8/1/18                                    Call to Action, not to Fear                                      1 

The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!”
Proverbs 22:13

RECOMMENDED READING: 2 TIMOTHY 1:3-7 “³ I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;⁴ Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;⁵ When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.⁶ Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.⁷ For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind..”

COMMENTS:  Faith makes the difference between overcoming dangers and unpleasant work and being overcome by those dangers and work.  How often have you put off doing tasks you didn’t like or tasks that were difficult to do?  I dare say waiting only made those tasks more difficult and time consuming to complete.  May so difficult they required the help of others.  Same is especially true if delay causing greater harm and grows larger so becomes more dangerous and more difficult to overcome.   Treating illness or disease is much like that.  Extinguishing a fire is another example.  Another example is dealing with sin.  The longer sin continued unchecked or dealt with, the worse it gets, the stronger it gets, and the more severe the impact and consequences.  

All too often the news tells us of a shooter entering in a school or pubic building reigning terror shooting and killing at will.  They are only stopped with brave action from police or private individuals who find a way to stop the shooter, putting themselves at great risk.  But fear and delay only allows the shooter to kill more people.          

So how do these brave individuals overcome their fear and respond?  Do you know someone who responded with an unusual act of bravery?  Have you ever had such an opportunity and did so?  Maybe it was administering CPR on someone who stopped breathing or came to aid of someone chocking on a piece of food. 

When we face life and death situations knowing someone will die if we don’t come to their aid.  Such realization is compelling to get involved. 

If we are in fellowship with Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us daily, we will discover opportunities to make an eternal difference in the lives of others in ways we would not think of nor maybe even find that significant.  That likely will not include confronting a terrorist or shooter.  It likely will not mean giving CPR to someone in distress.  But one thing will be needed when we are called into action.   We will need to be ready and prepared.  Knowing and being skillful in CPR is needed to be ready to administer CPR when needed.  Likewise, being in close fellowship with Christ enables us to be prepared also. Prepared to listen, prepared to share a word of encouragement needed.  Truth is we don’t know what circumstances or mindset others face but God knows and has a wonderful way of guiding His people to those in need equipping them with what to say and do that is exactly what is needed.  So often we avoid people and circumstances because we don’t know what to say or do, but the only right way to prepare is to put ourselves in God’s hands and seek His help to guide our words and hands.  He will if we seek His help.   Stop and consider a time when you were helped by someone.  God promises to guide our words and actions when we trust Him and reach out to others in need.  That takes faith and courage too.

Can you also think of a time God was nudging you and you went the other way, and God used someone else instead?  Reflect on the regret you felt.  God will accomplish His will, either through us or someone else.  The loss when we say no to Him is ours.

Let’s prepare so next time opportunity calls, we will be ready and say yes to Him.  There is no better place to be than next to Him with our hand in His.  We can do so and still accomplish our daily tasks and obligations.  In fact, my experience is I accomplish far more with less effort when I face the day with my hand in His.  Is that your experience too?  AMEN.

“Faith, which is trust, and fear are opposite poles. If a man has the one, he can scarcely have the other in vigorous operation. He that has his trust set upon God does not need to dread anything except the weakening or the paralyzing of that trust.”
Alexander Maclaren

 

 

8/2/18                                    We Can’t Hide From God                                     2

Rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels.
2 Thessalonians 1:7

SCRIPTURE: 2 THESSALONIANS 1:3-10  “³ We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, ⁴ so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, ⁵ which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; ⁶ since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, ⁷ and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, ⁸ in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, ¹⁰ when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.”

COMMENTS:  Do you remember playing hide and seek as a child with your friends or with a parent or grandparent?  Maybe you, as a parent or grandparent have played this game with children under your care. In many parts of the world Christians are in hiding from government soldiers or police in countries that prohibit Christ worship or evangelism.  But the majority of the world’s people ignore or are trying to hide from God.  Consider just how foolish that is.  

This morning I was listening to David Jeremiah.  He shared an illustration of a group of broken followers worshipping to a Buddha for help while workers on a scaffold were repairing damage to the back of that statue of Buddha.   They were seeking help from a broken Buddha, that was not capable of helping anyone, including himself.  The gods we humans create are flawed and decay just like we do.

In contrast, God has attributes and abilities no one can comprehend let alone describe sufficiently.  How could we because, unlike other gods, God created us instead of humans creating their god.   Why has man created gods anyway?  Well, as we look at history recorded in scripture and from other sources, we discover man creates gods in order to condone their own sinful behavior.  Satan is the source and instigator of pagan god worship.   Worshipping false gods satisfies satan’s goal by denying God’s existence and His standards of behavior. 

Well, hiding or ignoring or denying God and His existence is the ultimate folly.  To deny God’s existence is arrogant folly.  The evidence of God’s existence and involvement in the world is overwhelming and all around us. God exists and will have His way whether we like it or not.  Whether we follow Him or not.  Whether we ignore Him or worship Him.  The consequences of not following Him is on us and those who rebel with us.

Since we can’t hide from God, what should we do?  Consider what David did when Nathan confronted him with his sin of adultery with Bathsheba and for murdering her husband, Uriah.  Instead of hiding like Adam and Eve or hardening his hard like Saul, David ran to God and bowed in repentance at His altar in the temple.  David begged for mercy when he realized his sin.  For the king to humble himself instead of denying his sin was a difficult and potentially a dangerous thing for a king to do.  He was in the public eye and remaining popular and have the respect of his subjects was important to him.  Admitting sin and seeking God’s forgiveness is not what a king normally does.  BUT THAT WAS EXACTLY WHAT A KING SHOULD DO AND WAS WHAT DAVID DID.  The result was God’s forgiveness and healing for David.  David continued as king instead of forfeiting his throne as Saul had to do.

The wonderful news is WE CAN’T HIDE FROM GOD AND HE SEEKS US OUT NOT TO KILL US BUT TO OFFER US FORGIVENESS AND ETERNAL LIFE.  Be glad we can’ t hide from Him.  That also means He is an abiding presence to forgive and help and strengthen us all the time and everywhere we go.   We can depend on Him for He will always be faithful to us.  Don’t try to hide or ignore Him.  Instead, run to Him and embrace Him, for He cares for you and more than able to take care of you both now and forever. AMEN!

“Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.”   Augustus Toplady

 

8/3/18                                     Invisible Wisdom                                     3 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.   Proverbs 9:10

Recommended Reading: Numbers 22:21-35 “²² Then God’s anger was aroused because he went, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand in the way as an adversary against him. And he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. ²³ Now the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand, and the donkey turned aside out of the way and went into the field. So Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back onto the road. ²⁴ Then the Angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side. ²⁵ And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she pushed herself against the wall and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall; so he struck her again. ²⁶ Then the Angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. ²⁷ And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam’s anger was aroused, and he struck the donkey with his staff.²⁸ Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”²⁹ And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have abused me. I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you!”³⁰ So the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden, ever since I became yours, to this day? Was I ever disposed to do this to you?”And he said, “No.””

COMMENTS: Today’s scripture reminds me that God has my back whether I see or feel His presence or not.  When I don’t, it isn’t due to His absence but my attention being on physical things or issues or duties.  I am so prone to distraction and tend to only be able to effectively focus and accomplish one thing at a time.  So how can I focus on and follow the Holy Spirit while working on daily duties and obligations?  That takes some practice and discipline but is certainly doable.

It is so easy to put off morning devotions and prayer due to some distraction or phone call and then forget to go back and honor that time with God.   I am reminded just how easily and how far King David wondered from His relationship with God and didn’t even miss it until Nathan confronted Him.  Only then did David realize what he lost and the peril he was in for God’s judgment.  Only then did David run back and repent.  But only then did God forgive and grant him redemption.  But God did love and miss David enough to send Nathan to him.  God knew David’s heart.  He knew what it would take to reach David and melt his hardened heart.

Likewise, in today’s scripture notice the unique way God reached out to Balaam, showing him the angel that even his donkey saw.  For his donkey to talk to him is an amazing and even funny way but was effective. 

God so wants to reach out and help us but requires open hearts and minds if we ever hope to hear His voice.

How often has our parents or pastor or dear friend tried to convince us but we were bent on having our own way and doing what we want.  At those times, we simply didn’t want to hear so didn’t even listen.  How arrogant to ignore God’s voice but consider how often we’ve done this.

We can’t change the past but we do have control over the present and the future by choices we make in the present.  Each morning we have a choice.  Will we give God His time first?  Will put off day’s demands and duties to give Him our attention and worship and praise first?   Will we wait to receive His council before facing our day?  He wants to fellowship with us but we desperately need His fellowship and council and strength far more.   More than we know or realize because only He knows what we will face – the dangers and challenges.  The choices and consequences.  The opportunities to touch lives and harm if we ignore or are unprepared for them.

Poor choices and their consequences often start out small and insignificant.  That is likely why David didn’t notice the path to death he had started on.  Balaam didn’t think his path was dangerous until his donkey warned him and he finally saw the angel his donkey saw.  Balaam was blind because of his hard heart.  God’s wisdom wasn’t something him considered valuable or essential to a successful day.

How often do we reject fellowship with Christ nor listen to the Holy Spirit because we think we can handle our day’s duties or think we don’t have time to spend with God so will do that later.   But truth is, to put God off is so foolish, much like a lumberjack who didn’t sharpen his axe before going to work, thinking he could take the time.  Chopping down a tree with a dull axe is as impossible as facing even an uneventful day without Christ.  Folly of such thinking is real but all too common even among devout Christians.  Why?  Well, no good answer but consider how weak and easily distracted we tend to be and how hard it is to create good habits and how easy it is to create bad habits.  Again, why is that?  But consider the powerful negative influence satan has on us

Know your enemy but know your true friends and stay close to them.  God puts many good friends in our lives to strengthen and draw us closer to our best friend, Christ.   The job of the Holy Spirit is to abide with, council us, and strengthen us.  But the Holy Spirit’s job is also to bring praise and honor to Christ and guide us to that goal too. 

If you haven’t had your time with Him today yet, make it a priority and set aside time to pray and reflect on His Word as soon as possible.  Even evening is not too late.  But God in His mercy gives us a fresh and new morning every 24 hour.  We get an opportunity to start over and go a different and better path each morning. If we failed today, instead of continuing that path tomorrow, go a different path, God’s path.  AMEN?  AMEN!

“Spread out your petition before God, and then say, “Thy will, not mine, be done.” The sweetest lesson I have learned in God’s school is to let the Lord choose for me.”
D. L. Moody

 

 

8/4/18                                The Fool’s Tongue                                        4  

The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool shall swallow him up.
Ecclesiastes 10:12

Recommended Reading: Colossians 4:2-6 “² Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; ³ meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, ⁴ that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.⁵ Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. ⁶ Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

COMMENTS:  What is wisdom?  Some would say is being able to make choices based on experience and input from good sources so consistently make good choices.  Choices that have good results.  Others would add wisdom is learning from both good choices and bad choices of others, including those before us.  Still others would also add wisdom is seeking and following God’s council and instruction from scripture.   There is truth in all these perspectives but the greatest source of wisdom is found in the Bible.  Wisdom we glean from others, past or present, need to be compared and judged against Scripture to determine if worthy of following.  Likewise, the life others live and good they do help gage purity of wisdom they show and teach us.  But ultimately, the greatest wisdom and example is found in Christ’s life recorded in scripture. 

We also need to recognize and seek the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit is God dwelling in and abiding with us 24x7x365 armed with all of God’s wisdom and experience and knowledge of both past and present and future events.   We have no greater source of wisdom available to us than God’s wisdom and no greater access to that wisdom than the relationship and fellowship available to us through prayer and scripture and the Holy Spirit’s abiding presence in our soul.

