“Therefore, since 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. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
We may never know the reason why some things happen in life. A friend dies in a senseless auto accident, a loved one suffers with a terminal illness, a child dies from a rare, incurable disease. We wonder how any good could possibly come from such heartache. There are times when God reveals the purpose for our suffering. Other times He doesn’t. It is in those hidden times that our faith is tested and stretched.
Jesus knew the will of the Father. He understood that pain and suffering was part of the plan. Yet, He cried from the cross: “My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46). For one brief moment in time, Jesus felt all the emotions that we feel in tragedy - loneliness, fear, confusion, abandonment. That is why He tells us to come to Him when our hearts are breaking, when fear has absorbed us, when we don’t know how we will face tomorrow, when all within us wants to question His judgement. He understands our hurt; He personally knows our pain.
There is a mystery to tragedy, but it is not mysterious to Jesus. He knows the plan. He may not always provide all the answers you want to hear, but He promises never to leave you alone in the midst of the trial. Call out to Him, my friend; He is listening.
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us...” Deuteronomy 29:29
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Get Back in the Game!
So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Tend My lambs.’ He said to him again a second time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Shepherd My sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend My sheep.’” John 21:15-17
After the last game of the World Series, one of the losing team’s players was asked to talk about his feelings of disappointment. A smile filled his face as he replied: “There’s only one hundred-sixty days until we can begin this all over. We have learned a great deal and next time we will win.” In principle that is the way God wants us to view our failures. He knows that failure has the potential to either motivate us to try again or devastate us to the point of defeat.
Peter’s heart was broken by the magnitude of his failure. Nonetheless, the Lord had already prepared the way for His restoration. After His resurrection and before His ascension, Jesus pulled Peter aside. Had He not taken the time to restore Peter, the disciple would have faded into obscurity. His heart was shattered. He had failed the Lord, the Messiah, his best Friend.
It was in failure that Peter learned of his weaknesses. Whereas, it was in restoration that he learned of Christ’s love and forgiveness. What is God’s encouraging message to you in times of failure? Get up and brush yourself off. If there is sin involved, confess it. Get back in the game. His restoration is yours today.
“...I have loved you with an everlasting love...” Jeremiah 31:3
After the last game of the World Series, one of the losing team’s players was asked to talk about his feelings of disappointment. A smile filled his face as he replied: “There’s only one hundred-sixty days until we can begin this all over. We have learned a great deal and next time we will win.” In principle that is the way God wants us to view our failures. He knows that failure has the potential to either motivate us to try again or devastate us to the point of defeat.
Peter’s heart was broken by the magnitude of his failure. Nonetheless, the Lord had already prepared the way for His restoration. After His resurrection and before His ascension, Jesus pulled Peter aside. Had He not taken the time to restore Peter, the disciple would have faded into obscurity. His heart was shattered. He had failed the Lord, the Messiah, his best Friend.
It was in failure that Peter learned of his weaknesses. Whereas, it was in restoration that he learned of Christ’s love and forgiveness. What is God’s encouraging message to you in times of failure? Get up and brush yourself off. If there is sin involved, confess it. Get back in the game. His restoration is yours today.
“...I have loved you with an everlasting love...” Jeremiah 31:3
Friday, October 28, 2011
Growing Through Failure
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.” Luke 22:31-34
All of us have experienced failure - times when we rebelled from what God wanted us to do or moments when temptation became so great we collapsed under its pressure. Peter was one of the three men closest to Jesus. Despite his zealous nature, his insensitive spirit, and fiery temper, he was a born leader. In him Jesus saw a uniqueness that was rare among men - a hidden strength. However, it lay dormant, untested, and unrefined by God’s standards.
Until Peter denied Christ, he had no idea of the unfaithfulness of his heart. Failure was the tool God chose to sift Peter’s heart. Just as chaff surfaces during the winnow process, failure reveals the motivations of our hearts.
Learning to respond correctly to failure leads to spiritual growth. Ask God to reveal any sin in your life. Confess it and deal with it. Then move on in service for the Lord. Notice what Jesus told Peter before he denied Him: “...once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32). That is God’s encouraging message to you today. Our failures are never meant to be the end of our service. They are strategically allowed by God to refine us for His work and His glory.
“...the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26
All of us have experienced failure - times when we rebelled from what God wanted us to do or moments when temptation became so great we collapsed under its pressure. Peter was one of the three men closest to Jesus. Despite his zealous nature, his insensitive spirit, and fiery temper, he was a born leader. In him Jesus saw a uniqueness that was rare among men - a hidden strength. However, it lay dormant, untested, and unrefined by God’s standards.
Until Peter denied Christ, he had no idea of the unfaithfulness of his heart. Failure was the tool God chose to sift Peter’s heart. Just as chaff surfaces during the winnow process, failure reveals the motivations of our hearts.
Learning to respond correctly to failure leads to spiritual growth. Ask God to reveal any sin in your life. Confess it and deal with it. Then move on in service for the Lord. Notice what Jesus told Peter before he denied Him: “...once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32). That is God’s encouraging message to you today. Our failures are never meant to be the end of our service. They are strategically allowed by God to refine us for His work and His glory.
“...the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26
Thursday, October 27, 2011
The Rewards of Obedience
It happened when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, that he sent word to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Now let him come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.” So Naaman came with his horses and his chariots and stood at the doorway of the house of Elisha. Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you and you will be clean.” But Naaman was furious and went away and said, “Behold, I thought, ‘He will surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.’ Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. Then his servants came near and spoke to him and said, “My father, had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child and he was clean.
2 Kings 5:8-14
It was the hardest thing she had ever done. Damp palms and a tension headache told the story. Obedience should be easy, but it wasn’t. She betrayed her employer’s trust without thinking. Now God was pressing her to go to him and tell the truth.
Even in our failures, God rewards obedience. We may suffer the consequences of sin, but obedience brings restoration. The next time temptation approaches, recall the rewards of obedience and respond accordingly.
