3/1/18 Law or Grace? 1
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him. 1 Corinthians 16:2, KJV
Sometimes people say, “I don’t believe in tithing because we don’t live under the Law.” As Christians, we live under grace, and hallelujah for that! Does that mean we shouldn’t honor God with the first portion of our income?
RECOMMENDED READING: I CORINTHIANS 16:1-16 “churches of Galatia, even so do ye.2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.5 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.14 Let all your things be done with charity.15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.”
COMMENTS; Old testament giving was expected much like paying taxes today, but none the less was an act of worship by the Israelites. Tithing was an obligation and was expected by priest as a command or law from a king was expected to be obeyed. Disobedience would bring a consequence. Additional offerings were requested during special times and holidays. Those gifts were expected and dependent on level of blessings God provided each year. But keep in mind the tithe and other offerings all serve as both worship gifts and taxes to provide defense and organized leadership for the Israelites.
Mostly the Israelites only gave the minimal they were required or obligated to give, much like we view paying taxes. Who would offer to pay more out of gratitude for all our leaders and government has done for to protect and provide for us. The mentality of dictatorships is for the people to serve and provide for the king instead of the king serving and providing for his subjects.
Today, new testament tithing is lot limited to 10% and motivation is not just to pay obligations or taxes but an act of gratitude and worship to our Creator, our Redeemer, and our Savior. To the one who gave us life and sustains our life but also enables us to enjoy life and enjoy being with and enjoy worshipping Him. The question then becomes, how little do we need to keep to sustain our lives so we can give more to Him as an act of love and worship and gratitude. Not how little we can get away with giving, but how much can we give. The motivation is love for Him instead of fear of disappointing Him. Positive motivations are much stronger than negative motives.
Let’s stop and take notice of how hard we make simple things and how simply we try to make hard things. All religions teach earning their god’s favor by good deeds and sacrifice. Christianity teaches God’s favor and redemption are obtained simply by accepting His gift and favor. Salvation and eternal life is a free undeserved gift accepted instead of a earned reward, as every other faith teaches. Likewise, definition of what is required to gain salvation is defined and achievable. But the response and motivation is the honor and reward they get for themselves in contrast to the honor and worship and credit that will go back to Christ for the Born Again Christian. Likewise, for the Christian the true joy will be in how many our obedience brought to heaven instead of getting credit and praise for accomplishing conversion of many.
So, the difficulty of determining how much good is needed to get into heaven. The answer for the born-again Christian is simply accept Christ’s offer of forgiveness. The work and life of obedience and victory over sin is not gaging our worthiness to enter heaven, but measuring how well our lives have honored Christ and how worthy our gift of love will be to Him when we enter heaven. Imagine being invited to a king’s wedding. We are invited and can enjoy the festivity and luxury and food and beauty along with all the other guests. But what if we forgot to bring a gift or what if our gift for our king was a paper cup we got free at McDonalds on way to wedding when everyone else brought priceless jewels and rare diner ware and beautiful paintings. What if Christ opened your gift openly and was disappointed with your gift? Then imagine He giving a priceless wedding gift to us, His bride, and we give him the worthless paper cup as our groom.
I know, the theology of these analogies comes up a bit short in accuracy, but does convey the truth that our lives and obedience will be our gift of love and gratitude to Him, and if we put little effort and sacrifice personally into our gift, it will be disappointing to Him and shameful to us. Shameful because we will realize how great His sacrifice and love for us was and is and how little our love and sacrifice were in response was back to Him. Even though we can never work hard enough or long enough to be worthy of Him, if our gift costs us little in time and work and came at little sacrifice, we would be ashamed. Far better to come to Christ early in life, and live a life faithful to tithe and acts of love and sacrifice toward others, impacting other’s lives for good and leaving a positive legacy that will draw more to Christ and draw others to their Savior too.
So how much will be enough? We can’t answer that for each other, but with God’s input, will need to determine that for ourselves. The answer will not be easy and will be difficult and will stretch us beyond our comfort zone and beyond what we think we are able to. The answer will need God’s help and likely the help of others, but THE ANSWER WILL DRAW US CLOSER TO CHRIST AND CLOSER TO OTHERS.
So, have you concluded, as I have, that it is most important that we receive Christ’s redemptive forgiveness for our sins and live in relationship with Him while also drawing others to join us in relationship with Him too. That is more important to Him and us than how much time and money and ??? we give.
“Almighty God has given me a home in heaven forever and ever. Why would I want to be miserly with Him?” David Jeremiah
3/2/18 Why Give? 2
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. Matthew 23:23, NIV
RECOMMENDED READING: DEUT 26:13-16 “13 Then thou shalt say before the Lord thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them.14 I have not eaten thereof in my mourning, neither have I taken away ought thereof for any unclean use, nor given ought thereof for the dead: but I have hearkened to the voice of the Lord my God, and have done according to all that thou hast commanded me.15 Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our fathers, a land that floweth with milk and honey.16 This day the Lord thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.”
COMMENTS: Doing good for right reason is more important than doing good for a sinful / evil reason. Satan works hard to trick us with an imitation of good with an invisible evil contaminant. A healthy meal can be contaminated with a contagious virus that can cause sickness and even death even though the meal itself gives healthy nourishment. The meal may taste fine and provide nourishment briefly before virus takes hold and overpowers all else. Stop and think about examples from your own experience personally or from others close to you.
Satan is a great deceiver but God wants to expose him and guide us away from his mischief, but we must be open and seek and wait for His council. That council will come from His Word, from direct insights during prayer, from Christian friends and family members. Council needs to be confirmed from God’s Word and by others whose council we trust. Most of the time waiting til that confirmation comes is vital and will make choice clear that otherwise was unclear. God’s time is different than ours. He is not limited nor bound by time, so we need to trust He will guide us if we wait and listen. He will respond right on time, but may seem very late to us due to our impatience. Aftercall, our growth and a deeper relationship with Him is most important and precious to Him because we are so precious to Him. That is why it is more important to Him that we do good out of an expression of love for Him and obedience rather than out of a desire for selfish gain or popularity. Satan is more concerned with drawing us away from God than whether we do evil or good deeds in meantime.
Well, the story of Ananias and Sapphira shows how important it is to give generously but with a right heart. Their sin was to lie about amount gave and with a heart desiring praise and credit instead of with a heart of gratitude and worship to Christ. If they would have given the same amount or even less and been honest and right in heart, they would have lived to enjoy and grow in their fellowship with the church and with the Holy Spirit. They didn’t realize the consequences of their deception but did realize what they were doing was wrong. We need to be close enough to Christ to not just be fearful of consequences of sin but broken hearted at the notion of considering doing anything that would sadden Christ or grieve His Holy Spirit. Giving is not a tax or a duty but a response of love and gratitude to Christ, who redeems us from eternal torment and judgment to an eternal home and relationship with Himself. There is nothing we can cling to on earth more precious than that and nothing worth giving such a precious gift in order to acquire. Be careful what you work for. Also, be careful what you value and cherish. Is it worth our affection and will it satisfy our needs or will it cost us something more precious or distract us from seeking what is most important? Christ so wants us to acquire His most precious gifts instead of the gifts satan keeps enchanting us with.
Returning from Florida recently, we stopped at a classic car museum and sales showroom. Over 200 perfectly restored cars were on display from 1930’s to 1970’s. Cost in time and money to restore each one cost many thousands of dollars and many hundreds of manhours. I enjoyed looking at and reflecting back to a time when they were new. Some of them were very similar to cars I owned but in much nicer condition. Salesman said he sells 40 cars a month. My reaction when left was such a tragedy so many spend huge amounts of money and invest so much time restoring something that will not satisfy or last. We then went 150 miles from Charlotte to Asheville to Billy Graham’s retreat called “The Cove”. We also drove by the Billy Graham Library while in Charlotte. We drove on the “Billy Graham Parkway” in Charlotte. I reflected on the years and money invested over the years in his ministry and time Billy and his organization invested in ministry and eternal impact and lasting benefit that investment made. Quite a contrast. Billy in now in heaven enjoying his reward and fellowshipping with countless millions now in heaven because of God’s grace and his faithfulness to preach Christ’s message of redemption.
I also enjoyed a time of owning and working on antique cars, but concluded God wanted me to make better investments of my time and money, so I sold them and am working on downsizing my possessions. Likewise, investing more money and time in outreach and ministry is a renewed passion and focus for me in my retirement years. This journal is a central part of that focus and investment. I believe God will help each of us set better priorities of our money and time and talents and gifts if we open ourselves and seek and ask for His council and desires. I also believe we will be much happier and fulfilled by doing so as well. AMEN? AMEN!!
“The question is not how much of my money I give to God, but rather how much of God’s money I keep for myself.” R. G. LeTourneau
3/3/18 How Do We Give? 3
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Recommended Reading: EPHESIANS 3:13-19 “13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”
COMMENTS: The impact of a totally surrendered life is powerful and world changing. Billy Graham led such a life. His commitment to follow his calling to preach Christ’s redemptive Gospel to everyone in all countries drove him to go to countries with governments hostile to Christians even to it’s people. He did so without taking sides but simple calling all to a relationship with Christ. KGB officers came to Christ under his preaching, when he first preached in Russia, as well as obscure citizens there. Hundreds of millions of people came to Christ during his over 60 years of ministry. Tapes of his sermons still are broadcasted and people are still being saved by them. While returning from vacation in Florida, we visited “The Cove”, Billy Graham’s Christian training retreat in Asheville, North Carolina. The visitor guide showed us the calling center that are manned to council and lead callers to Christ after each broadcast.
Billy Graham was not perfect and his family struggled with his absence, putting additional burdens on his wife, Ruth, to put most of the effort to raising their family. But God honored their faithfulness to each other and to Christ and raised their children to know and love Christ and continue the legacy Billy and Ruth left.
