November 1
“On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he [Jesus] was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.” (Luke 5:1–6, ESV)
"Don't tell me what to do!" The words stung as fast as they were screamed out by her teenage son. Sasha was very hurt by the anger and angst coming from her son David. It seemed like everything that Sasha said to David turned into an argument. When she wanted to help, David saw it as overprotective or overbearing. It was very frustrating. Their relationship was strained.
A relationship with God can be strained in the very same way. If you struggle against following God's word, God will know your disobedience. When you ignore the wise advice coming from the pulpit or a trustworthy spiritual friend, God notices your pridefulness and arrogance. Are you apt to tell God, "Don't tell me what to do!"? Are you strong-willed? Do you have to fail and suffer for your mistakes before you learn your lessons in life? If you are one to fight against being told what to do, the scripture for today was meant for you to understand.
In Luke 5, Jesus just began his ministry. He was traveling about Judea. Moving from the shore to a boat nearby, Jesus was hoping to preach to a wider crowd as more and more people "pressed in on him" (Luke 5:1). Fearing that some couldn't hear him, Jesus thought to move to the water so he could speak to a wider crowd of people. Jesus got into the boat of Simon Peter and continued his preaching. Upon finishing his oration, Jesus suggested that Simon go fishing. Simon, being a fisherman by trade, told Jesus: "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!" (Luke 5:5). First, note Simon's respect in calling Jesus, "Master". Simon was respectful. But, even more so, Simon trusted Jesus' wisdom and advice. Despite not believing they would catch any fish, he heeded Jesus' advice (though Jesus was no fisherman), and he let down the nets. The result was a huge success. The boat enclosed such a "large number of fish" that their "nets were breaking" (Luke 5:6). Despite Simon's great knowledge of fishing, Jesus' advice was correct. Thankfully, Simon listened to Jesus. And when he did, the result was a great success!
There will be moments in your life when you will need to heed the advice of God. You may read a scripture about Jesus calling the people to repent and feel that Jesus is saying the same thing to you in that very moment. Don't fight it! His wisdom and advice will bring a great success…. if you listen and obey.
Simon was the fisherman. Jesus was not. When Simon swallowed his pride and listened to Jesus, the result was a boatload of fish. If you are willing to follow Simon's example and listen to God's voice even when you think you know better, you too will find great results. God wants you to succeed! Jesus wants you to listen. Will you swallow your pride, setting aside any negativity, and obey your "Master"?
Out of respect, Simon listened to Jesus, and followed HIS advice. Will you do the same?
A relationship with God can be strained in the very same way. If you struggle against following God's word, God will know your disobedience. When you ignore the wise advice coming from the pulpit or a trustworthy spiritual friend, God notices your pridefulness and arrogance. Are you apt to tell God, "Don't tell me what to do!"? Are you strong-willed? Do you have to fail and suffer for your mistakes before you learn your lessons in life? If you are one to fight against being told what to do, the scripture for today was meant for you to understand.
In Luke 5, Jesus just began his ministry. He was traveling about Judea. Moving from the shore to a boat nearby, Jesus was hoping to preach to a wider crowd as more and more people "pressed in on him" (Luke 5:1). Fearing that some couldn't hear him, Jesus thought to move to the water so he could speak to a wider crowd of people. Jesus got into the boat of Simon Peter and continued his preaching. Upon finishing his oration, Jesus suggested that Simon go fishing. Simon, being a fisherman by trade, told Jesus: "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!" (Luke 5:5). First, note Simon's respect in calling Jesus, "Master". Simon was respectful. But, even more so, Simon trusted Jesus' wisdom and advice. Despite not believing they would catch any fish, he heeded Jesus' advice (though Jesus was no fisherman), and he let down the nets. The result was a huge success. The boat enclosed such a "large number of fish" that their "nets were breaking" (Luke 5:6). Despite Simon's great knowledge of fishing, Jesus' advice was correct. Thankfully, Simon listened to Jesus. And when he did, the result was a great success!
There will be moments in your life when you will need to heed the advice of God. You may read a scripture about Jesus calling the people to repent and feel that Jesus is saying the same thing to you in that very moment. Don't fight it! His wisdom and advice will bring a great success…. if you listen and obey.
Simon was the fisherman. Jesus was not. When Simon swallowed his pride and listened to Jesus, the result was a boatload of fish. If you are willing to follow Simon's example and listen to God's voice even when you think you know better, you too will find great results. God wants you to succeed! Jesus wants you to listen. Will you swallow your pride, setting aside any negativity, and obey your "Master"?
Out of respect, Simon listened to Jesus, and followed HIS advice. Will you do the same?
November 2
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
(Philippians 4:6, NASB95)
(Philippians 4:6, NASB95)
People with OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, feel the need to stress about things that are out of order. They like to keep things clean, predictable, sorted, fixed. When something gets out of order, they obsess and worry. They fret and are bothered. Even something as small as a crooked painting hanging in a room can bother them so much that they can't concentrate on the simplest of tasks. The disease controls their emotions, making them uncomfortable when there is any mess in life.
Kelsey had OCD. She didn't like germs, and was constantly washing her hands. Her bedroom was neat. Her medicines were lined up in her medicine cabinet alphabetically. She even cleaned the backside of her armoire weekly. She hated dust, dirt, and messes. Kelsey's husband John was often bothered by her need for everything to be in place. For John, life wasn’t that neat and clean. There will always be messes to clean up, germs to get you sick, and issues in life. Two years into their marriage, John and Kelsey got into a very heated argument. Kelsey had decided that, contrary to what she said before marriage, she didn't want to have children. She told John that they made too many messes. She felt that a child would make her life unmanageable. John disagreed, thinking a child would be good for both of them. In the end, they divorced. You could say that Kelsey chose her obsessiveness over children, over marriage, over John. Her compulsion to have a clean life made a mess of her marriage life. Now, she is miserable, depressed, and lonely.
Philippians 4:6 begins with something like a commandment. Displayed above, it reads: "Be anxious for nothing…" or "Do not be anxious" in other versions of the Bible. The scripture commands the reader to keep anxiety or obsessive worry or anxious fear out of his or her life. This scripture sees these emotions as contrary to faith in God. In essence, if you have a total commitment to God, why do you worry? Isn't God strong enough to take care of any problem that comes along? Isn't God powerful enough to overcome every problem in your life, even death? Why be anxious, worried, fearful? Why obsess over the little and big things in life? There is no need to be controlled by these emotions with Jesus Christ as your Lord.
Paul, who wrote this scripture, gave a help for those times in your life when anxiety or obsessive fear begin to control you. It is found in the second half of this verse. When life gets messy, "in everything, by prayer and supplication, let your requests be made known to God." God will take care of those things. For Paul, prayer is a way to release any worry, fear, or obsession to God. Then, this emotion won't control your life. God can handle that problem you have. God will work a way. You don't need to obsess about everything in life when God is in control of your destiny. You just need to listen and follow God's command and direction, letting the Holy Spirit direct you through the minefields of life.
Have you ever found yourself unable to sleep, because you are obsessing over some perceived fear or worry? This scripture reminds you to have "nothing" to do with that type of anxiety. God is in control. In prayer, put that obsession in God's hands where it belongs. Then, roll over and go to sleep. Let your faith and trust in God bring you comfort and peace.
People with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder live a life of fear that things will spiral out of control. Faith says "God is in control". This scripture reminds us that anxiety, worry, and the fear of the unknown should be "nothing" in your life. God has "everything" you need. Before you wreck something in your life with your obsessive thoughts or fears, try prayer. Let God have your worry. Be anxious about nothing, and you will see the power of God in everything!
Kelsey had OCD. She didn't like germs, and was constantly washing her hands. Her bedroom was neat. Her medicines were lined up in her medicine cabinet alphabetically. She even cleaned the backside of her armoire weekly. She hated dust, dirt, and messes. Kelsey's husband John was often bothered by her need for everything to be in place. For John, life wasn’t that neat and clean. There will always be messes to clean up, germs to get you sick, and issues in life. Two years into their marriage, John and Kelsey got into a very heated argument. Kelsey had decided that, contrary to what she said before marriage, she didn't want to have children. She told John that they made too many messes. She felt that a child would make her life unmanageable. John disagreed, thinking a child would be good for both of them. In the end, they divorced. You could say that Kelsey chose her obsessiveness over children, over marriage, over John. Her compulsion to have a clean life made a mess of her marriage life. Now, she is miserable, depressed, and lonely.
Philippians 4:6 begins with something like a commandment. Displayed above, it reads: "Be anxious for nothing…" or "Do not be anxious" in other versions of the Bible. The scripture commands the reader to keep anxiety or obsessive worry or anxious fear out of his or her life. This scripture sees these emotions as contrary to faith in God. In essence, if you have a total commitment to God, why do you worry? Isn't God strong enough to take care of any problem that comes along? Isn't God powerful enough to overcome every problem in your life, even death? Why be anxious, worried, fearful? Why obsess over the little and big things in life? There is no need to be controlled by these emotions with Jesus Christ as your Lord.
Paul, who wrote this scripture, gave a help for those times in your life when anxiety or obsessive fear begin to control you. It is found in the second half of this verse. When life gets messy, "in everything, by prayer and supplication, let your requests be made known to God." God will take care of those things. For Paul, prayer is a way to release any worry, fear, or obsession to God. Then, this emotion won't control your life. God can handle that problem you have. God will work a way. You don't need to obsess about everything in life when God is in control of your destiny. You just need to listen and follow God's command and direction, letting the Holy Spirit direct you through the minefields of life.
Have you ever found yourself unable to sleep, because you are obsessing over some perceived fear or worry? This scripture reminds you to have "nothing" to do with that type of anxiety. God is in control. In prayer, put that obsession in God's hands where it belongs. Then, roll over and go to sleep. Let your faith and trust in God bring you comfort and peace.
People with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder live a life of fear that things will spiral out of control. Faith says "God is in control". This scripture reminds us that anxiety, worry, and the fear of the unknown should be "nothing" in your life. God has "everything" you need. Before you wreck something in your life with your obsessive thoughts or fears, try prayer. Let God have your worry. Be anxious about nothing, and you will see the power of God in everything!
November 3
[Jesus said:] “But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.””
(John 4:23–24, NLT)
(John 4:23–24, NLT)
During a Sunday Service in a Lutheran Church, the congregation had certain common normal responses. After reading the scripture, the Pastor would say, "The Word of the Lord!" The congregation would respond: "Thanks be to God!" Before a prayer, the Pastor would say, "The Lord be With You!" and the congregation would normally say, "And also with you!" On one Sunday, however, there was a mistake in the bulletin. The Pastor's part was misprinted and listed, "The Lord bless you!". Wanting the congregation to see the mistake instead of saying the wrong words, the Pastor broke normal protocol saying, "There's a mistake in the bulletin". To which some in the congregation replied, "And also with you!" OOOPS! While some members snickered at the mistake, a number of the members had no clue what had happened and just kept on with the normal congregational responses!
Sometimes, when you worship or pray or go about your spiritual life, things can get way too ingrained. You might overuse certain phrases. Prayers can become rote and practiced. You can end up saying the words of the Lord's Prayer Sunday after Sunday without even listening to what you are saying. The words of the worship service may roll off your tongue, but you don’t even reflect on any of it. Hymns and creeds can become so familiar that they lose meaning for you. When this happens in a church or in your life, the Spirit has gone out of your "spiritual" activity. You are merely repeating words, singing without thinking, praying without reflecting. Some people can even quote the most common Christmas scriptures. Yet, when you ask them, they might not even know where Jesus was born or the purpose of a manger. According to a Barna Study, 57 percent of those who have a Bible read it on average four times a year. According to most studies, most worshipers do not even know what a gospel is or where it is in the Bible. Most Christians you meet may be spiritual, but they aren't Spirit-filled. Most are just going through the motions with their faith.
In the gospel of John, Jesus challenges this false spirit-less worship. Twice in two verses, Jesus reminds the woman at the well that "true worshipers" will worship God "in spirit and in truth". He even said in John 4:24 that this "must" happen in your worship. HIS words were a direct response to much of the Temple worship of the first century. At the Temple, often the people would pray general prayers that they memorized but didn't understand. The songs were mostly just the psalms that were set to music. The people recited the words and psalms, but didn't worship God with heart at these worship settings. They just repeated words they heard or memorized. Jesus wanted more for God's people. He wanted people to worship God in spirit, with heart. He also wanted worship to be a place where people spoke the truth and were honest with God. He wanted prayers of repentance to be truly honest, not a bunch of words in order to "get" forgiveness. Jesus wanted "real" and "true" people of God, not warm bodies who spoke the appropriate words at the set times.
God wants the same thing in your spiritual life. God wants you to be honest with HIM. When you pray, tell God the truth. When you sing, think about the words. As you worship, don't just recite the normal responses. Consider where they come from or why they are there. Concentrate on what you are doing there. Don't go through a grocery list or to-do list while listening to the sermon! Don't let your mind wander all over the place. Center your attention on God's word. Listen for God's voice. Seek to enjoy your connection with God in prayer!
Has your worship or prayer time become a little repetitive? How Spirit-filled is your spiritual life? I'm hoping your relationship with God is centered on telling the truth to yourself and to your Lord. Jesus noted how crucial it is for you to worship in "spirit and truth". How serious are you in maintaining that spirit and truth in your relationships with God and others?
Sometimes, when you worship or pray or go about your spiritual life, things can get way too ingrained. You might overuse certain phrases. Prayers can become rote and practiced. You can end up saying the words of the Lord's Prayer Sunday after Sunday without even listening to what you are saying. The words of the worship service may roll off your tongue, but you don’t even reflect on any of it. Hymns and creeds can become so familiar that they lose meaning for you. When this happens in a church or in your life, the Spirit has gone out of your "spiritual" activity. You are merely repeating words, singing without thinking, praying without reflecting. Some people can even quote the most common Christmas scriptures. Yet, when you ask them, they might not even know where Jesus was born or the purpose of a manger. According to a Barna Study, 57 percent of those who have a Bible read it on average four times a year. According to most studies, most worshipers do not even know what a gospel is or where it is in the Bible. Most Christians you meet may be spiritual, but they aren't Spirit-filled. Most are just going through the motions with their faith.
In the gospel of John, Jesus challenges this false spirit-less worship. Twice in two verses, Jesus reminds the woman at the well that "true worshipers" will worship God "in spirit and in truth". He even said in John 4:24 that this "must" happen in your worship. HIS words were a direct response to much of the Temple worship of the first century. At the Temple, often the people would pray general prayers that they memorized but didn't understand. The songs were mostly just the psalms that were set to music. The people recited the words and psalms, but didn't worship God with heart at these worship settings. They just repeated words they heard or memorized. Jesus wanted more for God's people. He wanted people to worship God in spirit, with heart. He also wanted worship to be a place where people spoke the truth and were honest with God. He wanted prayers of repentance to be truly honest, not a bunch of words in order to "get" forgiveness. Jesus wanted "real" and "true" people of God, not warm bodies who spoke the appropriate words at the set times.
God wants the same thing in your spiritual life. God wants you to be honest with HIM. When you pray, tell God the truth. When you sing, think about the words. As you worship, don't just recite the normal responses. Consider where they come from or why they are there. Concentrate on what you are doing there. Don't go through a grocery list or to-do list while listening to the sermon! Don't let your mind wander all over the place. Center your attention on God's word. Listen for God's voice. Seek to enjoy your connection with God in prayer!
Has your worship or prayer time become a little repetitive? How Spirit-filled is your spiritual life? I'm hoping your relationship with God is centered on telling the truth to yourself and to your Lord. Jesus noted how crucial it is for you to worship in "spirit and truth". How serious are you in maintaining that spirit and truth in your relationships with God and others?
November 4
“There was a lot of grumbling about him among the crowds. Some argued, “He’s a good man,” but others said, “He’s nothing but a fraud who deceives the people.”” (John 7:12, NLT)
When Jesus was actively preaching and teaching, there was a lot of controversy surrounding His actions and words. Jewish leaders sought to silence Him, believing His words to be blasphemous and unlawful (John 5:18). Those who witnessed healings were often amazed or impressed. Rumors spread concerning Jesus, His miracles, His wisdom. To the needy, Jesus seemed like a godsend. To the power players, Jesus was a verifiable threat. The longer Jesus' ministry continued, the more people in the towns and countrysides talked, gossiped, and lied about His actions and words. It was hard to understand who Jesus really was, with all the rumors and embellishments surrounding Him.
In the scripture above are examples of the many rumors swirling about Jesus. There was "grumbling" by many who saw Jesus as an agitator or healer or spiritual guru. Some considered Jesus "a good man". Others were convinced that Jesus was a "fraud" who deceived many. Those who came to hear Jesus preach and teach often came with preconceptions and biases. They had heard things from friends and acquaintances about what Jesus was like as a man. Some approached Jesus' preaching with questions, hoping Jesus had explanations about God or faith or how to get into Heaven. The Jewish authority figures came for different reasons. They had heard that Jesus was flouting the faith, overturning the law, and gathering followers. To some of these, Jesus was dangerous. One thing is clear in this verse, with all the rumors surrounding Jesus, it was hard for people to really get to know Him.
I have found that with any person, there will always be rumors and gossip surrounding his or her presence. If you read about famous people on the internet, you will get comments that they are bad, good, crazy, right, or wrong. You might see pictures that have been taken, but even these could be photo-shopped. It's hard to really know who these famous people really are or what they think based on all the rumors, gossip, and innuendo.
When I pastored a church in Southern Indiana, I was on television each week. The services at our church were televised through the local TV station. It was not uncommon for me to be in public and people to approach me to say they liked or disliked me, based on a sermon or illustration I used in a worship service. On Easter Sunday one year, I was at a local restaurant eating with my wife after a long day of worship, communion, Adult Bible Study class, and much more. I had led two worship services, one beginning at 6am. I was famished. I was tired. It was a nice meal, with Laura and I finally able to talk and share with no time restraints following all the work I had done the week before. As we shared the meal, a person walked up and asked if I was "Rev. Ambroso from Salem Church". I said, "Yes, do I know you?" The person responded that she and her husband watched the services on TV every week. Then came the rumors: "I am surprised at how good your preaching is. Word is that you are a very angry person who is strong-willed and demanding". I was shocked. I had not known. Even this woman had a hard time figuring out who I was. From my sermons, she saw me as wise and Biblical. From the gossip, she saw me as angry and demanding. In just a few minutes with me, she and I had some good words. She left our table very much enjoying our time together.
From just a few minutes with me, this woman could see that I was different from the rumors. She enjoyed my company and sincerely appreciated the sermons I preached, which brought the Bible to life for her. Many who took the time to get to know Jesus, found the same thing. They saw Jesus for who He really was. Today, I would like you to set aside the rumors and gossip concerning God and the Bible. Read again for yourself the gospels and get to know the real Jesus. Take time to pray and get closer to the real God who will converse with your heart as you open up to Him.
Recently, I read an article about Jesus written for an international publication. In that article, Jesus was described as a first century healer who was popular among the needy but hated by the powerful. The author concluded that Jesus was more of a healer than the Son of God. He was liked by the uneducated, but rejected by the intellectuals of His day. He was seen as a miracle worker in the days before science. His "politics" got him killed. The author's depiction of Jesus was far different from the Jesus I know from the gospels and have experienced in my life.
It is very important that you get to know the real God and the real Jesus from the Bible and from a real faith. Learn for yourself why Jesus is considered a "Savior" and "Redeemer". Understand why it is that millions have lived and died to share the gospel to the world. Contrary to the many rumors you will hear in media and from many unreliable sources, God in Christ is "the real deal". God is worth knowing. God's ways can save your life. Jesus' resurrection is a powerful statement about God's power over life and death. But, don't count on my words. Talk to God. Read the Bible for yourself. Rumors just can't justify how much bigger and better is the love and power of God. Get to know the real Jesus!
In the scripture above are examples of the many rumors swirling about Jesus. There was "grumbling" by many who saw Jesus as an agitator or healer or spiritual guru. Some considered Jesus "a good man". Others were convinced that Jesus was a "fraud" who deceived many. Those who came to hear Jesus preach and teach often came with preconceptions and biases. They had heard things from friends and acquaintances about what Jesus was like as a man. Some approached Jesus' preaching with questions, hoping Jesus had explanations about God or faith or how to get into Heaven. The Jewish authority figures came for different reasons. They had heard that Jesus was flouting the faith, overturning the law, and gathering followers. To some of these, Jesus was dangerous. One thing is clear in this verse, with all the rumors surrounding Jesus, it was hard for people to really get to know Him.
I have found that with any person, there will always be rumors and gossip surrounding his or her presence. If you read about famous people on the internet, you will get comments that they are bad, good, crazy, right, or wrong. You might see pictures that have been taken, but even these could be photo-shopped. It's hard to really know who these famous people really are or what they think based on all the rumors, gossip, and innuendo.
When I pastored a church in Southern Indiana, I was on television each week. The services at our church were televised through the local TV station. It was not uncommon for me to be in public and people to approach me to say they liked or disliked me, based on a sermon or illustration I used in a worship service. On Easter Sunday one year, I was at a local restaurant eating with my wife after a long day of worship, communion, Adult Bible Study class, and much more. I had led two worship services, one beginning at 6am. I was famished. I was tired. It was a nice meal, with Laura and I finally able to talk and share with no time restraints following all the work I had done the week before. As we shared the meal, a person walked up and asked if I was "Rev. Ambroso from Salem Church". I said, "Yes, do I know you?" The person responded that she and her husband watched the services on TV every week. Then came the rumors: "I am surprised at how good your preaching is. Word is that you are a very angry person who is strong-willed and demanding". I was shocked. I had not known. Even this woman had a hard time figuring out who I was. From my sermons, she saw me as wise and Biblical. From the gossip, she saw me as angry and demanding. In just a few minutes with me, she and I had some good words. She left our table very much enjoying our time together.
From just a few minutes with me, this woman could see that I was different from the rumors. She enjoyed my company and sincerely appreciated the sermons I preached, which brought the Bible to life for her. Many who took the time to get to know Jesus, found the same thing. They saw Jesus for who He really was. Today, I would like you to set aside the rumors and gossip concerning God and the Bible. Read again for yourself the gospels and get to know the real Jesus. Take time to pray and get closer to the real God who will converse with your heart as you open up to Him.
Recently, I read an article about Jesus written for an international publication. In that article, Jesus was described as a first century healer who was popular among the needy but hated by the powerful. The author concluded that Jesus was more of a healer than the Son of God. He was liked by the uneducated, but rejected by the intellectuals of His day. He was seen as a miracle worker in the days before science. His "politics" got him killed. The author's depiction of Jesus was far different from the Jesus I know from the gospels and have experienced in my life.
It is very important that you get to know the real God and the real Jesus from the Bible and from a real faith. Learn for yourself why Jesus is considered a "Savior" and "Redeemer". Understand why it is that millions have lived and died to share the gospel to the world. Contrary to the many rumors you will hear in media and from many unreliable sources, God in Christ is "the real deal". God is worth knowing. God's ways can save your life. Jesus' resurrection is a powerful statement about God's power over life and death. But, don't count on my words. Talk to God. Read the Bible for yourself. Rumors just can't justify how much bigger and better is the love and power of God. Get to know the real Jesus!
November 5
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:31–32, NIV84)
There are many things to which you can become a slave in life. With an addiction to alcohol or drugs, your body will crave the chemical to which it is dependent. Unless you break that addiction, your body will always be subject to it. You will live to serve its effects. If you have an intense need for power, sex, selfishness, shopping, eating, internet gaming, gambling, texting, or anything else in life, that drive will subjugate you. You will desire it. You will live to do it. You will serve that desire. Unless you break that connection, you will be forever under its control. Any sin you commit has the potential to control you. It has caused you to go against God's law or command. You have chosen that sin when it is wrong. That sin will need to be corrected or it may easily be repeated. Only when you repent and receive forgiveness can the sin's control over you end.