There are three primary reasons why we should obey God. The first is because of who God is -the sovereign of the universe. The second reason is because of His love toward us. God only requires us to do what He knows is best for us. The third reason is because of our love and devotion to Him.
God has never required us to do something He is not willing to do Himself. Obedience is always the doorway to God’s richest blessings. Jesus stepped away from heaven’s glory to obey the Father’s will. His obedience was motivated by love. Had He refused, we would have never known the way of salvation.
Anytime God calls you into obedience, you can be sure that He has a grander plan in store for your life.
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7
2 Kings 5:8-14
It was the hardest thing she had ever done. Damp palms and a tension headache told the story. Obedience should be easy, but it wasn’t. She betrayed her employer’s trust without thinking. Now God was pressing her to go to him and tell the truth.
Even in our failures, God rewards obedience. We may suffer the consequences of sin, but obedience brings restoration. The next time temptation approaches, recall the rewards of obedience and respond accordingly.
There are three primary reasons why we should obey God. The first is because of who God is -the sovereign of the universe. The second reason is because of His love toward us. God only requires us to do what He knows is best for us. The third reason is because of our love and devotion to Him.
God has never required us to do something He is not willing to do Himself. Obedience is always the doorway to God’s richest blessings. Jesus stepped away from heaven’s glory to obey the Father’s will. His obedience was motivated by love. Had He refused, we would have never known the way of salvation.
Anytime God calls you into obedience, you can be sure that He has a grander plan in store for your life.
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The Temptation of the Immediate
“See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.” Hebrews 12:15-17
As the first born son in a Hebrew family, Esau was in a position of extreme advantage. Much of his father’s wealth, land, and power would one day be his. Regardless of his affirming heritage, he was not above temptation.
Satan tempted Esau to resign his birthright to his younger brother after a time of intense stress. The worst time to make a crucial, life-impacting decision is during times of physical or emotional stress. The enemy knows the vulnerability of those moments.
He also knows if he can get us to change our focus from Jesus to the intensity of our circumstances, we will make horrendous mistakes. Had Esau not fallen for Satan’s temptation by trying to satisfy an immediate need, he never would have given away his birthright - a decision that haunted him the rest of His life.
You may be facing an intense temptation to make an immediate decision. Deep down inside you sense God telling you to wait; but you are afraid that if you wait, you will miss the opportunity. Take time to lay the matter completely before Him in prayer. His timing is always perfect, and He will satisfy your deepest need. Had Esau waited in wisdom, He never would have known a moment of need.
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise.” Ephesians 5:15
As the first born son in a Hebrew family, Esau was in a position of extreme advantage. Much of his father’s wealth, land, and power would one day be his. Regardless of his affirming heritage, he was not above temptation.
Satan tempted Esau to resign his birthright to his younger brother after a time of intense stress. The worst time to make a crucial, life-impacting decision is during times of physical or emotional stress. The enemy knows the vulnerability of those moments.
He also knows if he can get us to change our focus from Jesus to the intensity of our circumstances, we will make horrendous mistakes. Had Esau not fallen for Satan’s temptation by trying to satisfy an immediate need, he never would have given away his birthright - a decision that haunted him the rest of His life.
You may be facing an intense temptation to make an immediate decision. Deep down inside you sense God telling you to wait; but you are afraid that if you wait, you will miss the opportunity. Take time to lay the matter completely before Him in prayer. His timing is always perfect, and He will satisfy your deepest need. Had Esau waited in wisdom, He never would have known a moment of need.
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise.” Ephesians 5:15
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Pray Before You Act
“When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents. Now Isaac loved Esau, because he had a taste for game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. When Jacob had cooked stew, Esau came in from the field and he was famished; and Esau said to Jacob, ‘Please let me have a swallow of that red stuff there, for I am famished.’ Therefore his name was called Edom. But Jacob said, ‘First sell me your birthright.’ Esau said, ‘Behold, I am about to die; so of what use then is the birthright to me?’ And Jacob said, ‘First swear to me’; so he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and rose and went on his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.” Genesis 25:27-34
He had a beautiful wife, two children, a spacious home, and a promising position on his job. Yet, in a moment of thoughtless passion, he lost it all. He was sure no one would find out, but they did. He jeopardized everything. We ask him, “Don’t you care about your wife and children?” and the answer is a painful, heart-breaking yes.
Passion clouded his thoughts. Had he stopped to think about the future and the tragedy of his decision, he would have said no. But he did not, and the need for self-gratification won out.
We shake our heads in disbelief at Esau because he sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. However, the irony is that we do the same thing today; the results are just as devastating. Anytime we make a decision based on an intense desire to satisfy an immediate need, we run the risk of making tragic mistakes. For the sake of gratifying needs, people make thoughtless commitments that God cannot bless.
The next time you feel the urge to act in the immediacy of the moment, stop, walk away, and ask God: “Does this line up with Your very best for my life?”
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
He had a beautiful wife, two children, a spacious home, and a promising position on his job. Yet, in a moment of thoughtless passion, he lost it all. He was sure no one would find out, but they did. He jeopardized everything. We ask him, “Don’t you care about your wife and children?” and the answer is a painful, heart-breaking yes.
Passion clouded his thoughts. Had he stopped to think about the future and the tragedy of his decision, he would have said no. But he did not, and the need for self-gratification won out.
We shake our heads in disbelief at Esau because he sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. However, the irony is that we do the same thing today; the results are just as devastating. Anytime we make a decision based on an intense desire to satisfy an immediate need, we run the risk of making tragic mistakes. For the sake of gratifying needs, people make thoughtless commitments that God cannot bless.
The next time you feel the urge to act in the immediacy of the moment, stop, walk away, and ask God: “Does this line up with Your very best for my life?”
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Monday, October 24, 2011
For I Am Convinced!
“Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, ‘For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39
The greatest truth the believer can cling to in time of need is that no problem, regardless of intensity or nature, can hinder the free, full flow of God’s love toward himself. The love of God is not just sentiment. It is not just a warm feeling or a sweet Christian saying. The love of God means that He is working to accomplish His purposes in your life in every stressful situation.
