May 3
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT)
“Many years ago, A.J. Gordon went to the World’s Fair. From a distance he saw a man pumping water with one of those old hand pumps. The water was pouring out and he said as he looked, “That man is really pumping water.” But when he got closer, he discovered that it was a wooden man connected to a pump powered by electricity. The man was not pumping the water, the water was pumping him.” (Bible.org)
The illustration above shows that sometimes you can’t tell when people are in control of their own circumstances or when the circumstances are controlling them.
According to several dictionaries and places of definition, circumstances are conditions or facts that are relevant to the event. If you are in a financial bind, your circumstances will often dictate how you spend your money and what is most valued. When you are sick, your circumstances may include illness, disease, hospital visits, or prescriptions. Every one of us deals every day with circumstances. The facts or conditions of any moment in your life will impinge on your decisions and view of the world. Whenever you are making a decision, circumstances need to be taken into account. To best deal with a situation, you need to understand your circumstances.
Sadly, some people don’t take into account their circumstances, they let the circumstances control their decisions, feelings, emotions, and actions. For example, I’ve known children who grew so excited about opening presents on Christmas that by the time arrived to open the presents, the children were sick because of the increased anxiety. There are adults who are so fearful of spiders that they overspray their entire home with pesticides to the nth degree. They do not even care about the neurological damage they are unleashing in their own home upon all who live there. When you let circumstances get control over you, often you will be forced to make poor or even wrongful decisions.
A woman from Nebraska was known to be an excellent breeder of cats. Over decades, she helped develop a genetic hybrid of an incredibly special breed of cat. People often came from hundreds of miles away to see the special breed of cat she had worked so hard to nurture. However, later in her life the woman became obsessed with the hybrid cat. She kept these special cats isolated to prevent any illness from shortening their lives. Still, one by one, the cats grew diseased and died. When she was down to one breeding pair, the woman worked desperately to encourage them to bear kittens. Then, one died. Then, the other died. She was so overcome with grief that she couldn’t eat. In the end, her poor nutrition contributed to her early death.
When you let circumstances of life control you, you are at their whim. Your life and decisions and values and hopes and dreams will be determined by outside factors. Soon, the conditions of your circumstances will take over your choices. You will be ruled by your circumstances. You will lose control of your perspective. God will no longer be a consideration in your decision-making.
During the early 1930’s in Chicago and New York, people were afraid to walk downtown. That may sound odd to you, but it wasn’t to the people of that era. The Great Depression hit America in 1929 with the crashing of the stock market. Overnight, people lost all their savings. Homes were lost. Assets were gone. People went hungry. Lines for soup kitchens grew blocks long in the big cities. And, one unusual practice kept recurring. As some of the wealthy lost everything, they would go to the skyscraper roof or open a window up high in an office building in Chicago and New York and throw themselves out to die on the street below. This occurred often enough that people began to shun walking by tall buildings so to not be killed by someone committing suicide.
The wealthy who committed suicide in the early 1930’s were being ruled by their circumstances. Without their wealth, they saw no reason to live. Without a bank account loaded with money, they could not see any way out of their dilemma. Their losses contributed to the mindset that they could not live without lots of material possessions. For too many, the only way out of that dilemma was to commit suicide. Truthfully, these folks had many other options. They just let their circumstances control their destiny. They refused to listen to the voice of God calling them to another way.
Be careful that you never let your circumstances make your choices for you. Keep God front and center. Let God have the ultimate authority over your life. Don’t let fears or views or conditions or anything else take God’s place in your life. Don’t let circumstances control your decisions. Seek God’s direction.
The scripture for today reaffirms this. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul wrote that you need to “be thankful in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). If you “belong to Jesus”, you can’t let circumstances control you. You need to be thankful to God no matter the circumstances you find yourself. The day you stop being thankful to God, circumstances will attempt to control your heart and mind. Situations will bring about fear and worry. When circumstances dictate your attitude, your emotions will run roughshod over you. You will become overwhelmed. That is, unless Jesus remains your Lord and circumstances are understood in the light of a loving God.
When you are tempted to be afraid, seek God’s strength. When finances go out of whack due to unforeseen circumstances, don’t let your days and nights be overtaken with fears about tomorrow. Be thankful for every blessing you have in that moment. Be thankful that God has ultimate authority over your future. Be thankful that your sins may be forgiven, and grace can be accepted. In the end, just find ways to be thankful for all that God has done for you. Then, circumstances will not overwhelm you. Instead, God’s love will keep you under watchful care. This is “God’s will for all you who are in Christ Jesus”.
The illustration above shows that sometimes you can’t tell when people are in control of their own circumstances or when the circumstances are controlling them.
According to several dictionaries and places of definition, circumstances are conditions or facts that are relevant to the event. If you are in a financial bind, your circumstances will often dictate how you spend your money and what is most valued. When you are sick, your circumstances may include illness, disease, hospital visits, or prescriptions. Every one of us deals every day with circumstances. The facts or conditions of any moment in your life will impinge on your decisions and view of the world. Whenever you are making a decision, circumstances need to be taken into account. To best deal with a situation, you need to understand your circumstances.
Sadly, some people don’t take into account their circumstances, they let the circumstances control their decisions, feelings, emotions, and actions. For example, I’ve known children who grew so excited about opening presents on Christmas that by the time arrived to open the presents, the children were sick because of the increased anxiety. There are adults who are so fearful of spiders that they overspray their entire home with pesticides to the nth degree. They do not even care about the neurological damage they are unleashing in their own home upon all who live there. When you let circumstances get control over you, often you will be forced to make poor or even wrongful decisions.
A woman from Nebraska was known to be an excellent breeder of cats. Over decades, she helped develop a genetic hybrid of an incredibly special breed of cat. People often came from hundreds of miles away to see the special breed of cat she had worked so hard to nurture. However, later in her life the woman became obsessed with the hybrid cat. She kept these special cats isolated to prevent any illness from shortening their lives. Still, one by one, the cats grew diseased and died. When she was down to one breeding pair, the woman worked desperately to encourage them to bear kittens. Then, one died. Then, the other died. She was so overcome with grief that she couldn’t eat. In the end, her poor nutrition contributed to her early death.
When you let circumstances of life control you, you are at their whim. Your life and decisions and values and hopes and dreams will be determined by outside factors. Soon, the conditions of your circumstances will take over your choices. You will be ruled by your circumstances. You will lose control of your perspective. God will no longer be a consideration in your decision-making.
During the early 1930’s in Chicago and New York, people were afraid to walk downtown. That may sound odd to you, but it wasn’t to the people of that era. The Great Depression hit America in 1929 with the crashing of the stock market. Overnight, people lost all their savings. Homes were lost. Assets were gone. People went hungry. Lines for soup kitchens grew blocks long in the big cities. And, one unusual practice kept recurring. As some of the wealthy lost everything, they would go to the skyscraper roof or open a window up high in an office building in Chicago and New York and throw themselves out to die on the street below. This occurred often enough that people began to shun walking by tall buildings so to not be killed by someone committing suicide.
The wealthy who committed suicide in the early 1930’s were being ruled by their circumstances. Without their wealth, they saw no reason to live. Without a bank account loaded with money, they could not see any way out of their dilemma. Their losses contributed to the mindset that they could not live without lots of material possessions. For too many, the only way out of that dilemma was to commit suicide. Truthfully, these folks had many other options. They just let their circumstances control their destiny. They refused to listen to the voice of God calling them to another way.
Be careful that you never let your circumstances make your choices for you. Keep God front and center. Let God have the ultimate authority over your life. Don’t let fears or views or conditions or anything else take God’s place in your life. Don’t let circumstances control your decisions. Seek God’s direction.
The scripture for today reaffirms this. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul wrote that you need to “be thankful in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). If you “belong to Jesus”, you can’t let circumstances control you. You need to be thankful to God no matter the circumstances you find yourself. The day you stop being thankful to God, circumstances will attempt to control your heart and mind. Situations will bring about fear and worry. When circumstances dictate your attitude, your emotions will run roughshod over you. You will become overwhelmed. That is, unless Jesus remains your Lord and circumstances are understood in the light of a loving God.
When you are tempted to be afraid, seek God’s strength. When finances go out of whack due to unforeseen circumstances, don’t let your days and nights be overtaken with fears about tomorrow. Be thankful for every blessing you have in that moment. Be thankful that God has ultimate authority over your future. Be thankful that your sins may be forgiven, and grace can be accepted. In the end, just find ways to be thankful for all that God has done for you. Then, circumstances will not overwhelm you. Instead, God’s love will keep you under watchful care. This is “God’s will for all you who are in Christ Jesus”.
May 5
“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:29, ESV)
Whether you pour water into a breaker or a bowl or glass, the water will conform to the shape of the vessel in which it is poured. If you dump sand into a sandbox, it will conform to the shape of the box. Many things in life adapt to their surroundings by conforming to outside pressures and restraints. It is just physics. However, God made people NOT to conform to worldly pressures and restraints. Humans were created to conform to the image of God. The book of Genesis even tells us that we were created by God “in His image” (Genesis 1:27). That is why the Second Commandment declares we should never worship a “graven image” (Exodus 20:4). You are meant to conform your life in the image of God, not worldly creatures, not other people, not to modern standards, not false gods.
Many people today have forsaken God’s commands. They do not desire to be faithful or loving or even holy. Rather than conforming to the image of God, all too many have chosen to conform to the standards and preferences of the world. They have adopted worldly ideals, worship earthly powers, and follow earthly norms, even when they are evil. During the Twentieth Century, many Nazis chose to follow Hitler, conforming their ideals and values around the German National Socialist Party. Even Christians in Germany fell under the spell of Hitler. Followers of Mao, Lenin, Confucius, and many more have conformed their beliefs and view of life around the leaders of these movements and rejected the sovereignty of God. In the world today, there are people who have conformed to political ideals, formed their opinions by conforming to social media, adapted their values to be politically correct, and chosen to respect those with power instead of God’s authority.
It is all too easy to conform to worldly standards or beliefs. Peer pressure, societal norms, and popularity often trap those who do not have the backbone to stand up for God. They choose to conform to the world rather than conform to the image of God.
“Em Griffin in his book The Mindchangers describes an experiment done by Solomon Asch with groups of 12 people. They were brought into a room where four lines of unequal length were displayed. They had to decide which two were the same length and publicly vote for their choice. Person after person after person (11 in all) voted for the wrong line—because they had all been told to ahead of time. The one individual who was in the dark couldn’t imagine how in the world all these seemingly normal people could all choose the wrong line. When it was his turn to vote, he had to decide, “Do I go with what I know my senses are telling me, or do I go with the crowd?” 1/3 of those tested caved in to group pressure and changed their vote to agree with their peers.” (Em Griffin, The Mindchangers, p. 193ff).
In the experiment mentioned by Em Griffin above, fully one-third of people tested conformed to those around them. They chose to fit in rather than to stick to the facts. They chose to side with what was wrong in order not to stand out. They conformed to their situation not to the image of God.
In a recent “off the record” conversation with a scientist, I had a chance to see how scientists and science projects were changing. The scientist I spoke with confirmed what I feared. For fear of losing their positions at research facilities and universities and in governments, many scientists are twisting the evidence in order to get grants and positions in highly respected places. They are manipulating data to fit in with popular notions, to be accepted by government agencies for grants, and to get promoted. If the data doesn’t fit the way the group or agency or university leaders desire, the models are shifted to accommodate popular beliefs and norms. The scientist said to me, “No highly respected scientist uses a pure scientific method any longer. Their methods are adapted to fit an outcome.”
When judges sentence people according to whom is being tried, they are conforming to the world. When government leaders adjust their speeches to fit opinion polls, they are conforming to the world. When news organizations alter reports to fit an agenda, they are conforming to the world. When pastors edit their sermons to sound “nice” or “politically correct” to their parishioners, they are conforming to this world. If you give a “like” on social media just to be more popular, you are conforming to cultural norms. If you support a cause because everyone around you seems to be doing the same, you are conforming to their opinions. When you find yourself on your deathbed, the causes and peer pressures and social stances you chose will define you. If you chose to follow God’s way, conforming to His image, that will also define you.
Our scripture for today from Romans 8 explains that the true Christian is one who is “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29), conformed to Jesus. If you consistently choose NOT to conform to this world but instead choose TO conform to the will of God in Jesus Christ, God notices that difference. God applauds that stance. The world may laugh at you, spit on you, drag you through the mud for not conforming to its ways. To be truly faithful to God, you must be different from the world. You were created to be “conformed to the image of Jesus”.
If any part of your life is being conformed to the ideals and ways of this world, you will find that your soul will be ill-at-ease. You were meant to give this world an image of God. You were meant to display faithfulness to Jesus Christ. A re-evaluation is in order. You must choose God over the world, conformity to Jesus instead of conformity to the social norm, a courageous faith not cowardly submission.
Only true people of faith will ever conform to the image of Jesus. The rest will be content to just fall in line with what is correct or acceptable in the eyes of the world.
Many people today have forsaken God’s commands. They do not desire to be faithful or loving or even holy. Rather than conforming to the image of God, all too many have chosen to conform to the standards and preferences of the world. They have adopted worldly ideals, worship earthly powers, and follow earthly norms, even when they are evil. During the Twentieth Century, many Nazis chose to follow Hitler, conforming their ideals and values around the German National Socialist Party. Even Christians in Germany fell under the spell of Hitler. Followers of Mao, Lenin, Confucius, and many more have conformed their beliefs and view of life around the leaders of these movements and rejected the sovereignty of God. In the world today, there are people who have conformed to political ideals, formed their opinions by conforming to social media, adapted their values to be politically correct, and chosen to respect those with power instead of God’s authority.
It is all too easy to conform to worldly standards or beliefs. Peer pressure, societal norms, and popularity often trap those who do not have the backbone to stand up for God. They choose to conform to the world rather than conform to the image of God.
“Em Griffin in his book The Mindchangers describes an experiment done by Solomon Asch with groups of 12 people. They were brought into a room where four lines of unequal length were displayed. They had to decide which two were the same length and publicly vote for their choice. Person after person after person (11 in all) voted for the wrong line—because they had all been told to ahead of time. The one individual who was in the dark couldn’t imagine how in the world all these seemingly normal people could all choose the wrong line. When it was his turn to vote, he had to decide, “Do I go with what I know my senses are telling me, or do I go with the crowd?” 1/3 of those tested caved in to group pressure and changed their vote to agree with their peers.” (Em Griffin, The Mindchangers, p. 193ff).
In the experiment mentioned by Em Griffin above, fully one-third of people tested conformed to those around them. They chose to fit in rather than to stick to the facts. They chose to side with what was wrong in order not to stand out. They conformed to their situation not to the image of God.
