Be the Example

“You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:5-10

In his book in which he focuses on How to Keep Your Kids on Your Team, Dr. Stanley points out the need for providing for our children’s spiritual needs - a key also when considering how to protect your family.

He writes, “Are you trying to provide for your children while you are living in disobedience and rebellion toward God? If you are, you are teaching your children to think you do not need God. The children may think that if you do not need him, they do not need Him either. That is no example to set for them.”

Dad, what kind of example are you providing for your kids? Do you always challenge them in their trust and faith in God?

“If you want to provide well for your children,” continues Dr. Stanley, “here is the first step: Ask God to forgive you of your sin, and receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. If you want to be a good provider, you must start with Jesus Christ Who enables you to provide spiritual leadership for your family.” Second step: “As a Christian, you have the responsibility of explaining to your children how to be saved.”

Thought for the Day: “Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.” - John Howard Payne

Dealing with Division

“And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, ‘Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.’” Matthew 12:25

One of the most quoted portions of Scripture is that which President Abraham Lincoln used in his great speech of reconciliation. He quoted from Matthew 12:25, “Every...house divided against itself shall not stand” (KJV). His reference was to the “house” of the United States of America.

We have likened the role of a father to that of the door of the house. Through him, things are allowed either to enter or are kept outside. His role is to protect the family from error, ungodly influences, and uninvited guests.

But now consider this question: Is there division in your home? Division over ethics, morals, goals, relationships, responsibilities, rights, wrongs? Does everyone have the same hunger to know God, to please Him, to humbly follow His will?

Dad, are you a leader in making these choices? If disharmony reigns in your home, it doesn’t mean you are hopeless or a worse family than the one that looks so good on the outside. It means much the opposite. You may be going through trials which will strengthen your family, causing you to stand when the storms of life do hit with all of their force.

What are you doing today to protect your family from division?

Thought for the Day: “...any...house divided against itself will not stand.” Matthew 12:25

Close the Door!

"Or how can anyone enter the strong man's house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house." Matthew 12:29

Insurance policies, alarm systems, investments, select neighborhoods - what do all of these have in common? A father's desire to protect his family and home. But how many fathers know how to protect their families in a biblical manner? No, that isn't saying anything against insurance, alarms, investments, or safe neighborhoods; it speaks rather of the spiritual plight of the family.

The doorway to the family is the father. In how many homes is there evidence of some dangerous attitude or action which Dad allowed to come in by his own weakness or surrender to sinful desires?

Dad, be very careful about what you allow to cross the threshold of your home - not only what your family and friends bring in but what you bring in as well. Do you bring home from the office an attitude or a mindset which would cause you to blush or be embarrassed if it were exposed? Don't let it in the door.

If you do bring ungodly habits home with you, don't be surprised in the days ahead to see them bear fruit in the lives of your children. It's your choice. Learn to close the door.

Thought for the Day: "A man ought to live so that everyone knows he is a Christian - most of all, his family." - D.L. Moody

A Prayer for Protection

"Give ear to my words, O Lord, Consider my groaning. Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, For to Thee do I pray. In the morning, O Lord, Thou wilt hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch. For Thou art not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil dwells with Thee. The boastful shall not stand before Thine eyes; Thou dost hate all who do iniquity. Thou dost destroy those who speak falsehood; The Lord abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit. But as for me, by Thine abundant lovingkindness I will enter Thy house, At Thy holy temple I will bow in reverence for Thee. O Lord, lead me in Thy righteousness because of my foes; Make Thy way straight before me. There is nothing reliable in what they say; Their inward part is destruction itself; Their throat is an open grave; They flatter with their tongue. Hold them guilty, O God; By their own devices let them fall! In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out, For they are rebellious against Thee. But let all who take refuge in Thee be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And mayest Thou shelter them, That those who love Thy name may exult in Thee. For it is Thou who dost bless the righteous man, O Lord, Thou dost surround him with favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:1-12

Parents, what kind of pressures, problems, dangers, concerns, and issues are surfacing in your family unit? Is all smooth sailing, or are you experiencing some pretty rough seas? Most families go through times of difficulty and trial which some may call a living nightmare. For those who have struggled to keep the lid on, the next eleven days are offered in an effort not simply to bring peace and quiet to your lives but to gain a view of life which up to this time may have evaded you.

Anyone who has read even parts of the Bible has become aware of the eternal conflict between God and Satan. Some view God as all-loving but not all-powerful due to the existence of evil in the world. No so. It proves the contrary that God is allowing evil to remain in order to provide for each member of humanity the opportunity of free choice. Whom will you serve?

Much of what you believe or involve yourself with depends upon your degree of commitment. How committed are you to the preservation of your family unit? Dad, Mom, son, or daughter - if you are deeply committed, then back it up with words and actions which are truly Christlike.

Thought of the Day: "In a broken nest, there are few whole eggs." (Chinese proverb)

The Importance of the Home

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18

So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh at that place. And the Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. And the man said,
“This is now bone of my bones,
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man.”
For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. Genesis 2:21-25

As we reflect on Christmas, let it be always remembered that Christ was born into a home. He was raised in a family atmosphere. When you read the above text, it is clear that the first institution ordained by God was marriage, the family, and the home. The fact that Christ was born and raised in a home, gives clarification to what God began.

It has been said that a nation is only as strong as the families in it. As we look around today the family is in great distress. There are those who want to destroy the family, others who want to redefine the family and others who just have no idea what a family is all about.

America has been a strong nation because she has had strong families. We need strong homes – and my conviction has always been when all else fails, you ought to follow the directions. If God created and ordained the family, then the instruction manual is the Bible. So we will begin to see and study some Biblical truths about the family and I would encourage you to pray not only for your family, but for others as well.

Immanuel

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

One of the qualities of successful teacher or instructor is the ability to implant in a student a desire to learn - a desire to achieve or to reach a specific goal. The capstone of that ability is to do that without the student becoming aware of it.

Can you see that quality in the handiwork of God? Just look at the universal pull toward some type of religion. All cultures, all nations, all peoples have this inborn desire to attribute worship and thankfulness to a god to whom they hold themselves accountable.

That God-shaped vacuum was placed there by God that men would seek its fulfillment which can come only through a relationship with Jesus Christ. The discovery of the cure for the ache is what Christ's birth is all about. People have a God-given expectation. If we have this vacuum, then there must be something to fill it. That something is Christ.