God have them opportunity and gifts beyond ours, but God will honor our faithfulness with an eternal impact if we obey. Obey in deed and obey in money donations to His work, but mostly faithful in our daily relationship with Him. I’m sure Billy and Ruth could not imagine how God would used them, but obeyed one day at a time. We can’t either but God wants us to obey and draw closer to Him each day too. If we do, we still may not impact the world like Billy did, but who knows? If we can impact just one for Christ, that would be enough. We are not expected to compete with Billy’s legacy. God’s plan for us is different but no less important to Him!! AMEN? AMEN!!
“Give not from the top of your purse, but from the bottom of your heart” Unknown
3/4/18 Why Do We Give? 4
But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Hebrews 13:16
Recommended Reading: I CORINTHIANS 3:8-17 “8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
COMMENTS: What is your purpose and reason for living? What is your passion and motivates you? What do you enjoying doing more than anything else? What recharges your emotional and physical batteries? What do you never grow tired doing and gravitate to when have free time? What work do you do that energizes instead of drains you? Well, a rare few have discovered and made all these answers the same thing and made that one thing their life’s work. For the rest of us, our life’s work is something different than that and all too many have never discovered that one thing that energizes and gives them life.
Look at those who have found and focus on that one thing. Those like Bill Gates accomplish impressive things and gain great wealth. They impact the world significantly. But what about those who specifically follow God’s plan and the one thing God has called them to do? Those like Paul and Peter in the first century or Billy Graham in 20th century and countless numbers in between? They all had a clear calling but also a level of faith and trust in God to follow His lead without knowing result. They all took many “leaps of faith” without seeing a safety net. BUT THEY ALL KNEW GOD WAS THEIR SAFETY NET! THEY ALSO HAD ALLOWED THE HOLY SPIRIT TO ABIDE IN AND GUIDE THEM! The secret they found was the empowering and energizing impact of the Holy Spirit abiding in them and with them. But the additional secret they discovered was the power and insightful knowledge gained by daily and even continual prayer. Spending the time preparing and blanketing each day in prayer. Abiding in fellowship in prayer often. BEING DILIGENT TO PRAYER WHEN IT IS WORK UNTIL PRAYER BECOME ENERGIZING JOY. An old term for this is “praying through”. Daniel and David and Joseph were some examples from Old Testament times. Even Christ spent much time in prayer with the Father and, in His humanity had dry times of weakness and weariness that made prayer work for Him. But prayer was His life line to the Father and He used it continually no matter how His human emotions and feelings and body felt.
If we learn from their experience and the example of countless role models of those who learned and followed Christ from then til now, we will discover both their secrets to success but also guidance on how to follow their example to the one thing God has designed us for too. Such discovery came at a price and commitment and determination for them, and will for us too. But our response and commitment will bring great reward and impact for us.
Granted, we may not preach to millions via TV like Billy Graham or write letters than make it into scripture that ministers to millions over next 20 centuries like Paul. We may not be responsible to lead millions to Christ. But we might just make that significant a difference in the lives of your spouse and children and grandchildren and neighbors and ??? What about the obscure Sunday School teacher or parent or friend who impacted or counselled the great preachers or missionaries or evangelists at critical times to accept Christ or make critical life choices that set them on the path of obedience they then followed. Those obscure Christ followed had no idea how God would use them but prepared by having a viable continual relationship with Christ with the Holy Spirit’s indwelling and abiding influence guiding them. Granted they were still human with times of failing and sin as well as times of repentance and obedience. But God includes them and honors them for the fruits of their obedience, including the fruit of those who they impacted.
This not only includes what we do that consumes our time, but what consumes our money and income. Tithing may not be a practical starting point but is a goal. But we should also realize it is not the final goal. God wants to guide us to greater acts of obedience and blessing. Reflect on examples from scripture and from those before us to confirm this to be true too.
GOD DOESN’T EXPECT US TO REACH THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS OR GOALS BUT WANTS US TO STRIVE TO ACHIEVE GOALS HE HAS FOR US.
OUR CALLING AND MISSION MAY ONLY BE IMPACTING ONE PERSON BUT THAT MISSION IS JUST AS IMPORTANT TO CHRIST AS BILLY GRAHAM’S MISSION! THE REASON IS YOU AND I ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AND LOVED BY CHRIST!! AMEN? AMEN!!
“Giving a tenth is nothing to brag about”. Samuel Chadwick
3/5/18 Free to Give 5
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1
Recommended Reading: PHILIPPIANS 3:7-8 “7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,”
COMMENTS: What does Paul mean by living sacrifice? To sacrifice means to give up something of value. Something precious to owner. Something that is not easily replaced or replaceable at all. Paul is talking about giving up our own goals and dreams and desires in order to pursue something more valuable. The desire for things and money and security and popularity and power and admiration of others and ….
Everything the world offers requires paying a price to gain but the price needs to be considered in light to limited duration of any and all gifts this world offers. All its gifts last at most a lifetime and most last a fraction of that time. Yet they can also be stolen or destroyed by others or by neglect.
A young missionary, Jim Elliott, said “A wise man gives up what he cannot keep in order to obtain what he cannot loose”. When we give up our own selfish desires in order to acquire Christ’s mercy and the treasures of heaven and an eternal relationship with Him, we don’t just give up what we can’t permanently possess, but we gain what we cannot lose nor can be stolen or destroyed. The work we do for Christ will bring great reward while work for things and status will soon be lost or will elude us with unkept promises.
We need to stop and reflect on what consumes our days. What work do we do that brings no or little gain other than a little personal pleasure or worthless results? Granted cooking meals or mowing grass or repairing our homes or cars are necessary to maintain life and provide for the daily needs of ourselves and families. But there is much we do which robs from time and money better suited for greater things. Time spend with family instead of distractions we enjoy or are driven by habit. Money spent on things wanted but not needed instead of ministry or family needs. Setting priorities for our time and money requires thought and prayer and discipline to resist temptations satan keeps wearing us down with. What temptations does he wear you down with? Well, nothing will change without a change. Let’s pray for God’s help dealing with satan’s temptations and deceptions and choose more wisely going forward. We will be surprised what we have missed out on and blessings God will shower if we spend His resources as He desires. AMEN!
“There is nothing the Christian life suffers more from than the subtle and indescribable worldliness that comes from the possessions of this life.” Andrew Murray
3/6/18 Supporting Those Who Labor 6
For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 1 Timothy 5:18
COMMENTS: Why is it easier to take acts of kindness for granted from those we love than from those we don’t know? When we receive goods or services from our pastor or family, we don’t even say thank you. But we pay money for goods and services willingly at stores and businesses. We even pay tips in restaurants to strangers who serve us. What is different? Well, maybe most of all we can’t get away with it in businesses. There are laws against stealing and a policeman will take you to jail if go away with unpaid goods or services. But when we leave church without paying our tithe or saying thank you to pastor and workers in church, are we not stealing too? When we leave for days work from home without expressing appreciation to our spouses for all they do, are we not stealing too? Well, do we not steal from God and from those we love when we take them for granted and don’t respond in kind to their acts of love to us? We go to a neighbor’s dinner party and express thanks and praise for their hard work while being silent to the countless meals and work our spouse does for us each and every day.
I too am guilty of this sin all too often too. Well, I know it is a common human failing to a take faithfulness for granted. To get used to and take for granted blessings we enjoy each and every day without fail. But then we expect praise when we deliver a meal or visit a shut-in once or twice a year. Do you see the hypocrisy in our lives by doing so?
So, what must we do? We must first reflect and recognize those we have been stealing from and seek their forgiveness and resolve to change. This must also include seeking Christ’s forgiveness and resolve to show more love and appreciation towards Him and giving to His work. Giving our tithe to our church and His work. Giving our time to His work and His priorities. Giving praise and gratitude more freely and consistently to those who give to us, and especially to Christ. Then we must be more consistent in serving others the same way. The same way God provides for us each and every day without expecting payment or gratitude in response. Trusting God included trusting our eternal reward to Him instead of short-term gratitude or reward from others. The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) says “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” It doesn’t say “Do only to others who do unto you”. It doesn’t say “Expect others to do to you as you do to them” Verse only says to treat others the way you want to be treated whether they deserve it or not or respond in kind or not. The motivation, then, is not to be liked or gain benefit from others but because God has already showed great kindness to us and asked us to. Because He has already paid us in full, so we need to respond in service to Him. When we do so, we discover a much closer and richer relationship with Christ and also discover greater joy and passion in serving others without a need for their praise or response in kind.
OK, it is always nice when others say thank you or respond in kind, but that is different from expecting such a response or feeling cheated or disappointed when that response doesn’t com. AMEN!
“Money is never more wisely used than in forwarding the cause of God.” George Barlow
3/7/18 Twenty Bushels of Apple Seeds 7
He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Recommended Reading: 2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-11 “6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”
COMMENTS: Our actions and all aspects of our lives are much like planting seeds that may go unnoticed for years but will either bear fruit or weeds depending on quality of our lives. Billy Graham knew that and left a legacy of a life that bore a huge bountiful crop of fruit. That fruit is also seed that continues to be planted and bears fruit. Compound interest is God’s design and reward. Such is a reward Billy is just beginning to enjoy. Ours will not likely be as obvious as his while on earth but God has a wonderful way of compounding even simple acts of obedience into great blessing. Stop and reflect and see if you can find some from your life already or from a close relative or friend. A good friend and co-worker introduced my wife, Arlene and I. She felt God’s nudging to do so. We will be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary next month and have two children, a granddaughter who would not have existed nor two step- grandsons and a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law who would not have been positively impacted by our children. Then there are the countless impacted by their lives too. I could look back to our parent’s lives and find similar stories.
