher, adhere to the RIGHT ethic, dedicate yourself to the RIGHT beliefs and morals and values. Are you going the RIGHT way in life?
In the story above from Max Lucado, the kids in the neighborhood football game were successful at winning because they followed the right quarterback. When that dad entered the huddle as quarterback, the kids had confidence they could win. They just knew the dad would do what was needed to make the play. They knew for certain that he was the RIGHT man for the job. Because of this, they could follow his directions on the plays, do the right patterns for a receiver, all for the purpose of winning the game. The kids had confidence in their quarterback, and because of that, the other team had a hard time defeating them.
In your life, Jesus needs to be the leader, your quarterback. The scripture for today from 2 Corinthians 4:5 reminds you that Jesus needs to be your “Lord”, your master, your leader. If you follow him, things will go well. However, if you only follow yourself, preach about yourself instead of Jesus, things won’t go well. You need to follow the RIGHT person in life, that’s Jesus. If you let anything or anyone else become your Lord, you won’t end up winning in life. You may be financially successful, but you’ll regret it. You may have a good life, but you won’t find true and lasting joy. You may be happy, but you won’t be content.
When the Apostle Paul wrote the scripture above to the Corinthian church people, he wanted them to realize that true evangelists don’t preach about themselves. They preach about Jesus as Lord. They don’t focus on themselves. They point people toward Jesus. They don’t seek followers for their own church, but believers in Jesus Christ as Lord.
Recently, I talked to a man about his church. He didn’t know I was a pastor. He brought up the topic, so I thought I’d see what he felt about his place of worship. As we talked, he mentioned that his pastor often spoke about himself in the sermon. The pastor would tell stories about growing up, stories about family life, stories about his children. The man then said to me, “Sometimes I leave worship feeling I know more about the pastor than about Jesus.” Ouch!
Anyone, pastors included, can get too self-centered in life. Life can become all about what you think, how you feel, what you want, how much pain you are in, how much you give to your church, etc. In order to really flourish spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically, you need to focus less on yourself and more on the RIGHT things in life. Instead of doing everything for you, reassert Jesus as your Lord and Leader. Let HIM call the plays in life instead of you. Let HIM direct your steps. Follow HIS word. Don't make everything about you!
A man in a new running suit walked into the YMCA, and immediately people scattered. One man quit talking and started working out on the rower. A woman put on her headphones and pressed harder on the ab machine. Several others got busy with dumbbells or began to change the weight settings on their machines. A new guy wandered a bit. The man in the running suit immediately walked toward the new guy. When he got there, they began to talk. Five minutes later, they were still talking. The man who was on the rower whispered to the woman on the ab machine, “Poor new guy. He’ll learn better.” Everyone knew that the man in the running suit came to the “Y” to exercise, but often talked about himself. As he worked out, he would talk about his exercise goals, his training, his splits, his family, his favorite joke of the day, his political views, or the best place to eat. The man in the running suit could spend hours talking about himself. The new guy figured it out in the first ten minutes but couldn’t save his exercise routine. To get out of the conversation, he just left for the day. He’d come back another time, rather than deal with the man in the running suit.
Who will occupy your time today? Who will lead you through your daily choices? If Jesus is the “Lord” of your life, then HE should be calling the plays. HE should be the one who directs your steps. If an outsider was shown a video of your day, who would he or she say you followed? Did you do only what you wanted? Did you only preach to others about your own accomplishments? Were your goals God-centered? What did your words and actions “preach” to others? Was it obvious to anyone that Jesus is your Lord and Savior?
His appearance in the huddle changed the whole ball game. He was confident, strong, and most of all, he had a plan. We’d circle around him, and he’d look at us and say, “OK boys, here is what we are going to do.” The other side was groaning before we left the huddle. You see, we not only had a new plan, we had a new leader.
He brought new life to our team. God does precisely the same. We didn’t need a new play; we needed a new plan. We didn’t need to trade positions; we needed a new player. That player is Jesus Christ, God’s firstborn Son.” (Max Lucado, Grace for the Moment, p.259).