You need to understand the power of sin in your life. If not, you will be controlled by that sin. It will own you, manipulate your thoughts, direct your actions. There are many things in life you will need to understand in order to live faithfully and freely in life. For example, if you don't understand spiritual warfare, you may not realize when Satan is playing a game with your emotions. If you have a disease, your body will suffer from the effects until you can find a way to medicate or control it. If you don't see when a person is manipulating you, chances are that you will be pushed around until you alter that relationship. In each of these and many other situations, knowing the truth of what you are dealing with is crucial. Understanding the desires, persons, motivations, or processes involved will help you deal with them. Then, you won't be under their control. You will be free to live your life without being dominated by these things.
For several months, Emily had trouble sleeping. At first, she blamed her husband who was a restless sleeper. But even when he was gone for a few days due to work, she still had trouble sleeping. After a while, she figured that when she ate wrong foods it kept her up at night. She changed her diet and it helped, but she still had trouble sleeping and would often wake up tired and irritable. After four months of sleeping problems, Emily gave up looking for her an answer to her sleeping problems. Then, one morning, she rolled over in bed to answer a phone call. She grabbed her cell phone from her nightstand and talked with her best friend. When she hung up, her phone notified her that she had a text waiting. As she looked at the text, she was shocked. It seems that a friend had texted a response to her previous text, a text Emily didn't remember making. After some investigation, Emily determined that for months she had been "sleep texting". In her sleep, she would hear her phone beep that a text came in, and she would grab the phone and text back without ever waking up. It was then that Emily finally understood her reason for the lack of sleep. Her mind was constantly listening for her phone notifications and responding to them. The phone was controlling her sleep. Only when she set her phone to withhold notifications during the night was she able to sleep soundly again. Her sleep problems went away. Finally, she was free from all those restless nights.
It may take you weeks, months, and even years to understand some things in your life. Until you know the truth about these things, you will be pushed around by them. Only after you deal with them, can you be set free from their control. Only then will you no longer be subject to their pressures. Sin is like that. It controls you. It manipulates your mind and emotions and drives. Jesus wisely stated in our scripture for today that when you follow HIS teaching, the truth you learn will "set you free". But remember, you have to learn the truth in order to be set free. You also need to believe the truth to be set free. Sadly, the truth can at times be elusive. People can hide the truth from you. Satan can manipulate the truth. If you want freedom in your life from any burden, the truth is the first place to look. Understanding the problem from Jesus' eyes will inform your first steps. With Jesus' teaching, the truth will present itself. Trusting in God's Spirit, you can discover the truth of your situation or problem. Through repentance, a change in lifestyle, a change in heart, or a new look on life, God can free you from whatever burden you carry. It just takes finding out that "truth" that can "set you free"!
Is there something in your life that keeps hurting, a bad thing that keeps returning, a thought that keeps nagging you, an addiction that is hidden to you? Seek the truth. Be honest with yourself. Ask for God's help in discovering what is really going on. With God's perspective, you can find the kernels of wisdom you need. With Jesus' help, the truth will present itself if you are honest with yourself and God. If it is a sin that is the problem, repent right away. If it is an issue that burns you, seek direction from God. If you need a different attitude to deal with the problem, let God or scripture guide you. In the end, if you follow Jesus' teaching and seek God's guidance or repentance, you will be free of whatever has hurt you. God's truth has the power to set you free.
You need to understand the power of sin in your life. If not, you will be controlled by that sin. It will own you, manipulate your thoughts, direct your actions. There are many things in life you will need to understand in order to live faithfully and freely in life. For example, if you don't understand spiritual warfare, you may not realize when Satan is playing a game with your emotions. If you have a disease, your body will suffer from the effects until you can find a way to medicate or control it. If you don't see when a person is manipulating you, chances are that you will be pushed around until you alter that relationship. In each of these and many other situations, knowing the truth of what you are dealing with is crucial. Understanding the desires, persons, motivations, or processes involved will help you deal with them. Then, you won't be under their control. You will be free to live your life without being dominated by these things.
For several months, Emily had trouble sleeping. At first, she blamed her husband who was a restless sleeper. But even when he was gone for a few days due to work, she still had trouble sleeping. After a while, she figured that when she ate wrong foods it kept her up at night. She changed her diet and it helped, but she still had trouble sleeping and would often wake up tired and irritable. After four months of sleeping problems, Emily gave up looking for her an answer to her sleeping problems. Then, one morning, she rolled over in bed to answer a phone call. She grabbed her cell phone from her nightstand and talked with her best friend. When she hung up, her phone notified her that she had a text waiting. As she looked at the text, she was shocked. It seems that a friend had texted a response to her previous text, a text Emily didn't remember making. After some investigation, Emily determined that for months she had been "sleep texting". In her sleep, she would hear her phone beep that a text came in, and she would grab the phone and text back without ever waking up. It was then that Emily finally understood her reason for the lack of sleep. Her mind was constantly listening for her phone notifications and responding to them. The phone was controlling her sleep. Only when she set her phone to withhold notifications during the night was she able to sleep soundly again. Her sleep problems went away. Finally, she was free from all those restless nights.
It may take you weeks, months, and even years to understand some things in your life. Until you know the truth about these things, you will be pushed around by them. Only after you deal with them, can you be set free from their control. Only then will you no longer be subject to their pressures. Sin is like that. It controls you. It manipulates your mind and emotions and drives. Jesus wisely stated in our scripture for today that when you follow HIS teaching, the truth you learn will "set you free". But remember, you have to learn the truth in order to be set free. You also need to believe the truth to be set free. Sadly, the truth can at times be elusive. People can hide the truth from you. Satan can manipulate the truth. If you want freedom in your life from any burden, the truth is the first place to look. Understanding the problem from Jesus' eyes will inform your first steps. With Jesus' teaching, the truth will present itself. Trusting in God's Spirit, you can discover the truth of your situation or problem. Through repentance, a change in lifestyle, a change in heart, or a new look on life, God can free you from whatever burden you carry. It just takes finding out that "truth" that can "set you free"!
Is there something in your life that keeps hurting, a bad thing that keeps returning, a thought that keeps nagging you, an addiction that is hidden to you? Seek the truth. Be honest with yourself. Ask for God's help in discovering what is really going on. With God's perspective, you can find the kernels of wisdom you need. With Jesus' help, the truth will present itself if you are honest with yourself and God. If it is a sin that is the problem, repent right away. If it is an issue that burns you, seek direction from God. If you need a different attitude to deal with the problem, let God or scripture guide you. In the end, if you follow Jesus' teaching and seek God's guidance or repentance, you will be free of whatever has hurt you. God's truth has the power to set you free.
November 6
“Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:27–28, NIV84)
I visited a church near a university in a big city many years ago. The university was large. The church was large as well. Many students visited that church on and off. A few considered it their spiritual home. The church was run by a "trendy" pastor who liked attracting attention. He would do unusual things in worship and his sermons would sometimes contain dramatic elements or multiple speakers. On the Sunday I visited, the service was particularly calm and methodical. There were no unusual elements, that is, until communion began.
The pastor introduced the communion portion of worship by saying that too many people are "turned off" by the negativity and introspection of communion. He decried churches where communion seemed more a funeral than a celebration. He decided to shake things up. As the ushers passed out the communion elements, he asked everyone to stand and dance before they took the bread and wine. He wanted us to celebrate and be joyful in the Lord. I did not get up. You might call me a prude. You might say that I lacked daring. I prayed during that communion. I still do. Whenever I take communion, I examine myself, remembering Jesus dying on the cross, considering why God loves me so much to send His Son to die for me. I pray for friends who have hurts, people who don't believe in God, and seek God's direction for the week. I do a lot of thinking and reflecting and praying during communion. I just don't dance and play.
The scripture for today is the basis for the reason I don't dance and play during communion. To the Corinthian Church, Paul wrote that "a man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup" (1 Corinthians 11:28). In the verse before, Paul emphasized never to take communion in an "unworthy manner". To do so would be to sin "against the body and blood of the Lord." It sounds serious! And it is! Communion is meant to be a time of reflection, not fun. It is a time to "examine" one's self. Taking a good look at how you have led your life is important to God. In Holy Communion, this time of reflection is meant to bring you closer to God. It is meant to center your heart and mind on the awesome work of Christ Jesus on the cross. You are to take time in the Lord's Supper to focus on your relationship with the Lord, not on dancing or frolicking.
At a young children's event in the 1980's, a woman led a discussion group for the clergy gathered. She talked about learning levels, how to reach children in worship, children's sermons, and counseling youth. She seemed well educated and could easily see things from a child's point of view. She related very well with children. However, she did not relate well to me as an adult. In her talk about communion, she didn't talk about how to help children focus and relate to Jesus. Instead, she urged pastors to quit acting like stuffy old teachers and relate better to the children on their level. At one point, she suggested that pastors have a special "communion service" for children, substituting Ritz Crackers and Milk for bread and wine. She thought that children would "like that very much". I was shocked. The young pastors rejoiced at the audacity. Older pastors and I practically choked. Maybe I am a stuffy old teacher, but couldn’t she have found better ways for the children to relate to Jesus during communion, rather than make communion a nice enjoyable meal with tasty treats? Is Jesus the center of communion or is our comfort with communion paramount? What is so wrong about examining ourselves in relationship with Jesus?
Today, I would like you to take time to "examine" your relationship with Jesus. You don't have to partake in the Lord's Supper to accomplish this task. And the next time, you are in communion, take more time to examine your life and work. Seek God's perspective on your faith and purpose in this world. Get close to God and God will remain close to you. I personally like communion time. To me, it touches the soul, reconnects me with God, and reminds me I have been chosen for God's good grace. How about you? Examine your relationship with God. You just might find it an important time for your spiritual development, a good time for forgiveness, a reminder of God's love for you! Jesus awaits!
The pastor introduced the communion portion of worship by saying that too many people are "turned off" by the negativity and introspection of communion. He decried churches where communion seemed more a funeral than a celebration. He decided to shake things up. As the ushers passed out the communion elements, he asked everyone to stand and dance before they took the bread and wine. He wanted us to celebrate and be joyful in the Lord. I did not get up. You might call me a prude. You might say that I lacked daring. I prayed during that communion. I still do. Whenever I take communion, I examine myself, remembering Jesus dying on the cross, considering why God loves me so much to send His Son to die for me. I pray for friends who have hurts, people who don't believe in God, and seek God's direction for the week. I do a lot of thinking and reflecting and praying during communion. I just don't dance and play.
The scripture for today is the basis for the reason I don't dance and play during communion. To the Corinthian Church, Paul wrote that "a man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup" (1 Corinthians 11:28). In the verse before, Paul emphasized never to take communion in an "unworthy manner". To do so would be to sin "against the body and blood of the Lord." It sounds serious! And it is! Communion is meant to be a time of reflection, not fun. It is a time to "examine" one's self. Taking a good look at how you have led your life is important to God. In Holy Communion, this time of reflection is meant to bring you closer to God. It is meant to center your heart and mind on the awesome work of Christ Jesus on the cross. You are to take time in the Lord's Supper to focus on your relationship with the Lord, not on dancing or frolicking.
At a young children's event in the 1980's, a woman led a discussion group for the clergy gathered. She talked about learning levels, how to reach children in worship, children's sermons, and counseling youth. She seemed well educated and could easily see things from a child's point of view. She related very well with children. However, she did not relate well to me as an adult. In her talk about communion, she didn't talk about how to help children focus and relate to Jesus. Instead, she urged pastors to quit acting like stuffy old teachers and relate better to the children on their level. At one point, she suggested that pastors have a special "communion service" for children, substituting Ritz Crackers and Milk for bread and wine. She thought that children would "like that very much". I was shocked. The young pastors rejoiced at the audacity. Older pastors and I practically choked. Maybe I am a stuffy old teacher, but couldn’t she have found better ways for the children to relate to Jesus during communion, rather than make communion a nice enjoyable meal with tasty treats? Is Jesus the center of communion or is our comfort with communion paramount? What is so wrong about examining ourselves in relationship with Jesus?
Today, I would like you to take time to "examine" your relationship with Jesus. You don't have to partake in the Lord's Supper to accomplish this task. And the next time, you are in communion, take more time to examine your life and work. Seek God's perspective on your faith and purpose in this world. Get close to God and God will remain close to you. I personally like communion time. To me, it touches the soul, reconnects me with God, and reminds me I have been chosen for God's good grace. How about you? Examine your relationship with God. You just might find it an important time for your spiritual development, a good time for forgiveness, a reminder of God's love for you! Jesus awaits!
November 7
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8, RSV)
How would you like to see God? The scripture for today promises that you will see God if you have one important character of faith. Your faith must include a "pure heart". For a long time, I thought having a pure heart meant being innocent of all sin. It meant being forgiven for every wrong. It meant being right with God. However, recently I have re-examined this definition in light of another scripture. When I was reading Stewart K. Weber's commentary on Matthew, he said that to be "pure" in heart meant to have a "clean" heart (Stewart K. Weber, Matthew, p. 60). In his interpretation, this meant having a moral purity about you. Purity implies the "absence of impurity or filth". James 4:8 adds to this definition by claiming that faithful believers should "purify their hearts" by being single minded in your pursuit of God, not double minded. When your heart is split, your mind distracted, your morality tainted, your thoughts corrupted by other influences; you become double-minded. You lose your focus on God. You become less a servant of God. Your heart becomes impure, made "filthy" by the influences of the world. By doing this, you will inevitably lose your "purity of heart". Then, according to this scripture, it will be more difficult for you to see God.
According to James 4:8, purifying the heart is your job. Your heart will become less pure or more pure depending on your thoughts and actions. Thus, you choose whether or not to see God! When you opt to follow the fads, hype, and influences of this world, you will find your heart and mind tainted. The more you choose to draw closer to God and rid your mind of all the many distractions and pollution of modern life, the more God will draw closer to you. Then, it is only a matter of time before you begin to "see God" (James 4:8, Matthew 5:8). As a consequence, the scripture for today calls you blessed. In effect, you choose to be blessed or not by your single-minded passion for God. It's not that you don't think about other things each day, but these other things are put in perspective to your relationship with God.
A young woman came to the altar to receive communion during the mass. Her heart was heavy. Her best friend had died in a car accident. As she stood in line waiting for the body of Christ, she said to herself, "God, I am so crushed by tears. I can hardly breathe. It sure would be nice to see you." She heard no response, no voice, no thunder. When she went to bed that night, she prayed the prayer a little differently, "Lord, I want to see you and feel you again." She fell asleep without seeing anything or anyone different. For the next few weeks, she prayed the same thing in her prayer…. she wanted to see God somehow. Finally, a month later, she was walking home one day when the sun came out and she saw a glorious rainbow. She turned to a friend at school and said, "Do you see that rainbow? Isn't it beautiful!" The friend responded, " I would have missed it if you hadn't pointed it out! It is beautiful!"
During the next days, she began to see things differently. She helped a classmate through a difficult test. Walking to work, she had a wonderful discussion about faith with a co-worker. Over the phone, she and cousin talked about a suicide that had happened at school. For the first time ever, the two actually promised they would actually pray for each other. Several months later, the young woman was praying when she realized that she was beginning to see God in her life. God was in the rainbow, prompting her discussions, opening her up, causing her to pray. She began to hear God's subtle voice in her quiet moments of reflection. She would read a scripture and it would indeed speak to her. Before she went to sleep that night, she gave thanks to God for being able to see Him in many new ways. As she finished her prayer, she reached over to shut off her light and closed her Bible so that it wouldn't fall from her nightstand. On the open page, a verse caught her eye, "Ask, and ye shall receive. Seek and ye shall find…." (Matthew 5:5). Again, God was speaking to her through that verse. Smiling, she went to sleep knowing she was going to see God a lot in her life!
The more this young woman focused her mind, heart, and prayers on seeing God, the more she was able to purify her spiritual life. Ultimately, she was seeing God all around her. A pure heart will enable you to see God as well. Do not let your mind and heart get stained with worldly desires and regrets. Don't pollute your thoughts with what's popular in this world. Is it popular with God? Keep your focus on God. Draw near to God, and God will draw near to you (James 4:8). Purify your heart, simplify your life, keep your emotions in check, pray, see things from Heaven's perspective. Then, Matthew promises, you will see God!
According to James 4:8, purifying the heart is your job. Your heart will become less pure or more pure depending on your thoughts and actions. Thus, you choose whether or not to see God! When you opt to follow the fads, hype, and influences of this world, you will find your heart and mind tainted. The more you choose to draw closer to God and rid your mind of all the many distractions and pollution of modern life, the more God will draw closer to you. Then, it is only a matter of time before you begin to "see God" (James 4:8, Matthew 5:8). As a consequence, the scripture for today calls you blessed. In effect, you choose to be blessed or not by your single-minded passion for God. It's not that you don't think about other things each day, but these other things are put in perspective to your relationship with God.
A young woman came to the altar to receive communion during the mass. Her heart was heavy. Her best friend had died in a car accident. As she stood in line waiting for the body of Christ, she said to herself, "God, I am so crushed by tears. I can hardly breathe. It sure would be nice to see you." She heard no response, no voice, no thunder. When she went to bed that night, she prayed the prayer a little differently, "Lord, I want to see you and feel you again." She fell asleep without seeing anything or anyone different. For the next few weeks, she prayed the same thing in her prayer…. she wanted to see God somehow. Finally, a month later, she was walking home one day when the sun came out and she saw a glorious rainbow. She turned to a friend at school and said, "Do you see that rainbow? Isn't it beautiful!" The friend responded, " I would have missed it if you hadn't pointed it out! It is beautiful!"
During the next days, she began to see things differently. She helped a classmate through a difficult test. Walking to work, she had a wonderful discussion about faith with a co-worker. Over the phone, she and cousin talked about a suicide that had happened at school. For the first time ever, the two actually promised they would actually pray for each other. Several months later, the young woman was praying when she realized that she was beginning to see God in her life. God was in the rainbow, prompting her discussions, opening her up, causing her to pray. She began to hear God's subtle voice in her quiet moments of reflection. She would read a scripture and it would indeed speak to her. Before she went to sleep that night, she gave thanks to God for being able to see Him in many new ways. As she finished her prayer, she reached over to shut off her light and closed her Bible so that it wouldn't fall from her nightstand. On the open page, a verse caught her eye, "Ask, and ye shall receive. Seek and ye shall find…." (Matthew 5:5). Again, God was speaking to her through that verse. Smiling, she went to sleep knowing she was going to see God a lot in her life!
The more this young woman focused her mind, heart, and prayers on seeing God, the more she was able to purify her spiritual life. Ultimately, she was seeing God all around her. A pure heart will enable you to see God as well. Do not let your mind and heart get stained with worldly desires and regrets. Don't pollute your thoughts with what's popular in this world. Is it popular with God? Keep your focus on God. Draw near to God, and God will draw near to you (James 4:8). Purify your heart, simplify your life, keep your emotions in check, pray, see things from Heaven's perspective. Then, Matthew promises, you will see God!
November 8
“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
(Luke 18:17, ESV)
(Luke 18:17, ESV)
"A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there, under the awning, just inside the door of the Wal-Mart. We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.
Her little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in, 'Mom let's run through the rain,' she said.
'What?' Mom asked.
'Let's run through the rain!' She repeated.
'No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit,' Mom replied.
This young child waited a minute and repeated: 'Mom, let's run through the rain..'
'We'll get soaked if we do,' Mom said.
'No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning,' the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.
'This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?'
'Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, ' If God can get us through this, He can get us through anything! '
The entire crowd stopped dead silent.. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain.. We all stood silently. No one left. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.
'Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just need washing,' Mom said.
Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They got soaked. They were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing."
With children around, you never know what will happen. They can say things that are unprovoked, unrepressed, innocent, upsetting, true, honest, or unusual. They look at the world with different eyes, less biased by preconceptions and less tainted by the ideals of the world. They can be manipulated and too naive. They can be too trusting or too shy. Children remind us of the innocent of the world, who need protection and care. We need to watch over them and educate them. And in that process, sometimes they teach us great things about God. God can work in unique and beautiful ways through a child. The most burly man can be reduced to talking like a little one. The most hardened heart may harbor a soft place for an innocent little child. Jesus looked upon us like we sometimes look upon children. He gave children a place of honor and dignity. He enjoyed their innocence and wonder that lets them see the possibilities of true faith.
In the scripture above, Jesus used a child as an example for teaching. He pulled a child before the disciples as "Exhibit A" and said to His disciples what was captured in the book of Luke: "whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it!" (Luke 18:17). Unless a child has been abused, harmed, or otherwise neglected, they can be very trusting. To them, God can easily be a real entity. In wonder, a child looks at the world, amazed by the intricacies of creation. You might walk through a rainstorm with your head down and covered. A child may be in the same rainstorm and see a rainbow, a frog, the pretty colors of an oil sheen, or float a balsa boat in the gutter. You might rush through a snowstorm to get a shovel. A child might in that same moment throw a snowball, roll up a snowman, make a snow angel, or just jump in a snowbank, all the while reveling in the beauty of the crystal patterns. Jesus knew that the innocence and awe of a child were qualities needed in a person in relationship with Him. Where distrust, manipulation, abuse and power-plays were common among adults, children presented some important qualities of those who are Heaven bound.
Can you still see the world like a child? Have you lost your childlike innocence? Can you still play and be amazed? As you head into the holidays this year, how about enjoying the beauty all around? As you go through this day, see the wonders of creation! Marvel at the amazing love of God! You might just find a smile on your lips and added joyfulness in your soul!
Her little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in, 'Mom let's run through the rain,' she said.
'What?' Mom asked.
'Let's run through the rain!' She repeated.
'No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit,' Mom replied.
This young child waited a minute and repeated: 'Mom, let's run through the rain..'
'We'll get soaked if we do,' Mom said.
'No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning,' the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.
'This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?'
'Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, ' If God can get us through this, He can get us through anything! '
The entire crowd stopped dead silent.. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain.. We all stood silently. No one left. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.
'Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just need washing,' Mom said.
Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They got soaked. They were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing."
With children around, you never know what will happen. They can say things that are unprovoked, unrepressed, innocent, upsetting, true, honest, or unusual. They look at the world with different eyes, less biased by preconceptions and less tainted by the ideals of the world. They can be manipulated and too naive. They can be too trusting or too shy. Children remind us of the innocent of the world, who need protection and care. We need to watch over them and educate them. And in that process, sometimes they teach us great things about God. God can work in unique and beautiful ways through a child. The most burly man can be reduced to talking like a little one. The most hardened heart may harbor a soft place for an innocent little child. Jesus looked upon us like we sometimes look upon children. He gave children a place of honor and dignity. He enjoyed their innocence and wonder that lets them see the possibilities of true faith.
In the scripture above, Jesus used a child as an example for teaching. He pulled a child before the disciples as "Exhibit A" and said to His disciples what was captured in the book of Luke: "whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it!" (Luke 18:17). Unless a child has been abused, harmed, or otherwise neglected, they can be very trusting. To them, God can easily be a real entity. In wonder, a child looks at the world, amazed by the intricacies of creation. You might walk through a rainstorm with your head down and covered. A child may be in the same rainstorm and see a rainbow, a frog, the pretty colors of an oil sheen, or float a balsa boat in the gutter. You might rush through a snowstorm to get a shovel. A child might in that same moment throw a snowball, roll up a snowman, make a snow angel, or just jump in a snowbank, all the while reveling in the beauty of the crystal patterns. Jesus knew that the innocence and awe of a child were qualities needed in a person in relationship with Him. Where distrust, manipulation, abuse and power-plays were common among adults, children presented some important qualities of those who are Heaven bound.
