May 2
“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31, ESV)
There are many scriptures that talk about the love of God. 1 John 4:7 states that love is “from God”. Love is a beautiful gift sent from Heaven. 1 John 4:8 adds that not only does love come from God, “God is love”. 1 John 4:9 goes on to add that Jesus came to save your soul as a show of love from God. Many, many scriptures add to this connection between love and God. One of the most famous is John 3:16, which states that God “so loved” the world that HE sent Jesus so that the saved “would not perish but have everlasting life”.
Though the love of God is known throughout scripture and through history, there is another side to God. God is also a judge of the living and the dead. God’s law has determined what is right and what is wrong in this world. God demands you to live faithfully in HIS creation. Some people see the judgment of God and the love of God as entirely inconsistent. Throughout history, people have looked at the love of Jesus and the “judgmental” God of the Old Testament as wholly separate entities. In fact, they are the same Almighty God. God is both the ultimate source of love and the ultimate source of judgment.
If you look at parenting, you see the same kind of duality. A parent must judge what is good for his or her child. That parent must protect the child, out of love. And yet, to do that, the parent must teach that child right from wrong, discipline that child, and correct that child. The parent does this to show love to the child. In this way, a parent is both loving and disciplinarian. There comes from the parent both love and judgment.
So often, churches tend to overdo either the love of God or the judgment of God, to the detriment of God’s character. I’ve seen pastors preach about the love of God, going so far as to say that surely God loves us so much, he would want us to be happy at all costs. Many of these pastors even make the mistake of teaching that it doesn’t matter how you live, God will still show love to you. Yes, God may love you, but there may come a time when you receive the judgment of God because you sinned. God may correct you, discipline you, or expect repentance even if HE loves you. On the other hand, some pastors overemphasize the judgment of God. They like people to be fearful of God’s wrath. Their sermons are so heavy on the law that all you feel when leaving worship is a sense of how bad you are. You don’t feel the love of God as much as the wrath of God. To be faithful, you must maintain in a faithful way that God is both a source of love and a source of judgment in your life.
At some point, you might feel a strong love coming from God. You might sense the arms of God enfolding you or the grace of God warming your soul. You might sense God’s forgiveness. You might need God’s mercy. On the other hand, there will also come a time when you feel God’s anger. If you stray from God’s path, argue with the Holy Spirit, or find yourself on the path to sinfulness; God’s wrath may break forth upon you. It’s not that God wants you to suffer. On the contrary, God is using HIS wrath to bring you back to faithfulness and keep you free from being a slave to sin. Ultimately, God wants to save and protect you. Sometimes, in order to save and protect you, God has to judge you harshly. It is better to suffer God’s wrath in life that to live for eternity in the halls of hell!
Today’s scripture is a reminder that God’s wrath does break forth against sin. Hebrews 10:31 teaches that it is “a fearful thing” to find yourself under the wrath of God. When God’s hand is upon you, not just to save you but to punish your sin, suffering will come soon after.
I have found that some people do not respond to kindness. They do not react to love. Some people only change their ways when they are confronted, challenged, or made to suffer consequences for poor choices. In the spiritual realm, these types of people often do not respond to God’s grace and forgiveness. Sadly, they only take notice of God when suffering consequences to sinful actions. Too many people refuse to listen to the voice of God until they hit rock bottom, until the consequences of their sinful lifestyle cause immense suffering. I wish it were not so, but that’s just how some people are wired.
In the late 1800’s, Charles Bradlaugh, an outspoken atheist, challenged the Rev. H. P. Hughes to a debate. Bradlaugh wanted to prove to the crowds gathered at evangelistic events that religion was fake and God was not real. Rev. Hughes , who headed a rescue mission in London, agreed to the debate with only one condition. Rev. Hughes told Charles Bradlaugh that he was going to bring 100 men and women to the debate who would tell how God had changed their lives. Hughes gave Bradlaugh the same respect. He urged Bradlaugh to find 100 men and women who could claim how not believing in God had made their lives better. Rev. Hughes found his 100 people. Some of them gave up a lifetime of sin in order to trust Jesus as their Savior. Hughes planned on them not only telling of their conversion but be available for “cross-examination” by Bradlaugh and any of those present. When the appointed day of the debate came, Hughes had 100 people lined up and ready to defend their faith publicly. Bradlaugh never showed up. Some say he never could find 100 people who were happier to live a life without any connection to God. By the way, Rev. Hughes preached to the crowds that night. The 100 witnesses gave their testimonies. The result? Many were converted. Their souls were saved.
Some of the 100 witnesses Rev. Hughes presented talked about suffering for their sin. They experienced God’s wrath. Then, they shared how God had saved them, rescuing them from slavery to sin.
I have met people enslaved to sin. Most of them were also experiencing the wrath of God. It was a fearful thing to behold. Why is it that some people only respond to negative reinforcement? Why is it that all too many must hit rock bottom before they will respond to the gospel?
There may come a time when you or someone you love experiences the “fearful thing” of living in opposition to God. I wouldn’t want to live that way. I know God is not only living and active (as Hebrews 10:31 acknowledges!); God will not allow sin to prosper. If sin begins to control your life, you can bet God will have something to say about it. When your sin causes others to doubt the Savior, God will take action.
When I was a chaplain at a St. Louis hospital, I met a man in the psychiatric ward who had raped a woman. Though he had gone to prison for the rape, the man felt he had “paid his debt to society” by serving his sentence. What he didn’t realize is that God was not through with him yet. He never really repented for his sin and atoned for his terrible deed. When I got to know this rapist, I was amazed at his suffering. He couldn’t sleep. He constantly fidgeted. His mind was never at rest. He had no peace of mind. When I asked him if he wanted to be forgiven, he laughed at me. He had no plans to ask God for forgiveness! He did not believe in God! He made fun of me, swore at me, and ended the discussion with “there is no god!”. I can honestly say that I never saw the man happy, content, hopeful, or at peace. He was only full of anger, resentment, hatred, regret, and disappointment. He wanted to kill himself. It truly is “a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God” (Hebrews 10:31). I wonder what his life would have been like if he would have repented and accepted Christ as his Savior.
God is loving and gracious, merciful and forgiving. But God is also judge of the living and the dead. Judgment Day will come. I hope you never find yourself in opposition to God. I hope those you love do not face God’s wrath. Life is full of decisions and choices. People have the right to submit to God. People also have the right to fight God. Which path will you choose? I wonder which path our world is choosing even today.
Though the love of God is known throughout scripture and through history, there is another side to God. God is also a judge of the living and the dead. God’s law has determined what is right and what is wrong in this world. God demands you to live faithfully in HIS creation. Some people see the judgment of God and the love of God as entirely inconsistent. Throughout history, people have looked at the love of Jesus and the “judgmental” God of the Old Testament as wholly separate entities. In fact, they are the same Almighty God. God is both the ultimate source of love and the ultimate source of judgment.
If you look at parenting, you see the same kind of duality. A parent must judge what is good for his or her child. That parent must protect the child, out of love. And yet, to do that, the parent must teach that child right from wrong, discipline that child, and correct that child. The parent does this to show love to the child. In this way, a parent is both loving and disciplinarian. There comes from the parent both love and judgment.
So often, churches tend to overdo either the love of God or the judgment of God, to the detriment of God’s character. I’ve seen pastors preach about the love of God, going so far as to say that surely God loves us so much, he would want us to be happy at all costs. Many of these pastors even make the mistake of teaching that it doesn’t matter how you live, God will still show love to you. Yes, God may love you, but there may come a time when you receive the judgment of God because you sinned. God may correct you, discipline you, or expect repentance even if HE loves you. On the other hand, some pastors overemphasize the judgment of God. They like people to be fearful of God’s wrath. Their sermons are so heavy on the law that all you feel when leaving worship is a sense of how bad you are. You don’t feel the love of God as much as the wrath of God. To be faithful, you must maintain in a faithful way that God is both a source of love and a source of judgment in your life.
At some point, you might feel a strong love coming from God. You might sense the arms of God enfolding you or the grace of God warming your soul. You might sense God’s forgiveness. You might need God’s mercy. On the other hand, there will also come a time when you feel God’s anger. If you stray from God’s path, argue with the Holy Spirit, or find yourself on the path to sinfulness; God’s wrath may break forth upon you. It’s not that God wants you to suffer. On the contrary, God is using HIS wrath to bring you back to faithfulness and keep you free from being a slave to sin. Ultimately, God wants to save and protect you. Sometimes, in order to save and protect you, God has to judge you harshly. It is better to suffer God’s wrath in life that to live for eternity in the halls of hell!
Today’s scripture is a reminder that God’s wrath does break forth against sin. Hebrews 10:31 teaches that it is “a fearful thing” to find yourself under the wrath of God. When God’s hand is upon you, not just to save you but to punish your sin, suffering will come soon after.
I have found that some people do not respond to kindness. They do not react to love. Some people only change their ways when they are confronted, challenged, or made to suffer consequences for poor choices. In the spiritual realm, these types of people often do not respond to God’s grace and forgiveness. Sadly, they only take notice of God when suffering consequences to sinful actions. Too many people refuse to listen to the voice of God until they hit rock bottom, until the consequences of their sinful lifestyle cause immense suffering. I wish it were not so, but that’s just how some people are wired.
In the late 1800’s, Charles Bradlaugh, an outspoken atheist, challenged the Rev. H. P. Hughes to a debate. Bradlaugh wanted to prove to the crowds gathered at evangelistic events that religion was fake and God was not real. Rev. Hughes , who headed a rescue mission in London, agreed to the debate with only one condition. Rev. Hughes told Charles Bradlaugh that he was going to bring 100 men and women to the debate who would tell how God had changed their lives. Hughes gave Bradlaugh the same respect. He urged Bradlaugh to find 100 men and women who could claim how not believing in God had made their lives better. Rev. Hughes found his 100 people. Some of them gave up a lifetime of sin in order to trust Jesus as their Savior. Hughes planned on them not only telling of their conversion but be available for “cross-examination” by Bradlaugh and any of those present. When the appointed day of the debate came, Hughes had 100 people lined up and ready to defend their faith publicly. Bradlaugh never showed up. Some say he never could find 100 people who were happier to live a life without any connection to God. By the way, Rev. Hughes preached to the crowds that night. The 100 witnesses gave their testimonies. The result? Many were converted. Their souls were saved.
Some of the 100 witnesses Rev. Hughes presented talked about suffering for their sin. They experienced God’s wrath. Then, they shared how God had saved them, rescuing them from slavery to sin.
I have met people enslaved to sin. Most of them were also experiencing the wrath of God. It was a fearful thing to behold. Why is it that some people only respond to negative reinforcement? Why is it that all too many must hit rock bottom before they will respond to the gospel?
There may come a time when you or someone you love experiences the “fearful thing” of living in opposition to God. I wouldn’t want to live that way. I know God is not only living and active (as Hebrews 10:31 acknowledges!); God will not allow sin to prosper. If sin begins to control your life, you can bet God will have something to say about it. When your sin causes others to doubt the Savior, God will take action.
When I was a chaplain at a St. Louis hospital, I met a man in the psychiatric ward who had raped a woman. Though he had gone to prison for the rape, the man felt he had “paid his debt to society” by serving his sentence. What he didn’t realize is that God was not through with him yet. He never really repented for his sin and atoned for his terrible deed. When I got to know this rapist, I was amazed at his suffering. He couldn’t sleep. He constantly fidgeted. His mind was never at rest. He had no peace of mind. When I asked him if he wanted to be forgiven, he laughed at me. He had no plans to ask God for forgiveness! He did not believe in God! He made fun of me, swore at me, and ended the discussion with “there is no god!”. I can honestly say that I never saw the man happy, content, hopeful, or at peace. He was only full of anger, resentment, hatred, regret, and disappointment. He wanted to kill himself. It truly is “a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God” (Hebrews 10:31). I wonder what his life would have been like if he would have repented and accepted Christ as his Savior.