Jesus was characterized by many names; one of them was Immanuel which boldly means God with us. Paul tells us: "...God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).

Immanuel: Christ in you - is He? If so, let every thought, word, and motive be a true reflection of His presence every day.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Through the Eyes of Others

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her, desired to put her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.' Now all this took place that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which translated means, 'God with us.' And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took her as his wife, and kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus." Matthew 1:18-25

Many today will find themselves in the midst of last-minute preparations and decorations. It might serve us well to take a moment to see Christmas through the eyes of others. Such as -

Dale Evans Rogers: "Christmas, my child, is love in action...When you love someone, you give to them, as God gives to us. The greatest gift He ever gave was the Person of His Son sent to us in human form so that we might know what God the Father is really like. Every time we love, every time we give, it is Christmas."

Charles Dickens: "I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys...And so as Tiny Tim said, 'A merry Christmas to us all, my dears. God bless us, every one.'"

"...God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:19

Remember - The Light that shines from the humble manger is strong enough to light our way to the end of our days.

Prince of Peace

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7

Did Jesus make a mistake? Is the Bible in error? Is God unable to deliver what He has promised? No. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful" (John 14:27.)

Here's another aspect of Jesus' ministry to mankind - our peace. But how does that peace become ours? Wonderful direction is given in Isaiah 26:3 where it says of God, "The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee."

When Christ is our Savior, His peace actually lives in us. That's why the Apostle Paul could say in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, "Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance." "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15). In Philippians 4:7 he says, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." And in Galatians 5:22: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience..."

How can we have peace? Jesus' own words speak best: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Receive His peace.

Have You Been Born Again?

“For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Col. 1:13-20

Jesus came to be our Savior. The salvation experience is what Jesus called being “born again.” What a wonderfully descriptive term. He used it originally in His nighttime conversation with Nicodemus. The term is still as misunderstood today as it was when Jesus first used it with this ruler of the Jews.

Advertisers have attributed the term “born again” to a new product design. Artists, musicians, politicians, and entertainers who have made a comeback are said to have been “born again.” Many have tried to use the term in effort to gain approval and acceptance by those in the religious world. But all of these are empty copies of the real meaning of being “born again.”

What does it really mean? It’s a beautifully descriptive term for the transformation which takes place in a person’s life when they come into the kingdom of God. It’s an accurate description also and one which conveys a dynamic spiritual truth: Life comes through birth, and without spiritual birth, there can be no spiritual life.

Paul tells us that the “natural man (the one who has not been born again) does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised” (1 Corinthians 2:13).

Friend, have you been “born again”?

He Came to Meet My Need

“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” James 1:22

“What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,’ and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?” James 2:14-16

Christmas is about giving, and it is in that thought that I pass on this story I read for you to think on today –

He said his name was James. “I been back on the bottle fer the last month” Tired, cold, and hungry, James is one of thousands of jobless, homeless “street people.” But what made James more than just another street person was the fact that he had stopped me – I could not avoid him.

“What an inconvenience,” I thought. Several plans for getting rid of him quickly came to mind. But they all melted as meaningless excuses when I heard my Savior say, “I was hungry, but you did not feed Me” (Matthew 25:42). Would I minister to the physical needs of this man in Jesus’ name or harden my heart and “get to work”?

“What if I’m just being taken advantage of?” I thought. Then came His words of reassurance: “I was taken advantage of. I was misunderstood. I was despised and rejected, but it was all in the eternal plan of God – and it all led to the cross.”

“You may laugh at this,” I said as James sat over a hot breakfast plate, “but I want you to know that I’m doing this for you in Jesus’ name. If I say I love God but don’t care for your needs, I’m the worst kind of liar.” His reply? “I’m not laughing. Thank you.”

O, Worship the King

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him.' And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he began to inquire of them where the Christ was to be born. And they said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet,

“And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah;
For out of you shall come forth a Ruler,
Who will shepher My people Israel.”’

Then Herod secretly called the magi, and ascertained from them the time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, ‘Go and make careful search for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, that I too may come and worship Him.’ And having heard the king, they went their way; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:1-11

Jesus, Our Life

"And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life." 1 John 5:11-12

What first comes to mind when you hear the word life?

Biblically, there are two spheres of life: physical life and spiritual life. Obviously, you have physical life or else you wouldn't be reading this. Your physical health or condition may contribute to you ability to read or concentrate, but you are alive.

Are you alive spiritually? Paul says, "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). That is, before your new birth experience, you were dead to the things of the Spirit.

The manger of Bethlehem takes on additional significance when we realize that on that hay lay One Who came to bring life, spiritual life, to those who had physical life. Christmas is not just the celebration of the birth (the life) of Jesus; it is the celebration of the spiritual life we can enjoy - the life He came to bring.

Do you have this life? If not, along with all the gifts you'll give this Christmas, you could accept God's special gift, given 2,000 years ago for you. Will you accept God's gift of new life? It's wrapped up in Jesus' birth and His death. Both were necessary in order for God to make the offer of life to you. If you already have this life, allow Christ to be your life every day.

To Know Him

"And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war. And His eyes are a flame of fire, and upon His head are many diadems; and He has a name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself. And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations; and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, 'KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.'" Rev. 19:11-16

Many people shun Christianity because they think it focuses too much on eternity (or whatever happens to us after this life is over) and looks too little at living today. Others shun it for the opposite reason: They see Christians who are caught up in living for today with no thought or concern for the future - near or eternal.

How can we present a realistic and balanced Christian vew? What people see in us individually is our perception of Who God is. The most effective witness comes from those who know Him. That should be our life-long pursuit and goal - to know God.

If we would keep in our hearts and on our minds the realization that Jesus is Lord, that truth would be reflected in what we do and say. Folks will soon recognize something different about you. They may not be able to put their finger on it (you can), but to them, you are differnt (in a good way).

It boils down to the question: What is your attitude about Jesus? Let Philippians 2:5-11 be a guide for your daily walk: "Have this attitude in yourselves..." (verse 5). The result? Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (verses 10-11).

Joyfully share with others now: the Babe is Lord.