Take time to reflect on those present and those before us who demonstrated a life filled with God’s influence and presence.  Consider what was different about them and how they maintained such a difference and relationship with Christ.  I believe you will discover they did so with discipline of a time each day they devoted to prayer and bible study without interruption.  I also believe they maintained an attitude of prayer as they worked and went about each day’s duties and interaction with others they crossed paths with.  I also believe you will discover they demonstrated Christ-like qualities as they did so.  Granted, they still likely showed sinful flaws at times, times of weakness and impatience.  Such times remind us they still were sinful and in need of Christ’s ongoing redemption as do we.  But Christ’s grace and forgiveness and abiding presence not only did a great initial work at their salvation but continued to transform them to be more Christ-like as time continued. 

We need to let their transformation also guide and instruct us on how Christ wants to do so in us as we continue to live and grow older.  The perspective of experience and age can provide wisdom in confirming and explaining and build greater understanding of wisdom found in scripture.  That understanding also includes knowing and recognizing real consequences of living foolishly, not following God’s wisdom.

Being wise and gracious with our words reflects wisdom.  Harsh or spiteful words from an angry heart are foolish and do great harm that isn’t easily healed.  Words chosen with thought considering their affect and consequence before spoken is vital.  It is better to be quiet than to speak whatever comes into our mind without regard to their affect.   An old saying is “Better to remain quiet and leave doubt of our foolishness than to speak and remove all doubt”.  Well, being silent all day isn’t realistic or good either.  Yet thinking through our words is always a good thing and can go a long way making each day more peaceful and enjoyable but also in making each day a day of opportunity to share God’s light and encouragement as we cross paths and interact with others.

“The heart is the metal of the bell, the tongue but is the clapper.”
George Swinnock

8/5/18                                       Field Time with God                                                      5

Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening.  Genesis 24:63

Recommended Reading: Genesis 24:62-67 “⁶² Now Isaac came from the way of Beer Lahai Roi, for he dwelt in the South. ⁶³ And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming. ⁶⁴ Then Rebekah lifted her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from her camel; ⁶⁵ for she had said to the servant, “Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?”The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took a veil and covered herself.⁶⁶ And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. ⁶⁷ Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.”

COMMENTS:   Summer is quickly passing and Fall will be here before we know it.  I live in Northern Pennsylvania so enjoy experiencing all 4 seasons each year.  During late summer field corn blankets farmer’s fields mostly, but other vegetables and hay fields also blanket open fields everywhere. Before long, crops will be harvested and those fields will once again appear as barren land.  Then comes winter with crisp white snow blanketing those fields.   Taking the time to meditate and fellowship privately with God, especially while reflecting on the beauty and vastness of His creation, helps recharge our relationship with Him and helps give us direction for our days.  Do you have a favorite place to pray and study His word?  I am writing this journal entry as the sur rises and shines through our living room window.  I love to get up early and pray and reflect on His Word while watching the sun rise.  Watching as the darkness of night gives way to a sunny morning.  Even the clouds can not stop the sun from lighting the sky.  The sun’s power is too powerful to be stopped from lighting the world.  I am also reminded as dark as the world is and as strong as satan’s influence is, God’s power and Will shall prevail and His Light will be evident when He returns.  Every morning the sun rises and reminds us that God is still on His throne and will prevail.  Likewise, God gives us a fresh new day each morning with an opportunity to do over mistakes of previous day as well as a fresh opportunity to make changes in direction or continue to completion tasks and goals from previous day(s). Every morning is a fresh and new beginning and every night brings rest and opportunity to thank God for His help and providing rest from our labors.

Genesis 24 shares Isaac’s experiences of fellowship and worship of God in open fields local to him. Nature was noticed and appreciated by him and can believe dawn and sunset were favorite times for him to focus on worship and fellowship with God.  Recharging our spiritual battery is vital to our relationship with God and health and wisdom in life.  God has a wonderful way of revealing His Will and providing help and strength at places of worship.  Taking the time to spend some time with Him gives us opportunity to discover and follow God’s wisdom and direction instead of following a foolish or less wise path.  Taking time at the beginning of our day is like a lumberjack sharpening his axe before starting his day’s work.  Praying and worship at end of day is like a full night’s rest.  Both are essential to efficiently working and being prepared and able to work.  Rest strengthens and heals the body while prayer and devotions enable us to receive and follow God’s Will but also allows us to communicate and share our concerns and thoughts, which opens the door for us to see and partner in God’s influence and miracles, but also for us to influence how and when God’s Will is accomplished.  This is a mystery but our prayers do make a difference on how and when God’s Will is done.  Consider examples from scripture as well as examples of Christians you know and even examples from your past.

“[Isaac] went out to take the advantage of a silent evening, and a solitary place, for meditation and prayer; those divine exercises by which we converse with God and our own hearts.”
Matthew Henry

 

8/6/18                                    Entropy vs Eternity                                     6 “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them.” “Ecclesiastes 12:1                                    Recommended Reading: ECCLESIASTES 12:1-8 “ Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth,Before the difficult days come,And the years draw near when you say,“I have no pleasure in them”:² While the sun and the light,The moon and the stars,Are not darkened,And the clouds do not return after the rain;³ In the day when the keepers of the house tremble,And the strong men bow down;When the grinders cease because they are few,And those that look through the windows grow dim;⁴ When the doors are shut in the streets,And the sound of grinding is low;When one rises up at the sound of a bird,And all the daughters of music are brought low.⁵ Also they are afraid of height,And of terrors in the way;When the almond tree blossoms,The grasshopper is a burden,And desire fails.For man goes to his eternal home,And the mourners go about the streets.⁶ Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed,Or the golden bowl is broken,Or the pitcher shattered at the fountain,Or the wheel broken at the well.⁷ Then the dust will return to the earth as it was,And the spirit will return to God who gave it.⁸ “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher,“All is vanity.””

COMMENTS:  The second law of Thermodynamics states that system energy gradually decreases.  It does not remain unchanged or increase.  Likewise, the law of entropy states that every system goes from a state of order to disorder without any outside influence.   This alone disproves evolution, which would mean animals and humans should not be evolving to a more intelligent and advanced species but the opposite.

Well, entropy is proven all around us.  How long does it take for a well-maintained house to decay into disrepair when abandoned?  How long does it take before strong healthy muscles become weak and unusable if not exercised?  How long does it take for us to fall back into sin and a path to death when our relationship with Christ is neglected by us?  The answer to all these questions and any other examples we can easily think of is “NOT LONG, NOT LONG AT ALL!”.   But a neglected house can soon come back to life and its former beauty when work and replacement parts are invested back into it. 

Likewise, consider the time and love and sacrifice Christ has invested into us and continues to invest in us.   The new life He offers us and sustained eternal life He offers and provides tells us two things.   We can not obtain it on our own and will continue to need work to maintain or we will fall into disrepair.  That also means Christ must continue to invest in us.  He has provided for that with the indwelling Holy Spirit available for every Christian.

Likewise, consider how our bodies weaken and grow old as we age even if we work hard to maintain them.  That is the result of sin, which satan introduced and maintains, in the world.   Sin grows stronger as we dwell on it and follow satan’s inspiration and temptations.  We likely do so without realizing it simply by neglecting our relationship with Christ.  Satan is cunning and deceptive enough to get us to follow him without realizing it.  Without God’s help, we don’t have a clue how to resist or fight satan’s schemes.  BUT WITH CHRIST’S FELLOWSHIP AND HIS ABIDING HOLY SPIRIT, WE CAN AND WILL WIN THE WAR AGAINST SATAN!  We will win the war for our soul and achieve the eternal life with a body and home in heaven that will not decay or age or become diseased.  Satan offers eternal fun and joy and happiness but cannot deliver.  He can only deliver disease and death and sickness and pain and suffering.  That is why he is a liar.  Who would seek what he has to offer.  But his lies sound great.  But only God keeps His promises.  Promises that are far more wonderful than we can imagine.   Satan offers short term gratification without regard for future consequences.  God offers eternal blessing but requires trust and faith in Him during short term trials and hardship that often come before blessings are realized.   Building our faith in Him requires such hardships, as it did for Job and Joseph and Daniel and David and Esther and millions of others.  Such is required of us too.  If He spares us the degree of hardship He allowed Job or Daniel to endure, praise Him.  But praise Him when both blessing and suffering come.  Both come our way to make us stronger and demonstrate God’s love, not his judgment or anger.  But don’t test Him too far.  When we abandon Him or deliberately choose to sin, we test His disappointment and anger but we also remove ourselves from His protection so consequences of our actions are at risk of reigning down on us.  When this happens, don’t blame God, for such is our own fault.  If we repent and He spares or diminished those consequences, that is due to His Grace.  We need to praise Him for that too. 

 “Christianity is not engrossed by this transitory world, but measures all things by the thought of eternity. “  J. Gresham Machen

 

8/7/18             Becoming Like Who or What We Worship                                    7    

We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory… by the Spirit of the Lord.  2 Corinthians 3:18

Recommended Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18  “¹² Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech— ¹³ unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. ¹⁴ But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. ¹⁵ But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. ¹⁶ Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. ¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. ¹⁸ But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

 

 

COMMENTS: Who or what is your God?   God, our Creator, put inside each of us a need, a hunger, to connect with Him.  Even those who never hear the Gospel message or read the Bible or hear about God have an unsatisfied itch or hunger to connect with their Creator.  If they don’t connect with Him out of ignorance or out of rebellion, they will seek and find someone or something to worship.  Every tribe, every nation, every race from every generation has or is worshipping someone or something.  Pagan religions were created by someone or group who felt inspired to create a new religion.  They each have an individual who started that religion and following.  But both they and the god they follow were flawed and demonstrated those flaws.  Even atheists and humanists, who deny any god follow materialism or power or success or money or pleasure or leisure or security or even striving for a long healthy life as their purpose for living and what they strive to possess above all else.   What consumes most of our time is our god.  Today video games and cell phones and internet browsing have become a god to millions of all ages. 

So why would Christianity be any truer or better a religion?   Lennon said religion is the opium of the masses, denying all forms of religion.  But he too worshipped a god too, the god of power and control. 

Well, for one thing our Bible was written by 40 people over 1600 years.  The virtues and attributes and powers and demonstration of love and forgiveness revealed about God and sacrifice Christ paid exceed what we humans could imagine or describe.  Who could imagine a god who is omnipresent or omnipotent or all knowing?  A god who is perfect without equal and without sin or evil thought.  A god who abide with and within those who are open to receive to guide and help and strengthen.  But the God of the Bible and the God of Christianity is such a God.   A God who created all and not a god man imagined and created. 

Jesus said (John 14:1-11) “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.² In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.⁴ And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.⁵ Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?⁶ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.⁷ If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.⁸ Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.⁹ Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father¹⁰ Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.”

Note that Jesus stated (John 14:6) that He is the only way to God the Father.  Salvation is not available through any other religion or way.  No amount of good works or discipline will earn us a way to heaven.  Good works are a response of gratitude and worship for His salvation. But salvation is a free gift that, once received, enables us to do good works with joy equipped with His presence to help us be successful.  Who could have imagined or created such a god as Our God?  The answer is no one could nor did!!

When we study the attributes of God, the one that stands out is God is Holy.  Webster’s Dictionary defines Holy as “ exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness” God is worthy of our worship and obedience because He is Holy.  It is not about us but about Him.  God offers us so much but we serve Him not for what we gain but in order to please Him.  That is our motivation, a much stronger and worthy motivation.  Our motivation is also is so others might know and worship Him too.  What do other religions teach.  To destroy their enemies, not forgive them.  To hate their enemies, not love them. 

So, who or what is your god?  AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL FOLLOW GOD.  CHRIST IS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR.  HOW ABOUT YOU? 