God is loving and gracious, merciful and forgiving. But God is also judge of the living and the dead. Judgment Day will come. I hope you never find yourself in opposition to God. I hope those you love do not face God’s wrath. Life is full of decisions and choices. People have the right to submit to God. People also have the right to fight God. Which path will you choose? I wonder which path our world is choosing even today.
May 5
“Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”” (Luke 15:10, ESV)
For six months, Jimmy avoided seeing his father. Jimmy became angry at Chet for not loaning him five thousand dollars for a used car. Chet tried to explain that Jimmy needed to go to a bank and get a loan. Securing a loan through a bank would help Jimmy gain a better credit score. If Jimmy got married in the next few years and wanted to buy a house, that good credit score would help. But Jimmy was upset. His father had the five thousand dollars to loan. Jimmy saw his father’s explanation as just another way for Jimmy to be forced to beg for something.
Then, Jimmy was called to the hospital by his mother. She explained through a cell phone message that Chet was taken by ambulance to the hospital for a suspected heart attack. Now, the twenty-six year old had to make a decision. Should he suck up his pride and go to the hospital? Should he ignore his mother’s plea? Maybe he should just make believe he didn’t get the call. After a good deal of self-assessment, Jimmy left for the hospital. When he got there, he went to the emergency room. Seeing his mother in the waiting area, he was shocked at how distraught she looked. Her face was covered in tears. Her mascara was running down her face. She was pale. Fearing the worst, he asked about his father. Jimmy was told that Chet died from a heart attack. The EMTs could not restart his heart.
After fifteen minutes, Jimmy went with his mother to view his father’s body. While in the room, tears ran down Jimmy’s face. Hurting, Jimmy grabbed his father’s cold hand and said out loud, “I’m so sorry, Dad! I’m so sorry about the loan, and about my anger, and about…. About everything!”
Grasping Jimmy’s hand, his mother replied, “Honey, I’m sure Chet would have loved to hear that.”
Jimmy didn’t take much comfort in her words. He knew deep down in his heart that sometimes, it’s too late to say, “I’m sorry”.
Saying you are sorry can be a good way to overcome a break in a relationship. It can bring healing. Those simple two words (I'm sorry!) can change the direction of history. Why is it, then, so hard for people to utter those two little words, even to God?
In Luke 15, Jesus uses several parables to describe people who have lost and then found something. In those parables, a lost sheep is found, a lost coin is found, and a lost son returns home. Each of these parables is a reminder that there are not only lost things in this world but there are also spiritually lost people. When people who are lost to God come back, there should be joy. The meaning of Jesus’ words is easily gleaned: there is “joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). When a person repents of a sin, he or she can find grace and peace. The lost sinner who repents will find his or her way back to God. The repentance of a returning soul is something worth celebrating!
So many people see repentance as a bad thing, a negative. Some see repentance as “having to suck up your pride and admit you were wrong”. Others see repentance as a way to make a person look like a failure or expose their personal problems. I met a man who said he was not going to repent for his sin; it would make him look weak! According to scriptures like Luke 15:10, Jesus did not see repentance in such a negative light. He saw repentance as something deserving celebration. To say, “I’m sorry”, was for Jesus a cause for “joy in heaven”. It was a way to turn things around. Repentance brought back the wayward soul into the fold, back to spiritual safety and security. True repentance let’s loose the grace of God into one’s life. It heals the breach between sinner and God. It can bring peace back to heart and soul. It makes things right again. Who wouldn’t want that?
I walked into the chapel late one evening expecting to be alone with God. As I opened the door to the sanctuary, a voice was speaking out loud near the altar. Someone was talking to God! I only heard the last few words, “I’m sorry God. I promise with my whole heart to make it right.” Hearing such words, I quietly backed out of the chapel and waited outside. From my vantage point on a bench darkened by a large maple tree, I saw a teen exit the chapel and head back toward the dining area. I knew that teen. I knew he had a heavy, burdened soul.
What happened in the years after I overheard that young man’s voice has brought great joy to my heart. Six months after hearing his words, I was informed by a mutual friend that the young man married his high school sweetheart and was leaving for mission work in Central Africa. While speaking about Jesus in Africa, I found out that his life had been threatened by Muslims who were in the area. They didn’t like him spreading the gospel. The man continued in his efforts, unabated. Sometime later, he came back to the United States and became a strong leader in his church. He continues to support missions to Africa. He has housed many foreign missionaries and their families who needed a place to stay when in the States.
I believe that man’s prayer at the altar set the stage for everything that came after. I believe he meant every word he said to God. I’m excited to see how his repentance has so energized his family life and spiritual life. Those two words, “I’m sorry….”, blessed another beautiful soul.
Does someone need to hear you say, “I’m sorry”? Does God need to hear your heartfelt words of repentance? Don’t delay. You will find comfort and peace and so much more when you let go of past sin and put yourself at the mercy of God’s grace. Angels in heaven will rejoice when you let go of the burden you carry in heart and soul! When you mess up, God will be waiting…listening for those two small words…..
Then, Jimmy was called to the hospital by his mother. She explained through a cell phone message that Chet was taken by ambulance to the hospital for a suspected heart attack. Now, the twenty-six year old had to make a decision. Should he suck up his pride and go to the hospital? Should he ignore his mother’s plea? Maybe he should just make believe he didn’t get the call. After a good deal of self-assessment, Jimmy left for the hospital. When he got there, he went to the emergency room. Seeing his mother in the waiting area, he was shocked at how distraught she looked. Her face was covered in tears. Her mascara was running down her face. She was pale. Fearing the worst, he asked about his father. Jimmy was told that Chet died from a heart attack. The EMTs could not restart his heart.
After fifteen minutes, Jimmy went with his mother to view his father’s body. While in the room, tears ran down Jimmy’s face. Hurting, Jimmy grabbed his father’s cold hand and said out loud, “I’m so sorry, Dad! I’m so sorry about the loan, and about my anger, and about…. About everything!”
Grasping Jimmy’s hand, his mother replied, “Honey, I’m sure Chet would have loved to hear that.”
Jimmy didn’t take much comfort in her words. He knew deep down in his heart that sometimes, it’s too late to say, “I’m sorry”.
Saying you are sorry can be a good way to overcome a break in a relationship. It can bring healing. Those simple two words (I'm sorry!) can change the direction of history. Why is it, then, so hard for people to utter those two little words, even to God?
In Luke 15, Jesus uses several parables to describe people who have lost and then found something. In those parables, a lost sheep is found, a lost coin is found, and a lost son returns home. Each of these parables is a reminder that there are not only lost things in this world but there are also spiritually lost people. When people who are lost to God come back, there should be joy. The meaning of Jesus’ words is easily gleaned: there is “joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). When a person repents of a sin, he or she can find grace and peace. The lost sinner who repents will find his or her way back to God. The repentance of a returning soul is something worth celebrating!
So many people see repentance as a bad thing, a negative. Some see repentance as “having to suck up your pride and admit you were wrong”. Others see repentance as a way to make a person look like a failure or expose their personal problems. I met a man who said he was not going to repent for his sin; it would make him look weak! According to scriptures like Luke 15:10, Jesus did not see repentance in such a negative light. He saw repentance as something deserving celebration. To say, “I’m sorry”, was for Jesus a cause for “joy in heaven”. It was a way to turn things around. Repentance brought back the wayward soul into the fold, back to spiritual safety and security. True repentance let’s loose the grace of God into one’s life. It heals the breach between sinner and God. It can bring peace back to heart and soul. It makes things right again. Who wouldn’t want that?
I walked into the chapel late one evening expecting to be alone with God. As I opened the door to the sanctuary, a voice was speaking out loud near the altar. Someone was talking to God! I only heard the last few words, “I’m sorry God. I promise with my whole heart to make it right.” Hearing such words, I quietly backed out of the chapel and waited outside. From my vantage point on a bench darkened by a large maple tree, I saw a teen exit the chapel and head back toward the dining area. I knew that teen. I knew he had a heavy, burdened soul.
What happened in the years after I overheard that young man’s voice has brought great joy to my heart. Six months after hearing his words, I was informed by a mutual friend that the young man married his high school sweetheart and was leaving for mission work in Central Africa. While speaking about Jesus in Africa, I found out that his life had been threatened by Muslims who were in the area. They didn’t like him spreading the gospel. The man continued in his efforts, unabated. Sometime later, he came back to the United States and became a strong leader in his church. He continues to support missions to Africa. He has housed many foreign missionaries and their families who needed a place to stay when in the States.
I believe that man’s prayer at the altar set the stage for everything that came after. I believe he meant every word he said to God. I’m excited to see how his repentance has so energized his family life and spiritual life. Those two words, “I’m sorry….”, blessed another beautiful soul.
Does someone need to hear you say, “I’m sorry”? Does God need to hear your heartfelt words of repentance? Don’t delay. You will find comfort and peace and so much more when you let go of past sin and put yourself at the mercy of God’s grace. Angels in heaven will rejoice when you let go of the burden you carry in heart and soul! When you mess up, God will be waiting…listening for those two small words…..
May 8
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8, ESV)
As a young boy weaved his way around the playroom with the other children, his mother’s eye did not waiver. She might look to her son’s left or right, but she always had her eye upon his situation. Joanne’s son, James, had been born with Optical Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH). Because of this, his eyesight was poor. James couldn’t see things that others might avoid, like water spilled on a slippery floor or ice on the sidewalk. Because of his disability, Joanne always kept an eye out for her son. She would often see danger long before it overtook her boy. Her eyes were on a constant vigil to protect her beautiful son.
In the same way that Joanne watches out for her disabled son, God watches out for you. God watches over your situation and keeps alert to your needs. Psalm 32:8 gives clear evidence of this aspect of God’s character. In Psalm 32:8, David wrote of something God taught to him. David relied on what God revealed. God would “instruct” David, “teaching him the way he should go”. God knew what kinds of instruction David needed, because God’s “eye” was “upon him”. God’s watchful eye would glean the best kinds of instruction for David. God’s vision could see the best course of action.
There are many people who know what it’s like to keep an eye out for someone else. Fathers and mothers are constantly watching over their children. Police know to keep an eye out for intruders and for the safety of their neighborhood. Teachers monitor the classroom, constantly aware of the needs and tendencies of the children in their care. Any good pastor will tell you that he or she prays for the needs of others. They often know what to pray for even before you inform them.
“Near the end of his propulsion electrician watch on April 7 and in the middle of his last hourly patrol of his inspection route, Electricians Mate Nuclear 2nd Class Lucas Leosewski caught the smell. Sharp, acrid — an electrical fire on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. “You could tell immediately what it was,” he said. “I followed my nose and it led me to a transformer that was billowing smoke” the next deck up. “I didn’t freak out. But yeah, the adrenaline started straight away. But I knew what I had to do. I knew who I had to tell, and I just did it.”
And so set off the response to one of the biggest worries of any sailor, especially on a ship like the Eisenhower that’s in the shipyard for maintenance and repair work. Leosewski raced for the nearest communications handset to call in the fire. He rattled off his report, per the book: Fire. Electrical. White Smoke, deck and space number. Then, he started the sprint, halfway along the 1,090-foot length of the carrier, to the control center where he could cut power to that part of the electrical system. “We drill on this all the time; load center drill every week I’ve been on the ship,” Leosewski said. “Three years, every week.”