There is nothing random about your problem. It is not merely the result of fleeting earthly forces at work. Before you were born, before the universe was conceived, God knew about and figured your particular trouble into His master scheme. You may not be able to understand what is happening or why this problem has arisen. But you do know the God who has the answers and the power to bring you through.
Each time of testing is an occasion to see God work and trust Him for the results. It is an opportunity to grow in dependence on Him and discover His greatness for yourself. You are a conqueror in Christ in every situation because the Conqueror, Jesus Christ, is in control of you and your circumstances. Nothing or no one can outwit Him or overcome Him.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God...” Romans 8:28
The greatest truth the believer can cling to in time of need is that no problem, regardless of intensity or nature, can hinder the free, full flow of God’s love toward himself. The love of God is not just sentiment. It is not just a warm feeling or a sweet Christian saying. The love of God means that He is working to accomplish His purposes in your life in every stressful situation.
There is nothing random about your problem. It is not merely the result of fleeting earthly forces at work. Before you were born, before the universe was conceived, God knew about and figured your particular trouble into His master scheme. You may not be able to understand what is happening or why this problem has arisen. But you do know the God who has the answers and the power to bring you through.
Each time of testing is an occasion to see God work and trust Him for the results. It is an opportunity to grow in dependence on Him and discover His greatness for yourself. You are a conqueror in Christ in every situation because the Conqueror, Jesus Christ, is in control of you and your circumstances. Nothing or no one can outwit Him or overcome Him.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God...” Romans 8:28
Sunday, October 23, 2011
If God is For Us Then...
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” Romans 8:31-34
Christians face the same dilemmas as everyone else. Christian soldiers in the Middle East must confront the same enemy as non-Christians. Believers in the business would must deal with the same volatile economic pressures as unbelievers. Christians must encounter the same moral temptations as the unsaved. Understanding that our faith does not eliminate our problems, we can, however, have a tremendous advantage in working through them.
As a Christian, God is “for us” (Rom. 8:31). That means we never face a circumstance without God’s help and participating presence. God is intimately involved in our situations.
As a Christian, God will “freely give us all things” (Rom. 8:32). God does not withhold our needs in times of trouble. He will comfort, lead, and sustain us. We have His unlimited resources to draw upon in our difficulty.
As a Christian, we also have Christ who “also intercedes for us” (Rom. 8:34). You may not know how or what to pray. But the Son of God is always praying on your behalf, presenting you before the Heavenly Father on a constant basis.
What reassurance! Troubles? Yes. Hopelessness? Never!
“The Lord is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Psalm 118:6
Christians face the same dilemmas as everyone else. Christian soldiers in the Middle East must confront the same enemy as non-Christians. Believers in the business would must deal with the same volatile economic pressures as unbelievers. Christians must encounter the same moral temptations as the unsaved. Understanding that our faith does not eliminate our problems, we can, however, have a tremendous advantage in working through them.
As a Christian, God is “for us” (Rom. 8:31). That means we never face a circumstance without God’s help and participating presence. God is intimately involved in our situations.
As a Christian, God will “freely give us all things” (Rom. 8:32). God does not withhold our needs in times of trouble. He will comfort, lead, and sustain us. We have His unlimited resources to draw upon in our difficulty.
As a Christian, we also have Christ who “also intercedes for us” (Rom. 8:34). You may not know how or what to pray. But the Son of God is always praying on your behalf, presenting you before the Heavenly Father on a constant basis.
What reassurance! Troubles? Yes. Hopelessness? Never!
“The Lord is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Psalm 118:6
Friday, October 21, 2011
Walk in Love
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 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. But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:1-7
There is an old adage which rings true of the believer’s walk: “People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.” It was God’s love expressed through the sacrifice of His Son that made our salvation possible. It is His love expressed through the gift of the Holy Spirit that makes the abundant life possible. When the love of God controls us, our love for Him and His love for us, then we are the most settled in our Christian walk and the most effective in our witness.
The walk of love releases others from our expectations. We unconditionally set ourselves to exhibit Christ’s love regardless of their actions.
The walk of love is expressed in a servant spirit. We look to channel our talents and energies into encouraging and stimulating others. That is unnatural to our fleshly nature and only happens as we are constantly awed by God’s love for us.
The walk of love is sacrificial. We are willing to give up our time and even ambition for the sake of seeking first the kingdom of God. We love God first and foremost and thus will prioritize His will and plans.
Walk in love and your light cannot fail to shine.
“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
There is an old adage which rings true of the believer’s walk: “People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.” It was God’s love expressed through the sacrifice of His Son that made our salvation possible. It is His love expressed through the gift of the Holy Spirit that makes the abundant life possible. When the love of God controls us, our love for Him and His love for us, then we are the most settled in our Christian walk and the most effective in our witness.
The walk of love releases others from our expectations. We unconditionally set ourselves to exhibit Christ’s love regardless of their actions.
The walk of love is expressed in a servant spirit. We look to channel our talents and energies into encouraging and stimulating others. That is unnatural to our fleshly nature and only happens as we are constantly awed by God’s love for us.
The walk of love is sacrificial. We are willing to give up our time and even ambition for the sake of seeking first the kingdom of God. We love God first and foremost and thus will prioritize His will and plans.
Walk in love and your light cannot fail to shine.
“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Talk a Positive Talk
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:29-32
While pollution is a growing global problem, the most common source of contamination is not factories, automobiles, or households, but the human tongue. “Corrupt communication” defiles and poisons every relationship on earth. It is a spiritual toxin, spreading its ill effects from generation to generation. Three principles can be drawn from Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesians that can help us cleanse our talk.
First, let your talk be positive. “...only such a word as is good for edification...” Let your language speak well of others, creating an atmosphere that is constructive.
Second, let your speech be in the present tense. “...according to the need of the moment...” It is amazing how much negative talk is about something that has happened or might occur. Let your speech deal with the need of the moment, not a past hurt or a future worry.