John Chapman is now known as Johnny Appleseed. He traveled through Midwest planting an estimated 300,000 seeds over a period of 45 years. Most of his apple trees were cut down during Prohibition to hinder hard cider production, but one tree remains in the courtyard of Johnny Appleseed Museum in Urgana, Ohio. Tree is extremely old but some of it’s branches have been grafted onto younger trees to continue his legacy.
God called Bernard Coffindaffer to leave a successful business in West Virginia to become a pastor and then to use the fortune he accumulated from his business to make and install 3 crosses along the highways of the United States. He spent all his money, $3million and installed over 1800 sets of crosses in 29 states in the 9 years he lived before his death in 1993. His legacy continues through his foundation “Crosses across America, Inc.”. I didn’t know the story but his crosses ministered to me many times during my working career. You see, I would travel to many coal mines to troubleshoot equipment built by my employer. Those crosses reminded me to pray for God’s help in my work but also to be an effective ambassador for Christ. I made many friends during those visits and met many Christians who also encouraged and ministered to me too. Bernard’s legacy continues and saw 3 sets of those crosses on trip my wife, Arlene, and I took to Florida recently. Memories of those work visits and reflection on Bernard’s calling and impact nudges me to be faithful to all God calls me to do. I pray it will you as well.
“Giving to the Lord is but transporting our goods to a higher floor”. Paul Lee Tan
3/8/18 Down the Drain 8
Honor God with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase.
Proverbs 3:9
Recommended Reading: Proverbs 3:1-10 “ My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”
COMMENTS: Story is told of a discovery of a huge sum of paper Euro money in Geneva that was shredded and flushed down multiple toilets, resulting in clogged drains, which is what led to discovery. Why would anyone do such a thing? Was it to cover up the way the money was acquired? Was owner convicted, like Judas, and could not return it? Was it in order to avoid getting discovered for his sins and illegal deeds? Did he or she discover having great wealth was not worth the cost to acquire it? Did he also discover with wealth comes responsibility and the torment of risk of attracting dangerous robbers?
A common tragedy is ruined lived of those who win a lottery and gaining great wealth very quickly. Most end up miserable and even bankrupt. Why? Well, with wealth comes responsibility. Those who use wealth to do great good, becoming generous, find joy in giving but usually discover giving money is incomplete unless accompanied with sacrifice of time and work too. You see we all are allotted different gifts and in varying degrees. Same goes for money and possessions. BUT WE ARE ALL ALLOTTED 24 HOURS EACH DAY. Some live very few years while others live very long lives. Few are allowed to live 99 years and use them so wisely and effectively and make such a positive impact as did Billy Graham. Some only live a dozen years but make a huge impact while others live long lives and leave a life of regrets and misery. Yet most lives fall somewhere in between these extremes.
The Good News is God doesn’t judge us from Billy Graham’s life nor judges us from Adolf Hitler’s life. Both grew up as pastor’s sons. I would only be guessing whey Billy and Adolf chose different paths but we all know which was a path to life and which a path to death. Again, most lives fall in between those extremes, but God judges us against His standard, as lost sinners, until we accept His gift of redemption He paid for with His life. That is the single message Billy preached with every sermon and every breath. His message was simple but profound. Was not deep in doctrine or theology but deep in God’s anointing and empowering and transforming truth.
God values how we live as much as He did Billy Graham because you and I are just as precious to Him as Billy Graham and wants to use our humble service as much as his.
I heard about a young boy today who met Billy at a college dedication Billy and tripped over Billy’s feet. Billy asked his name and shared his name, David, meant a leader for God. He encouraged that boy to be true to his name. That boy did and went on to lead a major Christian organization. Many years later, David went onto an elevator and Billy’s body guards asked him to step off so Billy could use it. Billy said, the man looks harmless so let him ride along. David then told Billy he had met him at that college’s dedication. Billy immediately said are you David? Billy laughed and said he still carries a bruised leg. They had a wonderful conversation on that elevator and David shared that Billy’s words of encouragement stirred him to follow his advice. Both David and Billy are now in heaven What a legacy they both left but are enjoying along with others their lives impacted. God wants so much to use even simple unlikely events to create a powerful legacy for you and me too. What will that legacy be and how will it be written? It will be just as unique as David’s but just as wonderful if we simply obey His soft loving but powerful voice. Let’s pray for open hearts and sharp spiritual ears a we listen for His guidance. How could even great wealth or prosperity or even a long life of luxury compare to that? Any temptation will be long gone 100 years from one and for most much much sooner. AMEN? AMEN!! “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine” (Proverbs 10:9-10, NLT).
“No person was ever honored for what he received. He was honored for what he gave.” Calvin Coolidge
3/9/18 Learning to Share 9
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.2 Corinthians 9:7
Recommended Reading: MATTHEW 6:25-34 “25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
COMMENTS: I am reflected on the scripture above along with Winston Churchill’s quote below. Children need to learn early to share and giving. So do adults. Those who do discover great strength and help from those giving draws them to. They also discover they are not alone and they are loved. If we are open, such will lead us to God’s love. To God’s example. Best of all, to a new and better path, a journey of adventure that Christ will take hand in hand with us. A journey possible because of Christ’s redemptive gift of forgiveness and the Holy Spirit’s abiding presence available to everyone who will let Him everywhere and at the same time. Only God can do this but only God would want to.
Learning to share helps us learn to value others, resulting in opening doors to a higher quality of life. “38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good portion—packed down, firmly shaken, and overflowing—will fall into your lap. The portion you give will determine the portion you receive in return.” Luke 6:38 The motivation to give should not be selflsh, thinking we will get more back, but as an expression of love for God and for others. That motivation will likely be impure with residual selfish elements. In fact, selfishness will likely contaminate our motives until heaven. But that doesn’t mean we won’t grow and make great strides in become unselfish and more like Christ as we journey down the path of His choosing and our obedience to walk with Him. A path that includes sacrifice and hardship and even grief at times, but a path that includes hope and peace and assurance of a bright destination.
But, I know, how can we be generous when we have bills unpaid at the end of our paycheck? That will always be true with no obvious solution until we started trusting God by even in very small ways with some baby steps. Any idea what that may mean? Why not ask? Afraid He will ask you to do something really hard or something you dread doing? Where did you get that idea? Maybe we just need to get to know Him a bit better… After all, He is God and He already has paid dearly so we can be in relationship with Him.
“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill
3/10/18 Sowing and Reaping 10
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10
“God’s seed will come to God’s harvest.” Samuel Rutherford
3/11/18 THE ONLY WAY IS THROUGH THE GATE OF PEARL!! 11 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous. 1 Peter 3:8
Recommended Reading: Luke 10:33 “33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”
COMMENTS: This morning, on the Christian radio (AFR) program “Focus on the Family”, I listen to a sermon Ann Graham Lots gave to a gathering of 2000 women recently. She shared insights from description of heaven given in Revelation. One insight that struck me especially was the gates of pearl. She reminded the audience that a pearl is made by the oyster in order to cover the grain of sand that causes it pain. The oyster’s pain is only relieved by the covering of pearl. She shared Christ’ pain and suffering and death brought Him pain in ways and to a depth we cannot know nor understand but will when we see Him, when we pass through the gate of pearl. Then we will be so overwhelmed that I can’t imagine us not falling to our knees in worship and praise and gratitude and love for Him. He so deserves our love and praise but also our obedience. Such a wonderful message He gives us to share. Such a lifesaving message that is so important and gift that is given without cost to us but at such a cost to Him. How foolish for us to still think we can earn our way to heaven. We still get it backwards. We serve out of love and gratitude and out of concern for others. We can never earn our way to heaven but must accept Christ’s gift of forgiveness as the only way. Then and only then will our works and service have lasting value for others, for ourselves, and for Him too!!
John 14:6 “6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
I may be wrong because scripture doesn’t not tell us this, but I believe we will see His blood buried deep in that gate of pearl when we pass through and realize even more the depth of His sacrifice and pain along with the depth of His love and joy as He experiences our redemption with us.
“Compassion makes one person feel pain when another person is hurting.” Unknown
3/12/18 Shortly 12
And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.Revelation 22:6
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COMMENTS: Scripture tells us to watch and be diligent for Christ’s return is soon and will catch us unprepared if aren’t prepared. Even in the first century many took that warning seriously and sold their possessions and waited and watch on a hill. Nearly 2000 years have passed and He still has not returned yet. There have been critical times in history when evidence was convincing He would soon return. You see, Christ revealed that circumstances would be so severe that if He would delay, man would totally destroy himself. We have been on a path to do so many times over history but something would change and crisis would pass or become less severe. Since God both knows the future and is not limited by time or space, His plan and schedule accounts for all this. His return is perfectly timed and is approaching. He still wants us to watch and wait but not in the way many before us have waited. HE wants us to work for Him as though each day was our last. Not to waste our remaining time but to focus on discovering and doing each day’s work following Christ’s lead and instruction. By having the Holy Spirit 24x7x365 available to us, we have the opportunity to do just that. To be find working for Him when He returns is fulfilling His instruction in scripture: 36 “But nobody knows when that day or hour will come, not the heavenly angels and not the Son. Only the Father knows. 37 As it was in the time of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Human One.[f] 38 In those days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark. 39 They didn’t know what was happening until the flood came and swept them all away. The coming of the Human One[g] will be like that. 40 At that time there will be two men in the field. One will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill. One will be taken and the other left. 42 Therefore, stay alert! You don’t know what day the Lord is coming. 43 But you understand that if the head of the house knew at what time the thief would come, he would keep alert and wouldn’t allow the thief to break into his house. 44 Therefore, you also should be prepared, because the Human One[h] will come at a time you don’t know. 45 “Who then are the faithful and wise servants whom their master puts in charge of giving food at the right time to those who live in his house?” “It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.” Mtt.24:36-46.