“We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God.”
A. W. Tozer

 

 

8/8/18                                           Transformed Inside Out                       8                   

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:2

Recommended Reading: ROMANS 12:1-2  “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.² And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

COMMENTS: Huge amounts of money are spent each year by an increasing number of people to try to transform their bodies to look like their ideal.  They undergo evasive surgeries and work harder at exercise and diets than they do at their employment or even their hobbies.  At the extremes early death comes because of abuse of such practices.  Never happy with just taking proper care of their God given bodies, but determined to transform them into something God didn’t intend for them.   One recent example is a young man in Argentina who underwent surgery to transform his body to look like an elf.  He underwent “plastic surgery”.  His ears were cut and extended, his jaw was broken and reassembled, his chin was reshaped. Even his eyes were changed and 4 ribs were removed to make his waist thinner. He was convinced he was more attractive and closer to having his ideal body after doing this and spent a fortune to reach his goal.  But what did others think of his “transformation”?  We can only imagine.  What would you think if walked past him on a busy street? We can only wonder if he was happy and fulfilled then.  Was it worth the cost in money and inflicted suffering in his body?  I dare say, I serious doubt that.  Truth is he most likely seeking something not to be found in himself or his dreams but in His creator, who put within him a hunger to find and have relationship with his Creator.  I believe this because I too have that longing and hunger and dare say you do too.  

What are you hungry for?  Think about a time when you were really hungry and thirsty to the point of great weakness and difficulty thinking about anything else.  So why don’t we have that same hunger and thirst for Christ?  For His Holy Spirit?  Why don’t we wake each morning with that same eagerness to spend time with Him?  Why don’t we want to take Him with us throughout our day sharing each experience with Him?   Why isn’t He the last person we say goodnight to before going to sleep?   Would you consider someone obsessive and weird if they actually lived like that?   Well, Christ lived like that and His relationship with the Father was exactly like that.  His example is recorded for us to learn from and follow.

Can you think of anyone who lived closer to that than most?  Do you feel uncomfortable around them or threatened by their passion and commitment to Christ?

Mother Teresa or Billy Graham or someone like them are likely who comes to mind, but what about a grandmother or aunt or elderly man or woman in your church who stands head and shoulders above other Christians in their conduct and devotions and in passion and joy for living.  Well, guess what?  In heaven that is how we will live, so why not start moving in that direction in meantime?

To be Christ-like is and will continue to be a life-long endeavor we can make great progress towards but never achieve this side of the grave.  Why?  Because Christ is God and so far above us in attributes and perfection.  But He is not expecting or calling us to be like Him in perfection, but like Him in submission and obedience and in loving Him and others.  That can’t come thru discipline or conduct pretending to be more than we are or have become.  That can’t come thru good works because good works don’t transform us but our transformation results in good works.  We so tend to put the “cart ahead of the horse” and expect it to work.  Transformation can only come when we surrender and seek Christ’s forgiveness and invite Him to come into us and transform us.  His Holy Spirit is available to do just that and sustain the work needed to honor that request.  How can we have a hunger like discussed above?   What does it look like?  It looks like a sinner seeking Christ’s forgiveness and letting His Holy Spirit guide and council and strengthen him all day long.  It looks like spending time in prayer and devotion and worship each morning and evening plus being in an attitude of prayer and reflection mindful of His presence in him while going about work and play and ministry all day long.  It looks like someone in love thinking about His lover and friend and taking opportunity to have his beloved with him working beside him. 

Have you known couples that were inseparable?  They worked and played together and obviously enjoyed doing so.  They even acted alike.  I have to chuckle a bit, as I get older, when I see elderly couples holding hands as they walk.  I used to think “how romantic” but have discovered another reason.  They hold each other us and help each other’s balance. 

Truth is we not only need God’s love and companionship but we need His help to live and gain victory over sin and over dangers and harm satan puts on our path each and every day.

Granted, this ideal for a married couple or for a Christian is rarely seen or realized.  Why?  Could it be most really don’t desire or want such a relationship?  Or could it be few are willing to pay the price to achieve such a relationship.   I dare say we are as close to Christ as we want.  I dare say a relationship with Christ is as real and meaningful as we are willing to commit to.  But He has so much more to give us if we only trust and follow Him a bit further.

So, let’s prayerfully reflect and seek a deeper relationship with Christ.  What do we have to lose but our own selfish pride and wills.  How well have they served us anyway?  Not well.  Pray for me and I’ll pray for you as we seek such a deeper relationship and fellowship with our Creator and Savior and Dearest Friend, but also the Almighty God and Ruler and Owner of the Universe.  AMEN?  AMEN!

 “Holiness consists of three things—separation from sin, dedication to God, transformation into Christ’s image.”  James H. Aughey

 

8/9/18                                                 Life With Purpose                                     9   

“But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.       Jeremiah 9:24

Recommended Reading  I JOHN 2:1-17“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:² And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.³ And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.⁴ He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.⁵ But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.⁶ He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.⁷ Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.⁸ Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.⁹ He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.¹⁰ He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.¹¹ But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.¹² I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.¹³ I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.¹⁴ I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.¹⁵ Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.¹⁶ For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.¹⁷ And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

COMMENTS: What is most important to you?  Many spend huge amounts of money to make themselves look beautiful and young.  Celebrities are especially guilty of this, but the movie business motivated by viewers encourages them to prioritize their outward appearance above all else.  How tragic when they discover age and abuse of their bodies results in impossibility of fixing the damage of age and abuse.  They are rejected by the movie business and fans they loved and needed and left lonely and in despair without any hope.   That is why suicide and drug overdose and abuse, and multiple marriages become the norm among wealthy popular celebrities.  They have everything the world offers and still are miserable and impoverished.  So, what do they lack?  A MEANINGFUL AND FULFILLING PURPOSE FOR LIVING.   Some have found purpose in doing volunteer work or promoting a worthy cause.  But the most important and worthy reason for living is finding and service and worshipping and praising the Creator of all and Savior from sin and from the evil one.

We live in a world that embraces any and everything that denies or ignores God while ridiculing any thing and anyone who lives and shares a genuine faith in God, especially Christ.   Any mention of Jesus or His message spurs persecution and hateful words and actions in most communistic countries, most countries where Islam is the major religion, and even more commonly in democratic countries where Christianity was the primary religion just a few years ago.

So, what changed and why?  Answer is a slow but steady turning away from God and His commandments.  A neglect of devotion and worship and prayer in family units and in schools.  Children no longer were taught from scripture by their parents and pastors and teachers as was most common in generations past.  Neglect breeds ignorance and ignorance breeds sin and prejustice.  We are designed to worship God and will find another god to worship if reject God.  Other gods like wealth, power, popularity.  Greed and selfish pride are encouraged as other gods are embraced, bringing harm to both worshipper and their families and friends and co-workers.  IS that not what is happening in America and actually all across the world. 

Revival and turning back to Christ is happening not in America, which was key at evangelizing and sending missionaries out into the world 100 years ago, but in those impoverished countries encountering great Christian persecution.  Those countries where America sent missionaries 100 years ago.  Many of those countries are now sending missionaries back to America to other countries to evangelize America.  A few years ago, our pastor came from South Korea.  His grandparents face great persecution for their faith but guilt a legacy that called their grandson into ministry.

When we purchase an expensive machine or tool, ae warranty is needed to avoid expensive repair costs if defects or failure occurs.  Most warranties require service be performed by a qualified technician and at a certified service center in order for warranty to be valid.  So, what is more important than our souls and the souls of our family?  Fixing our souls sick and damaged by sin by self-medicating with toys or medications or selfish pleasure is like trying to fix a complicated machine without knowledge and understanding of how to do so.

Christ offers redemption and healing for the sin sick soul and eternal fellowship to keep our soul well and healthy and as He designed us to be.  But what is the soul?   Satan would deny its existence since we can’t see or feel it.  We only see the shell, our body, that houses it. We only see the life and personality that it demonstrates.  But the soul is the part of us where our eternal life resides and our consciousness resides.  Without our soul, there is no life.  The body dies when the soul leaves it, but the soul continues with our consciousness and awareness. 

As I grow older and discover the physical limitations I noticed in my parents and grandparents in their elderly years, I gain greater appreciation for the importance of eternal things over physical things.  I also gain greater appreciation for Christ and His abiding Holy Spirit over possessions and even security and peace. 

When we are young, how we look, what others think of us, and getting good grades and being successful at sports and being popular are the most important things to us.  As adults, having successful careers, a nice home and family and car and money in the bank are most important.  As we grow older, a secure retirement and health become priorities.    But all these are left behind and lost to us sooner or later.  What we won’t lose is eternal things if we seek them first.  Matthew 6:31-35 “ 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.”

If we seek Christ and embrace Him first, He will provide for all our needs and His Holy Spirit will guide and help us and provide all we need.  If we seek our needs and wants over Him, we will lose eternal life and all we are working so hard to get.

Life is lived against the backdrop of eternity, and eternal life is knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent (John 17:3).

 

“Man, made in the image of God, has a purpose—to be in relationship to God, who is there.”Francis Schaeffer

 

8/10/18                                                True Identity                                  10   

Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested.

Revelation 15:4

 

Recommended Reading: Zechariah 8:20-23 “²⁰ Thus saith the Lord of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:²¹ And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts: I will go also.²² Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord.²³ Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.”

COMMENTS:  What is our identity and purpose.  The most common way to find identity and purpose is through family or religion but race and gender or location or school or vocation all help associate with others we have common ties to and relate to.  We find value in such ties for companionship and support but also for justification of common values and priorities.   This can be a good thing but also can be dangerous if resulting in reinforcing destructive and false values.  Immigrants seek citizenship in a new country bringing their culture and values and  religion.   But welcoming country tries to assimilate new citizens to accept the countries identity and values. Learning the language of that country and accept their identity. Such is necessary to build a common bond and strong national identity but can be destructive if that country is controlled or dominated by evil or abusive leadership.  An example was Adolf Hitler in Germany or Stalin in Russia.  A republic type of government helps prevent such abuse by limiting power any one group or individual can gain and limiting length of time they can be in leadership. 

But God’s plan and purpose is for us is universal because He designed and created us all.  Our purpose is to worship Him.  We may think that is egocentric of Him, but consider who else is so worthy of our worship and praise?  Truth is thru worship and praise we find joy and fulfillment and also find unity and common purpose.  We will be worshipping and praising Him in heaven, so why not bring a bit of heaven to earth while here?  Who else is worthy of our worship.   Many have demanded worship and praise and many gods have been created to satisfy a longing to give praise and worship.  Truth is we have a inner need to do so.  But truth is no one or no thing is worthy of our praise and worship.  BUT GOD IS AND CHRIST HAS PAID A UNBELIEVABLE PRICE SO WE CAN HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE PRAISE AND WORSHIP.  When we worship other things or people, we are  really worshipping satan since he Is the motivator.   SATAN IS THE DEFINITELY NOT WORTHY OF OUR WORSHIP AND WILL BRING DESTRUCTION ON THOSE WHO WORSHIP HIM.

So like it or not, God will have His way and we will either worship and honor Him freely out of a heart of gratitude and joy and awe for Him or be forced to out of a heart filled with bitter sin facing God’s judgment for those sins.