Can you still see the world like a child? Have you lost your childlike innocence? Can you still play and be amazed? As you head into the holidays this year, how about enjoying the beauty all around? As you go through this day, see the wonders of creation! Marvel at the amazing love of God! You might just find a smile on your lips and added joyfulness in your soul!
November 9
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.”
(2 Corinthians 1:3–7, NLT)
(2 Corinthians 1:3–7, NLT)
"Douglas Maurer, 15, of Creve Coeur, Missouri, had been feeling bad for several days. His temperature was ranging between 103 and 105 degrees, and he was suffering from severe flu-like symptoms. When his mother took him to the hospital in St. Louis. Douglas Maurer was diagnosed with leukemia. The doctors told him in frank terms about his disease. They said that for the next three years, he would have to undergo chemotherapy. They didn't sugarcoat the side effects. Upon learning this, he went into a deep depression. His aunt called a floral shop to send Douglas an arrangement of flowers. She told the clerk that it was for her teenage nephew who was just diagnosed with leukemia. Receiving the flowers at the hospital, Douglas read the card from his aunt. Then he saw a second card. It said: "Douglas--I took your order. I work at Brix florist. I had leukemia when I was 7 years old. I'm 22 years old now. Good luck. My heart goes out to you. Sincerely, Laura Bradley." His face lit up. He said, "Oh!"
Douglas Maurer was in a hospital filled with millions of dollars of the most sophisticated medical equipment. He was being treated by expert doctors and nurses with medical training totaling in the hundreds of years. But it was a salesclerk in a flower shop, a woman making a little over minimum wage, who--by taking the time to care, and by being willing to go with what her heart told her to do--gave Douglas hope and the will to carry on. Her short note brought great comfort to his grieving heart." (adapted from an article by Bob Greene, "From One Sufferer To Another", Chicago Tribune, August, 1987.)
At no point did anyone ask the salesclerk to write a note to comfort Douglas. Laura Bradley did it out of the goodness of her heart to support a young man who was desperately in need of some consolation. All it took was one small note to bring the most comfort to Douglas in that moment. She gave him a renewed will to fight his disease.
The scripture for today encourages each of us to bring comfort to others. If you look closely, this scripture mentions the word "comfort" a total of nine times in only five verses. The first verse mentions that God is "the source of all comfort". God loves to comfort those who are suffering and afflicted. God brings comfort to us, so that we can in turn comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4). Jesus brings comfort to those who are suffering in His name. 2 Corinthians 1:5 even says that the more one suffers because of Jesus through persecution or in the difficulties of ministry or mission, the more God will "shower" comfort upon that person. The intent is for you to feel God's comfort and love during your "troubles" (2 Corinthians 1:6), and then pass that comfort on to others who need it desperately.
There are many ways you can pass on to others that comfort sent from God. A card or note may help, as it did Douglas in the story above. You might visit a friend who is hurting, or take food to someone who is hungry. I heard of one woman who drops off baskets of food anonymously at the doorsteps of those whom she finds out are hungry. You need to find ways to comfort others, because certainly God has comforted you. Even a short conversation with a shut-in can make that person's day! A smile or handshake can bring joy to a hurting Veteran. Kind words or a listening ear can also be great sources of comfort when used effectively.
Since God obviously loves comforting the hurting as shown in our scripture today, don't be surprised if God brings you to others who need that comfort as well. Don't hold back. Show God you are up to the task. Is there someone who needs your comfort or care? Do you need it? God will always find a way to bring comfort to you and to those who hurt, even if not asked! And God's comfort is the best there is!
Douglas Maurer was in a hospital filled with millions of dollars of the most sophisticated medical equipment. He was being treated by expert doctors and nurses with medical training totaling in the hundreds of years. But it was a salesclerk in a flower shop, a woman making a little over minimum wage, who--by taking the time to care, and by being willing to go with what her heart told her to do--gave Douglas hope and the will to carry on. Her short note brought great comfort to his grieving heart." (adapted from an article by Bob Greene, "From One Sufferer To Another", Chicago Tribune, August, 1987.)
At no point did anyone ask the salesclerk to write a note to comfort Douglas. Laura Bradley did it out of the goodness of her heart to support a young man who was desperately in need of some consolation. All it took was one small note to bring the most comfort to Douglas in that moment. She gave him a renewed will to fight his disease.
The scripture for today encourages each of us to bring comfort to others. If you look closely, this scripture mentions the word "comfort" a total of nine times in only five verses. The first verse mentions that God is "the source of all comfort". God loves to comfort those who are suffering and afflicted. God brings comfort to us, so that we can in turn comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4). Jesus brings comfort to those who are suffering in His name. 2 Corinthians 1:5 even says that the more one suffers because of Jesus through persecution or in the difficulties of ministry or mission, the more God will "shower" comfort upon that person. The intent is for you to feel God's comfort and love during your "troubles" (2 Corinthians 1:6), and then pass that comfort on to others who need it desperately.
There are many ways you can pass on to others that comfort sent from God. A card or note may help, as it did Douglas in the story above. You might visit a friend who is hurting, or take food to someone who is hungry. I heard of one woman who drops off baskets of food anonymously at the doorsteps of those whom she finds out are hungry. You need to find ways to comfort others, because certainly God has comforted you. Even a short conversation with a shut-in can make that person's day! A smile or handshake can bring joy to a hurting Veteran. Kind words or a listening ear can also be great sources of comfort when used effectively.
Since God obviously loves comforting the hurting as shown in our scripture today, don't be surprised if God brings you to others who need that comfort as well. Don't hold back. Show God you are up to the task. Is there someone who needs your comfort or care? Do you need it? God will always find a way to bring comfort to you and to those who hurt, even if not asked! And God's comfort is the best there is!
November 10
“The eternal God is thy refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms….”
(Deuteronomy 33:27, KJV 1900)
(Deuteronomy 33:27, KJV 1900)
When Benjamin Franklin was about to die, he asked that a picture of Christ on the cross should be so placed in his bedroom that he could look, as he said, “upon the form of the Silent Sufferer.” He wrote in advance the epitaph to be on his gravestone: “The body of Benjamin Franklin, Printer, like the cover of an old book, it’s contents torn out and stripped of its lettering and gilding, lies here…Yet the Work itself shall not be lost; for it will, as he believed, appear once more in a new and more beautiful edition, corrected and amended by the Author.”
Like Franklin, many people find comfort in their final years or final hours knowing that soon they will be in the presence of the Almighty. They will be home. In 2 Corinthians 5:8, the Apostle Paul called "home" the place where the Lord resides. Whether in Heaven or on earth, one feels "at home" in the presence of God. In our scripture today, this feeling of God's arms as "home" is reinforced. In Deuteronomy 33:27, God is seen as the "refuge", the safe place of the child of God. The Hebrew word used in this verse suggests one's "dwelling place", a "home". Though Israel may be the country of one's kin, God is his or her home. Do you feel "at home" when in God's presence?
When moving from church to church, I often had a "feeling" about each church we visited during the search process. When I felt God calling me to move on to a new church, my work completed, I would visit a number of churches. I would find one church strong in missions, another strong in Christian Education, and a third would have good programs. Each church had its strengths and weaknesses. I never decided where God wanted me until I felt something special. In the end, one church would feel like "home". It was the place God wanted me. There, I would feel God's embrace, God's presence, God's call to serve.
"Home", your refuge according to the scripture above, is wherever God resides in your life. When you are gone on a vacation, traveling for work, or visiting distant family, it always feels good to come "home". The same type of "homecoming" exists with God's presence. When you are searching for God, it's always good to feel God's arms. Whether in a place or with a person, you will always feel at home when in God's presence.
It surprises me that more people don't call Heaven their future "home". It will be their dwelling place for all eternity. It will be there that they will rest securely in God's arms forever. How often do you feel "at home" with your Lord? Do you feel God's arms even now? Do you look forward to a future home in Heaven? When it comes to God, there really is no place like home.
Like Franklin, many people find comfort in their final years or final hours knowing that soon they will be in the presence of the Almighty. They will be home. In 2 Corinthians 5:8, the Apostle Paul called "home" the place where the Lord resides. Whether in Heaven or on earth, one feels "at home" in the presence of God. In our scripture today, this feeling of God's arms as "home" is reinforced. In Deuteronomy 33:27, God is seen as the "refuge", the safe place of the child of God. The Hebrew word used in this verse suggests one's "dwelling place", a "home". Though Israel may be the country of one's kin, God is his or her home. Do you feel "at home" when in God's presence?
When moving from church to church, I often had a "feeling" about each church we visited during the search process. When I felt God calling me to move on to a new church, my work completed, I would visit a number of churches. I would find one church strong in missions, another strong in Christian Education, and a third would have good programs. Each church had its strengths and weaknesses. I never decided where God wanted me until I felt something special. In the end, one church would feel like "home". It was the place God wanted me. There, I would feel God's embrace, God's presence, God's call to serve.
"Home", your refuge according to the scripture above, is wherever God resides in your life. When you are gone on a vacation, traveling for work, or visiting distant family, it always feels good to come "home". The same type of "homecoming" exists with God's presence. When you are searching for God, it's always good to feel God's arms. Whether in a place or with a person, you will always feel at home when in God's presence.
It surprises me that more people don't call Heaven their future "home". It will be their dwelling place for all eternity. It will be there that they will rest securely in God's arms forever. How often do you feel "at home" with your Lord? Do you feel God's arms even now? Do you look forward to a future home in Heaven? When it comes to God, there really is no place like home.
November 11
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.”
(Psalm 130:5–6, NIV84)
(Psalm 130:5–6, NIV84)
How good are you at waiting for the Lord? Do you have spiritual patience, or are you apt to run ahead of God? Waiting for the Lord is a crucial aspect in the life of the faithful. You need to learn to wait for the Lord's timing in order for things to fall into place.
Waiting takes patient obedience. Abraham from the book of Genesis waited twenty-four years after he was promised an heir before he had the child God promised him. He was in his nineties when the promise was fulfilled (Genesis 17)! Simeon and Anna waited for years before they finally saw Jesus born as promised (Luke 2). All these waited for the Lord's promises to be fulfilled, for the Lord to act, for God's timing to be right. If you don't wait for the Lord, you may miss out on God's blessings.
The purposes of God often develop slowly because God's grand designs are never hurried. The great New England preacher Phillips Brooks was noted for his poise and quiet manner. At times, however, even he suffered moments of frustration and irritability. One day a friend saw him feverishly pacing the floor like a caged lion. "What's the trouble, Mr. brooks?" he asked.
"The trouble is that I'm in a hurry, but God isn't!" Haven't we felt the same way many times?
Some of the greatest missionaries of history devotedly spread the seed of God's Word and yet had to wait long periods before seeing the fruit of their efforts. William Carey, for example, labored 7 years before the first Hindu convert was brought to Christ in Burma, and Adoniram Judson toiled 7 years before his faithful preaching was rewarded. In western Africa, it was 14 years before one convert was received into the Christian church. In New Zealand, it took 9 years; and in Tahiti, it was 16 years before the first harvest of souls began (adapted from Our Daily Bread). It's easy to give up rather than follow through, rather than taking the time to wait upon the Lord. But some things just take time for God to put everything in place so it all turns out just right.
The scripture for today reinforces the need for you to "wait upon the Lord" (Psalm 130:5). This scripture makes clear that you need to force your own soul to slow down, be patient, and obey God's promises as you wait patiently for the Lord to act. Jumping into a wedding, buying something hurriedly because you have a credit card, rushing to complete a project with a deadline even when everything isn't ready all display our impatience and impulsiveness in this life. Waiting upon the Lord takes time and obedience. Do you have the desire to give God a chance to make things right or do you blast along headlong without pausing to reflect on what God expects?
In my second church, I was amazed at the kindness exhibited by a woman in the church. Her husband was impatient, but she was not. Her job was stressful, but she was not. I asked her what caused her to be so calm under difficult circumstances. She confided in me that she had prayed for her son to become close to God for more than twenty years. When we talked, he was still a lost soul with many difficulties. She prayed every day for him, never missing a day in twenty years. Though the son hadn't come to Christ yet, she learned patience and kindness as she waited upon the Lord. The waiting changed her, made her strong yet humble. When things were difficult, I always found she could help calm the storm of emotions in those around her. Waiting upon the Lord for a long time gave her a deep, vast spiritual reservoir of spiritual calm.
Waiting upon the Lord is an act of obedience. It's a sign of spiritual strength. You will need to learn how to do it. God will want to see it at times. How about now?
Waiting takes patient obedience. Abraham from the book of Genesis waited twenty-four years after he was promised an heir before he had the child God promised him. He was in his nineties when the promise was fulfilled (Genesis 17)! Simeon and Anna waited for years before they finally saw Jesus born as promised (Luke 2). All these waited for the Lord's promises to be fulfilled, for the Lord to act, for God's timing to be right. If you don't wait for the Lord, you may miss out on God's blessings.
The purposes of God often develop slowly because God's grand designs are never hurried. The great New England preacher Phillips Brooks was noted for his poise and quiet manner. At times, however, even he suffered moments of frustration and irritability. One day a friend saw him feverishly pacing the floor like a caged lion. "What's the trouble, Mr. brooks?" he asked.
"The trouble is that I'm in a hurry, but God isn't!" Haven't we felt the same way many times?
Some of the greatest missionaries of history devotedly spread the seed of God's Word and yet had to wait long periods before seeing the fruit of their efforts. William Carey, for example, labored 7 years before the first Hindu convert was brought to Christ in Burma, and Adoniram Judson toiled 7 years before his faithful preaching was rewarded. In western Africa, it was 14 years before one convert was received into the Christian church. In New Zealand, it took 9 years; and in Tahiti, it was 16 years before the first harvest of souls began (adapted from Our Daily Bread). It's easy to give up rather than follow through, rather than taking the time to wait upon the Lord. But some things just take time for God to put everything in place so it all turns out just right.
The scripture for today reinforces the need for you to "wait upon the Lord" (Psalm 130:5). This scripture makes clear that you need to force your own soul to slow down, be patient, and obey God's promises as you wait patiently for the Lord to act. Jumping into a wedding, buying something hurriedly because you have a credit card, rushing to complete a project with a deadline even when everything isn't ready all display our impatience and impulsiveness in this life. Waiting upon the Lord takes time and obedience. Do you have the desire to give God a chance to make things right or do you blast along headlong without pausing to reflect on what God expects?
In my second church, I was amazed at the kindness exhibited by a woman in the church. Her husband was impatient, but she was not. Her job was stressful, but she was not. I asked her what caused her to be so calm under difficult circumstances. She confided in me that she had prayed for her son to become close to God for more than twenty years. When we talked, he was still a lost soul with many difficulties. She prayed every day for him, never missing a day in twenty years. Though the son hadn't come to Christ yet, she learned patience and kindness as she waited upon the Lord. The waiting changed her, made her strong yet humble. When things were difficult, I always found she could help calm the storm of emotions in those around her. Waiting upon the Lord for a long time gave her a deep, vast spiritual reservoir of spiritual calm.
Waiting upon the Lord is an act of obedience. It's a sign of spiritual strength. You will need to learn how to do it. God will want to see it at times. How about now?
November 12
“… “Today, when you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” Who were they that heard and yet were rebellious? Was it not all those who left Egypt under the leadership of Moses? And with whom was he provoked forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did he swear that they should never enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.”
(Hebrews 3:15–19, RSV)
(Hebrews 3:15–19, RSV)
In this scripture from the book of Hebrews, the author is looking back to the time of Moses. In an examination of what happened in the wilderness before the people entered the Promised Land, the author reflected on how the people rebelled against God and disobeyed God's command to enter that Holy Land (Hebrews 3:15-16). Most of the leaders in the days of the exodus thought the Promised Land was too great a challenge for the people who followed God and Moses. The land was filled with walled cities, fortresses to conquer. There were large, well-fed soldiers occupying that region. Fearing they would lose in battle, the people would not listen to God and rejected God's command to enter the Promised Land. Almost all the people who left Egypt with Moses died in the Wilderness as the people wandered there for forty years. Their disobedience caused their own failure, unable to enter the Promised Land "because of unbelief" (Hebrews 3:19).
If you read closely the scripture above, you will see a connection between three sinful attitudes: disobedience and unbelief and rebellion. These three attitudes are connected. When you disobey God's commands or direction, it is a sign of unbelief. Do this and you rebel against God. If you do not believe in God, you live in disobedience, rebelling against God's work. These three characteristics of sin are connected. Usually, when you have one, you have the others. If you take this one step further, you might see that all those who do not believe in God will disobey God in their lives. They will rebel against what is righteous. Also, those who disobey God are showing the lack of belief in God's power or grace. They too will rebel against God's order. If the attitudes of unbelief and disobedience are in your life, they will form a "rebellion" (Hebrews 3:15) against God in your heart.
Rebels in the modern world are often idealized. Pictures of Che Guevara dot the landscape of Cuba and Central America. Che is the prototypical anti-government, anti-power, guerrilla fighter figure. He rebelled against the establishment in Argentina. Rebels consider him a hero. There are many other rebels idolized in the world today. Statues to Lenin in Russia, Mao Zedong in China, and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam are all revered for fighting the establishment. Mao Zedong is even known to have said that "Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun." Each of these "rebels" led armed resistance and wars to fight the establishment. They are revered today by millions.
Even in the Star Wars Universe of filmdom, there are "heroes of the Rebellion". Most of the heroes in the series have gathered as a band to fight the establishment, fight against the dark side, fight for what's right. Even in movies and TV, rebels are seen as heroic and visionary. Fighting authority is seen as "heroic". Fighting "the man" is seen as quality leadership. The danger here is when we take the next step, from fighting earthly authorities to fighting heavenly authority.
When it comes to the spiritual life, people can easily take their cues from the Modern World and see rebellion against God as an heroic stance. Phrases like "find your own path in life" have found their way into the Christian church. Standing up for "human rights" has become the calling card for many religious groups, activists, and idealists. Sadly, some have even taken the view that human rights or civil rights are more important than God's rights or the respect of God's command. Many religious organizations are more apt to fight for gay rights, immigrant rights, or abortion rights than they are to fight for God. In some denominations, those who fight for human rights are seen as heroes. The missionaries who live and die in order to pass on the faith are not idolized for their lives of service and evangelism. Special interest groups inside denominations are seen as "the" place where the "real work" is done. Since the 1960's , many denominations have fallen into this sin where the doctrine of human rights has replaced God's commandments and God's Will in the church. This has led to a fracturing of Christianity.
In your life, be careful of spiritual rebellion, spiritual disobedience, and the lack of faith. All are recorded in the scripture above as a rejection of God's Will. In the modern world, many forms of religion have idealized rebellion, disobedience, and lack of faith as signs of a strong person or good leadership. When any of these attitudes involve a rejection of God's Word or God's command, the results are never good. Just like these attitudes have fractured Christianity, they can also fracture your relationship with God. They may seem like small words, but they are seriously dangerous ones. Spiritual rebellion of God's commands, spiritual disobedience of God's direction, and spiritual unbelief in God's promises are all what led to Satan's fall. They will lead to your failures as well. Keep strong in your connection with God. Be wary of these attitudes.
If you read closely the scripture above, you will see a connection between three sinful attitudes: disobedience and unbelief and rebellion. These three attitudes are connected. When you disobey God's commands or direction, it is a sign of unbelief. Do this and you rebel against God. If you do not believe in God, you live in disobedience, rebelling against God's work. These three characteristics of sin are connected. Usually, when you have one, you have the others. If you take this one step further, you might see that all those who do not believe in God will disobey God in their lives. They will rebel against what is righteous. Also, those who disobey God are showing the lack of belief in God's power or grace. They too will rebel against God's order. If the attitudes of unbelief and disobedience are in your life, they will form a "rebellion" (Hebrews 3:15) against God in your heart.
Rebels in the modern world are often idealized. Pictures of Che Guevara dot the landscape of Cuba and Central America. Che is the prototypical anti-government, anti-power, guerrilla fighter figure. He rebelled against the establishment in Argentina. Rebels consider him a hero. There are many other rebels idolized in the world today. Statues to Lenin in Russia, Mao Zedong in China, and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam are all revered for fighting the establishment. Mao Zedong is even known to have said that "Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun." Each of these "rebels" led armed resistance and wars to fight the establishment. They are revered today by millions.
Even in the Star Wars Universe of filmdom, there are "heroes of the Rebellion". Most of the heroes in the series have gathered as a band to fight the establishment, fight against the dark side, fight for what's right. Even in movies and TV, rebels are seen as heroic and visionary. Fighting authority is seen as "heroic". Fighting "the man" is seen as quality leadership. The danger here is when we take the next step, from fighting earthly authorities to fighting heavenly authority.
When it comes to the spiritual life, people can easily take their cues from the Modern World and see rebellion against God as an heroic stance. Phrases like "find your own path in life" have found their way into the Christian church. Standing up for "human rights" has become the calling card for many religious groups, activists, and idealists. Sadly, some have even taken the view that human rights or civil rights are more important than God's rights or the respect of God's command. Many religious organizations are more apt to fight for gay rights, immigrant rights, or abortion rights than they are to fight for God. In some denominations, those who fight for human rights are seen as heroes. The missionaries who live and die in order to pass on the faith are not idolized for their lives of service and evangelism. Special interest groups inside denominations are seen as "the" place where the "real work" is done. Since the 1960's , many denominations have fallen into this sin where the doctrine of human rights has replaced God's commandments and God's Will in the church. This has led to a fracturing of Christianity.
In your life, be careful of spiritual rebellion, spiritual disobedience, and the lack of faith. All are recorded in the scripture above as a rejection of God's Will. In the modern world, many forms of religion have idealized rebellion, disobedience, and lack of faith as signs of a strong person or good leadership. When any of these attitudes involve a rejection of God's Word or God's command, the results are never good. Just like these attitudes have fractured Christianity, they can also fracture your relationship with God. They may seem like small words, but they are seriously dangerous ones. Spiritual rebellion of God's commands, spiritual disobedience of God's direction, and spiritual unbelief in God's promises are all what led to Satan's fall. They will lead to your failures as well. Keep strong in your connection with God. Be wary of these attitudes.
November 13
“After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”” (John 5:1–6, RSV)
In the above healing of a man who was long suffering with illness, I have given you only half the story. The healing of the man and the response of the Jewish leaders I left out. There is an important reason for my cutting the story short and omitting the healing. I want you to focus on what Jesus asks the man. At first, you may not see the validity of Jesus' question. But after a deeper look, you'll see some great wisdom in Jesus' question to the suffering man.
Jesus traveled to Jerusalem in John, chapter 5. At an entrance called the "Sheep Gate" close to the Temple, Jesus scanned a variety of people who were suffering (John 5:2). Jesus' eyes hovered on one man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years (John 5:5). He walked up to the man and said, "Do you want to be healed?" (John 5:6). At first, you may think Jesus was being kind. Before a physician treats a patient today, he or she must first ask for permission to treat the patient. Contrary to some scholars who believe this, I think this is a more modern interpretation. It is not what Jesus was doing. He wasn't respectful to HIPPA laws!!!! Instead, I believe Jesus was forcing the man to say whether or not he wanted healing. You may think that the answer is obvious…. of course the man wanted to be healed! It's not that easy. There are many people who have been sick for a long time who are fine with their infirmity. They aren't really looking for healing, or ready for it! They have become comfortable with their sickness.