There are many people in this world who play “follow the leader” with the wrong leader! Teens follow the words of their favorite idol, written in the pages of a teen magazine. Women follow the suggestions of those on the TV show, “The View”, believing these women intelligent and successful. Many college students become enamored by the teachings of a professor and follow in his or her footsteps long after. There are “self-help gurus” who want you to support their You-tube channel. There are diet-plan promoters who argue that you will be successful in life if only you shed pounds through their program. Even in the church, there are pastors who want you to follow their teachings or doctrines, instead of following the Savior. It is very important in your life that you follow the RIGHT teacher, adhere to the RIGHT ethic, dedicate yourself to the RIGHT beliefs and morals and values. Are you going the RIGHT way in life?
In the story above from Max Lucado, the kids in the neighborhood football game were successful at winning because they followed the right quarterback. When that dad entered the huddle as quarterback, the kids had confidence they could win. They just knew the dad would do what was needed to make the play. They knew for certain that he was the RIGHT man for the job. Because of this, they could follow his directions on the plays, do the right patterns for a receiver, all for the purpose of winning the game. The kids had confidence in their quarterback, and because of that, the other team had a hard time defeating them.
In your life, Jesus needs to be the leader, your quarterback. The scripture for today from 2 Corinthians 4:5 reminds you that Jesus needs to be your “Lord”, your master, your leader. If you follow him, things will go well. However, if you only follow yourself, preach about yourself instead of Jesus, things won’t go well. You need to follow the RIGHT person in life, that’s Jesus. If you let anything or anyone else become your Lord, you won’t end up winning in life. You may be financially successful, but you’ll regret it. You may have a good life, but you won’t find true and lasting joy. You may be happy, but you won’t be content.
When the Apostle Paul wrote the scripture above to the Corinthian church people, he wanted them to realize that true evangelists don’t preach about themselves. They preach about Jesus as Lord. They don’t focus on themselves. They point people toward Jesus. They don’t seek followers for their own church, but believers in Jesus Christ as Lord.
Recently, I talked to a man about his church. He didn’t know I was a pastor. He brought up the topic, so I thought I’d see what he felt about his place of worship. As we talked, he mentioned that his pastor often spoke about himself in the sermon. The pastor would tell stories about growing up, stories about family life, stories about his children. The man then said to me, “Sometimes I leave worship feeling I know more about the pastor than about Jesus.” Ouch!
Anyone, pastors included, can get too self-centered in life. Life can become all about what you think, how you feel, what you want, how much pain you are in, how much you give to your church, etc. In order to really flourish spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically, you need to focus less on yourself and more on the RIGHT things in life. Instead of doing everything for you, reassert Jesus as your Lord and Leader. Let HIM call the plays in life instead of you. Let HIM direct your steps. Follow HIS word. Don't make everything about you!
A man in a new running suit walked into the YMCA, and immediately people scattered. One man quit talking and started working out on the rower. A woman put on her headphones and pressed harder on the ab machine. Several others got busy with dumbbells or began to change the weight settings on their machines. A new guy wandered a bit. The man in the running suit immediately walked toward the new guy. When he got there, they began to talk. Five minutes later, they were still talking. The man who was on the rower whispered to the woman on the ab machine, “Poor new guy. He’ll learn better.” Everyone knew that the man in the running suit came to the “Y” to exercise, but often talked about himself. As he worked out, he would talk about his exercise goals, his training, his splits, his family, his favorite joke of the day, his political views, or the best place to eat. The man in the running suit could spend hours talking about himself. The new guy figured it out in the first ten minutes but couldn’t save his exercise routine. To get out of the conversation, he just left for the day. He’d come back another time, rather than deal with the man in the running suit.
Who will occupy your time today? Who will lead you through your daily choices? If Jesus is the “Lord” of your life, then HE should be calling the plays. HE should be the one who directs your steps. If an outsider was shown a video of your day, who would he or she say you followed? Did you do only what you wanted? Did you only preach to others about your own accomplishments? Were your goals God-centered? What did your words and actions “preach” to others? Was it obvious to anyone that Jesus is your Lord and Savior?
June 29
“And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven.” (Revelation 12:7–8, NIV84)
As I walked through the backyard during a graduation party, a man approached. He saw me off to the side alone and decided to approach. He greeted me. He told me his name. Beginning with the weather, this man made polite conversation. He mentioned how he was related to the graduate being honored with the party. The more we spoke, the more I enjoyed our company.