Philippians 2:10-11 “¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;¹¹ And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

“A holy God calls His people to holy living.”  John Blanchard

 

8/11/18                              God’s Water of Life                                           11     

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.
John 7:38

Recommended Reading: John 7:37-38  “³⁷ On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. ³⁸ He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” COMMENTS: You and I can’t imagine how beautiful Eden was.  The colors and smells.  The beauty of a sunrise and sunset, a rainbow, flower gardens, the woods in early morning with birds sings recharged our bodies and souls, but are nothing like Eden.  The perfect body God gave Adam and Eve and ability to live over 900 years is hard for us to imagine too.  But if they hadn’t sinned, they would still be here for us to meet even today.  Well, sin ruined God’s creation but not completely nor any more than God allowed.  But God is preparing heaven and new bodies for us that sin will not be present nor allowed to ruin.  The beauty of Eden will not even hold a candle to what He is preparing for us.  We are so undeserving but His love and redemption fuels His passion to prepare for us anyway.        So, what are we doing to prepare to meet Him?  Spiritual life-giving waters comes from Christ along the river of the Holy Spirit to us in order to give us life and refresh us.  Each morning we waken to drink His water.  Throughout the day the Holy Spirit abides with us to refresh us with His fresh cool water of life to energize our minds and bodies and our souls.  Without water, we soon weaken and loose focus and ability to work and reach goals.  Without frequent drinking in Christ’s water, we quickly become indifferent and distracted and even uninterested in doing His will and reaching others for Christ.  We lose interest in doing His bidding and serving Him.  We even lose that interest without even noticing we are thirsty and in need of His water.

When we are physically thirsty, we feel the urge to find and drink water.  Our throat is dry and mouth quickly feels unpleasant besides feeling weak.  When we grow thirsty spiritually, we likely will not even notice other than loss of interest in doing His will, loss of passion for Him, and an increase in interest toward less important or material things.

God delights in giving us His Water and delights when we grow thirsty for Him and seek His water.  He only desires good for us and finds great joy in giving us the desires of our heart when we desire what He desires.  But when evil corrupts our desires, we become resistant to and opposed to His Will and lose fellowship with Him.  We distance ourselves from Him and expose ourselves to the dry parched desert land of sin, satan’s land instead of God’s land.  Which do you prefer?  Well, then let’s go there following the river of living water.

High up in the throne of God are the everlasting springs of divine mercy.  Charles H. Spurgeon

8/12/18                     Faithful Available Teachable PEOPLE                    12      

Who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.   Psalm 89:8

Recommended Reading: Psalm 89:5-9 “⁵ And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O Lord; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints.⁶ For who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord?Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord?⁷ God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints,And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.⁸ O Lord God of hosts,Who is mighty like You, O Lord?Your faithfulness also surrounds You.⁹ You rule the raging of the sea;When its waves rise, You still them.”

COMMENTS:  Billy Graham’s son, Ned, said his father was always Faithful – Available – Teachable.  He was and exampled a worthy example of being Christ-like.  He demonstrated all 3 attributes all his live even at the age of 99. 

Faithfulness is not just demonstrating morality but also a foundational attribute also evident with integrity and sincerity, and dependability.   It is the glue that hold society together.  Family and friendship relationships depend on faithfulness.  So, does acquiring and sustaining a relationship with Christ.

Because of God’s faithfulness, we can trust and depend on all the promised given in scripture.  We can also be confident the sun will raise, and gravity and an infinite number of other physical cycles will be repeated the next morning we waken to greet.  “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”  Colossians 1:17

As we draw closer to Christ, and become more like Him, we also become more faithful and dependable in our relationships with others.  Any hope of leading our family and friends to Christ is dependent on how Christ-like we are consistently day after day.  When we become hungry to be closer and more like Christ, it is only then we are drawn and willing to sacrifice to become more like Him, as we seek out food when we are hungry.  Then we will be Faithful – Available – Teachable.

Be firm and be faithful; desert not the right; / The brave become bolder the darker the night.
From an anonymous hymn

 

8/13/18                           Great is Thy Faithfulness                                13                    He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it..  1 Thessalonians 5:24

 

Recommended Reading: I Thessalonians 5:23-28 “²³ Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.²⁵ Brethren, pray for us.²⁶ Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.²⁷ I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”

COMMENTS: Historically the Israelites drew closer to God when in crisis and wondered away from God during prosperity and peace.  The issue was motivation from need vs. comfort level making need less urgent.  But truth was their need was greater in timea of prosperity because they began wondering from God and towards temptations satan flooded them with.  Most wondering away with the majority but a few remained faithful during prosperity.

During crisis it is hard to live “life as usual”.  But life goes on.  Jobs still demand daily hours of work.  Families still need meals made, cloths washed, and time and support.  Some use  work to escape family crisis while some retreat to golf or other distractions as a escape.         

But  those wise enough to realize where their hope lies run to Christ in prayer for help.  Christ focused friends are key in helping and encouraging us too during such times.  Daniel and Joseph and Esther are 3 examples of those who went to God regularly for help and guidance and were transformed by that.  But they also maintained their relationship with God during peaceful and prosperous times, which resulted in having even greater impact on those around them and on themselves.  Daniel became chief council to the king of Babylon Empire.  Joseph became second in command to Pharoah.  Esther’s influence over the King of Persia resulted in saving her people.  Yet their faithfulness put them in great danger.  Daniel in a lion’s den, Joseph in prison, Esther nearly extermination with her people. 

How does God intend for us to deal with crisis when it comes?  How does He intend for us to deal with prosperity and peaceful times?  Granted, crisis such as illness or death of a loved one or aa great need does require immediate attention.  But preparation is the same for days of peace and days of crisis.  A day started without quiet time in prayer and bible study and meditation is like starting a day without eating or schedule or direction.  Like starting a day without the tools we need to do our job. 

Well, Christ died so we could be in relationship with Him.  The Holy Spirit came so we could sustain that relationship and have a constant connection with Him through which we can access and receive help and strength all the time.   But with such access is risk of taking such a precious blessing for granted because He is so accessible.  The mystery is physical hunger and thirst drive us passionately to seek out food and water to strengthen our bodies.  Our bodies should in pain when we neglect feeding and watering our bodies.  But spiritually our souls wither and die quickly when we neglect nourishment Christ provides with fellowship with Him.  But hunger and thirst to spend time with Him increase as we spend more time with Him and fade when we neglect our time with Him.  The opposite of physical hunger.  Well, that difference is dangerous for us because we can wonder far from Christ without realizing it and without motivation to return if we aren’t careful.

That is why it is so important to discipline ourselves to maintain our regular  time with Him and stay close to faithful Christian friends to hold us accountable.  But Christ is also faithful and will nudge us to come back to Him.  He even allows and uses crisis to draw us back.  Not His first choice but a necessary option because He desires a relationship with us, but even more He knows and understands just how much we need such a relationship with Him.  By the way, the mystery of the Trinity is a relationship with Christ is also a relationship with the Father and with the Holy Spirit since they are united in purpose and relationship with each other an dunited in mind.  We don’t need to understand God or His Trinity to be in relationship with Him.  In fact, no way we can.  But we don’t need to.   He understands and loves us.  That is what matters.  AMEN!!  The constancy of God in every situation allays our fears. He who calls us is faithful. He gives us “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.” 

“God is faithful, and that trumps all our problems, tears, tragedies, and the very prospect of death itself. “David Jeremiah

 

8/14/18                                               Triple Play                                     14   

He who promised is faithful.  Hebrews 10:23

Recommended Reading: Titus 3:3-8  ^“3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. ⁸ This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”

COMMENTS: Scripture reveals God to us as a Trinity, Father – Son – Holy Spirit.  Such a concept is impossible for us to comprehend when God is also revealed to us as One God.  Truth is, if we could understand God, He wouldn’t be God of vast abilities and accomplishments, including having a personal daily relationship with each of us at the same time and all the time.   We don’t need to understand God in order to have a real relationship with Him.  We do need to accept He is willing and able to fellowship with us anywhere and anytime we desire and come seeking Him.

When we come to God, we are coming to the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit since they are one in connection and purpose and mission and will.  The Holy Spirit is God dwelling in us closer than our breath and connecting and fellowshipping with our souls.  We respond in prayer communication and fellowship with the Father and Christ through the Holy Spirit.  Even though the Holy Spirit is our direct link to Christ and the Father and even though the Father sees and communicates and fellowships with us thru Christ, we don’t need to ask the Holy Spirit to pass on our prayer to the Father.  The reason is all 3 are One so when we pray to the Holy Spirit, we are praying to Christ and the Father and they are hearing us together.  When we worship and praise God, we are worshipping all three together.  The Holy Spirit points us to Christ as the One who redeemed us with His blood and the Father sees and accepts us through Christ’s blood, so He sees us as forgiven and perfect.  So, in a way, Christ is the filter so we imperfect – sinful humans can fellowship and be in relationship directly with the Father.  In the same way the Holy Spirit replaces the personal contact Christ had while on earth with His disciples and followers.  Our access to God is deeply personal and all the time because the Holy Spirit is focused on that task all the time without rest or exception.  Do we understand that?  No, but we can and should accept that truth, so we can enjoy such fellowship and communion with God as He intends.  Since God is omnipotent (all powerful) and omnipresent (present everywhere), available to us is God’s presence all the time and anywhere. 

We don’t have to understand how a car works in order to start and drive that car as It was intended to be used.  When it failed to function, we take it to a skilled mechanic who has the knowledge and understanding and tools to repair it.   He has access to the designers and manufacturers of that car and its components. 

If you still don’t understand God, don’t feel bad.  You are in good company.  Just enjoy His company and draw closer to Him.   He already knows and understand you better than you know and understand yourself and still loves and wants to be with you.  So, let ‘s enjoys His company and be satisfied He will reveal more to us in His time as He helps us become more like Him as time and our relationship with Him continues.  AMEN?  AMEN!

 

“Believe me, there are times when the only thing that keeps me going is a promise from God.”   Charles Swindoll

 

 

8/15/18                                              Hard to Imagine                                 15     

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”1 Corinthians 2:9

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 64:4-5 “⁴ For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.⁵ Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.”                                                                       COMMENTS: Think back over the years to times of major changes.  Times when you or your family physically moved to another town or state or country.  A time when you went out on your own for the first or started a new job in a different town or major other major life changes like marriage.  Everyone faces such changes likely many times during their life.  Look back at those times of change and reflect on impact they had on you both at the time and long term.  Was there a difference when you prayed and sought God’s council relating both on making choice and on transition into new location and situation.  I accepted Christ at age 10, so I avoided much of the destructive results and regrets from a long life of going down wrong paths.  However, I can see blessings from choosing right paths I’ve made and have noticed the regrets and hardship and consequences enduring by others who went through the years without having and following the Holy Spirit’s council.

I, however, can remember some of those choices being scary especially when walked through the door those choices required me to do.  The choice for college and marriage and employment.  Every one of those choices came without knowing the impact or journey each choice would take or mean.  Looking back, I do see each journey and how God guided me in making choice but also guided me on the journey each choice started me on.  Even some of these poor choices I’ve made resulted in positive journey adjustments because the Holy Spirit’s council continued even with some detours from some of those poor choices.   Fortunately, the major life choices I made were wise ones.   That is because of foundation of wise God focused parents and influence of many other good mentors in my life especially in my young formative years.   Such impact still influences the journey even though most of them are already in heaven now. The lessons they taught me are still remembered and teaching me.  But even more, the Holy Spirit who has been my best friend and wisest counselor and constant companion still so counseling me and walking life’s journey with me even as I approach life’s end and eternity’s beginning.   The Holy Spirit guides me in what I write in this journal too, giving me fresh input every day.  But I can and do feel empty and vulnerable very quickly when I neglect fellowship with Him.  I do so when I put off quiet time with Him in prayer and meditation and in reading scripture and writing His insights in this journal.  But when I get up early and am faithful to this time with Him, I discover He is already there waiting for me with rich and valuable insights and encouragement and council.  Council I could and have missed receiving because I put off my time with Him.  Even though I know better and have a lifetime of experience to remind me, I still find it too easy to put Him off when other duties and tasks draw my attention and focus.  Can you relate as well?  So, don’t be surprised when encounter detours or problems of our own making because of foolish choices.  Don’t be surprised when He puts up a roadblock to get our attention to bring us back to His side and throne again.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 “¹¹ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.¹² Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.¹³ And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

I find myself going to these verses often as a reminder not to wonder from His side, especially during times when life is calm and peaceful.  I know those times are when I’m in greater danger of following my own way and not His.  I also know times of difficulty regularly follow times of peace, so I need to be on my guard to be ready for them.  How about you?                                                                                                                                            “Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s providence.”  Augustine

 

8/16/18                              God and Time                                      16    

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.                2 Peter 3:8

RECOMMENDED READING:  PSALM 90:1-6  “Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.² Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.³ Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.⁴ For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.⁵ Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.⁶ In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.”

