“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!” Matthew 18:6-7
All of us will admit that we know what it is to be tempted. We have all had to face the ordeal of choosing either to give in to temptation’s appeal of stand firmly against it, fighting to maintain a life of obedience to Christ.
But there is another side to temptation, and that is when a person sides with evil and entices others to sin. Jesus had some of His harshest words for those who would take this position in life, causing others to stumble spiritually, emotionally, or morally.
But before we begin to point the finger at those who are in violation of this standard, we need first to look at ourselves. Ask yourself, “Am I ever guilty of just going along with the gang, even when I know it is not right, simply because I want to be accepted, or a I can’t take the pressure of being different? Have I verbally or nonverbally encouraged another to go against what I know is right? Am I guilty of causing anyone to stumble by my negligence or lack of concern?”
“Lord, help me to see that my life is always an example. May I lead others to love and trust You as they see You in me.”
There was never anyone so good that was he was exempt from trials and temptations.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
The Key Question, Part 2
“‘There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?’ As she spoke to Joseph day after day, he did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her. Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside. She caught him by his garment, saying, ‘Lie with me!’ And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside. When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled outside.”
Genesis 39:9-13
“So she left his garment beside her until his master came home. Then she spoke to him with these words, ‘The Hebrew slave, whom you brought to us, came in to me to make sport of me; and as I raised my voice and screamed, he left his garment beside me and fled outside.’ Now when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, ‘This is what your slave did to me,’ his anger burned. So Joseph’s master took him and put him into the jail, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; and he was there in the jail.” Genesis 39:16-20
Found in volume 1 of Charles Spurgeon’s sermons is the following exposition on Joseph’s fiery trial at the hands of his master’s wife:
“Like a wise warrior, he knew that in such a case fleeing was the better part of valor. You know it is opportunity that makes a man criminal - and he had abundant opportunity - but importunity will drive most men astray. To be haunted day by day by solicitations of the softest kind - to be tempted hour by hour....It needs a strength superangelic, a might more than human, a strength which only God can grant, for a young man thus to cleanse his way and take heed thereto according to God’s Word.
He (Joseph) might have reasoned within himself, ‘Should I submit and yield, there lies before me a life of ease and pleasure; I shall be exalted, I shall be rich. She shall prevail over her husband, to cover me with honors; bu should I still adhere to my integrity, I shall be cast into prison, I shall be thrown into the dungeon; there awaits me nothing but shame and disgrace.’
Other men might, but how can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”
Genesis 39:9-13
“So she left his garment beside her until his master came home. Then she spoke to him with these words, ‘The Hebrew slave, whom you brought to us, came in to me to make sport of me; and as I raised my voice and screamed, he left his garment beside me and fled outside.’ Now when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, ‘This is what your slave did to me,’ his anger burned. So Joseph’s master took him and put him into the jail, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; and he was there in the jail.” Genesis 39:16-20
Found in volume 1 of Charles Spurgeon’s sermons is the following exposition on Joseph’s fiery trial at the hands of his master’s wife:
“Like a wise warrior, he knew that in such a case fleeing was the better part of valor. You know it is opportunity that makes a man criminal - and he had abundant opportunity - but importunity will drive most men astray. To be haunted day by day by solicitations of the softest kind - to be tempted hour by hour....It needs a strength superangelic, a might more than human, a strength which only God can grant, for a young man thus to cleanse his way and take heed thereto according to God’s Word.
He (Joseph) might have reasoned within himself, ‘Should I submit and yield, there lies before me a life of ease and pleasure; I shall be exalted, I shall be rich. She shall prevail over her husband, to cover me with honors; bu should I still adhere to my integrity, I shall be cast into prison, I shall be thrown into the dungeon; there awaits me nothing but shame and disgrace.’