After a few minutes of chitchat, he asked me a surprising question. Out of nowhere, he just blurted out: “Do you think God is in control of the world. I mean, there is a lot of bad in the world.” It was a great question. As I thought of a response, I noticed a statue off to the side, by a small flower garden. It was a statue of the Archangel Michael. I thanked God for the inspiration of the statue, and responded: “Do you see that statue? That’s the archangel Michael. He’s got a sword. The sword is a symbol meant to show that the angel Michael fights against evil in the world. In the last days, the Bible says he will fight against the evil Dragon and his cohorts. And he will win. Until that day, spiritual battles will rage in our world and in heaven. Evil will attempt to overpower the good. You and I are in a world that is rife with spiritual battles. A lot of bad things happen here. You will have to choose which side to believe, which path to follow. Will you choose good or evil? Will you fight against what is wrong in our world, or take advantage of the situation? There is a lot of bad in our world. A lot of people have taken the wrong side in these spiritual battles. God is in control. People are not. God wants us to choose to do good. People often choose to side with evil.”
The man went totally silent. I could tell my answer had stunned him. He was left with a decision to make. Was he going to complain about evil in the world and question God’s role in it, or was he going to side with God and all that is good and right in the world?
In the scripture for today, we are given a vision of a war that rages in heaven. Yes, heaven. Most people think of heaven as a perfect, peaceful, idyllic sort of place. That’s what the future heaven will be like. Sadly, the heaven spoken of in this scripture for today is not such a place. That is because of evil. The dragon and his angels have taken up arms against God and HIS angels. They will fight first in heaven. That fight will spill over into the earth. God’s armies of angels will fight against evil. The famous archangel Michael will lead the angels in battle. God’s angels will defeat the dragon and the angels who side with the dragon. They will “lose their place in heaven” (Revelation 12:8). The dragon and his angels will continue to fight their unholy war on the earth. They will do everything they can to corrupt what is good, to destroy what is right, to threaten anyone who dares to be faithful (Revelation 12:17). They will ally with the beast to accuse, threaten, and destroy what is holy and just (Revelation 13). In the end, God will end their unholy terror. God will banish them to the burning lake of fire in hell (Revelation 19).
Why is there death and destruction and unholy worship and evil and suffering and more in this earth? Because the devil, the dragon, the beast, the unholy angels, and unrighteous people (and even righteous people sometimes!) cause evil to fill the earth. The dragon and unholy angels will attempt the same in heaven but fail. They continue this terrible fight on earth, even now.
You and I, we are caught up in this spiritual and metaphysical battle. The fight has spilled over into every aspect of life. Politics are embroiled with it. Families feel its effects. Your mind and heart may at times feel the depth of suffering that has surrounded our world. Humanism and modern philosophies argue that there is no spiritual realm. They preach that there are no metaphysical battles going on around us. They pressure people to rely on rationalism and reasonableness. They argue that individual rights and human reason will lead us on to a greater and better world. However, their words ring hollow. Very smart human beings have caused wars. Chemists have discovered biological weapons. Physicists have harnessed the power of the atom and given us the ability to wage nuclear war. Scientists have objectified human processes and bodily functions. Technology has given us the power of computation and electronic control. Despite all the modern advances, human beings still fight evil in our world. They still cause suffering. Universities all over the world teach that there are no spiritual battles. Many claim that religions are backward and spiritual people are Neanderthals. Thankfully, there are still people who see that spiritual battles are very real. Evil is as alive as ever. People still must choose whether or not to do good. All people must decide whether to believe in God or not.