This time, shipmate John Hart, an Electricians Mate Nuclear 3rd Class, was closer to the load center. “I was able to immediately shut down load center 11,” said Hart. “I know Leosewski would be running back to turn it off himself, but I reported that I was in the area and shut it down. This is why we do so many drills. We’ve practiced this countless times.” (Dailypress.com article 4/29/2022)
Because Lucas Leosewski and John Hart were attentive, the Aircraft Carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower was saved from a serious fire at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Many do not know this, but small fires aboard ship can turn disastrous. A fire on the USS Bonhomme Richard in 2021 cost billions of dollars and led to the vessel being scrapped! The Russian corvette Provorny caught fire at port during repairs. Some say it will take five years for the ship to be rebuilt due to the extensive damage. Civilian ships are also in danger of fires when in the shipyard for repairs. The Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship was delayed for months, and costs bloomed after a common welding-induced fire. But, with sailors like Leosewski and Hart watching over repairs on the Dwight D. Eisenhower, a shipboard fire was never able to gain momentum. Their quick reactions may have saved the ship!
It’s nice to know that there are highly capable people watching over very important things in our world. The Secret Service protects United States’ presidents. U.S. Marines watch over the safety and security of United States Embassies world over. Firemen sleep at the firehouse, ready at a moment’s notice to dress up and save homes, property, and people. Who else watches over you?
Some of you may know that I am the proud master of a German Shepherd Dog. Charley is her name. Charley and I have probably walked three or four hundred miles together in her lifetime. She is a rescue from the Kentucky-Tennessee border area. Though someone may have discarded her as a young pup, I am thrilled to be her best friend. When we are out walking, I know she keeps an eye out for dangers. I know she protects me.
One afternoon, while out on a walk, Charley stopped suddenly. I ran right into her, wondering why in the world she had stopped. It wasn’t like her to stop suddenly and put me in danger of falling. I looked over at her and noticed she had a serious look about her. She was dead still, with a quiet, slow growl starting to escape her mouth. Her tail was slowly coming up erect. Something was wrong. I couldn’t see it, but something was wrong. She sensed danger.
Then, blasting out of a bushy wooded area, a huge dog came running at me from the side. Charley immediately moved to my left and stood there between me and the large dog bearing down upon us. As I turned to see the dog charging us, I fell. Being disabled, I couldn’t get up quick enough to defend myself. It didn’t matter. Charley kept between me and the threat. She didn’t move. I could see, though, that every tooth was barred. She was going to stand there and protect me with her last breath. The crazed dog stopped five feet from us and growled for a few seconds, then turned and ran back into the wooded area. I’m sure it didn’t want to take on my Charley. I have never seen that menacing dog since. That dog looked sickly and mean. Did it have rabies? Would it have attacked me if Charley wouldn’t have been there? I’m not sure. What I do know is that Charley watched over me that day. Her eye was dead set on keeping me safe.
One of the greatest things for you to remember is that God’s eye is also upon you! As expressed in the scripture for today, God is constantly on watch over your care. According to David, God not only watches over you but will “counsel” you as you need it. God will “instruct you” on which path to take in life. God will guard your ways. All you have to do is learn to listen for God’s voice and look for God’s cues. If you can just keep your focus on God, God will keep watch ahead for dangers.
Upon reading Psalm 32:8, Bill Bright commented:
How refreshing to know that our God keeps an eye on each one of us as His children. He knows the way we are going; He knows the way we should take—and with His watchful eye He promises to instruct us and to teach us.
On some subjects, full directions and plain commands are not always given in the Word of God. In such cases, we must be especially sensitive to [God’s] guiding eye.
Similarly, we apply the truth of this passage to the truth of a particular providence. God’s guiding us with His eye often indicates to us His will by means of providential events. When we live and walk in the Spirit, by faith, we recognize His guiding eye.” (from Promises: A Daily Guide to Supernatural Living)
Do you recognize God’s guiding eye? Are you attuned to God’s leading? Do you heed God’s warnings and press on when God wills it? Learn to trust God’s guiding eye. Your Savior will not let you down!
In the same way that Joanne watches out for her disabled son, God watches out for you. God watches over your situation and keeps alert to your needs. Psalm 32:8 gives clear evidence of this aspect of God’s character. In Psalm 32:8, David wrote of something God taught to him. David relied on what God revealed. God would “instruct” David, “teaching him the way he should go”. God knew what kinds of instruction David needed, because God’s “eye” was “upon him”. God’s watchful eye would glean the best kinds of instruction for David. God’s vision could see the best course of action.
There are many people who know what it’s like to keep an eye out for someone else. Fathers and mothers are constantly watching over their children. Police know to keep an eye out for intruders and for the safety of their neighborhood. Teachers monitor the classroom, constantly aware of the needs and tendencies of the children in their care. Any good pastor will tell you that he or she prays for the needs of others. They often know what to pray for even before you inform them.
“Near the end of his propulsion electrician watch on April 7 and in the middle of his last hourly patrol of his inspection route, Electricians Mate Nuclear 2nd Class Lucas Leosewski caught the smell. Sharp, acrid — an electrical fire on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. “You could tell immediately what it was,” he said. “I followed my nose and it led me to a transformer that was billowing smoke” the next deck up. “I didn’t freak out. But yeah, the adrenaline started straight away. But I knew what I had to do. I knew who I had to tell, and I just did it.”
And so set off the response to one of the biggest worries of any sailor, especially on a ship like the Eisenhower that’s in the shipyard for maintenance and repair work. Leosewski raced for the nearest communications handset to call in the fire. He rattled off his report, per the book: Fire. Electrical. White Smoke, deck and space number. Then, he started the sprint, halfway along the 1,090-foot length of the carrier, to the control center where he could cut power to that part of the electrical system. “We drill on this all the time; load center drill every week I’ve been on the ship,” Leosewski said. “Three years, every week.”
This time, shipmate John Hart, an Electricians Mate Nuclear 3rd Class, was closer to the load center. “I was able to immediately shut down load center 11,” said Hart. “I know Leosewski would be running back to turn it off himself, but I reported that I was in the area and shut it down. This is why we do so many drills. We’ve practiced this countless times.” (Dailypress.com article 4/29/2022)
Because Lucas Leosewski and John Hart were attentive, the Aircraft Carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower was saved from a serious fire at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Many do not know this, but small fires aboard ship can turn disastrous. A fire on the USS Bonhomme Richard in 2021 cost billions of dollars and led to the vessel being scrapped! The Russian corvette Provorny caught fire at port during repairs. Some say it will take five years for the ship to be rebuilt due to the extensive damage. Civilian ships are also in danger of fires when in the shipyard for repairs. The Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship was delayed for months, and costs bloomed after a common welding-induced fire. But, with sailors like Leosewski and Hart watching over repairs on the Dwight D. Eisenhower, a shipboard fire was never able to gain momentum. Their quick reactions may have saved the ship!
It’s nice to know that there are highly capable people watching over very important things in our world. The Secret Service protects United States’ presidents. U.S. Marines watch over the safety and security of United States Embassies world over. Firemen sleep at the firehouse, ready at a moment’s notice to dress up and save homes, property, and people. Who else watches over you?
Some of you may know that I am the proud master of a German Shepherd Dog. Charley is her name. Charley and I have probably walked three or four hundred miles together in her lifetime. She is a rescue from the Kentucky-Tennessee border area. Though someone may have discarded her as a young pup, I am thrilled to be her best friend. When we are out walking, I know she keeps an eye out for dangers. I know she protects me.
One afternoon, while out on a walk, Charley stopped suddenly. I ran right into her, wondering why in the world she had stopped. It wasn’t like her to stop suddenly and put me in danger of falling. I looked over at her and noticed she had a serious look about her. She was dead still, with a quiet, slow growl starting to escape her mouth. Her tail was slowly coming up erect. Something was wrong. I couldn’t see it, but something was wrong. She sensed danger.
Then, blasting out of a bushy wooded area, a huge dog came running at me from the side. Charley immediately moved to my left and stood there between me and the large dog bearing down upon us. As I turned to see the dog charging us, I fell. Being disabled, I couldn’t get up quick enough to defend myself. It didn’t matter. Charley kept between me and the threat. She didn’t move. I could see, though, that every tooth was barred. She was going to stand there and protect me with her last breath. The crazed dog stopped five feet from us and growled for a few seconds, then turned and ran back into the wooded area. I’m sure it didn’t want to take on my Charley. I have never seen that menacing dog since. That dog looked sickly and mean. Did it have rabies? Would it have attacked me if Charley wouldn’t have been there? I’m not sure. What I do know is that Charley watched over me that day. Her eye was dead set on keeping me safe.
One of the greatest things for you to remember is that God’s eye is also upon you! As expressed in the scripture for today, God is constantly on watch over your care. According to David, God not only watches over you but will “counsel” you as you need it. God will “instruct you” on which path to take in life. God will guard your ways. All you have to do is learn to listen for God’s voice and look for God’s cues. If you can just keep your focus on God, God will keep watch ahead for dangers.
Upon reading Psalm 32:8, Bill Bright commented:
How refreshing to know that our God keeps an eye on each one of us as His children. He knows the way we are going; He knows the way we should take—and with His watchful eye He promises to instruct us and to teach us.
On some subjects, full directions and plain commands are not always given in the Word of God. In such cases, we must be especially sensitive to [God’s] guiding eye.
Similarly, we apply the truth of this passage to the truth of a particular providence. God’s guiding us with His eye often indicates to us His will by means of providential events. When we live and walk in the Spirit, by faith, we recognize His guiding eye.” (from Promises: A Daily Guide to Supernatural Living)
Do you recognize God’s guiding eye? Are you attuned to God’s leading? Do you heed God’s warnings and press on when God wills it? Learn to trust God’s guiding eye. Your Savior will not let you down!
May 13
“Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” (Philippians 3:16, ESV)
As the Apostle Paul traveled from area to area in ancient Greece, he crossed paths with many people. He preached the gospel, taught about Christ Jesus, and founded churches. For a number of years, he kept in touch with church leaders, missionaries, elders, and deacons. He prayed for the unsaved, encouraged the faint-hearted, and laid hands on many for healing or the reception of the Holy Spirit. Being in close contact with so many in ancient Greece, Paul saw some who grew closer and closer to God in Christ. He saw the faith of others falter and give out. He also saw some who turned violent against Almighty God, even to the point of splitting their church!
Among those who were saved, Paul had little respect for back-sliders. Those whose faith waned with time were seen by Paul as rejecting Jesus. Hoping to stop any in the church in Philippi from backsliding in their faith, Paul wrote the scripture for today as both a word of encouragement and a warning: “let us hold true to what we have attained.” (Philippians 3:16). Not wanting any of the faithful to regress back into sinful ways, Paul offered these words to the Philippian Christians. He hoped and prayed they would never revert to their former godless living. Paul saw no hope for those who chose to follow God only to give up on that faith a while later. Even John of Patmos, who wrote Revelation, wrote that it was better for a man to have never believed than to let his faith grow cold (Revelation 3:1-3). Both Paul and John believed Christians who slid back into permanently sinful ways were lost souls.
Max Lucado hated cleaning closets. Before he was married, he shoved all too many things in his closets. When a guest was coming over, the threw dirty clothes into his closet. When he didn’t feel like cleaning, he would throw the mess into the closet, promising himself to get to it later. He never really got back to cleaning his closets. Then, he got married. His wife, Denalyn, urged him to keep the closets clean. She encouraged him to use the closets for storage and not as a repository for messes!