Third, let your speech be gracious. “...that is will give grace to those who hear.” Grace is undeserved favor. Talk about others not as they deserve, but in light of the mercy and favor God has shown you.
“...put them all aside:...malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.” Colossians 3:8
While pollution is a growing global problem, the most common source of contamination is not factories, automobiles, or households, but the human tongue. “Corrupt communication” defiles and poisons every relationship on earth. It is a spiritual toxin, spreading its ill effects from generation to generation. Three principles can be drawn from Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesians that can help us cleanse our talk.
First, let your talk be positive. “...only such a word as is good for edification...” Let your language speak well of others, creating an atmosphere that is constructive.
Second, let your speech be in the present tense. “...according to the need of the moment...” It is amazing how much negative talk is about something that has happened or might occur. Let your speech deal with the need of the moment, not a past hurt or a future worry.
Third, let your speech be gracious. “...that is will give grace to those who hear.” Grace is undeserved favor. Talk about others not as they deserve, but in light of the mercy and favor God has shown you.
“...put them all aside:...malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.” Colossians 3:8
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Watch What You Say
“Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.” James 3:4-10
When Hitler’s forces seemed poised to rake England after their blitzkrieg of Europe, British posters with this warning appeared in all villages: “Careless talk costs lives.” The objective was to make all citizens conscious of the danger of loose lips. The nation feared German intelligence gathering crucial information regarding British troop placements and defense strategies.
Nowhere in a believer’s lie is his difference more overt than in his speech. Tragically, the words of most Christians are just as critical as the world around us. A holy life calls for holy lips, consecrated to God just as completely as our bodies, spirit, and minds. What we say in private and public is an accurate barometer of the condition of our heart.
When you talk, do others hear the love, compassion, and wisdom of the indwelling Christ; or do they hear the usual dross of the world? Does your speech reveal your faith or obscure it? Ask the Captain of your soul to steer your tongue in the paths of righteousness, and both you and your hearers will be blessed.
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.” Psalm 34:13
When Hitler’s forces seemed poised to rake England after their blitzkrieg of Europe, British posters with this warning appeared in all villages: “Careless talk costs lives.” The objective was to make all citizens conscious of the danger of loose lips. The nation feared German intelligence gathering crucial information regarding British troop placements and defense strategies.
Nowhere in a believer’s lie is his difference more overt than in his speech. Tragically, the words of most Christians are just as critical as the world around us. A holy life calls for holy lips, consecrated to God just as completely as our bodies, spirit, and minds. What we say in private and public is an accurate barometer of the condition of our heart.
When you talk, do others hear the love, compassion, and wisdom of the indwelling Christ; or do they hear the usual dross of the world? Does your speech reveal your faith or obscure it? Ask the Captain of your soul to steer your tongue in the paths of righteousness, and both you and your hearers will be blessed.
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.” Psalm 34:13
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Put on the New Self
“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.” Ephesians 4:22-24
Being different from the crowd is not easy, but it is a lot simpler when you understand that the difference, or holy lifestyle you have been called to, is obtained through the benefits of the cross, not attained by self-effort. The old self, corrupted by sin, was crucified with Christ. The reign of sin was broken and now you are alive to Christ. Sin still lurks within, but by faith, you may reckon yourself dead to its rule and alive to Christ’s reign each day.
You are now a new creation in Christ, with a new identity, and a new power of living that is completely based on the sufficiency of Christ indwelling within you. You can experience the difference as you daily put on the new self, the Christ-life, made possible through the unceasing ministry of the Holy Spirit.
As your mind is made new, your actions and attitudes are conformed to the truths of Scripture. You are different because of your identity in Christ. You think differently because of God’s Word. You act differently because of the power of the Holy Spirit. You can change. You can be holy because the Holy One has made all things new.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Being different from the crowd is not easy, but it is a lot simpler when you understand that the difference, or holy lifestyle you have been called to, is obtained through the benefits of the cross, not attained by self-effort. The old self, corrupted by sin, was crucified with Christ. The reign of sin was broken and now you are alive to Christ. Sin still lurks within, but by faith, you may reckon yourself dead to its rule and alive to Christ’s reign each day.
You are now a new creation in Christ, with a new identity, and a new power of living that is completely based on the sufficiency of Christ indwelling within you. You can experience the difference as you daily put on the new self, the Christ-life, made possible through the unceasing ministry of the Holy Spirit.
As your mind is made new, your actions and attitudes are conformed to the truths of Scripture. You are different because of your identity in Christ. You think differently because of God’s Word. You act differently because of the power of the Holy Spirit. You can change. You can be holy because the Holy One has made all things new.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Monday, October 17, 2011
Living a Different Life
“So this I say, 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.” Ephesians 4:17-20
There are several biblical definitions of holiness, but if they could be summed up in one contemporary word, it would be “different.” The actions and attitudes of the follower of Jesus Christ should distinguish him from the crowd. He should be noticeably different.
According to Scripture the unbeliever lives “...in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding...” (Eph. 4:17-18). They seek their own path, follow their own ambitions, forsaking the counsel and direction offered through God’s Word.
On the other hand, the believer lives with meaning and purpose, realizing their lives are fitted into God’s eternal purposes. They learn to see life from God’s perspective, do His will, and experience the meaning that comes from living in harmony with the Creator, Sustainer, and End of all things.
Do others see the difference Christ makes in your life? Can they sense a unique orientation to the important issues that starkly contrast with the prevailing consensus? As you grow in holiness the more visible your difference will appear and the more divergent your lifestyle will become. We are indeed a peculiar people.
“...you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness.” Romans 2:19
There are several biblical definitions of holiness, but if they could be summed up in one contemporary word, it would be “different.” The actions and attitudes of the follower of Jesus Christ should distinguish him from the crowd. He should be noticeably different.
According to Scripture the unbeliever lives “...in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding...” (Eph. 4:17-18). They seek their own path, follow their own ambitions, forsaking the counsel and direction offered through God’s Word.
On the other hand, the believer lives with meaning and purpose, realizing their lives are fitted into God’s eternal purposes. They learn to see life from God’s perspective, do His will, and experience the meaning that comes from living in harmony with the Creator, Sustainer, and End of all things.