In the scripture for today, we are made aware that spiritual battles rage on in the spiritual world, spilling over into the present. The archangel Michael is in the thick of the fighting. He has chosen his side. He fights for Almighty God. How about you? What side have you taken? Have you taken up spiritual arms for God? Are you a soldier of Christ? What kinds of evil have you fought against? What spiritual battles have you fought lately? Someday, your spiritual battles will be over. On the Day of Judgment, your part in that battle will be revealed. What you accomplished will say a whole lot about your view of life and death, good and evil. I wonder what will be said of you……
After a few minutes of chitchat, he asked me a surprising question. Out of nowhere, he just blurted out: “Do you think God is in control of the world. I mean, there is a lot of bad in the world.” It was a great question. As I thought of a response, I noticed a statue off to the side, by a small flower garden. It was a statue of the Archangel Michael. I thanked God for the inspiration of the statue, and responded: “Do you see that statue? That’s the archangel Michael. He’s got a sword. The sword is a symbol meant to show that the angel Michael fights against evil in the world. In the last days, the Bible says he will fight against the evil Dragon and his cohorts. And he will win. Until that day, spiritual battles will rage in our world and in heaven. Evil will attempt to overpower the good. You and I are in a world that is rife with spiritual battles. A lot of bad things happen here. You will have to choose which side to believe, which path to follow. Will you choose good or evil? Will you fight against what is wrong in our world, or take advantage of the situation? There is a lot of bad in our world. A lot of people have taken the wrong side in these spiritual battles. God is in control. People are not. God wants us to choose to do good. People often choose to side with evil.”
The man went totally silent. I could tell my answer had stunned him. He was left with a decision to make. Was he going to complain about evil in the world and question God’s role in it, or was he going to side with God and all that is good and right in the world?
In the scripture for today, we are given a vision of a war that rages in heaven. Yes, heaven. Most people think of heaven as a perfect, peaceful, idyllic sort of place. That’s what the future heaven will be like. Sadly, the heaven spoken of in this scripture for today is not such a place. That is because of evil. The dragon and his angels have taken up arms against God and HIS angels. They will fight first in heaven. That fight will spill over into the earth. God’s armies of angels will fight against evil. The famous archangel Michael will lead the angels in battle. God’s angels will defeat the dragon and the angels who side with the dragon. They will “lose their place in heaven” (Revelation 12:8). The dragon and his angels will continue to fight their unholy war on the earth. They will do everything they can to corrupt what is good, to destroy what is right, to threaten anyone who dares to be faithful (Revelation 12:17). They will ally with the beast to accuse, threaten, and destroy what is holy and just (Revelation 13). In the end, God will end their unholy terror. God will banish them to the burning lake of fire in hell (Revelation 19).
Why is there death and destruction and unholy worship and evil and suffering and more in this earth? Because the devil, the dragon, the beast, the unholy angels, and unrighteous people (and even righteous people sometimes!) cause evil to fill the earth. The dragon and unholy angels will attempt the same in heaven but fail. They continue this terrible fight on earth, even now.
You and I, we are caught up in this spiritual and metaphysical battle. The fight has spilled over into every aspect of life. Politics are embroiled with it. Families feel its effects. Your mind and heart may at times feel the depth of suffering that has surrounded our world. Humanism and modern philosophies argue that there is no spiritual realm. They preach that there are no metaphysical battles going on around us. They pressure people to rely on rationalism and reasonableness. They argue that individual rights and human reason will lead us on to a greater and better world. However, their words ring hollow. Very smart human beings have caused wars. Chemists have discovered biological weapons. Physicists have harnessed the power of the atom and given us the ability to wage nuclear war. Scientists have objectified human processes and bodily functions. Technology has given us the power of computation and electronic control. Despite all the modern advances, human beings still fight evil in our world. They still cause suffering. Universities all over the world teach that there are no spiritual battles. Many claim that religions are backward and spiritual people are Neanderthals. Thankfully, there are still people who see that spiritual battles are very real. Evil is as alive as ever. People still must choose whether or not to do good. All people must decide whether to believe in God or not.
In the scripture for today, we are made aware that spiritual battles rage on in the spiritual world, spilling over into the present. The archangel Michael is in the thick of the fighting. He has chosen his side. He fights for Almighty God. How about you? What side have you taken? Have you taken up spiritual arms for God? Are you a soldier of Christ? What kinds of evil have you fought against? What spiritual battles have you fought lately? Someday, your spiritual battles will be over. On the Day of Judgment, your part in that battle will be revealed. What you accomplished will say a whole lot about your view of life and death, good and evil. I wonder what will be said of you……
October 30
“And so, from the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9–10, RSV)
Some things in life are related. If you affect one, it will affect the other. If you change one, you will change the other. There are millions of examples of this. If you change out dead batteries in a toy for new ones, the toy will come to life again. If you move the thermostat setting up two degrees, the house will warm as the furnace kicks in. When you take the fall leaves out of a blocked gutter, the water should be able to flow through it again. In your spiritual life, there are also related elements that affect one another. Our scripture for today shows some of these elements and how they work together to mold a person into a more effective and beloved child of God.