Other men might, but how can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”
Sunday, April 28, 2013
The Key Question
“The Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. Now his master saw that the Lord was with him and how the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge. It came about that from the time he made him overseer in his house and over all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house on account of Joseph; thus the Lord’s blessing was upon all that he owned, in the house and in the field. So he left everything he owned in Joseph’s charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate.
Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. It came about after these events that his master’s wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, ‘Lie with me.’ But he refused and said to his master’s wife, ‘Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?’”
Genesis 39:2-9
When you are in the middle of the heat of temptation, are you thinking clearly, or are you focusing on the object of your temptation? A wise person will prepare for temptation because it is an everyday experience of life.
When facing temptation, bring yourself into check long enough to ask yourself these questions:
1. Is this temptation a violation of the Scriptures?
2. What have been the consequences in the lives of other people who yielded to this sin?
3. If I yield to this sin, how will it affect me?
4. Am I willing to pay the consequences of yielding to this temptation?
5. Will yielding to this temptation satisfy me or only stir up stronger desires?
6. Is yielding to this temptation a wise decision or a foolish one?
7. How can I do this great evil and sin against God?
These questions defuse the bomb of temptation in the life of the child of God who chooses to live in obedience to the will of God, the Father.
“...How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9
Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. It came about after these events that his master’s wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, ‘Lie with me.’ But he refused and said to his master’s wife, ‘Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?’”
Genesis 39:2-9
When you are in the middle of the heat of temptation, are you thinking clearly, or are you focusing on the object of your temptation? A wise person will prepare for temptation because it is an everyday experience of life.
When facing temptation, bring yourself into check long enough to ask yourself these questions:
1. Is this temptation a violation of the Scriptures?
2. What have been the consequences in the lives of other people who yielded to this sin?
3. If I yield to this sin, how will it affect me?
4. Am I willing to pay the consequences of yielding to this temptation?
5. Will yielding to this temptation satisfy me or only stir up stronger desires?
6. Is yielding to this temptation a wise decision or a foolish one?
7. How can I do this great evil and sin against God?
These questions defuse the bomb of temptation in the life of the child of God who chooses to live in obedience to the will of God, the Father.
“...How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9
Friday, April 26, 2013
Playing with Fire, Part 2
“When Delilah saw that he had told her all that was in his heart, she sent and called the lords of the Philistines, saying, ‘Come up once more, for he has told me all that is in his heart.’ Then the lords of the Philistines came up to her and brought the money in their hands. She made him sleep on her knees, and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his hair. Then she began to afflict him, and his strength left him. She said, ‘The Philistines are upon you, Samson!’ And he awoke from his sleep and said, ‘I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.’ But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him. Then the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes; and they brought him down to Gaza and bound him with bronze chains, and he was a grinder in the prison.”
Judges 16:18-21
Not found in many of our more recent hymn books are these soul searching and questioning verses by Elisha A. Hoffman:
“There is a silly idea around that good people don’t know what temptation means.” -C.S. Lewis
Judges 16:18-21
Not found in many of our more recent hymn books are these soul searching and questioning verses by Elisha A. Hoffman:
“You have longed for sweet peace,
and for faith to increase,
And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest or be perfectly blest
Until all on the altar is laid.
Would you walk with the Lord,
in the light of His Word,
And have peace and contentment alway,
You must do His sweet will, to be free from all ill,
On the altar your all you must lay.
Oh, we never can know what the Lord will bestow
Of the blessings for which we have prayed,
Till our body and soul He doth fully control,
And our all on the altar is laid.
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart, does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest and have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.”
and for faith to increase,
And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest or be perfectly blest
Until all on the altar is laid.
Would you walk with the Lord,
in the light of His Word,
And have peace and contentment alway,
You must do His sweet will, to be free from all ill,
On the altar your all you must lay.
Oh, we never can know what the Lord will bestow
Of the blessings for which we have prayed,
Till our body and soul He doth fully control,
And our all on the altar is laid.
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart, does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest and have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.”