I've known people who were happy to be sick! Some sought sympathy for their illness. Others knew that if they got well, they'd lose insurance or health benefits that they were now getting free from a government. Some don't want to get well. Psychologically, there are those who don't want to go back to a stressful job. I've even met people who so liked to talk about their hurts and pains that they didn't know what to talk about when they didn't feel badly!!!! Jesus' question to this man forced this man to decide if he was ready and waiting for healing from God. It forced the man to choose to be healed by Jesus. Sometimes, you need to make the choice to be healed by God. You need to accept that the healing will change your life. You need to be ready to be healed.
In my first years of ministry, I was shocked at how many people had made peace with illness. Some enjoyed being sick and all the attention it garnered. Others enjoyed having an excuse to escape doing work. Being sick, they could bow out of work and be lazy. I've even known people to fake being sick in order to get what they want!
An Alabama woman, Jennifer Cataldo collected almost $265,000 in donations from friends, relatives, and GoFundMe accounts. Between 2014 and 2017, she stated how she would love to go to Disney "one last time", before cancer took her life. People felt sorry for her and showered her with money to make her "last wish" come true. She lived off the donations, quitting her job as a Special Education Teacher. BUT she didn't have cancer. In fact, she was arrested and charged with wire fraud and bank fraud. In August of 2017, she was sentenced to 25 months of jail time and required to pay back the donors.
Jennifer wanted the sickness. Jennifer wanted the attention. In the scripture for today, Jesus was insightful in asking the man if he wanted to be healed. Many psychologists, pastors, psychiatrists and social workers have found that the desire to change your life or be healed is VERY important. You have to want the change. As a book a few years ago stated, sometimes "Happiness is a Choice" you make. Some people choose to be sick in life. Some people are most comfortable being unhappy.
Look at your motivations today. See if you are motivated to make needed changes in your life. Do you have the desire to have God step in? Are you willing to put in the effort to change? How much do you want to make good changes in your life? Before healing or hope or faith can come in your life, there needs to be a decision on your part. You have a choice to make. Do you want to be healed, or not? How serious are you when it comes to making things right?
Jesus traveled to Jerusalem in John, chapter 5. At an entrance called the "Sheep Gate" close to the Temple, Jesus scanned a variety of people who were suffering (John 5:2). Jesus' eyes hovered on one man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years (John 5:5). He walked up to the man and said, "Do you want to be healed?" (John 5:6). At first, you may think Jesus was being kind. Before a physician treats a patient today, he or she must first ask for permission to treat the patient. Contrary to some scholars who believe this, I think this is a more modern interpretation. It is not what Jesus was doing. He wasn't respectful to HIPPA laws!!!! Instead, I believe Jesus was forcing the man to say whether or not he wanted healing. You may think that the answer is obvious…. of course the man wanted to be healed! It's not that easy. There are many people who have been sick for a long time who are fine with their infirmity. They aren't really looking for healing, or ready for it! They have become comfortable with their sickness.
I've known people who were happy to be sick! Some sought sympathy for their illness. Others knew that if they got well, they'd lose insurance or health benefits that they were now getting free from a government. Some don't want to get well. Psychologically, there are those who don't want to go back to a stressful job. I've even met people who so liked to talk about their hurts and pains that they didn't know what to talk about when they didn't feel badly!!!! Jesus' question to this man forced this man to decide if he was ready and waiting for healing from God. It forced the man to choose to be healed by Jesus. Sometimes, you need to make the choice to be healed by God. You need to accept that the healing will change your life. You need to be ready to be healed.
In my first years of ministry, I was shocked at how many people had made peace with illness. Some enjoyed being sick and all the attention it garnered. Others enjoyed having an excuse to escape doing work. Being sick, they could bow out of work and be lazy. I've even known people to fake being sick in order to get what they want!
An Alabama woman, Jennifer Cataldo collected almost $265,000 in donations from friends, relatives, and GoFundMe accounts. Between 2014 and 2017, she stated how she would love to go to Disney "one last time", before cancer took her life. People felt sorry for her and showered her with money to make her "last wish" come true. She lived off the donations, quitting her job as a Special Education Teacher. BUT she didn't have cancer. In fact, she was arrested and charged with wire fraud and bank fraud. In August of 2017, she was sentenced to 25 months of jail time and required to pay back the donors.
Jennifer wanted the sickness. Jennifer wanted the attention. In the scripture for today, Jesus was insightful in asking the man if he wanted to be healed. Many psychologists, pastors, psychiatrists and social workers have found that the desire to change your life or be healed is VERY important. You have to want the change. As a book a few years ago stated, sometimes "Happiness is a Choice" you make. Some people choose to be sick in life. Some people are most comfortable being unhappy.
Look at your motivations today. See if you are motivated to make needed changes in your life. Do you have the desire to have God step in? Are you willing to put in the effort to change? How much do you want to make good changes in your life? Before healing or hope or faith can come in your life, there needs to be a decision on your part. You have a choice to make. Do you want to be healed, or not? How serious are you when it comes to making things right?
November 14
“So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!”
(Hebrews 10:35, NLT)
(Hebrews 10:35, NLT)
A young child tries to stand, wavering. It's a new feeling for that little one who has only crawled up to that point in her young life. As she wavers, she gets her balance. Walking a few steps, she teeters and drops to the ground. This little one has taken her first steps. You can see she enjoys the feeling of being way up in the air walking on her two legs, but her steps are unsure. Her path weaves. She is learning, but she does not have confidence in her ability to walk just yet.
We expect the young to try new things and take on new challenges. It is part of growing into adulthood, gathering strength, facing life head on. With each challenge overcome, young people grow in confidence as they seek new tasks to learn and new obstacles to face off against. When a young person fails, though, they may lose confidence. If a mistake or overconfident attitude causes the young person to falter, if others pile on and tease the person for the failure, if the failure causes permanent damage, the young person may stop overcoming obstacles and gaining confidence in his or her abilities.
I remember physical therapy after my fifth back surgery. It was difficult to say the least. My strength had been weakened by drugs and the bodily strain of the surgery. In reality, I had to learn to walk again. Each step was tentative, filled with fear that I would fall. My doctor warned me with extreme words NOT to fall. I was fearful. I didn't want more pain. Did the surgery even work? My confidence in walking was shaken. My steps were slow and unsteady. I, who was the captain of the football team and the strong weightlifter, could barely carry my own weight. I had to rebuild my confidence. I was determined not to give up and to push against the pain. I had to. The alternative was a lack of confidence and a dangerous weakness that I would have the rest of my life.
Whether it’s a physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual, scars can make you lack the confidence that you need to be "whole". Past hurts and harms can make you tentative, shaky, lacking confidence. Then, you become unsure, skittish, and protective. You might be afraid to take necessary risks. You could lack the will to face an obstacle you need to overcome. There is a reason children take to their first steps, fall, get back up, and do it again. They NEED to build confidence in their ability to walk. The same thing must happen spiritually. When you falter or are tentative spiritually, afraid to stand strong, afraid to take the risk of following God's voice, you lose confidence in God's ability to lead.
Our scripture for today demands you hold on securely to God. When speaking to Hebrew Christians, the author wrote: "do not throw away your confident trust in the Lord…" (Hebrews 10:35a). Notice this sentence is a command. It is not optional. The author desires Christians to be secure and strong in God's service, not afraid of following Christ or doing God's will. Confident trust that God will be with the believer is seen as essential to the faithful life of the Christian. The writer of Hebrews was hoping that despite persecution and trials, both spiritual and temporal, the Christians who read his words would not lose their confident trust that the Lord was "with them always" (Matthew 28:20).
There are many things that can shake up your spiritual confidence in God. Though they CAN shake up your spiritual confidence, they SHOULD NOT. A spiritual fight may weaken your will, but it should not shake your faith that God is walking with you in life. The death of a loved one may shake up your world, but it should not cause you to question if there is a God. At a time like that, you need confidence in God's power over life and death. Whatever CAN shake up your faith doesn't have to cause you to lose confidence in God or in your spiritual gifts. This scripture for today commands you to hold on to your confidence in God. Is there any reason why you shouldn't be confident in God coming through? In the Bible, did God ever fail the truly faithful people? Even when it looked like God the Father had failed Jesus by letting HIM die on the cross, we found out that God the Father did not fail Jesus. God's plan included the atoning sacrifice of Jesus' life as a way to save YOU!
The second half of the scripture for today reminds you what is in store when you keep your confidence in God. When you cling tightly to God, keep strong in faith despite all obstacles, and reach out in love; God blesses that confident faith with "great rewards". One reward will be eternal life for you. Also, your confident faith will bless others. You will be a beacon of hope. God will notice that confidence of faith and reward you.
No matter what obstacles you face or hits you take in life, keep your confidence trust that God is with you. Don't give up looking for strength from Heaven. Keep your head high through trials and tribulations. Every hair on your head is numbered (Matthew 10:30). Your name is known to God (Isaiah 49:16). Your future is secure (1 Corinthians 15).
We expect the young to try new things and take on new challenges. It is part of growing into adulthood, gathering strength, facing life head on. With each challenge overcome, young people grow in confidence as they seek new tasks to learn and new obstacles to face off against. When a young person fails, though, they may lose confidence. If a mistake or overconfident attitude causes the young person to falter, if others pile on and tease the person for the failure, if the failure causes permanent damage, the young person may stop overcoming obstacles and gaining confidence in his or her abilities.
I remember physical therapy after my fifth back surgery. It was difficult to say the least. My strength had been weakened by drugs and the bodily strain of the surgery. In reality, I had to learn to walk again. Each step was tentative, filled with fear that I would fall. My doctor warned me with extreme words NOT to fall. I was fearful. I didn't want more pain. Did the surgery even work? My confidence in walking was shaken. My steps were slow and unsteady. I, who was the captain of the football team and the strong weightlifter, could barely carry my own weight. I had to rebuild my confidence. I was determined not to give up and to push against the pain. I had to. The alternative was a lack of confidence and a dangerous weakness that I would have the rest of my life.
Whether it’s a physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual, scars can make you lack the confidence that you need to be "whole". Past hurts and harms can make you tentative, shaky, lacking confidence. Then, you become unsure, skittish, and protective. You might be afraid to take necessary risks. You could lack the will to face an obstacle you need to overcome. There is a reason children take to their first steps, fall, get back up, and do it again. They NEED to build confidence in their ability to walk. The same thing must happen spiritually. When you falter or are tentative spiritually, afraid to stand strong, afraid to take the risk of following God's voice, you lose confidence in God's ability to lead.
Our scripture for today demands you hold on securely to God. When speaking to Hebrew Christians, the author wrote: "do not throw away your confident trust in the Lord…" (Hebrews 10:35a). Notice this sentence is a command. It is not optional. The author desires Christians to be secure and strong in God's service, not afraid of following Christ or doing God's will. Confident trust that God will be with the believer is seen as essential to the faithful life of the Christian. The writer of Hebrews was hoping that despite persecution and trials, both spiritual and temporal, the Christians who read his words would not lose their confident trust that the Lord was "with them always" (Matthew 28:20).
There are many things that can shake up your spiritual confidence in God. Though they CAN shake up your spiritual confidence, they SHOULD NOT. A spiritual fight may weaken your will, but it should not shake your faith that God is walking with you in life. The death of a loved one may shake up your world, but it should not cause you to question if there is a God. At a time like that, you need confidence in God's power over life and death. Whatever CAN shake up your faith doesn't have to cause you to lose confidence in God or in your spiritual gifts. This scripture for today commands you to hold on to your confidence in God. Is there any reason why you shouldn't be confident in God coming through? In the Bible, did God ever fail the truly faithful people? Even when it looked like God the Father had failed Jesus by letting HIM die on the cross, we found out that God the Father did not fail Jesus. God's plan included the atoning sacrifice of Jesus' life as a way to save YOU!
The second half of the scripture for today reminds you what is in store when you keep your confidence in God. When you cling tightly to God, keep strong in faith despite all obstacles, and reach out in love; God blesses that confident faith with "great rewards". One reward will be eternal life for you. Also, your confident faith will bless others. You will be a beacon of hope. God will notice that confidence of faith and reward you.
No matter what obstacles you face or hits you take in life, keep your confidence trust that God is with you. Don't give up looking for strength from Heaven. Keep your head high through trials and tribulations. Every hair on your head is numbered (Matthew 10:30). Your name is known to God (Isaiah 49:16). Your future is secure (1 Corinthians 15).
November 15
“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.”
(Matthew 12:33, NASB95)
(Matthew 12:33, NASB95)
One of the most destructive weeds that crop farmers must deal with is the Canadian thistle. It has an extensive root system that makes it extremely difficult to eradicate once it is established. The root structure can reach a depth of fifteen feet, and the roots can also spread out the same distance horizontally. These prolific roots crowd out the plants. Just twenty thistles in one square mile of field can reduce barley yield by a third or alfalfa yield by one half! Canadian thistle is also very damaging to feed crops, as livestock will not graze near it.
In the same way that Canadian thistle can wreck an area for good farming, a person's attitudes and beliefs can wreck their spiritual life. Canadian thistle will limit the growth potential of an entire crop. A bad attitude or godless beliefs and practices can limit one's spiritual growth or outreach. How you think or how you react will affect deeply your connection with God and your spiritual life. If you are loaded up with anger, people may respond negatively to you. Greediness will limit your outreach and mission potential. Selfish thoughts always come through in the decisions you make. Your heart and mind play greatly into your ability to connect with God, be faithful, and interact spiritually with others.
Jesus knew this potential for good and bad in every human. He knew that your attitude affects you spiritually. In Matthew 12:35, Jesus mentioned that out of the abundance of evil in a person's heart, they produce bad fruits in life. If a person has good in their heart, they produce good things in life. There is a direct correlation between what is in your heart and how you will live your faith life. That heart, your attitudes, your beliefs all will determine if you will produce good things in your life or evil things.
Jojo was a handful when a young boy. He was smart, but cunning. If there was a way to get out of something, he could do it. He liked to manipulate others, often turning his brothers and sisters against each other while he stood by and watched the fireworks. As he grew into adulthood, he continued with these self-centered and destructive attitudes. Friendships were meant to be used for advancement or control. Girls were meant to be conquests. Jojo's mother considered him a "smart boy with great potential". Many others wondered how long it would be before Jojo was in trouble, or worse. They saw him as a "bad seed".
Fast-forward twenty years. When I met Jojo, he was serving his second prison sentence. He had been arrested for drug dealing and theft. His friends were afraid of him. Everything he touched seemed to go bad. Every single one of his best friends had done jail time. His family, other than his mother, had disowned him. He had taken advantage of them time after time, even hiding with relatives when the police were looking to arrest him.
One night, Jojo had a Jesus moment. At a chapel service in prison, he decided to give his life to Jesus. He vowed to change things around. He began to attend Bible Study Meetings. He began to be respected by the Warden and a few of the guards. Wanting to better himself, he enrolled in online courses. The prison ministry people were excited by his change in attitude. I felt different. I felt Jojo was playing his ultimate game, trying to "play religious" in order to manipulate the system. I didn't say anything to anyone at the time. After a few years, I forgot about Jojo.
Then, one night there was a knock on the door. Jojo had come to visit me. We talked for a while and I found out that a month after early release, Jojo got back "into the game". He began dealing again. He rejoined friends who abused drugs and alcohol. Jojo was back to his old self. While talking to me, I found out he was running from arrest again. I urged him to do what was right, but all Jojo wanted from me was money to get a meal. He was going to keep running. Over a meal, he and I talked more. I talked about his whole life, all the lies, even "playing Christian". Jojo quietly listened. The next day, he turned himself in and began his third prison term. I always wondered if Jojo was going to go back to his old ways again. The "Canadian thistle like sins in his life" kept his spiritual connection with God from growing. He couldn't quite abandon his "bad thoughts". I so wanted him to submit to God and save his life. I never heard from him again, as I moved away from that church. Every now and then, I think about Jojo. I remember how the boy known as a "bad seed" just couldn't stop himself from doing bad things.
If there is a sin in your life that persists, it can easily dig in and keep you from a good connection with God. Like Canadian thistle in a field, that sin can keep your spiritual good fruits from growing and multiplying. As the sin takes root in your attitude and actions, it can raise havoc in your mind. Wanting to do good, you might find that evil things just follow you. The fruits of your labor might be wrecked by just one sin that rears its ugly head.
Whenever Canadian thistle is found in a field, farmers immediately work to eradicate it before it grows and wrecks crops. In the same way, evil and sin will only wreck the good spiritual fruit in your life. They will damage your relationship with God. Evil thoughts will always get you to think evil thoughts, respond negatively, hurt others. Evil attitudes will inevitably produce evil actions in your life. Jesus was correct in warning us with the scripture for today. He argued that his followers should "make the tree good and its fruit good" or else bad fruit would result (Matthew 12:33). He further cemented this picture of good and evil fruits in the spiritual life by saying, "the tree is known by its fruit". God knows you by the fruit you produce in your life. If you continually do bad things, if your attitude causes bad results, God will see you as a bearer of bad spiritual fruit. If you bring forth good spiritual fruit consistently in your life, God will know that inside your heart is true faithfulness.
As you look back at your life, which are you better at producing: good fruit or bad fruit? Within you is the ability to change for the good, or fall back into the bad. In the end, will you be known by Jesus as a producer of good or bad things in your life? Someday, I promise, you will be judged by the fruit you produce in life. I pray on that day, your good spiritual fruit wins the day and you receive the blessing you greatly deserve. I don't like to dwell on the alternative.
In the same way that Canadian thistle can wreck an area for good farming, a person's attitudes and beliefs can wreck their spiritual life. Canadian thistle will limit the growth potential of an entire crop. A bad attitude or godless beliefs and practices can limit one's spiritual growth or outreach. How you think or how you react will affect deeply your connection with God and your spiritual life. If you are loaded up with anger, people may respond negatively to you. Greediness will limit your outreach and mission potential. Selfish thoughts always come through in the decisions you make. Your heart and mind play greatly into your ability to connect with God, be faithful, and interact spiritually with others.
Jesus knew this potential for good and bad in every human. He knew that your attitude affects you spiritually. In Matthew 12:35, Jesus mentioned that out of the abundance of evil in a person's heart, they produce bad fruits in life. If a person has good in their heart, they produce good things in life. There is a direct correlation between what is in your heart and how you will live your faith life. That heart, your attitudes, your beliefs all will determine if you will produce good things in your life or evil things.
Jojo was a handful when a young boy. He was smart, but cunning. If there was a way to get out of something, he could do it. He liked to manipulate others, often turning his brothers and sisters against each other while he stood by and watched the fireworks. As he grew into adulthood, he continued with these self-centered and destructive attitudes. Friendships were meant to be used for advancement or control. Girls were meant to be conquests. Jojo's mother considered him a "smart boy with great potential". Many others wondered how long it would be before Jojo was in trouble, or worse. They saw him as a "bad seed".
Fast-forward twenty years. When I met Jojo, he was serving his second prison sentence. He had been arrested for drug dealing and theft. His friends were afraid of him. Everything he touched seemed to go bad. Every single one of his best friends had done jail time. His family, other than his mother, had disowned him. He had taken advantage of them time after time, even hiding with relatives when the police were looking to arrest him.
One night, Jojo had a Jesus moment. At a chapel service in prison, he decided to give his life to Jesus. He vowed to change things around. He began to attend Bible Study Meetings. He began to be respected by the Warden and a few of the guards. Wanting to better himself, he enrolled in online courses. The prison ministry people were excited by his change in attitude. I felt different. I felt Jojo was playing his ultimate game, trying to "play religious" in order to manipulate the system. I didn't say anything to anyone at the time. After a few years, I forgot about Jojo.
Then, one night there was a knock on the door. Jojo had come to visit me. We talked for a while and I found out that a month after early release, Jojo got back "into the game". He began dealing again. He rejoined friends who abused drugs and alcohol. Jojo was back to his old self. While talking to me, I found out he was running from arrest again. I urged him to do what was right, but all Jojo wanted from me was money to get a meal. He was going to keep running. Over a meal, he and I talked more. I talked about his whole life, all the lies, even "playing Christian". Jojo quietly listened. The next day, he turned himself in and began his third prison term. I always wondered if Jojo was going to go back to his old ways again. The "Canadian thistle like sins in his life" kept his spiritual connection with God from growing. He couldn't quite abandon his "bad thoughts". I so wanted him to submit to God and save his life. I never heard from him again, as I moved away from that church. Every now and then, I think about Jojo. I remember how the boy known as a "bad seed" just couldn't stop himself from doing bad things.
If there is a sin in your life that persists, it can easily dig in and keep you from a good connection with God. Like Canadian thistle in a field, that sin can keep your spiritual good fruits from growing and multiplying. As the sin takes root in your attitude and actions, it can raise havoc in your mind. Wanting to do good, you might find that evil things just follow you. The fruits of your labor might be wrecked by just one sin that rears its ugly head.
Whenever Canadian thistle is found in a field, farmers immediately work to eradicate it before it grows and wrecks crops. In the same way, evil and sin will only wreck the good spiritual fruit in your life. They will damage your relationship with God. Evil thoughts will always get you to think evil thoughts, respond negatively, hurt others. Evil attitudes will inevitably produce evil actions in your life. Jesus was correct in warning us with the scripture for today. He argued that his followers should "make the tree good and its fruit good" or else bad fruit would result (Matthew 12:33). He further cemented this picture of good and evil fruits in the spiritual life by saying, "the tree is known by its fruit". God knows you by the fruit you produce in your life. If you continually do bad things, if your attitude causes bad results, God will see you as a bearer of bad spiritual fruit. If you bring forth good spiritual fruit consistently in your life, God will know that inside your heart is true faithfulness.
As you look back at your life, which are you better at producing: good fruit or bad fruit? Within you is the ability to change for the good, or fall back into the bad. In the end, will you be known by Jesus as a producer of good or bad things in your life? Someday, I promise, you will be judged by the fruit you produce in life. I pray on that day, your good spiritual fruit wins the day and you receive the blessing you greatly deserve. I don't like to dwell on the alternative.
November 16
“Kiss me and kiss me again, for your love is sweeter than wine.”
(Song of Solomon 1:2, NLT)
(Song of Solomon 1:2, NLT)
You will not find the above scripture in many sermons during your lifetime. It is not found in the lectionaries that are usually promoted in mainline churches. Thus, in these churches, this scripture may never be read during worship. You might never hear a sermon or meditation upon its meaning or precepts. But today, you will hear me expound on this scripture, for it has a great meaning to you, my friend. Heed the words of this scripture and you will find more joy in your life.
Song of Solomon is an anomaly in the Bible. Its focus is not completely on a good relationship with God nor on building a good spiritual foundation. Song of Solomon is about the love between husband and wife, celebrating a relationship of love, enjoying one's self in marriage. Many scholars use this book as allegory of the love one needs with God or how to love Christ in life. It's original intent, however, was seen more as an example of true love in a relationship between husband and wife. Song of Solomon 1:2 is an example of this. Here in this verse, it is assumed that the wife of Solomon opines that she desires the kisses of her husband. These kisses are to her "sweeter than wine". When two people are in love they can hardly wait to embrace, to kiss, to meet, to talk, to share. When separated for days or weeks because of work, a husband in a good marriage can hardly wait to get back home to the arms of his wife. A wife can feel the same when absent from her husband for too long. Those kisses mean so much! The love of a spouse can make life so much sweeter!