Do others see the difference Christ makes in your life? Can they sense a unique orientation to the important issues that starkly contrast with the prevailing consensus? As you grow in holiness the more visible your difference will appear and the more divergent your lifestyle will become. We are indeed a peculiar people.
“...you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness.” Romans 2:19
Sunday, October 16, 2011
The Unity of Faith
“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, ‘WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES, AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN.’ (Now this expression, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 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 fullness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:7-16
While unity among the body of Christ is important, there are several non-negotiable elements. For example, we might not agree on which automobile is the best, but we would all certainly concur that it needs an engine and four wheels. Similarly, there are several indisputable anchors of Christian truth that cannot be compromised.
There can be no uncertainty about the deity of Christ. Jesus Christ is the Son of God - fully divine, fully God - without blemish or spot.
There can be no dispute about the centrality of the cross. It was Calvary that Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of man, making forgiveness and eternal life possible. There is no other way to be reconciled to God except by faith in Christ. Salvation cannot be earned; it is a gift of grace received by personal trust.
There can be no doubt about the accuracy of God’s Word. All of the Bible is divinely inspired and is God’s inerrant communication to man. All of Scripture is literal, plain truth.
When fellowship is built on these unchanging convictions, the testimony of the church is a bedrock of truth in an unstable and volatile world.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16
While unity among the body of Christ is important, there are several non-negotiable elements. For example, we might not agree on which automobile is the best, but we would all certainly concur that it needs an engine and four wheels. Similarly, there are several indisputable anchors of Christian truth that cannot be compromised.
There can be no uncertainty about the deity of Christ. Jesus Christ is the Son of God - fully divine, fully God - without blemish or spot.
There can be no dispute about the centrality of the cross. It was Calvary that Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of man, making forgiveness and eternal life possible. There is no other way to be reconciled to God except by faith in Christ. Salvation cannot be earned; it is a gift of grace received by personal trust.
There can be no doubt about the accuracy of God’s Word. All of the Bible is divinely inspired and is God’s inerrant communication to man. All of Scripture is literal, plain truth.
When fellowship is built on these unchanging convictions, the testimony of the church is a bedrock of truth in an unstable and volatile world.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16
Friday, October 14, 2011
One Lord, One Faith
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6
Walk into a feed and seed store and you will find many varieties of tomatoes, each with different characteristics that produce distinct tastes and sizes. At harvest time, however, there is one common factor - they all produce tomatoes. Christians likewise come in many forms.
They belong to numerous denominations, ascribe to various tenets of faith, and practice diverse observances. Yet the worthy walk of the body of Christ should be characterized by unity. Although our affiliations and creeds may not all agree, our behavior should all produce one thing - the fruit of the Spirit under the Lordship of Christ.
There can be no departure here. Jesus is Lord of all His people and His reign should bind all believers together under His mastery, causing us to major on the cross while avoiding division and differences that send out confusing signals to an unbelieving world.
When Christians walk together, loving God and their neighbor as themselves, the gospel of Christ is illumined for the world to see. There is only “one God and Father of all” (Eph. 4:6).
“Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him...” 1 Corinthians 8:6
Walk into a feed and seed store and you will find many varieties of tomatoes, each with different characteristics that produce distinct tastes and sizes. At harvest time, however, there is one common factor - they all produce tomatoes. Christians likewise come in many forms.
They belong to numerous denominations, ascribe to various tenets of faith, and practice diverse observances. Yet the worthy walk of the body of Christ should be characterized by unity. Although our affiliations and creeds may not all agree, our behavior should all produce one thing - the fruit of the Spirit under the Lordship of Christ.
There can be no departure here. Jesus is Lord of all His people and His reign should bind all believers together under His mastery, causing us to major on the cross while avoiding division and differences that send out confusing signals to an unbelieving world.
When Christians walk together, loving God and their neighbor as themselves, the gospel of Christ is illumined for the world to see. There is only “one God and Father of all” (Eph. 4:6).
“Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him...” 1 Corinthians 8:6
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Walk Worthy of Your Calling
“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3
When the President of the United States conducts himself in a questionable, moral, or ethical manner our culture immediately questions his “worthiness” to occupy such a noble position. Each believer, regardless of age or status, is commanded by the Father to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (Eph. 4:1).
We are called to be holy, inwardly set apart from the motivations of the world and externally set apart from the unbiblical actions of our culture. “Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus...” (2 Tim. 1:9).
The worthiness of our walk therefore is measure by our progressive reflection of the character and nature of Christ in our various circles of concern. The more we reflect the heart and mind of God in our activities, the more worthy our walk and the more we affirm the reality of our heavenly calling. Can others tell you are born of God and have His nature? Does your walk demonstrate your new position in Christ.
“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son...” Romans 8:29
When the President of the United States conducts himself in a questionable, moral, or ethical manner our culture immediately questions his “worthiness” to occupy such a noble position. Each believer, regardless of age or status, is commanded by the Father to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (Eph. 4:1).
We are called to be holy, inwardly set apart from the motivations of the world and externally set apart from the unbiblical actions of our culture. “Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus...” (2 Tim. 1:9).
The worthiness of our walk therefore is measure by our progressive reflection of the character and nature of Christ in our various circles of concern. The more we reflect the heart and mind of God in our activities, the more worthy our walk and the more we affirm the reality of our heavenly calling. Can others tell you are born of God and have His nature? Does your walk demonstrate your new position in Christ.
“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son...” Romans 8:29
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Confess the Word
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners,
nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in its season
and its leaf does not wither;
and in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3
One of the greatest methods that Satan defeats and detours Christians is through discouragement. When this discouragement happens, emotions are depleted, making us easy prey for the devil. There is one principle that we must constantly employ to stand in the day of battle: Our greatest ally is the sure promises of God.
When the heat is on repeatedly confess the truth of God’s Word. If you are afraid, find the promises of scripture that say, “Fear not...” and commit them to memory. The Word of God is living and active. It is alive; and when confessed to yourself and others, it quickens your step, lightens your load, energizes your faith.