“There is a silly idea around that good people don’t know what temptation means.” -C.S. Lewis
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Playing with Fire
“Then Samson went down to Timnah and saw a woman in Timnah, one of the daughters of the Philistines. So he came back and told his father and mother, ‘I saw a woman in Timnah, one of the daughters of the Philistines; now therefore, get her for me as a wife.’ Then his father and his mother said to him, ‘Is there no woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?’ But Samson said to his father, ‘Get her for me, for she looks good to me.’” Judges 14:1-3
If you toy with the temptation of sexual indulgence, sooner or later you are going to get burned. Samson’s downfall came from an unrestrained lifestyle of seeking sexual pleasure at the expense of the testimony and the safety of the whole nation.
Although Samson was one of the judges of Israel, he allowed a root of rebellion to mar his entire life, and it destroyed his effectiveness as a national leader. We need to remember that the root of all sexual immorality is rebellion.
How to handle temptation is a critical issue the child of God must grasp and successfully implement in daily life. You can be freed from misunderstandings concerning temptation, know the powerful guidelines for your defense against temptation’s destructive pull, and experience real encouragement as you discover God’s truths and promises regarding His almighty aid when you face temptation.
God undergirds each believer with the overcoming power to live life to the glory of God. Is He glorified when you “play with the fire” of sexual indulgence? Paul teaches us to “...glorify God in your body”
(1 Cor. 6:20).
“Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned?” Proverbs 6:27
If you toy with the temptation of sexual indulgence, sooner or later you are going to get burned. Samson’s downfall came from an unrestrained lifestyle of seeking sexual pleasure at the expense of the testimony and the safety of the whole nation.
Although Samson was one of the judges of Israel, he allowed a root of rebellion to mar his entire life, and it destroyed his effectiveness as a national leader. We need to remember that the root of all sexual immorality is rebellion.
How to handle temptation is a critical issue the child of God must grasp and successfully implement in daily life. You can be freed from misunderstandings concerning temptation, know the powerful guidelines for your defense against temptation’s destructive pull, and experience real encouragement as you discover God’s truths and promises regarding His almighty aid when you face temptation.
God undergirds each believer with the overcoming power to live life to the glory of God. Is He glorified when you “play with the fire” of sexual indulgence? Paul teaches us to “...glorify God in your body”
(1 Cor. 6:20).
“Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned?” Proverbs 6:27
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
The Pressure of Temptation, Part 2
And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You to guard You,’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear You up, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’”
And Jesus answered and said to him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. Luke 4:3-13
It is all too true in our daily experience that Satan does not give up when we successfully resist his first attempt to lure us into sin. Most of us are aware that at that point he applies a little more pressure.
Jesus’ response to Satan’s three temptations was to say, “It is written...” Can you see the importance of Jesus’ line of defense? If Jesus, being God in the flesh, resorted to using the Word of God as His defense against Satan’s temptations, how much more should we who are earthly, sin-prone children of God depend upon God’s Word to carry us through the hour of temptation?
Which area of your life comes under attack often? What is your point of weakness? Where do you tend to give in to the pressure of sin’s appeal? Go to God’s Word and find what He says about those areas of your life. Hold firmly to these Scriptures which speak to your heart. Memorize these verses and have them on hand when temptation begins to test your will to resist.
We all face temptation, but we can praise God because He has not left us to stand in our own non-existent righteousness but has already won each battle for us.
“Learn to say ‘no;’ it will be of more use to you than to be able to read Latin.” -C.H. Spurgeon
And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You to guard You,’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear You up, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’”
And Jesus answered and said to him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. Luke 4:3-13
It is all too true in our daily experience that Satan does not give up when we successfully resist his first attempt to lure us into sin. Most of us are aware that at that point he applies a little more pressure.