Colossians 1:9 mentions Paul's intention to pray for the Colossian Christians. He was a founding leader of their church and cared deeply about their connection with God. In the letter of Colossians, Paul wrote that his prayers include the desire that God fill the Colossian Christians with "all spiritual wisdom and understanding". With spiritual wisdom and understanding, Paul knew that the faithful in that church would begin to "lead a life worthy of the Lord" (Colossians 1:9). If this spiritual wisdom was God-inspired, Paul knew that the people would then "please God". Then, they would bear spiritual "fruit" by both doing "good works" and "increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10). There is a spiritual progression dependent on the connections in these two verses. By growing in spiritual wisdom and an understanding of God in Jesus Christ, you then will begin to live a life "worthy of the Lord". This worthy life when continued will "please God". In response to God's blessing, you will then bear fruit in service and worship, increasing in the knowledge of God. Do you see the progression here?
The first step to pleasing God and growing close to God involves increasing your wisdom and knowledge about spiritual things. This is where a few things come into play. Worship is important to help you grow in the knowledge of God's will and purpose in the world. By saying prayers, you connect with God. Learning about the Bible and God's commands and promises, you will grow in a spiritual understanding about life. Through faithful interactions that develop with time, you will grow to understand your spiritual journey in life and God's purpose for the world. You will increasingly become familiar with spiritual feelings, the knowledge of the Bible, and an understanding of your salvation through Jesus Christ. Your relationship with God should strengthen. In response, you will please God. Then, with the blessing and help of God, you will move out to do good works and grow more deeply in your faith. All these elements found in Colossians 1:9-10 come into play. They are related. One affects the other.
Jane and Timothy wanted to get married. Coming from Christian families, they decided to have Jane's pastor do their wedding. Neither was close to Jane's pastor, but it was traditional in both families to get married in a church. It seemed the right thing to do, and it was. However, Jane's pastor was not very motivated. He was laid back and rather forgetful. He didn't require any pre-marital classes or any kind of reflection on their marriage as it relates to God and scripture. He just went through a "normal" wedding service, told them where to stand and what to say, and set the date. In the entire process, there was little interaction and no genuine conversation about faithful marriage. After the wedding ceremony, the couple thanked the pastor for the service, and went about their lives, never to darken the door of the church again.
What went wrong is that the pastor and church never really took the first step found in our scripture today. The pastor never helped the couple explore their spiritual knowledge. He never imparted God-given wisdom. He just went through the motions, said the appropriate words, and went back to his study to sign the civil documents. In many churches today, spiritual knowledge and wisdom are not imparted. Thus, many people are not making those important connections with God. Ultimately, they never please God, participate in good works, or grow in the knowledge of God. The relationship never blooms between many people and God, because those who have the spiritual wisdom aren't imparting it. Those who have grown in spiritual knowledge aren't putting that knowledge to work in actions of faith. God is never pleased. Spiritual depth never occurs. The connections with God wither on the vine.
Where are you on this spiritual progression? Are you still at the initial stages where you are still trying to grow in spiritual wisdom and faithful knowledge? Have you pleased God by growing closer to HIM? Are your good works increasing? Is your connection with God growing stronger? These things all affect each other. This spiritual progression is crucial if you ever want to grow close to God. Most of you have progressed to the point of great works and a great depth of Spirit. Some of you are still just starting out and have yet to please God. A good share of you not only please God, but you are taking your first steps into committed faithful works and Spiritual growth is growing. The Bible is becoming more alive for all of you. Your prayers will be increasingly deep and meaningful.
No matter where you are in this spiritual progression, I KNOW your life will always be better the farther along in this godly journey you are. God will not only be fully active in your life, you will learn the depths of love and compassion and repentance and salvation. This Spiritual walk will define your life and bless those around you. Of that, I have no doubt!