It is tempting to set dates based on compelling history and current events judged against bible prophecy. Sir Isaac Newton was a student of scripture and speculated, based on his analysis of prophecy, that Christ will return in 2060. I find that amazing he predicted that date so far in the future. It would be like you or me setting a date like 2460. I’m sure he used an elaborate mathematical interpretation of certain scriptures not unlike many others whose predictions have come and gone. At least Newton set his date so far in the future so he would not live to see his prediction “not come to pass” like so many others before and after him. But we are told not to set dates, so we must avoid that. Yet, we are told to pay attention to evidence that His return is approached and let that evidence motivate us to work harder. If we saw a tornado coming, we would run to shelter gathering, taking, and urging others to follow. We would not sit down and watch TV til storm entered our home. Neither should we do so even though we don’t know just when His return will happen. Besides, letting our lives shine for Him and conducting ourselves as though each day was our last is a very good way and fulfilling way to live. If Christ returns today, we will be ready, If we die at an old age before He returns, we will also be ready and we will have been faithful so others will choose to be faithful and ready too. AMEN? AMEN! “He who thinks half-heartedly will not believe in God; but he who really thinks has to believe in God. “Isaac Newton
3/13/18 Well in Hand 13
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8
Recommended Reading: PSALM 31:14-15: “14 But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God.15 My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.”
COMMENTS: People spend a great deal of time and money trying to discover their futures. Sad thing is most put their trust in horoscopes and fortunetellers and a host of other ways instead of seeking God, who not only knows the future but has been there since He is not bound by time. But the Bible tells us the wise man puts his trust in the Lord. God not only knows the future but is powerful enough to do something about it. In fact, He has the best plan all worked out for us and our family. A plan best for us and them but a plan that is best for everyone, but we need to follow that plan. But it a plan that requires trusting Him because it is a plan in which He hides some key information and understanding so we need to show and exercise trust in Him to follow. As a car is driven to a known and selected destination, which is heaven for us, headlights only show enough light to enable car to be steered on the highway a few hundred feet at a time. In the same way, Christ only lights our way far enough to enable us to make wise choices necessary for the day. When we try to see and act further than He lights, we get ourselves in trouble. Try to reflect and conclude how true this is in your experience. He is teaching us to wait for His guiding light at times as well as move forward when He gives us insight and light to do so. That is the journey of faith our relationship with Him guides us on. We have no need to know the future, because He already has told us what awaits us at life’s end. He is asking us to trust him and to take His hand and walk with Him in the remaining time on earth. So why does He hide what He knows from us, and why does He allow us to make foolish choices and face hardships and tragedy along that journey? We can’t know because God’s wisdom and understanding is so far above ours. But I do know history shows us that hardship and tragedy is an effective way of drawing people back to and closer to Him and into a deeper / more personal relationship with Him. I do know that relationship is what He longs for with you and me above all else as well as with everyone.
But He promises to walk with us as we face and journey through both hardship and comfort. We still must hold on to Him, but if we do, He will guide us and help us and strengthen and encourage us as we walk through dark times but also when we go through prosperous times of peace, which can be more dangerous due to temptations to think we don’t need God. Israelites feel into sin during times of peace and repented and turned back to Him during times of bondage and suffering. So do we. We, like they, tend to only seek God when we need Him and not when we think we don’t. Truth is we need Him all the time and always will. “My times are in Thy hand;/ I’ll always trust in Thee; / And / after death / at Thy right hand / I shall forever be.” Hymnist William Lloyd
3/14/18 Words From Above 14
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says.Revelation 2:7
Recommended Reading: Revelation 2:8-11 “8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”
COMMENTS: North Korea is responsible for the most severe persecution of Christians in the world in contrast to South Korea’s neutrality towards Christians. South Korea Christians are supporting Christians and evangelizing in North Korea via radio station broadcasts into North Korea and also in releasing hundreds of balloons carrying God’s word in Korean language along with flash drives with New Testaments into North Korea. Guards and walls are in place not to keep South Koreans out of North Korea but North Koreans from escaping into South Korea. Discussion of building a wall between the US and Mexico is not to keep US citizens from escaping to Mexico but Mexicans from escaping into US. Free democratic countries are places of refuge and citizens in communist and dictatorship ruled countries long for the freedom enjoyed in democratic countries. Individuals without constraint will become corrupt and abusive when given authority without accountability or limits. They lack the wisdom and character to consistently rule wisely and to sustain wise rule. They regress to making choices destructive to themselves and the country they lead. They attack the people and faith with the best option and embrace people and religion that brings destruction and death. Why? Because they have allowed satan’s influence to control their thinking whether they realize it or not.
Surprisingly, Christians suffering persecution in these countries do not ask us to pray for their deliverance but for faith and strength to endure. They pray for us that our faith will not weaken due to comfort and prosperity we enjoy. Truth is our freedom and prosperity is more dangerous than the severe persecution of North Korea. Historically the Israelites turned from God into pagan worship during times of God’s blessing and prosperity and repented and turned back during times of captivity and slavery. Desperation drew them to God and confidence and prosperity draw them away from God. That needn’t be. Prosperity gives us opportunity to share and bless others and more resource to do God’s work. Very few are able to be true to God amidst wealth. We all need to be accountable to others to avoid the slow but slippery slope away from God. A slope we may not even realize we are on.
You and I are not strong enough to sustain wisdom in our lives without being accountable to a wiser authority. Democracies typically rule more wisely and fairly because of checks and balances and election process makes and keeps leaders accountable with threat of losing their positions if abuse their powers. We need to make ourselves accountable to God and follow His council if we ever hope to live Christ-like lives and leave a legacy worthy of our name “Christian”. Otherwise, we will fall short and fail but also will wonder down a sinful and evil path to destruction without even realizing it. Solomon, Samson, David are examples of strong and wise men who started out following God’s council and wondered away from God, losing God’s influence and strength in their lives, without ever realizing it. The prophet Nathan was able to waken David back up to repent in time. Have you been wakened too? I have more than once too.
Keeping ourselves connected to God with daily devotions, including study of His word and prayer are vital. Equally vital is staying connected with other faithful Christians and making ourselves accountable to them. Our friends and spouses will notice our wonderings even before we admit or recognize them. But God will notice and alert us even sooner if we are open enough and connected to Him. He will keep our consciences soft and tender so we will be alerted when temptations come. So, we will run from temptations before their roots grow into our souls and lives. When we deny or ignore our vulnerability is when we are the most vulnerable. When we recognize and run to God for help is when we are the strongest and wisest and least vulnerable. Why not live running to God instead of living on our own? Should be a “no brainer” but is still a struggle for me and you and everyone else. We still have work to do and a discipline to learn and follow if we ever hope to gain victory over sin and temptation. Seven times the book of Revelation says, “He who has an ear, let him hear.” Let’s listen and learn and spread the message abroad.
3/15/18 Ought 15
You ought to walk and to please God. 1 Thessalonians 4:1
Recommended Reading: I Thessalonians 4:1-8 “ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.”
COMMENTS: When we are children, obeying parents is easier and expected. Children need and expect close supervision and a safety net. But as children become older and especially in teen years they feel more confident in making their own decisions and more resentful of parent’s close supervision. Parents fear their children are not ready to make important choices and are keenly aware of the temptations and evil and negative influence present day children and teens face. Children and teens desire independence and feel resentment thinking their parents don’t trust them.
Well, truth is we all, even at 100, are no match for satan’s snares and delusions. Temptations that 80-year old’s face are likely different than for 15 yr. old’s but both desperately need the Holy Spirit’s abiding presence and council to be prepared. Fears and over confidence pull us into vulnerable opportunities to draw closer and more obedience in our relationship with Christ or further away from Him.
There is a very good and wonderful reason why God enables parents and grandparents and even great grandparents to influence the younger generations. Benefits include long life experiences and wisdom of older generations to be passed on to younger generations. Likewise, the energy and enthusiasm and excitement and openness of younger generations can breathe new life and sense of worth and purpose into older generations.
But the need to be in relationship with Christ daily is a common need at all ages and older generations and young can be accountable and encouragers for each other. When love is strong in families, such can develop and draw both to Christ. When bitterness and anger is strong, so much is missed with huge barriers and regrets keeping families from loving and caring for each other. Time spent with our families become more precious to us and older members pass on and younger ones become the patriarchs and matriarchs.
Well, truth is the Holy Spirit not only has available to us the infinite wisdom of God, but wisdom that has proven true over the many centuries and generations from Adam and Eve til now. To deprive ourselves of the Holy Spirit’s council and abiding presence and influence in our lives is tragic for us and brings sadness to Him. He is so worthy of our attention and fellowship and obedience and we are so desperately in need of His council and help.
Granted, often His council is not what we want to hear or want to do, but that is when past experience can wake us up to realize “insanity is making the same wrong choices and expect different or better results”. Missionary Jim Elliott said “A wise man will give up what he cannot keep in order to acquire what he cannot loose”. Striving for money or possessions or power or pleasure will not last but seeking a deeper relationship with Christ and His abiding Holy Spirit will bless and sustain us and bring us deeper joy that will not only last a lifetime but eternity. A relationship that will guide us to best choices and deep lasting relationships with others. A relationship that will enable us to build a legacy we will not regret but be glad for. Maybe not a legacy quite as famous as Billy Graham’s, but a legacy just as important to Him as Billy’s, because we are just as important to Him and just as loved by Him as Billy is. There is enough room in God’s heart for everyone, even billions. AMEN!