Jesus’ response to Satan’s three temptations was to say, “It is written...” Can you see the importance of Jesus’ line of defense? If Jesus, being God in the flesh, resorted to using the Word of God as His defense against Satan’s temptations, how much more should we who are earthly, sin-prone children of God depend upon God’s Word to carry us through the hour of temptation?
Which area of your life comes under attack often? What is your point of weakness? Where do you tend to give in to the pressure of sin’s appeal? Go to God’s Word and find what He says about those areas of your life. Hold firmly to these Scriptures which speak to your heart. Memorize these verses and have them on hand when temptation begins to test your will to resist.
We all face temptation, but we can praise God because He has not left us to stand in our own non-existent righteousness but has already won each battle for us.
“Learn to say ‘no;’ it will be of more use to you than to be able to read Latin.” -C.H. Spurgeon
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
The Pressure of Temptation
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”
Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You;’ and ‘On their hands they will bear You up, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him. Matthew 4:1-11
Those who submit to temptation’s appeal on the basis that being tempted is the same as yielding to temptation have never faced the truth of Jesus’ temptation. Those who claim there is no real defense against temptation have missed the key to Jesus’ successful fight against His greatest temptation from Satan.
Much is to be learned by a careful analysis and study of the temptation of Christ. Although He was deity, Christ was not untemptable. His humanity caused Him to be susceptible to the emotions, thoughts, and feelings of any man or woman. Yet He was successful in thwarting Satan’s “best shots” because He never forgot Who He was or why He was here. His mission was clear.
You too can stand successful at the end of a period of temptation if you implement the principles which Jesus used in His time of temptation. You can learn how to stand firmly against temptation when it is at its peak pressure.
Do you want to experience victory over temptation? It is not an unconquerable foe. Victory can be yours when you choose to respond in Christ’s example and in Christ’s indwelling power.
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Matthew 4:1
Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You;’ and ‘On their hands they will bear You up, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him. Matthew 4:1-11
Those who submit to temptation’s appeal on the basis that being tempted is the same as yielding to temptation have never faced the truth of Jesus’ temptation. Those who claim there is no real defense against temptation have missed the key to Jesus’ successful fight against His greatest temptation from Satan.
Much is to be learned by a careful analysis and study of the temptation of Christ. Although He was deity, Christ was not untemptable. His humanity caused Him to be susceptible to the emotions, thoughts, and feelings of any man or woman. Yet He was successful in thwarting Satan’s “best shots” because He never forgot Who He was or why He was here. His mission was clear.
You too can stand successful at the end of a period of temptation if you implement the principles which Jesus used in His time of temptation. You can learn how to stand firmly against temptation when it is at its peak pressure.
Do you want to experience victory over temptation? It is not an unconquerable foe. Victory can be yours when you choose to respond in Christ’s example and in Christ’s indwelling power.
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Matthew 4:1
Monday, April 22, 2013
The Appeal of Temptation
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’?” 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, or you will die.’” The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will 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. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. Genesis 3:1-7
If you admit to being tempted you are on your way to dealing with it successfully and overcoming its persuasive power. Where does temptation come from? Its forms vary, but its source is constant: Satan.
The first reference to Satan in the Bible reveals one of his characteristics - craftiness. He craftily approached the first woman, Eve, in an unsuspecting manner in an attempt to cause her to go against the one standard which God had declared to her.
He still uses that same technique today, and men and women still succumb to his temptation. Look at the pattern in your own life. See how Satan appeals to you. He twists the truth and changes it into a deadly lie.
One of Satan’s most effective tempting tools is to question God’s Word or God’s authority. “If God is loving, would He withhold something from you that could make you happy?” How we need to have discerning ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts to weigh the persuasive and beguiling lies of the enemy.
Read John’s admonition in 1 John 2:15-16. Then ask God to heighten your awareness of temptation’s appeal.
Are you ever tempted to sin? Which temptation has the strongest appeal?
If you admit to being tempted you are on your way to dealing with it successfully and overcoming its persuasive power. Where does temptation come from? Its forms vary, but its source is constant: Satan.