COMMENTS:  Time is the one commodity that keeps us all on an equal playing field.  We are not allotted the same number of years, but we all are allotted 24 hours each day to spend or waste as we choose.  Some waste their day on pursuits of pleasures and indulgences while some enjoy sleep and leisure.  Others pack every minute with work or pursuit of achievements and completion of tasks for a variety of motivations including personal gain of wealth and possessions.  Others pursue relationships.

But every pursuit without Christ at the center is doomed to failure.  At the end of life all is left behind except our relationship with Christ and work we’ve done for Him.  Time management is a misleading word.  It is not time that is managed but what we do in that time that we manage.  God determined our time but we are allowed to choose what we do during that time. Foolish choices can shorten the number of years we are granted life, but left to our own wisdom, we seldom make the best choices, the choices Christ would guide us to make.    Stop and reflect on choices you’ve made.  Compare the choices you allowed the Holy Spirit to have input and listen to His council in you soul. Then compare with choices you’ve made on your own.  I can reflect on both with black and white differences.  Choices I made alone have regrets.  Choices I’ve made with His council, and followed His council, were filled with grateful thanks without regrets.   Take some time to do the same reflection from your memory of experiences and see if you come to the same conclusion. 

God is not limited or constrained to time.  We only can live in the present.  We remember the past but can’t change it.   We dream of the future and plan for it in the present, but can’t live in the future.  God is not so limited so can and will guide us in present knowing the impact of the past on our present but also the impact choices we make now will have on future events.  To prepare and plan for the future without His council would be like driving a car with your eyes closed.  How well would that work? Stop and consider how seeing and feeling and hearing gives us constant input that we use to adjust where we go and what we do and adjustments on the path we walk.  Even more so when driving a car.  The road directs us along the path and road signs gives us accurate direction to make correct choices at intersections.  But if we ignored those signs and wondered off the road, hope is then lost of reaching our destination.

God doesn’t offer guidance to ruin our lives or to spoil our fun…  He does so because He wants to bless and give us good things and a successful life and destination.  Jeremiah 29:11-13 “¹¹ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.¹² Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.¹³ And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” 

Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.”  

Joining me in seeking hunger to be more righteous, which only comes if we also hunger to be closer to Him. To sit at His feet and follow His council.  Join me in seeking that hunger and that closer relationship.

“God’s plans reach from an eternity past to an eternity to come. Let Him take His own time.”    William S. Plumer

8/17/18                                Three Rooms of Prayer                                              17                   ^”17 Pray without ceasing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:17

RECOMMENDED READING: James 4:8-10  ⁸ Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.⁹ Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.¹⁰ Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

Matthew 5:6-10 “⁶ Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.⁷ Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.¹⁰ Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

COMMENTS: 

Prayer is the center of countless thousands of verses in scripture.  Prayer was the lifeblood of faithful Jews and Christ followers from Adam to Paul in scripture and in the lives of countless millions of faithful Christians since through present.

Most think of prayer as a channel of communication through which we make our requests and needs and concerns known to God and He reveals answers to us as He chooses.  Many think requests are denied due to lack of our faith or because God is punishing us for past sins.  Few go deeper with God to explore prayer in a deeper way.

I think of prayer as a beautiful room where I fellowship with Christ, but am discovering there are other rooms yet to be discovered where He reveals Himself and insights I haven’t considered nor imagined before.

Consider this approach.   The 1^st Room of Prayer involves a level of faith sufficient to believe God hears and responds to our requests reflecting our needs and needs of others.  Conversation initially appears to be one way, us talking to Him, but should progress to hearing the Holy Spirit’s voice speaking directly to our soul in response both to our request and sharing His insights and compassion and love back to us.  It is during such we confess sins and He confirms to us His mercy and forgiveness and abiding presence.  Yet our prayers at this level are dominated by our needs and concerns.  Little time is left for God to speak especially since we feel silence is not praying and waiting for God’s response isn’t coming as quickly as we desire or have budgeted time to wait for.  Granted, we need to share our needs and concerns daily for a number of reasons.  We are told to do so by Him, telling Him helps us be at peace we have laid our concerns and cares at His feet and off our shoulders.  We also release our minds to receive His response and council on part of healing He wants us to participate in.  Yet, often repeating requests over and over again confirms to us importance of need.  He even encourages us to do so with parable Jesus told of the friend to came late at night seeking bread from his friend (Luke 11:5-13).  But this doesn’t mean Christ doesn’t want us to go deeper with Him in prayer as well.

The 2^nd Room of Prayer involves letting go of our needs and focusing on praise and worship of Him.  Giving Him focused praise and thanks.  Expressing love and marvel at His majesty and worship.  If conversation is easy for you, then you can’t imagine visiting someone and waiting for them to dominate the conversation, especially those who are naturally quiet.  But abiding with Christ often involves being silent waiting for Him to respond while being in an attitude of praise and worship.  This requires more work and discipline and practice.  This is something I am still very young and weak at.  I believe it was during such times God revealed prophecies to Daniel.  Remember Daniel waiting 21 days before angel came in response to Daniel’s prayer (Daniel 10).  But Daniel gained great strength and insight while abiding often without words near to God.

I invite and encourage you to do your own research related to scriptures relating to prayer and examples in scripture of those who enjoyed deeper fellowship with God in prayer and impact that relationship had on their lives and powerful way God then used them.  The second room of prayer is all about God and not about us.  It is us seeking a deeper hunger to be closer to Him and to be more like Him and abide with Him.  The second room of prayer means an investment of more time to our relationship with Him and more conscious awareness and communication with His abiding Holy Spirit to council and lead us into a closer relationship with Christ.  Doing so increases our faith to let go and trust Him to take care of our cares and focus on simply worshipping and enjoying His presence.

I don’t know how many rooms of prayer Christ has prepared for us, but am discovering a 3^rd room.  The room at sitting at His feet like Mary while Martha was preparing the meal.  When Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to take a break and help her, Jesus told her to take the break and come sit with Him with Mary.

Praying without ceasing involves keeping the Holy Spirit close to us and communicating with Him while we word and play and interact with family and friends and neighbors and co-workers.  Truth is such prayer isn’t a distraction but a key source of help to sharpen our minds and priorities and provide insights to aid in work and developing relationships.  We need to devote focused time each day to prayer like Jesus did, but also needed is to seek Him to give us such a hunger to be with Him that we are aware He is near wherever we go and whatever we do.  To invite and let Him go with us instead of leaving Him behind when we say “AMEN”.

This subject is an unfinished journey for me and suspect it is for your too, but encourage you to seek Him and let Him guide you into deeper fellowship with Him too.  I know that is His desire but also our greatest need.  We desperately need Him and will only that hunger to draw closer when we seek Him and move away from sin and towards Him.  We think of sin as doing evil deeds, but sin is also acts of omission. Absence of God in our lives is also sin.  God’s presence in our lives drives sin out and hunger for Him then can come in to motivate us to draw closer.    AMEN?  AMEN!

“No other religion, no other, promises new bodies, hearts, and minds. Only in the Gospel of Christ do hurting people find such incredible hope.”  Joni Eareckson Tata

 

If Joni can say this and enjoy joy and rich fellowship with God in prayer, so can and should we.

8/18/18                  Faith without Evidence is Superstition                    18            

Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!”  1 Kings 18:39

Recommended Reading:  I CORINTHIANS 14:22-25  “²² Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.²³ If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?²⁴ But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:²⁵ And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.”

COMMENTS: God doesn’t ask us to have faith in Him without any evidence of His faithfulness.  He provides us ample evidence to give us confidence He is worthy of our trust. Stop and consider that evidence to address any doubts or fears hindering your faith.  But also confront the source of your doubt.   Many have doubted honestly but sought the evidence and then embraced faith after considering that evidence.   C. S. Lewis was an atheist who decided to weigh the evidence, which convinced Him that God was real and Jesus was who He said He was, what the New Testament teaches.  Lee Strobel was another such atheist determined to prove the bible was a lie but spent 2 years trying to prove it either a lie or fully true.  The evidence convinced him the Bible is true, resulting in him coming to faith and continues writing and testifying Jesus passionately.  His work “The Case for Christ” and “The Case for Faith” give an excellent documentation of his journey of discovery.

God welcomes and honors genuine doubt but asks for an open mind to weigh the evidence. And ample evidence we have.  How can logical thinking scientists and engineers and other professionals consider the complexity of nature, the human body, the universe and placement of the sun and moon and earth in relationship to them, the complexity of all life and not be persuaded of a great designer and creator?  How can scientists accept evolution without a creator based on such evidence?  But many scientists do believe in God.  Well, truth is prejudice against Christianity blinds them to honestly and openly weighing the evidence.  Why?  Consider how effectively satan is able to deceive everyone to doubt the Bible and follow their own ideas.  Only by faith can satan’s deceptions be exposed and rejected.

 You and I need to remember we were likewise deceived and are still very prone and vulnerable to be deceived, but also need to lean on and depend on Christ and His abiding Holy Spirit to continue to guide us to a deeper faith and a more visible witness for Him.    In fact, living so our lives provide sufficient evidence that we are faithful Christ followers.  I Peter 3:15 “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asked you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” 

Our faith is in One worthy of our faith, not in false gods or superstitions created by ancient men with a hunger to follow a god they liked instead of the real God who they didn’t want to obey.  Satan has been at it even before Adam.  He has had a lot of practice, but breathe easy, God has defended His people throughout history.  But He requires each to put their faith in Him and follow His commands in order to take advantage of His protection as well as His power and authority and wisdom and knowledge but also of His perfect goodness.

Faith is necessary for us to be in close relationship with Christ, so faith is what we offer that is desired and envied by others if genuine.   Especially when consider how worthy of Lord is of our faith and trust.  So, take some time also to consider the importance of faith in Christ to you and how that faith demonstrated by other Christians impacted and drew you to embrace that same faith.  Faith in the One who loves and cares for us like non-other.  Faith in the one who died for us and provides His Holy Spirit to abide with us 24×7 but also for all eternity.

HEBREWS 1:1-6:  “1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

“Faith must have adequate evidence, else it is mere superstition”.   A. A. Hodge

8/19/18                                             One Solitary Man                                    19     

Jehoiachin was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months and ten days.   2 Chronicles 36:9

RECOMMENDED READING: Timothy 1:15-17  “¹⁵ This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. ¹⁶ However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. ¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”                                                                                                                     COMMENTS: History if full of individuals, men and women – young and old, who made a huge difference in the lives of their world.  Individuals like Daniel or Noah or Abraham or Joseph or Paul or George Washington or Abraham Lincoln or Billy Graham or Mother Teresa or ….  Those who did great good.  Of course, the greatest is Jesus Christ.  But what about those who did great evil.  Individuals like Nero or Hitler? Also consider those who achieved success in movies or business or sports or other profession along with fame and wealth.  Such achievements require having goals and working and planning towards those goals.  Taking risks and opportunities along the way.  Not letting failures or setbacks stop or prevent continuing to that goal.  Talents and gifts that match and support that goal are needed and even essential.  But few spend much time planning how to manage success once achieve that goal. Too many were unprepared to successfully manage success, falling prey to temptations to abuse their popularity and wealth and power, causing suffering by others and even themselves.  News is full of movie stars and successful businessmen and athletes and government leaders experiencing consequences of that abuse.  I invite you to take some time to reflect on some examples you are familiar with.   Maybe even someone very close to you or even yourself.