Colossians 1:9 mentions Paul's intention to pray for the Colossian Christians. He was a founding leader of their church and cared deeply about their connection with God. In the letter of Colossians, Paul wrote that his prayers include the desire that God fill the Colossian Christians with "all spiritual wisdom and understanding". With spiritual wisdom and understanding, Paul knew that the faithful in that church would begin to "lead a life worthy of the Lord" (Colossians 1:9). If this spiritual wisdom was God-inspired, Paul knew that the people would then "please God". Then, they would bear spiritual "fruit" by both doing "good works" and "increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10). There is a spiritual progression dependent on the connections in these two verses. By growing in spiritual wisdom and an understanding of God in Jesus Christ, you then will begin to live a life "worthy of the Lord". This worthy life when continued will "please God". In response to God's blessing, you will then bear fruit in service and worship, increasing in the knowledge of God. Do you see the progression here?
The first step to pleasing God and growing close to God involves increasing your wisdom and knowledge about spiritual things. This is where a few things come into play. Worship is important to help you grow in the knowledge of God's will and purpose in the world. By saying prayers, you connect with God. Learning about the Bible and God's commands and promises, you will grow in a spiritual understanding about life. Through faithful interactions that develop with time, you will grow to understand your spiritual journey in life and God's purpose for the world. You will increasingly become familiar with spiritual feelings, the knowledge of the Bible, and an understanding of your salvation through Jesus Christ. Your relationship with God should strengthen. In response, you will please God. Then, with the blessing and help of God, you will move out to do good works and grow more deeply in your faith. All these elements found in Colossians 1:9-10 come into play. They are related. One affects the other.
Jane and Timothy wanted to get married. Coming from Christian families, they decided to have Jane's pastor do their wedding. Neither was close to Jane's pastor, but it was traditional in both families to get married in a church. It seemed the right thing to do, and it was. However, Jane's pastor was not very motivated. He was laid back and rather forgetful. He didn't require any pre-marital classes or any kind of reflection on their marriage as it relates to God and scripture. He just went through a "normal" wedding service, told them where to stand and what to say, and set the date. In the entire process, there was little interaction and no genuine conversation about faithful marriage. After the wedding ceremony, the couple thanked the pastor for the service, and went about their lives, never to darken the door of the church again.
What went wrong is that the pastor and church never really took the first step found in our scripture today. The pastor never helped the couple explore their spiritual knowledge. He never imparted God-given wisdom. He just went through the motions, said the appropriate words, and went back to his study to sign the civil documents. In many churches today, spiritual knowledge and wisdom are not imparted. Thus, many people are not making those important connections with God. Ultimately, they never please God, participate in good works, or grow in the knowledge of God. The relationship never blooms between many people and God, because those who have the spiritual wisdom aren't imparting it. Those who have grown in spiritual knowledge aren't putting that knowledge to work in actions of faith. God is never pleased. Spiritual depth never occurs. The connections with God wither on the vine.
Where are you on this spiritual progression? Are you still at the initial stages where you are still trying to grow in spiritual wisdom and faithful knowledge? Have you pleased God by growing closer to HIM? Are your good works increasing? Is your connection with God growing stronger? These things all affect each other. This spiritual progression is crucial if you ever want to grow close to God. Most of you have progressed to the point of great works and a great depth of Spirit. Some of you are still just starting out and have yet to please God. A good share of you not only please God, but you are taking your first steps into committed faithful works and Spiritual growth is growing. The Bible is becoming more alive for all of you. Your prayers will be increasingly deep and meaningful.
No matter where you are in this spiritual progression, I KNOW your life will always be better the farther along in this godly journey you are. God will not only be fully active in your life, you will learn the depths of love and compassion and repentance and salvation. This Spiritual walk will define your life and bless those around you. Of that, I have no doubt!
October 31
“Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.”
(1 John 4:1–3, NLT)
(1 John 4:1–3, NLT)
When you make a commitment to God through Jesus Christ, you become a Christian. As you live out the promises and obedience given that relationship, you become a faithful and true Christian. The basis for the word "Christian" is Christ, the Messiah. Thus, when you live for Jesus' sake, you become a "Christian" through that relationship with Jesus. An "Serbian" owes a commitment to Serbia. A "Mohammedan" is an ancient term for one who follows Mohammed. A "Christian" owes his or her life to Christ. That relationship should be the center of one's life and form the crux of who you are.