In a recent “off the record” conversation with a scientist, I had a chance to see how scientists and science projects were changing. The scientist I spoke with confirmed what I feared. For fear of losing their positions at research facilities and universities and in governments, many scientists are twisting the evidence in order to get grants and positions in highly respected places. They are manipulating data to fit in with popular notions, to be accepted by government agencies for grants, and to get promoted. If the data doesn’t fit the way the group or agency or university leaders desire, the models are shifted to accommodate popular beliefs and norms. The scientist said to me, “No highly respected scientist uses a pure scientific method any longer. Their methods are adapted to fit an outcome.”
When judges sentence people according to whom is being tried, they are conforming to the world. When government leaders adjust their speeches to fit opinion polls, they are conforming to the world. When news organizations alter reports to fit an agenda, they are conforming to the world. When pastors edit their sermons to sound “nice” or “politically correct” to their parishioners, they are conforming to this world. If you give a “like” on social media just to be more popular, you are conforming to cultural norms. If you support a cause because everyone around you seems to be doing the same, you are conforming to their opinions. When you find yourself on your deathbed, the causes and peer pressures and social stances you chose will define you. If you chose to follow God’s way, conforming to His image, that will also define you.
Our scripture for today from Romans 8 explains that the true Christian is one who is “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29), conformed to Jesus. If you consistently choose NOT to conform to this world but instead choose TO conform to the will of God in Jesus Christ, God notices that difference. God applauds that stance. The world may laugh at you, spit on you, drag you through the mud for not conforming to its ways. To be truly faithful to God, you must be different from the world. You were created to be “conformed to the image of Jesus”.
If any part of your life is being conformed to the ideals and ways of this world, you will find that your soul will be ill-at-ease. You were meant to give this world an image of God. You were meant to display faithfulness to Jesus Christ. A re-evaluation is in order. You must choose God over the world, conformity to Jesus instead of conformity to the social norm, a courageous faith not cowardly submission.
Only true people of faith will ever conform to the image of Jesus. The rest will be content to just fall in line with what is correct or acceptable in the eyes of the world.
May 7
“Suppose a prophet full of lies would say to you, “I’ll preach to you the joys of wine and alcohol!” That’s just the kind of prophet you would like!” (Micah 2:11, NLT)
After a bitter divorce and a bout with heavy drinking, Joan found herself in therapy for almost two years. On a Thursday morning, she left work to visit her therapist’s office for her semi-weekly session. At one point, the therapist said, “Joan, though you haven’t had a bender in over a year, I can see you still think like an alcoholic. You still want to run away and hide in your Bloody Mary’s. You are still angry about your divorce.” With a mean look in her eye, Joan responded to the therapist, “I don’t pay you to tell me the truth, just to get me better. I don’t need your judgmentalism.” Joan left the office never to return to any therapist. To this day, Joan is an angry and bitter person. She still gets drunk, but she no longer sees a therapist. Joan tells herself that with the money she saves from therapy, she has more than enough to drink on weekends.
You may not believe it, but many people do not want to hear the truth. They do not want to know the truth. Some find it too painful to think about. Some would rather live with a lie than face the changes required with the knowledge of the truth. There are people who live with a cheating spouse who refuse to accept the fact that the spouse is seeking love elsewhere. There are addicts who tell themselves that their addiction is not controlling their life. I have met people with cancer who would not admit they had it. I know of many who don’t want to confess they have a problem with smoking despite a two pack a week habit. Even among Christians, there are those who don’t want to know the truth. They hide their sins instead of repenting for them. They ignore their lusts in order to tell themselves that they are pure. They act religious without praying, making time for God, or reading the Bible. They talk tactfully while inside they are critical, judgmental, dishonest, or jealous. All too many faithful and faithless people alike would rather live a lie than deal with the truth.
The prophet Micah witnessed false prophets in his day. While Micah tried to speak God’s truth to the people, the false prophets were known for issuing lies that the people accepted as the truth. Micah wanted the people to repent and get right with God. The false prophets preached whatever was popular, whatever the people would accept. Sadly, this left many of the Jews at the time in a quandary. Who were they to trust? What was the truth? What was the will of God? Instead of listening to Micah, many people followed the false prophets. They thought it easier to accept the lies than the truth. Frustrated, Micah the prophet railed at the people. With a critical reflection, he said, “Suppose a prophet full of lies would say to you, “I’ll preach to you the joys of wine and alcohol!””(Micah 2:11). At face value, this preaching would seem absurd. Why would any prophet preach about the joys of being an alcoholic? Because that’s the kind of prophet the people wanted; one who would preach only on topics that were easily accepted, even if untrue.
Now, before you get too critical at the sinfulness of the false prophets in the days of Micah, you may need to do some self-examination. Have there been times when you would not listen to the truth? Was there a moment when you would have rather accepted a lie than deal with the truth? Have you ever told yourself that some sin that had captivated you wasn’t that big of a deal? Can you remember a time when you lied to yourself in order to live with yourself? False prophets told lies in the days of the prophet Micah. That is a given. However, it is also true today that Christians and non-Christians alike tell lies in order to get by, feel better, look better, make a profit, or deal with some pain or insecurity.
In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul said about this life that “we see in a mirror dimly” (1 Corinthians 13:12). In a mirror that is clouded by worldly thoughts and pressures, it is sometimes difficult to make out the truth or separate out who is lying. When you can’t quite understand your situation, you may not be able to piece together what God knows to be true. Then, lies are accepted all too easily. A twisting of the facts may be more palatable. A few flattering words might bring some comfort when your soul is sick from some untruth. Jesus taught that “the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). That doesn’t mean a lie isn’t easier to swallow.
Satan is called the father of lies. False prophets are known to spread lies and untruths. Don’t be fooled by lying words. Lies and liars always cause destruction. Lies will destroy your relationship with God. Lies will eat at your soul. Lies will put you on the wrong path in life. Lies will help you make poor decisions. Lies you tell yourself will never bring about healing or redemption or salvation.
False prophets are all around us even today. Don’t listen to their smooth talk. Struggle to find the truth. The truth is as essential and rare today as it was in the time of Micah.
You may not believe it, but many people do not want to hear the truth. They do not want to know the truth. Some find it too painful to think about. Some would rather live with a lie than face the changes required with the knowledge of the truth. There are people who live with a cheating spouse who refuse to accept the fact that the spouse is seeking love elsewhere. There are addicts who tell themselves that their addiction is not controlling their life. I have met people with cancer who would not admit they had it. I know of many who don’t want to confess they have a problem with smoking despite a two pack a week habit. Even among Christians, there are those who don’t want to know the truth. They hide their sins instead of repenting for them. They ignore their lusts in order to tell themselves that they are pure. They act religious without praying, making time for God, or reading the Bible. They talk tactfully while inside they are critical, judgmental, dishonest, or jealous. All too many faithful and faithless people alike would rather live a lie than deal with the truth.
The prophet Micah witnessed false prophets in his day. While Micah tried to speak God’s truth to the people, the false prophets were known for issuing lies that the people accepted as the truth. Micah wanted the people to repent and get right with God. The false prophets preached whatever was popular, whatever the people would accept. Sadly, this left many of the Jews at the time in a quandary. Who were they to trust? What was the truth? What was the will of God? Instead of listening to Micah, many people followed the false prophets. They thought it easier to accept the lies than the truth. Frustrated, Micah the prophet railed at the people. With a critical reflection, he said, “Suppose a prophet full of lies would say to you, “I’ll preach to you the joys of wine and alcohol!””(Micah 2:11). At face value, this preaching would seem absurd. Why would any prophet preach about the joys of being an alcoholic? Because that’s the kind of prophet the people wanted; one who would preach only on topics that were easily accepted, even if untrue.
Now, before you get too critical at the sinfulness of the false prophets in the days of Micah, you may need to do some self-examination. Have there been times when you would not listen to the truth? Was there a moment when you would have rather accepted a lie than deal with the truth? Have you ever told yourself that some sin that had captivated you wasn’t that big of a deal? Can you remember a time when you lied to yourself in order to live with yourself? False prophets told lies in the days of the prophet Micah. That is a given. However, it is also true today that Christians and non-Christians alike tell lies in order to get by, feel better, look better, make a profit, or deal with some pain or insecurity.
In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul said about this life that “we see in a mirror dimly” (1 Corinthians 13:12). In a mirror that is clouded by worldly thoughts and pressures, it is sometimes difficult to make out the truth or separate out who is lying. When you can’t quite understand your situation, you may not be able to piece together what God knows to be true. Then, lies are accepted all too easily. A twisting of the facts may be more palatable. A few flattering words might bring some comfort when your soul is sick from some untruth. Jesus taught that “the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). That doesn’t mean a lie isn’t easier to swallow.
Satan is called the father of lies. False prophets are known to spread lies and untruths. Don’t be fooled by lying words. Lies and liars always cause destruction. Lies will destroy your relationship with God. Lies will eat at your soul. Lies will put you on the wrong path in life. Lies will help you make poor decisions. Lies you tell yourself will never bring about healing or redemption or salvation.
False prophets are all around us even today. Don’t listen to their smooth talk. Struggle to find the truth. The truth is as essential and rare today as it was in the time of Micah.
May 9
“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!” (Luke 12:4–5, ESV)
In a day filled with preaching, Jesus also spent extra time teaching his disciples the finer points of true faith. In the scripture above, Jesus warned the disciples that those who “kill the body” cannot affect you in eternal life. There is “nothing more that they can do to you” (Luke 12:4). However, Jesus made very clear in the next verse that the one to fear in this life is the God who “has authority to cast you into hell” (Luke 12:5). The Greek word for hell used in this verse (“Gehenna”) was considered a place of eternal punishment, a place where you suffer for all eternity. It was a terrible place, an evil place. No rational being would ever desire to go to a place like hell.
Since Jesus spoke these words about hell, many groups have sought to downplay hell’s existence. Some religious groups, even Christian groups, deny hell or eternal punishment for those who have done evil. Mary Baker Eddy, who founded the Christian Science movement said that heaven and hell are “states of thought and not places. People experience their own heaven or hell right here on earth.” Most Mormons agree with some of the teachings of John Smith that hell is a “false doctrine” and not real. Eckankar, a New Age religion, teaches that there is no eternal hell. The Rosicrucians stated emphatically that “the Christian religion did not originally contain any dogmas about Hell.” Unitarian Universalists also deny the existence of hell or any type of eternal punishment. Some even advocate that the worst sinners in the world will be redeemed in the end and not need any salvation from any hell. All of these groups and many, many more deny any form of future hell. They also tend not to believe in demons or devils or evil spirits. Even though Jesus clearly spoke about hell in the scripture for today, these groups ignore hell’s very existence. (For more information on these groups and many more, see To Hell and Back, by Maurice S. Rawlings, pp. 81-83).
Many Bible passages taught about hell using a variety of words like Gehenna, Sheol, Hades, and more. Hell was seen as a place of torment ruled by evil spirits, chief among them being Satan. In various scriptures, Jesus encountered Satan and evil spirits. Jesus understood Satan to be a fallen angel who was in direct opposition to God. He also knew Satan to be a liar and the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Jesus made it a point not only to cast out evil spirits through the form of exorcism, but He also taught his disciples to do the same. Jesus thus admits to the existence of hell and Satan and evil. Why would anyone deny hell or not fear it?
In a surprising twist, I found out that our National Institutes of Health have been studying Near-death Experiences. Sometimes when a person dies on an operating table or a person’s heart stops beating, they are transported to places like heaven and hell. When they are revived, they come back alive and tell elaborate stories about visiting these places. While you often may read about those who have been brought back from death and experienced Heavenly visions, there are also people who experience versions of Hell. Movies like to portray the heavenly, joyful, and lovely views of eternal life viewed by some. They avoid the visions of hell that some have experienced and never want repeated.
In an article by Nancy Evans Bush and Bruce Greyson from 2014 found on the National Institutes of Health web site, they report some of their findings about near death experiences. They describe the people and their visions of heaven and pleasant views. However, they also found that some people have experienced “distressing Near Death Experiences”, including one simply named “hellish”. That article described one atheistic professor who died during an intestinal rupture. When he was revived, he recalled that when his heart stopped, he was transported to a place where he was “maliciously pinched, then torn apart by malevolent beings.” A woman whose heart stopped from a ruptured Fallopian tube reported her Near Death Experience where “horrific beings with gray gelatinous appendages were gasping and clawing at me. The sounds of their guttural moaning and indescribable stench still remain after 41 years later.” A woman who committed suicide but who was revived wrote that she felt her body sliding downward into a cold, dark, watery environment where she “heard cries, wails, moans, and the gnashing of teeth.” She saw human-shaped beings there who were ugly and grotesque. Everyone was in agony. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6173534/). How would you like to visit these places for all eternity? It sounds like Hell to me.
To not deal with the possibility of going to a hell, many well-meaning people have decided to just lie about the existence of Hell altogether. I overheard one person remark to another that people shouldn’t have to live in fear of a place like hell. This person advocated that nobody be allowed to talk or preach or speak about such a thing. Isn’t this exactly opposite of Jesus’ position? Jesus wanted people to know about Heaven and Hell. He wanted desperately for people to follow God’s will and choose to go to Heaven. He warned people constantly of the consequences of doing evil or following sin. He never wished anyone to go to hell.
The world may want to deny the existence of heaven and or hell. It also desires to ignore any mention of a Savior who can rescue your soul. I share the same opinion as Jesus. People need to know about Heaven and Hell. They need to know that a true faith in Jesus is a clear path to Heaven. Jesus even said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6). However, people also need to be warned that Hell and evil are real. They need to be warned about evil spirits and the lies of Satan. They need to make wise choices in this life, lest their future be in jeopardy.
My heart was broken when I overheard a mother tell her child following a nightmare: “Don’t worry honey, someday you’ll go to heaven but you’ll never go to hell. I won’t let them take you there.” I hate to say it, but, that mother is lying to her child. She can in no way prevent her child from a future in heaven or hell. God alone makes those decisions. However, if she does not teach her child about God in Christ, that child may find out what hell is like in the future, despite her good intentions.
Do you rest completely in the good graces of God? Do you believe in Jesus’ promises for eternal life in Heaven? Make sure you do your best to not only know about Hell, but to do all you can to make sure others do not end up there.
Since Jesus spoke these words about hell, many groups have sought to downplay hell’s existence. Some religious groups, even Christian groups, deny hell or eternal punishment for those who have done evil. Mary Baker Eddy, who founded the Christian Science movement said that heaven and hell are “states of thought and not places. People experience their own heaven or hell right here on earth.” Most Mormons agree with some of the teachings of John Smith that hell is a “false doctrine” and not real. Eckankar, a New Age religion, teaches that there is no eternal hell. The Rosicrucians stated emphatically that “the Christian religion did not originally contain any dogmas about Hell.” Unitarian Universalists also deny the existence of hell or any type of eternal punishment. Some even advocate that the worst sinners in the world will be redeemed in the end and not need any salvation from any hell. All of these groups and many, many more deny any form of future hell. They also tend not to believe in demons or devils or evil spirits. Even though Jesus clearly spoke about hell in the scripture for today, these groups ignore hell’s very existence. (For more information on these groups and many more, see To Hell and Back, by Maurice S. Rawlings, pp. 81-83).