Everyone of us has or will make a tremendous impact on at least one other person and likely many.  Obviously, if you are married, you have changed the life of your spouse.  If you have children, you are responsible for giving them life.  So, how great an impact have you had?  If you think you haven’t made any impact of significance, think again.  But then again, if you are still breathing, your legacy and that impact is still developing.  

Satan offers us fun and power and wealth without regard to the future impact or impact on other.  Christ offers a wonderful future but also His Holy Spirit and Word to guide us to that future along with a legacy of positive impact on others along that journey.

Setting wise goals and achieving those goals requires including Christ in making those choices and in the journey to achieving those goals.  He has a plan for us.  A plan we were designed for.  But He also desires to be with and guide us along the journey to that goal.

So, instead of fighting and working to only get what we want and accomplish what we want, how about seeking to know what He wants and letting Him prepare you and walk with you on the journey towards that goal.  After all, it is a goal and a legacy you were designed and built to do and leave.  George Washington and Abraham Lincoln couldn’t have imagined leaving a legacy or making a positive impact as great as they did.  They simply followed a path one step at a time God guided them on.   We can do no better than that.

“Having a position of power does not bring inner security and fulfillment. That comes only by developing a personal relationship with God, which for me is personified in Jesus Christ.”
James A. Baker

 

8/20/18                                Walking with God                                        20          

Enoch walked with God.  Genesis 5:24                                                                                      RECOMMENDED READING:  Genesis 5:21-24 “²¹ Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begot Methuselah. ²² After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. ²³ So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. ²⁴ And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.”

COMMENTS:  Enoch and Elijah are the only two humans ever to experience eternal life without dying.  Not much is shared of Enoch except that he walked with God and was taken by God without dying.  Enoch was the father of Methuselah, the oldest man to live (969 years).  Enoch was 65 when Methuselah was born and was 365 when taken to heaven. 

So, what was it like for Enoch to walk with God?  To have daily personal fellowship with the Creator.   Hebrews 11:5 shares that Enoch had much faith and that he pleased God.  Hebrews 11:6 goes on to say “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”   I am relating this way.  Enoch did much more than just go to God with requests.  I’m sure he spent much time sharing his concerns and needs with God but I am equally certain praise and worship and just enjoying God’s company as he would a dear friend and companion.  Sharing the day’s experiences including noticing a beautiful sunrise or garden or grain field.  He learned to trust God and let go of worries and burdens and fears after talking to God about them.   But he also knew and listened to God’s voice. 

Was it different then to walk with God?  Was God more visible and real than now? Well, to live 300 years and still be youthful in ability to work and play and enjoy life while having memories and experiences to remember and share going back that far I can imagine would make a difference.  It would be like being able to share personal experiences with God and how God brought us through the Revolutionary War and Civil War and all life’s experiences since.  Being able to see and enjoy many generations of family being born and raised.  To be able to remember 300 years and more and walking with God and sharing with Him that long with still a youthful body.  But even then, few fellowshipped with God like Enoch, so his choice to believe in God and trust Him to the extent he did was rare.   It is rare now but still available to every believer.  Granted, we are babies in the faith by comparison, even if 100 years old, but we have opportunity to fellowship with the same God who fellowshipped with Enoch and Elijah and countless faithful following before and after them.

Taking the time to enjoy God’s creation and sharing that enjoyment with it’s creator is a deeper walk and fellowship than just asking for things and help and saying AMEN.   Enjoying God’s company even without conversation.

With Christ’s death and resurrection came an open door to access to God and removal of the sin barrier satan built between us and God.  But then the Holy Spirit came to have that level of fellowship with us and not only walk with us but be our advocate with the Father through Jesus’ redemptive sacrifice.  We have an advantage and benefit that Enoch didn’t have, so we have opportunity to experience an even deeper fellowship with God that Enoch was not able to have.  

We miss out on a lot when we miss or cut short our time of devotion with Him. Developing a hunger to get closer to Him comes as we take the time to pray and study His Word and just linger to share with Him.  Doing pleases Him and enriches us.  A real “Win – Win”.   But doing so requires discipline and work.  It requires prioritizing our day and giving up some idle time we mostly just waste or maybe even some time devoted to tasks we want to complete.  Will we trust Him to help us get necessary work and tasks done in less time to free up more time to spend with Him.  Well, ask Him and then trust Him enough to do just that.  Well, I’m in just as much need to do that too, so let’s agree to work on this goal together.  AMEN?  AMEN!!

Day by day, morning by morning, begin your walk with Him in the calm trust that God is at work in everything.  Anne Ortlund

 

 

8/21/18                           Satan is On the Prowl for His Prey                      21     

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:7-8

COMMENTS:  The mean-old-devil has been tempting and destroying the lives of people in every generation since Adam & Eve.  His tactics are effective but unchanged.  He has a few temptations He uses over and over again, focusing on the ones each of us are the most vulnerable to.  He doesn’t try to get us to sin in every temptation, just in the ones we are weakest and have yielded to in the past.  He pulls us from God and achieves his goals when we yield to temptation if just one over and over again. 

Scripture tells us satan is like a roaring lion on the prowl looking for prey to devour.  He roars and intimidates us with the power of his temptations. He makes sin attractive and overpowering and then makes us feel hopeless and worthless after we’ve sinned.  A cycle of temptation and guilt are his tools, but his goal is to pull us away from God’s love and mercy and convince us we are too far gone for God to reach and help us and to sinful for God to forgive.  BUT WE AREN’T!  God still loves us and desires to forgive and heal us.  His story of the prodigal should convince us that we are still forgivable even though we don’t deserve His love and forgiveness.  Deception and lies are satan’s tools.  Truth and mercy are God’s tools. 

Here are 3 lessons to remember:

1. Satan will do anything to steal and kill and destroy but within limits God has established (John 10;10)
2. God warns us in scripture about satan’s schemes and goals and motivation, but also tells us His Holy Spirit is available 24×7 to help and strengthen and guide us if we seek Him and let Him help us.
3. We are not in battle against satan alone but must be alert and vigilant because we are no match to satan’s skills BUT SATAN IS NOT MATCH TO GOD’S SKILLS AND POWER AND WISDOM.

Learning to put and keep our eyes on Christ enables us to keep our minds on Him too.  Peter was able to walk on water as long as he kept his eyes on Christ.  When he got distracted by the storm around him, he took his eyes of Christ and began to sink.  But as soon as he cried out to Christ for help, Christ took his hand and pulled him up to safety.  We too need to learn to put and keep our eyes on Christ instead of on the temptations satan is so good at distracting us with.  There is no danger that can harm us until we turn from Jesus towards that danger.    Remember even death   for us is not to be fear for it gives us transport from this evil world into Jesus’ arms greeting us into heaven where He has been preparing a home for us.

 

 

 

8/22/18                              Just a Prayer Away                        22    

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.   Hebrews 4:13

Recommended Reading:  Matthew 6:5-8  “⁵ And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.⁶ But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.⁷ But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.⁸ Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”

COMMENTS:  Have you noticed how quickly and easily we take blessings for granted? What would people thought 200 years ago if they saw today’s modern conveniences.  Cars with air conditioners and smooth highways and airplanes that can transport us great distances quickly in a very comfortable environment.  Even our homes with indoor plumbing and modern kitchens and, yes, with air conditioning and central heating would have been a marvel to the very rich and to kings of great countries.  Being able to write and talk and even see while communicating with others anywhere in the world instantly would not be imaginable to them.  Access to books on any subject by computer anytime would have amazed them too.

But are we amazed?  No but we are so addicted to and so accustomed to all these conveniences and are so unprepared if electric goes out or a storm isolates us for a time.  We are so focused on electronic devices that we miss noticing and enjoying the marvel of God’s creation.  We miss enjoying each other’s company and fellowship together face to face.  We work to have hundreds of Facebook friends while missing being a friend to even one.  That is the world we are living in.  I believe our forefathers 200 years ago would have been amazed with technology we enjoy but suspect they would have been very disappointed with consequences of our technology, with the moral decay and disregard for God more evident today.  I believe it wouldn’t take them long to prefer their time.  Even though hardships and life span wouldn’t be as good.

God is omniscient, which means He knows and understands all from eternity past to eternity future.  He is not unprepared nor surprised by what happens or doesn’t happen today and is never unprepared (Psalm 139:2-11). He not only knows and is prepared for all, He knows and understands each of us like none other.  He understands our misery and loves us deeply. (Hebrews 12:5) even before we ask His help.  But He wants us to ask for His help because He knows the asking helps us learn to trust Him and to focus on communicating with and communing with Him.  He knows what we need (Matthew 6:8) even before we ask but is only a prayer away ready and waiting.

 

Are you standing on troubled ground today? Be assured that you do not stand alone. God is with you always, “even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

 

“God has never promised to solve our problems. He has promised to go with us.”

Elisabeth Elliot

 

8/23/18                                    Mean Nasty People                                     23       

“Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7

COMMENTS:  Have you ever encountered a bully or a mean nasty person trying to pick a fight or argument or appearing to deliberately trying to make you angry or miserable?  Even trying to hurt you or worse?  Our natural reaction is to respond in kind.  To get even or hurt them in response.  How about when they are trying to hurt someone else, especially a loved one?  Does that make our reaction more justified? 

Granted, taking action to protect or prevent physical harm should take priority.  Getting police or help in preventing physical harm is important and necessary.  But what about situations more common and less hostile but still down out mean and hurtful?  Do we try to look beyond the outward words to discover what is motivating those words and action?  Is there a tragic circumstance or deep grief behind such poor conduct?  Have you been guilty of mistreating a friend or loved one because of pain or disappointment of a circumstance or loss you suffered and are hurting and grieving over?  Being in a bad mood or grieving over a loss is not excuse for bad behavior but knowing that does help us understand and respond with more compassion and discernment.  It helps us seek God’s wisdom and take opportunity to respond in a better and more helpful and healing way.  In a way God would have us respond and in a way that would help guide the offender to Him for help instead of reacting to anyone they encounter with anger and poor behavior. 

Just stop and reflect on times we have offended or hurt someone and respond as we would like to receive.  Consider the “Golden Rule” Matthew 7:12 “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” A value rule, just a bit hard to follow at times, but still vital to build solid healthy relationships and is what Christ has called us to do.  AMEN?  AMEN!

8/24/18                25 Examples of Dying to Self                                 24 

“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

“I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.” 1 Cor. 15:31

COMMENTS: Dying to self refers in part to self – sacrifice to free up time and resources to help others with motive of service Christ out of a desire to please and respond to His sacrifice and love for us personally.  Have you ever had someone do something especially kind for you and you wanted to respond in kind?  I’m sure there are more examples than you can count and certainly more than you remember.  We shouldn’t take them for granted nor discourage such actions.  But those doing so in order to get something back, even a thank you can spoil the blessing such actions can get.  God wants us to sacrifice for others without a selfish motive but knowing He will honor our good deeds even or especially when others don’t.   Well dying to self not only involves sacrifice for others but also starving our selfish – prideful nature by ignoring it’s nudgings and appetites.  By starving it, we allow it our carnal selfish prideful self to grow weak and die.  But it doesn’t die easy without kicking and screaming because satan feeds it as long as he can but sustaining food for it comes from us, not him.  Well, we don’t have the strength nor motive to kill it ourselves.   We need Christ’s help and strength.  We need Him also to give us wisdom and discernment to be aware of tricks our carnal nature and satan will use to tempt us to feed that nature even when we may not be aware we are doing that. 

So here are some examples to shows us ways of dying to self.   They will encourage and help you think of others as well as become more aware of need to do so too.