“We ought to remember that Christ has the power to help everyone who asks for His divine aid.” D. L. Moody
3/16/18 If I Believed Like That 16
But the end of all things is at hand. 1 Peter 4:7
RECOMMENDED READING: HEBREWS 13:1-8 “Let brotherly love continue.2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
COMMENTS: D.L. Moody was a powerful preacher in mid-1800’s, leading thousands to Christ in the many crusades we conducted. He also believed Christ could return any moment and preached with passion believing that to be likely. Billy Graham preached with that same passion and belief all his long life too. Were they both wrong? NO! Scripture supported this conclusion from the first Century to present. In fact, scripture instructed Christians from first Century until now to live and preach Christ’s message of redemption as though His return was the same day. So why has Christ not returned yet? If He had, you and I would likely be lost along with countless millions or even billions who otherwise would have opportunity to choose redemption. HE HAS WAITED FOR YOU AND ME AND IS STILL WAITING FOR MORE! That doesn’t mean He has changed His mind nor that His prophecies are no longer current. No, His return is nearly 2000 years closer and His return is more likely now than then. In fact, scripture tells us His return will happen to stop man from destroying himself. Only in last 2 generations was it possible for man to totally destroy himself. We have come close many times over last 50 years and are now seeing risks increasing again. Today, however, the threat of Islam is greater than in previous generations, prophecies of Israel returning to their home land are fulfilled. Yet what causes God to delay judgment has always been a willingness of His people to repent and return to Him. 2 Chronicles 7:14 “14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” That likely means there have been many times in past when world was on a path to destruction until revival broke out among Christians. When that happened, God’s judgment was withdrawn and healing happened along with revival. Will that happen again. That is the only option God is offering to delay His judgment. That was D.L.Moody’s message and Billy Graham’s message. It is the same message God’s preachers are still giving today.
God’s judgment, as described in scripture, will happen. The prophecies will be fulfilled. God’s knows when and knows who will repent before judgment and who will refuse. He continues to provide that option and will do so until man is about to destroy himself, a date and time God already knows and is ready for.
So why would anyone stay on the Titanic without a lifeline knowing it was going to sink? Well, satan is also preaching the scripture isn’t true and God isn’t real. Satan is still deceiving most by convincing them to follow their own ideas, which are really ideas satan is planting in their minds. BUT WE MUST NOT BE FOOLED. OUR ONLY HOPE IS FOLLOWING CHRIST’S REDEMPTIVE PLAN. TIME IS RUNNING OUT. WHY RISK YOUR ETERNAL HOME ON PRESUMPTION YOU STILL HAVE TIME? Life can be snuffed out today or He will return today. Besides, we miss out on so much better living without Him in our lives. If we have already discovered that, we need to seek His help in order to do better in sharing His Good News. Opportunities and methods in doing so are in His hands, so best to simply open ourselves to the Holy Spirit to guide and prepare us. He will, but not until we seek Him and begin following His nudging. I know, courage is needed, but exercising our faith always requires courage but will not grow stronger without that exercise.
“He thinks (the world is) a wreck bound to sink—and the only thing that is worth doing is to get as many of the crew off as you can.” Henry Ward Beecher, about Moody
3/17/18 Heavenly Advocate 17
And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
1 John 2:1
RECOMMENDED READING: I TIMOTHY 2:5 “5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”
COMMENTS: Holy Week is quickly approaching and urgency to prepare with it. The significance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross impacts us today as it did that first Easter morning. But an understanding of all His sacrifice means still escapes us. Christ paid so we could be forgiven and live with Him in heaven. But He also paid so we could live with the Holy Spirit in us while alive. He became our advocate, our intermediary so the Father accepts us because He sees us through His Son and not our sins. That means we owe everything to Christ and His sacrifice was completely for you and me but sufficient for all who accept His sacrifice for themselves. But in order to receive and enjoy the benefits and blessings of His sacrifice, we must accept it. We cannot earn forgiveness because the price for our sins is too great. We cannot earn or work enough to pay that price.
Let’s not allow ourselves to get used to or take for granted our forgiveness, nor the sacrifice Christ made for our forgiveness. Let’s live as He calls us to live and give others a reason to ask what makes us different. Then when we tell them about His love and Good News, the impact our words will have will be powerful and credible. Others will see credible value available for them too. But God needs to prepare hearts to receive and prepare ours too. Let’s make this a daily item of prayer so opportunities and effectiveness in using those opportunities will become reality and not missed because of sin and indifference in our lives.
Why does Christ defend you against Satan? Because there is “no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Give thanks today for your Heavenly Advocate, for Christ who suffered and died but now intercedes for you each and every day. We are safe in His care.
“And do but take away Christ’s intercession, and you starve the hope of the saints.”
John Flavel
3/18/18 All-Seeing and All-Knowing 18 To the angel of the church of Ephesus . . . Smyrna . . . Pergamos . . . Thyatira . . . Sardis . . . Philadelphia . . . Laodiceans write. Revelation 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14
Recommended Reading: II CHRONICLES 16:8-9 “ 8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the Lord, he delivered them into thine hand.9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.”
COMMENTS: We are quickly approaching reality to what science fiction books and movies about “Big Brother Watching” fantasized about. There are now over 350 million closed-circuit TV camera operating on city streets monitoring 24/7 what people are doing. Satellites and drones are increasing in number and capability to point the possibility of a complete 24/7 view of the entire globe is feasible. The capability of a Big Brother to know where everyone is and even what they are doing is no longer a science fiction fantasy but an achievable goal. When that happens, there will be no place to hide or run too. Can you imagine what it will be like to refuse the mark of the beast during the Great Tribulation and being sought with such technology? But can you imagine facing damnation with no hope of redemption because you have taken the mark during that time? Those are the two choices those who don’t accept Christ before He returns. There is still time to repent but we don’t know when our life will be snuffed out or when Christ will return. Christ tarries because of His love and compassion for us, but that will not go on forever and all signed prophesied area in place and increasing in strength pointed to Christ’s return being eminent. To put Him off is playing with danger and disaster. How tragic it will be for those who put Him off and will look back in misery and deep grief and regret for doing so. We can’t say that we weren’t warned. HE STILL IS PLEADING AND WARNING US TO REPENT BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. For those of us who have repented, our job is to draw closer to Him and allow His Holy Spirit into our lives and to transform us to be more like Christ. That included turning from past sins, seeking and following the Holy Spirit’s direction, and spending more time reading His Word and in prayer.
It also means being more open and alert to ways He opens to us to be an example for others and ready to share the reason for our hope and joy when asked. Not to force opportunity but be open and ready when they come. Do reflect and see if you can recognize past opportunities missed and even if some failed because they were forced too early. I dare say missed opportunities happened more often than failed forced opportunities. That is certainly true for me. There are many times I felt the Holy Spirit’s nudge to say something during conversations and didn’t because I hadn’t been prepared or was afraid of the reaction. God’s grace often would open another opportunity with same person so I would have a do-over. But for some, He gave that opportunity to another.
Is there enough evidence to convict you of being a faithful Christ follower? Have you been showing your faith or hiding it? Well, we need to remind ourselves we can’t fool or deceive God. He knows. If we worry about Big Brother watching, we also need to remember God knows and watches all the more. We also need to remember it is far better to please God than to please the world / others. Besides, there may very well be one who is ready to repent and needs to heard Christ’s Good News once more in order to repent. God knows that and wants to give you the privilege and joy of leading that one to Christ.
God’s grace provides forgiveness so we need not dwell on past failures, but He also so wants us to embrace His help so we won’t continue to fail and miss His blessings. He not only longs for others to find redemptions, He wants us to blossom too. Why? Because everyone is precious to Him, even those who have disappointed and failed Him over and over again. Israel is proof of that. Peter is also proof. So am I and you too….
“The heart is deceitful…It would deceive [God]—if He were not omniscient.” William S. Plumer
3/19/18 Fears and Faith 19
He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.”
Revelation 1:17
The New York Times Magazine ran an article titled, “Why Are More American Teenagers Than Ever Suffering from Severe Anxiety?” The article told of a North Carolina teenager named Jake who was likable, hard-working, and athletic. But the pressures and fears of school and life bore into him, and one day he simply refused to go to school, curled up in the fetal position on the floor, and screamed, “I just can’t take it! You just don’t understand!”
RECOMMENDED READING: ISAIAH 41:10-13 “10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.13 For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”
COMMENTS: We are living in a time like none before us. Granted, every generation has lived in dangerous times of war and famine and poverty and death, even in the USA. But we are told in scripture that in the last days threats of famines and disease and poverty and wars will come together and to a scope and intensity like no other time in history. In the 20th century, we experienced two world wars in 25 years and then the threat of entire global destruction due to capability of nuclear weapons. Scripture also tells us Christ’s return will also be timed to stop man from totally destroying himself. So, why would anyone destroy himself and others. Well, we see it happening over and over again with shooters planning and killing many in schools and at concerts and other crowded events and then kill themselves. What motivates and inspired old and young to do so? Scripture both tells us and gives us examples.
When we turn our backs on God and go our own way, we walk away from His moral standard and boundaries. We open ourselves to satan’s influence and become his ponds. Those who do evil satan’s motives who then kill themselves do so either because they don’t want to face consequences or punishment for their actions so then realize what they have done and can’t bear the guilt.
But most people think they can earn redemption and set a standard of behavior far short of God’s standard and short of the standard God wants to help us achieve.
How said but true.
But we need not fear or endure regrets. Christ died so we could stop following satan’s path to death and go down a path to life and redemption He built and wants to guide us on. He even provided a way to walk that path with us through His Holy Spirit abiding in us.