This verse stresses how much the wife of Solomon cherishes the love of her husband. She longs for it. She dreams about it. She needs it. When you are in love in a relationship blessed by God, those kisses make life precious and so wonderful! Sadly, in many marriages, people do not look forward to kisses. Love is missing. The relationship is hurting or dead. God never wanted marriage to be this way! God desires all couples to give and receive true Biblical, beautiful love.
A lady in Spain made the news when she chose a unique way to test her husband’s love. With the help of a friend, she manipulated her own kidnapping and sent a ransom notice to her husband. When the police discovered the kidnapping was a hoax, they asked the lady why she did it. “I wanted to find out what my husband would do for me,” she replied. (AFP News) Why did this woman go through all this work, this charade, to find out how much her husband loved her? Because, my friend, she didn't know IF he loved her! In many places today, kisses are absent. Love is unsure. Even in marriage, there are people who do not say "I love you" to their spouse daily. Hugs and other affectionate gestures are non-existent. The marriage is missing the elements of Song of Solomon 1:2…. love and kisses and a desire for one another.
When was the last time you kissed your spouse with gusto? When was the last time you went on a date? If you are not married, when was the last time you gave or received a real hug? Life is so much "sweeter" when there are signs of love given to others. Even God's love needs to be shared with others. Can you imagine life with no hugs, no kisses, no love? Did you know that in a study where children were not hugged or coddled for long periods, many got sick? Love is so needed in our world. And the love of God is needed even more!
Today, see how you can show you love someone. If you are married, give your spouse a memorable hug and kiss. Enjoy the sweetness of the love of family and friends. Share the love of God! It makes life so much more worth living!
Song of Solomon is an anomaly in the Bible. Its focus is not completely on a good relationship with God nor on building a good spiritual foundation. Song of Solomon is about the love between husband and wife, celebrating a relationship of love, enjoying one's self in marriage. Many scholars use this book as allegory of the love one needs with God or how to love Christ in life. It's original intent, however, was seen more as an example of true love in a relationship between husband and wife. Song of Solomon 1:2 is an example of this. Here in this verse, it is assumed that the wife of Solomon opines that she desires the kisses of her husband. These kisses are to her "sweeter than wine". When two people are in love they can hardly wait to embrace, to kiss, to meet, to talk, to share. When separated for days or weeks because of work, a husband in a good marriage can hardly wait to get back home to the arms of his wife. A wife can feel the same when absent from her husband for too long. Those kisses mean so much! The love of a spouse can make life so much sweeter!
This verse stresses how much the wife of Solomon cherishes the love of her husband. She longs for it. She dreams about it. She needs it. When you are in love in a relationship blessed by God, those kisses make life precious and so wonderful! Sadly, in many marriages, people do not look forward to kisses. Love is missing. The relationship is hurting or dead. God never wanted marriage to be this way! God desires all couples to give and receive true Biblical, beautiful love.
A lady in Spain made the news when she chose a unique way to test her husband’s love. With the help of a friend, she manipulated her own kidnapping and sent a ransom notice to her husband. When the police discovered the kidnapping was a hoax, they asked the lady why she did it. “I wanted to find out what my husband would do for me,” she replied. (AFP News) Why did this woman go through all this work, this charade, to find out how much her husband loved her? Because, my friend, she didn't know IF he loved her! In many places today, kisses are absent. Love is unsure. Even in marriage, there are people who do not say "I love you" to their spouse daily. Hugs and other affectionate gestures are non-existent. The marriage is missing the elements of Song of Solomon 1:2…. love and kisses and a desire for one another.
When was the last time you kissed your spouse with gusto? When was the last time you went on a date? If you are not married, when was the last time you gave or received a real hug? Life is so much "sweeter" when there are signs of love given to others. Even God's love needs to be shared with others. Can you imagine life with no hugs, no kisses, no love? Did you know that in a study where children were not hugged or coddled for long periods, many got sick? Love is so needed in our world. And the love of God is needed even more!
Today, see how you can show you love someone. If you are married, give your spouse a memorable hug and kiss. Enjoy the sweetness of the love of family and friends. Share the love of God! It makes life so much more worth living!
November 17
“A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.”
(Proverbs 17:22, NASB95)
(Proverbs 17:22, NASB95)
The Cancer Treatment Centers of America recently decided to give this information to their patients: "We were born with the gift of laughter. Laughter is a natural medicine. It lifts our spirits and makes us feel happy. Laughter is a contagious emotion. It can bring people together. It can help us feel more alive and empowered.
For years, the use of humor has been used in medicine. Surgeons used humor to distract patients from pain as early as the 13th century. Later, in the 20th century, came the scientific study of the effect of humor on physical wellness. Over the years, researchers have conducted studies to explore the impact of laughter on health. These have revealed that episodes of laughter helped to reduce pain, decrease stress-related hormones and boost the immune system in participants. Laughter therapy can help improve quality of life for patients with chronic illnesses. Many hospitals now offer laughter therapy programs as a complementary treatment to illness."
I find it interesting how the medical establishment has only recently found out the value of joy and laughter for good health and healing, when long ago joy was seen as good medicine as evidenced in the book of Proverbs! All doctors had to do for centuries is open up the Bible and they would have seen that a heart filled with real joy is "good medicine" (Proverbs 17:22). But where medical centers see the value of simple laughter, scripture connects godly joy with healing. Where laughter in itself can heal, godly joy is a strong medicine for body and soul.
According to scripture, not having godly joy is essentially "bad medicine". The scripture for today acknowledges this when it teaches that "a broken spirit dries up the bones". Ezekiel 37 mentions that dried up bones are a symbol of hopelessness and death (See Ezekiel 37:11). In the days of Ezekiel, God had judged the people for their sinfulness and faithlessness. They were living lives of hopeless suffering because of their sin. It had resulted in their lives being filled with sickness, sadness, suffering, and hopelessness. What modern day medicine has yet to figure out is that a connection with God is what brings true joy and healing. A life without faith will result in sickness, weakness, hopelessness, and suffering. God is the key to joy in life. A life without God brings the loss of joy.
As you go through life, you will witness those who have no faith. On the outside, they may seem happy and successful, independent and healthy. I have found that those who lack faith are anything but these things. It may take a while, but unfaithful and sinful living will result in disease and sickness. Those who think they can drink until drunk and take illicit drugs in contradiction to the scriptures will have difficult lives. Those who fool around in marriage may seem happy and carefree, but the love they feel is fleeting and shallow. It may take days or years, but you will experience the loneliness and sadness of those who have no faith. True joy and real healing come from following God's way of life.
So, how much joy do you have in your life? Are you a good example of joyfulness to others? Has some sin come in to steal your happiness? God wishes you to have joy in life. A faithful life should be filled with joy and healing, even in the midst of turmoil, chaos, or pain. The modern medical establishment has rediscovered the connection between laughter and healing. How about showing them that true joy and laughter come from a heart that is connected with God and filled with love! There is no reason to live without joy if you are a child of God. Just be careful you follow God's prescription for true joy. Any other alternative will not bring lasting healing or peace.
For years, the use of humor has been used in medicine. Surgeons used humor to distract patients from pain as early as the 13th century. Later, in the 20th century, came the scientific study of the effect of humor on physical wellness. Over the years, researchers have conducted studies to explore the impact of laughter on health. These have revealed that episodes of laughter helped to reduce pain, decrease stress-related hormones and boost the immune system in participants. Laughter therapy can help improve quality of life for patients with chronic illnesses. Many hospitals now offer laughter therapy programs as a complementary treatment to illness."
I find it interesting how the medical establishment has only recently found out the value of joy and laughter for good health and healing, when long ago joy was seen as good medicine as evidenced in the book of Proverbs! All doctors had to do for centuries is open up the Bible and they would have seen that a heart filled with real joy is "good medicine" (Proverbs 17:22). But where medical centers see the value of simple laughter, scripture connects godly joy with healing. Where laughter in itself can heal, godly joy is a strong medicine for body and soul.
According to scripture, not having godly joy is essentially "bad medicine". The scripture for today acknowledges this when it teaches that "a broken spirit dries up the bones". Ezekiel 37 mentions that dried up bones are a symbol of hopelessness and death (See Ezekiel 37:11). In the days of Ezekiel, God had judged the people for their sinfulness and faithlessness. They were living lives of hopeless suffering because of their sin. It had resulted in their lives being filled with sickness, sadness, suffering, and hopelessness. What modern day medicine has yet to figure out is that a connection with God is what brings true joy and healing. A life without faith will result in sickness, weakness, hopelessness, and suffering. God is the key to joy in life. A life without God brings the loss of joy.
As you go through life, you will witness those who have no faith. On the outside, they may seem happy and successful, independent and healthy. I have found that those who lack faith are anything but these things. It may take a while, but unfaithful and sinful living will result in disease and sickness. Those who think they can drink until drunk and take illicit drugs in contradiction to the scriptures will have difficult lives. Those who fool around in marriage may seem happy and carefree, but the love they feel is fleeting and shallow. It may take days or years, but you will experience the loneliness and sadness of those who have no faith. True joy and real healing come from following God's way of life.
So, how much joy do you have in your life? Are you a good example of joyfulness to others? Has some sin come in to steal your happiness? God wishes you to have joy in life. A faithful life should be filled with joy and healing, even in the midst of turmoil, chaos, or pain. The modern medical establishment has rediscovered the connection between laughter and healing. How about showing them that true joy and laughter come from a heart that is connected with God and filled with love! There is no reason to live without joy if you are a child of God. Just be careful you follow God's prescription for true joy. Any other alternative will not bring lasting healing or peace.
November 18
“And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.”
(Revelation 14:11, NIV)
(Revelation 14:11, NIV)
In the book of Revelation, the “beast” is seen as a personification of evil. Any on earth who willingly followed the beast were seen as rejecting God and siding with evil. The beast will be aligned with Satan and given great evil powers. Though acting like God with powers and “signs” (Revelation 13:13), true faithful believers knew that the beast will be a sign of evil in the last days. In its last fight, the beast would be thrown into the lake of fire after its defeat by God (Revelations 19:19). His followers would join him. The faithful who fought against the beast would be blessed by God.
During the wars and fights between the beast and God during the End Times, God would punish the followers of the beast and Satan. In the scripture for today, this is mentioned. God will “torment” these evil followers. A sign of their torment would be their lack of “rest day or night” (Revelation 14:11). A consequence of the faithful who fought the beast is that God would make sure they were given rest in Heaven following the fight (Revelation 14:13). In hell, the followers of the beast again would not have eternal rest. Hell would be a place where they were tormented day and night forever (Revelation 20:10). Ultimately, those who followed God found rest. Those who followed evil had no rest; they only found torment.
I think it is very important that from the first days of creation, God invented “rest”. On the seventh day of Creation, as an example to the faithful, God “rested” (Genesis 2:3). It’s not that God needed a rest. Resting was a sign to the faithful of what they should experience on the Sabbath day, the seventh day of the week. God wanted rest to accompany the faithful. Throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, a peaceful rest was given by God to the faithful on Earth as in Heaven.
If resting is a sign of godly blessing, it should be found in your life. There should be times of rest and relaxation in your life. Days when you worship should be days of holy rest, where you concentrate more on God and less on your “labors” in life. I have found that when rest disappears from the life of the faithful, something is missing, or a sin is consuming the person’s life. If your life is frazzled, hurried, and harried, you will need to find out what is wrong. Otherwise, you will never truly feel God’s peaceful and enjoyable “rest” in your life. Even when everything is falling apart in your life, there should be moments of prayer or peace when you feel God’s rest coming to you. No matter the circumstances, God will want you to feel a godly rest.
John lived in New York City for eight years. There, he had enormous success and climbed high up the corporate ladder. Everything he worked on seemed to succeed. His managers continually gave him high marks and very positive reviews. Despite the success, John felt ill at ease in his life. He seemed to have two sides to his life: work and sleep. When he wasn’t sleeping he was working, and vice versa. This kind of life was gnawing at his heart. Burning the candle at both ends, he increasingly felt alone and unfulfilled. Though showered with money, he felt his life was becoming consumed with work.
When visiting his parents in Upstate New York one Thanksgiving, John began to long for a simpler life filled with family and friends. He visited his home church and that visit rekindled his relationship with God. A year later he left New York for a lower-paying job near his family. He moved back near home. He found someone to love. After their first child, John reflected on his life. He knew if he had stayed in New York he would have been swimming in money, but depressed with the loneliness. Now, his life seemed much more fulfilled. He looked back on that visit to his home church when he felt that tug of God. He thanked God for the changes that had occurred. John also realized that for the first time in his life, he was truly happy. When he went to bed, he slept peacefully. What a difference one visit with God had on his life!
Don’t be surprised if God wants you to step back now and then to rest in HIS arms for a while. God may want you to back away from some obligations or take a little more time to pray. In these moments, God will give you rest and to speak with your heart. God will want you to experience godly rest in your life to strengthen and bless you. Throughout the upcoming holiday season, don’t get all caught up in the hustle and bustle. Let God bring some needed rest and peace to your heart. You might be shocked at how much you need it!
During the wars and fights between the beast and God during the End Times, God would punish the followers of the beast and Satan. In the scripture for today, this is mentioned. God will “torment” these evil followers. A sign of their torment would be their lack of “rest day or night” (Revelation 14:11). A consequence of the faithful who fought the beast is that God would make sure they were given rest in Heaven following the fight (Revelation 14:13). In hell, the followers of the beast again would not have eternal rest. Hell would be a place where they were tormented day and night forever (Revelation 20:10). Ultimately, those who followed God found rest. Those who followed evil had no rest; they only found torment.
I think it is very important that from the first days of creation, God invented “rest”. On the seventh day of Creation, as an example to the faithful, God “rested” (Genesis 2:3). It’s not that God needed a rest. Resting was a sign to the faithful of what they should experience on the Sabbath day, the seventh day of the week. God wanted rest to accompany the faithful. Throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, a peaceful rest was given by God to the faithful on Earth as in Heaven.
If resting is a sign of godly blessing, it should be found in your life. There should be times of rest and relaxation in your life. Days when you worship should be days of holy rest, where you concentrate more on God and less on your “labors” in life. I have found that when rest disappears from the life of the faithful, something is missing, or a sin is consuming the person’s life. If your life is frazzled, hurried, and harried, you will need to find out what is wrong. Otherwise, you will never truly feel God’s peaceful and enjoyable “rest” in your life. Even when everything is falling apart in your life, there should be moments of prayer or peace when you feel God’s rest coming to you. No matter the circumstances, God will want you to feel a godly rest.
John lived in New York City for eight years. There, he had enormous success and climbed high up the corporate ladder. Everything he worked on seemed to succeed. His managers continually gave him high marks and very positive reviews. Despite the success, John felt ill at ease in his life. He seemed to have two sides to his life: work and sleep. When he wasn’t sleeping he was working, and vice versa. This kind of life was gnawing at his heart. Burning the candle at both ends, he increasingly felt alone and unfulfilled. Though showered with money, he felt his life was becoming consumed with work.
When visiting his parents in Upstate New York one Thanksgiving, John began to long for a simpler life filled with family and friends. He visited his home church and that visit rekindled his relationship with God. A year later he left New York for a lower-paying job near his family. He moved back near home. He found someone to love. After their first child, John reflected on his life. He knew if he had stayed in New York he would have been swimming in money, but depressed with the loneliness. Now, his life seemed much more fulfilled. He looked back on that visit to his home church when he felt that tug of God. He thanked God for the changes that had occurred. John also realized that for the first time in his life, he was truly happy. When he went to bed, he slept peacefully. What a difference one visit with God had on his life!
Don’t be surprised if God wants you to step back now and then to rest in HIS arms for a while. God may want you to back away from some obligations or take a little more time to pray. In these moments, God will give you rest and to speak with your heart. God will want you to experience godly rest in your life to strengthen and bless you. Throughout the upcoming holiday season, don’t get all caught up in the hustle and bustle. Let God bring some needed rest and peace to your heart. You might be shocked at how much you need it!
November 19
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9–10, NIV84)
Following the birth of her first child, Charity went through a long and difficult period of post-partum depression. She cried a lot, with emotions hitting her like a roller-coaster. During that time, one phrase kept popping into her mind, “I am so tired of giving and giving and giving.” The baby would cry, and she would have to feed her or change her diaper. Housework grew tiresome. Everything in her life seemed to weigh upon her heart and emotions. Finally, with her doctor’s help and the care of her family, Charity began to see that her brain chemicals had changed with the birth of her daughter. She needed medicine and counseling to help her body and mind get back on track. Until that happened, she remembered that period of her life as extremely taxing. Everything was hard, even overwhelming.
Even though Charity was doing important things in raising her daughter, caring for her family, and working through the changes in her life, the post-partum depression caused her to be weary of all the work her life entailed. She was constantly drained in caring for everybody else. She could hardly take care of herself. As the depression eased with time and medication, she began to enjoy her life again. Spending time with her daughter became a real joy. The love of her husband was cherished. But while the depression lingered, Charity had a difficult time doing anything productive or loving.
Like Charity, all of us have had periods in life where we grew tired of doing good things for others. It can seem like all you do is give, while all others take, take, take. Being the caregiver of an infant child or elderly parent can be very draining. Trying to help a friend recover from back surgery can take months. Helping your autistic child can easily soak up hours in your day. Taking your mother to physical therapy after a fall while she constantly complains can tire you out mentally as much as control your schedule for weeks. Now and then, doing good things in your life may seem like a real chore, a waste of time, or not worth it. You might feel tempted to just quit doing good things for others and spend more time pampering yourself. Be careful when you find yourself in a pity party. You might think it wonderful to not have to deal with things that are weary. But sometimes, hanging in there and continuing to do good things in your life is precisely what God wants you to do.
In our scripture reading for today, Paul wrote that we should not grow “weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). Noting that true Christians are blessed for their godly works, Paul mentioned that those who do good things in life will “reap a harvest” IF they “do not give up”. This verse is clear about two things. First, as a follower of Christ, you should spend your time doing good things with your life. Your efforts should not be selfish or self-centered. God has given you great gifts to share with your world. To hold them back is to go against the wishes of God. The second point that can be clearly seen in this verse is that doing good things can get wearying. It can weigh upon you. Humans tend to gravitate toward helping themselves. God wants you to be different. God wants you to help others where you can.
When you do help others, you may desire them to give back, help you in return, be kind because you are kind. Sometimes, people don’t respond that way. They can take everything you have to give without even a word of thanks. They can push your buttons. Your response shouldn’t be to just give up when another takes advantage of your generosity or help. Instead, you need to do adjust your good works as God tells you. Find the best ways to do good things. Just don’t give up... no matter what! A reward from God will come soon enough (Galatians 6:9).
In Galatians 6:10, Paul wrote that true people of faith should look for “opportunities” to do good works for “all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers”. God thus will present you with opportunities to do good works, cause people to come into your life who need help, place you in situations where you can make a difference. In these opportunities, God will determine your character. God will watch and see how you act, what you say, how you help. True faith shows itself in these opportunities, whether the other person responds nicely or even appreciates what you do. It doesn’t matter if your good deeds are noticed by others. God will notice. God will reward you, even if the crabby old geezer who you just helped completely ignores you!
Jesus didn’t only reach out or help those who could give something back to Him. He gave freely as a gift from God. He never grew weary of healing, helping, sharing, teaching, preaching, even when His enemies tried to trick Him or hurt Him. Can you do the same? Don’t give of yourself with strings attached. Reach out in the name of Jesus, knowing that Jesus has already found you! Seek those opportunities to let your faith and good works shine! Make your Lord proud! Someday, those kind gestures will be rewarded. The scripture for today promises just that!
Even though Charity was doing important things in raising her daughter, caring for her family, and working through the changes in her life, the post-partum depression caused her to be weary of all the work her life entailed. She was constantly drained in caring for everybody else. She could hardly take care of herself. As the depression eased with time and medication, she began to enjoy her life again. Spending time with her daughter became a real joy. The love of her husband was cherished. But while the depression lingered, Charity had a difficult time doing anything productive or loving.
Like Charity, all of us have had periods in life where we grew tired of doing good things for others. It can seem like all you do is give, while all others take, take, take. Being the caregiver of an infant child or elderly parent can be very draining. Trying to help a friend recover from back surgery can take months. Helping your autistic child can easily soak up hours in your day. Taking your mother to physical therapy after a fall while she constantly complains can tire you out mentally as much as control your schedule for weeks. Now and then, doing good things in your life may seem like a real chore, a waste of time, or not worth it. You might feel tempted to just quit doing good things for others and spend more time pampering yourself. Be careful when you find yourself in a pity party. You might think it wonderful to not have to deal with things that are weary. But sometimes, hanging in there and continuing to do good things in your life is precisely what God wants you to do.
In our scripture reading for today, Paul wrote that we should not grow “weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). Noting that true Christians are blessed for their godly works, Paul mentioned that those who do good things in life will “reap a harvest” IF they “do not give up”. This verse is clear about two things. First, as a follower of Christ, you should spend your time doing good things with your life. Your efforts should not be selfish or self-centered. God has given you great gifts to share with your world. To hold them back is to go against the wishes of God. The second point that can be clearly seen in this verse is that doing good things can get wearying. It can weigh upon you. Humans tend to gravitate toward helping themselves. God wants you to be different. God wants you to help others where you can.
When you do help others, you may desire them to give back, help you in return, be kind because you are kind. Sometimes, people don’t respond that way. They can take everything you have to give without even a word of thanks. They can push your buttons. Your response shouldn’t be to just give up when another takes advantage of your generosity or help. Instead, you need to do adjust your good works as God tells you. Find the best ways to do good things. Just don’t give up... no matter what! A reward from God will come soon enough (Galatians 6:9).
In Galatians 6:10, Paul wrote that true people of faith should look for “opportunities” to do good works for “all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers”. God thus will present you with opportunities to do good works, cause people to come into your life who need help, place you in situations where you can make a difference. In these opportunities, God will determine your character. God will watch and see how you act, what you say, how you help. True faith shows itself in these opportunities, whether the other person responds nicely or even appreciates what you do. It doesn’t matter if your good deeds are noticed by others. God will notice. God will reward you, even if the crabby old geezer who you just helped completely ignores you!
Jesus didn’t only reach out or help those who could give something back to Him. He gave freely as a gift from God. He never grew weary of healing, helping, sharing, teaching, preaching, even when His enemies tried to trick Him or hurt Him. Can you do the same? Don’t give of yourself with strings attached. Reach out in the name of Jesus, knowing that Jesus has already found you! Seek those opportunities to let your faith and good works shine! Make your Lord proud! Someday, those kind gestures will be rewarded. The scripture for today promises just that!
November 20
“The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.”” (Genesis 4:6–7, RSV)
Cain and Abel were two brothers from the book of Genesis. In the end, Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy, envy, and anger. Before committing the terrible act of murder, God warned Cain not to give into sin, not to let sin overcome him. God encouraged Cain to “master” his sin (Genesis 4:7). God wanted Cain to choose to do right. God warned Cain that sin was “crouching at the door”, desiring to have its way with Cain. The murder was Cain’s greatest failure in life. It defined him for the rest of his life, causing him to be despised by others and wrecked his relationship with God.
I want you to think about what God said to Cain in the warning above. God wanted Cain to see that sin was “crouching at the door”, “desiring” to wreck Cain’s life. With those words, God hoped to head off the angry, sinful thoughts brewing in the head of Cain. But Cain did not hesitate to give into sin. The very next paragraph in the Bible describes Cain’s murder of his brother. God’s warning fell on deaf ears. Sin and death were the result.