Many Bible passages taught about hell using a variety of words like Gehenna, Sheol, Hades, and more. Hell was seen as a place of torment ruled by evil spirits, chief among them being Satan. In various scriptures, Jesus encountered Satan and evil spirits. Jesus understood Satan to be a fallen angel who was in direct opposition to God. He also knew Satan to be a liar and the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Jesus made it a point not only to cast out evil spirits through the form of exorcism, but He also taught his disciples to do the same. Jesus thus admits to the existence of hell and Satan and evil. Why would anyone deny hell or not fear it?
In a surprising twist, I found out that our National Institutes of Health have been studying Near-death Experiences. Sometimes when a person dies on an operating table or a person’s heart stops beating, they are transported to places like heaven and hell. When they are revived, they come back alive and tell elaborate stories about visiting these places. While you often may read about those who have been brought back from death and experienced Heavenly visions, there are also people who experience versions of Hell. Movies like to portray the heavenly, joyful, and lovely views of eternal life viewed by some. They avoid the visions of hell that some have experienced and never want repeated.
In an article by Nancy Evans Bush and Bruce Greyson from 2014 found on the National Institutes of Health web site, they report some of their findings about near death experiences. They describe the people and their visions of heaven and pleasant views. However, they also found that some people have experienced “distressing Near Death Experiences”, including one simply named “hellish”. That article described one atheistic professor who died during an intestinal rupture. When he was revived, he recalled that when his heart stopped, he was transported to a place where he was “maliciously pinched, then torn apart by malevolent beings.” A woman whose heart stopped from a ruptured Fallopian tube reported her Near Death Experience where “horrific beings with gray gelatinous appendages were gasping and clawing at me. The sounds of their guttural moaning and indescribable stench still remain after 41 years later.” A woman who committed suicide but who was revived wrote that she felt her body sliding downward into a cold, dark, watery environment where she “heard cries, wails, moans, and the gnashing of teeth.” She saw human-shaped beings there who were ugly and grotesque. Everyone was in agony. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6173534/). How would you like to visit these places for all eternity? It sounds like Hell to me.
To not deal with the possibility of going to a hell, many well-meaning people have decided to just lie about the existence of Hell altogether. I overheard one person remark to another that people shouldn’t have to live in fear of a place like hell. This person advocated that nobody be allowed to talk or preach or speak about such a thing. Isn’t this exactly opposite of Jesus’ position? Jesus wanted people to know about Heaven and Hell. He wanted desperately for people to follow God’s will and choose to go to Heaven. He warned people constantly of the consequences of doing evil or following sin. He never wished anyone to go to hell.
The world may want to deny the existence of heaven and or hell. It also desires to ignore any mention of a Savior who can rescue your soul. I share the same opinion as Jesus. People need to know about Heaven and Hell. They need to know that a true faith in Jesus is a clear path to Heaven. Jesus even said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6). However, people also need to be warned that Hell and evil are real. They need to be warned about evil spirits and the lies of Satan. They need to make wise choices in this life, lest their future be in jeopardy.
My heart was broken when I overheard a mother tell her child following a nightmare: “Don’t worry honey, someday you’ll go to heaven but you’ll never go to hell. I won’t let them take you there.” I hate to say it, but, that mother is lying to her child. She can in no way prevent her child from a future in heaven or hell. God alone makes those decisions. However, if she does not teach her child about God in Christ, that child may find out what hell is like in the future, despite her good intentions.
Do you rest completely in the good graces of God? Do you believe in Jesus’ promises for eternal life in Heaven? Make sure you do your best to not only know about Hell, but to do all you can to make sure others do not end up there.
May 12
““You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”” (Matthew 17:20, NLT)
“Faith came singing into my room, and other guests took flight: Fear and Anxiety, Grief and Gloom sped out into the night. I wondered that such peace could be, but Faith said gently, “Don’t you see? They really cannot live with me.””
Faith has a way of defeating fear and anxiety, worry, grief, and gloom. It has a way of seeing hope in the midst of difficulties. Faith can overcome great obstacles. You would think that Christians would rely on faith to add great power and ability to their spiritual life. On the contrary, many Christians have chosen to rely on their money, power, natural abilities, and connections in order get things done. They set faith aside and use other, earthlier, strengths. Why not harness the power in faith? Why not let your faith in God shine? Only you can answer that for yourself.
In the scripture for today, Jesus chastised his disciples openly. After being unable to cast out a powerful demon that had been causing a child to suffer, the disciples were perplexed. They had cast out other demons before in Jesus’ name. This one was particularly difficult for them. They were stumped. With one quick rebuke, Jesus cast out the demon (Matthew 17:18). Then, Jesus turned to his disciples with his evaluation: “You don’t have enough faith” (Matthew 17:20). Though the disciples lived with Jesus for months, listened to his teachings, even performed miracles themselves, they lacked the faith to save this young boy. In the scripture for today, Jesus explained further that if the disciples had “faith even as small as a mustard seed” great things could happen. They could move mountains. “Nothing would be impossible.” (Matthew 17:20c). I guess the disciples were living proof that you can even be in Jesus’ actual presence and lack the faith required to get the job done.
Why is it that followers of Jesus lack faith? Why is it that some have more faith than others?
Among the gifts of the Spirit the Apostle Paul mentions, we find such things as wisdom, knowledge, healing, working of miracles, and several more powerful strengths (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Paul also lists faith as a gift of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:9. When you receive the Holy Spirit in your heart and soul, some people grow a greater faith. Faith comes easier to them. They learn to rely on it, use it, stoke its fires, and trust it. For the average Christian, faith is something required. For those who have the extra measure of faith given by the Holy Spirit, their faith can be both inspirational and powerful. When average Christians might be tempted to rely on their own talents, those with the spiritual gift of faith will always use that gift to empower their work for Jesus.
Based on the scriptures above and the scripture for today, it is clear that some followers of Christ have a greater abundance of faith than others. Some followers of Christ have an inspirational faith that can do amazing things. Not every Christian has the same level of faith. Though faith is required to be a true Christian, some have a greater ability to trust in the power and grace of God.
Do you have an abundance of faith? Does your faith grow and wane depending on your moods? Jesus chastised the disciples for their lack of faith. Have you ever felt God doing the same to you?
A woman named Joyce visited me in my office one beautiful Sunday afternoon. She was young, in her forties, and a picture of health. In the previous few months before her visit, I felt she was blooming in her faith. I felt she was growing ever closer to God. When she asked for the visit, I was excited to see her. I thought she might tell me of some mission she wanted to undertake. I knew she loved working with youth. Maybe she wanted to start an outreach to youth in the community or help the youth leaders or even become a youth leader. After we prayed together, she looked down at her hands. Then, without looking up, she told me that she had several dreams that she was going to die. After explaining to me what she saw in the vivid dreams, it became more and more evident that God was speaking to her. She asked me what she should do. I asked if she was ever diagnosed with anything life threatening. She said no. I told her what I felt God telling me; she needed to make things right with God in her life in case her time was short. She needed to complete anything that has been left undone in her spiritual life and in her home life. She vowed to do it. My words had confirmed her own thinking.
During the weeks after that visit, I prayed for Joyce’s health. I asked God to help her discern what the dreams meant and to show her what she needed to do. I was hoping Joyce was not going to die.
Four months after that visit, Joyce found out she had an aggressive form of cancer. Doctors gave her less than a year to live. But rather than just lay down, give up, and let cancer have her, Joyce did some of the most amazing things with her last months of life. She started a prayer group at the school where she worked. She talked to dozens of students about living a life without regrets. She inspired dozens to reconfirm their faith, be baptized, or help others. She organized outreach programs to needy teens.
The cancer took Joyce’s life not long before Christmas that year. Her funeral was one of the largest I’ve ever attended. Dozens and dozens of youth and adults shared stories of how Joyce changed their lives. When Joyce received the news of her impending death, she did not give up or become depressed. Her faith grew exponentially. She let her faith work through her to change lives. Though knowing her time was short, she did everything she could to reach out in the name of Jesus. I will never forget how faith grew in so many people in that short period of time.
A strong faith can do so much in our world. It can change souls and minds and history. Your faith is precious. AND your faith is powerful. If you don’t use a muscle in your body, it will atrophy and grow weaker. If you don’t use your faith, it too will weaken and may falter. Don’t neglect to use your faith. Nurture it. Let it grow. Then, when things get complicated or difficult, lean on it. Faith in Jesus can move mountains. What mountain might it remove for you today?
Faith has a way of defeating fear and anxiety, worry, grief, and gloom. It has a way of seeing hope in the midst of difficulties. Faith can overcome great obstacles. You would think that Christians would rely on faith to add great power and ability to their spiritual life. On the contrary, many Christians have chosen to rely on their money, power, natural abilities, and connections in order get things done. They set faith aside and use other, earthlier, strengths. Why not harness the power in faith? Why not let your faith in God shine? Only you can answer that for yourself.
In the scripture for today, Jesus chastised his disciples openly. After being unable to cast out a powerful demon that had been causing a child to suffer, the disciples were perplexed. They had cast out other demons before in Jesus’ name. This one was particularly difficult for them. They were stumped. With one quick rebuke, Jesus cast out the demon (Matthew 17:18). Then, Jesus turned to his disciples with his evaluation: “You don’t have enough faith” (Matthew 17:20). Though the disciples lived with Jesus for months, listened to his teachings, even performed miracles themselves, they lacked the faith to save this young boy. In the scripture for today, Jesus explained further that if the disciples had “faith even as small as a mustard seed” great things could happen. They could move mountains. “Nothing would be impossible.” (Matthew 17:20c). I guess the disciples were living proof that you can even be in Jesus’ actual presence and lack the faith required to get the job done.
Why is it that followers of Jesus lack faith? Why is it that some have more faith than others?
Among the gifts of the Spirit the Apostle Paul mentions, we find such things as wisdom, knowledge, healing, working of miracles, and several more powerful strengths (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Paul also lists faith as a gift of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:9. When you receive the Holy Spirit in your heart and soul, some people grow a greater faith. Faith comes easier to them. They learn to rely on it, use it, stoke its fires, and trust it. For the average Christian, faith is something required. For those who have the extra measure of faith given by the Holy Spirit, their faith can be both inspirational and powerful. When average Christians might be tempted to rely on their own talents, those with the spiritual gift of faith will always use that gift to empower their work for Jesus.
Based on the scriptures above and the scripture for today, it is clear that some followers of Christ have a greater abundance of faith than others. Some followers of Christ have an inspirational faith that can do amazing things. Not every Christian has the same level of faith. Though faith is required to be a true Christian, some have a greater ability to trust in the power and grace of God.
Do you have an abundance of faith? Does your faith grow and wane depending on your moods? Jesus chastised the disciples for their lack of faith. Have you ever felt God doing the same to you?
A woman named Joyce visited me in my office one beautiful Sunday afternoon. She was young, in her forties, and a picture of health. In the previous few months before her visit, I felt she was blooming in her faith. I felt she was growing ever closer to God. When she asked for the visit, I was excited to see her. I thought she might tell me of some mission she wanted to undertake. I knew she loved working with youth. Maybe she wanted to start an outreach to youth in the community or help the youth leaders or even become a youth leader. After we prayed together, she looked down at her hands. Then, without looking up, she told me that she had several dreams that she was going to die. After explaining to me what she saw in the vivid dreams, it became more and more evident that God was speaking to her. She asked me what she should do. I asked if she was ever diagnosed with anything life threatening. She said no. I told her what I felt God telling me; she needed to make things right with God in her life in case her time was short. She needed to complete anything that has been left undone in her spiritual life and in her home life. She vowed to do it. My words had confirmed her own thinking.
During the weeks after that visit, I prayed for Joyce’s health. I asked God to help her discern what the dreams meant and to show her what she needed to do. I was hoping Joyce was not going to die.
Four months after that visit, Joyce found out she had an aggressive form of cancer. Doctors gave her less than a year to live. But rather than just lay down, give up, and let cancer have her, Joyce did some of the most amazing things with her last months of life. She started a prayer group at the school where she worked. She talked to dozens of students about living a life without regrets. She inspired dozens to reconfirm their faith, be baptized, or help others. She organized outreach programs to needy teens.
The cancer took Joyce’s life not long before Christmas that year. Her funeral was one of the largest I’ve ever attended. Dozens and dozens of youth and adults shared stories of how Joyce changed their lives. When Joyce received the news of her impending death, she did not give up or become depressed. Her faith grew exponentially. She let her faith work through her to change lives. Though knowing her time was short, she did everything she could to reach out in the name of Jesus. I will never forget how faith grew in so many people in that short period of time.
A strong faith can do so much in our world. It can change souls and minds and history. Your faith is precious. AND your faith is powerful. If you don’t use a muscle in your body, it will atrophy and grow weaker. If you don’t use your faith, it too will weaken and may falter. Don’t neglect to use your faith. Nurture it. Let it grow. Then, when things get complicated or difficult, lean on it. Faith in Jesus can move mountains. What mountain might it remove for you today?
May 14
“Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds.” (Psalm 149:5, ESV)
When was the last time you couldn’t hold your joy in? When was the last time you jumped for joy or pumped your fist into the air because God had done something wonderful? God is doing amazing things constantly. We only get a glimpse now and then. If you aren’t seeing little and big miracles all around, you aren’t taking the time to look.
I remember a visitor attending my home church many years ago. The man sat through the service, listened intently, and participated with a smile. I thought he enjoyed the service. As I was walking past him later, the man remarked to the family that invited him, “Why do people in your church sing hymns and your choir sing beautiful songs, but nobody smiles?” For the next month, I paid attention to the look on the faces in our congregation as they sang and listened to the sermon and overheard the scripture readings. The visitor was right. They didn’t smile all that much. From the visitor’s perspective, it probably made the worship service seem more like a funeral than a celebration on the Lord’s Day.
There is a famous scripture in Ecclesiastes that begins, “There is a time and season for every matter under heaven..A time to be born and a time to die, A time to sow and a time to reap...” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,2). Sadly, some people stop reading right there. You see, in the next few verses it teaches us that there is “a time to mourn and a time to dance” and “a time to weep and a time to laugh” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). I’ve seen the grieving mourn. I’ve seen people weep when recounting their sins. I’ve seen deep sadness at the loss of a child. What I don’t see enough among Christians is holy dancing and holy laughter. The joy and celebration of the Christian heart and soul are too often absent or downplayed.