The Word is to be meditated on day and night. We need to keep it close to our heart throughout the day, placing it in a visible location at home or work where it can constantly penetrate our minds. As we confess and meditate on His Word, we proclaim our utter dependence on God Himself, anticipating His fulfillment in His way, in His time. Satan is no match for the truth of Scripture. Stand firm on God’s promises and you will come through the storm.
“I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.” Psalm 119:99
nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in its season
and its leaf does not wither;
and in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3
One of the greatest methods that Satan defeats and detours Christians is through discouragement. When this discouragement happens, emotions are depleted, making us easy prey for the devil. There is one principle that we must constantly employ to stand in the day of battle: Our greatest ally is the sure promises of God.
When the heat is on repeatedly confess the truth of God’s Word. If you are afraid, find the promises of scripture that say, “Fear not...” and commit them to memory. The Word of God is living and active. It is alive; and when confessed to yourself and others, it quickens your step, lightens your load, energizes your faith.
The Word is to be meditated on day and night. We need to keep it close to our heart throughout the day, placing it in a visible location at home or work where it can constantly penetrate our minds. As we confess and meditate on His Word, we proclaim our utter dependence on God Himself, anticipating His fulfillment in His way, in His time. Satan is no match for the truth of Scripture. Stand firm on God’s promises and you will come through the storm.
“I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.” Psalm 119:99
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Draw Near With Confidence
“Therefore, since 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. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
When our emotions or ego have been bruised through the thoughtless comments of another or the ruthlessness of sinful world, the Christian can turn to the unsurpassed Helper for the hurting, the Lord Jesus Christ. How many times have you cultivated a friendship with another only to discover that when a problem arose, your friend was uninterested or uncaring. There is no friend on earth like our Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ, Who sympathizes with all our weaknesses and understands all our emotional hang-ups.
The breakthrough of salvation is that God is no longer your enemy but your Friend. Jesus understand rejection. He was rejected by man. He knows physical pain for He was tortured on the cross. He is familiar with temptation since He too was tempted by the adversary. As our forever Friend, Christ will never turn us away. He will never ignore our pleas or petitions. He hears and answers our prayers.
Do you see Jesus as your Friend? Do you come to Him as your greatest Ally? Do you walk and talk with Him each day? Friendship with God is life’s greatest privilege and your strongest help in times of trouble.
“Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25
When our emotions or ego have been bruised through the thoughtless comments of another or the ruthlessness of sinful world, the Christian can turn to the unsurpassed Helper for the hurting, the Lord Jesus Christ. How many times have you cultivated a friendship with another only to discover that when a problem arose, your friend was uninterested or uncaring. There is no friend on earth like our Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ, Who sympathizes with all our weaknesses and understands all our emotional hang-ups.
The breakthrough of salvation is that God is no longer your enemy but your Friend. Jesus understand rejection. He was rejected by man. He knows physical pain for He was tortured on the cross. He is familiar with temptation since He too was tempted by the adversary. As our forever Friend, Christ will never turn us away. He will never ignore our pleas or petitions. He hears and answers our prayers.
Do you see Jesus as your Friend? Do you come to Him as your greatest Ally? Do you walk and talk with Him each day? Friendship with God is life’s greatest privilege and your strongest help in times of trouble.
“Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25
Monday, October 10, 2011
You Are Not Alone, Part 2
“Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, “Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory. No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.” Joshua 1:1-5
A study of hospital patients revealed a remarkable finding. Patients who had someone in the room with them, a family member or friend, recovered from their illness at a far quicker rate than patients who were alone. The comfort of another person is one of God’s most encouraging tools in our times of loneliness. When we have someone to share with, to talk to, to unload on, our periods of loneliness and the feeling of helplessness that accompanies it can be shortened.
God does not want you to wallow in your loneliness. Through His guidance you can lean on Him to direct you into opportunities where fellowship with other believers is. When you take the initiative to trust God to lead you into contact with others, you are the divine path of recovery.
God has made us to both need and serve others. Ask God to guide you to other people of situations where you can begin to share and have input into the lives of other Christians. As the Head of the church He is able to put you into a special place of healing for your emotional pain and replace your weeping with His incredible joy.
“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16
A study of hospital patients revealed a remarkable finding. Patients who had someone in the room with them, a family member or friend, recovered from their illness at a far quicker rate than patients who were alone. The comfort of another person is one of God’s most encouraging tools in our times of loneliness. When we have someone to share with, to talk to, to unload on, our periods of loneliness and the feeling of helplessness that accompanies it can be shortened.
God does not want you to wallow in your loneliness. Through His guidance you can lean on Him to direct you into opportunities where fellowship with other believers is. When you take the initiative to trust God to lead you into contact with others, you are the divine path of recovery.
God has made us to both need and serve others. Ask God to guide you to other people of situations where you can begin to share and have input into the lives of other Christians. As the Head of the church He is able to put you into a special place of healing for your emotional pain and replace your weeping with His incredible joy.
“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16
Sunday, October 9, 2011
You Are Not Alone
“But you, Israel, My servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
Descendant of Abraham My friend,
You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its remotest parts
And said to you, ‘You are My servant,
I have chosen you and not rejected you.
Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”
Isaiah 41:8-10
There are seasons when we feel totally alone, when an invisible curtain of emotional isolation seems to suffocate us. We hurt. We cry. We grieve. No one seems to care. The people at the office who greet us with their usual cheery “hello,” the grocery store clerks who remind us to “have a good day,” only heighten our sense of alienation.
We can persevere when we truly grasp the unceasing presence and care of God for each detail of our existence. Listen to David’s affirmation of God’s lovingkindness that sustained him in his darkest hours. “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways....Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:1-3, 7).
God is with you, for you, and in you. He never abandons the works of His hands. Instead of being overwhelmed by your feelings of loneliness, turn your attention to God’s steadfast care. Meditate on His total provision for your every need.