The first reference to Satan in the Bible reveals one of his characteristics - craftiness. He craftily approached the first woman, Eve, in an unsuspecting manner in an attempt to cause her to go against the one standard which God had declared to her.
He still uses that same technique today, and men and women still succumb to his temptation. Look at the pattern in your own life. See how Satan appeals to you. He twists the truth and changes it into a deadly lie.
One of Satan’s most effective tempting tools is to question God’s Word or God’s authority. “If God is loving, would He withhold something from you that could make you happy?” How we need to have discerning ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts to weigh the persuasive and beguiling lies of the enemy.
Read John’s admonition in 1 John 2:15-16. Then ask God to heighten your awareness of temptation’s appeal.
Are you ever tempted to sin? Which temptation has the strongest appeal?
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Who is to Blame?, Part 2
“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.” James 1:12-15
As you read James’ epistle, you see at once that his words reflect Jesus’ own word from the Sermon on the Mount. Christ’s principles were translated into life itself for James. To consider the trials of life as joy, he must either have been misdirected, or he must have had a different (Christ-centered) view of life.
His key was that he saw far beyond the present trial to the effect it would have on his life; it would build the character of endurance. His was a faith that endured - a perfect faith which was complete, lacking in nothing. How often do we chide ourselves for having so little faith? Faith, like an athlete’s ability, is strengthened through exercise. Our faith is exercised in trials and in temptation.
There is a monumental promise given in James 1:12: “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” Instead of destroying faith - allow temptation to build faith.
Our faith is exercised through trials and temptations.
As you read James’ epistle, you see at once that his words reflect Jesus’ own word from the Sermon on the Mount. Christ’s principles were translated into life itself for James. To consider the trials of life as joy, he must either have been misdirected, or he must have had a different (Christ-centered) view of life.
His key was that he saw far beyond the present trial to the effect it would have on his life; it would build the character of endurance. His was a faith that endured - a perfect faith which was complete, lacking in nothing. How often do we chide ourselves for having so little faith? Faith, like an athlete’s ability, is strengthened through exercise. Our faith is exercised in trials and in temptation.
There is a monumental promise given in James 1:12: “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” Instead of destroying faith - allow temptation to build faith.
Our faith is exercised through trials and temptations.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Who is to Blame?
“James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:1-4
“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:12-17
In all honesty we have to admit that temptation does play a role in each of our lives. Do you find yourself simply giving in because it is the path of least resistance? Does temptation overwhelm you? Are you discouraged by your lack of ability to resist temptation?
Allow these questions to prompt some specific thought in the days ahead. If you have failed to resist temptation and are now suffering the consequences of remorse and guilt, you are a prime candidate for an in-depth study of this all too familiar element of life - temptation.
To get to first base in our attempt to overcome temptation, we must address the question of blame. Who is to blame for our temptation? Who is to blame when we yield to temptation? Are we held accountable by God for our failures? If temptation were beatable (we rationalize), then God would have reason to hold us guilty. But since temptation is so strong, how can God expect us to win?
Well, the answers will surface as we begin to search the Scripture and God opens our hearts to hear His Word.
“But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.” James 1:14
“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:12-17
In all honesty we have to admit that temptation does play a role in each of our lives. Do you find yourself simply giving in because it is the path of least resistance? Does temptation overwhelm you? Are you discouraged by your lack of ability to resist temptation?
Allow these questions to prompt some specific thought in the days ahead. If you have failed to resist temptation and are now suffering the consequences of remorse and guilt, you are a prime candidate for an in-depth study of this all too familiar element of life - temptation.
To get to first base in our attempt to overcome temptation, we must address the question of blame. Who is to blame for our temptation? Who is to blame when we yield to temptation? Are we held accountable by God for our failures? If temptation were beatable (we rationalize), then God would have reason to hold us guilty. But since temptation is so strong, how can God expect us to win?