1. Follow Christ’s life example and follow His teachings in daily conduct and interaction with others in public but also in private.
2. Follow God’s ways even when world teaches and does opposite and doing so even when criticized for doing so.
3. Going somewhere or visiting someone God’s nudges you to when don’t want to.
4. Saying no to a relationship you want but know God doesn’t.
5. Giving up a dream or goal because God is nudging you to go in a different direction.
6. Show love and forgiveness to someone who hurt us because of His love and forgiveness shown to us.
7. Do something kind for someone who has treated us badly because that is what Jesus taught and showed us by His own conduct.
8. Helping someone in need using money or time we were planning on using for our own enjoyment.
9. Asking God to shows us the false gods we worship and then devoting time spent enjoying those gods instead worshipping and praying and in devotion with Christ.
10. Giving up something we want that God is convicting us to give up.
11. Choosing to love and show kindness and spend some time with someone we don’t like or feel comfortable around.
12. Praying and seeking answers in scripture instead of following our own will or reasoning abilities when making choices. Waiting for His council before making those choices.
13. Persevering in difficult relationships and leaning more in prayer and devotion to God instead of giving up. Marriages, relationships with children, jobs, and difficulties in school are some examples.
14. Caring for family pets when they get older or not so easy to care for instead of disposing of them at shelters or worse.
15. Going the extra mile for someone we’d rather not because of other obligations or because we’d rather do something else.
16. Making changes in our lives that honor Christ especially when involves giving up something we want to hold on to or do something we don’t want to.
17. Moving to places God is directing us when we prefer to stay where are or go elsewhere.
18. Choosing to humble ourselves when our pride wants to show off or deny sin or foolish choices we done or made. Taking credit when it is deserved more by others.
19. Acting and living as a servant of God with a servant’s attitude instead of following our own wants and desires, expecting others to serve us.
20. Reaching out to share the Gospel with others even when feel shy doing so.
21. Confronting others, as God guides us, when we’d rather go the other way or ignore their missteps or inappropriate actions or words.
22. Choose to lay aside anger or bitterness and choose to show love and compassion and forgiveness.
23. Choosing to trust Jesus instead of ourselves or others when making a minor or major choice.
24. Confessing or admitting we need help to God and to others when struggling either with work or with a particular weakness or temptation or sin. Especially when pride wants us to remain silent and struggle alone.
25. Praying to God for wisdom and be willing to receive and follow that wisdom instead of following our own desires or what the world dictates. Also includes waiting for that wisdom.

These examples are general in nature but hopefully will stimulate reflection and specific examples for you, as they are for me.  Also finding someone who we can be accountable to.  That someone needs to be the Holy Spirit but often is helpful to have someone trustworthy with “flesh on” to be accountable to as well.  AMEN!

 

8/25/18                                        God’s Cruise                                            25             

“And blessed be His glorious name forever!  And let the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen and Amen.” Psalm 72:19

COMMENTS:  Arlene and I celebrated our 40^th wedding anniversary this year.  Our two children organized a celebration for us at the Pleasantville Free Methodist Family Camp.  We have owned a cabin there for many years but our family and especially our children and now grandchildren have very fond memories of going there each year for worship and fellowship.  It was a fitting place for celebration and enjoyed sharing the day with our family and friends.  The opportunity of looking back with pictures and sharing stories and memories made for a rich day that will be remembered for many years to come. 

Yet the center focus was on Christ’s transforming influence on us and our family over the years.  

We took many vacations as a family to view sights and see places.  One memorial one was a 3 week trip out west before our daughter was to go to college.  We took advantage of opportunity and packed those 3 weeks with an exhaustive trip through Death Valley and up pacific coast and went east from Yosemite Park through Yellowstone Park to as far east as Mt. Rushmore.

Now that our children are grown Arlene and I have taken trips as a couple without our children, but age is starting to hinder the desire and energy to travel.  So, our trips tend to cover fewer travel miles and longer rest periods.

But the devotion that motivated this reflection described a cruise by a couple who dreamed of taking a cruise but was delayed due to mistakes on their part and sinful behavior by others.  Devotion didn’t go into detail but revealed the process of seeking God’s help and allowing God to draw their family closer together as they drew closer to God.  When the cruise did materialize, their relationship with Christ as well as with each other made the cruise a much richer experience which also reinforced their stronger relationship with God and with each other.

I reflect on a David Jeremiah Cruise that Arlene and I planned and experienced in 2003 when we celebrated our 25^th anniversary.  We both had already enjoyed David Jeremiah’s radio teaching and took the opportunity to not only enjoy a cruise in the Western Caribbean but also focused time with Dr. Jeremiah and with Adrian Rodgers, who also was teaching during cruise.  To meet them and experience their bible teaching live face to face dwarfed for me the stopovers and creature comforts of the cruise.   Such an experience was only matched again the 10 years later when Arlene and I were able to visit David Jeremiah’s Shadow Mountain Baptist Church in near San Diego.  We got to meet him again there.   Dr. Jeremiah continues to provide teaching and devotional materials that are a primary source of insight to scripture I use in writing these devotionals. The trip to California we took in 2013, included a trip to Yosemite to with the 3000-year-old sequoia trees again.  To witness such natural beauty only reinforces my faith and love for God for creating such beauty for He and us to enjoy.  But to know His love and forgiveness and have a personal relationship with Him and share such with family only make the joy and attitude of worship more powerful witnessing such beauty. 

I am told such is the experience of Christians who visit the Holy Land.  I have seen slides and movies of Israel and Holy Sites and heard the experiences of those who went there, even from my Arlene’s parents.  We have not traveled there so don’t have that experience.  Why not?  Well, I am really looking forward to seeing the Holy Land when Christ returns and defeats satan and rebuilds Jerusalem the way He intended.  My reasoning, I admit, is not based on any God inspired insights or revelation from specific scripture.  Instead it is a personal preference to focus on my living Savior instead of the place that killed my Lord and persecuted the early Christians. I also find the center of the Jewish – Islam – Christian conflict to be less appealing at this time in history too.  
I am sure if my conviction was stronger to visit the Holy Land and felt His leading to do so, my opinion and resolve to make the journey there would be certain. 

But in the meantime, my focus is on doing and going where I am certain He is compelling me to do and go and let rest go until He gives me the same certainty. 

8/26/18                                              Loyal Love                                          26   

The goodness of God endures continually.  Psalm 52:1

RECOMMENDED READING:  PSALM 145:1-9  “I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.² Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.³ Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.⁴ One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.⁵ I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.⁶ And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.⁷ They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.⁸ The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.⁹ The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.”

 

COMMENTS: Let’s stop and reflect on ways and places we’ve seen that reflect God’s majesty and power and might but also His love and sovereignty. Witnessing the huge sequoia redwood trees of Yosemite or the majesty of the Grand Canyon or the unique beauty of Yellowstone or Niagara Falls or sites we see more often like a beautiful sunrise or sunset or rainbow or the vastness and beauty of a night sky full of stars or the ocean.   The beauty of a flower garden with its wonderful smells.   The airs freshness after a thunderstorm, but then again, the power of lightning and thunder.

As I get older, I become more aware of how important healthy properly functioning bodies are and how fragile and precious they are.  Their complexity and durability are amazing too.  Yet I am also amazed and grateful God not only has made provision for it to provide a   mortal home for use, but His promise of providing a far better eternal body and home for us more wonderful than the mortal home He provides on earth.

I haven’t scratched the surface of identifying all the evidence of God’s majesty and sovereignty and creative power and imagination.  Consider the variety of life, both animal and vegetation.  Consider the variety of human life.  We are all unique and different in appearance, in size and shape, in color, and very unique in personality. 

So, we have a tremendous amount of evidence all around and even in us to convince us He is all powerful, all loving, and faithful and sovereign.  No one is more faithful or more powerful.  Satan may deceive us to believe he has more to offer and has a better plan but he only offers pain and death.  God offers eternal life with confidence that He keeps His promises and so worthy of our trust and devotion.  He is so worthy of our loyalty and love.  That is what He desires of us.  He has and continues to demonstrate loyal love to us.

Today’s Psalm reminds us that waterfalls and even gravity and sunlight will one day fail.  This earth will be replaced but God’s loyal love is eternal and will be our future to enjoy if we accept His love and mercy.  As with any gift, the gift must be accepted and opened and used to be of value and blessing to recipient. 

God’s goodness is the preeminent expression of His glory. Jerry Bridges

8/27/18                                       Cults Calling                                        27

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” 1 John 4:1-3
“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Mt. 24:2
“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.” 1 Peter 2:1

COMMENTS:  We are warned in scripture to be alert to dangerous deceptions of false religions and their prophets and teachers.  We are told to test their teachings and the lives of their prophets and teachers.  The fruit of their lives indicates the validity of their teachings.  This applies to pagan religions, but also to false teachers and prophet pretending to be Christ followers but are not.  We are taught Christ is the Head of His Church while satan is the head of his church.

So, let compare the characteristics of Christ and then of satan so we can judge:

Christ:                                                             Satan:

Sacrificial love                                               Self-love and hatred for God and His Followers

Joy in obeying the Father                             Self gratified serving himself

Gives peace, life, and healing                       Gives conflict/war/death/sickness

Shows patience and forgiveness                  Shows anger and intolerance and unforgiveness

Shows compassion and kindness                 Quick to condemn without compassion

Shows goodness, life, and building up        Shows evil, death, tearing down-blowing up

Shows faithfulness to Father and to us       Shows unfaithfulness to all with lies

Shows might with gentleness – mercy         Shows might with force and violence

Shows humility by serving                           Shows pride by demanding being served

Shows fairness by offering redemption       Shows unfairness by harming innocent and

to any and all who receive it                         deceiving followers

Shows honesty and truthfulness                  Shows dishonesty and lies without restraint

Is dependable and trustworthy                    Is undependable and totally untrustworthy

 

Is content with things but desires                Wants more power and control and possessions

    deeper relationships with people

Shows sacrificial love and generosity          Shows selfishness and steals from others

Shows purity and Holiness                           Shows only evil unholy sinful behavior-motives

Shows confidences in love and goodness    Shows confidence in pride and evil

Is available 24x7x365 to help – give life      Is absent when help is needed and available

                                                                                      to hurt and destroy.

Is attentive to us ready to show wisdom     Is only attentive to his own selfish wants

        and compassion-forgiveness                

He is enthusiastic about us                           He is enthusiastic only about His ambitions

He plans and works for eternal                   Satan only plans and works to hurt God and

         Purpose and goals of life                                  feed his own pride and ambitions

Christ obeys Father totally                           Satan will not submit or obey anyone

Christ only demonstrates good –                 Satan may pretend to be good but can’t

    Perfect behavior                                                   sustain good behavior. 

Christ is trustworthy-dependable                Satan will not keep his word – never has

God knows and control the future              Satan doesn’t know the future and doesn’t

                                                                                       believe God. 

Christ shows integrity and encourages       Satan lacks integrity and discourages integrity

             Integrity in followers                                     in his followers

Christ’s purpose is to honor the Father     Satan’s purpose is to defeat God – destroy us

        and give eternal life to us                                 and rule over God’s creation

God creates and builds                                 Satan only knows how to destroy and tear down

Christ brings hope and a bright future      Satan destroys hope and promises a bright

                                                                                    future but never delivers.  He can’t.

This list of comparisons is far from complete and we both could continue to add to it with our own experiences as well as examples from scripture and lives of others before us.  The common result of satan’s conduct and actions and work are destruction, death, pain, disappointment, disappointments.  Temptations he offers promises but never delivers those promises but only consequences.

Granted, Christians disappoint and fall short of Christ’s example.  But what other religion’s founder demonstrates or claims to be what and who Christ does?  Consider the good those who did demonstrate Christ-like behavior accomplished?  Consider all the hospitals and schools and life giving and life transforming work accomplished over the centuries by Christ followers.   The fruits of their labor compared with fruit of faithful followers of cults or pagan religions.  Likewise, those claiming to be Christ followers who fail to reflect His example should be held accountable and their actions judged to determine how genuine their work is. 