While joking about his messiness with closets, Lucado wrote the following humorous tidbit: “Most of my life I’ve been a closet slob.… Then I got married.… I enrolled in a twelve-step program for slobs. (“My name is Max, I hate to vacuum.”) A physical therapist helped me rediscover the muscles used for hanging shirts.… My nose was reintroduced to the fragrance of Pine Sol.…
Then came the moment of truth. Denalyn went out of town for a week. Initially I reverted to the old man. I figured I’d be a slob for six days and clean on the seventh. But something strange happened, a curious discomfort. I couldn’t relax with dirty dishes in the sink.
What had happened to me? Simple. I’d been exposed to a higher standard.
Isn’t that what has happened with us? … Before Christ, our lives were out of control, sloppy, and indulgent. We didn’t even know we were slobs until we met him.… Suddenly we find ourselves wanting to do good. Go back to the old mess? Are you kidding?” (p. 153, Grace for the Moment).
Be careful that you do not fall back into old sinful habits after becoming close to Christ. When life gets messy, don’t fall back on sinful ways. When you don’t get your way, don’t revert into a self-defeating mentality. If you fail at something, don’t sink back into that old depression that gripped you so tightly in the past. When you are faced with an old temptation, don’t let yourself fall under its spell.
“Hold true to what you have attained.” (Philippians 3:16). Keep faithful to God. Keep your eyes on the Heavenly prize. Let your focus remain on Christ. You were called to a higher standard. Let your life exhibit your deep love of Christ!
Among those who were saved, Paul had little respect for back-sliders. Those whose faith waned with time were seen by Paul as rejecting Jesus. Hoping to stop any in the church in Philippi from backsliding in their faith, Paul wrote the scripture for today as both a word of encouragement and a warning: “let us hold true to what we have attained.” (Philippians 3:16). Not wanting any of the faithful to regress back into sinful ways, Paul offered these words to the Philippian Christians. He hoped and prayed they would never revert to their former godless living. Paul saw no hope for those who chose to follow God only to give up on that faith a while later. Even John of Patmos, who wrote Revelation, wrote that it was better for a man to have never believed than to let his faith grow cold (Revelation 3:1-3). Both Paul and John believed Christians who slid back into permanently sinful ways were lost souls.
Max Lucado hated cleaning closets. Before he was married, he shoved all too many things in his closets. When a guest was coming over, the threw dirty clothes into his closet. When he didn’t feel like cleaning, he would throw the mess into the closet, promising himself to get to it later. He never really got back to cleaning his closets. Then, he got married. His wife, Denalyn, urged him to keep the closets clean. She encouraged him to use the closets for storage and not as a repository for messes!
While joking about his messiness with closets, Lucado wrote the following humorous tidbit: “Most of my life I’ve been a closet slob.… Then I got married.… I enrolled in a twelve-step program for slobs. (“My name is Max, I hate to vacuum.”) A physical therapist helped me rediscover the muscles used for hanging shirts.… My nose was reintroduced to the fragrance of Pine Sol.…
Then came the moment of truth. Denalyn went out of town for a week. Initially I reverted to the old man. I figured I’d be a slob for six days and clean on the seventh. But something strange happened, a curious discomfort. I couldn’t relax with dirty dishes in the sink.
What had happened to me? Simple. I’d been exposed to a higher standard.
Isn’t that what has happened with us? … Before Christ, our lives were out of control, sloppy, and indulgent. We didn’t even know we were slobs until we met him.… Suddenly we find ourselves wanting to do good. Go back to the old mess? Are you kidding?” (p. 153, Grace for the Moment).
Be careful that you do not fall back into old sinful habits after becoming close to Christ. When life gets messy, don’t fall back on sinful ways. When you don’t get your way, don’t revert into a self-defeating mentality. If you fail at something, don’t sink back into that old depression that gripped you so tightly in the past. When you are faced with an old temptation, don’t let yourself fall under its spell.
“Hold true to what you have attained.” (Philippians 3:16). Keep faithful to God. Keep your eyes on the Heavenly prize. Let your focus remain on Christ. You were called to a higher standard. Let your life exhibit your deep love of Christ!
May 15
“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You [God].” (Psalm 56:3, NASB95)
In a recent conversation, a man commented to me that he was so glad to see people not having to wear masks. We both mused on what life had been like before the COVID-19 pandemic. This man remarked that life was so much better before all the mess of the pandemic. We both shared stories from before the pandemic about how children were different, schools were reliable, working nine-to-five was seen as normal, and facemasks weren’t commonplace. Then, he ended the conversation with the words, “I am so glad that I had my vaccines and boosters. I would never have made it through without them.”
What shocked me about the man’s statement was that he was a Christian. He doesn’t attend church regularly, but he believes in God. Notice that his last comment implied that the COVID vaccines saved his life. He believes the vaccines saved him from suffering and death. While the vaccines did affect his health, I was surprised that he didn’t give the credit to God for saving his life. He gave credit to the vaccines.
Political and social rhetoric spread throughout the pandemic have totally damaged public opinion. They have shaped public views. Lies have spread to the faithful. In centuries past, people leaned on God to save them during a pandemic. Now, people find their hope elsewhere.
During the 15th century, a highly infectious airborne virus caused many to die in Europe. Millions prayed to God for strength, help, hope, and more. As the plague caused massive suffering in Florence, Italy, a man named Jacobo Soldi wrote a prayer that was shared and found on the lips of many. In that prayer, he wrote: “To you I pray, Almighty God, who is the cure of cures and healer of healers, salvation and life to all who hope in You….take this plague from your servants….Therefore, we flee to Your protection, O Mighty God, do not despise our petitions, but free us instead from this deadly pestilence….” (From Aleteia.org). The words of this prayer reflect the feeling of the faithful from that difficult time. Thousands read Soldi’s words and prayed them. The people threw themselves at the mercy of God, the “healer of healers”.
In today’s world, too many people (even Christians!) are not calling upon God to save and protect them during this pandemic. They may pray to God and even ask God to help, but in the back of their minds they are putting their trust in vaccines and medicines like Ivermectin and government policies and mask mandates. They listen to the Centers for Disease Control and Dr. Fauci and then determine how to live and what to do. They do not remain faithful or cry out to God. Instead, they put their future in the hands of scientists, completely ignoring the power of God. They act as if their Savior is a medicine and not Jesus Christ!
I’m not saying that medicines aren’t incredibly important. I’m not saying that people shouldn’t take vaccines. I’m saying that your heavenly future, your life, your faith, your joy don’t come from medical procedures. God is the source of your strength. God is the healer of healers. God has determined your days. God will determine whether you live or die. Vaccines and medicines are human attempts to ease a pandemic. God is the ultimate source of strength and healing and hope and life.
I was shocked during the pandemic when secular authorities banned the gathering of Christians. Yes, precautions should have been taken during the pandemic to protect life, but states like California forced churches to stop hosting worship services and funerals and gatherings while keeping liquor stores open! Pastors in Canada and the U.S. were arrested for offering worship services, and crazy people supported this! Even Christians fell into the false belief that not worshipping was better for the health of our communities and the future of the world! What a joke! Since those days when churches were forcefully closed, we have now found out that government enforced mandates have caused more suffering than the pandemic itself. Government leaders like Gov. Cuomo of New York caused more deaths from COVID due to his policies than would have died otherwise. Masks were touted as “saving lives” when we found out later, they were actually spreading the disease! Throughout it all, more and more Christians fell into the lie that medical practices, vaccines, government policies, and pharmaceutical companies were “saving lives”. What happened to God saving lives? What happened to the Christian belief that God is the ultimate healer? I wonder how many Christians sinned by relying more on medical practices than God’s healing power.
The scripture for today from Psalm 56:3 was written by David. He wrote the words while fighting the Philistines. In this dark hour of his own life, when everything was threatened, David did not give his full trust to his armies. He did not ultimately turn his life over to his military leadership. David did not put his faith in swords and military weapons. He trusted in God. He put his ultimate faith in God’s hands. He knew his future was in God’s own discretion. Thus, David wrote, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You…. In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.” (Psalm 56:3,4). David didn’t ask God for a stronger army. He didn’t place his hope on a super-weapon to defeat the Philistines. He put his whole attention on God. He refused to be afraid at all that might go wrong. He didn’t play the “what-if” game night and day. He didn’t fall apart or get emotional or run away. He put his trust in God and refused to become afraid of taking his next steps. David knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that his future was in God’s hands.
When life gets crazy, lean on God. Though others cower in fear, put your trust in God. During this pandemic, do not rely on worldly powers for your peace and protection. Rely on God Almighty, the Healer of Healers, your Savior! Don’t get caught up in the worldly rhetoric where potions and medicines and vaccines and masks will save you. Trust in God! Follow God’s guidance! Do what HE tells you to do! Obey HIS Spirit! God not only saves you, HE determines the future of your life. God already has planned for your death. In the meantime, put your full trust and faith in the God who loves you, the Divine Power who rules Heaven and Earth! Resolve today to make God first in your life. Go to God first with your hopes and fears and needs and dreams. Follow HIS guidance. Put faith in His Word. Ask for HIS healing grace. Your earthly life may last a few decades if you are blessed, but your future is meant to be in Heaven for all eternity…. And only the those who trust God completely (especially during a pandemic!) end up there.
What shocked me about the man’s statement was that he was a Christian. He doesn’t attend church regularly, but he believes in God. Notice that his last comment implied that the COVID vaccines saved his life. He believes the vaccines saved him from suffering and death. While the vaccines did affect his health, I was surprised that he didn’t give the credit to God for saving his life. He gave credit to the vaccines.
Political and social rhetoric spread throughout the pandemic have totally damaged public opinion. They have shaped public views. Lies have spread to the faithful. In centuries past, people leaned on God to save them during a pandemic. Now, people find their hope elsewhere.
During the 15th century, a highly infectious airborne virus caused many to die in Europe. Millions prayed to God for strength, help, hope, and more. As the plague caused massive suffering in Florence, Italy, a man named Jacobo Soldi wrote a prayer that was shared and found on the lips of many. In that prayer, he wrote: “To you I pray, Almighty God, who is the cure of cures and healer of healers, salvation and life to all who hope in You….take this plague from your servants….Therefore, we flee to Your protection, O Mighty God, do not despise our petitions, but free us instead from this deadly pestilence….” (From Aleteia.org). The words of this prayer reflect the feeling of the faithful from that difficult time. Thousands read Soldi’s words and prayed them. The people threw themselves at the mercy of God, the “healer of healers”.
In today’s world, too many people (even Christians!) are not calling upon God to save and protect them during this pandemic. They may pray to God and even ask God to help, but in the back of their minds they are putting their trust in vaccines and medicines like Ivermectin and government policies and mask mandates. They listen to the Centers for Disease Control and Dr. Fauci and then determine how to live and what to do. They do not remain faithful or cry out to God. Instead, they put their future in the hands of scientists, completely ignoring the power of God. They act as if their Savior is a medicine and not Jesus Christ!
I’m not saying that medicines aren’t incredibly important. I’m not saying that people shouldn’t take vaccines. I’m saying that your heavenly future, your life, your faith, your joy don’t come from medical procedures. God is the source of your strength. God is the healer of healers. God has determined your days. God will determine whether you live or die. Vaccines and medicines are human attempts to ease a pandemic. God is the ultimate source of strength and healing and hope and life.