Jesus, the Reason for the Season

"And it came about when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds began saying to one another, 'Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.' And they came in haste and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. And when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them." Luke 2:15-20

With Christmas Day just a little more than a week away, you've probably been saturated with your annual dose of Christmas carols and holiday tunes from the radio, from the stores in which you've shopped, and the church Christmas programs you've attended. Some holiday songs hold very little meaning. Some bring no honor to the occasion of Christ's birth, while many would lead you to believe that Christ has nothing at all to do with the celebration.

How fortunate we are that the preacher and hymn write Charles Wesley penned this beautiful poem. Let its meaning guide you through the day with an expectation and heart filled with adoration for Christ.

"Come, Thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us;
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts along;
By Thine all-sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne."

The Promised Messiah

"Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, And like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.

He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth. By oppression and judgment He was taken away; and as for His generation, who considered That He was cut off out of the land of the living, for the transgression of my people to whom the stroke was due? His grave was assigned with wicked men, yet He was with a rich man in His death, because He had done no violence, nor was there any deceit in His mouth.

But the Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; if He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the Lord will prosper in His hand. As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; by His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, as He will bear their iniquities. Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the booty with the strong; Because He poured out Himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet He Himself bore the sin of many, and interceded for the transgressors." Isaiah 53:1-12

A further aspect of the incarnation (God's taking on physical human form as Jesus) is the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. Our wonder and worship of the Christ-child are greater when we see Him as the fulfillment of God's promise. It's easy to see through reading the Gospels that the people of Jesus' day did not really recognize Him as their Messiah. Especially absent was any official recognition by the religious authorities; they were the ones who instigated His death.

But lest we find ourselves too quick to judge, it stands as a point of challenge to us today: Do we daily recognize Jesus for Who He really is? As you read the Scripture for today, note - Jesus literally fulfilled everything Isaiah said would happen to the Messiah. And yet, even after His resurrection, the Jews still didn't recognize Him.

The power of the Christian life (and you've probably heard this many times) is in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And that's why Christmas is so important. Christ's birth as a human being made it possible for us to relate to and respond to God. His birth opened the way for us to know God personally, individually.

That pursuit is at the very heart of all worship and relationship between you and God - simply to know Him. And because of His arrival as a baby in that stable in Bethlehem, we can know Him. "O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord."

Christ...Our Savior

"In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'"

Let's spend the next two weeks in preparation for a significant time of personal worship of the One Whose birth we commemorate at Christmas. Each day our focus will shift to another indispensable aspect of the Christ-child: today His role as Savior.

The shepherds heard an angelic host announce the arrival of "a Savior,...Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). Can you imagine the mental image these men and boys had of a national savior, divinely heralded by a choir or angels? Why, the nation of Israel no doubt would soon be freed from the pesky Roman rule. They would have a kingdom once again like that of David's historic, glorious reign.

No, God's redemptive plan far superseded earthly kingdoms and thrones. Many in Jesus' day were unable to recognize the arrival of the Promised One - even though they studied the Scriptures and knew what to look for.

"Poor, ignorant, blind, foolish, men," we sadly say. "They missed the greatest opportunity in the history of the world." But think for a moment: If Jesus came today, would you recognize him? What standard would you use to decide if He was Who He claimed to be?

Birth of Jesus

“Now it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all were proceeding to register for the census, everyone to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’

And it came about when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds began saying to one another, ‘Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they came in haste and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. And when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” Luke 2:1-20

Growing in Adversity

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

Although I’ve never flown a plan or skydived, I greatly enjoy listening to a friend recount his stories of memorable events. Experientially, we’re worlds apart. He has experienced these activities; I can appreciate his enjoyment only secondhand.

One of the greatest resources for encouragement and added faith and trust in God is either to read or hear the testimonies of others who have found Him faithful to His Word and have weathered great difficulty or trial though God’s unlimited grace and care. But far beyond the joy gained by reading someone else’s experience is the joy gained by going through the experience yourself. This holds true for us as we look into the issue of adversity.

One of God’s tools for transferring truth from our heads to our hearts is the use of adversity. It is in times of difficulty or trial that we begin to toss out beliefs we have held which don’t hold up under pressure. The Crucible of adversity tries our beliefs to the maximum. Our perception of Who God really is becomes much sharper under the force of this tool. Best of all, God doesn’t remain an impersonal “Someone” but reveals the tenderest touch of a loving Father through it all.

Remember this thought: What He leads you to - He leads you through!

When in Need

“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:13-16

Suddenly you find yourself in an emergency room while doctors and nurses fight to save your life. Your circumstances are out of your control. The police have just left, taking with them your teenage son on criminal drug charges. His circumstances (and yours) are out of control. She says it has been a slow process, but over the years you have simply killed her love. Now she has found someone who really loves her and she’s leaving you. Your circumstances are out of control.

How do you respond in times like these just described? What holds you together so that you don’t simply unravel on the spot? These are times when we desperately need confidence (which is usually the first thing we lose) and a sense of inner tranquility - even though our emotions may be pressed to the breaking point. To achieve that, consider the following:

Remember God’s promises. Locate an appropriate promise for your need.
Recognize that God is intervening in your circumstances.
Release your grip on your circumstances. Look to the Lord for His purpose in your situation.
Rest in God’s sovereign care.
Rejoice. God is directing every event in your life for your good.

Remember: Your circumstances are never out of God’s control.

“Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading.” - Oswald Chambers

How to Keep Going

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love.” John 15:10

Of all the people we read about in Old Testament narrative, there is one who comes along early (Genesis 4-5) who is credited with something no one else achieves. One man lived such a life that at the end of 365 years, it doesn’t say, “and he died,” but rather it says, “and he was not, for God took him.” Genesis 5:24

Maybe we can learn something from this Old Testament man who walked with God as we look at the New Testament Man Who is God. Again and again, Jesus surprises us as we read the Gospels. His response to people is so different and so refreshing that it’s not hard to see why people were drawn to Him and wanted to follow after Him.

Jesus was deadly serious about one thing: obedience to the will of God the Father. Whenever He became aware of the Father’s will, the narrative shows Him quickly carrying it out. That same quality is demanded of each of Christ’s followers. We must recognize that in order to accomplish God’s purpose; we must function according to God’s will which often is opposed by our own will. That’s the point of surrender. Obedience doesn’t come from an unsurrendered heart.

When the Going Gets Tough...

“Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God’? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:27-31

“Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love! The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.” The words of John Fawcett’s familiar hymn blend beautifully with Paul’s hallmark works describing the intended and desired path of development for the Christian.

In part Paul says, “until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ....no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, ...but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him...even Christ.” Eph. 4:13-15

Does your life fit into this description? Are you on your way to developing those qualities? If so, then you should weather the storms caused by every wind of doctrines which comes “by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” Eph. 4:14. There is great safety and value in any fellowship of believers when they are “equipping...the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” Eph. 4:12.

Be Prepared

“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” Col. 1:9-12

One thing you learn when you live on a farm is the importance of keeping your eye on the weather. It can mean the difference between a bumper crop and no crop. So too in our daily walk, it is helpful to keep our eyes on the condition of the circumstances which surround us. The storms of life may strike often, but they often give a warning.

What do you do when you recognize a thunderhead of trial blowing your way? Are you paralyzed by fear? Do you go to others to consult when it’s likely to hit? Do you compare this one to storms of the past and tremble at its fierceness? Do you hide? Or do you get busy and “batten down the hatches”?

Before rough times arrive, there are a few thins you can do to prepare for their coming. When they do come, you’ll be better prepared to cope with them.
- Remove any hindrance in your life. Keep right with God
- Resolve to keep balanced in your judgment. Don’t panic.
- Recognize that your hope is in Christ. Rest in Him.
- Resist the temptation to return to your former lifestyle.
- Realize that holiness is the only acceptable goal for the believer.

The Boy Scouts’ motto cautions Christians as well: “Be prepared.”

The Power of Forgiveness

“...and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belt; but to wear sandals; and He added, ‘Do not put on two tunics.’ And He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. And any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake off the dust from the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.’ And they went out and preached that men should repent. And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.

And King Herod heard of it, for His name had become well known; and people were saying, ‘John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him.’ But others were saying, ‘He is Elijah.’ And others were saying, ‘He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’” Mark 6:8-15

From the land in which our Lord walked comes a story of mercy and forgiveness. In November of 1989, Sergeant Zeev Traum was patrolling the beach-front road south of Gaza City. He and another Israeli soldier were ambushed in their jeep by Palestinian gunmen. The 40-year-old’s death brought a unique dilemma for his widow. She could simply bury her husband, or donate his heart to an ailing Palestinian.

Bittersweet revenge could be found if she denied the request and let “one of them” die since “they” killed her husband. Instead, she opted to forgive. So outside the city walls where Jesus Christ replaced our heart with His, 54-year-old Hanna Khader, who had waited four months for a heart, received new life from his political enemy. In response, Zeev’s widow said, “if it’s possible to save a man’s life, I think it’s a mitvah (Commandment of Jewish Law or Meritorious Act).”

Determine to be Light

“This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Eph. 4:17-24

Talk with most people these days and you’ll probably get this type of response about spiritual matters: “Oh, everybody has their own beliefs” or “Don’t push your religious beliefs on others. You have your beliefs and I have mine. Let’s leave it at that.” Sound familiar? Instead of shrugging it off as just a “difference of opinion,” look closer and you’ll discover something very interesting about Satan’s strategy of keeping people in the dark.

Those who don’t want you to push your religious beliefs down their throats are the same ones who often brazenly “push” their own views on you. Peer pressure is not restricted to teens. It is a force you deal with all of your life. It is an issue you need to settle in your teen years; then in later life you’ll have the courage and background to stand against wrong - even when it is popular.

The Bible often speaks of the lost as those whose minds or understanding are “darkened”; they have no light - no understanding. Satan expends great effort to keep them cloaked in that darkness; for if they ever see the light of the real Christ, Satan’s grip would be lost, and they would turn to and embrace the Light.

The Enemy’s Strategy

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, ‘Indeed, has God said, “You shall not eat from any tree of the garden”?’ And the woman said to the serpent, ‘From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, “You shall not eat from it or touch it, lest you die.”’ And the serpent said to the woman, ‘You surely shall not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.” Genesis 3:1-6

How often has Satan repeated that very first temptation scheme used on Eve in the Garden. Note the progression of his attack against the known Word of God. First, he presents the question: “Indeed, has God said...?” (verse 1). The context implies that is sort of a sly question with a bit of rebellion just below the surface.

Let a warning sound in your mind and in your spirit when your logical questioning begins to shift a bit - and a self-will raises its ugly head - and a rebellious attitude dulls your sensitivity. Know right then that your question is leading you on a collision course with obedience to God.

Satan’s second statement was an outright lie. It was a lie backed up with a cunning revelation of a purposely misdirected truth. Watch out when you begin to listen to Satan’s contradictions. Jesus gives the supreme example of how to respond when Satan offers an alterative to full and complete obedience to the revealed will of God. Read Luke 4:1-13. He always resorts to the Word of God.

Be alert. Be aware of the enemy’s strategy. He is not an unbeatable foe. He has already been defeated at the cross.

Limited Power

“Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:7-8

“And when the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, and will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Rev. 20:7-10

Who has the last say? Who is really in charge? God or Satan? If it is God, then why does it appear that He is callously indifferent to the critical concerns of many who are in desperate and even mortal need?

Maybe the answer lies in Rabbi Harold Kushner’s commentary in his book When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Because of his personal experience with sickness, death, and grief, he believes (at least he writes) that God may be all-loving, but He is not all-powerful; some things are just out of God’s control.

Unfortunately, many follow such thinking and adopt it for themselves without considering that it completely denies a major scriptural revelation concerning the nature and character of God. Charles Colson carefully titles this unbiblical view of God’s power: “God Isn’t Dead, Just Sick and Feeble.”

Believer, (honestly now) how do you view God’s power? Do you believe and live as if God has the very last word? Or is there a crack in your foundation of believe - a crack which sees God as benevolent but limited?

One of Satan’s greatest charades is to masquerade as an equal to God. Don’t believe it.

Battle for the Mind

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. Phil 4:7-8

One of the common catch words - which is already on its way out - is the word “awesome.” If you were in conversation with an average teen, it would be “awesome” this and “awesome’ that.

The word “awesome” also describes the power and personality of our greatest enemy - Satan. A problem many experience regarding our enemy is that they quickly feel overwhelmed by his show of force and power. As intimidated soldiers, many believers just want to close their eyes and ears and block out any recognition of the enemy’s obvious activity. But that is not living within God’s full provision for His children.