“...I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
Jacob whom I have chosen,
Descendant of Abraham My friend,
You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its remotest parts
And said to you, ‘You are My servant,
I have chosen you and not rejected you.
Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”
Isaiah 41:8-10
There are seasons when we feel totally alone, when an invisible curtain of emotional isolation seems to suffocate us. We hurt. We cry. We grieve. No one seems to care. The people at the office who greet us with their usual cheery “hello,” the grocery store clerks who remind us to “have a good day,” only heighten our sense of alienation.
We can persevere when we truly grasp the unceasing presence and care of God for each detail of our existence. Listen to David’s affirmation of God’s lovingkindness that sustained him in his darkest hours. “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways....Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:1-3, 7).
God is with you, for you, and in you. He never abandons the works of His hands. Instead of being overwhelmed by your feelings of loneliness, turn your attention to God’s steadfast care. Meditate on His total provision for your every need.
“...I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
Friday, October 7, 2011
The Holy Spirit - Our Guide, Part 2
“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4
The most vital area of truth the Holy Spirit guides us into is the knowledge of God Himself. His holiness, love, faithfulness, wrath, judgement, mercy, grace, patience, power, and numerous other attributes are unveiled for us. Without the Spirit’s aid we could never see God for Who He is.
The Spirit also reveals the truth about man. It is the Spirit of God that convicts the unbeliever of sin and his estrangement from God. It is the Holy Spirit that underscores man’s depravity and desperate need for a Savior. Apart from the Spirit’s enlightenment, man is blinded by his own pride and conceit. Once a Christian, the Spirit continues His ministry of conviction and illumination, not to condemn, but to enlighten and correct.
In addition the Holy Spirit highlights God’s truth about His specific instructions for living. He clearly shows us the pattern for family harmony, the proper motives for business, the guidelines for getting along with our neighbors and enemies, and the principles for ethical and moral conduct. Let the Holy Spirit guide you into His truth for your special need today.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go....” Psalm 32:8
The most vital area of truth the Holy Spirit guides us into is the knowledge of God Himself. His holiness, love, faithfulness, wrath, judgement, mercy, grace, patience, power, and numerous other attributes are unveiled for us. Without the Spirit’s aid we could never see God for Who He is.
The Spirit also reveals the truth about man. It is the Spirit of God that convicts the unbeliever of sin and his estrangement from God. It is the Holy Spirit that underscores man’s depravity and desperate need for a Savior. Apart from the Spirit’s enlightenment, man is blinded by his own pride and conceit. Once a Christian, the Spirit continues His ministry of conviction and illumination, not to condemn, but to enlighten and correct.
In addition the Holy Spirit highlights God’s truth about His specific instructions for living. He clearly shows us the pattern for family harmony, the proper motives for business, the guidelines for getting along with our neighbors and enemies, and the principles for ethical and moral conduct. Let the Holy Spirit guide you into His truth for your special need today.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go....” Psalm 32:8
Thursday, October 6, 2011
The Holy Spirit - Our Guide
“I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.” John 16:12-15
A major function of the Holy Spirit it to guide God’s children. But too often the leadership of the Spirit is ascribed to methods and sources of which the Father has no part.
In his book Knowing God, J.I. Packer helps us to understand the fundamental error and make the proper course correction. “Earnest Christians seeking guidance often go wrong about it. They look for a will-o’-the-wisp; they overlook the guidance that is ready to hand, and lay themselves open to all sorts of delusion. Their basic mistake is to think of guidance as essentially inward prompting by the Holy Spirit, apart from the written Word.
...The true way to honor the Holy Spirit as our guide is to honor the Holy Scriptures through which He guides us. The fundamental guidance which God gives to shape our lives...is not a matter of inward promptings apart from the word but of the pressure on our consciences of the portrayal of God’s character and will in the word...The Spirit leads within the limits which the Word sets, not beyond them.”
“Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction...” 1 Corinthians 10:11
A major function of the Holy Spirit it to guide God’s children. But too often the leadership of the Spirit is ascribed to methods and sources of which the Father has no part.
In his book Knowing God, J.I. Packer helps us to understand the fundamental error and make the proper course correction. “Earnest Christians seeking guidance often go wrong about it. They look for a will-o’-the-wisp; they overlook the guidance that is ready to hand, and lay themselves open to all sorts of delusion. Their basic mistake is to think of guidance as essentially inward prompting by the Holy Spirit, apart from the written Word.
...The true way to honor the Holy Spirit as our guide is to honor the Holy Scriptures through which He guides us. The fundamental guidance which God gives to shape our lives...is not a matter of inward promptings apart from the word but of the pressure on our consciences of the portrayal of God’s character and will in the word...The Spirit leads within the limits which the Word sets, not beyond them.”
“Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction...” 1 Corinthians 10:11
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
You Shall Be Holy
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” 1 Peter 1:13-16
The moment a person embraces Christ as Savior he becomes holy and blameless in God’s sight; his sins forgiven by the blood of Christ. Yet salvation is only the starting block for a life of holiness. Our holy state, or position, as new creatures in Christ must be continually appropriated as we grow in holiness.
Think of humanity as an analogy. When a child is born he is a human being in the fullest sense. However, his entire life is spent developing physically and emotionally, authenticating his humanness. As a Christian grows in holiness, he demonstrates the reality of his new identity as a saint or “holy one.” Although he must apply all his faculties to experience growth in holiness, the Holy Spirit is always the Change Agent for holy living.
External observance of religious traditions will not make you holy. Good works will not make you holy. Avoidance of certain activities will not make you holy.
Do you want to be holy? Remember that God has already accepted you as His holy child, and then depend on the Holy Spirit to dynamically and continuously make you a partaker of God’s divine, holy nature.
“Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.” 1 Peter 2:2
The moment a person embraces Christ as Savior he becomes holy and blameless in God’s sight; his sins forgiven by the blood of Christ. Yet salvation is only the starting block for a life of holiness. Our holy state, or position, as new creatures in Christ must be continually appropriated as we grow in holiness.