I was shocked during the pandemic when secular authorities banned the gathering of Christians. Yes, precautions should have been taken during the pandemic to protect life, but states like California forced churches to stop hosting worship services and funerals and gatherings while keeping liquor stores open! Pastors in Canada and the U.S. were arrested for offering worship services, and crazy people supported this! Even Christians fell into the false belief that not worshipping was better for the health of our communities and the future of the world! What a joke! Since those days when churches were forcefully closed, we have now found out that government enforced mandates have caused more suffering than the pandemic itself. Government leaders like Gov. Cuomo of New York caused more deaths from COVID due to his policies than would have died otherwise. Masks were touted as “saving lives” when we found out later, they were actually spreading the disease! Throughout it all, more and more Christians fell into the lie that medical practices, vaccines, government policies, and pharmaceutical companies were “saving lives”. What happened to God saving lives? What happened to the Christian belief that God is the ultimate healer? I wonder how many Christians sinned by relying more on medical practices than God’s healing power.
The scripture for today from Psalm 56:3 was written by David. He wrote the words while fighting the Philistines. In this dark hour of his own life, when everything was threatened, David did not give his full trust to his armies. He did not ultimately turn his life over to his military leadership. David did not put his faith in swords and military weapons. He trusted in God. He put his ultimate faith in God’s hands. He knew his future was in God’s own discretion. Thus, David wrote, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You…. In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.” (Psalm 56:3,4). David didn’t ask God for a stronger army. He didn’t place his hope on a super-weapon to defeat the Philistines. He put his whole attention on God. He refused to be afraid at all that might go wrong. He didn’t play the “what-if” game night and day. He didn’t fall apart or get emotional or run away. He put his trust in God and refused to become afraid of taking his next steps. David knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that his future was in God’s hands.
When life gets crazy, lean on God. Though others cower in fear, put your trust in God. During this pandemic, do not rely on worldly powers for your peace and protection. Rely on God Almighty, the Healer of Healers, your Savior! Don’t get caught up in the worldly rhetoric where potions and medicines and vaccines and masks will save you. Trust in God! Follow God’s guidance! Do what HE tells you to do! Obey HIS Spirit! God not only saves you, HE determines the future of your life. God already has planned for your death. In the meantime, put your full trust and faith in the God who loves you, the Divine Power who rules Heaven and Earth! Resolve today to make God first in your life. Go to God first with your hopes and fears and needs and dreams. Follow HIS guidance. Put faith in His Word. Ask for HIS healing grace. Your earthly life may last a few decades if you are blessed, but your future is meant to be in Heaven for all eternity…. And only the those who trust God completely (especially during a pandemic!) end up there.
May 17
“And David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the LORD said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.”” (2 Samuel 5:19, ESV)
In the scripture above, David asked for direction from the Lord. David knew the Philistine threat was a great one. Their army was strong. Their leadership was capable. Not knowing for sure if the time was right to take on such a formidable foe, David went to God in prayer. David “inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines?’” (2 Samuel 5:19a). On that day, the question of what to do about the armies of the Philistines was paramount in David’s mind. He didn’t hide from God his uneasiness and trepidation about the situation. Instead, he outright asked God for direction. God willingly supplied David with an answer. God said, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” David had his answer. He immediately gathered his army. The very next verse of the Bible mentions David’s victory.
As you read the scripture for today and my commentary, do you see how close David and God had become? David didn't hold back in his conversations with God. He was not apprehensive about asking for direction, for guidance, for strength. And the crazy thing is, David expected an answer! David listened for God’s answer to the prayer. And David received his answer. In fact, David was so sure of God’s answer that he immediately gathered his troops for battle and left to initiate the attack. There was no hesitation by David. God called the shots and David acted swiftly after receiving an answer.
The scripture for today gives a clear indication of what a close relationship with God is like. When faithful people are close to God, they make sure to ask God the most important questions. They do not hold back their worries. They are quick to seek direction and advice from on High! Then, they wait patiently for God’s answer. And when that answer comes, they do not hesitate to act upon God’s answer!
I have found that shallow Christians and the unfaithful alike do not follow David’s example when dealing with difficult situations. First, many don’t even ask God for guidance! Some are not even willing to approach God asking for direction. Then, when some do ask God for assistance, guidance, or direction, all too many will not wait and listen for God’s answer! Some don’t even expect an answer, as if God doesn’t care! David, in our scripture for today, expected God to respond to his question. David knew God’s answer would not only come shortly but would be entirely pertinent to the situation. David got his answer. As for all too many shallow believers, most do not even listen for God’s direction. Some don’t even recognize when God speaks. Thus, they bumble through life not knowing which way God is sending them or what they need to do at the present.
If you take a look at David’s prayer and God’s response, a clear order of events is displayed. When you are close to God, this same order of events will usually play out. Based on the scripture for today, the order of events goes as follows:
1)Recognize your problem.
2) Voice that problem to God openly and honestly, expecting God to answer.
3) Listen for God’s answer. Be patient for God’s response. Don’t act before God speaks!
4) Respond swiftly to God’s command or response.
5) Expect results!
Do you follow these events in your relationship with God? Which of the five parts in the order of events is your weakness? Are you slow to recognize the real problems or issues plaguing you? Do you fail to openly and honestly speak to God about your need? Do you lack the trust that God will answer? Do you act impatiently, not giving God time to respond clearly? Sometimes God will set things in motion to answer your prayer. If you jump the gun, the time may not be right. According to Ecclesiastes 3, there is a time for everything under the sun! Consequently, you must act swiftly when the time is right. Finally, do you follow God’s leading with a healthy suspicion and a heart-full of doubts? God came through swiftly and powerfully for David. God can do the same for you IF you are willing to openly and honestly and faithfully work through issues!
After the worship service ended on Sunday morning, I went through a long greeting line. A few people wanted to thank me for the sermon that day. A few just wanted to greet me. Some wanted to inform me of upcoming events or hospitalizations or blessings. As the line petered out, I turned to go to my office to change out of my robe. On the way, I noticed a man standing outside my office door. He was waiting for me. I wondered what was wrong. I could tell he needed to talk.
The man asked to speak with me in my office for just a few moments. I gladly asked him to enter the office. As I took off my robe, I asked him what was on his heart. He responded, “Pastor, my grandfather is in the hospital. Things don’t look good. This morning, while praying, I felt God telling me that my grandfather only has a short time to live. That message from God seemed so clear it startled me.”
Turning to him, I said, “What did God want you to do?”
The man responded, “How did you know God wanted me to do something?”
Without going into detail (I had seen God do this type of thing many times before), I asked him to answer my question. He responded, “It felt as clear as day that God wanted me to go to my grandfather’s bedside and ask if there is something he needs me to do.”
Stopping what I was doing, I turned to say, “Well, there’s your answer. You better get going. Time is probably short. God needs you there right away.”
The man responded, “How can I be sure?”
I looked at him and said, “Just go. Go now. You’ll understand more later.”
He looked at me with a puzzled expression. I stated again, “Just go! Now!”
An hour later, the man was at the bedside of his grandfather. A few days later, his grandfather died. The day after the death, the man showed up at my house. When I answered the door, he held out his hand and said, “I just wanted to say thanks. I did what you said. I did what God wanted. I now know why I needed to be there. Just wanted you to know. Thanks again!” I smiled. He walked to his car and drove away. I never knew what his grandfather needed. I didn’t need to know. It was between this man and God. I am so glad that the man went swiftly to his grandfather’s bedside. I am overjoyed he followed through for God.
Since God is alive and well and powerful and watching over you, God will desire to communicate with you. God will be ready to answer your prayer swiftly. You need to come to God with your needs. You must be willing to listen for God’s answer. You ought to be ready to respond without a doubt. Don’t hesitate to seek God’s advice and direction. Then, follow through with what God tells you. If you don’t hear what God is saying, something is wrong in your relationship with God. God always will communicate with you about the important points of your life.
Is there something you need to discuss with God today? Is there an issue that weighs heavily on your mind? Go to God in prayer! Seek God’s guidance. Be ready to act upon God’s response! God has the answers you need. Do you have the initiative and faith to go get them?
As you read the scripture for today and my commentary, do you see how close David and God had become? David didn't hold back in his conversations with God. He was not apprehensive about asking for direction, for guidance, for strength. And the crazy thing is, David expected an answer! David listened for God’s answer to the prayer. And David received his answer. In fact, David was so sure of God’s answer that he immediately gathered his troops for battle and left to initiate the attack. There was no hesitation by David. God called the shots and David acted swiftly after receiving an answer.
The scripture for today gives a clear indication of what a close relationship with God is like. When faithful people are close to God, they make sure to ask God the most important questions. They do not hold back their worries. They are quick to seek direction and advice from on High! Then, they wait patiently for God’s answer. And when that answer comes, they do not hesitate to act upon God’s answer!
I have found that shallow Christians and the unfaithful alike do not follow David’s example when dealing with difficult situations. First, many don’t even ask God for guidance! Some are not even willing to approach God asking for direction. Then, when some do ask God for assistance, guidance, or direction, all too many will not wait and listen for God’s answer! Some don’t even expect an answer, as if God doesn’t care! David, in our scripture for today, expected God to respond to his question. David knew God’s answer would not only come shortly but would be entirely pertinent to the situation. David got his answer. As for all too many shallow believers, most do not even listen for God’s direction. Some don’t even recognize when God speaks. Thus, they bumble through life not knowing which way God is sending them or what they need to do at the present.
If you take a look at David’s prayer and God’s response, a clear order of events is displayed. When you are close to God, this same order of events will usually play out. Based on the scripture for today, the order of events goes as follows:
1)Recognize your problem.
2) Voice that problem to God openly and honestly, expecting God to answer.
3) Listen for God’s answer. Be patient for God’s response. Don’t act before God speaks!
4) Respond swiftly to God’s command or response.
5) Expect results!
Do you follow these events in your relationship with God? Which of the five parts in the order of events is your weakness? Are you slow to recognize the real problems or issues plaguing you? Do you fail to openly and honestly speak to God about your need? Do you lack the trust that God will answer? Do you act impatiently, not giving God time to respond clearly? Sometimes God will set things in motion to answer your prayer. If you jump the gun, the time may not be right. According to Ecclesiastes 3, there is a time for everything under the sun! Consequently, you must act swiftly when the time is right. Finally, do you follow God’s leading with a healthy suspicion and a heart-full of doubts? God came through swiftly and powerfully for David. God can do the same for you IF you are willing to openly and honestly and faithfully work through issues!
After the worship service ended on Sunday morning, I went through a long greeting line. A few people wanted to thank me for the sermon that day. A few just wanted to greet me. Some wanted to inform me of upcoming events or hospitalizations or blessings. As the line petered out, I turned to go to my office to change out of my robe. On the way, I noticed a man standing outside my office door. He was waiting for me. I wondered what was wrong. I could tell he needed to talk.
The man asked to speak with me in my office for just a few moments. I gladly asked him to enter the office. As I took off my robe, I asked him what was on his heart. He responded, “Pastor, my grandfather is in the hospital. Things don’t look good. This morning, while praying, I felt God telling me that my grandfather only has a short time to live. That message from God seemed so clear it startled me.”
Turning to him, I said, “What did God want you to do?”
The man responded, “How did you know God wanted me to do something?”
Without going into detail (I had seen God do this type of thing many times before), I asked him to answer my question. He responded, “It felt as clear as day that God wanted me to go to my grandfather’s bedside and ask if there is something he needs me to do.”
Stopping what I was doing, I turned to say, “Well, there’s your answer. You better get going. Time is probably short. God needs you there right away.”
The man responded, “How can I be sure?”
I looked at him and said, “Just go. Go now. You’ll understand more later.”
He looked at me with a puzzled expression. I stated again, “Just go! Now!”
An hour later, the man was at the bedside of his grandfather. A few days later, his grandfather died. The day after the death, the man showed up at my house. When I answered the door, he held out his hand and said, “I just wanted to say thanks. I did what you said. I did what God wanted. I now know why I needed to be there. Just wanted you to know. Thanks again!” I smiled. He walked to his car and drove away. I never knew what his grandfather needed. I didn’t need to know. It was between this man and God. I am so glad that the man went swiftly to his grandfather’s bedside. I am overjoyed he followed through for God.