Does joy ever desire to jump out of your soul? I hope so. Sometimes, especially in the midst of sorrow, a little joy and celebration at God’s grace can do wonders.
“Author Leo Buscaglia tells this story about his mother and their “misery dinner.” It was the night after his father came home and said it looked as if he would have to go into bankruptcy because his partner had absconded with their firm’s funds. His mother went out and sold some jewelry to buy food for a sumptuous feast. Other members of the family scolded her for it. But she told them that “the time for joy is now, when we need it most, not next week.” Her courageous act rallied the family.” (“Christopher News Notes”, August, 1993).
In the scripture for today, you are reminded to “sing for joy” at crucial moments. When God’s glory shines through and you notice, it’s a good time to sing God’s praises. It’s a perfect time to bring some joy into your prayer or to plaster a smile on your face for hours. Elsewhere in Psalm 149, you are told to “praise God’s name with dancing” (Psalm 149:3). You are told to “make praises to God” (Psalm 149:6). Five times in this short Psalm of ten verses, all the faithful are reminded to “praise” God in one way or another.
Did you know that there are entire Psalms devoted to praising God? Psalms 8, 40, 65,145, 146, and 150 are all known as Psalms of Praise. In ancient times, they were often sung during worship. On special occasions, they were cited. Throughout the Psalms, there are more than 150 instances when people are told to sing praises to God. Praising God isn’t supposed to be rare. It is supposed to be common!
Today, look for God’s grace. Then, celebrate it. Find ways to sing praises to God, to dance a few steps in honor of something God is doing, and to tell someone how much you love God. Let the joy and celebration and praise of God pour forth from your very being. Praise and joy and celebration is infectious. You never know who else might find some joy in a difficult day because of your high praises of God’s goodness.
I remember a visitor attending my home church many years ago. The man sat through the service, listened intently, and participated with a smile. I thought he enjoyed the service. As I was walking past him later, the man remarked to the family that invited him, “Why do people in your church sing hymns and your choir sing beautiful songs, but nobody smiles?” For the next month, I paid attention to the look on the faces in our congregation as they sang and listened to the sermon and overheard the scripture readings. The visitor was right. They didn’t smile all that much. From the visitor’s perspective, it probably made the worship service seem more like a funeral than a celebration on the Lord’s Day.
There is a famous scripture in Ecclesiastes that begins, “There is a time and season for every matter under heaven..A time to be born and a time to die, A time to sow and a time to reap...” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,2). Sadly, some people stop reading right there. You see, in the next few verses it teaches us that there is “a time to mourn and a time to dance” and “a time to weep and a time to laugh” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). I’ve seen the grieving mourn. I’ve seen people weep when recounting their sins. I’ve seen deep sadness at the loss of a child. What I don’t see enough among Christians is holy dancing and holy laughter. The joy and celebration of the Christian heart and soul are too often absent or downplayed.
Does joy ever desire to jump out of your soul? I hope so. Sometimes, especially in the midst of sorrow, a little joy and celebration at God’s grace can do wonders.
“Author Leo Buscaglia tells this story about his mother and their “misery dinner.” It was the night after his father came home and said it looked as if he would have to go into bankruptcy because his partner had absconded with their firm’s funds. His mother went out and sold some jewelry to buy food for a sumptuous feast. Other members of the family scolded her for it. But she told them that “the time for joy is now, when we need it most, not next week.” Her courageous act rallied the family.” (“Christopher News Notes”, August, 1993).
In the scripture for today, you are reminded to “sing for joy” at crucial moments. When God’s glory shines through and you notice, it’s a good time to sing God’s praises. It’s a perfect time to bring some joy into your prayer or to plaster a smile on your face for hours. Elsewhere in Psalm 149, you are told to “praise God’s name with dancing” (Psalm 149:3). You are told to “make praises to God” (Psalm 149:6). Five times in this short Psalm of ten verses, all the faithful are reminded to “praise” God in one way or another.
Did you know that there are entire Psalms devoted to praising God? Psalms 8, 40, 65,145, 146, and 150 are all known as Psalms of Praise. In ancient times, they were often sung during worship. On special occasions, they were cited. Throughout the Psalms, there are more than 150 instances when people are told to sing praises to God. Praising God isn’t supposed to be rare. It is supposed to be common!
Today, look for God’s grace. Then, celebrate it. Find ways to sing praises to God, to dance a few steps in honor of something God is doing, and to tell someone how much you love God. Let the joy and celebration and praise of God pour forth from your very being. Praise and joy and celebration is infectious. You never know who else might find some joy in a difficult day because of your high praises of God’s goodness.
May 16
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” (Ephesians 6:12–13, NLT)
Hypervigilance often keeps soldiers at the front alive. Hypervigilance is a state of increased alertness. If you're in a state of hypervigilance, you're extremely sensitive to your surroundings. It can make you feel like you're alert to any hidden dangers, whether from other people or the environment. Hypervigilance is the brain's way of protecting the body from danger. It keeps the focus on anything that could be dangerous, like something moving in the darkness or a sound that shouldn’t be there. Some soldiers are so good at hypervigilance, their senses can pick up the enemy with something as small as a light smell wafting with the breeze or a small twig breaking on a path in the dead of night.
A good soldier enjoys being hypervigilant. It can save his or her life. A soldier that is new to the surroundings will not have honed the ability of hypervigilance. Thus, he or she is incapable of sensing dangers, unaware of the change in their surroundings, unable to pick up on the danger nearby. Being able to sense when something is wrong, even when everything seems normal, can save lives.
Some people call hypervigilance an “internal radar”. Radar has the ability to see through the fog, through the clouds and storms and night. Internal radar is a person’s ability to sense what is going on around them. Spiritually, a person’s internal radar will pick up spiritual cues sent from God even when others can’t yet see it. A person’s spiritual internal radar can pick up on the presence of evil or the absence of good. Some people are blessed with good spiritual radar. Even children can have this ability!
““I don’t like her.” I was probably seven years old when I told my mother my reservations about a woman who was going to be my aunt. My uncle had brought his striking fiancée to meet the family. She smiled, but something about her said “Beware.”
After my uncle married his bride, her true nature came out. She was as cruel and beautiful as Snow White’s stepmother. My mother remembered my words and remarked that children see what adults often miss. I’ve thought about that when, as an adult, I’ve tried to talk myself out of uneasy feelings. I wanted to like the people I met. Trusting feels nice. Believing the best sounds kind. Yet, over the years, my instincts have usually proven right.
God’s Word helps us built a sound alarm system that warns and protect us. His Spirit activates that alarm as we walk with Him. Our radar may not spell out what’s wrong. It just tells us to be careful. We don’t have to understand the why. We just need to heed it.” (Debbie W. Wilson, Crosswalk.com, April 19, 2017)
Our scripture for today reminds us that evil wages battles in this world. Ephesians 6:12 states that “evil rulers and authorities” contend against God. There are “mighty powers” at work that are “unseen” yet so very deadly. In order to be faithful in these spiritual wars going on around you, you need to “put on every piece of God’s armor so you may be able to resist the enemy I the time of evil” (Ephesians 6:13). Your hypervigilant spiritual radar will help in this endeavor. The Holy Spirit in you will give up warnings and cues to what is unseen to others. You will pick up on the presence of evil. You will sense true faith in a person. You might pick up some amount of ill-will as you banter with someone at work. Your spiritual radar might point you to someone who really needs a prayer right now. Don’t overlook that inner voice, that spiritual radar. Be hypervigilant as the spiritual battles wage around you. “Then, after the battle you will still be standing firm (Ephesians 6:13).”
When your spiritual radar warns you to be on watch, trust it. Learn to attune yourself to the voice of God and the whisper of the Holy Spirit. Discern what is going on around you spiritually. Be aware of the battles between good and evil that so many of the world completely ignore. Spiritual hypervigilance can save you and those nearest to you.
A good soldier enjoys being hypervigilant. It can save his or her life. A soldier that is new to the surroundings will not have honed the ability of hypervigilance. Thus, he or she is incapable of sensing dangers, unaware of the change in their surroundings, unable to pick up on the danger nearby. Being able to sense when something is wrong, even when everything seems normal, can save lives.
Some people call hypervigilance an “internal radar”. Radar has the ability to see through the fog, through the clouds and storms and night. Internal radar is a person’s ability to sense what is going on around them. Spiritually, a person’s internal radar will pick up spiritual cues sent from God even when others can’t yet see it. A person’s spiritual internal radar can pick up on the presence of evil or the absence of good. Some people are blessed with good spiritual radar. Even children can have this ability!
““I don’t like her.” I was probably seven years old when I told my mother my reservations about a woman who was going to be my aunt. My uncle had brought his striking fiancée to meet the family. She smiled, but something about her said “Beware.”
After my uncle married his bride, her true nature came out. She was as cruel and beautiful as Snow White’s stepmother. My mother remembered my words and remarked that children see what adults often miss. I’ve thought about that when, as an adult, I’ve tried to talk myself out of uneasy feelings. I wanted to like the people I met. Trusting feels nice. Believing the best sounds kind. Yet, over the years, my instincts have usually proven right.
God’s Word helps us built a sound alarm system that warns and protect us. His Spirit activates that alarm as we walk with Him. Our radar may not spell out what’s wrong. It just tells us to be careful. We don’t have to understand the why. We just need to heed it.” (Debbie W. Wilson, Crosswalk.com, April 19, 2017)
Our scripture for today reminds us that evil wages battles in this world. Ephesians 6:12 states that “evil rulers and authorities” contend against God. There are “mighty powers” at work that are “unseen” yet so very deadly. In order to be faithful in these spiritual wars going on around you, you need to “put on every piece of God’s armor so you may be able to resist the enemy I the time of evil” (Ephesians 6:13). Your hypervigilant spiritual radar will help in this endeavor. The Holy Spirit in you will give up warnings and cues to what is unseen to others. You will pick up on the presence of evil. You will sense true faith in a person. You might pick up some amount of ill-will as you banter with someone at work. Your spiritual radar might point you to someone who really needs a prayer right now. Don’t overlook that inner voice, that spiritual radar. Be hypervigilant as the spiritual battles wage around you. “Then, after the battle you will still be standing firm (Ephesians 6:13).”
When your spiritual radar warns you to be on watch, trust it. Learn to attune yourself to the voice of God and the whisper of the Holy Spirit. Discern what is going on around you spiritually. Be aware of the battles between good and evil that so many of the world completely ignore. Spiritual hypervigilance can save you and those nearest to you.
May 18
“A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, Is God in His holy habitation. God makes a home for the lonely; He leads out the prisoners into prosperity, Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land.” (Psalm 68:5–6, NASB95)
Some of the loneliest of all people are mentioned in the scripture above. There is mention of orphans or “the fatherless”, widows, and prisoners. To each of these groups, God has offered his presence so that they may not be alone. Psalm 68:5 makes clear that “God makes a home for the lonely” who believe in Him. God gives them a new family. The Almighty Father is a “father of the fatherless”. However, there is mention in the scripture for today of one group that will be lonely without God. They are the “rebellious”, the ones who have forsaken God. In their desire to reject God, they will find themselves alone, without divine presence, outside the family of God, and “in a parched land” (Psalm 68:6).
When you choose to believe in God with your whole heart and begin to live in a relationship with God, you become part of the family of God. God takes you into the fold. Subsequently, you are never alone. The Prophet Isaiah promised that God’s plan during the exile was to “comfort His people” (Isaiah 40:1). Jesus recognized this capacity to bring comfort when He taught the disciples that soon the Holy Spirit, “the Comforter”, would come to dwell with them (John 14:16). The Apostle Paul mentioned that one of God the Father’s actions in history is to be a “comfort to all the faithful who are afflicted” (2 Corinthians 1:4). Even during creation, God did not want Adam to be alone, so He created Eve. One way or another, it is God’s hope that the faithful always feel God’s loving comfort surrounding them like a blanket, uplifting them at every turn. God will not leave the faithful lonely.
“Loneliness is a growing problem in our society. A study by the American Council of Life Insurance reported that the most lonely group in America are college students. That’s surprising! Next on the list are divorced people, welfare recipients, single mothers, rural students, housewives, and the elderly.
To point out how lonely people can be, Charles Swindoll mentioned an ad in a Kansas newspaper. It read, “I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes without comment for $5.” Swindoll said, “Sounds like a hoax, doesn’t it? But the person was serious. Did anybody call? You bet. It wasn’t long before this individual was receiving 10 to 20 calls a day. The pain of loneliness was so sharp that some were willing to try anything for a half hour of companionship.”” (Bible.org)
When you are feeling lost or alone, remember this desire of God to bring you comfort and erase your loneliness. As stated in the scripture for today, “God makes a home for the lonely”. Even when you are alone in some place, you will never be truly without company. When God’s Holy Spirit is with you, God’s presence is assured. From the moment you make your vows to be faithful to God and receive the Holy Spirit in return, you are never alone. God is with you. God is present. God knows your name. God knows where you are. God’s Spirit is at work in you and around you. God will bring others to comfort you. And when there is no one available to step in and bring comfort, God is known to send angels to abide with you just as happened with Elijah when he fled from the wrath of Jezebel (1 Kings 19), and with Jesus in the wilderness after Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4).
“Around 1608—more than a decade before the Pilgrims landed in the New World—a group of English traders, led by a Captain Hunt, sailed to what is today Plymouth, Massachusetts. When the trusting Wampanoag Indians came out to trade, Hunt took them prisoner, transported them to Spain, and sold them into slavery.
But God had an amazing plan for one of the captured Indians—a boy named Squanto.
Squanto was bought by a well-meaning Spanish monk, who treated him well and taught him the Christian faith. Squanto eventually made his way to England and worked in the stable of a man named John Slaney. Slaney sympathized with Squanto’s desire to return home, and he promised to put the Indian on the first vessel bound for America.
It wasn’t until 1619—ten years after Squanto was first kidnapped—that a ship was found. Finally, after a decade of exile and heartbreak, Squanto was on his way home. But when he arrived in Massachusetts, more heartbreak awaited him. An epidemic had wiped out Squanto’s entire village. We can only imagine what must have gone through Squanto’s mind. Why had God allowed him to return home, against all odds, only to find his loved ones dead?
A year later, the answer came. A shipload of English families arrived and settled on the very land once occupied by Squanto’s people. Squanto went to meet them, greeting the startled Pilgrims in English. According to the diary of Pilgrim Governor William Bradford, Squanto “became a special instrument sent of God for [our] good . . . He showed [us] how to plant [our] corn, where to take fish and to procure other commodities . . . and was also [our] pilot to bring [us] to unknown places for [our] profit, and never left [us] till he died.”
When Squanto lay dying of a fever, Bradford wrote that their Indian friend “desir[ed] the Governor to pray for him, that he might go to the Englishmen’s God in heaven.” Squanto bequeathed his possessions to his English friends “as remembrances of his love.”