Well, the answers will surface as we begin to search the Scripture and God opens our hearts to hear His Word.
“But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.” James 1:14
Thursday, April 18, 2013
How God Sees the Unbeliever
“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” Ephesians 2:1-5
Talk with almost any unsaved person and you get the same response when conversation turns to “religion.” “Oh, I believe we are all going to end up in the same place. We may believe different things, but God will smile at each of us and He will accept all of us.”
Does that sound familiar? Unfortunately, people hold to such a hope, even though there is no basis for that. Plainly it is a lie. But many will got into a Christless eternity because they believe it.
It is one thing to give our opinion on a spiritual matter; it is quite another when God reveals His viewpoint. We are not alive until we are “born again of the Spirit” by faith in the atoning death of Christ. Unsaved friends and neighbors may reason that they understand spiritual truth and “have their own religion,” but the truth is they are still dead, unable to understand the things of God. That realization should jolt us into action - to bring them to life in the Son.
“But God...made us alive together with Christ...”
Ephesians 2:4-5
Talk with almost any unsaved person and you get the same response when conversation turns to “religion.” “Oh, I believe we are all going to end up in the same place. We may believe different things, but God will smile at each of us and He will accept all of us.”
Does that sound familiar? Unfortunately, people hold to such a hope, even though there is no basis for that. Plainly it is a lie. But many will got into a Christless eternity because they believe it.
It is one thing to give our opinion on a spiritual matter; it is quite another when God reveals His viewpoint. We are not alive until we are “born again of the Spirit” by faith in the atoning death of Christ. Unsaved friends and neighbors may reason that they understand spiritual truth and “have their own religion,” but the truth is they are still dead, unable to understand the things of God. That realization should jolt us into action - to bring them to life in the Son.
“But God...made us alive together with Christ...”
Ephesians 2:4-5
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Pass the Salt
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16
There is a story of the cowboys on the cattle trail who found themselves without a cook. The trail boss designated one of the men, then another to fill in, but their cooking was awful. Complaints were loud and strong. Finally, he devised a plan to end their complaints. A new rule was posted: “If you complain about the food, you’re the new cook.”
Next morning the boys got up for breakfast and poked at their plates of beans. After a courageous nibble, one old cowhand could not mask his disappointment. “Sure am salty,” he muttered. “But it sure am good,” he quickly continued.
Salt. It is an important and necessary “spice of life.” Yet too much or too little turns any food distasteful. Compare your Christian presence in your location to the seasoning power of table salt. Are you pouring it on “too thick”? Are you stingy with it? The consistent message of your life should be: “O taste and see that the Lord is good...” (Psalm 34:8).
“You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world...” Matthew 5:13-14
There is a story of the cowboys on the cattle trail who found themselves without a cook. The trail boss designated one of the men, then another to fill in, but their cooking was awful. Complaints were loud and strong. Finally, he devised a plan to end their complaints. A new rule was posted: “If you complain about the food, you’re the new cook.”
Next morning the boys got up for breakfast and poked at their plates of beans. After a courageous nibble, one old cowhand could not mask his disappointment. “Sure am salty,” he muttered. “But it sure am good,” he quickly continued.
Salt. It is an important and necessary “spice of life.” Yet too much or too little turns any food distasteful. Compare your Christian presence in your location to the seasoning power of table salt. Are you pouring it on “too thick”? Are you stingy with it? The consistent message of your life should be: “O taste and see that the Lord is good...” (Psalm 34:8).
“You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world...” Matthew 5:13-14
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Best Friend You Will Ever Have, Part 2
“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:12-17
Although Jesus had every right to be addressed as “Master” or “Lord,” He chose a more intimate relationship - that of a Friend. Why? Because friends can relate on a personal and intimate level which cannot be achieved in a master/slave, lord/servant relationship.