There will come times in your life when sin will be “crouching at the door” seeking and desiring to pounce into your actions. Like a tiger poised ready to strike its prey, sin will be looking for any weakness in you…. sin’s prey. They say that lions and tigers usually do not hunt the herds in search of food. They look for the weak, lone animal. They lustily look for the straggler, the young animal that falls behind the herd, or the older weakened adult that has a limp. That’s usually their target. In the same way, sin looks for your weakness. It takes advantage of your emotional outbursts and feelings. It is ready to launch itself into your life and take advantage in your moment of distraction.
They say a predator can spend hours watching in a weakness for prey, only to strike at the last moment. The predator knows when it is a good time to strike. Not wanting to waste any energy, the tiger watches and waits for the right moment to pounce. So too, sin can hit you when you least expect it. It can slam into your life in a moment of weakness when you are distracted by worldly things. When doubts or busy-ness separate you from God, you lose your protection. Sin can sense your vulnerability. It will plan its strike. Spiritually, this predator/prey relationship between sin and humanity dominates history. It can dominate your life. Beware when sin “crouches at the door”. It has sensed your weakness.
Jim was a good-looking guy who was fun-loving and well liked. He had a weakness for the ladies. Even after he married Caroline, his eye might wander. Caroline was great for Jim, and he knew it. Still, he would let himself watch a pretty girl walk past and fantasize about being with her. At his office, he would flirt all the time. Ladies in the department knew about his flirtation and generally enjoyed it. Jim was pleasing to the eye, so some of the women encouraged it. They flirted back. What Jim doesn’t know is that sin is crouching at the door. His playful banter may seem harmless, but for sin it is an opportunity. Sin may get a foothold into Jim’s life through his wandering eye and his flirty banter. Caroline is aware of it. She watches him like a hawk. Little does Jim know, Caroline is his best defense for a major screw-up in their marriage.
What kind of sin do you think might be crouching near your door? What weakness in your spiritual life might sin exploit? Is there a sin that works its way into your life periodically? God wanted desperately for Cain not to give into his anger and commit his shameful act. God warned Cain, hoping for repentance and reconciliation. It never came. Sin had its way with Cain. Don’t let sin do the same in your life. Keep close to God. Watch for those warnings from God. Don’t let yourself become spiritual fodder for sin.
I want you to think about what God said to Cain in the warning above. God wanted Cain to see that sin was “crouching at the door”, “desiring” to wreck Cain’s life. With those words, God hoped to head off the angry, sinful thoughts brewing in the head of Cain. But Cain did not hesitate to give into sin. The very next paragraph in the Bible describes Cain’s murder of his brother. God’s warning fell on deaf ears. Sin and death were the result.
There will come times in your life when sin will be “crouching at the door” seeking and desiring to pounce into your actions. Like a tiger poised ready to strike its prey, sin will be looking for any weakness in you…. sin’s prey. They say that lions and tigers usually do not hunt the herds in search of food. They look for the weak, lone animal. They lustily look for the straggler, the young animal that falls behind the herd, or the older weakened adult that has a limp. That’s usually their target. In the same way, sin looks for your weakness. It takes advantage of your emotional outbursts and feelings. It is ready to launch itself into your life and take advantage in your moment of distraction.
They say a predator can spend hours watching in a weakness for prey, only to strike at the last moment. The predator knows when it is a good time to strike. Not wanting to waste any energy, the tiger watches and waits for the right moment to pounce. So too, sin can hit you when you least expect it. It can slam into your life in a moment of weakness when you are distracted by worldly things. When doubts or busy-ness separate you from God, you lose your protection. Sin can sense your vulnerability. It will plan its strike. Spiritually, this predator/prey relationship between sin and humanity dominates history. It can dominate your life. Beware when sin “crouches at the door”. It has sensed your weakness.
Jim was a good-looking guy who was fun-loving and well liked. He had a weakness for the ladies. Even after he married Caroline, his eye might wander. Caroline was great for Jim, and he knew it. Still, he would let himself watch a pretty girl walk past and fantasize about being with her. At his office, he would flirt all the time. Ladies in the department knew about his flirtation and generally enjoyed it. Jim was pleasing to the eye, so some of the women encouraged it. They flirted back. What Jim doesn’t know is that sin is crouching at the door. His playful banter may seem harmless, but for sin it is an opportunity. Sin may get a foothold into Jim’s life through his wandering eye and his flirty banter. Caroline is aware of it. She watches him like a hawk. Little does Jim know, Caroline is his best defense for a major screw-up in their marriage.
What kind of sin do you think might be crouching near your door? What weakness in your spiritual life might sin exploit? Is there a sin that works its way into your life periodically? God wanted desperately for Cain not to give into his anger and commit his shameful act. God warned Cain, hoping for repentance and reconciliation. It never came. Sin had its way with Cain. Don’t let sin do the same in your life. Keep close to God. Watch for those warnings from God. Don’t let yourself become spiritual fodder for sin.
November 21
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.” (Genesis 1:1–2, NASB95)
Picture it: the first day of Creation is about to happen. How does everything look? There is no light. There is no life. There is only “the heavens and the earth… formless and void” of life (Genesis 1:1). Darkness rules day and night. Nothing but God exists. But, God is active. You can see it in Genesis 1:2: “the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.” God is about to bring forth light, life, and complete creation out of all the nothingness. With a word, God brings forth existence for everything.
As I was reflecting on this creating power of God, I began to see how God is still creating today. God can take a person who is empty inside and create beautiful life. With a word, God can send HIS Spirit to move into a life. I have found that people who do not have a relationship with God have an “emptiness” in their lives. There is a “void”. They can feel something missing. So often, they fill that void with more emptiness, like alcohol and drugs, shopping trips and busy lives. Only when adversity comes do they realize the emptiness. In Ecclesiastes 2:1, wise and rich King Solomon surrounded himself with pleasures and riches. He decided to fill his life with personal enjoyment. In the end, he wrote, “…it too was futility.” (Ecclesiastes 2:1) You can’t find satisfaction and joy in the midst of an “empty” life. Without God’s Spirit moving into you, without God’s Word bringing you life, there is only emptiness, void, futility, darkness.
God is constantly ready to bring life to HIS creation, to bring blessings and peace and satisfaction and wholeness in your life. All it takes is acknowledging that God is God, and asking HIM to create in you a new heart (Psalm 51:10). When you being to allow God to make the important decisions in your life, you will find new creations popping up in your world. God will bring joy to your day, meaning to your existence, purpose for your days. God loves to create life. Are you willing to let God create a new you?
I met a woman yesterday. I was only with her for a few minutes in passing and I felt something good about her. She was being harassed by a person on the phone, but there was a happiness about her. She seemed positive, upbeat, hopeful despite the frustration of the caller on the other end of the line. After she hung up the phone, she said to me, “Is it true you are a pastor?”. That led to a ten-minute talk about all things faith and God related, during which she tried to help me feel better despite my own disability. She is very active in her church, and loves God. That’s obvious! She tried to encourage me to find ways to help, do ministry, find purpose. God was working through her to bring me healing. God was creating hope and joy in my heart. I also encouraged her as she helped her mother through a severe illness. That’s what happens when we let God into our day. We Christians create life wherever we go. We take after God, who created everything!
I talked with another woman two days ago. She was angry and bitter. Life had beaten her down. Her choices had come back to bite her. She was very negative. As we talked, everything seemed wrong in life. She doubted God’s presence in her life. She pushed her children away from worship and their Bible. Her faith seemed like a tired, worn out cliche. After spending mere minutes with her, my obstacles seemed more daunting. Life felt out of control. Honestly, after just a few minutes in her presence, I felt depressed.
Both women were “Christians”. One was actively pursuing God. One had given up on God. Where one brought joy and hope out in people, the other brought depression and negativity. One sought to uplift others. The other made you feel life was hardly worth living. Which one do you think more resembled the real God?
God creates. God brings life. God is love. When you lose God in life or don’t have God in your life, emptiness and negativity will rule your world. If you let sin or anger or resentment or vengeance or lust rule in your life, the inevitable result is always bad.
Today, let God create something new in your life. Give God the reins. Let God make the decisions. Let go of your negativity and let God bring something positive to your day. You might be surprised at what God creates in you!
As I was reflecting on this creating power of God, I began to see how God is still creating today. God can take a person who is empty inside and create beautiful life. With a word, God can send HIS Spirit to move into a life. I have found that people who do not have a relationship with God have an “emptiness” in their lives. There is a “void”. They can feel something missing. So often, they fill that void with more emptiness, like alcohol and drugs, shopping trips and busy lives. Only when adversity comes do they realize the emptiness. In Ecclesiastes 2:1, wise and rich King Solomon surrounded himself with pleasures and riches. He decided to fill his life with personal enjoyment. In the end, he wrote, “…it too was futility.” (Ecclesiastes 2:1) You can’t find satisfaction and joy in the midst of an “empty” life. Without God’s Spirit moving into you, without God’s Word bringing you life, there is only emptiness, void, futility, darkness.
God is constantly ready to bring life to HIS creation, to bring blessings and peace and satisfaction and wholeness in your life. All it takes is acknowledging that God is God, and asking HIM to create in you a new heart (Psalm 51:10). When you being to allow God to make the important decisions in your life, you will find new creations popping up in your world. God will bring joy to your day, meaning to your existence, purpose for your days. God loves to create life. Are you willing to let God create a new you?
I met a woman yesterday. I was only with her for a few minutes in passing and I felt something good about her. She was being harassed by a person on the phone, but there was a happiness about her. She seemed positive, upbeat, hopeful despite the frustration of the caller on the other end of the line. After she hung up the phone, she said to me, “Is it true you are a pastor?”. That led to a ten-minute talk about all things faith and God related, during which she tried to help me feel better despite my own disability. She is very active in her church, and loves God. That’s obvious! She tried to encourage me to find ways to help, do ministry, find purpose. God was working through her to bring me healing. God was creating hope and joy in my heart. I also encouraged her as she helped her mother through a severe illness. That’s what happens when we let God into our day. We Christians create life wherever we go. We take after God, who created everything!
I talked with another woman two days ago. She was angry and bitter. Life had beaten her down. Her choices had come back to bite her. She was very negative. As we talked, everything seemed wrong in life. She doubted God’s presence in her life. She pushed her children away from worship and their Bible. Her faith seemed like a tired, worn out cliche. After spending mere minutes with her, my obstacles seemed more daunting. Life felt out of control. Honestly, after just a few minutes in her presence, I felt depressed.
Both women were “Christians”. One was actively pursuing God. One had given up on God. Where one brought joy and hope out in people, the other brought depression and negativity. One sought to uplift others. The other made you feel life was hardly worth living. Which one do you think more resembled the real God?
God creates. God brings life. God is love. When you lose God in life or don’t have God in your life, emptiness and negativity will rule your world. If you let sin or anger or resentment or vengeance or lust rule in your life, the inevitable result is always bad.
Today, let God create something new in your life. Give God the reins. Let God make the decisions. Let go of your negativity and let God bring something positive to your day. You might be surprised at what God creates in you!
November 22
“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; he sent forth his word, and healed them, and delivered them from destruction. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to the sons of men! And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!” (Psalm 107:19–22, RSV)
In a column written by a California newspaper, a reporter wrote the following words: “Among the soldiers in Baghdad there is a real star, the kind who haunts my memory night and day. It is the U.S. soldier in Baghdad who saw a little girl playing with a piece of unexploded ordnance on a street near where he was guarding a station. He pushed her aside and threw himself on it just as it exploded. He left a family desolate in California and a little girl alive in Baghdad.” He sacrificed his life so that she and those at the guard station could live.
The sacrifice of this soldier goes in line with the sacrifices of many people over the years. The brave, the protective, the nurturer, the father, the mother, the employee, the doctor, the pastor, the teacher…. many have sacrificed for others. They have given up things so that others might find hope, help, or life. They all gave up something so that another person could have something they needed.
A doctor at the American Presbyterian Missions Board used her own money to build a small hospital in China. On one occasion, a nurse asked the doctor why she was limping. The doctor wouldn’t say, but it was later found out why she was limping. A poor man had a severe injury where he lost part of his leg. The doctor, during the operation to save the leg, did not have enough tissue to repair the damaged leg. She took a skin graft from her own leg and applied it to the poor man so that he would not die from infection.
A mother of three in Illinois has a husband who was sent to jail for selling drugs. In order to help her family survive, she works three jobs. Her relatives also help her with the kids. All are sacrificing so that the children can have a good education, the necessities of life, and love even while daddy is gone. All are making sacrifices for the children.
Now some people might take advantage of those who sacrifice for others. You might say that soldier from Iraq died needlessly. You might say that doctor should not have endangered her own life which was so important to thousands for one poor man. You might think that mother in Illinois is just suffering because she married a bum. But, I say to you, each one and their sacrifices are noticed by God. God cares when we sacrifice for others. Why? Because God was the one who came up with the idea of sacrifices for others. It’s how God works. And God notices those who sacrifice things for others. God notices when a mother and father make sacrifices for their children. God knows when, out of love, a person gives up something for someone else to be blessed.
Let me explain. In Old Testament times, the people of Israel didn’t know what to do about sin. When they sinned, how could they face God? God told Moses that after people sin, they should buy an animal and sacrifice it, giving its meat to those in need and to the priests. Essentially, when a person sinned, the person paid a price, and so did an animal. It was a sacrifice made for that sin. That sacrifice made it so that the people found forgiveness with God.
In Jesus, we see the same thing. He sacrificed his life on a cross so that our sins might be forgiven. He gave his body and blood so that we might be brought closer to God and have eternal life. He sacrificed for us, every one of us, warts and all.
In Psalm 107, we are told about a special kind of sacrifice required of the people of Israel that is often neglected in modern times… a sacrifice of thanksgiving. In the scripture above, you are introduced to a those who were “delivered from their distress” (Psalm 107:19). God rescued them during challenging times. In response to God’s healing and help, the writer asked that they “thank the Lord” (Psalm 107:21) and that they offer up “sacrifices of thanksgiving” (Psalm 107:22). Thus, God didn’t want the people to sacrifice an animal for their sin that day. God didn’t want these redeemed people to give money. God didn’t want people to give up food or clothing. God wanted a sacrifice of thanksgiving… for the people to simply give thanks with joy in their hearts for God. Making a sacrifice to God with thanksgiving for everything God did was the perfect response.
So often, people think of sacrificing as a chore, as a tough thing, as a painful thing. But sometimes, what it required is that you be thankful for what you do have, to praise God and thank God for the blessings around you. God may require you to stop what you are doing and just count your blessings or thank all those around you who helped you along the way in life. As a show of sacrifice in thanksgiving, God may ask that you do something for someone in need. It is a way to give a gift to God.
A boy came home from school dejected. He knew he was in trouble. During lunch, he got in a shouting match with a friend and the two ended up in a fistfight. The parents were called to school. The boy’s mother heard what had happened. She quietly asked the principal to forgive her son and promised that her son would be punished. He wouldn’t do it again.
That night, the boy was worried. Supper was approaching. Dad was coming home, and he was going to get it…. big time. How would he suffer? Grounding? Spanking? The belt? His dad was a stern fellow. As the family sat down for dinner, mama made sure the son who got into trouble at school sat next to her at the table. Then, they said their prayer for the meal. As the mother gave thanks for their food, she also gave a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Mama prayed, “Dear Lord, I thank you for this food in which we will be blessed. I thank you that we have food. I am so thankful for my son, even when he makes poor choices …. (with that she nudged her son under the table.) I thank you God for blessing me with a boy who tries hard to get good grades … (with that sentence she kneed him under the table). I thank you, oh God, that my son will gladly follow his punishments and appreciate his parents when they look out for him (with that she kneed him again under the table). She then ended the prayer…. “And God, I thank you that You sent Your Son Jesus to show us how to love one another. Amen.” Nothing was ever mentioned to the father about what the boy had done. That prayer is remembered to this day by that young man. It was the day when a sacrifice of thanksgiving replaced punishment and pain. That prayer taught the boy all he needed to know about his family, his mama, and his loving God.
Don’t be surprised if God wants you to give a sacrifice of thanksgiving. It will involve doing something in thanks for what God has done for you. It will show God you are truly thankful for what God has done. How might you do a sacrifice of thanksgiving this week?
The sacrifice of this soldier goes in line with the sacrifices of many people over the years. The brave, the protective, the nurturer, the father, the mother, the employee, the doctor, the pastor, the teacher…. many have sacrificed for others. They have given up things so that others might find hope, help, or life. They all gave up something so that another person could have something they needed.
A doctor at the American Presbyterian Missions Board used her own money to build a small hospital in China. On one occasion, a nurse asked the doctor why she was limping. The doctor wouldn’t say, but it was later found out why she was limping. A poor man had a severe injury where he lost part of his leg. The doctor, during the operation to save the leg, did not have enough tissue to repair the damaged leg. She took a skin graft from her own leg and applied it to the poor man so that he would not die from infection.
A mother of three in Illinois has a husband who was sent to jail for selling drugs. In order to help her family survive, she works three jobs. Her relatives also help her with the kids. All are sacrificing so that the children can have a good education, the necessities of life, and love even while daddy is gone. All are making sacrifices for the children.
Now some people might take advantage of those who sacrifice for others. You might say that soldier from Iraq died needlessly. You might say that doctor should not have endangered her own life which was so important to thousands for one poor man. You might think that mother in Illinois is just suffering because she married a bum. But, I say to you, each one and their sacrifices are noticed by God. God cares when we sacrifice for others. Why? Because God was the one who came up with the idea of sacrifices for others. It’s how God works. And God notices those who sacrifice things for others. God notices when a mother and father make sacrifices for their children. God knows when, out of love, a person gives up something for someone else to be blessed.
Let me explain. In Old Testament times, the people of Israel didn’t know what to do about sin. When they sinned, how could they face God? God told Moses that after people sin, they should buy an animal and sacrifice it, giving its meat to those in need and to the priests. Essentially, when a person sinned, the person paid a price, and so did an animal. It was a sacrifice made for that sin. That sacrifice made it so that the people found forgiveness with God.
In Jesus, we see the same thing. He sacrificed his life on a cross so that our sins might be forgiven. He gave his body and blood so that we might be brought closer to God and have eternal life. He sacrificed for us, every one of us, warts and all.
In Psalm 107, we are told about a special kind of sacrifice required of the people of Israel that is often neglected in modern times… a sacrifice of thanksgiving. In the scripture above, you are introduced to a those who were “delivered from their distress” (Psalm 107:19). God rescued them during challenging times. In response to God’s healing and help, the writer asked that they “thank the Lord” (Psalm 107:21) and that they offer up “sacrifices of thanksgiving” (Psalm 107:22). Thus, God didn’t want the people to sacrifice an animal for their sin that day. God didn’t want these redeemed people to give money. God didn’t want people to give up food or clothing. God wanted a sacrifice of thanksgiving… for the people to simply give thanks with joy in their hearts for God. Making a sacrifice to God with thanksgiving for everything God did was the perfect response.
So often, people think of sacrificing as a chore, as a tough thing, as a painful thing. But sometimes, what it required is that you be thankful for what you do have, to praise God and thank God for the blessings around you. God may require you to stop what you are doing and just count your blessings or thank all those around you who helped you along the way in life. As a show of sacrifice in thanksgiving, God may ask that you do something for someone in need. It is a way to give a gift to God.
A boy came home from school dejected. He knew he was in trouble. During lunch, he got in a shouting match with a friend and the two ended up in a fistfight. The parents were called to school. The boy’s mother heard what had happened. She quietly asked the principal to forgive her son and promised that her son would be punished. He wouldn’t do it again.
That night, the boy was worried. Supper was approaching. Dad was coming home, and he was going to get it…. big time. How would he suffer? Grounding? Spanking? The belt? His dad was a stern fellow. As the family sat down for dinner, mama made sure the son who got into trouble at school sat next to her at the table. Then, they said their prayer for the meal. As the mother gave thanks for their food, she also gave a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Mama prayed, “Dear Lord, I thank you for this food in which we will be blessed. I thank you that we have food. I am so thankful for my son, even when he makes poor choices …. (with that she nudged her son under the table.) I thank you God for blessing me with a boy who tries hard to get good grades … (with that sentence she kneed him under the table). I thank you, oh God, that my son will gladly follow his punishments and appreciate his parents when they look out for him (with that she kneed him again under the table). She then ended the prayer…. “And God, I thank you that You sent Your Son Jesus to show us how to love one another. Amen.” Nothing was ever mentioned to the father about what the boy had done. That prayer is remembered to this day by that young man. It was the day when a sacrifice of thanksgiving replaced punishment and pain. That prayer taught the boy all he needed to know about his family, his mama, and his loving God.
Don’t be surprised if God wants you to give a sacrifice of thanksgiving. It will involve doing something in thanks for what God has done for you. It will show God you are truly thankful for what God has done. How might you do a sacrifice of thanksgiving this week?
November 23
“After these things God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here am I.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”” (Genesis 22:1–2, RSV)
“In the “School of Faith” we must have occasional tests, or we will never know where we are spiritually. Abraham had his share of tests right from the beginning. First was the “family test,” when he had to leave his loved ones and step out by faith to go to a new land (11:27–12:5). This was followed by the “famine test,” which Abraham failed because he doubted God and went down to Egypt for help (12:10–13:4).
Once back in the land, Abraham passed the “fellowship test” when he gave Lot first choice in using the pastureland (13:5–18). He also passed the “fight test” when he defeated the kings (14:1–16) and the “fortune test” when he said no to Sodom’s wealth (14:17–24). But he failed the “fatherhood test” when Sarah got impatient with God and suggested that Abraham have a child by Hagar (Gen. 16). When the time came to send Ishmael away, Abraham passed the “farewell test” even though it broke his heart (21:14–21).” In the scripture above, Abraham is again tested by God (Genesis 22:1). This time, God wanted Abraham to show obedience. God wanted Abraham to obey an order, not knowing what God is doing or planning behind the scenes. Abraham left with his son Isaac as God commanded. Later, God made Abraham decide whether his son was more important to him than God. Abraham passed this new test wonderfully, and God continued to bless Abraham and his son, Isaac (Genesis 22:9-14). (adapted from Be Obedient by Warren Wiersbe, p. 108-109)
Each of Abraham’s tests was a trial of his faith. In the tests, God was shown the depth and level of Abraham’s faith. God wasn’t tempting Abraham to do wrong. Genesis 22:1 says God was testing him, desiring Abraham to grow spiritually. Each test brought Abraham to understand God more completely. Each test also caused Abraham to grow closer to God.
You will also face your trials, testing, and temptations. You need to learn to distinguish between each. Temptations come from our desires within us (James 1:12–16) while trials and testing come from the Lord who has a special purpose to fulfill. Temptations are used by the devil to bring out the worst in us, but trials and tests are used by the Holy Spirit to bring out the best in us (1:1–6). Temptations seem logical while trials and tests seem very unreasonable. (See Wiersbe, p. 109)
“You will face similar temptations to sin (1 Cor. 10:13), but not all believers experience the same trials of faith. God’s testings are tailor-made for each child of God, and each experience is unique. God never asked Lot to face the tests that Abraham faced. Why? Because Lot was being tempted by the world and the flesh and never grew to the place of maturity that Abraham reached. In one sense, it is a compliment when God sends us a test; it shows God wants to “promote us” in the “School of Faith.” God never sends a test until He knows you are ready for it.” (Wiersbe, p. 109).
On this Thanksgiving Day, I want to thank God for all the tests and trials you have passed in your life. They have made your faith deeper, your love truer, your hope surer. You may think others have passed many tests with God. I have found that if you come to a place like this web site frequently, you have not only passed many of God’s tests, you are at a level with God that very few attain. Your faith is rare, precious, wonderful! You may not even realize how incredibly important is your level of faith! So, don’t hesitate to use it, celebrate it, relish it, thank God for it!