The danger is real. We are living in dangerous times. But our Savior is real too and His Good News is real too. Satan is working harder and bolder because he knows he is running out of time and wants to do as much damage and hurt God and kill as many of us as he can. We need to know our enemy, but we also need to know God and trust Him and put our trust in Him. We also need to seek His help so we can and will live and share His good news so others will find His safe haven too before it is too late. The danger and warnings are clear. The way to safety is clear too, but everyone is free to choose. To choose wisely or foolishly.
What are you afraid of? What circumstances have you faced or still do that make you fearful? How do you deal with fear? Do you hide or ignore it or do you seek help or run? Running from danger and from satan is a wise choice. But when running isn’t an option, where do you seek help? Are you someone others can run to? Have you found a safe haven? Are you guiding others to that haven too?
We are told times will continue to get worse and more dangerous, so seeking and finding a real safe place is vital for us, for those we influence and love. Christ is that real safe haven. He always will.
“When we fear Him in reverence, we have nothing else to fear in life.
Meet your fears with faith”. Max Lucado
3/20/18 Children of the Day 20
You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.
1 Thessalonians 5:5
When evangelist Vance Havner was advanced in age, his wife died. His grief and loneliness overwhelmed him, but he determined to persevere in his work with an increased longing for heaven. He wrote, “I once read of a man who lived beside a river but had little interest in the people on the other side until his daughter moved over there to live. I have lived beside the river many years, but this past year has heightened a thousand-fold my concern about the other side.”1
RECOMMENDED READING: I THESS. 5:1-11 “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”
COMMENTS: When most are young, they don’t think much about the future and especially not about heaven. Like the man noted above, they pay no attention at the people across the river until a loved one lives there. Heaven becomes more a reality when a loved one dies. I experienced the death of my dad’s father in 1963 when I was 12. Then my mom’s mother in 1976, my sister in 1993 and my father in 2002 and mother in 2007. But my closest friend, I went through grade school and high school with, died of drowning in 1972, when we were both 20. He was physically much bigger and stronger than I, which made his loss more a shock. But the reason we were so close was our common faith in Christ. The reality of heaven and confidence of our home there become more real to me after his passing. We had both come to Christ at an early age.
But as I grow older and realize I have more years of life behind me than ahead of me, as I have more and more friends and neighbors and family in heaven, then heaven becomes even more real and closer and home to me. I can appreciate those who have lost their spouse and/or children gain that appreciation of heaven even more so.
Arlene and I will be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary next month. We can remember both our parent’s celebration of their 40th anniversary. My parents lived to celebrate their 50th and 60th, but Arlene’s father died a few months before their 50th. That realizations draws us to hold our time together even more precious but the confident hope of heaven gives us joy and even a sense of anticipation knowing our eternal home and far better home in heaven is something to look forward to and not dread.
The increasing aches and pains and limits of an aging body also is more noticeable and can also appreciate those, like my aunt, who expressing her longing for heaven more vocally in her later years. But we are not called to complain but to praise. We are called to show joy and hope and gratitude and not hopelessness or despair.
I am told one of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is depression and hallucinations. I have to admit sometimes I have the weirdest dreams, most of which are rather funny but never depression. I believe the reason is the hope Christ puts in my souls, and the outlook the Holy Spirit fills me with. Writing this journal and prayer and bible study, and devotion keeping this discipline keeps me accountable to do, all serve to keep me filled with joy and gratitude instead of depression. Likewise, as I reflect on the growing welcoming committee awaiting me in heaven with my Lord, how could I be depressed.
My mother, after my father died, replaced his more recent pictures with their pictures from their early years of marriage. When I asked why, she said she wanted to see him as he now is and she as she one day will be. She was suffering so on her last day and I tried to encourage her and told her I was glad she placed pictures of herself young. I would be able to recognize her when I get to heaven. She was very weak but her eyes lit up and she said, “Don’t worry, I’ll recognize you”. She only lived a few hours more, but I am confident she will be waiting for me along with my sister and father and aunt and countless other family and friends. But my Lord will be waiting for me and His welcome will overshow and profoundly fill me with worship and joy and praise above all else.
I have not earned such a hope, nor have you. We receive such a gift by confessing our sins and accepting Christ’s redemptive sacrifice on the cross and forgiveness as an undeserved gift. When we do so, what we do for Him is out of love and gratitude and not out of duty or work for a wage. Motivation out of gratitude is so much more powerful and energizing as well. But even more, He then gives us His abiding Holy Spirit to guide and inspire and council and comfort and strengthen us as He walks each day with and in us. No one can understand this unless they have experienced His abiding presence. Then and only then can the work and good we strive to do have eternal value and impact because He is guiding us in it. Otherwise, to work with thought of earning our way to heaven will be empty and worthless. As foolish as putting a horse in the cart and trying to push it. Much better to let the horse pull the cart so we can ride and work can be done. Christ did the hard work of redemption and the Holy Spirit continues to do so.
So why do most still think they can earn their way to heaven? It is a deception satan is responsible for and is still able to effectively fool most with. Why? Because we, as humans, still like to earn our own way. We feel more satisfied at the end of a good day of fruitful work. Well, we don’t need to give that up. Fruitful meaningful work is still on God’s agenda for us, just not alone without Him. So much better if we only let Him. Don’t let satan trick or fool you. Put Christ on the throne of your life and keep Him there. So much to gain and so much to enjoy. Eternity is such a long time to plan for, but it will be here sooner than we think. Maybe today for some. Maybe today for all if Christ comes today.
3/21/18 Spiritual Rs 21
I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel. Galatians 1:6
On a hike in the mountains, you come to a fork in the trail and choose what you think is the right path. But after a couple miles, you realize you should have taken the other path. Venturing off the trail farther along, you realize that a very steep ravine now separates you from the other trail. You realize you will have to hike back to the fork and take the other trail to reach your destination.
RECOMMENDED READING: REVELATION 2:4-5 “ 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”
COMMENTS: Consider choices you and I have been over the years. Some very significant and most much less so. Major choices usually are wise if made after much thought and research. Risk of making poor or foolish choices can and do carry significant consequences. A wise boss once told me “we never go down the wrong path so far that it is still much better to turn around, go to intersection, and go the right path”. Lost time and repairing damage from wrong choice can be expensive in time and money but cost of continuing down a wrong path gets worse and worse if uncorrected.
The same is true of going down a wrong path of sin. 3 Spiritual Rs are: Repentence , Return, and Righteousness. Repenting involves a change in mind, remembering the wrong choice and coming back. Repentance also means stopping sinful behavior and moving away from, even running from, temptation. Moving from our own weakness and to His strength. A desire to change and being sorry is not enough. Doing the work of repentance is not all our work, but starts with us. Christ doesn’t intend for us to face temptation alone, but does expect us to first stop, then turn to Him and ask for forgiveness and help. Then start moving back and on another path. The path to restoration.
“Christianity starts with repentance.“ D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
3/22/18 When Opposition Comes 22
Contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. Acts 13:45
RECOMMENDED READING LUKE 12:4-7 “4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
COMMENTS: How can help but be fearful in the midst of real dangers and crisis? The above scripture tells us not to fear risk of death but fear God.
Corrie Ten Boom defined anxiety, Worry, as “a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear”.
John Newton, author of “Amazing Grace”, redeemed slave trader, and pastor, identified “faith” as the cure for fear. He wrote, “If the Lord be with us, we have no cause to fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer – His grace is sufficient, His promise unchangeable.”
As Christ followers, He has not promised us ease or comfort or a life free of stress or tragedy or danger. He gives us plenty of example from lives of those before us. But He has promised to guide and even carry us safely to our eternal Home. He has promised to provide help and strength and guidance, but most of all to walk the journey with us. Dark times are intended by satan to destroy us and frustrate God. But God intends and uses them to draw us closer to Him so He can make us more like Himself.
Tragedy or sickness is not all. Persecution of Christians has been evident in every generation since and including the early church. Persecution was severe then but is much worse in many countries and overall more Christians are martyred today than any other time in history. In the midst of persecution, Christians have overcome fear and desperation with peace and confident faith, resulted in incredible courage and praise. The first was Stephen but his courage from God’s abiding Holy Spirit gave others courage as they faced the same fate. His abiding Holy Spirit continues to do so no matter if suffering or death comes prematurely from persecution or illness or after a long life from natural causes. He not only gives us courage to face death, but courage to live life faithful to Him too. He who has helped me hitherto, / Will help me all my journey through. John Newton
3/23/17 Peculiar 23
Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Luke 10:3
RECOMMENDED READING: I CHRONICLES 29:5-9 “5 The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?6 Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly,7 And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the Lord, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.9 Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.”
COMMENTS: God has a wonderful way of calling and equipping the unlikely and unqualified and ill-equipped to do His work. The disciples were uneducated fishermen mostly. Paul was well educated but a head strong hater of Christians. But God didn’t see them, or us just as they and we are but as who He wants us to become.
Robert Sheffey was such a man. He was born in 1820 and lived 78 years. His ministry was in the remote Appalachian Mountains of U.S.A. Sheffey had tried to win her family to Christ unsuccessfully until he was called to help a family member was bit by a rattlesnake. Living with and enduring the same hardships and dangers gave him, and us, credibility in ministry and establish a bridge to God for others too. Sheffey was exposed to the same rattlesnakes his family and pioneers he ministered to were. He had to carve out a living and live in the same wilderness his parishioners did. But, by doing so, he gained a love and compassion and respect for them, and they gained a love and respect for him that made them open to the message he preached and to seek God whose character and love they could see in him.
When you and I have hardship and sickness and tragedy, area we staying close to God so he can strength and minister to us. But are we also opening ourselves to reflect that same strength and council and love we receive on to others? If we go to church only to get our needs met, we will miss out on both getting our needs met and miss out on the greater blessing God wants to give us. The blessing of being a blessing to others. Keep in mind Christ ministered to the one thief on a cross next to Him even as He was dying on a cross Himself.