Who but God could so miraculously weave together the lives of a lonely Indian and a struggling band of Englishmen?” (Charles Colson, BreakPoint Commentary, November 25, 1998).
Only those who reject God will feel the true sting of a loneliness that doesn’t go away. If you ever feel lonely, remember that you are a part of a holy family. Remember that God is with you. Trust that God will be close. Ask for God to bring you comfort. “You will never walk alone.”
When you choose to believe in God with your whole heart and begin to live in a relationship with God, you become part of the family of God. God takes you into the fold. Subsequently, you are never alone. The Prophet Isaiah promised that God’s plan during the exile was to “comfort His people” (Isaiah 40:1). Jesus recognized this capacity to bring comfort when He taught the disciples that soon the Holy Spirit, “the Comforter”, would come to dwell with them (John 14:16). The Apostle Paul mentioned that one of God the Father’s actions in history is to be a “comfort to all the faithful who are afflicted” (2 Corinthians 1:4). Even during creation, God did not want Adam to be alone, so He created Eve. One way or another, it is God’s hope that the faithful always feel God’s loving comfort surrounding them like a blanket, uplifting them at every turn. God will not leave the faithful lonely.
“Loneliness is a growing problem in our society. A study by the American Council of Life Insurance reported that the most lonely group in America are college students. That’s surprising! Next on the list are divorced people, welfare recipients, single mothers, rural students, housewives, and the elderly.
To point out how lonely people can be, Charles Swindoll mentioned an ad in a Kansas newspaper. It read, “I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes without comment for $5.” Swindoll said, “Sounds like a hoax, doesn’t it? But the person was serious. Did anybody call? You bet. It wasn’t long before this individual was receiving 10 to 20 calls a day. The pain of loneliness was so sharp that some were willing to try anything for a half hour of companionship.”” (Bible.org)
When you are feeling lost or alone, remember this desire of God to bring you comfort and erase your loneliness. As stated in the scripture for today, “God makes a home for the lonely”. Even when you are alone in some place, you will never be truly without company. When God’s Holy Spirit is with you, God’s presence is assured. From the moment you make your vows to be faithful to God and receive the Holy Spirit in return, you are never alone. God is with you. God is present. God knows your name. God knows where you are. God’s Spirit is at work in you and around you. God will bring others to comfort you. And when there is no one available to step in and bring comfort, God is known to send angels to abide with you just as happened with Elijah when he fled from the wrath of Jezebel (1 Kings 19), and with Jesus in the wilderness after Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4).
“Around 1608—more than a decade before the Pilgrims landed in the New World—a group of English traders, led by a Captain Hunt, sailed to what is today Plymouth, Massachusetts. When the trusting Wampanoag Indians came out to trade, Hunt took them prisoner, transported them to Spain, and sold them into slavery.
But God had an amazing plan for one of the captured Indians—a boy named Squanto.
Squanto was bought by a well-meaning Spanish monk, who treated him well and taught him the Christian faith. Squanto eventually made his way to England and worked in the stable of a man named John Slaney. Slaney sympathized with Squanto’s desire to return home, and he promised to put the Indian on the first vessel bound for America.
It wasn’t until 1619—ten years after Squanto was first kidnapped—that a ship was found. Finally, after a decade of exile and heartbreak, Squanto was on his way home. But when he arrived in Massachusetts, more heartbreak awaited him. An epidemic had wiped out Squanto’s entire village. We can only imagine what must have gone through Squanto’s mind. Why had God allowed him to return home, against all odds, only to find his loved ones dead?
A year later, the answer came. A shipload of English families arrived and settled on the very land once occupied by Squanto’s people. Squanto went to meet them, greeting the startled Pilgrims in English. According to the diary of Pilgrim Governor William Bradford, Squanto “became a special instrument sent of God for [our] good . . . He showed [us] how to plant [our] corn, where to take fish and to procure other commodities . . . and was also [our] pilot to bring [us] to unknown places for [our] profit, and never left [us] till he died.”
When Squanto lay dying of a fever, Bradford wrote that their Indian friend “desir[ed] the Governor to pray for him, that he might go to the Englishmen’s God in heaven.” Squanto bequeathed his possessions to his English friends “as remembrances of his love.”
Who but God could so miraculously weave together the lives of a lonely Indian and a struggling band of Englishmen?” (Charles Colson, BreakPoint Commentary, November 25, 1998).
Only those who reject God will feel the true sting of a loneliness that doesn’t go away. If you ever feel lonely, remember that you are a part of a holy family. Remember that God is with you. Trust that God will be close. Ask for God to bring you comfort. “You will never walk alone.”
May 20
“Each time he [The Lord] said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT)
Christians undervalue weaknesses. All people do. It’s innate in human behavior to accentuate your strengths while overcompensating for your weaknesses. However, spiritual weaknesses can be powerful motivators, teachers, and bring forth great spiritual depth.
In the scripture above, the Apostle Paul tried to explain to the Corinthian church how spiritual weakness can be a great thing in their spiritual life. First, the scripture made clear that spiritual weakness reminds the faithful of the need for God’s grace. If you were perfect and strong in every way, you would not need the grace of God. You would not need to rely on God. You would rely on yourself too much, maybe even trusting in your human abilities rather than God-given gifts. In the verse for today, the Lord reminds the church that “His grace is all you need” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Not only that, when you are weak in body, mind, or spirit, that can help you to develop your spiritual muscles to be your strength. If a man has all the money he needs for every situation, he will NEVER learn to trust in the God who “supplies every need”. He will lean on money or clout instead of leaning on God’s strength. That’s why the Lord also says in the scripture for today that “His power works best in weakness.” When you are weak, you may allow God to be your strength. When you fail, you may allow God’s grace to shine through. When you have sinned, you may allow God’s forgiveness to add a graceful element to your relationship with Heaven. To quote Paul in the scripture for today, weaknesses allow “the power of Christ to work through me.”
So many Christians see their weaknesses as problems. They may view a small sin to be a sign of no faith, when instead it is a time to learn some spiritual lesson. When King David sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba, he could have owned up to his weakness for lust (2 Samuel 11). Instead, he tried to cover up his weakness. He then committed huge sins which included murder. Rather than learning his lesson about the dangers of lust, David had to walk down a path which included lust, murder, lying, pridefulness, and the death of his child. Rather than work through his weakness, he sinned against the people and fouled up his relationship with God. Peter also tried to hide his weakness as he denied Jesus three times. The Apostle Paul did the same thing when he fought against Christians before he was saved. Why is it that when confronted with a weakness in our character or spiritual learning or situation, we want to hide the problem and sweep the weakness under the rug?
The best way to increase your faith is through dealing with your own weaknesses, not to hide them or minimize them. Charles Spurgeon said it this way:
“The only way to increase our faith is through great trouble. We do not grow strong in faith on sunny days; only in stormy weather do we obtain it. Strong faith does not drop from heaven in a gentle dew; generally, it comes in the whirlwind and the storm.
Look at the old oaks. How did they become so deeply rooted? The March winds will tell you. It was not the April showers or the sweet May sunshine that caused the roots to wrap around the rock. It was the rough, blustering, north winds of March shaking the trees.
Life in the barracks does not produce great soldiers. Great soldiers are made amid flying shot and thundering cannons. Nor are good sailors made on calm seas. Good sailors are made on the deep, where the wild wind howls and the thunder rolls like drums. Storms and tempests make tough and hardy sailors.
It is that way with the Christians, great faith must have great trials.” (Beside Still Waters, p. 266)
When a counselor at a Christian camping program, I encountered a young man who had an amazing ability to pray. He could pray as well as any pastor, though only eight years old. When he opened his mouth to talk to God, even when in front of others, his words were powerful and poignant and challenging. How could this great ability to pray be found in an eight-year-old? I have seen adults who worshipped God for forty years who couldn’t pray so eloquently! Then, I found out about this young man. He had been seriously ill. His best friend had cancer. His family was poor. His mother had a disability. With weaknesses all around him, this young man turned to the Lord for strength. He would write prayers to God on behalf of his mother. He would talk to his pastor about how to make things better at home or to help his best friend. He looked for ways to let God work through him to overcome the great problems affecting his life. Through all the weakness, he grew spiritually strong. This affected every part of his spiritual life, especially his prayer time.
Recently, a person sent a message to this web site about an illness. After dealing with the illness and all its limitations and effects for too long, the person decided to just pray powerfully to God trusting in God's healing grace. Overnight, everything seemed to ease. The illness no longer held sway over the person's life. It was miraculous! This is another perfect example of working through a weakness using God's strength.
When you find a weakness in your thinking, a flaw in your character, a lack of ability, or a challenge in your situation, don’t hide it. Don’t run away from the issues. Bring everything to the Lord. Work through that weakness until the Lord makes you strong. Place your weakness at the foot of the cross and work out a way to grow stronger and overcome that weakness by the power of God.
Have you been hiding some weakness from God for too long? Is there a spiritual weakness that keeps popping up in your spiritual life? Are you willing to put any weakness at the foot of the cross and learn what it takes to deal with that challenge? Let God show you how to use your weaknesses to grow your spiritual muscles and increase your spiritual strength.
In the scripture above, the Apostle Paul tried to explain to the Corinthian church how spiritual weakness can be a great thing in their spiritual life. First, the scripture made clear that spiritual weakness reminds the faithful of the need for God’s grace. If you were perfect and strong in every way, you would not need the grace of God. You would not need to rely on God. You would rely on yourself too much, maybe even trusting in your human abilities rather than God-given gifts. In the verse for today, the Lord reminds the church that “His grace is all you need” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Not only that, when you are weak in body, mind, or spirit, that can help you to develop your spiritual muscles to be your strength. If a man has all the money he needs for every situation, he will NEVER learn to trust in the God who “supplies every need”. He will lean on money or clout instead of leaning on God’s strength. That’s why the Lord also says in the scripture for today that “His power works best in weakness.” When you are weak, you may allow God to be your strength. When you fail, you may allow God’s grace to shine through. When you have sinned, you may allow God’s forgiveness to add a graceful element to your relationship with Heaven. To quote Paul in the scripture for today, weaknesses allow “the power of Christ to work through me.”
So many Christians see their weaknesses as problems. They may view a small sin to be a sign of no faith, when instead it is a time to learn some spiritual lesson. When King David sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba, he could have owned up to his weakness for lust (2 Samuel 11). Instead, he tried to cover up his weakness. He then committed huge sins which included murder. Rather than learning his lesson about the dangers of lust, David had to walk down a path which included lust, murder, lying, pridefulness, and the death of his child. Rather than work through his weakness, he sinned against the people and fouled up his relationship with God. Peter also tried to hide his weakness as he denied Jesus three times. The Apostle Paul did the same thing when he fought against Christians before he was saved. Why is it that when confronted with a weakness in our character or spiritual learning or situation, we want to hide the problem and sweep the weakness under the rug?
The best way to increase your faith is through dealing with your own weaknesses, not to hide them or minimize them. Charles Spurgeon said it this way:
“The only way to increase our faith is through great trouble. We do not grow strong in faith on sunny days; only in stormy weather do we obtain it. Strong faith does not drop from heaven in a gentle dew; generally, it comes in the whirlwind and the storm.
Look at the old oaks. How did they become so deeply rooted? The March winds will tell you. It was not the April showers or the sweet May sunshine that caused the roots to wrap around the rock. It was the rough, blustering, north winds of March shaking the trees.
Life in the barracks does not produce great soldiers. Great soldiers are made amid flying shot and thundering cannons. Nor are good sailors made on calm seas. Good sailors are made on the deep, where the wild wind howls and the thunder rolls like drums. Storms and tempests make tough and hardy sailors.
It is that way with the Christians, great faith must have great trials.” (Beside Still Waters, p. 266)
When a counselor at a Christian camping program, I encountered a young man who had an amazing ability to pray. He could pray as well as any pastor, though only eight years old. When he opened his mouth to talk to God, even when in front of others, his words were powerful and poignant and challenging. How could this great ability to pray be found in an eight-year-old? I have seen adults who worshipped God for forty years who couldn’t pray so eloquently! Then, I found out about this young man. He had been seriously ill. His best friend had cancer. His family was poor. His mother had a disability. With weaknesses all around him, this young man turned to the Lord for strength. He would write prayers to God on behalf of his mother. He would talk to his pastor about how to make things better at home or to help his best friend. He looked for ways to let God work through him to overcome the great problems affecting his life. Through all the weakness, he grew spiritually strong. This affected every part of his spiritual life, especially his prayer time.
Recently, a person sent a message to this web site about an illness. After dealing with the illness and all its limitations and effects for too long, the person decided to just pray powerfully to God trusting in God's healing grace. Overnight, everything seemed to ease. The illness no longer held sway over the person's life. It was miraculous! This is another perfect example of working through a weakness using God's strength.
When you find a weakness in your thinking, a flaw in your character, a lack of ability, or a challenge in your situation, don’t hide it. Don’t run away from the issues. Bring everything to the Lord. Work through that weakness until the Lord makes you strong. Place your weakness at the foot of the cross and work out a way to grow stronger and overcome that weakness by the power of God.
Have you been hiding some weakness from God for too long? Is there a spiritual weakness that keeps popping up in your spiritual life? Are you willing to put any weakness at the foot of the cross and learn what it takes to deal with that challenge? Let God show you how to use your weaknesses to grow your spiritual muscles and increase your spiritual strength.
May 22
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27–28, ESV)
When studying the Bible, it often occurs that you look at a verse and you see something completely novel. It’s as if the Holy Spirit is opening your eyes to a new message in a familiar verse. That’s what happened to me today. I looked at the scripture given above from the Gospel of John and the Holy Spirit prompted me not only to see it a little differently, but to pass on what I saw to you!
John 10:27 makes clear that when the followers of Christ, sheep, follow Christ, the Shepherd, new relationships develop with God. Jesus “knows them” (John 10:27). When you choose to follow Christ and get serious about being a faithful child of God, your relationship with God grows. You move closer to God. You become more important to God. God takes a personal interest in you. What follows in the next verse of our scripture for today adds to that. The true follower of Christ is set to inherit eternal life (John 10:28). The relationship grows so strong that “no one will snatch them [the true followers] out of God’s hand”. Now, if you put this all together, these two verses state clearly that when you hear Jesus’ voice and follow Him truthfully, God not only knows you but protects you from anyone who would dare try to snatch you from His fold. As the Good Shepherd, God ultimately protects the sheep in His flock.
For the first time, I saw clearly that when you have a true relationship with God, you become protected property. As a part of God’s flock, you are watched over. You are fed and safeguarded. No wolf dares to come into God’s fold and steal you away. God’s eyes are ever watchful, and God’s power is perfectly protective. Satan may try, but he will never get you as long as you remain among God’s protected sheep.