Since God is alive and well and powerful and watching over you, God will desire to communicate with you. God will be ready to answer your prayer swiftly. You need to come to God with your needs. You must be willing to listen for God’s answer. You ought to be ready to respond without a doubt. Don’t hesitate to seek God’s advice and direction. Then, follow through with what God tells you. If you don’t hear what God is saying, something is wrong in your relationship with God. God always will communicate with you about the important points of your life.
Is there something you need to discuss with God today? Is there an issue that weighs heavily on your mind? Go to God in prayer! Seek God’s guidance. Be ready to act upon God’s response! God has the answers you need. Do you have the initiative and faith to go get them?
May 22
“Thou hatest wickedness.” —Psalm 45:7
Throughout the scriptures, we read of the love of God. The famous line from John 3:16 declares that “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” 1 John 4 proclaims that love is not only something sent “from God”, love is one of God’s attributes; “God is love” (1 John 4:7-8). The word “love” is used hundreds of times in the Bible. Many of those times, the love is sent from God, given from a follower of God, or seen as a characteristic of holiness. Jesus wanted his followers to “love one another”, even calling this a commandment (John 13:34)!!!! For this reason, Christians often equate love with God and godliness.
However, the Bible also notes that God not only is a source of love, God is a source of hate. There are things of this world that God hates vehemently. Scripture has informed us that God hates evil (Zechariah 8:17, Paul also said this in Romans 12:9), pride and arrogance (Proverbs 8:13), false promises (Zechariah 8:17), perverse speech (Proverbs 8:13), robbery and wrongdoing (Isaiah 61:8), fake religiousness (Amos 5:21), divorce (not divorced people- Malachi 2:16), lying and false witnesses (Proverbs 6:16, 19), murderers (Proverbs 6:17), and people who “sow discord” (Proverbs 6:19). Added to this list, Psalm 45:7 adds that God hates “wickedness”. Did you know that God hates all these things?
For today, I would like to focus on Psalm 45:7. For our meditation, I want you to consider what it means that God hates wickedness. First, what is wickedness? Most people who read scripture believe that wickedness is just evil or sinfulness. A wicked person is one who does evil or is sinful. However, some noted scholars have narrowed the biblical meaning of wickedness even further. In a Wikipedia article, wickedness is defined as “a profound evil committed consciously or by free will”. Thus, to be wicked, a person has to knowingly commit evil intending to hurt another person. You cannot accidentally become evil or practice wickedness. Wickedness is the end result of an evil act done by a person who intends to harm another.
While preparing this meditation, I came across an article online that mentioned a study done at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. This study found certain traits among people who practiced evil. The authors called them “D-factors” or “dark factors”. Here is a list of a majority of the wicked characteristics of an evil person:
1)They enjoy the misfortune of others.
2)They are controlling and manipulative.
3)They are habitually dishonest.
4)They often mislead others.
5)They lack remorse or repentance or apologies.
6)They are cruel.
7)They do not take responsibility for their cruelty and thus have no moral compass.
Chances are that you are not a wicked person. However, this does not mean that you are incapable of wickedness. If you intend to harm someone and then look forward to enjoying their downfall, chances are you are about to commit a wicked or evil action. If you feel the need to manipulate another person to your benefit, this is also evil or wicked. If you refuse to repent for a wrong, wickedness will be a consequence. If you refuse to ask God for forgiveness for an evil done, your wickedness is all the more clear before Almighty God. By this paragraph, I hope you understand that wickedness is normally committed by an evil person. However, a good person can commit wickedness through a desire to get even, when fueled by hate, or when uninhibited due to drunkenness or an emotional upheaval. Wickedness is something even faithful people are guilty of committing.
Don’t for a moment think that churches and benevolent groups are incapable of housing wicked people. In the Old Testament, for example, wicked acts were chastised by God not only by the likes of Egypt and Nineveh and Babylon, but also by Israel. Even religious leaders were not above committing wickedness. Herod and Caiaphus clearly committed wicked acts in the guise of doing God’s work.
I have noticed while studying wickedness that in order to commit such a sin, one usually needs to justify their wrongdoing. You can do this by lying to yourself about the matter. You might tell yourself that your enemy “deserves it”. You may choose to ignore the consequences of your own guilt. Any way you look at it, wickedness is hated by God. When you take part in a wicked plot, that hatred for what is evil gets transferred to you. It is best to cast yourself upon the mercy of God and beg for forgiveness. If you do not, you will find that wickedness will take over your life. It will eat you up from the inside out. It will give rise to rage and anger and dis-ease and resentfulness. It always ends with a hardened heart and God leaving your side.
If you find yourself ever considering an act of evil or enjoying the suffering of another person, you are tiptoeing toward wickedness. It won’t take much for sinfulness to overtake you. A godly conscience and a humble attitude can go a long way toward fending off wickedness. A readiness to say you are sorry when you do wrong can also help defeat this form of evil.
You may not ever think yourself wicked or even capable of wickedness. However, wicked acts occurred among the most faithful of people including Moses, Saul, Judas, and Paul. It can shipwreck even the truest of souls. Wickedness is something God hates. For this reason, it should be something you despise as well, especially if it resides within you!
However, the Bible also notes that God not only is a source of love, God is a source of hate. There are things of this world that God hates vehemently. Scripture has informed us that God hates evil (Zechariah 8:17, Paul also said this in Romans 12:9), pride and arrogance (Proverbs 8:13), false promises (Zechariah 8:17), perverse speech (Proverbs 8:13), robbery and wrongdoing (Isaiah 61:8), fake religiousness (Amos 5:21), divorce (not divorced people- Malachi 2:16), lying and false witnesses (Proverbs 6:16, 19), murderers (Proverbs 6:17), and people who “sow discord” (Proverbs 6:19). Added to this list, Psalm 45:7 adds that God hates “wickedness”. Did you know that God hates all these things?
For today, I would like to focus on Psalm 45:7. For our meditation, I want you to consider what it means that God hates wickedness. First, what is wickedness? Most people who read scripture believe that wickedness is just evil or sinfulness. A wicked person is one who does evil or is sinful. However, some noted scholars have narrowed the biblical meaning of wickedness even further. In a Wikipedia article, wickedness is defined as “a profound evil committed consciously or by free will”. Thus, to be wicked, a person has to knowingly commit evil intending to hurt another person. You cannot accidentally become evil or practice wickedness. Wickedness is the end result of an evil act done by a person who intends to harm another.
While preparing this meditation, I came across an article online that mentioned a study done at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. This study found certain traits among people who practiced evil. The authors called them “D-factors” or “dark factors”. Here is a list of a majority of the wicked characteristics of an evil person:
1)They enjoy the misfortune of others.
2)They are controlling and manipulative.
3)They are habitually dishonest.
4)They often mislead others.
5)They lack remorse or repentance or apologies.
6)They are cruel.
7)They do not take responsibility for their cruelty and thus have no moral compass.
Chances are that you are not a wicked person. However, this does not mean that you are incapable of wickedness. If you intend to harm someone and then look forward to enjoying their downfall, chances are you are about to commit a wicked or evil action. If you feel the need to manipulate another person to your benefit, this is also evil or wicked. If you refuse to repent for a wrong, wickedness will be a consequence. If you refuse to ask God for forgiveness for an evil done, your wickedness is all the more clear before Almighty God. By this paragraph, I hope you understand that wickedness is normally committed by an evil person. However, a good person can commit wickedness through a desire to get even, when fueled by hate, or when uninhibited due to drunkenness or an emotional upheaval. Wickedness is something even faithful people are guilty of committing.
Don’t for a moment think that churches and benevolent groups are incapable of housing wicked people. In the Old Testament, for example, wicked acts were chastised by God not only by the likes of Egypt and Nineveh and Babylon, but also by Israel. Even religious leaders were not above committing wickedness. Herod and Caiaphus clearly committed wicked acts in the guise of doing God’s work.
I have noticed while studying wickedness that in order to commit such a sin, one usually needs to justify their wrongdoing. You can do this by lying to yourself about the matter. You might tell yourself that your enemy “deserves it”. You may choose to ignore the consequences of your own guilt. Any way you look at it, wickedness is hated by God. When you take part in a wicked plot, that hatred for what is evil gets transferred to you. It is best to cast yourself upon the mercy of God and beg for forgiveness. If you do not, you will find that wickedness will take over your life. It will eat you up from the inside out. It will give rise to rage and anger and dis-ease and resentfulness. It always ends with a hardened heart and God leaving your side.
If you find yourself ever considering an act of evil or enjoying the suffering of another person, you are tiptoeing toward wickedness. It won’t take much for sinfulness to overtake you. A godly conscience and a humble attitude can go a long way toward fending off wickedness. A readiness to say you are sorry when you do wrong can also help defeat this form of evil.
You may not ever think yourself wicked or even capable of wickedness. However, wicked acts occurred among the most faithful of people including Moses, Saul, Judas, and Paul. It can shipwreck even the truest of souls. Wickedness is something God hates. For this reason, it should be something you despise as well, especially if it resides within you!
May 24
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” (2 Timothy 2:24, NIV)
One might describe George as a “powder keg”. Even though he was a Christian, he had these outbursts of anger and hostility. Little things would set him off like a mistaken word or a project that was falling behind. Some said that George was a perfectionist. Others believed him to have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Whatever it was that made George’s personality volatile, it definitely was not God!
George often came in on Mondays to check the mail or to get a few jobs done. While there, he would chat with the secretary or share a few words with me. George was an intelligent, thoughtful leader. However, some days he could be challenging. If something didn’t go right, if a bill submitted to the church was turned in incorrectly, if a problem arose in his committee, George could get downright hostile. He would shout at people, slam down his fist in anger, stare at people with pursed lips, and dominate an argument. People learned to deal with George one of two ways. Either they would stay far away from him, or they would just “agree with him to shut him up”. This led to problem after problem with George at that church.
Were you ever forced to work with an unreasonable person? How do you deal with a volatile individual? What happens when that angry person is a member of your church?! Imagine being a pastor and having several bullying personalities to face every week! These quarrelsome people can turn your church into a stressful place, your church committees into dysfunctional gatherings, and your encounters into dangerous territory!
Quarrelsome people put others on edge at one time or another.
Our scripture for today contains a command by the Apostle Paul to Timothy, a budding Pastor. Young Timothy was just beginning his ministry when Paul took him under the wing to help him learn the ropes of church leadership. When it came to volatile people, Paul made it very clear to Timothy that “the Lord’s servant MUST NOT be quarrelsome….”(2 Timothy 2:24a). In truth, Paul taught that to be a true servant of God required the faithful to be “kind to everyone”. They must be humble enough to learn. They must never be “resentful” (2 Timothy 2:24b). I find it very interesting that Paul used such strong language when speaking about quarrelsome people. They MUST NOT be quarrelsome and MUST BE kind to everyone! These words make crystal clear that Paul saw these attitudes to be incredibly important for a healthy functioning church, for pastors and church leaders, and for the family environment.
A pastor friend of mine came to me looking for advice. A counseling situation put him in a bind. He didn’t know what to do. When a couple in the church came to him for marriage counseling, it took him a while to realize that the cause of the most friction in their marriage was a teenage son. Daniel, the son, had a volatile personality. He was prone to outbursts of anger and hostility. Often, he would side with his mother who doted on him. Then, he would lash out at his father. After the pastor described the family dynamics, we talked about the possibility of Daniel being a narcissist. After much prayer and further study, the pastor decided he could no longer counsel the family. As long as the mother allowed Daniel to destroy the family environment with his outbursts of anger and button-pushing, the couple would never work through their differences. Allowing Daniel to instigate frequent fights in the family made it so that the couple’s relationship could not heal.