Think of humanity as an analogy. When a child is born he is a human being in the fullest sense. However, his entire life is spent developing physically and emotionally, authenticating his humanness. As a Christian grows in holiness, he demonstrates the reality of his new identity as a saint or “holy one.” Although he must apply all his faculties to experience growth in holiness, the Holy Spirit is always the Change Agent for holy living.
External observance of religious traditions will not make you holy. Good works will not make you holy. Avoidance of certain activities will not make you holy.
Do you want to be holy? Remember that God has already accepted you as His holy child, and then depend on the Holy Spirit to dynamically and continuously make you a partaker of God’s divine, holy nature.
“Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.” 1 Peter 2:2
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Process of Sanctification
“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
We are born-again by God’s Spirit when we believe in Christ’s atonement for our sins. That is salvation - a singular decision with eternal permanence. We are also sanctified by the same Spirit of God. But unlike salvation sanctification is a lifelong process.
In his book The Pursuit of Holiness, Jerry Bridges describes the joint venture of holy living. “...The farmer knows that unless he diligently pursues his responsibilities to plow, plant, fertilize, and cultivate; he cannot expect a harvest at the end of the season. In a sense he is in a partnership with God and he will reap its benefits only when he has fulfilled his own responsibilities. Farming is a joint venture between God and the farmer. The farmer cannot do what God must do and God will not do what the farmer should do. We can say just as accurately that the pursuit of holiness is a joint venture between God and the Christian. No one can attain any degree of holiness without God working in his life; but just as surely, no one will attain it without effort on his own part.”
“For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7
We are born-again by God’s Spirit when we believe in Christ’s atonement for our sins. That is salvation - a singular decision with eternal permanence. We are also sanctified by the same Spirit of God. But unlike salvation sanctification is a lifelong process.
In his book The Pursuit of Holiness, Jerry Bridges describes the joint venture of holy living. “...The farmer knows that unless he diligently pursues his responsibilities to plow, plant, fertilize, and cultivate; he cannot expect a harvest at the end of the season. In a sense he is in a partnership with God and he will reap its benefits only when he has fulfilled his own responsibilities. Farming is a joint venture between God and the farmer. The farmer cannot do what God must do and God will not do what the farmer should do. We can say just as accurately that the pursuit of holiness is a joint venture between God and the Christian. No one can attain any degree of holiness without God working in his life; but just as surely, no one will attain it without effort on his own part.”
“For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7
Monday, October 3, 2011
Walk in the Spirit, Part 2
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25
Walking in the Spirit certainly is not as simple as one, two, three; but there is a pyramid of biblical truth that can help us keep in step with His cadence.
When we walk in the Spirit, we are doing what God tells us to do. That entails a consistent reading and hearing of God’s Word and obedience to His commands. We progressively discover what the Spirit of truth reveals through the Scriptures.
When we walk in the Spirit, we are doing what God says to do and how He says do it. Learning God’s methods comes only through systematic, persistent study of God’s Word. It is not enough to simply to read His truth. We must investigate, explore, and examine His principles.
Finally, we walk in the Spirit when we do what God says, how He says to achieve it, and why He says to accomplish it. Applying the “why” is attained through deliberate meditation on God’s Word. We read and study, but then we delight, revel, and ponder the awesome truths designed to glorify Christ that it reveals.
Keep these cornerstone tenets in focus each day and walking in the Spirit will be the natural overflow.
“So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects...” Colossians 1:10
Walking in the Spirit certainly is not as simple as one, two, three; but there is a pyramid of biblical truth that can help us keep in step with His cadence.
When we walk in the Spirit, we are doing what God tells us to do. That entails a consistent reading and hearing of God’s Word and obedience to His commands. We progressively discover what the Spirit of truth reveals through the Scriptures.
When we walk in the Spirit, we are doing what God says to do and how He says do it. Learning God’s methods comes only through systematic, persistent study of God’s Word. It is not enough to simply to read His truth. We must investigate, explore, and examine His principles.
Finally, we walk in the Spirit when we do what God says, how He says to achieve it, and why He says to accomplish it. Applying the “why” is attained through deliberate meditation on God’s Word. We read and study, but then we delight, revel, and ponder the awesome truths designed to glorify Christ that it reveals.
Keep these cornerstone tenets in focus each day and walking in the Spirit will be the natural overflow.
“So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects...” Colossians 1:10
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Walk in the Spirit
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.” Galatians 5:16-18
There is only one way to walk, no matter how fast you stroll - one step at a time. The biblical command for believers to “walk by the Spirit” is obeyed and practiced in the same sense - one decision at a time.
You are driving on a long trip to visit your folks for Thanksgiving. In the back seat, friction is rising between your ten year old and twelve year old. You have a decision. Will you lose your temper and discipline the children, or will you firmly correct them with your emotions under the Spirit’s control?
Such are the constant choices each individual makes to “walk by the Spirit.” It is not a mystical type of experience but practical submission to God’s will in everyday circumstances. Walking in the Spirit is thus a cultivated lifestyle, learning to act and react under His direction and influence rather than being controlled by temperament or personality. Each day brings increasing cooperation with the Spirit’s will and power. You can “walk by the Spirit” one trusting step at a time. Begin with the next decision you must make.
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25
There is only one way to walk, no matter how fast you stroll - one step at a time. The biblical command for believers to “walk by the Spirit” is obeyed and practiced in the same sense - one decision at a time.
You are driving on a long trip to visit your folks for Thanksgiving. In the back seat, friction is rising between your ten year old and twelve year old. You have a decision. Will you lose your temper and discipline the children, or will you firmly correct them with your emotions under the Spirit’s control?
Such are the constant choices each individual makes to “walk by the Spirit.” It is not a mystical type of experience but practical submission to God’s will in everyday circumstances. Walking in the Spirit is thus a cultivated lifestyle, learning to act and react under His direction and influence rather than being controlled by temperament or personality. Each day brings increasing cooperation with the Spirit’s will and power. You can “walk by the Spirit” one trusting step at a time. Begin with the next decision you must make.
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25
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