These verses remind me that there are sources of evil in the world that would love to “snatch you away” from God. There are dangers in this world that desire to carry you away to certain doom. As an unprotected sheep is dangerously vulnerable to the wolf, the person who has no true relationship with God is entirely vulnerable to evil forces and malevolent spirits. If you are not in Christ’s fold, you are on your own against forces that are much stronger than you. Things could easily go badly.
When studying wolves in high school, I found out that wolves generally only attack the weak and alone. They don’t go after herds. They go after the outliers. They go after the most vulnerable. It’s easier to attack the weak and vulnerable than the protected. It is the same in the spiritual world. Spiritual wolves look for the weak, the lonely, the depressed, the rebellious, the vulnerable, the shy, the loner. Spiritual wolves love to prey on the spiritual doubters, the new Christians, those who have made big mistakes, those who are wrapped up in emotions, and those who ignore the protective voice of the Shepherd. As wolves can smell out the sick and sense the weak, spiritual wolves will notice the weak and hurting and vulnerable souls.
A young woman came to her pastor for marriage counseling. She was terribly upset at her husband, as the two argued constantly. Their sex life was non-existent. Their conversations were fraught with tension and bitterness. Their home life had become a battleground of wills. When, the woman came to her pastor for help, she found the pastor to be a gentle shepherd with a very caring soul. She loved the way he listened to her pain and eased her suffering. However, over months of marriage counseling, the husband and wife grew even further apart. Dangerously, the pastor and the woman grew closer and closer. The woman was enamored by the voice of this pastor and ignored the warnings from the Good Shepherd God.
Good pastors are taught about the dangers of transference. That’s when a person who comes for advice or help takes a liking to the one who listens as a way to run away from the pain of a bad relationship. Essentially, the person who is hurting shifts their feelings to the caregiver. They begin to experience romantic feelings for the person who is offering love and support. It’s very common to do this. It is a danger among friends and roommates of the opposite sex. And it is a great danger to all those who are mentors, counselors, soldiers, teachers, authorities, and friends. When in a bad situation, it is all too easy to transfer your feelings and romantic ideals to someone who pays you attention.
In the case of this young woman and her pastor, the feelings grew to the point that they had an affair. They hid it for months until the truth came out. Because the woman was vulnerable, the pastor took advantage of her situation. He was a spiritual wolf in sheep’s clothing. Her relationship with God has been rocky ever since. The woman feels that she not only failed her husband, but she also failed God. She has spent years regretting what happened and to this day feels like an outsider in the pew.
When your relationship with God ebbs, when you wander away from the Shepherd, bad things can and do happen. It is important that you stay close to the Good Shepherd Jesus. It is important that you follow His voice above all. As long as you remain in His fold, you are protected. If you dare wander away from the flock, ignoring the calls of the Shepherd, you will be in danger from all those spiritual wolves that lurk outside the flock. As long as you remain near the Good Shepherd God, spiritual wolves can’t touch you. They wouldn’t dare. Wander off, ignoring the call of the Good Shepherd God, and you put yourself at great risk.
There are spiritual wolves inside and outside the Church. There are evil spirits who would love a shot at your soul. It is said in scripture that Satan “goes to and fro in the earth, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Outside the flock of Jesus, you will be vulnerable. Close to Jesus, you are entirely protected. In a moment of weakness, you might be tempted to run and hide from God. Do you not recognize the danger in maneuvering yourself away from the Good Shepherd?
When you are in a deep, committed relationship with God in Christ, Satan and his minions can’t touch you. Heaven will be your future home. No evil spirit can snatch you away. No spiritual wolf can touch you. However, you can be lured away from the flock. You can convince yourself there are greener pastures outside God’s fold. Don’t be deceived. There are many dangers to being alone and vulnerable and lacking faith. I’ve seen it too many times where those who left the fold or wandered into a bad place were torn apart by spiritual wolves just waiting outside the protective pasture of God’s grace and love.
What has the Good Shepherd God been saying to you lately? Do you have a mind to wander away from the holy flock? Are you one to ignore God’s voice? Do you worry about your future in Heaven? The scripture for today makes perfectly clear that to be safe and experience Heaven, all you need to do is stay close to the Good Shepherd God. HE will take care of the rest. He would do anything to protect you. Jesus already did.
John 10:27 makes clear that when the followers of Christ, sheep, follow Christ, the Shepherd, new relationships develop with God. Jesus “knows them” (John 10:27). When you choose to follow Christ and get serious about being a faithful child of God, your relationship with God grows. You move closer to God. You become more important to God. God takes a personal interest in you. What follows in the next verse of our scripture for today adds to that. The true follower of Christ is set to inherit eternal life (John 10:28). The relationship grows so strong that “no one will snatch them [the true followers] out of God’s hand”. Now, if you put this all together, these two verses state clearly that when you hear Jesus’ voice and follow Him truthfully, God not only knows you but protects you from anyone who would dare try to snatch you from His fold. As the Good Shepherd, God ultimately protects the sheep in His flock.
For the first time, I saw clearly that when you have a true relationship with God, you become protected property. As a part of God’s flock, you are watched over. You are fed and safeguarded. No wolf dares to come into God’s fold and steal you away. God’s eyes are ever watchful, and God’s power is perfectly protective. Satan may try, but he will never get you as long as you remain among God’s protected sheep.
These verses remind me that there are sources of evil in the world that would love to “snatch you away” from God. There are dangers in this world that desire to carry you away to certain doom. As an unprotected sheep is dangerously vulnerable to the wolf, the person who has no true relationship with God is entirely vulnerable to evil forces and malevolent spirits. If you are not in Christ’s fold, you are on your own against forces that are much stronger than you. Things could easily go badly.
When studying wolves in high school, I found out that wolves generally only attack the weak and alone. They don’t go after herds. They go after the outliers. They go after the most vulnerable. It’s easier to attack the weak and vulnerable than the protected. It is the same in the spiritual world. Spiritual wolves look for the weak, the lonely, the depressed, the rebellious, the vulnerable, the shy, the loner. Spiritual wolves love to prey on the spiritual doubters, the new Christians, those who have made big mistakes, those who are wrapped up in emotions, and those who ignore the protective voice of the Shepherd. As wolves can smell out the sick and sense the weak, spiritual wolves will notice the weak and hurting and vulnerable souls.
A young woman came to her pastor for marriage counseling. She was terribly upset at her husband, as the two argued constantly. Their sex life was non-existent. Their conversations were fraught with tension and bitterness. Their home life had become a battleground of wills. When, the woman came to her pastor for help, she found the pastor to be a gentle shepherd with a very caring soul. She loved the way he listened to her pain and eased her suffering. However, over months of marriage counseling, the husband and wife grew even further apart. Dangerously, the pastor and the woman grew closer and closer. The woman was enamored by the voice of this pastor and ignored the warnings from the Good Shepherd God.
Good pastors are taught about the dangers of transference. That’s when a person who comes for advice or help takes a liking to the one who listens as a way to run away from the pain of a bad relationship. Essentially, the person who is hurting shifts their feelings to the caregiver. They begin to experience romantic feelings for the person who is offering love and support. It’s very common to do this. It is a danger among friends and roommates of the opposite sex. And it is a great danger to all those who are mentors, counselors, soldiers, teachers, authorities, and friends. When in a bad situation, it is all too easy to transfer your feelings and romantic ideals to someone who pays you attention.
In the case of this young woman and her pastor, the feelings grew to the point that they had an affair. They hid it for months until the truth came out. Because the woman was vulnerable, the pastor took advantage of her situation. He was a spiritual wolf in sheep’s clothing. Her relationship with God has been rocky ever since. The woman feels that she not only failed her husband, but she also failed God. She has spent years regretting what happened and to this day feels like an outsider in the pew.
When your relationship with God ebbs, when you wander away from the Shepherd, bad things can and do happen. It is important that you stay close to the Good Shepherd Jesus. It is important that you follow His voice above all. As long as you remain in His fold, you are protected. If you dare wander away from the flock, ignoring the calls of the Shepherd, you will be in danger from all those spiritual wolves that lurk outside the flock. As long as you remain near the Good Shepherd God, spiritual wolves can’t touch you. They wouldn’t dare. Wander off, ignoring the call of the Good Shepherd God, and you put yourself at great risk.
There are spiritual wolves inside and outside the Church. There are evil spirits who would love a shot at your soul. It is said in scripture that Satan “goes to and fro in the earth, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Outside the flock of Jesus, you will be vulnerable. Close to Jesus, you are entirely protected. In a moment of weakness, you might be tempted to run and hide from God. Do you not recognize the danger in maneuvering yourself away from the Good Shepherd?
When you are in a deep, committed relationship with God in Christ, Satan and his minions can’t touch you. Heaven will be your future home. No evil spirit can snatch you away. No spiritual wolf can touch you. However, you can be lured away from the flock. You can convince yourself there are greener pastures outside God’s fold. Don’t be deceived. There are many dangers to being alone and vulnerable and lacking faith. I’ve seen it too many times where those who left the fold or wandered into a bad place were torn apart by spiritual wolves just waiting outside the protective pasture of God’s grace and love.
What has the Good Shepherd God been saying to you lately? Do you have a mind to wander away from the holy flock? Are you one to ignore God’s voice? Do you worry about your future in Heaven? The scripture for today makes perfectly clear that to be safe and experience Heaven, all you need to do is stay close to the Good Shepherd God. HE will take care of the rest. He would do anything to protect you. Jesus already did.
May 24
“Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed?” (Psalm 77:8, NLT)
In the scripture for today, the author of Psalm 77 questions if God keeps His promises. After going through a difficult period of his life weighed down with a few big failures, author Asaph had some serious introspection. He wanted to figure God out. He wanted to understand why God had not come quickly when help was needed. Asaph remembered back to when God came through. He remembered God’s kindness in the past. But as of late, Asaph felt rejected. When this psalm was written, Asaph was down and depressed. He wondered if God’s “unfailing love would be gone forever” (Psalm 77:8). Would God’s promises “permanently fail”? Had his sins and failures permanently damaged his relationship with God Almighty?
Have you gone through a period like this in your life? Did you ever wonder if God had turned His back on you after you strayed? Did you ever feel caught in a cycle of bad luck when you cried to God but saw no comfort? Asaph felt this same way. His troubles caused him to “moan” (Psalm 77:3). His soul “refused to be comforted” (Psalm 77:2). He remembered when God came through in the past (Psalm 77:5). Would God’s loving kindness and tender mercies return soon?
Upon reading Psalm 77, the renowned Pastor Charles H. Spurgeon penned some insightful thoughts. He included them in his book, Beside Still Waters. When considering the situation of Asaph questioning if God’s mercies would return, Spurgeon suggested a challenge to all those in this situation. They should look to God to prove that His mercies had returned. Spurgeon worded it this way….
“When you are in distress, take a promise and see if it is true. If you have nothing to eat, take this promise: “Bread will be given him, his water will be sure” (Is. 33:16). When there is nothing in the kitchen, say, “I will see if God will keep this promise.” If He does, do not forget it. Set it down in your diary or mark it in your Bible. Be like the old saint who put T and P beside the promises. She told her pastor that it meant tried and proven. When she was again in distress, she believed that God would help.
There is a promise that says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Take that and prove it! When you have, make a mark and say, “This I know is true, for I have proven it.”
We want facts that make us believe. The older you grow, the stronger your faith should be. Then you will have many more facts to buttress your faith and compel your belief in God. When you reach seventy years, what a pile of evidence you will have accumulated if you have kept a record of all of God’s providential goodness and lovingkindness.
I can bear willing testimony to His faithfulness. Not one good thing has failed of all that the Lord has promised! Every example of God’s love should make us believe Him more. As we see the fulfillment of each promise, it compels us to say, “God has kept His promises and will keep them to the end.”
The worst is that we forget. Then we will have no more faith than when we started, for we will have forgotten God’s repeated answers. Though He has fulfilled the promises, we have buried them in forgetfulness.
There is nothing in the world that can confirm faith like proof.”
(Charles H. Spurgeon, Beside Still Waters, p. 92)
I like Spurgeon’s idea. When you have a need, ask God for help or comfort or guidance. Write down what it is you need. Then, over time, read through this list of needs and jot down whether God has answered this prayer. Consider it “proven” if you can see definite help coming your way. God may help you in a variety of ways, so don’t overlook the help you receive in response. It may come from places you never thought it would!
Last week while spring cleaning, I found an old diary I began when looking for my first church following seminary in 1987. I only wrote in that diary for a few months, but the words contained in that diary reflected that difficult period in my life. I had a wife and children. I needed a job. I needed to care for them. We needed health insurance. We were just about out of money. My old van was falling apart. At the same time, I wondered where God wanted me to serve. What church needed a good pastor who was ready to do his best to serve Christ? In that diary were question after question, a list of worries and fears, and obstacles that just kept coming.
Now, I look back at that period of my life and I’m struck at how many of those questions and obstacles melted away over the following months. I found a church that wanted desperately to find a pastor to lead them. There were several family members and friends who helped us move. A member of that first congregation made sure the parsonage was perfectly set up for our family of four. Another member of that church fixed my van! Within two months, I had a job, health insurance for my family, and a place to live. One by one, all the unknowns and fears and worries that I had placed at the foot of the cross were taken care of and many more wonderful things fell into place. There were so many ways God “PROVED” His presence and provision.
I dare you to take Spurgeon’s challenge. Write down some of your needs and hurts and obstacles and hopes and fears. Keep praying about them over the next months and years. See for yourself how God proves His power to care for you. Then, don’t forget it! Let those proofs pile up. Keep track of them! It will be God’s way of showing that HE is a “tried and proven” joy in your life; a loving God who keeps His promises!
Have you gone through a period like this in your life? Did you ever wonder if God had turned His back on you after you strayed? Did you ever feel caught in a cycle of bad luck when you cried to God but saw no comfort? Asaph felt this same way. His troubles caused him to “moan” (Psalm 77:3). His soul “refused to be comforted” (Psalm 77:2). He remembered when God came through in the past (Psalm 77:5). Would God’s loving kindness and tender mercies return soon?
Upon reading Psalm 77, the renowned Pastor Charles H. Spurgeon penned some insightful thoughts. He included them in his book, Beside Still Waters. When considering the situation of Asaph questioning if God’s mercies would return, Spurgeon suggested a challenge to all those in this situation. They should look to God to prove that His mercies had returned. Spurgeon worded it this way….
“When you are in distress, take a promise and see if it is true. If you have nothing to eat, take this promise: “Bread will be given him, his water will be sure” (Is. 33:16). When there is nothing in the kitchen, say, “I will see if God will keep this promise.” If He does, do not forget it. Set it down in your diary or mark it in your Bible. Be like the old saint who put T and P beside the promises. She told her pastor that it meant tried and proven. When she was again in distress, she believed that God would help.