Quarrelsome people tend to wreck relationships, even healthy ones. If you take a healthy marriage and introduce an argumentative, narcissistic teenager into the mix, all kinds of problems arise in the home. Even if a church is functioning wonderfully, if you add a few quarrelsome new members into the fold, it won’t be long before you will see friction in interpersonal relationships, church fights, and maybe even church splits! Quarrelsome people, even when highly gifted, can be highly destructive to relationships. Often, they will start fights just to get their way. They can be highly manipulative. Even when they are conscientious and loving, the fear and discord they inevitably engender raise havoc in social structures.
While you may think you aren’t quarrelsome all the time, are you prone to push a person’s buttons to get a rise out of her? Do you enjoy a good verbal fight? Do your friendships devolve into teasing and personal attacks when you get upset? When stressed, do you lash out? In these ways, you might be quarrelsome without even realizing it.
I was sitting at a church dinner when Carolyn came up to me and said, “Yesterday, Dorothy made me angry with her annoying need to have her way. Did you know that before worship she hurt a new member’s feelings by asking the person to move out of her pew?” I did not know that.
Then, Carolyn said, “I’ll put Dorothy in her place. Just watch.”
I wanted to calm Carolyn down, but she stormed off. She walked over to Dorothy, smiled and chit-chatted. Then, I noticed Dorothy’s face turn red, and she stormed off. Carolyn walked past me and whispered, “I love a good fight. This will be a good one!”
Carolyn had whispered to Dorothy that a woman in the church called her “a testy, old bat”. Carolyn kept this information to herself to use at the opportune time just to push Dorothy’s buttons. Fights and arguments broke out for weeks in different areas of the church before things finally settled down.
Spiteful people, insecure feelings, vengeful attitudes, argumentative individuals, and manipulative tendencies can ignite quarrels given the right situation. Churches don't need people who are difficult. It is important that quarrels be kept out of the church. Church people should be reminded that quarrels and button-pushing and volatile personality traits have no place in the healthy soul. These personality traits need to be exorcised from the faithful heart. As long as a Christian is prone to be argumentative, nothing good will come from their quarrelsome actions.
Be careful that you deal with any internal emotion that causes you to feel quarrelsome. If your anger is kindled, work things through with God. If your hackles are up, chances are you have some insecurities or unresolved issues to examine. For some people, quarrels and infighting are natural responses. If you read today’s scripture without bias, it sees quarrels and infighting as unholy endeavors.
George often came in on Mondays to check the mail or to get a few jobs done. While there, he would chat with the secretary or share a few words with me. George was an intelligent, thoughtful leader. However, some days he could be challenging. If something didn’t go right, if a bill submitted to the church was turned in incorrectly, if a problem arose in his committee, George could get downright hostile. He would shout at people, slam down his fist in anger, stare at people with pursed lips, and dominate an argument. People learned to deal with George one of two ways. Either they would stay far away from him, or they would just “agree with him to shut him up”. This led to problem after problem with George at that church.
Were you ever forced to work with an unreasonable person? How do you deal with a volatile individual? What happens when that angry person is a member of your church?! Imagine being a pastor and having several bullying personalities to face every week! These quarrelsome people can turn your church into a stressful place, your church committees into dysfunctional gatherings, and your encounters into dangerous territory!
Quarrelsome people put others on edge at one time or another.
Our scripture for today contains a command by the Apostle Paul to Timothy, a budding Pastor. Young Timothy was just beginning his ministry when Paul took him under the wing to help him learn the ropes of church leadership. When it came to volatile people, Paul made it very clear to Timothy that “the Lord’s servant MUST NOT be quarrelsome….”(2 Timothy 2:24a). In truth, Paul taught that to be a true servant of God required the faithful to be “kind to everyone”. They must be humble enough to learn. They must never be “resentful” (2 Timothy 2:24b). I find it very interesting that Paul used such strong language when speaking about quarrelsome people. They MUST NOT be quarrelsome and MUST BE kind to everyone! These words make crystal clear that Paul saw these attitudes to be incredibly important for a healthy functioning church, for pastors and church leaders, and for the family environment.
A pastor friend of mine came to me looking for advice. A counseling situation put him in a bind. He didn’t know what to do. When a couple in the church came to him for marriage counseling, it took him a while to realize that the cause of the most friction in their marriage was a teenage son. Daniel, the son, had a volatile personality. He was prone to outbursts of anger and hostility. Often, he would side with his mother who doted on him. Then, he would lash out at his father. After the pastor described the family dynamics, we talked about the possibility of Daniel being a narcissist. After much prayer and further study, the pastor decided he could no longer counsel the family. As long as the mother allowed Daniel to destroy the family environment with his outbursts of anger and button-pushing, the couple would never work through their differences. Allowing Daniel to instigate frequent fights in the family made it so that the couple’s relationship could not heal.
Quarrelsome people tend to wreck relationships, even healthy ones. If you take a healthy marriage and introduce an argumentative, narcissistic teenager into the mix, all kinds of problems arise in the home. Even if a church is functioning wonderfully, if you add a few quarrelsome new members into the fold, it won’t be long before you will see friction in interpersonal relationships, church fights, and maybe even church splits! Quarrelsome people, even when highly gifted, can be highly destructive to relationships. Often, they will start fights just to get their way. They can be highly manipulative. Even when they are conscientious and loving, the fear and discord they inevitably engender raise havoc in social structures.
While you may think you aren’t quarrelsome all the time, are you prone to push a person’s buttons to get a rise out of her? Do you enjoy a good verbal fight? Do your friendships devolve into teasing and personal attacks when you get upset? When stressed, do you lash out? In these ways, you might be quarrelsome without even realizing it.
I was sitting at a church dinner when Carolyn came up to me and said, “Yesterday, Dorothy made me angry with her annoying need to have her way. Did you know that before worship she hurt a new member’s feelings by asking the person to move out of her pew?” I did not know that.
Then, Carolyn said, “I’ll put Dorothy in her place. Just watch.”
I wanted to calm Carolyn down, but she stormed off. She walked over to Dorothy, smiled and chit-chatted. Then, I noticed Dorothy’s face turn red, and she stormed off. Carolyn walked past me and whispered, “I love a good fight. This will be a good one!”
Carolyn had whispered to Dorothy that a woman in the church called her “a testy, old bat”. Carolyn kept this information to herself to use at the opportune time just to push Dorothy’s buttons. Fights and arguments broke out for weeks in different areas of the church before things finally settled down.
Spiteful people, insecure feelings, vengeful attitudes, argumentative individuals, and manipulative tendencies can ignite quarrels given the right situation. Churches don't need people who are difficult. It is important that quarrels be kept out of the church. Church people should be reminded that quarrels and button-pushing and volatile personality traits have no place in the healthy soul. These personality traits need to be exorcised from the faithful heart. As long as a Christian is prone to be argumentative, nothing good will come from their quarrelsome actions.
Be careful that you deal with any internal emotion that causes you to feel quarrelsome. If your anger is kindled, work things through with God. If your hackles are up, chances are you have some insecurities or unresolved issues to examine. For some people, quarrels and infighting are natural responses. If you read today’s scripture without bias, it sees quarrels and infighting as unholy endeavors.
May 28
“At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other.” (2 Chronicles 20:22–23, NLT)
Praise and thanksgiving are powerful actions when done in respect to our God! Christians don’t give praise and thanksgiving enough credit. These actions are not the “fluff” of worship. They are central to faithful affirmation. They are critical not only for the reverence of God but also to uplift the heart of the believer.
The power of praise and thanksgiving can be seen in the scripture for today from 2 Chronicles 20. This chapter of the Old Testament documents the attack by the Moabites and Ammonites and Meunites against Jehosaphat and the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 20:1). When the people of Judah saw the huge armies that had gathered against them, we are told that Jehosaphat “feared” what was to happen (2 Chronicles 20:3). The armies arrayed against Judah were huge. Instead of throwing up a white flag and surrendering, Jehosaphat “proclaimed a fast” and asked the Lord what to do! (Jehosaphat’s prayers were included in this chapter of the Bible!) Then a prophet named Jahaziel brought word from the Lord. The armies of Judah were to go down to fight, because the Lord would be with them. They were told not to fear! (2 Chronicles 20:17).
Before doing anything else, this chapter of the Bible explains that the King and all the people responded to the news of God’s protection with much praise! People began to shout, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His steadfast love endures forever!” The people shouted the praise so loudly that the enemy armies overheard the clamor. Then, incredibly, the invading armies rose up for battle. But instead of fighting the Judean armies, the invaders fought each other (2 Chronicles 2:22-23). They decimated each other’s ranks. The Judeans didn’t have to even fight a battle that day, yet their enemies were entirely defeated. As the people of Judah sang praises, their enemies were vanquished by God.
Do you think it was just coincidence that the enemies of Judah were defeated at the precise moment of their praise and thanksgiving to God? I do not. Praise and thanksgiving for God have powerful effects. Though they do not always have such obvious results as occurred in that day of battle, they do have the power to change history! Praise and thanksgiving lift the soul, give voice to one’s faith in God, and acknowledge for the whole world the reason for hope!
The people of Israel were moved from fear and apprehension to praise and thanksgiving. That lead to the defeat of the invading armies. When you face difficult days, when the odds are stacked against you, when things seem bleak, look to God. Pray to God! Seek God’s direction. And do not ever be surprised in that moment by the power of thanksgiving and praise for Almighty God!
In a meditation on this very scripture, Evangelist Bill Bright made the following observations:
“One of the greatest lessons I have ever learned is the importance of praise and thanksgiving. The greater the problem, the more difficult the circumstances, the more important it is to praise God at all times, to worship Him for His sovereignty, love, grace, power, wisdom and might; for the certainty that He will fight for us, demonstrating His supernatural resources in our behalf.
When the people of Judah began to praise God, He caused the three opposing armies to destroy one another. In the same way, God will fight for us if we trust and obey Him. There is no better way to demonstrate faith and obedience than to praise and thank Him, even when our world is crumbling around us and the enemy is threatening to destroy. God honors praise. Hebrews 13:15 reminds us, “With Jesus’ help, we will continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by telling others of the glory of His name.”” (from Promises: A Daily Guide to Supernatural Living, June 4th reading; 1993.)
It is crucial that you include praise and thanksgiving to God in your spiritual life! They engender so much power to your spiritual journey. They can banish fear, offer hope, and even defeat mortal enemies. In the next few days or weeks, if there should come a time when storm clouds loom on your horizon, devote yourself to the praise of God. Pray your heart out! Seek God’s direction! Follow God’s urging. Allow praise for God to fly from your lips to those around you. Then, stand by and watch what God will do in response!
The power of praise and thanksgiving can be seen in the scripture for today from 2 Chronicles 20. This chapter of the Old Testament documents the attack by the Moabites and Ammonites and Meunites against Jehosaphat and the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 20:1). When the people of Judah saw the huge armies that had gathered against them, we are told that Jehosaphat “feared” what was to happen (2 Chronicles 20:3). The armies arrayed against Judah were huge. Instead of throwing up a white flag and surrendering, Jehosaphat “proclaimed a fast” and asked the Lord what to do! (Jehosaphat’s prayers were included in this chapter of the Bible!) Then a prophet named Jahaziel brought word from the Lord. The armies of Judah were to go down to fight, because the Lord would be with them. They were told not to fear! (2 Chronicles 20:17).