Yes, the Bible does describe Satan as “the god of this world” II Cor 4:4. But notice that god is spelled with a little “g” not a capital “G” reserved only to represent Almighty God.

Satan is also known in Scripture as “the prince of the power of the air.” Eph 2:2

The real battle is being fought for the minds - then the souls - of individuals. Christian friend, what do you feed your heart and mind? Be alert. Judge what you take in. Remember your mind is the greatest computer ever invented, but it can only put out what you put in...

Unused Power

“...but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:8

A.J. Gordon, former prominent pastor and founder/first president of Gordon College, frequently told the story of an American who with an Englishman was viewing Niagara Falls...

Taking the Englishman to the foot of the falls, the American said, “There is the greatest unused power in the world.” “No, no, my friend,” the Englishman replied. “The greatest unused power in the world is the Holy Spirit of the Living God.”

We have been given all the power we need to live, minister, and do the work God has called each of us to do. Our problem is not having enough power, but appropriating the power we have been given. God helps us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Look What I Did!

“You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:5-7

There is a little fable that expresses a great truth:
A woodpecker was pecking away at the trunk of a dead tree. Suddenly, lightning struck the tree and splintered it. The woodpecker flew away unharmed. Looking back to where the dead tree had stood, the proud bird exclaimed, “Look what I did!”

That fable may remind us of the proud man who arrogates to himself all the glory for his accomplishments.

Daniel 4:30-32 reminds us, “The king reflected and said, ‘Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?’ While the word was in the king's mouth, a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: sovereignty has been removed from you, and you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the beasts of the field. You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you, until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whomever He wishes.’”

Attitude = Altitude

“For as he thinks within himself, so he is...” Proverbs 23:7

Some more thoughts to ponder as you continue to digest what you ate yesterday....

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” - Melody Beattie

“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that ever step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.” - Brian Tracy

“Every time we remember to say ‘thank you,’ we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.” - Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life.”
- Christiane Northrup

“Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.” - Eileen Caddy

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” - Epictetus

Give Thanks

“A Psalm for Thanksgiving. Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:1-5

Some thoughts to ponder...

“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.” - Cicero

“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” - Albert Schweitzer

“If you can’t be content with what you have received, be thankful for what you have escaped.” - Author Unknown

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” - Albert Schweitzer

“Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting” - Author Unknown

“Difficulties are opportunities to better things; they are stepping stones to greater experience. Perhaps someday you will be thankful for some temporary failure in a particular direction. When one door closes, another always opens.” - Author Unknown

“Gratitude is something of which none of us can give too much. For on the smiles, the thanks we give, our little gestures of appreciation, our neighbors build their philosophy of life.” - A.J. Cronin

Happy Thanksgiving!

You are Already Dead

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.” 2 Tim. 2:1-4

During the height of a bloody battle behind enemy lines during the D-Day invasion of German-help France, an older American paratrooper counseled a young private who was petrified with fear as he witnessed the carnage of dead and mangled Germans and fellow Americans strewn all around him. The young man paralyzed by fear, as he envisaged an almost certain, similar fate for himself in the days ahead.

The older soldier’s counsel was chilling but poignant: “Accept the fact that you are already dead. The sooner you accept that, the sooner you’ll be able to function as a soldier is supposed to function... All war depends upon it.”

Oh, what a biblical truism in the life and spiritual war in which we find ourselves as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ! Truth in the natural often portrays truth in the spiritual. The Apostle Paul used similar words....

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20

“For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3

“And if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.” Romans 8:10

Remember, we are in a spiritual war. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

A Christian cannot be an effective soldier in this fight and live for our Lord until he has died to self.

Send it on Ahead

“Honor the Lord from your wealth, and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

When candy manufacturer John S. Huyler started out in business, he pledged 10% of his earnings to God. He opened a special bank account that he initialed “M.P.” which stood for “My Partner.” As he kept his promise to God, his industry grew at a phenomenal rate, and each week the Lord’s treasury received increasingly larger sums. His many gifts and contributions were always accompanied with the request that the recipient offer praise to God alone, for Huyler said, “After all, the money isn’t mine; it’s the Lord’s!”

Dear friend, do you want God as your partner? Then put Him first in your finances. Tithe to your church and donate generously to His Kingdom. Remember that giving to the Lord can be sweet business! You can’t take money with you when you die, but you can send it on ahead.

Keep the Right Perspective

“Then he answered and said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts.’” Zech. 4:6

Keep this verse before you as you pray for the needs in the lives of those whom you love. Claim this verse as you pray, for it will help with your perspective in dealing with family pressures. It will help relieve the frustration where children fail to meet your expectations; give you a mindset with which to use authority wisely. Trust God, the Holy Spirit, in other believers and pray for His leadership in your response to their needs. We may not understand how God is at work in others. Therefore our peace in times of testing is to be found only in trusting Him.

Return to your journal and review the names of loved ones for whom you are praying. Remind yourself of the goal or objective you had in mind when you first began to pray. Always be specific. Note the date you began.

Now - what has happened? Change in circumstance? Change in attitude? Change of any kind? Or, do you really know? The answers to each of the questions will suggest how you should praise God - how you should continue to pray.

Write your praise in your journal. Clarify your prayer objective and write it there also. In everything give thanks - this is the will of God. David said, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

Prayer with Confidence

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

Is there someone whom you’ve prayed for many times without an apparent change? Considering the power of prayer, you can more readily be patient for God’s timing and not lose heart.

Are you making this prayer with boldness? Isaiah gave us a prime example for intercessory prayer. His people had turned from God, and God had hidden His face from them. The Bible says that He delivered them into the power of their iniquities. Tragic state.

Recall Elijah’s contest with the prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel. He prayed, “‘Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that Thou, O Lord, art God, and that Thou hast turned their heart back again.’ Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.”
1 Kings 18:37-38

Who will you pray for with greater boldness? You say - how can we make such requests? I say to you - read our text for today once more, then pray with boldness!

God Still Heals

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5:14-16

In a small church in a little known town, a group of believers had just finished a Wednesday evening prayer service. A woman rushed in, visibly shaken as she shared the news that her sister had been diagnosed with cancer.