Doesn’t it warm your heart to read Jesus’ own words where He says, “I chose you”? He chose you to be His friend. How have you responded to His choice?
You may recall a time when you wanted a person to be your friend. You tried everything to get them to notice you, to like you, to appreciate you. You wanted to hear them refer to you as their friend. But it never happened. Remember how you felt?
You rob Jesus and yourself of the potential joy found in a meaningful relationship as friends if you fail to respond to Him. What a wonderful offer - to be friends with Jesus Christ. Remember, He is described as a Friend Who sticks closer than a brother.
People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges.
Although Jesus had every right to be addressed as “Master” or “Lord,” He chose a more intimate relationship - that of a Friend. Why? Because friends can relate on a personal and intimate level which cannot be achieved in a master/slave, lord/servant relationship.
Doesn’t it warm your heart to read Jesus’ own words where He says, “I chose you”? He chose you to be His friend. How have you responded to His choice?
You may recall a time when you wanted a person to be your friend. You tried everything to get them to notice you, to like you, to appreciate you. You wanted to hear them refer to you as their friend. But it never happened. Remember how you felt?
You rob Jesus and yourself of the potential joy found in a meaningful relationship as friends if you fail to respond to Him. What a wonderful offer - to be friends with Jesus Christ. Remember, He is described as a Friend Who sticks closer than a brother.
People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges.
Monday, April 15, 2013
The Best Friend You Will Ever Have
“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:12-17
Repetition in Scripture often means “this is important.” Jesus repeated a very important instruction in the above passage. It is more than a mere suggestion which should be considered. It is a commandment: Love one another.
At first, it seems unnecessary to have to tell someone to love another person, especially when the two are on common ground. But we tend to define differences of opinion and hold others at arm’s length.
Jesus knew that men would ask for His definition of love, so He gave it by saying that the one who shows real love is the one who will “lay down his life for his friends.” And that is what we find Jesus doing.
There is a condition on Jesus’ friendship. What qualifies us as friends? Jesus says, “...if you do what I command you” (John 15:14). His command? “Love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Where do you stand in your friendship with Jesus?
Repetition in Scripture often means “this is important.” Jesus repeated a very important instruction in the above passage. It is more than a mere suggestion which should be considered. It is a commandment: Love one another.
At first, it seems unnecessary to have to tell someone to love another person, especially when the two are on common ground. But we tend to define differences of opinion and hold others at arm’s length.
Jesus knew that men would ask for His definition of love, so He gave it by saying that the one who shows real love is the one who will “lay down his life for his friends.” And that is what we find Jesus doing.
There is a condition on Jesus’ friendship. What qualifies us as friends? Jesus says, “...if you do what I command you” (John 15:14). His command? “Love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Where do you stand in your friendship with Jesus?
The difficulty is not so great to die for a friend
as to find a friend worth dying for.
as to find a friend worth dying for.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
An Example of a Godly Mother
“Then Hannah rose after eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She, greatly distressed, prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. She made a vow and said, ‘O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head.’
Now it came about, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli was watching her mouth. As for Hannah, she was speaking in her heart, only her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. So Eli thought she was drunk. Then Eli said to her, ‘How long will you make yourself drunk? Put away your wine from you.’ But Hannah replied, ‘No, my lord, I am a woman oppressed in spirit; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the Lord. Do not consider your maidservant as a worthless woman, for I have spoken until now out of my great concern and provocation.’” 1 Samuel 1:9-16
One of the striking details described in the story of Samuel’s birth is the strong purpose and will of his mother, Hannah. Christian mother, are your circumstances beyond your control? You’ve tried but you are unable to change them, and your circumstances are doing more to change you.
In Hannah we have an example of the God-approved way to deal with such a situation. Obey God and leave the consequences of your obedience to Him. You cannot read this first chapter of 1 Samuel without an immediate realization of Hannah’s reverence for God and dependence upon Him. That is of key importance.