God has made each of us unique in personality with unique dreams. He doesn’t want us to become like someone else like a Billy Graham or a Mother Teresa. But He wants us to become all He created us to be. To fulfill our mission but with His Holy Spirit at our side and in us to guide and help us on that path. What is that mission and path? Only one way to find out. First ask and then open ourselves and begin looking for opportunities each day and then start doing them. Means stopping to visit or call or ?? with those we cross paths with or who’s names come to mind during day. By being in a prayerful attitude all day (16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18)
“Remember two things: Be natural yourself, and let God be naturally Himself through you”.
Oswald Chambers
3/24/18 Decide Today 24
But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”Acts 5:29
RECOMMENDED READING: Acts 4:19-20 “19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
COMMENTS: The English Parliament gave protestant Christians, practicing Baptists, Puritans, and Congregationalists, permission to worship as their conscience dictates instead of as the Church of England required. Parliament did so by enacting the Toleration Act of 1689. Up to that point to do so resulted in imprisonment. Persecution from church leadership long and far strayed from Christ followers along with deep influence and control in government, consider Christ followers who did not submit to their control as heretics. That period for Christians was much like first century AD. Many Christians fled to the colonies in were instrumental in establishing the government and guiding laws we enjoy in America and have enjoyed for over 200 years. Their insights and influence could have transformed the Church of England and leadership in government but they were not open to listen. Their repentance would come with bloodshed and by being humbled by war years later. God’s Will is not optional. It will be implemented either peacefully by our repentance and obedience or by our defeat and surrender or even by eliminating us. The damage and impact on us is dependent on our response but God’s Will, will be done. It will either transport us or drive over us like a steam roller. We either can move ahead in the passenger seat with Christ driving or be run over by it. The choice is ours.
Why are we so timid in sharing our faith? Well, it may be in part because we are unprepared as to what to say. We’ve taken God so much for granted and have gone so long without noticing and reflecting and praising Him for miracles He shows and showers us with each day. We don’t stop to notice a beautiful sunrise or sunset or a rainbow. We fail to stop and enjoy the flowers or smell of fresh mowed grass. We f ail to see the sun coming up each morning as a redemptive sign of a new day with fresh opportunities. We fail to praise Him for shelter and employment and family and support of church and friends. We fail to praise Him in recovery from illness or help during crisis.
Praise uplifts and encourages us but also prepares us to reflect that encouragement to others. The world is moving from tolerance to intolerance to Christians practicing their faith. There will come a day when sharing the Good News will once again land us in jail or worse. Such persecution is already a reality in much of the world, especially in Islam control countries. An increasing desire to quiet Christians in the free world is becoming more evident. We should prepare and expect that to continue, but we should expect God to bless us with hearts eager to receive our message too. After all, we are on the winning side. Christ is our defender and will not be defeated or outmaneuvered. Scripture tells us of a coming time of great tribulation – severe persecution of Christians and great judgment and torment on those who reject Christ. Christ is coming to remove the faithful but those saved during that time of judgment, who refuse to receive the antichrist’s mark on their hand or forehead, will remain to face martyrdom at the hand of antichrist and his followers. The little and mild persecution we face now shouldn’t discourage us. To realize what Christians will face should humble and maybe shame us to not to be discouraged or have a “pity party” when others make fund or criticize us for taking a stand for Christ. HE IS WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE AND WORSHIP BUT ALSO SO WORTHY OF OUR OBEDIENCE AND SERVICE. AMEN!!
Tolerance is not forcing everyone to agree with all religion’s doctrines and teachings. Tolerance is not allowing all faiths to teach and enforce their laws while denying Christians to do the same. Likewise, if other religions are permitted to share their religious beliefs, then tolerance would also give opportunity for Christians to do the same. To refuse one would require refusing the other.
Well, fact is we are not promised fairness but we are promised His Help and assurance of a safe destination. Others may not be open to hear it, but when they see hope that assurance gives us, we then have a powerful and effective witness others can’t deny.
Persecution is like the goldsmith’s hallmark on real silver and gold; it is one of the marks of a converted man. J. C. Ryle
3/25/18 Sanctified Stubbornness 25
“Nevertheless I have a few things against you.” Revelation 2:20
During the Reformation, Martin Luther was pressured to compromise key points involving the doctrine of justification by grace through faith. Critics said he should be more flexible with his beliefs for the sake of unity
RECOMMENDED READING: GALATIANS 1:8-10 “8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
COMMENTS: Martin Luther faced almost constant death threats not from radicals but from leaders in his own church and country. Why? Because he preached Christ’s gospel and provided God’s Word to common people so they could read for themselves God’s Word. Martin preached the doctrine of justification by Grace through faith, a doctrine Christian Churches accept universally. But still most people still believe it is possible to earn their salvation in spite of this. They still want to believe the good they do will get them into heaven. But this miss the wonderful news they don’t need to. They only need to repent and seek and receive Christ’s forgiving Grace. But it is repentance most have a problem with. If they can wash out sin by doing good, then they don’t have to give up sin, just pay for it with a few good deeds like taking some medicine for an illness so can keep on doing what they want. But this is a lie from satan designed to keep us from God’s grace and keep us lost in our sins. BUT EASTER SHOUTS CHRIST’S GOOD NEWS AND SPRING SHOUTS CHRIST IS RISEN AND HIS GOOD NEWS IS FOR EVERYONE WHO WILL RECEIVE IT!
Martin Luther’s response to demands to recant his position and preaching and teaching of Christ’s justification was “Our stubbornness on this issue is pious and holy; for by it we are striving to preserve the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to keep the truth of the Gospel. If we lose this, we lose God, Christ, all the promises, faith, righteousness, and eternal life.” Luther eluded those who would silence him and died an old man true to his calling and true to his message of justification through faith alone. His good deeds didn’t get him into heaven but his faith and acceptance of Christ’s redemption did. His good works did gain him a reward, but I believe the most precious reward he received was the joy of seeking countless lost souls saved from hearing and reading the message he shared during his lifetime. That can and will be our reward too if we are faithful to accept and share Christ’s Good News too. How and where we do will vary in place and frequency, but God will give us opportunity if we obey. No better time than lent to get started…
“Our stubbornness on this issue is pious and holy; for by it we are striving to preserve the freedom we have in Christ!”
“The issue before us is grave and vital; it involves the death of the Son of God, who, by the will and command of the Father, became flesh, was crucified, and died for the sins of the world.” Martin Luther
3/26/18 The Priority of Scripture 26
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me. Hosea 4:6
RECOMMENDED READING: II TIMOTHY 4:1-8 “ I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
COMMENTS: God’s Grace and Mercy have always been freely given but conditional to obedience. The 10 commandments were given with a promise of God’s protection and blessing, but also with a warning if rejected. Parents give their children rules and limits and warning of punishment for disobedience. They do so not out of meanness but out of love. They know the importance of learning to follow just laws and how essential such is to grow into responsible law abiding productive adults. God knows that and even more knows we all need His continual help and presence in order to grow into adults He has designed and desires for us to become. A parent gives their children more freedom as they grow and learn but also as they demonstrate more responsible reasoning and actions. A parent will give their teenage children permission to drive and use the family car if they drive responsibly and follow rules set for it use and return. Disobeying those rule results in withdrawal those privileges for a time. Doing so is not only as a punishment to discourage further disobedience but to remove danger from temptations to continue or follow worse temptations and their consequences and destinations.
God deals with you and me the same way even if we area 80 for even in our senior years we still are falling short of God’s dreams for us and still have more to surrender to God and more growth He desires in our fellowship and walk with Him. Clear vision and focus enables us to follow the path God lays before us. When side streets distract us, it is then we need our eyes on Him and hand in His more tightly so we know if detour is His opportunity for service and ministry or a temptation of satan to lure us into sin or lost opportunity. Sometimes the difference is not that clear, but most temptations are clear enough and only difficult because of our own desire for ease or pleasure promised by those temptations. When will we learn those promises are always empty and unfulfilled. When will we learn God’s promises always bring greater fulfillment and joy and satisfaction even, or especially, when short term difficulty or hard work is all we see ahead. God often uses such to test and strengthen our faith. He uses such often to make us realize how important it is to trust Him. Faith muscles, like physical muscles, quickly become soft and weak if not exercised. So, they need daily exercise to become strong and remain strong but also to become stronger. The goal is not just to gain strong faith but for that faith to enable us to do greater work and ministry for Him. If we do, we become more Christ-like, we accomplish more for Him, and prepare ourselves for even more. “If there’s a mist in the pulpit, there’s a fog in the pew. “ Haddon Robinson
3/27/18 What Does Love Do? Love Forgives! 27 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
RECOMMENDED READING: COLOSSIANS 3:6-15 “6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
COMMENTS: Character of the New Man Paul, in his letter, instructed Ephesus to forgive as God forgave them. To follow Christ’s example. Often parents have the more difficult job of forgiving their children because offenses are often repeated and repentance and gratitude is not their response. Likewise, often “tough love” is required of parents to “force feed” healing medicine into their rebellious and sinful spirits. But such love is of little value unless parents demonstrate behavior and conduct demanding from their children. Children can easily see through hypocrisy, so accountability and “tough love” is needed for children of all ages and for parents as well as their children.