There is a promise that says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Take that and prove it! When you have, make a mark and say, “This I know is true, for I have proven it.”
We want facts that make us believe. The older you grow, the stronger your faith should be. Then you will have many more facts to buttress your faith and compel your belief in God. When you reach seventy years, what a pile of evidence you will have accumulated if you have kept a record of all of God’s providential goodness and lovingkindness.
I can bear willing testimony to His faithfulness. Not one good thing has failed of all that the Lord has promised! Every example of God’s love should make us believe Him more. As we see the fulfillment of each promise, it compels us to say, “God has kept His promises and will keep them to the end.”
The worst is that we forget. Then we will have no more faith than when we started, for we will have forgotten God’s repeated answers. Though He has fulfilled the promises, we have buried them in forgetfulness.
There is nothing in the world that can confirm faith like proof.”
(Charles H. Spurgeon, Beside Still Waters, p. 92)
I like Spurgeon’s idea. When you have a need, ask God for help or comfort or guidance. Write down what it is you need. Then, over time, read through this list of needs and jot down whether God has answered this prayer. Consider it “proven” if you can see definite help coming your way. God may help you in a variety of ways, so don’t overlook the help you receive in response. It may come from places you never thought it would!
Last week while spring cleaning, I found an old diary I began when looking for my first church following seminary in 1987. I only wrote in that diary for a few months, but the words contained in that diary reflected that difficult period in my life. I had a wife and children. I needed a job. I needed to care for them. We needed health insurance. We were just about out of money. My old van was falling apart. At the same time, I wondered where God wanted me to serve. What church needed a good pastor who was ready to do his best to serve Christ? In that diary were question after question, a list of worries and fears, and obstacles that just kept coming.
Now, I look back at that period of my life and I’m struck at how many of those questions and obstacles melted away over the following months. I found a church that wanted desperately to find a pastor to lead them. There were several family members and friends who helped us move. A member of that first congregation made sure the parsonage was perfectly set up for our family of four. Another member of that church fixed my van! Within two months, I had a job, health insurance for my family, and a place to live. One by one, all the unknowns and fears and worries that I had placed at the foot of the cross were taken care of and many more wonderful things fell into place. There were so many ways God “PROVED” His presence and provision.
I dare you to take Spurgeon’s challenge. Write down some of your needs and hurts and obstacles and hopes and fears. Keep praying about them over the next months and years. See for yourself how God proves His power to care for you. Then, don’t forget it! Let those proofs pile up. Keep track of them! It will be God’s way of showing that HE is a “tried and proven” joy in your life; a loving God who keeps His promises!
May 26
“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (1 Peter 1:7, NLT)
It is well known that in World War 2, the Battle of Midway changed the Pacific Theater of War. Before that naval battle, the U.S. Navy was losing to the Japanese Imperial Navy at almost every turn. After that battle, the Japanese Imperial Navy had a difficult time recovering. Losing four of its best aircraft carriers, Japan had a difficult time meeting the American Navy head on later in the war. The loss of so many veteran pilots on those carriers made it so that the Japanese pilots were at a disadvantage to the more veteran U.S. pilots. Since 1942, most of the world sees that battle as a turning point, a battle that was well conceived and executed by the Americans.
However, there was a huge failure during that battle known as the “Flight to Nowhere”. A group of planes flew off from the U.S. Aircraft Carrier Hornet. They were to find and destroy the Imperial Japanese fleet that was steaming at 239 degrees west at some 80 or 100 miles. But the flight leader from the Hornet flew at 265 degrees instead. Because of this error, none of the planes ever saw the Imperial Japanese Fleet. Only 20 of the 59 planes that left the carrier deck that day made it back safely. Not one bomb or bullet were used in that flight against the enemy. The embarrassment of that “flight to nowhere” was so significant, knowledge of it was downplayed and buried for fifty years until some of the people involved came forward to tell the truth.
The lead pilot of “the flight to nowhere”, who was in charge of all the planes in that group from U.S.S. Hornet was well trained. He had good intentions. He thought himself ready for battle. But, when the battle came, his errors cost valuable munitions and supplies and lives. The height of battle exposed his weakness in navigation and training. The testing of his leadership in battle proved he was not fit for command on that day.
Tests in school display whether a child is ready to advance in learning. Tests in the workplace can weed out those who are more capable at a certain job requirement. Trials can prove who speaks the truth or who has the stamina to endure. Tests and trials of various kinds occur through life. Sometimes, they are planned, as in a classroom or with training. Sometimes, they come about through circumstance or situation, as with illness or battle or mishap or disaster. People may think they are ready to handle the tests and trials life throws their way. Only in the heat of the moment and after, depending on the choices made and the result of their efforts, can you ever know if a person was truly capable of excellence or courage or merit during a difficult moment.
You might think your faith is strong when it is actually weak. You might think you love God, but an obstacle could prove you wrong. When your faith is put to the test in some challenge in life, only then will we see if your belief in God is based on sure footing. Only when you face a trial of your character can we be given a real glimpse of what holds you together.
Charles Spurgeon put it this way: “If you were to lie in bed week after week and perhaps get the idea that you were strong, you would certainly be mistaken. Only when you do work that requires muscular strength will you discover how strong or how weak you are. God would not have us form a wrong estimate of ourselves. He does not want us to say that we are rich and increased in goods and have need of nothing when just the opposite is true. Therefore, He sends trials to test the genuineness of our faith (1 Pet. 1:7), that we may understand how strong or how weak we are.” (Beside Still Waters, p. 338)
Tests and trials in life are part of living. They occur whether you are trained or not, ready or not, strong or weak. They can happen at any time. The tests or trials may attack your health, your knowledge, your faith, your hope, your family, your body, or your soul. The test or trial may come from a place in your life where it is expected (sometimes teachers tell you of an upcoming test!). Satan likes to throw trials your way without your expecting or from a direction you had not anticipated. God wants you to pass your tests and trials. Satan wants you to falter and fail and sin. God will test you to show Him and you how strong and ready and capable you really are for a holy life. Satan will throw temptations your way to sidetrack you, cause you to falter, entice you to sin, cause you to doubt, or shipwreck your faith.
You can have all the training in the world for a spiritual battle, but you will never know if you have a true faith until you are tested. Only the challenge of a spiritual test or trial will ever teach you if you are ready for a holy life. When you find yourself in a test or trial of any sort, keep your focus on God. Look for the spiritual component of the challenge. Let your character reflect a resolute and steadfast commitment to God in Christ.
It is crucial to participate in spiritual training before the tests and trials expose your spiritual weaknesses for all to see. A strong prayer and worship life will fortify your soul. The knowledge of the Bible will help you understand what you need. A godly wisdom will take you far. The Holy Spirit will attempt to direct your path. But all the training in the world cannot help you if in the day of testing and trial you display a faltering faith or doubtful belief in the power of God.
In the scripture for today chosen from 1 Peter, all this clarity about tests and trials in life are exposed. Peter teaches that “trials will show if your faith is genuine” (1 Peter 1:7). He should know. When Jesus was arrested and put on trial, Peter failed his first big test of faith. He denied Jesus three times. This test of Peter’s faith was very revealing. It displayed to Jesus and to Peter that Peter’s faith in Jesus was weak and unworthy. Rather than give up, Peter endeavored to be a better follower of Jesus. He helped keep the disciples together after Jesus’ crucifixion. He kept praying night and day. He then was filled with the Holy Spirit while his faith grew by leaps and bounds. Throughout the book of Acts, we read about Peter’s strong faith and determination to be true to Jesus. Tests and trials proved that Peter was initially unready for Christian leadership. Later tests and trials proved when Peter was ready to be a beloved patriarch of the Christian Church.
Are you facing a few big or small tests or trials in your life? How have they affected your spiritual life? Have these challenges proved your love of Jesus or exposed your weak spiritual or moral character? Don’t be afraid of tests and trials. Rather, use them to show you are an able follower of Jesus Christ and willing to be steadfast in your commitment to God, no matter what.
However, there was a huge failure during that battle known as the “Flight to Nowhere”. A group of planes flew off from the U.S. Aircraft Carrier Hornet. They were to find and destroy the Imperial Japanese fleet that was steaming at 239 degrees west at some 80 or 100 miles. But the flight leader from the Hornet flew at 265 degrees instead. Because of this error, none of the planes ever saw the Imperial Japanese Fleet. Only 20 of the 59 planes that left the carrier deck that day made it back safely. Not one bomb or bullet were used in that flight against the enemy. The embarrassment of that “flight to nowhere” was so significant, knowledge of it was downplayed and buried for fifty years until some of the people involved came forward to tell the truth.
The lead pilot of “the flight to nowhere”, who was in charge of all the planes in that group from U.S.S. Hornet was well trained. He had good intentions. He thought himself ready for battle. But, when the battle came, his errors cost valuable munitions and supplies and lives. The height of battle exposed his weakness in navigation and training. The testing of his leadership in battle proved he was not fit for command on that day.
Tests in school display whether a child is ready to advance in learning. Tests in the workplace can weed out those who are more capable at a certain job requirement. Trials can prove who speaks the truth or who has the stamina to endure. Tests and trials of various kinds occur through life. Sometimes, they are planned, as in a classroom or with training. Sometimes, they come about through circumstance or situation, as with illness or battle or mishap or disaster. People may think they are ready to handle the tests and trials life throws their way. Only in the heat of the moment and after, depending on the choices made and the result of their efforts, can you ever know if a person was truly capable of excellence or courage or merit during a difficult moment.
You might think your faith is strong when it is actually weak. You might think you love God, but an obstacle could prove you wrong. When your faith is put to the test in some challenge in life, only then will we see if your belief in God is based on sure footing. Only when you face a trial of your character can we be given a real glimpse of what holds you together.
Charles Spurgeon put it this way: “If you were to lie in bed week after week and perhaps get the idea that you were strong, you would certainly be mistaken. Only when you do work that requires muscular strength will you discover how strong or how weak you are. God would not have us form a wrong estimate of ourselves. He does not want us to say that we are rich and increased in goods and have need of nothing when just the opposite is true. Therefore, He sends trials to test the genuineness of our faith (1 Pet. 1:7), that we may understand how strong or how weak we are.” (Beside Still Waters, p. 338)
Tests and trials in life are part of living. They occur whether you are trained or not, ready or not, strong or weak. They can happen at any time. The tests or trials may attack your health, your knowledge, your faith, your hope, your family, your body, or your soul. The test or trial may come from a place in your life where it is expected (sometimes teachers tell you of an upcoming test!). Satan likes to throw trials your way without your expecting or from a direction you had not anticipated. God wants you to pass your tests and trials. Satan wants you to falter and fail and sin. God will test you to show Him and you how strong and ready and capable you really are for a holy life. Satan will throw temptations your way to sidetrack you, cause you to falter, entice you to sin, cause you to doubt, or shipwreck your faith.
You can have all the training in the world for a spiritual battle, but you will never know if you have a true faith until you are tested. Only the challenge of a spiritual test or trial will ever teach you if you are ready for a holy life. When you find yourself in a test or trial of any sort, keep your focus on God. Look for the spiritual component of the challenge. Let your character reflect a resolute and steadfast commitment to God in Christ.
It is crucial to participate in spiritual training before the tests and trials expose your spiritual weaknesses for all to see. A strong prayer and worship life will fortify your soul. The knowledge of the Bible will help you understand what you need. A godly wisdom will take you far. The Holy Spirit will attempt to direct your path. But all the training in the world cannot help you if in the day of testing and trial you display a faltering faith or doubtful belief in the power of God.
In the scripture for today chosen from 1 Peter, all this clarity about tests and trials in life are exposed. Peter teaches that “trials will show if your faith is genuine” (1 Peter 1:7). He should know. When Jesus was arrested and put on trial, Peter failed his first big test of faith. He denied Jesus three times. This test of Peter’s faith was very revealing. It displayed to Jesus and to Peter that Peter’s faith in Jesus was weak and unworthy. Rather than give up, Peter endeavored to be a better follower of Jesus. He helped keep the disciples together after Jesus’ crucifixion. He kept praying night and day. He then was filled with the Holy Spirit while his faith grew by leaps and bounds. Throughout the book of Acts, we read about Peter’s strong faith and determination to be true to Jesus. Tests and trials proved that Peter was initially unready for Christian leadership. Later tests and trials proved when Peter was ready to be a beloved patriarch of the Christian Church.
Are you facing a few big or small tests or trials in your life? How have they affected your spiritual life? Have these challenges proved your love of Jesus or exposed your weak spiritual or moral character? Don’t be afraid of tests and trials. Rather, use them to show you are an able follower of Jesus Christ and willing to be steadfast in your commitment to God, no matter what.
May 28
“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” (James 4:17, NIV84)
Early one morning, a woman in a wheelchair in a nursing home was wheeled out to a spot near the main Nurses Station. The nurses liked to keep the woman nearby because she often became nauseated after breakfast or forgot to go to the bathroom. It just so happened that the morning was busy, and the nurses failed to notice that the woman in the wheelchair needed a bathroom break. When they finally checked on her, she had soaked her clothes with urine. There was so much urine that it dripped down the wheelchair and onto the floor. A nurse took her to her room and changed her diaper, then proceeded to clean her wheelchair and disinfect it. When the nurse returned to the main Nurses Station, she noticed that the urination was still puddled on the floor. She mentioned to a co-worker, “Why didn’t any of you clean up the urine?” One replied, “I called one of the orderlies to do it. We’ve got other things to do.” The urine stayed there for over an hour.
A seventy-five-year-old member of my congregation visited that nursing home that morning. As she walked past the Nurses Station, she slipped and fell because of that puddle of urine on the floor. The fall caused a terrible chain reaction. She ended up breaking her hip. Then, doctors found she had damaged a disk in her lumbar spine. She spent the next six months in surgery and then therapy. She never did regain her full use of her legs and ended up in a wheelchair herself. When the managers found out about the fall and injuries, they did a thorough review of what happened. What came back in the final analysis was that at least eight employees walked past and even stepped over the puddle without doing anything about it. One nurse was officially reprimanded for saying, “Let someone else take care of it.”
There are many people who take that “let someone else handle it” attitude. They often shirk responsibilities or pass off the tasks at hand to someone else. As you read in the story above, when people shirk responsibilities, things can go wrong. People can be hurt. Things can be damaged. New problems can arise. Some people take this "let someone else handle it" attitude out of laziness. Others feel themselves too important to stoop to a mundane task. Still others rationalize that if they aren’t paid to fix something they are within their right to ignore a problem, even if that problem is dangerous or an accident waiting to happen.
“Kitty Genovese was slowly and brutally stabbed to death [in New York City]. At least thirty-eight of her neighbors witnessed the attack and heard her screams. In the course of the 90-minute episode, her attacker was actually frightened away, then he returned to finish her off. Yet not once during that period did any neighbor assist her, or even telephone the police.