Once back in the land, Abraham passed the “fellowship test” when he gave Lot first choice in using the pastureland (13:5–18). He also passed the “fight test” when he defeated the kings (14:1–16) and the “fortune test” when he said no to Sodom’s wealth (14:17–24). But he failed the “fatherhood test” when Sarah got impatient with God and suggested that Abraham have a child by Hagar (Gen. 16). When the time came to send Ishmael away, Abraham passed the “farewell test” even though it broke his heart (21:14–21).” In the scripture above, Abraham is again tested by God (Genesis 22:1). This time, God wanted Abraham to show obedience. God wanted Abraham to obey an order, not knowing what God is doing or planning behind the scenes. Abraham left with his son Isaac as God commanded. Later, God made Abraham decide whether his son was more important to him than God. Abraham passed this new test wonderfully, and God continued to bless Abraham and his son, Isaac (Genesis 22:9-14). (adapted from Be Obedient by Warren Wiersbe, p. 108-109)
Each of Abraham’s tests was a trial of his faith. In the tests, God was shown the depth and level of Abraham’s faith. God wasn’t tempting Abraham to do wrong. Genesis 22:1 says God was testing him, desiring Abraham to grow spiritually. Each test brought Abraham to understand God more completely. Each test also caused Abraham to grow closer to God.
You will also face your trials, testing, and temptations. You need to learn to distinguish between each. Temptations come from our desires within us (James 1:12–16) while trials and testing come from the Lord who has a special purpose to fulfill. Temptations are used by the devil to bring out the worst in us, but trials and tests are used by the Holy Spirit to bring out the best in us (1:1–6). Temptations seem logical while trials and tests seem very unreasonable. (See Wiersbe, p. 109)
“You will face similar temptations to sin (1 Cor. 10:13), but not all believers experience the same trials of faith. God’s testings are tailor-made for each child of God, and each experience is unique. God never asked Lot to face the tests that Abraham faced. Why? Because Lot was being tempted by the world and the flesh and never grew to the place of maturity that Abraham reached. In one sense, it is a compliment when God sends us a test; it shows God wants to “promote us” in the “School of Faith.” God never sends a test until He knows you are ready for it.” (Wiersbe, p. 109).
On this Thanksgiving Day, I want to thank God for all the tests and trials you have passed in your life. They have made your faith deeper, your love truer, your hope surer. You may think others have passed many tests with God. I have found that if you come to a place like this web site frequently, you have not only passed many of God’s tests, you are at a level with God that very few attain. Your faith is rare, precious, wonderful! You may not even realize how incredibly important is your level of faith! So, don’t hesitate to use it, celebrate it, relish it, thank God for it!
November 24
“Peace, peace, to the far and the near, says the Lord; and I will heal them. But the wicked are like the tossing sea that cannot keep still; its waters toss up mire and mud. There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked.” (Isaiah 57:19–21, NRSV)
I saw my first Christmas ornament in a store this week. Some stores have had them in stock for weeks, but I must have missed them. On this particular ornament was a glittery version of the scripture from Luke… “Peace on Earth! Good will toward men!” It was an ornament that was proclaiming peace to the whole Earth, for Jesus Christ was born to bring true peace to all humankind. Contrast that to the scripture above that says, “There is no peace… for the wicked.” (Isaiah 57:21). While all people desire peaceful enjoyable moments, God promises no such peace for those who live ungodly lives.
Josiah was a good kid, but he was easily influenced by bad friends. After a party on a Friday night, Josiah went with his friends to a convenience store. The group decided to steal a few things from the store. While two friends kept the cashier busy, Josiah was told to take some alcohol from the back of the store. He followed the instructions and completed his mission. Later, they all drank the alcohol behind an abandoned building. The next Sunday, Josiah went to church with his grandmother. There, the Pastor talked about sin. Josiah was surprised at how guilty he felt. He tried to shrug it off, but could not.
For weeks, Josiah avoided going to church. He complained he was sick one morning. He stayed at a friend’s house the night before on another occasion. He did all he could, but the guilt dogged him. He couldn’t get away from it. He stopped going to that store. His friends seemed not to care, but for Josiah the guilt was overwhelming. Every waking moment, he felt nervous and guilty. The evil deed invaded his sleep and filled his nightmares. Finally, sick of it the guilt and frustration, he went to the store owner who went to his church. Privately, he confessed to the stealing and offered to pay for the alcohol. The owner was so shocked at the confession, he hired Josiah on the spot as a clerk. The owner figured Josiah was trustworthy enough to come to him. All through High School, Josiah worked for him faithfully. The two became close. Ten years later, Josiah became a Pastor. Every now and then, he talks about the need to come clean before God, using himself as an example.
As long as Josiah was guilty of his sin, he remained ill-at-ease. There was no peace, even in his sleep. The only time Josiah was able to experience peace again was when he offered restitution for his wrong. Confessing his sin brought the peace back into his life. Don’t be surprised if God makes you uneasy when you sin. It is God’s way of making things right with you. God knows you will never find peace in your life as long as you live in sin. God knows “there is no peace… for the wicked” (Isaiah 57:21).
If you find your life uneasy, your conscience might sense the guilt of your sin. The best response is to repent and confess your sin. Own up to the deed. Only then will you truly find peace. In counseling, I have seen dozens of people who used drugs or alcohol to cover up their sins. Rather than making things right, they tried to cover up the wrong. That never works. Hidden sins always come back to haunt you. As Isaiah 57:19 promises, God will bring peace and healing to those who do right. To those who continue to do wrong, whose thoughts or actions are wicked, there will be anything but peace. Which way would you like to live the rest of your life and all eternity? You can only have peace in your soul if you are right before God.
If your life has become a little messy (note the muddy waters of Isaiah 57:20) and peace seems elusive, try talking to God about it. You may find a few wrongs that God wants to make right. God desires to heal the sinner and bring peace to the hurting soul. God will only do that if you are willing to make things right in your life.
One gift you can give Jesus this year for Christmas is to make sure you find peace in the upcoming season. You will only find true peace by making things right with God. Is there something God wants you to do? Is there a sin that needs to be atoned for? God wants to bring a real peace in your life. God wants to bring healing. The only way to experience these are to come to God with a contrite heart. What will it take to get you to do that?
Josiah was a good kid, but he was easily influenced by bad friends. After a party on a Friday night, Josiah went with his friends to a convenience store. The group decided to steal a few things from the store. While two friends kept the cashier busy, Josiah was told to take some alcohol from the back of the store. He followed the instructions and completed his mission. Later, they all drank the alcohol behind an abandoned building. The next Sunday, Josiah went to church with his grandmother. There, the Pastor talked about sin. Josiah was surprised at how guilty he felt. He tried to shrug it off, but could not.
For weeks, Josiah avoided going to church. He complained he was sick one morning. He stayed at a friend’s house the night before on another occasion. He did all he could, but the guilt dogged him. He couldn’t get away from it. He stopped going to that store. His friends seemed not to care, but for Josiah the guilt was overwhelming. Every waking moment, he felt nervous and guilty. The evil deed invaded his sleep and filled his nightmares. Finally, sick of it the guilt and frustration, he went to the store owner who went to his church. Privately, he confessed to the stealing and offered to pay for the alcohol. The owner was so shocked at the confession, he hired Josiah on the spot as a clerk. The owner figured Josiah was trustworthy enough to come to him. All through High School, Josiah worked for him faithfully. The two became close. Ten years later, Josiah became a Pastor. Every now and then, he talks about the need to come clean before God, using himself as an example.
As long as Josiah was guilty of his sin, he remained ill-at-ease. There was no peace, even in his sleep. The only time Josiah was able to experience peace again was when he offered restitution for his wrong. Confessing his sin brought the peace back into his life. Don’t be surprised if God makes you uneasy when you sin. It is God’s way of making things right with you. God knows you will never find peace in your life as long as you live in sin. God knows “there is no peace… for the wicked” (Isaiah 57:21).
If you find your life uneasy, your conscience might sense the guilt of your sin. The best response is to repent and confess your sin. Own up to the deed. Only then will you truly find peace. In counseling, I have seen dozens of people who used drugs or alcohol to cover up their sins. Rather than making things right, they tried to cover up the wrong. That never works. Hidden sins always come back to haunt you. As Isaiah 57:19 promises, God will bring peace and healing to those who do right. To those who continue to do wrong, whose thoughts or actions are wicked, there will be anything but peace. Which way would you like to live the rest of your life and all eternity? You can only have peace in your soul if you are right before God.
If your life has become a little messy (note the muddy waters of Isaiah 57:20) and peace seems elusive, try talking to God about it. You may find a few wrongs that God wants to make right. God desires to heal the sinner and bring peace to the hurting soul. God will only do that if you are willing to make things right in your life.
One gift you can give Jesus this year for Christmas is to make sure you find peace in the upcoming season. You will only find true peace by making things right with God. Is there something God wants you to do? Is there a sin that needs to be atoned for? God wants to bring a real peace in your life. God wants to bring healing. The only way to experience these are to come to God with a contrite heart. What will it take to get you to do that?
November 25
“[Jesus said:] “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”” (Luke 4:18–19, RSV)
With the words above, Jesus began his ministry. He spoke these words in the synagogue in His hometown, Nazareth (Luke 4:16). Jesus was reading from an Old Testament scroll when he said these words. He was reading from Isaiah 61. Yet, these words form the crux of Jesus’ ministry. Though they were originally penned by Isaiah five hundred years before Jesus lived, they describe perfectly what Jesus’ ministry was like. Jesus was filled with the “Spirit of the Lord”. He “preached good news to the poor”. He brought “sight to the blind”. He freed those who were “oppressed” by physical or spiritual suffering. If you look at all these reasons for Jesus being sent to our world, you can see that God’s purpose for Jesus wasn’t to lord it over people or to build monuments. God’s plan involved Jesus freeing people from slavery, captivity, and suffering. This is what God calls "acceptable" (Luke 4:19). Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?
I find it disheartening how Christianity is viewed by many in the world today. Liberal media describe Christians as filled with “hate” for not accepting same sex marriage, gender reassignment, and the liberal agenda. Do you see “hate” in the reasons for Jesus being sent into the world? No. Many socialists today see Christianity as supporting the rich and privileged. They argue that a world filled by socialistic governments and ideals would be so much more egalitarian (I have yet to see that from any socialistic government!). Despite this socialistic criticism, Jesus was never sent to support the rich or privileged. He was sent more to bring sight to the blind and healing to the suffering. He was to bring “good news to the poor”. Some in the far left and far right on the political spectrum see Christianity as anti-Jew. Jesus, however, was a Jew. He also was sent to bring sight to the Jews, and spent most of his ministry reaching out to the Jews. In the scripture above, Jesus even quotes Isaiah, a prophet sent by God to the Jews. Why is it that so many people get Christianity and Jesus wrong, misinterpret our faith, judge our actions?
Jesus was sent with wonderful purpose! His quote of Isaiah 61 revealed not only His ministry, but God’s plan for His life. Though Kings of the first century like Herod fought for power and acclamation, Jesus was to struggle for the poor and blind and oppressed. Though the gods of Rome were known to bless the rich and powerful, God wanted Jesus to be a blessing to those who needed healing and liberty. God cared about those who were overlooked and neglected, in pain and oppressed. God sent Jesus to bring hope to all humankind.
If you look at the reasons Jesus was sent into this world, realize that you are part of that reason. When you are down and oppressed, God cares for you. If you lack money and are in need, God will want to help you. When you are blind to someone who is taking advantage of you, God sees the manipulation and will try to protect you. Jesus’ mission and purpose hasn’t changed. He still reaches out with God’s strength and love. He still uplifts those who are hurting and beaten and abused. Jesus’ ministry continues in this world and with you.
Following in the footsteps of Jesus involves doing the things listed in the scripture above. It involves helping the poor, freeing the oppressed, healing those who suffer, reaching out as did Jesus. So many people think that churches need to be a place where you sit in a pew on Sunday. Does the scripture above make Jesus appear like he did a lot of sitting around? He sought out the blind. He reached out to the poor. He went out of his way to cast out demons and bring spiritual hope to the hurting. True Christians do the same. We are a people of love, of truth, of light, of hope. We bring healing wherever we go. The hurting reach out for us. God blesses our faithful work.
If your obituary were read today, how many of the things in the scripture above would be mentioned? How have you helped continue Jesus’ ministry today? God has given you His Spirit, hoping you will help share the gospel and bring healing to the hurting. How much of this work have you done? Celebrate every bit of it! Jesus continues to change the world through people like you and me! When we follow through with our faith in the manner of Jesus, our acts are remembered forever in Heaven!
I find it disheartening how Christianity is viewed by many in the world today. Liberal media describe Christians as filled with “hate” for not accepting same sex marriage, gender reassignment, and the liberal agenda. Do you see “hate” in the reasons for Jesus being sent into the world? No. Many socialists today see Christianity as supporting the rich and privileged. They argue that a world filled by socialistic governments and ideals would be so much more egalitarian (I have yet to see that from any socialistic government!). Despite this socialistic criticism, Jesus was never sent to support the rich or privileged. He was sent more to bring sight to the blind and healing to the suffering. He was to bring “good news to the poor”. Some in the far left and far right on the political spectrum see Christianity as anti-Jew. Jesus, however, was a Jew. He also was sent to bring sight to the Jews, and spent most of his ministry reaching out to the Jews. In the scripture above, Jesus even quotes Isaiah, a prophet sent by God to the Jews. Why is it that so many people get Christianity and Jesus wrong, misinterpret our faith, judge our actions?
Jesus was sent with wonderful purpose! His quote of Isaiah 61 revealed not only His ministry, but God’s plan for His life. Though Kings of the first century like Herod fought for power and acclamation, Jesus was to struggle for the poor and blind and oppressed. Though the gods of Rome were known to bless the rich and powerful, God wanted Jesus to be a blessing to those who needed healing and liberty. God cared about those who were overlooked and neglected, in pain and oppressed. God sent Jesus to bring hope to all humankind.
If you look at the reasons Jesus was sent into this world, realize that you are part of that reason. When you are down and oppressed, God cares for you. If you lack money and are in need, God will want to help you. When you are blind to someone who is taking advantage of you, God sees the manipulation and will try to protect you. Jesus’ mission and purpose hasn’t changed. He still reaches out with God’s strength and love. He still uplifts those who are hurting and beaten and abused. Jesus’ ministry continues in this world and with you.
Following in the footsteps of Jesus involves doing the things listed in the scripture above. It involves helping the poor, freeing the oppressed, healing those who suffer, reaching out as did Jesus. So many people think that churches need to be a place where you sit in a pew on Sunday. Does the scripture above make Jesus appear like he did a lot of sitting around? He sought out the blind. He reached out to the poor. He went out of his way to cast out demons and bring spiritual hope to the hurting. True Christians do the same. We are a people of love, of truth, of light, of hope. We bring healing wherever we go. The hurting reach out for us. God blesses our faithful work.
If your obituary were read today, how many of the things in the scripture above would be mentioned? How have you helped continue Jesus’ ministry today? God has given you His Spirit, hoping you will help share the gospel and bring healing to the hurting. How much of this work have you done? Celebrate every bit of it! Jesus continues to change the world through people like you and me! When we follow through with our faith in the manner of Jesus, our acts are remembered forever in Heaven!
November 26
“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:11–14, RSV)
When you go to a store and "redeem" a coupon at the register, you are handing over a small piece of paper worth almost nothing to get an amount off a purchase or a gift worth much more. The coupon enables you to receive a great reward of sorts, despite its small size. That coupon might make it so that you can afford something you otherwise could not, or receive something for free.
In the scripture for today, we are introduced to the “redemption” that came because of Jesus Christ. Colossians 1 teaches that the “mighty” Heavenly Father deserves thanks for helping the faithful to inherit a holy and eternal life. God the Father “delivered us from the dominion of darkness” (Colossians 1:13). He made us part of “the Kingdom of HIS beloved Son”. We don’t deserve to be citizens of Heaven, but God “redeemed” us, gave us what we could not afford. Through the “forgiveness of sins”, the faithful have been redeemed in God’s eyes (Colossians 1:14). Through Jesus’ life and death, the debt for our sins has been paid. The “coupon” that redeemed us was the blood of Christ. Any spiritual debt we owed that kept us out of Heaven was paid at the cross.
In Old Testament times, the blood of a sacrifice offered at an altar redeemed a person from a sinful past. The act of the sacrifice and the blood of the innocent victim paid the cost to redeem the sinner from the damaged relationship with God. But the blood of Jesus was greater. His blood was so precious, we now are continually redeemed. Through Him, we have the forgiveness of sins. We don’t need to sacrifice innocent animals as atonement of our terrible sin. Instead, Jesus’ death on the cross is our saving grace. His blood pays the price to redeem us from our darkness and sinfulness. All we need to do is respond to God’s grace, accept the gift, repent, and reject the sin. In so doing, we become citizens of the Kingdom of God. We don’t deserve Heaven. But, because of Jesus’ redemptive act, we can have it.
Driving along an icy stretch of road one morning, a father was taking his daughter to her ballet class. It was to be a big day for her. The entire class was going to perform for their parents, if the weather allowed it. The day turned ominous; the rain turned to ice when it hit the freezing road. The driving was treacherous, but the father wanted to get his daughter to her special event.
As they drove, the young girl talked animatedly about her upcoming special event. She was so excited. Then, everything went wrong. The car hit some black ice. The tires lost their traction. Without a thought for himself, the father reached over with his hand to cover his daughters face and hold her tight to the seat. With a loud crunch, they hit a tree at the edge of the road. When the little girl became aware of the aftermath, she realized that part of the tree had pierced the windshield. Her father’s arm had protected her, but he was hurt badly. Her father’s blood was all over her clothes. His arm looked broken. When all was said and done, everyone was fine. Despite the severity of the accident, the father’s broken arm and lost blood were the only penalties.
To this day, the daughter remembers the fireman at the scene of the crash telling her that if it weren’t for her father’s arm, she would have hit her head on the portion of the tree that came through the windshield. She could have died. Her father’s act had saved her. Her father’s arm had protected her. Her father’s blood was spilled so she could be safe. If you observe that young girl who is now in her twenties, she has a great love and admiration for her father. His actions proved his deep love for her. She feels it. She loves him for it!
In the same way, the love of the Heavenly Father is so great, He wants to save and redeem you. In a powerful redemptive act, Jesus’ blood on the cross saved you from slavery to sin. You were saved by God with a purpose. God wants to be in a relationship with you forever. So, how will you respond to God’s saving act? Will you be like the daughter who adores the father who saved her life? Will you always feel the Heavenly Father’s love? Redemption cost the life of Jesus. You were worth the price to God the Father. I hope you love God even more for this saving grace.
In the scripture for today, we are introduced to the “redemption” that came because of Jesus Christ. Colossians 1 teaches that the “mighty” Heavenly Father deserves thanks for helping the faithful to inherit a holy and eternal life. God the Father “delivered us from the dominion of darkness” (Colossians 1:13). He made us part of “the Kingdom of HIS beloved Son”. We don’t deserve to be citizens of Heaven, but God “redeemed” us, gave us what we could not afford. Through the “forgiveness of sins”, the faithful have been redeemed in God’s eyes (Colossians 1:14). Through Jesus’ life and death, the debt for our sins has been paid. The “coupon” that redeemed us was the blood of Christ. Any spiritual debt we owed that kept us out of Heaven was paid at the cross.
In Old Testament times, the blood of a sacrifice offered at an altar redeemed a person from a sinful past. The act of the sacrifice and the blood of the innocent victim paid the cost to redeem the sinner from the damaged relationship with God. But the blood of Jesus was greater. His blood was so precious, we now are continually redeemed. Through Him, we have the forgiveness of sins. We don’t need to sacrifice innocent animals as atonement of our terrible sin. Instead, Jesus’ death on the cross is our saving grace. His blood pays the price to redeem us from our darkness and sinfulness. All we need to do is respond to God’s grace, accept the gift, repent, and reject the sin. In so doing, we become citizens of the Kingdom of God. We don’t deserve Heaven. But, because of Jesus’ redemptive act, we can have it.
Driving along an icy stretch of road one morning, a father was taking his daughter to her ballet class. It was to be a big day for her. The entire class was going to perform for their parents, if the weather allowed it. The day turned ominous; the rain turned to ice when it hit the freezing road. The driving was treacherous, but the father wanted to get his daughter to her special event.
As they drove, the young girl talked animatedly about her upcoming special event. She was so excited. Then, everything went wrong. The car hit some black ice. The tires lost their traction. Without a thought for himself, the father reached over with his hand to cover his daughters face and hold her tight to the seat. With a loud crunch, they hit a tree at the edge of the road. When the little girl became aware of the aftermath, she realized that part of the tree had pierced the windshield. Her father’s arm had protected her, but he was hurt badly. Her father’s blood was all over her clothes. His arm looked broken. When all was said and done, everyone was fine. Despite the severity of the accident, the father’s broken arm and lost blood were the only penalties.
To this day, the daughter remembers the fireman at the scene of the crash telling her that if it weren’t for her father’s arm, she would have hit her head on the portion of the tree that came through the windshield. She could have died. Her father’s act had saved her. Her father’s arm had protected her. Her father’s blood was spilled so she could be safe. If you observe that young girl who is now in her twenties, she has a great love and admiration for her father. His actions proved his deep love for her. She feels it. She loves him for it!
In the same way, the love of the Heavenly Father is so great, He wants to save and redeem you. In a powerful redemptive act, Jesus’ blood on the cross saved you from slavery to sin. You were saved by God with a purpose. God wants to be in a relationship with you forever. So, how will you respond to God’s saving act? Will you be like the daughter who adores the father who saved her life? Will you always feel the Heavenly Father’s love? Redemption cost the life of Jesus. You were worth the price to God the Father. I hope you love God even more for this saving grace.
November 27
“The fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.” (2 Chronicles 20:29, NRSV)
In a desperate time during the days of ancient Judah, King Jehoshaphat rallied the people for war. Three groups had allied against them and planned to destroy them in a battle near Tekoa (2 Chronicles 20:10). As the trumpets for war sounded, the people rallied around the King. The King urged them to pray. They even sang praises to God on the way to the battlefield! (2 Chronicles 20:21) As the warriors marched to the place of battle, they noticed the quiet. Where were all the multitudes of the enemy? During the days before battle, God had caused the enemy armies to turn against each other. They fought each other (2 Chronicles 20:22-23). By the time Judah arrived at the appointed day and time for battle, there was no enemy to be found. God had destroyed the armies through their infighting. Word spread among the surrounding nations that “the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel” (2 Chronicles 20:29). Foreign nations feared the God of Judah. They hesitated to attack them. God was protecting them.
In your life, you can do one of two things when it comes to fighting and God. You can either fight God or you can let God fight for you. Personally, I have chosen to let God fight for me. I have aligned my life and future with God in Christ. I have chosen to stand with God and let God fight in my corner. However, I have met many people who fought against God. They lied to themselves that God wasn’t real or that God didn’t care about their situation. They were wrong. God didn’t fight for them. God fought against them. In their rejection of God, they struggled with God, fought God for control. It was an unfair fight. God is always right, and God always wins in the end.
Justine was raised in a wealthy family. She was the first-born daughter of a man who owned a successful business. Justine enjoyed knowing that she could have things other kids didn’t have. For Christmas, she would often get more than several thousand dollars’ worth of gifts. It was not uncommon for her to have the latest and greatest electronic marvel. For her sixteenth birthday, she got a new sports car. For graduation from High School, she was given a week’s stay in Hawaii with all her expenses paid. She took several friends, and their way was paid as well! Justine enjoyed the good life, but it came with costs. For one, Justine was very conceited. She was always doing what she wanted, when she wanted it. This came back to bite her.