Doctors offered little or no hope. A matter of time. Weeks. Maybe months. But the agonizing sister would not accept the prognosis. My God can do anything, she said, as she solicited the prayers of her Christian friends.

Two weeks later, doctors announced a medical miracle - for there was no cancer to be found. When the news reached the body of believers who had prayed faithfully, the room was electric, joy written across each face as all offered praise and gave glory to God for His medical miracle.

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Thy name, O Most High; To declare Thy lovingkindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness by night....For Thou, O Lord, hast made me glad by what Thou hast done, I will sing for joy at the works of Thy hands.” Psalm 92:1-2, 4

Do you believe God can do anything? Do you live with the assurance that nothing is too hard for your Lord? Claim the promises in God’s Word. Remember what Paul says in Romans 8:32, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”

Persistent Prayer

“And He said to them, ‘Suppose one of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him”; and from inside he shall answer and say, “Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. And I say to you, ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it shall be opened.’” Luke 11:5-10

“There is no power like that of prevailing prayer! Abraham pleading for Sodom, Jacob wrestling in the stillness of the night, Moses standing in the breach, Hannah intoxicated with sorrow, David heartbroken with remorse and grief, Jesus in sweat of blood. Add to this list from the records of the church your personal observation and experience, and always there is the cost of passion unto blood. Such prayer prevails. It turns ordinary mortals into men of power. It brings power. It brings fire. It brings rain. It brings life. It brings God.” - Samuel Chadwick

Today as you meet God in prayer - for our nation - consider Moses’ words to Israel.

“For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the Lord our God whenever we call on Him?” Deut. 4:7

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have come upon you, in the latter days, you will return to the Lord your God and listen to His voice. For the Lord your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.” Deut. 4:29-31

Prevail with God - for a Holy Spirit revival across your nation. Today, tomorrow, day after tomorrow, and on, and on.

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

“Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14

Before God, you, the believer, are perfect. Then there is the growth toward perfection which Paul speaks about in Philippians 3. This is a process of maturing spiritually. In this, we all remain travelers until we reach heaven. It is not as though progress is never made - milestones never passed. Paul keeps right on going so that he might perfectly fulfill God’s purpose for his life.

Continually forgetting those things which are behind, routs out any unbecoming pride in accomplishments - or disheartening defeat. Either will encumber you in the race ahead.

As you press on to perfectly fulfill God’s purpose for you, you need not tire of the process.

Slogan: Keep on Keeping on.
Goal: Triumph in Christ.

Conformed to His Death

“...that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Phil. 3:10-11

Wouldn’t you like to experience the resurrection power of Jesus Christ in your daily living?

Taken alone, these verses could be constructed to support a 'works righteousness.' But this is the same Paul who wrote: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Eph. 2:8-9

Paul was a firm believer in God’s grace. What he is talking about in Philippians 3:10-11 is the area of Christian growth. In this context he makes it clear that such growth does not come through dedication to a rules system, but through experiencing the reality of Jesus Christ. Knowing Him. Knowing His resurrection power.

Paul does not stop at experiencing the power of Christ, for it is only a part of the whole. There is also the fellowship of His suffering - and being conformed to His death.

To be conformed to Jesus’ death is the total submission of your will to God - as Jesus said to the Father, “Not My will but Thine.”

Is it worth it? Paul knew it was, and he eagerly awaited the return of the Christ he served. This was his hope. Is it worth it?

No Confidence in the Flesh

“...although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith...” Philip. 3:4-9

Have you ever met anyone who insisted that they have ever done anything wrong? Believe it or not, there are a few out there who make that claim. Trying to talk with such a person about Christ seems pointless. Unless he knows he has a problem, why should he want a solution?

Though few people claim to be perfect, many claim to be better than average and it follows that they have nothing to fear from a kindly God. Their morality becomes a barrier to faith in Christ.

As you think about our text, Paul was not simply above average. With his race, religion, record, and personal righteousness, he could have run for almost any office and won. Yet Paul said he, at a point in time, "counted all these things as nothing." Keep in mind his conversion cost him dearly.

As he became influential in the rapidly growing Christian movement, surely there was the temptation to take pride in the new areas of accomplishment. Yet Paul continued to count all things loss in order that he might experience a deeper knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ truly satisfying? If you have submitted yourself to any bondage (rules) other than to the Lord Jesus, Himself, you have yet to experience Him in the way Paul speaks of here.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you today any area in which your personal righteousness makes it impossible for you to know Christ in His fullness.

It’s Faith, Plus Nothing

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.”
Eph. 2:8-9

What is it that sets genuine Christianity apart from other religions or cults in the world? Most religions or cults center around a person and his work. Some even bring about positive changes in the individuals who join them.

The exclusivity of a biblical Christianity is that salvation cannot be earned, but is based solely on faith in Jesus Christ. Sadly, even among those who call themselves Christian, there are some who require more, as if Jesus Christ’s payment for sin were deficient in some way.

The believers a Philippi faced the same issue. Paul warned: “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh...” Phil. 3:2-3

Are you of the true circumcision? Ask yourself: Are you empowered by the Holy Spirit? Separated unto God? Is your boasting in Jesus Christ? How impressed are you with your own accomplishments? The different aspects of Christian living are important, but God wants your lifestyle to be the extension of a heart devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul called those who were legalistic, dogs. Dogs eat scraps. You can sit down today to a feast prepared by the grace of your God. He is enough. Worship Him in your lifestyle.

Rejoice in Your Redemption

“And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God.” Job 19:25-26

If not read in faith, the book of Job reads about as enjoyable as the front page of a newspaper...'depressing.'

Job’s wife came to him after all his friends had deserted him to say, “Why don’t you curse God and die?” And she was supposed to be his helpmate? Yet Job, in the face of all his trials, said, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” He had only the promise of the coming Messiah. But you know Jesus Christ. How much easier to trust in One whom you can know intimately.

“For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves.”
2 Cor. 4:6-7

God knows we are weak. It is His plan to shine through us, weak as we might be. The apostles suffered beyond what most of us have ever experienced. Yet their confidence in their Redeemer grew. Here is Paul’s statement of faith: “...we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” 2 Cor. 4:8-10

What do you face? Boredom, rejection, physical illness? Rejoice in your Redeemer. Allow the light of His glory to shine through you.