After becoming a true Christian with a deep relationship with Christ, it is important to follow the scripture above. 1 John 4:1 warns us "not to believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit". There are many spiritual and religious people in the world, but not all of them are of God. Not all of them have a true commitment to Christ. In the days in which this scripture was originally written, there were people who claimed to believe in Jesus as the Christ, but they did not believe he was "born of Mary". He did not suffer and die on a cross. He was a spiritual being, but not a physical one. These people were mostly Gnostics. They believed they knew Jesus, but they could not accept his real death on a cross. When John wrote the words above, he asked the real Christians to "test" others who spoke about our faith. John wanted them to make sure that the "spirit they have comes from God" (1 John 4:2). He even targets the Gnostics by writing: "if a person claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God" (1 John 4:2-3). In verse 2 above, the false prophets (Gnostics) denied Jesus had a "real body". Thus, they were not of God. They were from the "Antichrist" (1 John 4:3), sent to mess up the connection with the believer and the real Christ Jesus.
According to the scripture above, you can have a "Spirit of God" or you can have the "spirit of the Antichrist". Your job is to "test the spirits". An important aspect of being faithful to Jesus Christ involves checking to make sure that those you trust spiritually are those who have the Spirit of God. From priests to pastors to spiritual mentors and friends, you need to spiritually steer clear of those who do not have the "Spirit of God" in them. They can be friends, but not Christian friends. They can give advice, but not godly advice. God can work through them, but God is not in them.
Carolyn was always a spiritual person. She grew up attending worship in a Catholic Church. During her teens, she drifted away from the Catholic Church, remaining a Christian in name only. She was a wonderful person who was well liked by her friends. She had lots of friends. In her early twenties, Carolyn fell in love with a Peter, whom she met at a concert. The two hit it off and became inseparable. They married in 1969 and began a beautiful life together.
Seven years into the marriage, Carolyn and Peter began to have marriage problems. They fought the same old fights over and over. Wondering what to do, Carolyn expressed her frustration to her closest friend. This friend stated that men are born to cheat. They aren't wired like women. She talked about men being biologically antithetical to marriage. Can you tell her best friend was divorced? Carolyn began to drift away from her husband, spending more time with her best friend. After divorcing her husband, Carolyn began to get involved with an Eastern Meditation group. They taught that life was all spiritual and the purpose of life was to become one with "the spirit". The group met together regularly, some even moving in together in a large commune. Carolyn loved her new life, and highly respected the gurus who taught the group.
Ten years later, Carolyn's life was a mess. After her closest friend died, she began to question her life choices. She was poor and desperate. All her time and money was spent supporting the spiritual group she had migrated into. Desperately seeking some help, she visited a Catholic mission not far away. There, she met a priest who took her under his wing. He helped her find housing. A congregation helped her re-acclimate to her new life. A husband and wife stopped in often to check on her. For the first time in a long time, Carolyn felt spiritually connected again. To this day, she is very active in her parish in California.
There were many spiritual voices in Carolyn's life. Some weren't from God. Some were. Sadly, she wandered away from the people sent by God. She took spiritual advice and counseling from those who were not bearing the "Spirit of God". Many years of her life were wasted because of those who did not have a connection with Jesus Christ. Contrary to popular thinking, all religions and spiritual groups are NOT the same. True Christianity saves lives. I thank God for the priest who gave Carolyn a connection with God, for the people from her parish who took her in, for those who showed her love, and for Christ who redeemed her.
If you listen to spiritual advice from those who do not have the "Spirit of God", you will find yourself drifting away from God. Your life will suffer for the loss of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, our Lord. You were meant to be godly. You were meant to rely on the "Spirit of God". God ordained your life to have a relationship with Jesus. God sends HIS Spirit to comfort and direct you. Before you make your choices in life or listen to spiritual advice, you NEED to find those who have the "Spirit of God" in them. The person with the "spirit of the Antichrist" is always ready to give spiritual advice and lead you down the wrong paths in life. According to this scripture, you need to figure out which spiritual people are trustworthy in Christ Jesus.
I celebrate the Spirit of God that is in you and brought you to reading this. I'm excited about what wonderful additions you will bring to God's work and world. God will bless you and protect you as you walk this spiritual walk of life. Just be wise in taking advice. You want the advice to come from God, not from somewhere else!