Though raised in church, Justine didn’t have much faith. Truth be told, she had more faith in her father’s millions than in God. During her college years, she fell away from church and God. Only when things got difficult did she pray to God. The year after college, Justine met William. He came from a wealthy family as well. They were set to marry. A month before the wedding, Justine’s mother spoke to her about William. Her mother had heard that William was a womanizer. Justine’s mother urged her to reexamine the relationship. Justine wanted to marry William. He was rich. He was handsome. That’s all she saw. Justine’s mother asked her priest to speak to Justine about the wedding. Justine told the priest that the marriage was going to go through no matter what. She didn’t care what it took, William was going to be her husband. She’d make him remain faithful. The priest said he would pray for her and her choices. Justine hated him for even suggesting she needed prayer. In the end, Justine’s marriage went through, but the two were never close. They even had children, but only as a social convention. Justine fought God throughout her marriage. She knew the marriage was doomed even before she was married. She fought all those sent by God to warn her of her impending mistakes. Justine was too self-indulged to even see it. Justine fought God and lost. She argued with the truth. She thought she could overcome anything with her father’s millions. She was wrong.
God is known to stand by and fight for the faithful. Many times in the history of Israel and Judah, God supported and encouraged their armies in battle. But God should not be taken for granted. If you fight against God and God’s ways, God may turn against you. Israel and Judah also found this out. Justine experienced this. Have you? When you side with God, God fights with you. God protects you. God watches over you. When you decide to fight God and God’s truth, you lose God’s protection. Then, God will stand in your way or stand against you. God knows what is best for you. God can see far into the future. You can’t.
If God has been saying something to you repeatedly in the past few weeks or months, take heed. God may be warning you. God will want to protect you. If you find that you are going directly against what God wants you to do, don’t be surprised if God stands against you. It may be the only thing that saves you in the end. Every period in your life will involve the decision to fight against God or let God fight with you. Your attitude and choices will determine which side you are on. In our scripture for today, Judah’s enemies were fearful of God’s protection of the faithful. They knew it was fruitless to fight a faithful Judah. God was standing behind them and with them. It’s not smart to fight against God, but it is your right to try.
In your life, you can do one of two things when it comes to fighting and God. You can either fight God or you can let God fight for you. Personally, I have chosen to let God fight for me. I have aligned my life and future with God in Christ. I have chosen to stand with God and let God fight in my corner. However, I have met many people who fought against God. They lied to themselves that God wasn’t real or that God didn’t care about their situation. They were wrong. God didn’t fight for them. God fought against them. In their rejection of God, they struggled with God, fought God for control. It was an unfair fight. God is always right, and God always wins in the end.
Justine was raised in a wealthy family. She was the first-born daughter of a man who owned a successful business. Justine enjoyed knowing that she could have things other kids didn’t have. For Christmas, she would often get more than several thousand dollars’ worth of gifts. It was not uncommon for her to have the latest and greatest electronic marvel. For her sixteenth birthday, she got a new sports car. For graduation from High School, she was given a week’s stay in Hawaii with all her expenses paid. She took several friends, and their way was paid as well! Justine enjoyed the good life, but it came with costs. For one, Justine was very conceited. She was always doing what she wanted, when she wanted it. This came back to bite her.
Though raised in church, Justine didn’t have much faith. Truth be told, she had more faith in her father’s millions than in God. During her college years, she fell away from church and God. Only when things got difficult did she pray to God. The year after college, Justine met William. He came from a wealthy family as well. They were set to marry. A month before the wedding, Justine’s mother spoke to her about William. Her mother had heard that William was a womanizer. Justine’s mother urged her to reexamine the relationship. Justine wanted to marry William. He was rich. He was handsome. That’s all she saw. Justine’s mother asked her priest to speak to Justine about the wedding. Justine told the priest that the marriage was going to go through no matter what. She didn’t care what it took, William was going to be her husband. She’d make him remain faithful. The priest said he would pray for her and her choices. Justine hated him for even suggesting she needed prayer. In the end, Justine’s marriage went through, but the two were never close. They even had children, but only as a social convention. Justine fought God throughout her marriage. She knew the marriage was doomed even before she was married. She fought all those sent by God to warn her of her impending mistakes. Justine was too self-indulged to even see it. Justine fought God and lost. She argued with the truth. She thought she could overcome anything with her father’s millions. She was wrong.
God is known to stand by and fight for the faithful. Many times in the history of Israel and Judah, God supported and encouraged their armies in battle. But God should not be taken for granted. If you fight against God and God’s ways, God may turn against you. Israel and Judah also found this out. Justine experienced this. Have you? When you side with God, God fights with you. God protects you. God watches over you. When you decide to fight God and God’s truth, you lose God’s protection. Then, God will stand in your way or stand against you. God knows what is best for you. God can see far into the future. You can’t.
If God has been saying something to you repeatedly in the past few weeks or months, take heed. God may be warning you. God will want to protect you. If you find that you are going directly against what God wants you to do, don’t be surprised if God stands against you. It may be the only thing that saves you in the end. Every period in your life will involve the decision to fight against God or let God fight with you. Your attitude and choices will determine which side you are on. In our scripture for today, Judah’s enemies were fearful of God’s protection of the faithful. They knew it was fruitless to fight a faithful Judah. God was standing behind them and with them. It’s not smart to fight against God, but it is your right to try.
November 28
“Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever. The people of Israel mourned for Moses on the plains of Moab for thirty days, until the customary period of mourning was over.” (Deuteronomy 34:7–8, NLT)
Darlene tended to bury her problems. She often would just ignore them. When the “check engine” light came on in her car, she didn't do anything about it. She didn’t want to take her car into the dealer to be evaluated, so she just ignored it, hoping it would go away. It ended up costing her double in the end, due to the damage to her engine from ignoring the light. When Darlene had a spot on her ceiling, she painted over it. She didn’t want to think it might be the old roof leaking. Four months later, after painting over it three times, part of the ceiling in her living room fell off due to the sagging drywall from a leaking second floor pipe.
Darlene had the same attitude when her father died. She tried to ignore the hurt and pain she felt. She wouldn’t cry at the funeral. She buried her sadness and tried to hide her depression. If she felt down, she would cheer herself up with a spending spree. Buying things made her forget her hurt, even though later she felt guilty for the purchases. For months, she went on as if her father was going to call her up or stop in to visit. Then, one day she got so angry at her husband that she started to have chest pains. An ambulance was called, and thousands of dollars of tests were conducted. The doctors evaluated her with a panic disorder due to stress. Rather than seeking counseling, Darlene took antidepressants and anxiety medications. Her depression deepened. Her anxiety increased. She began to have agoraphobia (the fear of public places). Finally, barely able to cope, ten years after her father’s death, she finally sought real help. It took months of counseling and many tears, but Darlene worked through her father’s death. It took her years, but she finally felt some closure.
For many people, dealing with difficult issues or events is done poorly. Many ignore the pain, drink away their hurts, or medicate themselves with drugs. These strategies often fail; the hurt returning with a vengeance. Emotional pain is best dealt with openly and immediately, before it festers and reaches into other areas of life. Even ancient people of the Bible knew this to be the best course of action. Our scripture for today is living proof.
In Deuteronomy 34, Moses’ death occurs. Moses, who had led the people out of bondage in Egypt seemed to be a constant calming presence. He challenged Pharaoh. He brought comfort to the Israelites. He guided the people of God through the plagues and into the wilderness. He gave the people God’s promises and helped them to understand God’s will. The people of Israel came to the edge of the promised land because of Moses. Can you imagine their fear at the thought of losing him? Well, that is where we are in Deuteronomy 34.
As Moses’ death is faced, the people of Israel were to take 30 days of “customary” mourning (Deuteronomy 34:8). When someone died in the ancient world, the family and friends customarily took time to mourn the dead. They didn’t take an hour or two and sit through a funeral. They didn’t throw the body into the ground and just move on. They took several weeks to mourn, cry, hurt, remember, and reflect. This “period of mourning” helped the people to come to terms with the death of a loved one. In the days when there were no counselors or antidepressants, this was how they dealt with the terrible topic of death. They took a time to mourn. They worked through it right away. Together.
There will be periods in your life where you will go through mourning. You may lose a relative to cancer. A friend may die in a car accident. Your cherished dog will be put to sleep following an illness. The job you cherished for a decade ended due to layoffs. Even retirement comes with both joy and sadness as you adjust your days to a different level of work. When big changes occur in life, it is common to go through “mourning”. You will hurt. Your daily life will be affected. Your body, mind and soul will have to adapt. You will need time to process the altered lifestyle and emotions associated with the change. You will need a “period of mourning”.
God planned for the people to mourn Moses. God willed this period of mourning. God wanted the people to work through their hurt at the loss of their leader. The people of Israel needed the time to adjust their lives to this new reality. You will need these periods of mourning, too. God will desire you to work through your pain and adjust to new realities. Cry. Let it out. Talk about it with family and friends. Don’t let it fester and cause you more emotional, spiritual, or psychological pain. God wants to be with you during this time, to heal your hurt. Let it happen. Don’t fight it. You need it. You will feel better after you work through it. Trust that in these moments of mourning, God’s arms will be around you, God’s Spirit looking to comfort you. It’s the best way to deal with the loss.
Darlene had the same attitude when her father died. She tried to ignore the hurt and pain she felt. She wouldn’t cry at the funeral. She buried her sadness and tried to hide her depression. If she felt down, she would cheer herself up with a spending spree. Buying things made her forget her hurt, even though later she felt guilty for the purchases. For months, she went on as if her father was going to call her up or stop in to visit. Then, one day she got so angry at her husband that she started to have chest pains. An ambulance was called, and thousands of dollars of tests were conducted. The doctors evaluated her with a panic disorder due to stress. Rather than seeking counseling, Darlene took antidepressants and anxiety medications. Her depression deepened. Her anxiety increased. She began to have agoraphobia (the fear of public places). Finally, barely able to cope, ten years after her father’s death, she finally sought real help. It took months of counseling and many tears, but Darlene worked through her father’s death. It took her years, but she finally felt some closure.
For many people, dealing with difficult issues or events is done poorly. Many ignore the pain, drink away their hurts, or medicate themselves with drugs. These strategies often fail; the hurt returning with a vengeance. Emotional pain is best dealt with openly and immediately, before it festers and reaches into other areas of life. Even ancient people of the Bible knew this to be the best course of action. Our scripture for today is living proof.
In Deuteronomy 34, Moses’ death occurs. Moses, who had led the people out of bondage in Egypt seemed to be a constant calming presence. He challenged Pharaoh. He brought comfort to the Israelites. He guided the people of God through the plagues and into the wilderness. He gave the people God’s promises and helped them to understand God’s will. The people of Israel came to the edge of the promised land because of Moses. Can you imagine their fear at the thought of losing him? Well, that is where we are in Deuteronomy 34.
As Moses’ death is faced, the people of Israel were to take 30 days of “customary” mourning (Deuteronomy 34:8). When someone died in the ancient world, the family and friends customarily took time to mourn the dead. They didn’t take an hour or two and sit through a funeral. They didn’t throw the body into the ground and just move on. They took several weeks to mourn, cry, hurt, remember, and reflect. This “period of mourning” helped the people to come to terms with the death of a loved one. In the days when there were no counselors or antidepressants, this was how they dealt with the terrible topic of death. They took a time to mourn. They worked through it right away. Together.
There will be periods in your life where you will go through mourning. You may lose a relative to cancer. A friend may die in a car accident. Your cherished dog will be put to sleep following an illness. The job you cherished for a decade ended due to layoffs. Even retirement comes with both joy and sadness as you adjust your days to a different level of work. When big changes occur in life, it is common to go through “mourning”. You will hurt. Your daily life will be affected. Your body, mind and soul will have to adapt. You will need time to process the altered lifestyle and emotions associated with the change. You will need a “period of mourning”.
God planned for the people to mourn Moses. God willed this period of mourning. God wanted the people to work through their hurt at the loss of their leader. The people of Israel needed the time to adjust their lives to this new reality. You will need these periods of mourning, too. God will desire you to work through your pain and adjust to new realities. Cry. Let it out. Talk about it with family and friends. Don’t let it fester and cause you more emotional, spiritual, or psychological pain. God wants to be with you during this time, to heal your hurt. Let it happen. Don’t fight it. You need it. You will feel better after you work through it. Trust that in these moments of mourning, God’s arms will be around you, God’s Spirit looking to comfort you. It’s the best way to deal with the loss.
November 29
“Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to him [Jesus]; and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them, and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. And when it was day he departed and went into a lonely place…..” (Luke 4:40–42, RSV)
During a family visit, the pastor was ushered into the living room to speak with a couple in his church. Their son was sent to the kitchen to finish his supper (he was a picky eater!). As the pastor talked with the couple, things grew quiet in the kitchen. As the visit ended, the pastor got up to leave when he heard the mother yell from the kitchen. It seemed that while the pastor was speaking with the couple, their son had tried to brush the dog’s teeth. The poor mutt had a face blanketed with white gel. The mother yelled, “That’s it, you are having a time out! Go to your room young man!”
For trying to clean the dog’s teeth, the young boy was given a “time out.” Time outs began as a way for children to think about what they were doing when they make a mistake, did something wrong, or got into trouble. Time outs occur when a child doesn’t listen to mom or dad or doesn’t follow house rules. They are meant as times of learning, disciplining, and growing.
What many people don’t realize is that adults too need a time out. Every now and then we all need a time out to sort things out, to figure out why we messed something up, or to regroup emotionally or spiritually.
The verses from the gospel of Luke written above shows Jesus taking time out from his ministry. The scripture begins with Jesus being very busy early in his ministry. He healed people all day long, until “the sun was setting” (Luke 4:40). He also challenged demons, exorcising them from those who had suffered their torment (Luke 4:41). The next morning, what does Jesus do? He “departed to a lonely place” (Luke 4:42). He separated himself from all the hectic work of the day before to gather Himself. Several times in scripture Jesus does this. When John the Baptist was beheaded, he took time out. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus took time to pray while his disciples slept. It was “normal” for Jesus to back away and pray when His life grew increasingly hectic. Jesus would withdraw to be alone with God, just Him and God. Jesus, who was the perfect Son of God needed time out to be with His Father. Now, if Jesus needed it, don’t you think there are times you need it, too?
Have you ever felt that frozen feeling come over you when you just had too much to do, when you lost control, when your life came unglued? Were you ever so inundated with too many things going on at once that you couldn’t concentrate? Ever go asleep at night desiring to pray, but fall asleep worrying about something. Maybe you find yourself just staring at a wall? Have you been running yourself ragged? Do you feel frenzied, anxious and harried? Is your life out of rhythm? Do you fall apart and cry at the slightest glitch in your day? Will you get angry at the littlest things? It might be that you feel tired all the time or depressed that nobody seems to care. At times like these, it might be that you, like Jesus, need time out. You need a time with your Heavenly Father.
Jesus knew what you sometimes forget. There is a time when you need to take a time out with God the Father, to rest a while in the arms of the Lord.
Today, or during the upcoming holiday season, just realize that God might tell you that you need a time out. Like a loving Father, God doesn’t want you to fall apart, to lose yourself in stress, to be harried all the time, to make stupid mistakes. God wants you to have meaning, for your life to be full of peace and joy, for you to want to be with Him in prayer! Take time out every few hours, to focus on God’s blessings. Take time out of each day to pray and listen to what God is saying to you in scripture. Take time out of your week to be in worship. Take time out to watch over those who need you. Take time out to keep your heart in the right place and your mind focused. Spend time with your Maker. Jesus needed it. All of us need it. Am I going to have to give you a time out, or has God already asked you for one? :)
For trying to clean the dog’s teeth, the young boy was given a “time out.” Time outs began as a way for children to think about what they were doing when they make a mistake, did something wrong, or got into trouble. Time outs occur when a child doesn’t listen to mom or dad or doesn’t follow house rules. They are meant as times of learning, disciplining, and growing.
What many people don’t realize is that adults too need a time out. Every now and then we all need a time out to sort things out, to figure out why we messed something up, or to regroup emotionally or spiritually.
The verses from the gospel of Luke written above shows Jesus taking time out from his ministry. The scripture begins with Jesus being very busy early in his ministry. He healed people all day long, until “the sun was setting” (Luke 4:40). He also challenged demons, exorcising them from those who had suffered their torment (Luke 4:41). The next morning, what does Jesus do? He “departed to a lonely place” (Luke 4:42). He separated himself from all the hectic work of the day before to gather Himself. Several times in scripture Jesus does this. When John the Baptist was beheaded, he took time out. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus took time to pray while his disciples slept. It was “normal” for Jesus to back away and pray when His life grew increasingly hectic. Jesus would withdraw to be alone with God, just Him and God. Jesus, who was the perfect Son of God needed time out to be with His Father. Now, if Jesus needed it, don’t you think there are times you need it, too?
Have you ever felt that frozen feeling come over you when you just had too much to do, when you lost control, when your life came unglued? Were you ever so inundated with too many things going on at once that you couldn’t concentrate? Ever go asleep at night desiring to pray, but fall asleep worrying about something. Maybe you find yourself just staring at a wall? Have you been running yourself ragged? Do you feel frenzied, anxious and harried? Is your life out of rhythm? Do you fall apart and cry at the slightest glitch in your day? Will you get angry at the littlest things? It might be that you feel tired all the time or depressed that nobody seems to care. At times like these, it might be that you, like Jesus, need time out. You need a time with your Heavenly Father.
Jesus knew what you sometimes forget. There is a time when you need to take a time out with God the Father, to rest a while in the arms of the Lord.
Today, or during the upcoming holiday season, just realize that God might tell you that you need a time out. Like a loving Father, God doesn’t want you to fall apart, to lose yourself in stress, to be harried all the time, to make stupid mistakes. God wants you to have meaning, for your life to be full of peace and joy, for you to want to be with Him in prayer! Take time out every few hours, to focus on God’s blessings. Take time out of each day to pray and listen to what God is saying to you in scripture. Take time out of your week to be in worship. Take time out to watch over those who need you. Take time out to keep your heart in the right place and your mind focused. Spend time with your Maker. Jesus needed it. All of us need it. Am I going to have to give you a time out, or has God already asked you for one? :)
November 30
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.”
(Ephesians 3:14–19, RSV)
(Ephesians 3:14–19, RSV)
As night closed at Conference Center in Merom, Indiana, I was enjoying the quiet and peace of a summer’s evening. All day I had worked as a counselor for youth ages five to eighteen. We had spent time studying the Bible, reflecting in prayer, talking, swimming, sharing, laughing, singing, and experiencing God’s fellowship. With the quiet night, I decided to take a walk before turning in. There was a beautifully lit up night sky. I also felt God tugging at me to take a walk, so I did. As I turned a corner, I noticed a young woman sitting alone. She wasn’t supposed to be there. I asked if she was OK, and she mumbled a response. Even in the dim light, I could tell she had been crying.
After a few minutes of quiet talk, I could tell God was working on her. I never quite found out what the problem was, but God pushed me to ask one question during our time together, “Do you really know how much God loves you?” This burst the dam holding back the tears. We sat quietly together under the stars as she cried. After a few words about a memory that she carried with her, I reminded her of a few things…. that God’s arms were ready to enfold her in love; that she needed to let the pain and hurt go to God if she was ready; that she deserved to be loved by her God; and that she needed it desperately. The rest of her life would be different if she let the pain go to God. After a few more minutes and a short prayer, we parted.
The next day was the last day I saw her. She smiled a warm smile at me. I could tell she had let something go to God. We never spoke any words. We didn’t have to. I smiled a warm smile back to let her know that I knew she would be OK. I could tell she now felt more loved by God. Her life would forever be different because of that real love.
The above scripture, though a paragraph long in most Bibles, is actually only one sentence. But this one sentence has so much depth. It reveals so much of the relationship between God, Christ, and you. It speaks of God’s riches shared with the faithful. It mentions the need to have Christ “dwell in your heart through faith” (Ephesians 3:17). In the end, it reminds you to know the “love of Christ which surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:18). In reading this long sentence with all its deep thoughts, you may miss the final connection made by Paul in the scripture above. After speaking about getting to know the love of Christ, it ends by making clear that with the love of Christ you “may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 4:19). Thus, in order to be complete Christian, you need to experience the awesome love of Christ.
Many people go through life not experiencing real godly love. They don’t know the fulness of the love of Christ. Is it no surprise that they aren’t more empowered by the Holy Spirit? Without knowing the extent of God’s love for you, it is not possible to be “filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 4:19). God’s love transforms your existence. Knowing the kind of love God gives makes you more human, more Christian, more powerful spiritually, more able to accept forgiveness, more complete as a person. True godly love brings a deeper connection with Christ.
Today, I want you to feel the love of God. I want you to rediscover how much God loves you! God made creation knowing you would be in it. God sent Jesus knowing you would need His saving grace. God wants HIS Holy Spirit in you so that you may be forever connected to HIS love. God blesses your faith. God does so much for you, so how about giving back? Feel the love of God. Relish in God’s grace and mercy. Celebrate that even if no human is showing love to you today, God is! God’s love changes everything. God’s love will change you! Do you fully comprehend the love of Christ today?
After a few minutes of quiet talk, I could tell God was working on her. I never quite found out what the problem was, but God pushed me to ask one question during our time together, “Do you really know how much God loves you?” This burst the dam holding back the tears. We sat quietly together under the stars as she cried. After a few words about a memory that she carried with her, I reminded her of a few things…. that God’s arms were ready to enfold her in love; that she needed to let the pain and hurt go to God if she was ready; that she deserved to be loved by her God; and that she needed it desperately. The rest of her life would be different if she let the pain go to God. After a few more minutes and a short prayer, we parted.
The next day was the last day I saw her. She smiled a warm smile at me. I could tell she had let something go to God. We never spoke any words. We didn’t have to. I smiled a warm smile back to let her know that I knew she would be OK. I could tell she now felt more loved by God. Her life would forever be different because of that real love.
The above scripture, though a paragraph long in most Bibles, is actually only one sentence. But this one sentence has so much depth. It reveals so much of the relationship between God, Christ, and you. It speaks of God’s riches shared with the faithful. It mentions the need to have Christ “dwell in your heart through faith” (Ephesians 3:17). In the end, it reminds you to know the “love of Christ which surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:18). In reading this long sentence with all its deep thoughts, you may miss the final connection made by Paul in the scripture above. After speaking about getting to know the love of Christ, it ends by making clear that with the love of Christ you “may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 4:19). Thus, in order to be complete Christian, you need to experience the awesome love of Christ.
Many people go through life not experiencing real godly love. They don’t know the fulness of the love of Christ. Is it no surprise that they aren’t more empowered by the Holy Spirit? Without knowing the extent of God’s love for you, it is not possible to be “filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 4:19). God’s love transforms your existence. Knowing the kind of love God gives makes you more human, more Christian, more powerful spiritually, more able to accept forgiveness, more complete as a person. True godly love brings a deeper connection with Christ.
Today, I want you to feel the love of God. I want you to rediscover how much God loves you! God made creation knowing you would be in it. God sent Jesus knowing you would need His saving grace. God wants HIS Holy Spirit in you so that you may be forever connected to HIS love. God blesses your faith. God does so much for you, so how about giving back? Feel the love of God. Relish in God’s grace and mercy. Celebrate that even if no human is showing love to you today, God is! God’s love changes everything. God’s love will change you! Do you fully comprehend the love of Christ today?