Before doing anything else, this chapter of the Bible explains that the King and all the people responded to the news of God’s protection with much praise! People began to shout, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His steadfast love endures forever!” The people shouted the praise so loudly that the enemy armies overheard the clamor. Then, incredibly, the invading armies rose up for battle. But instead of fighting the Judean armies, the invaders fought each other (2 Chronicles 2:22-23). They decimated each other’s ranks. The Judeans didn’t have to even fight a battle that day, yet their enemies were entirely defeated. As the people of Judah sang praises, their enemies were vanquished by God.
Do you think it was just coincidence that the enemies of Judah were defeated at the precise moment of their praise and thanksgiving to God? I do not. Praise and thanksgiving for God have powerful effects. Though they do not always have such obvious results as occurred in that day of battle, they do have the power to change history! Praise and thanksgiving lift the soul, give voice to one’s faith in God, and acknowledge for the whole world the reason for hope!
The people of Israel were moved from fear and apprehension to praise and thanksgiving. That lead to the defeat of the invading armies. When you face difficult days, when the odds are stacked against you, when things seem bleak, look to God. Pray to God! Seek God’s direction. And do not ever be surprised in that moment by the power of thanksgiving and praise for Almighty God!
In a meditation on this very scripture, Evangelist Bill Bright made the following observations:
“One of the greatest lessons I have ever learned is the importance of praise and thanksgiving. The greater the problem, the more difficult the circumstances, the more important it is to praise God at all times, to worship Him for His sovereignty, love, grace, power, wisdom and might; for the certainty that He will fight for us, demonstrating His supernatural resources in our behalf.
When the people of Judah began to praise God, He caused the three opposing armies to destroy one another. In the same way, God will fight for us if we trust and obey Him. There is no better way to demonstrate faith and obedience than to praise and thank Him, even when our world is crumbling around us and the enemy is threatening to destroy. God honors praise. Hebrews 13:15 reminds us, “With Jesus’ help, we will continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by telling others of the glory of His name.”” (from Promises: A Daily Guide to Supernatural Living, June 4th reading; 1993.)
It is crucial that you include praise and thanksgiving to God in your spiritual life! They engender so much power to your spiritual journey. They can banish fear, offer hope, and even defeat mortal enemies. In the next few days or weeks, if there should come a time when storm clouds loom on your horizon, devote yourself to the praise of God. Pray your heart out! Seek God’s direction! Follow God’s urging. Allow praise for God to fly from your lips to those around you. Then, stand by and watch what God will do in response!
May 31
“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John…” (Revelation 1:1, ESV)
The first sentence of the book of Revelation explained the purpose of the work. This book was meant as a prophecy of the future, an explanation of God’s plan for the end of time. Revelation 1:1 begins with the words, “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” With these words, it is understood that Jesus was fully aware of what was to come at the end of time. He was given this knowledge by the Heavenly Father. Jesus did not desire to keep this knowledge to Himself. He sent “His angel to His servant John” (Revelation 1:1b) to explain God the Father’s plan for the future. Jesus did not want us in the dark when it came to what was planned for the end of the world and the future Heaven and Hell. Jesus sent an angel to explain this to John of Patmos, the author of the book of Revelation.
Think about this for a moment: Jesus did not want His servants in the dark about the future of Heaven and Earth. Jesus wanted to share this information with the faithful. He used an angel as the messenger. The angel was sent to John on the island of Patmos. John was given a vision of all that was to unfold at the end of time. It was all laid out for him. There were stories of future conflicts between the Beast and the witnesses, Satan and the other angels, God and evil. There were tales of future wars on Earth and in Heaven. Revelation laid it all out, including the fact that in the end, God banishes evil, creates an eternal Heaven, and plans for the faithful to live forever in His presence. Jesus did not withhold this information from John and even encouraged John to share this information with the world. Why? Because Jesus wants all of us to know God’s plan for salvation and God’s inevitable conflict with evil.
At the time when the words of Revelation were written, the Christian church was suffering. The Jewish leaders and the Roman Empire both determined that Christians were to be persecuted, punished, and even killed. The Romans and Jews conspired to silence the gospel, erase Jesus from history, and stop the growing Christian fellowships. Their efforts were futile. God was determined that the Christian Church should grow despite persecution. Jesus blessed His followers with the Holy Spirit, empowered their message, and gave them a will to share the gospel even unto death. Jesus wanted the word to get out at all costs… that evil was determined to stop the gospel, but God had plans to overcome evil and establish our Heavenly home! That message would not be stopped!
I find it very interesting that Jesus was determined to share this future with the faithful. He did not keep this information to Himself. When God has a plan, it will be accomplished. When God sets a course for the future, it will not fail. However, sometimes it’s very helpful that we know what God is planning. Sometimes, Jesus is fully aware that we need to know what’s coming.
Before Jesus died, he was fully aware of His impending crucifixion. Before Moses died in the wilderness, God gave him a view of the Promised Land. Before Abraham had any children, God let Abraham know that his sons would be faithful leaders in a fallen world. When Peter was still growing in his faith, Jesus told him that his faith would be tested, that he would deny Jesus three times, and that he would be a “rock” for the new church. Even Judas, who would betray Jesus, was warned about his future terrible deed. Over and over, God sent important clues about the future to the faithful. God gave them a vision of what was to come in order to help them do what was right.
Because you have made promises to God, Jesus may also give to you a vision of what is to come in your life. I have seen this occur over and over. I remember a woman telling me that she had a dream that she was to die soon. She was so unnerved by the dream that she approached me and asked if it could be true. I told her that it was crucial that she put everything in her life in order and make amends for her actions. She was shocked that I didn’t tell her that her dream was just a dream.
Three months after her dream, this woman was diagnosed with cancer. Nine months later, she died. In those nine months, she reached out to many people. She spoke about her faith. She urged her son to change his ways. She prayed with dozens of people. When God’s plan was revealed to her, she didn’t fall apart. She took that information about her future as a gift from God. She cherished every second of her life. She inspired hundreds. I was with her throughout, encouraging her, praying with her until the day she died.
I believe God tells some people about their impending death. It gives them time to make things right. I believe God fills some people with a dread about the future, because God intends to save them from their sin. God shows people what is to come in order to stop evil, save their soul, plan for tomorrow, and deal with their death.
In the Christmas favorite, A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge is sent three angels. Together, those angels not only reminded Scrooge of his life choices of the past and present, they also pointed Scrooge to his shaky future. The visitation changed his life forever. By seeing his life from God’s perspective, Scrooge is able to change his world for the better.
Though some would take the knowledge about their future in order to “eat, drink, and be merry”, the faithful use that knowledge to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. They use that vision for the future to right wrongs, inspire others, and make amends with the past. That is why God may give you a heads-up about your future. God may clue you in on what’s coming. God wants you to use your faith to encourage others and share the gospel. Jesus wants you to rock the world with a faith that inspires.
Don’t be surprised if Jesus wants to share something about your future with you. Don’t be shocked if a vision comes to mind or an angel visits you in a dream. It’s just Jesus’ way of preparing you for your future. Being faithful gives you a special relationship with Jesus. It will also give you special knowledge. At times, that knowledge may include what is coming in your future.
Have you ever asked God for a sign? Have you ever prayed for Jesus to give you a glimpse of the future? Could you handle that knowledge? What changes would you make in your life if you knew your earthly life was soon ending? Would you be excited and ready to see and meet Jesus “on the other side”?
Think about this for a moment: Jesus did not want His servants in the dark about the future of Heaven and Earth. Jesus wanted to share this information with the faithful. He used an angel as the messenger. The angel was sent to John on the island of Patmos. John was given a vision of all that was to unfold at the end of time. It was all laid out for him. There were stories of future conflicts between the Beast and the witnesses, Satan and the other angels, God and evil. There were tales of future wars on Earth and in Heaven. Revelation laid it all out, including the fact that in the end, God banishes evil, creates an eternal Heaven, and plans for the faithful to live forever in His presence. Jesus did not withhold this information from John and even encouraged John to share this information with the world. Why? Because Jesus wants all of us to know God’s plan for salvation and God’s inevitable conflict with evil.
At the time when the words of Revelation were written, the Christian church was suffering. The Jewish leaders and the Roman Empire both determined that Christians were to be persecuted, punished, and even killed. The Romans and Jews conspired to silence the gospel, erase Jesus from history, and stop the growing Christian fellowships. Their efforts were futile. God was determined that the Christian Church should grow despite persecution. Jesus blessed His followers with the Holy Spirit, empowered their message, and gave them a will to share the gospel even unto death. Jesus wanted the word to get out at all costs… that evil was determined to stop the gospel, but God had plans to overcome evil and establish our Heavenly home! That message would not be stopped!
I find it very interesting that Jesus was determined to share this future with the faithful. He did not keep this information to Himself. When God has a plan, it will be accomplished. When God sets a course for the future, it will not fail. However, sometimes it’s very helpful that we know what God is planning. Sometimes, Jesus is fully aware that we need to know what’s coming.
Before Jesus died, he was fully aware of His impending crucifixion. Before Moses died in the wilderness, God gave him a view of the Promised Land. Before Abraham had any children, God let Abraham know that his sons would be faithful leaders in a fallen world. When Peter was still growing in his faith, Jesus told him that his faith would be tested, that he would deny Jesus three times, and that he would be a “rock” for the new church. Even Judas, who would betray Jesus, was warned about his future terrible deed. Over and over, God sent important clues about the future to the faithful. God gave them a vision of what was to come in order to help them do what was right.
Because you have made promises to God, Jesus may also give to you a vision of what is to come in your life. I have seen this occur over and over. I remember a woman telling me that she had a dream that she was to die soon. She was so unnerved by the dream that she approached me and asked if it could be true. I told her that it was crucial that she put everything in her life in order and make amends for her actions. She was shocked that I didn’t tell her that her dream was just a dream.
Three months after her dream, this woman was diagnosed with cancer. Nine months later, she died. In those nine months, she reached out to many people. She spoke about her faith. She urged her son to change his ways. She prayed with dozens of people. When God’s plan was revealed to her, she didn’t fall apart. She took that information about her future as a gift from God. She cherished every second of her life. She inspired hundreds. I was with her throughout, encouraging her, praying with her until the day she died.
I believe God tells some people about their impending death. It gives them time to make things right. I believe God fills some people with a dread about the future, because God intends to save them from their sin. God shows people what is to come in order to stop evil, save their soul, plan for tomorrow, and deal with their death.
In the Christmas favorite, A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge is sent three angels. Together, those angels not only reminded Scrooge of his life choices of the past and present, they also pointed Scrooge to his shaky future. The visitation changed his life forever. By seeing his life from God’s perspective, Scrooge is able to change his world for the better.
Though some would take the knowledge about their future in order to “eat, drink, and be merry”, the faithful use that knowledge to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. They use that vision for the future to right wrongs, inspire others, and make amends with the past. That is why God may give you a heads-up about your future. God may clue you in on what’s coming. God wants you to use your faith to encourage others and share the gospel. Jesus wants you to rock the world with a faith that inspires.
Don’t be surprised if Jesus wants to share something about your future with you. Don’t be shocked if a vision comes to mind or an angel visits you in a dream. It’s just Jesus’ way of preparing you for your future. Being faithful gives you a special relationship with Jesus. It will also give you special knowledge. At times, that knowledge may include what is coming in your future.
Have you ever asked God for a sign? Have you ever prayed for Jesus to give you a glimpse of the future? Could you handle that knowledge? What changes would you make in your life if you knew your earthly life was soon ending? Would you be excited and ready to see and meet Jesus “on the other side”?