After becoming a true Christian with a deep relationship with Christ, it is important to follow the scripture above. 1 John 4:1 warns us "not to believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit". There are many spiritual and religious people in the world, but not all of them are of God. Not all of them have a true commitment to Christ. In the days in which this scripture was originally written, there were people who claimed to believe in Jesus as the Christ, but they did not believe he was "born of Mary". He did not suffer and die on a cross. He was a spiritual being, but not a physical one. These people were mostly Gnostics. They believed they knew Jesus, but they could not accept his real death on a cross. When John wrote the words above, he asked the real Christians to "test" others who spoke about our faith. John wanted them to make sure that the "spirit they have comes from God" (1 John 4:2). He even targets the Gnostics by writing: "if a person claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God" (1 John 4:2-3). In verse 2 above, the false prophets (Gnostics) denied Jesus had a "real body". Thus, they were not of God. They were from the "Antichrist" (1 John 4:3), sent to mess up the connection with the believer and the real Christ Jesus.
According to the scripture above, you can have a "Spirit of God" or you can have the "spirit of the Antichrist". Your job is to "test the spirits". An important aspect of being faithful to Jesus Christ involves checking to make sure that those you trust spiritually are those who have the Spirit of God. From priests to pastors to spiritual mentors and friends, you need to spiritually steer clear of those who do not have the "Spirit of God" in them. They can be friends, but not Christian friends. They can give advice, but not godly advice. God can work through them, but God is not in them.
Carolyn was always a spiritual person. She grew up attending worship in a Catholic Church. During her teens, she drifted away from the Catholic Church, remaining a Christian in name only. She was a wonderful person who was well liked by her friends. She had lots of friends. In her early twenties, Carolyn fell in love with a Peter, whom she met at a concert. The two hit it off and became inseparable. They married in 1969 and began a beautiful life together.
Seven years into the marriage, Carolyn and Peter began to have marriage problems. They fought the same old fights over and over. Wondering what to do, Carolyn expressed her frustration to her closest friend. This friend stated that men are born to cheat. They aren't wired like women. She talked about men being biologically antithetical to marriage. Can you tell her best friend was divorced? Carolyn began to drift away from her husband, spending more time with her best friend. After divorcing her husband, Carolyn began to get involved with an Eastern Meditation group. They taught that life was all spiritual and the purpose of life was to become one with "the spirit". The group met together regularly, some even moving in together in a large commune. Carolyn loved her new life, and highly respected the gurus who taught the group.
Ten years later, Carolyn's life was a mess. After her closest friend died, she began to question her life choices. She was poor and desperate. All her time and money was spent supporting the spiritual group she had migrated into. Desperately seeking some help, she visited a Catholic mission not far away. There, she met a priest who took her under his wing. He helped her find housing. A congregation helped her re-acclimate to her new life. A husband and wife stopped in often to check on her. For the first time in a long time, Carolyn felt spiritually connected again. To this day, she is very active in her parish in California.
There were many spiritual voices in Carolyn's life. Some weren't from God. Some were. Sadly, she wandered away from the people sent by God. She took spiritual advice and counseling from those who were not bearing the "Spirit of God". Many years of her life were wasted because of those who did not have a connection with Jesus Christ. Contrary to popular thinking, all religions and spiritual groups are NOT the same. True Christianity saves lives. I thank God for the priest who gave Carolyn a connection with God, for the people from her parish who took her in, for those who showed her love, and for Christ who redeemed her.
If you listen to spiritual advice from those who do not have the "Spirit of God", you will find yourself drifting away from God. Your life will suffer for the loss of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, our Lord. You were meant to be godly. You were meant to rely on the "Spirit of God". God ordained your life to have a relationship with Jesus. God sends HIS Spirit to comfort and direct you. Before you make your choices in life or listen to spiritual advice, you NEED to find those who have the "Spirit of God" in them. The person with the "spirit of the Antichrist" is always ready to give spiritual advice and lead you down the wrong paths in life. According to this scripture, you need to figure out which spiritual people are trustworthy in Christ Jesus.
I celebrate the Spirit of God that is in you and brought you to reading this. I'm excited about what wonderful additions you will bring to God's work and world. God will bless you and protect you as you walk this spiritual walk of life. Just be wise in taking advice. You want the advice to come from God, not from somewhere else!