The implications of this tragic event shocked America, and it stimulated two young psychologists, Darly and Latane, to study the conditions under which people are or are not willing to help others in an emergency. In essence, they concluded that responsibility is diffused.
The more people present in an emergency situation, the less likely it is that any one of them will offer help. This is popularly called the “bystander effect.”
In the actual experiment, when one bystander was present, 85 percent offered help. When two were present, 62 percent offered help. When five were present, then it decreased to 31 percent.” (Lawrence S. Wrightsman, “Social Psychology in the Seventies”, pp. 33-34 as quoted in Courage: You Can Stand Strong in the Face of Fear, Jon Johnston, 1990, SP Publications, p. 37)
Christians can and do exhibit this “bystander effect” as well. There are too many Christians who are of the attitude that “someone else needs to do it”. Our scripture reading for today is cautionary concerning this attitude among Christians. The Apostle James wrote that “ANYONE who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” (James 4:17). Most Christians know that committing a sin is wrong. But some Christians do not take to heart that the failure to DO SOMETHING RIGHT is also sinful. Sitting idly by while a wrong is perpetrated in front of you is evil. Not standing up for your faith when it is crucial is unholy. Shirking your responsibilities to God by failing to do the right thing will compromise your relationship with God.
I found out about a woman and her two daughters from our congregation who were in need. The mother was barely making ends meet when one of her daughters became ill. The costs of medicines and multiple doctor’s visits made them unable to pay all their bills. I visited with the family, learned of their situation, and desired to help them. The church had a fund to help members. I asked the head of the committee that oversaw the fund to help the family out. He responded that the funds for that month were used up. I asked if he could advance some money from the next month. He replied that he would not dip into the funds for anybody. I asked several members of that committee to reconsider. All of them responded that they could help in a month or two. This family couldn’t wait that long. They were already subsisting on Ramen Noodles and cereal for meals. I could not stand idly by while that family was hurting. I and two other members supported that family for three months. Then, I brought the family needs before that committee again. They responded that there was no money for help for another three months at least. I was so frustrated! Thank God there were a few members who would not wait to help that family.
Why couldn’t the committee find ways to help that family? I was told, “It’s not in our job description”. They thought their only obligation was to “administer the funds”. They didn’t see their purpose as finding help for needy people. What? Aren’t all Christians obligated to help and support those in need? Isn’t this what we all do out of respect and love for God in Christ?
Do you let godly things fail and falter while you do your own thing in the church? Do you inhibit help for the needy because you desire someone to do the work instead? Do you shirk some responsibilities because you don’t like the work, even when God wants you to help? Are you faithful in sharing the responsibilities at your church, in your home, at work, and with the needy? Would God consider you a responsible believer?
I know that some people are more gifted at certain tasks or missions or work for God. That is a given. But what today’s scripture reminds you is that when God has a need and shows it to you, it is sinful to ignore the need while desiring someone else take care of it or hope it will just go away. Maybe that need God sets before you is a test of your willingness to roll up your sleeves and get God’s stuff done even if it makes you feel uncomfortable or costs you something!
A seventy-five-year-old member of my congregation visited that nursing home that morning. As she walked past the Nurses Station, she slipped and fell because of that puddle of urine on the floor. The fall caused a terrible chain reaction. She ended up breaking her hip. Then, doctors found she had damaged a disk in her lumbar spine. She spent the next six months in surgery and then therapy. She never did regain her full use of her legs and ended up in a wheelchair herself. When the managers found out about the fall and injuries, they did a thorough review of what happened. What came back in the final analysis was that at least eight employees walked past and even stepped over the puddle without doing anything about it. One nurse was officially reprimanded for saying, “Let someone else take care of it.”
There are many people who take that “let someone else handle it” attitude. They often shirk responsibilities or pass off the tasks at hand to someone else. As you read in the story above, when people shirk responsibilities, things can go wrong. People can be hurt. Things can be damaged. New problems can arise. Some people take this "let someone else handle it" attitude out of laziness. Others feel themselves too important to stoop to a mundane task. Still others rationalize that if they aren’t paid to fix something they are within their right to ignore a problem, even if that problem is dangerous or an accident waiting to happen.
“Kitty Genovese was slowly and brutally stabbed to death [in New York City]. At least thirty-eight of her neighbors witnessed the attack and heard her screams. In the course of the 90-minute episode, her attacker was actually frightened away, then he returned to finish her off. Yet not once during that period did any neighbor assist her, or even telephone the police.
The implications of this tragic event shocked America, and it stimulated two young psychologists, Darly and Latane, to study the conditions under which people are or are not willing to help others in an emergency. In essence, they concluded that responsibility is diffused.
The more people present in an emergency situation, the less likely it is that any one of them will offer help. This is popularly called the “bystander effect.”
In the actual experiment, when one bystander was present, 85 percent offered help. When two were present, 62 percent offered help. When five were present, then it decreased to 31 percent.” (Lawrence S. Wrightsman, “Social Psychology in the Seventies”, pp. 33-34 as quoted in Courage: You Can Stand Strong in the Face of Fear, Jon Johnston, 1990, SP Publications, p. 37)
Christians can and do exhibit this “bystander effect” as well. There are too many Christians who are of the attitude that “someone else needs to do it”. Our scripture reading for today is cautionary concerning this attitude among Christians. The Apostle James wrote that “ANYONE who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” (James 4:17). Most Christians know that committing a sin is wrong. But some Christians do not take to heart that the failure to DO SOMETHING RIGHT is also sinful. Sitting idly by while a wrong is perpetrated in front of you is evil. Not standing up for your faith when it is crucial is unholy. Shirking your responsibilities to God by failing to do the right thing will compromise your relationship with God.
I found out about a woman and her two daughters from our congregation who were in need. The mother was barely making ends meet when one of her daughters became ill. The costs of medicines and multiple doctor’s visits made them unable to pay all their bills. I visited with the family, learned of their situation, and desired to help them. The church had a fund to help members. I asked the head of the committee that oversaw the fund to help the family out. He responded that the funds for that month were used up. I asked if he could advance some money from the next month. He replied that he would not dip into the funds for anybody. I asked several members of that committee to reconsider. All of them responded that they could help in a month or two. This family couldn’t wait that long. They were already subsisting on Ramen Noodles and cereal for meals. I could not stand idly by while that family was hurting. I and two other members supported that family for three months. Then, I brought the family needs before that committee again. They responded that there was no money for help for another three months at least. I was so frustrated! Thank God there were a few members who would not wait to help that family.
Why couldn’t the committee find ways to help that family? I was told, “It’s not in our job description”. They thought their only obligation was to “administer the funds”. They didn’t see their purpose as finding help for needy people. What? Aren’t all Christians obligated to help and support those in need? Isn’t this what we all do out of respect and love for God in Christ?
Do you let godly things fail and falter while you do your own thing in the church? Do you inhibit help for the needy because you desire someone to do the work instead? Do you shirk some responsibilities because you don’t like the work, even when God wants you to help? Are you faithful in sharing the responsibilities at your church, in your home, at work, and with the needy? Would God consider you a responsible believer?
I know that some people are more gifted at certain tasks or missions or work for God. That is a given. But what today’s scripture reminds you is that when God has a need and shows it to you, it is sinful to ignore the need while desiring someone else take care of it or hope it will just go away. Maybe that need God sets before you is a test of your willingness to roll up your sleeves and get God’s stuff done even if it makes you feel uncomfortable or costs you something!
May 31
“But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—” (1 Corinthians 2:9, ESV)
My great-grandmother died of cancer in her home in the 1940's. She wasn’t very old. She still had a beauty about her. I know that because my grandmother and two great aunts told me about that day. My great-grandmother’s three children were by her side when she breathed her last. The three were watching their mother while their father made preparations for his wife’s looming death. The children knew the time was close to their mother’s passing. She had been in a coma for hours. They expected her to quietly pass away in her sleep. She did not. On that morning when she died, my grandmother spoke a few words, then passed away. All three girls were there to witness those words. All three were surprised she even spoke. In her last moments of life, my great-grandmother Luella simply came to and stated, “It’s so beautiful. Look at all the flowers!” A few minutes later, she was gone.
When we found out my niece had leukemia at age 32, we were devastated. Young Stephanie had stayed with us several times and was very close to my heart. She was bright and had a beautiful intelligence and charisma. Her deep faith was pure joy. We talked and prayed with her during her final months. Sadly, we were unable to be with her in her last moments of life. However, Stephanie was not alone. She, too, came out of the coma she had been in and said a few last words that her family shared with me. In Stephanie’s final moments, her face brightened, and she exclaimed “Wow! Wow! Wow!”
In both of these situations, the family that witnessed the final words of each person claimed that they believed each had been given a glimpse of heaven. For my great-grandmother, the beauty of heaven with all the flowers was overwhelming. Stephanie hardly had words, and she was a lover of English prose! It is truthful to say that both women who died were amazed at a sight before them. I wish it were heaven. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were.
In history, those who were given a glimpse of heaven have often spoke of beauty of the place. When John of Patmos, who wrote Revelation, described what he saw, the beauty and grandeur of the place was also overwhelming. He saw gold streets with lots of colors. He saw an ornate throne. Heaven was filled with singing and light, peace and prosperity. John of Patmos even wrote that in heaven there was “no mourning, no crying, nor pain evermore” (Revelation 21:4). In that beautiful place, tears would be wiped away and death would be forever banished. The Biblical view of heaven has been so powerful and beautiful for so long that people even adopted the English word, “heavenly”, to describe those things that were beautiful and wonderful beyond belief.
We are taught that the faithful will have a place in heaven. When you devote your life to Christ, you will have a seat at the table in heaven. Barring your rejection of God, heaven will be your future home. When you breathe your last, it will be what you see next!
In the scripture for today, the Apostle Paul wrote about heaven. He declared that heaven was a place set apart not only to display the glory of God but also as a place to glorify those who stand by God (1 Corinthians 2:7). It was a place filled with God’s essence and light. It was to be a place where no suffering would occur and the faithful could have constant access to their Savior. Heaven was made by God to reflect His own power, full of beauty and wonder and awe and peace. That’s why Paul claimed in the scripture for today that the “human heart cannot imagine what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Your first glimpse of heaven will knock your socks off! It will be overwhelmingly wonderful, just like the grace of God!
After pondering the scripture for today from the Apostle Paul, Max Lucado wrote:
“It doesn’t take a wise person to know that people long for more than earth. When we see pain, we yearn. When we see hunger, we question why. Senseless deaths. Endless tears, needless loss.…
We have our moments. The newborn on our breast, the bride on our arm, the sunshine on our back. But even those moments are simply slivers of light breaking through heaven’s window. God flirts with us. He tantalizes us. He romances us. Those moments are appetizers for the dish that is to come.
“No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor. 2:9).
What a breathtaking verse! Do you see what it says? Heaven is beyond our imagination. … At our most creative moment, at our deepest thought, at our highest level, we still cannot fathom eternity.” (Max Lucado, Grace for the Moment, p. 279)
Your faith will at times cause you suffering. You will be tempted by Satan. Unsavory people will attack your belief in Almighty God. You will have to do what is right, even when it costs you. You will need to hold onto God even when others mock you. Worldly wise people may call you “backward” or “childish” for your unwavering faith in God. You might even die while standing firm in your faith. Despite it all, persevere! Hang in there. Heaven is not far off! It will be beautiful. It will be wonderful. It will be worth it!
When we found out my niece had leukemia at age 32, we were devastated. Young Stephanie had stayed with us several times and was very close to my heart. She was bright and had a beautiful intelligence and charisma. Her deep faith was pure joy. We talked and prayed with her during her final months. Sadly, we were unable to be with her in her last moments of life. However, Stephanie was not alone. She, too, came out of the coma she had been in and said a few last words that her family shared with me. In Stephanie’s final moments, her face brightened, and she exclaimed “Wow! Wow! Wow!”
In both of these situations, the family that witnessed the final words of each person claimed that they believed each had been given a glimpse of heaven. For my great-grandmother, the beauty of heaven with all the flowers was overwhelming. Stephanie hardly had words, and she was a lover of English prose! It is truthful to say that both women who died were amazed at a sight before them. I wish it were heaven. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were.
In history, those who were given a glimpse of heaven have often spoke of beauty of the place. When John of Patmos, who wrote Revelation, described what he saw, the beauty and grandeur of the place was also overwhelming. He saw gold streets with lots of colors. He saw an ornate throne. Heaven was filled with singing and light, peace and prosperity. John of Patmos even wrote that in heaven there was “no mourning, no crying, nor pain evermore” (Revelation 21:4). In that beautiful place, tears would be wiped away and death would be forever banished. The Biblical view of heaven has been so powerful and beautiful for so long that people even adopted the English word, “heavenly”, to describe those things that were beautiful and wonderful beyond belief.
We are taught that the faithful will have a place in heaven. When you devote your life to Christ, you will have a seat at the table in heaven. Barring your rejection of God, heaven will be your future home. When you breathe your last, it will be what you see next!
In the scripture for today, the Apostle Paul wrote about heaven. He declared that heaven was a place set apart not only to display the glory of God but also as a place to glorify those who stand by God (1 Corinthians 2:7). It was a place filled with God’s essence and light. It was to be a place where no suffering would occur and the faithful could have constant access to their Savior. Heaven was made by God to reflect His own power, full of beauty and wonder and awe and peace. That’s why Paul claimed in the scripture for today that the “human heart cannot imagine what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Your first glimpse of heaven will knock your socks off! It will be overwhelmingly wonderful, just like the grace of God!
After pondering the scripture for today from the Apostle Paul, Max Lucado wrote:
“It doesn’t take a wise person to know that people long for more than earth. When we see pain, we yearn. When we see hunger, we question why. Senseless deaths. Endless tears, needless loss.…
We have our moments. The newborn on our breast, the bride on our arm, the sunshine on our back. But even those moments are simply slivers of light breaking through heaven’s window. God flirts with us. He tantalizes us. He romances us. Those moments are appetizers for the dish that is to come.
“No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor. 2:9).
What a breathtaking verse! Do you see what it says? Heaven is beyond our imagination. … At our most creative moment, at our deepest thought, at our highest level, we still cannot fathom eternity.” (Max Lucado, Grace for the Moment, p. 279)
Your faith will at times cause you suffering. You will be tempted by Satan. Unsavory people will attack your belief in Almighty God. You will have to do what is right, even when it costs you. You will need to hold onto God even when others mock you. Worldly wise people may call you “backward” or “childish” for your unwavering faith in God. You might even die while standing firm in your faith. Despite it all, persevere! Hang in there. Heaven is not far off! It will be beautiful. It will be wonderful. It will be worth it!