Our Confidence in Redemption

“By this, love is perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” 1 John 4:17-18

Have you ever had to appear in court before a judge? Even for a traffic ticket? It can be a disquieting experience even for those who on many occasions meet with important people. It is humbling to stand before a judge, knowing his authority - and your subservient position.

Imagine, if you can, one day standing before the judgement seat of Christ. How do you feel? Confident? This is God’s will for you - that you be confident always.

“Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord...”
2 Cor. 5:5-6

It may surprise you that God wants you to always be confident before Him. But it is true, for it is taking Him at His Word. It is trusting in Jesus, your Redeemer - not in yourself. To have confidence, you must first be walking in obedience to Him. Your salvation is not secured by this, but your fellowship is. You must know your Redeemer, love Him, to have confidence in Him.

Check your confidence level. Talk with your Redeemer and rest in Him.

Benefits of Redemption

“But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:4-5

You are a child of God because you have been redeemed. But Jesus accomplished much more when He paid your sin debt in order to buy you back for Himself. Your redemption means forgiveness. Because of your Redeemer, you stand before God fully justified.

“For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Cor. 6:20

You are His special possession. Yours is the promise of a special inheritance, eternal fellowship with God, with your Redeemer.

“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:16-17

Which of these benefits of redemption means the most to you today? Realizing you are a special possession to God can go a long way toward boosting damaged self-esteem. You are special to Him.

Our Kinsman Redeemer

“And it happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward; and behold, a woman was lying at his feet. And he said, ‘Who are you?’ And she answered, ‘I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative.’ Then he said, ‘May you be blessed of the Lord, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence. And now it is true I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I. Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the Lord lives. Lie down until morning.’” Ruth 3:8-13

The story of Ruth and Boaz is a romantic one. Ruth, the Moabite widow of an Israeli, returned with her mother-in-law (also a widow) to the promised land. The family land had been sold. In that society these two women were in a precarious position. There was little they could do for themselves but to gather enough leftover grain from the field to avoid starvation. The only hope for Ruth and her mother-in-law lay in the Levitical law. If one of their relatives would pay the price to buy back the land and marry Ruth, they could have security and honor again.

Boaz, a man of integrity, was qualified to redeem Ruth and the land of her husband’s family. He was wealthy and able to afford the price. Importantly, he was a kinsman, related by blood. Motivated by love for Ruth, Boaz undertook all the necessary cost to make her his bride in order to restore dignity and honor to her.

This story demonstrates your redemption by Christ. God saw the need of men whom He loved. Christ became our kinsman, a blood relative, in order to qualify as our redeemer. Though Christ could afford to cover our debt - it was expensive.

Hebrews 2:13-15 says, “And again, ‘I will put My trust in Him.’ And again, ‘Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me.’ Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.”

Through His death you were delivered from the power of sin. Christ’s purpose: to present you holy and unblameable, and unreprovable in His sight. Praise Him today.

The Need for Redemption

“No man can by any means redeem his brother, or give to God a ransom for him -- For the redemption of his soul is costly, and he should cease trying forever.” Psalm 49:7-8

When you refer to Jesus Christ as “Redeemer,” you are making a reference to your need before you knew Him. In the Bible, “redeemer” means “deliverer or someone who would buy back an individual (or land) who had perhaps sold himself into slavery to pay his own debts.”

You were, in a very real sense, a slave to sin and to the law. Until one acknowledges his own bankruptcy, there is no way he can go to Jesus Christ in faith and become a recipient of His redeeming power.

Only as you remember where you were before you knew Jesus Christ, can you sing of your Redeemer with a heart alive with gratitude. Trying to understand your previous debt to sin is something like trying to comprehend the federal deficit.

Imagine that your personal financial indebtedness equaled that of the U.S. government and someone writes a check clearing your obligation. How do you feel toward your deliverer? The only debt you now owe is one of love. Love to your Redeemer and to one another.

“...and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Eph. 5:2

The Rocks

“You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them; and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim. 3:14-17

“Have you studied Voltaire, Thomas Paine, Ingersol, or any of those fellows?” asked a friend of a Christian steamship captain. “No,” he replied. “Well, you should. You can’t fairly turn down their argument until you have thoroughly investigated for yourself,” argued the friend.

“I’ve been the captain of this ship a long time,” returned the captain. “The chart that was given to me pointed out the deep water that would carry me safely into port. As a young captain, I never considered it advisable to investigate the rocks; the experience I’ve known others to have with them has been sufficient warning for me.

So the Bible I learned at my mother’s knee, in Sunday school, and from my pastor, is my chart for the sea life. It brings me a knowledge of the fathomless sea of God’s love and mercy, which if I cast myself upon, will carry me safely to the heavenly port.”

Love Notes

“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does.” James 1:22-25

At an elementary school, each child was asked to make a small valentine, writing on it who they loved the best. A bulletin board was filled with these valentines. Some names recurring there were “Mommy,” “Daddy, “Grandma,” “Pappy,” and so forth. One had in bold letters “ME!” and one had in bold letters “GOD!”

Jesus taught that each one should love the Lord our God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. When doing this, it will be easy to love others. Some use flowery words, telling God how they love Him, but all too often they fail to prove their love in service to Him.

Don’t just say you love God - prove it!

Useless Enough to Be Used

“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised, God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, that, just as it is written, ‘Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.’” 1 Cor. 1:26-31

When someone asked Francis of Assisi why and how he could accomplish so much, he replied, “This may by why. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the earth and said, ‘Where can I find the weakest, littlest, meanest man on the face of the earth?’ Then He found me and said, ‘Now I’ve found him, and I will work through him. He won’t be proud of it. He’ll see that I’m only using him because of his littleness and insignificance.’”

Here is the question for you to answer - How usable are you really in the hands of God? Someone once asked Vance Havner what they would have to do to be used by God. Havner said, “You get usable, and God will wear you out!”

Are you usable, or are you wanting to set the agenda, make suggestions, or pick and choose what you will do? You get a heart that wants to serve, and watch what God will do with you.

Just a Little Bit Off

“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble.” 2 Peter 1:5-10

Two young masons were building a brick wall - the front side of a high house. One of them, in placing a brick, discovered that it was little thicker on one side than the other. “It will make your wall uneven” the other cautioned. “Pooh!” answered the first, “what difference will such a trifle as that make? You’re too particular.”