We are to judge the work by the results.  If results and conduct match Christ’s teaching, then work and teaching can be trusted.   If not, then such should be rejected and avoided.

I dare say we should judge Islam by this standard and judge Mohammed by the standard Christ gives us too.   I share this journal with many Christian pastors in Islam dominated countries.  They share Christ’s Gospel message and is embraced by great numbers who only have found empty lifeless teaching from Islam faith. Large numbers of faithful Islam followers have received revelations directly by visions or encounters with Christ without any input from a Christ follower and immediately become a Christ follower.  

We serve a Christ who redeemed us from our sins and God’s judgment with His own blood.  His Holy Spirit is available to guide and help us 24×7.  He offers us life and an abiding love that gives us the capacity to love.  He builds up our lives and families and encourages and helps us give hope and experience and share His love too instead of destruction and hate and division. 

So, who do you believe and follow.  I will use Joshua 24:15 when he challenged the Israelites, when they crossed Jordon River into promised land to either choose God or choose the pagan gods offered by their neighbors and enslavers they followed in past.

Joshua 24:15 “¹⁵ And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

8/28/18                                      A Patient Father                                      28

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

RECOMMENDED READING  PSALM 37:1-13 “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.² For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.³ Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.⁴ Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.⁵ Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.⁶ And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.⁷ Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.⁹ For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.¹⁰ For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.¹¹ But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.¹² The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.¹³ The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.”

COMMENTS:  Have you ever wondered by good people endure suffering and tragedy and poverty while evil people seem to be spared while enjoying prosperity often from depriving impoverished people under their control.  Why does God let evil people take advantage of good people for as long as He does? 

When we look back at history, especially as recorded in scripture, we discovered God’s longsuffering and patience but with limits before judgment came.  Judgment would come only after ample warning from prophets and written scripture but also with opportunity to repent and turn back to Him.  

Consider the evil Adolf Hitler orchestrated upon the people his armies conquered, especially those of Jewish decent and beliefs.  But his end came and defeat and prosecution to those who administered his evil plans.  As we look at recorded events of that time, we see a number of key mistakes Hitler made and key wise choices the Allies generals made that turned the tide of World War II when strength of the Axis forces were overwhelming.  The Allied forces went into WWII unprepared and weak but with good people working together and Christ followers praying and in key places of leadership and with God’s Holy Spirit leading and intervening directly, the Axis forces were defeated.  But consider what the world would be like today if the Axis forces would have defeated the Allied forces?   I shutter with thought.  I was born in 1951, so would have been born into a world of tyranny and godlessness.  I might have grown up in a home without Christ but more likely my parents would have been killed for the faith they already had.  My sister may have been left to be raised by another family and I would never had been born.  My wife was also born after the war so her fate would likely been mine and her older sisters likely faced fate of my sister since their parents were devout Christians before we were born.  BUT GOD’S WILL PREVAILED AND EVIL WAS STOPPED!

Hitler grew up in a Christian family but not a good one.  If they would have been faithful, maybe Adolf would have made better choices.  But truth is everyone makes their own choices, wise or foolish, and many wayward children do so in midst of Godly parents who have remained faithful to Christ.

Consider those killed during WWII and good impact many of those lives would have made if they had lived.  How does God sort all that out?  I’m sure glad that isn’t in my responsibilities.  But is in God’s responsibilities and abilities.  He has that all sorted out.  One day we will discover how He did that and will be in awe praising Him.  

Truth is the choices we all make has an eternal impact on us but also often on countless numbers of others too.

So how much faith do you have?  How much do you trust Him?  History proves He is trust worthy and will prevail.  He keeps His promises but in His Way and Time.  He is returning, satan will be stopped and bound, and the world will be recreated as He intended without sin and death.  His faithful will live in and enjoy that world with Him.  That is definitely worth looking forward to and planning for.  It is also worth following Him to achieve.

We may wonder why He is waiting so long, but consider He may be waiting for some of our family to come to Him for redemption first.  When He returns, the opportunity to accept His redemption will end because His time of judgment will begin.

Why do innocent and good people suffer? He reminds us His standard is so far above ours, that no one is innocent and we are all equally guilty and in need of His redemption.  His redemption is freely available to all and needed by all.  The worst of murderers and rapists and bullies but also to the kindest and gentlest.  All fall short of Christ’s example and God’s standard.  But God’s mercy allows the Father to see us through Christ’s life instead of ours.  Christ’s perfect example instead of ours. 

So, we dare not depend on our own conduct or merits for redemption and don’t need to.

Is like saving to buy a dream house costing $200,000.  We save for 70 years and have saved $10,000.   We are a long way from having enough money but Christ provides the balance and hands us the keys to our new house and says WELCOME HOME GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.

He knows our weaknesses and is patient with us (Hebrews 4:15). He knows unbelievers’ hearts and is longsuffering toward them, “not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9).

When you feel impatient with yourself or with others, remember God’s loving patience with you.

Consider a quote of Joni Earackson Tata, a paraplegic for over 50 years: “No other religion, no other, promises new bodies, hearts, and minds. Only in the gospel of Christ do hurting people find such incredible hope.”  Joni Eareckson Tata                               

AMEN?  AMEN!   

“Where there is no patience, there is not even a spark of faith. “

John Calvin

 

8/29/18                           The Great Outdoors – Valleys                         29

I will open rivers in desolate heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. Isaiah 41:18

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 41:17-20   “¹⁷ When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.¹⁸ I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.¹⁹ I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together:²⁰ That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the Lord hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.”

COMMENTS: Have you ever felt abandoned by others?  By God?  Well, God often comes to the rescue much later than we like and all too often others forget or neglect us.  People often are not worthy of our trust.  A few choose not to accept personal sacrifice of time or energy or money or risk of personal harm to render aid to others.  But when they do, they are judged to be heros.  Yet the most common reaction they give when asked is “I’m no hero, I was just at the right place at the right time” or point to someone else as the hero and  they were just lending a hand to help.  Humility usually goes hand in hand with genuine heroism.  Those looking for a pat on the back or fame and praise for doing so usually are only willing to help until confronted with personal risk or danger.

Knowing those we depend on well enough to have confidence they are worthy of our trust is important.  Otherwise, that trust makes us vulnerable especially when that trust is broken.  Scripture tells us people will fail us but Christ will never fail us. (Hebrews 13:5 “Never will I leave you;  never will I forsake you.”).  Psalm 23:4 “Though I    walk through th valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me.  Thy rod and staff comforts me.”  Memory of past   faitfhfulness strengthens our faith to trust Him with next danger or challenge or crisis.  We take comfort seeing our shepherd’s staff because we’ve witnessed Him using it to protect and defend us in the past.  So, stop and reflect on all He has done for you and gave Him praise and worship.  Also give Him greater  trust and obedience.  Obeying Him does mean getting “out of the boat” at times.  It is then we need reminded by Psalm 23:4 to embrace the comfort of knowing He is near and still has His staff.  He is so worthy of our trust and obedience.  How much will we trust Him today?  How hungry are you and I to go deeper with Him?  Trusting Him when risks are small is a good starting point, but real faith is tested and prove when risks are high.

Remember, He took great risk and paid at great sacrifice to give us opportunity to be in eternal fellowship with Him.  That fellowship was broken by sin but restored by His broken body and shed blood.  We only need to accept it and put our hand in His and walk the path of fellowship with Him.  The path to eternal life.  The path away from death and sin.

8/30/18                           He Who Understands                                              30

You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.

Psalm 139:2

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16  “¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.¹⁵ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

COMMENTS: Today Dr. David Jeremiah referred to a prayer of Francis of Assisi “Lord, make me an instrument of Your Peace… let me not seek as much to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand.” 

When our cups are full, we can change our focus from trying to fill our cups to filling the cups of others.  When we let the Holy Spirit continue to fill our cups while we focus on pouring ourselves out on others, we starting living as Christ lived and intends for us to live. We also are discovering the secret to sustaining a giving attitude and life style.  We can not sustain a giving life style without letting the Holy Spirit constantly fill us. An empty cup can not give life giving water to others.  In order to change from wanting to be consoled and understood to consoling and seeing to understand others, we are changing from reaching out to Jesus to letting Him hold us as we reach out to others.  We just need to make sure He has a firm hold on us.  He will as long as we are reaching out when and where He is directing and guiding us through His Holy Spirit.  That means being in constant communion and constant communication with Him.  Prayer without ceasing is necessary to sustaining a relationship with Him that permits Him to hold on to and guide us throughout our day.  I’m still struggling at sustaining that level of relationship with Him.  Some times and days I do this much better than other days.  I’m sure you do too, but that is where we need to help and encourage and hold each other accountable so we continue to improve in this quest.

There were times when Elijah and Joseph and David and Samuel and even Christ felt alone and abandoned by God and by their fellow Jews and cried out to God for help and relief.  But those times when fear and anxiety emotions were strong, it is then each dug deep and grabbed hold of their faith and held on as they waited for God’s intervention and relief.  Even Christ felt that but did not change course from remaining faithful.   That determination is evident by those in scripture who God honored and used in mighty ways.  Those who yielded to those temptations like Saul or Judas, who failed the test of their faith, suffered great loss.

We too are tested at times with opportunity to be groomed for greater service and influence and work.   Those like Joni Eareckson Tada, who have and continue to suffer greatly physically are given a great platform to witness of His faithfulness and impact millions she would not otherwise have attention and credibility to influence.

When we face hardship or  real challenges or dangers or even tragedy, such is a part of life all will face even though some seem to get more than their share.  Yet Christ has made provision for God’s sustaining help and protection by His Holy Spirit  walking with hand in hand with us through these dark miles.  The dark miles grow us into prepared strong servants and warriors.   They also show others how to do the same.  Relationships are God’s passion and specialty.  Relationships with Him and with each other. 

“Christ understands loneliness; He’s been through it.”    Paul S. Rees

 

8/31/18                                    Positive Words                                    31

Know that the Lord, He is God.  Psalm 100:3

RECOMMENDED READING PSALM 100 “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.² Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.³ Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.⁴ Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.⁵ For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

COMMENTS:  Books like “The Power of Positive Thinking” teach the importance of keeping a positive attitude and making our minds guide us to focus and work towards positive goals.  Such is important and even vital to achieving goals, even life changing goals.  How many times have athletes been discouraged but someone encouraged them and motivated them to keep going.  Students dreaming of graduation and working in the career they dream of   often become discouraged due to difficulty of studies and length of time required.  Without encouragement and help along the way, it is not likely they will succeed. 

There are few, if any, accomplishments possible without the help of others at time.  Parents provide support, encouragement, finances and other help, love, and even rest at times.  When parents fail to be there to provide these things, then someone else is needed.   Every successful person has had someone and often many mentoring and encouraging them along the way.    

Success and achieving any worthwhile goal require hard work and the support of others along the way.  By contrast paths to destruction seldom happen that way.  A drug addict doesn’t want to be a drug addict or sees himself as a drug addict when starts.  But the path is certain because the temptation drives him to that end.  That is because the power to achieve that end comes from satan with the goal to destroy you and me. 

So, not only do we need to set worthy goals and work and stay focused on those goal, seeking help and finding support along the way, but we also need to be on guard to battle those distractions and dangers along the way that have the ability to pull us off the path and destroy us.  Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the whole armor of God so satan’s darts of temptations will not penetrate and weaken or kill us.  Addictions are powerful enough to force us to seek out the opportunity of temptation.

God has promised to never fail or abandon or leave us (“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.”Hebrews 13:5-6).  There are times He doesn’t seem to be near but it is especially then we need to seek Him in prayer and in His Word.  He also promises we will find Him if seek Him sincerely with all our heart (“¹³ And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13).                                               “Sovereignty characterizes the whole being of God. He is sovereign in all His attributes.”  A. W. Pink

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