You and I need to open and submit ourselves to be accountable to our piers and to Christ but also to the Holy Spirit which desires to abide in and with us 24x7x365. The Father – Son – Holy Spirit are one in mind and purpose and character but the Holy Spirit is God’s spirit abiding in and with us since Christ’s resurrection and ascention. Because of that, the Holy Spirit is who we are accountable to and who’s voice we need to listen to. But we also need to study and take to heart God’s word to insure the voice we hear in our soul’s is the Holy Spirit and not a deceptive voice of another. We are so vulnerable to satan’s influence when we let our own selfish motive and desires influence us and deafen our spiritual ears. Don’t our children do the same thing to our wise council? Does our foolish choices contaminate credibility of our council, even wise council? As Christ’s council was made credible by His life, so must ours. Our children need to see genuine repentance in us when we sin and fall short of Christ’s example. How else will they learn what repentance is or be motivated to do so too? “Nothing causes us to so nearly resemble God as the forgiveness of injuries. “John Chrysostom
3/28/18 A Few Names 28
You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. Revelation 3:4
RECOMMENDED READING: I KINGS 19:13-18 “3 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.15 And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.17 And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.”
COMMENTS: John gave a candid appraisal of the 7 churches of Asia Minor in Revelation 2-3 was “tough medicine” mostly but God revealed to John the condition of each of the 7 churches with great love and compassion but also with great concern. Concern because many of the churches were deathly sick and even dying. Their congregations had many members either dying or spreading death among weak members. Sardis was the church needing the strongest medicine because Christ revealed the worst diagnosis to John. Sardis was dead. No, there was a lot of activity and even “good deeds” but something was missing. What was missing was spiritual life – a daily relationship with Christ.
I am reminded of David and the close relationship with God that sustained and guided him through many years of danger when he was pursued by King Saul. Yet, when he sinned with Bathsheba and killed her husband, he didn’t even notice he had walked away from God and wasn’t even missed that relationship until Nathan confronted him. How many of us allow sin into our lives and walk away from God and don’t not the loss either? But others notice because of a change in us. That is why we need to be accountable to each other so the medicine of healing can be taken before the disease of sin overtakes us. Redemption is always available and Christ so wants to not only save us from sin and death but walk with us each and every day so we are satan’s death does not sneak back into our lives.
You and I are not strong or smart or experienced enough to fight satan on our own. He has more power and a lot more experience than us but also determination to hurt God and the only way he can, which is to hurt us. We need to see and understand that, because the only way we can stop him is to draw closer to Christ who so loves us and paid so much for our redemption. We need to let God’s abiding Holy Spirit in our lives so we can live and sustain a more Christ-like life.
That is our calling and our obligation but our greatest opportunity but also our greatest joy. Why? Because of His great love for us and loving Him is our greatest need!! Have ever seen a couple deeply in love with each other. How does that affect how they treat other people? When love is young, that is true. We need to go back to our first and greatest love. Our love for our Savior! Easter is a wonderful time to do so!!
Let’s be among the few who say, “Though none go with me, still I will follow.”
I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back.
Sadhu Sundar Singh
3/29/18 Opening Doors 29
In His hand are the deep places of the earth; the heights of the hills are His also.
Psalm 95:4
RECOMMENDED READING: MATTHEW 16:13-20 “13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.”
COMMENTS: We know no matter where we go, God is already there and has always been. We know that because He tells us that in scripture. But until we believe that and have confidence in knowing that to be true, can we relax and depend on Him completely. Well, our feelings can and do betray us because they do not always reflect true and reality. Our emotions motivate and spur us into action, but not always to do good. Emotions all too often spur anger and hurtful words when God would nudge us to show compassion and understanding. We are told Christ experienced every pain and fear and temptation we all do, but without sinning. He controlled his emotions instead of letting them control Him. He understands but also wants to help us control our emotions too. His Holy Spirit is available 24x7x365 to do just that if we invite Him to do so. Satan acts like he is in control and owner and ruler of all, but he only has control over what we give him. God gives us freedom to choose wisely or foolishly. We have freedom to choose, but we have no control of consequences of those choices, good or bad. Only God has that control and He will manage those consequences to nudge us back to Him and back to making wise choices. To continue to make foolish choices only makes matters worse and consequences worse. His Holy Spirit is always just a prayer away ready to help and guide and council and strength us when we choose to change and seek His help to do so. Then we also will learn to control our emotions since we realize they can help draw us closer to God and to love and have compassion for others, but not until we seek God’s help to transform them, and us to be more like Him. No, we never will be able to trust and rely on our emotions to guide us, but as we learn to control them and seek God’s help, we will begin to discover our emotions slowly begin to change and conform to becoming more Christ-like.
“God does not choose people because of their ability, but because of their availability.”
Brother Andrew
3/30/18 Secret Ingredient 30
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.John 10:10
RECOMMENDED READING: JOHN 10:1-21 “ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?
COMMENTS: Hi end restaurants have recipes using ingredients cook keeps secret so others cannot copy and profit from their work and achievements. Their livelihood and success are at risk if their secrets are discovered and used by others. However, God shared His passions and accomplishments with us freely. We only need to open our eyes and hearts and look around to show how lavishly and beautifully He shows us with His love and creative generous. Consider how wonderfully our bodies are made and durable they are while being vulnerable at the same time. Vulnerable to damage and disease and evil. How easily it to destroy and but to bring new life into this world requires significant investment and commitment. But who can manufacture life like a car or house is built? None but God. Who can create a scene like a sunrise or sunset or the beauty of a clear sky at night or all the sights and smells of spring. Even the poorest of us have so much to worship and praise God for. So much to be thankful for. But even amidst the worse persecution or tragedy or misery or sickness with little to hope for and eminent death looming, the promise of heaven and an eternity with Him overshadows present distress. God has revealed enough about heaven and all who inhabit heaven to assure us heaven is by far more wonderful than the best we could dream for on earth. The hope sustains millions of Christians before us as they face death and severe suffering. You likely know someone who exampled that confident hope and peace for you. They confirm and convince us such hope is well founded and real. You and I need to be and become that example for others too. Christ is our perfect example and role model and hero, but we need some closer examples we can touch and talk to and watch. Everyone does, so we need to become those good examples for them too. Stop and reflect on family and friends and neighbors who look up to you and are impacted by your example. Well, such reflection is humbling and a bit frightening due to responsibility such realization brings. That is why we need to be diligent and careful to get and stay close to Christ and open to His Holy Spirit’s indwelling so we are and remain good examples to others. Otherwise, we will disappoint and be a very poor example at times. Damage from being poor examples is evident in lives of millions of teens and children and adults who follow a destructive path inspirited and fueled by such examples. We are all responsible for our own actions, but influence of bad examples is powerful and hard to overcome. But genuine good examples can and do make a huge difference and as others are positively influenced and copy those examples, the compounding affect can and does make a huge difference on society. One life can and does make a difference. So, can mine and yours. AMEN? AMEN!
“Without Christ there is no hope.”Charles Spurgeon
3/31/18 The Damascus Road 31
As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Acts 9:3
RECOMMENDED READING: ACTS 9:1-9 “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.”
COMMENTS: When Saul was engulfed / circled with Christ’s light, there was no place to run. Saul had no choice but to stop and listen to Christ’s message. His denial and ignoring that message were over. He was forced to accept or reject Christ’s deity and message once and for all. Saul chose to accept both Christ and His message. Satan’s deception could no longer persuade Saul when Christ came to Him personally. Saul was struck blind, so he had to be led in obedience into the city and be at the mercy of those he had come to persecute.
Martin Luther studied law at the University of Erfurt as a young man when a lightning storm suddenly came and surrounded him. A lightning bolt struck dangerously close to him, causing him to cry out “Saint Anne, help me! I will become a monk.” Shortly after that he honored his promise and entered an Augustinian monastery and eventually traveled to Wittenberg to teach at the University. He began a journey of obedience away from worldly wealth to eternal joy and fulfillment and wealth beyond his wildest dreams. His family was not supportive of this change in direction, and the church leadership and government leadership tried hard to discourage him even at threat of death, but God helped and protected him. He did champion change that empowered common people to discover God’s redemption personally and discovered His truth from scripture directly without the filter imposed by the established church.
Everyone of us must choose and discover our own Damascus Road encounter with Christ. Christ pursues us just like He pursued Saul, who would become Paul. He loves us just as much and has a plan for us just as important to Him as His plan for Paul. Our encounter with Christ likely won’t be as dramatic as Saul’s or blind us for a time like his. We likely won’t be called into a work of service as demanding as his, but Christ has a plan for us just as important to Him as Saul’s and His love for us is just as deep and passionate as for Saul. The words and message He instructs us to share likely won’t be written down and guide and instruct Christians 2000 years from now like his are. But the significance of doing God’s Will is significant and will be used by God in ways just as significant to Him and will likely make an eternal difference to someone or many someone’s. We are called but must make our own choices. Choices that will either bring eternal consequences or eternal blessings. We can choose for ourselves but results and consequences of those choices are completely in God’s hands, not ours. That is a very good thing because that puts responsibility on Him instead of us. AMEN? AMEN!
Today is Easter eve. The day before Easter Sunday. This was a very dark day for the disciples and Christ followers that first Holy Week. They had the promise but Christ’s resurrection was not a reality yet. They didn’t understand yet why Christ died and what that sacrifice would mean in spite of what Christ had taught and told them. BUT IT WOULD MAKE SENSE AND MESSAGE CHRIST TAUGHT WOULD PERMANENTLY CHANGE THEM AFTER EASTER.
Lent has passed by so quickly but the impact and message of Lent and Easter need not fall into a distant memory. The Good News of Christ’s redemptive death and sacrifice and resurrection is as fresh and powerful and transforming now and tomorrow as it was nearly 2000 years ago that first Easter morning. Christ second coming is very soon but He is still waiting. There are still multitudes who still haven’t heard. Multitudes Christ’s Holy Spirit is speaking to and preparing to accept Him when they do hear. We are called to share what He has done for us. Let’s pray for more opportunities to do so.
No one is the same after an encounter with God. His Living Word changes everything!
The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me. Martin Luther
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