“My mother,” replied the second, “taught me that truth is truth, and ever so little an untruth is a lie, and a lie is no trifle.” “Oh,” said the first,” that’s all very well, but I’m not lying and have no intention to.”

“Very true, but you are making your wall tell a lie, and I have read that a lie in one’s work is like a lie in his character - it will show itself sooner or later and bring harm, if not ruin.” “I’ll risk it in this case,” answered the first, and he worked away, laying more brick, carrying the wall up higher until the close of the day, when they gave up and went home.

The next morning, they went to resume their work, and found the lie proclaimed. The wall, getting a little slant from the untrue brick, had gotten more and more uneven as it got higher, and had collapsed in the night.

Just so with every little untruth in your character; it grows more and more untrue if you permit it to remain, until it brings you sorrow and ruin.

Remember - “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23

Not Impressed

“I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.” Jeremiah 17:10

On September 26, 1960, the first televised presidential debate between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy aired. Each candidate put his best foot forward in attempt to impress the electorate. Today, many historians agree that Kennedy’s charisma in that debate won him the election.

Earlier that same day, Cuban strongman Fidel Castro attempted to impress the whole word with his rhetoric. Fresh from his rise to power through revolution, he proudly address the United Nations. For almost four-and-a-half hours, Castro contemptibly droned on about how awful the West was.

It would be interesting to discover how much time we spend attempting to impress others, for good or bad. For persuasive speech, though, Chuck Swindoll suggests “Make it clear; make it simple; emphasize the essentials. Forget about impressing!”

The lesson is that we should stop attempting to dazzle God with our pompous prayers and supercilious service. He said, “I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.” Jeremiah 17:10

God is the only one to whom we should cater, and He is looking for holiness, fidelity, obedience, and love - not anything that we find “impressive.” God is only impressed with Jesus. Why not let Him do the impressing though you?

Notes and Music

“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” Col. 1:9-12

The master musician was finally ready to listen to the results of his students’ efforts. He had done all that he could do to teach them to play the music. Now the moment had come for his prize student to play his instrument.

Bill was a very talented fellow. He had mastered every note of the difficult composition and did so with great pride. On cue, he proceeded to show off his talent as the notes flew out of his instrument. When he had finished his piece, he took a deep breath and asked his teacher, “Well, what do you think professor? Did I pass?”

To Bill’s amazement, his professor was not pleased with his performance. Using phrases filled with passion, the master musician said, “you played all of the notes, but you did not play the music!”

It is not good enough merely to know the truth; we must live it!

Remember, the devil knows the Word, but he doesn’t obey it. There are many who read the Bible, but don’t live it out in their lives. We are called to know and do! Live in such a way that you take biblical knowledge and make a joyful melody with your life.

That You May Know...

“...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fulness of God.” Eph. 3:17-19

How would you explain the color of green grass to a person blind from birth? Or the taste of green beans to someone who has never eaten them?

Your physical senses are like your emotions in that they are not understandable apart from experience. It is impossible to comprehend what it is to lose a child through death unless you have suffered such a loss. How can you expect to comprehend the love of Jesus Christ until you have experienced it? Personally?

Paul knew this. He prayed “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fulness of God.” Eph. 3:17-19

Christ’s dwelling in your heart not only roots and grounds you in love, but also makes it possible for you to comprehend His great love. When you abide in Christ and He in you, there comes a marvelous new capacity to know Him.

There is a progression in Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (Eph. 3:14-19). He built one petition upon another, each a prerequisite for the one that follows.

The summit of this expedition? To be filled up with all the fullness of God!

Grounded in Love

“...being rooted and grounded in love...” Eph. 3:17

Faith has one of its prime accomplishments - the ability to ground you, the believer, in love. There are two motivations by which you walk as a Christian. One is obligation or fear. The other, far superior motivation, is love. Obligation holds one in staid captivity and produces counterfeit fruit, if any. Jesus came to set you free. In love there is much freedom.

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians included a request that they would be rooted and grounded in love (Eph. 3:17). He did not pray this until he acknowledged their deep dependence upon the Holy Spirit, the exercise of faith, and the abiding relationship (Christ in you).

Paul prayed the Ephesians would be rooted in love. He wanted their roots to go down deep into Christ, providing stability and spiritual health. He asked that they be grounded, a term used for building foundations which become immovable.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 15:58

How deep is your love for Christ? Have you been rooted and grounded in your love for Him? Continue to ask God for faith, that you might exercise it upon the Lord Jesus. Experience Christ in you.

Vine Life

“...that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love...” Eph. 3:16-17

When you pray as Paul did, that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith, what are you asking? What is it for Christ to dwell in your heart?

This is Vine life. You abide in Christ through frequent communion and by meditation on Him. Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you” (John 15:4). There is also this way in which Christ dwells in you, the faithful believer.

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is identical to what Jesus was trying to convey to His followers in the gospel account. To experience a mutual abiding relationship with Jesus Christ means that by faith you must submit to Him. The life of Jesus Christ will flow through you, producing fruit and energy. When your thoughts focus squarely on Him, you will gain His perspective and even the heaviest of life’s situations become opportunities for tremendous victory. Your love for Christ will grow - you will take on His likeness.

1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a Holy Nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

Is Christ dwelling in your heart right now? Don’t miss out. Submit to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit’s help. Exercise your faith each day on the growing knowledge you have of Jesus Christ.

Supernatural Life

“...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love...” Eph. 3:17

This was Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians, people who already had Christ in their hearts in the sense that they believed in Him. Yet, Paul prayed Christ would dwell in their hearts.The apostle desired that they would know a constant, refreshing fellowship with their Savior. He wanted them to set their affections fully on Christ, to be influenced by Him, to delight in their relationship with Him, to experience His fullness in them.

It sounds as if first-century Christian living was not much different from today. Don’t you agree? Some individuals know Jesus as Savior, but are missing out on the joy and privileges that knowledge should bring. The deficiency in many believers’ lives is due certainly to no lack of effort on their part. Indeed, the frustration that comes when there is lack of spiritual growth can be excruciatingly painful.

Why do I always seem to fail God? Hidden here in one of the apostle Paul’s many prayers is the solution for those who feel they live a deficient Christian experience.

“...that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man...” Eph. 3:16

Begin today to ask your Helper, the Spirit of God, to control your life. Yours can be a supernatural life.