As moms and dads, we must recognize that the answers to our problems are not found in demanding our rights or forcing our own way. Have you ever taken your questions or problems to “the house of the Lord”? Have you left them there in His keeping? Can you say, like David, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me”?
Hannah found peace of heart when she put her case before the Lord and settled for His decision. You can trust Him too.
Now it came about, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli was watching her mouth. As for Hannah, she was speaking in her heart, only her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. So Eli thought she was drunk. Then Eli said to her, ‘How long will you make yourself drunk? Put away your wine from you.’ But Hannah replied, ‘No, my lord, I am a woman oppressed in spirit; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the Lord. Do not consider your maidservant as a worthless woman, for I have spoken until now out of my great concern and provocation.’” 1 Samuel 1:9-16
One of the striking details described in the story of Samuel’s birth is the strong purpose and will of his mother, Hannah. Christian mother, are your circumstances beyond your control? You’ve tried but you are unable to change them, and your circumstances are doing more to change you.
In Hannah we have an example of the God-approved way to deal with such a situation. Obey God and leave the consequences of your obedience to Him. You cannot read this first chapter of 1 Samuel without an immediate realization of Hannah’s reverence for God and dependence upon Him. That is of key importance.
As moms and dads, we must recognize that the answers to our problems are not found in demanding our rights or forcing our own way. Have you ever taken your questions or problems to “the house of the Lord”? Have you left them there in His keeping? Can you say, like David, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me”?
Hannah found peace of heart when she put her case before the Lord and settled for His decision. You can trust Him too.
“No man is poor who has a godly mother.”
-Abraham Lincoln
-Abraham Lincoln
Friday, April 12, 2013
Forgiveness - God’s Offer to You
“He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:5-7
The use of plea bargaining has becoming an accepted and standard practice in our law courts. This system allows a guilty party to negotiate for a lesser penalty by cooperating in some beneficial way with the state.
When it comes to the forgiveness of our sins, we cannot negotiate with God as is done with a judge in a court of law. God is the Ultimate Judge, but His system of justice is clearly defined and stringently adhered to. There is a price to be paid for sin - the price is death.
“But I will never do it again,” we hear some plead. “I’ll give money to the church.” “I’ll get involved in a drug rehabilitation program.” You can’t bargain with God. But lest we become discouraged by God’s seeming inhuman response, let us listen to His verdict.
First of all, there is an offer. He’s offering forgiveness and full pardon. Confess that I am a sinner, that I have sinned against God. Accept God’s offer of forgiveness due to the fact that His own Son has already served my sentence (paid the penalty) for my sin! Believe God and take Him at His Word. Walk out of that “courtroom” a forgiven, free, and liberated person. That is forgiveness.
“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy...” Titus 3:5
The use of plea bargaining has becoming an accepted and standard practice in our law courts. This system allows a guilty party to negotiate for a lesser penalty by cooperating in some beneficial way with the state.
When it comes to the forgiveness of our sins, we cannot negotiate with God as is done with a judge in a court of law. God is the Ultimate Judge, but His system of justice is clearly defined and stringently adhered to. There is a price to be paid for sin - the price is death.
“But I will never do it again,” we hear some plead. “I’ll give money to the church.” “I’ll get involved in a drug rehabilitation program.” You can’t bargain with God. But lest we become discouraged by God’s seeming inhuman response, let us listen to His verdict.
First of all, there is an offer. He’s offering forgiveness and full pardon. Confess that I am a sinner, that I have sinned against God. Accept God’s offer of forgiveness due to the fact that His own Son has already served my sentence (paid the penalty) for my sin! Believe God and take Him at His Word. Walk out of that “courtroom” a forgiven, free, and liberated person. That is forgiveness.
“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy...” Titus 3:5
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Committed to Christ, Part 3
Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the stomach of the fish, and he said, “I called out of my distress to the Lord, and He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; You heard my voice. For You had cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the current engulfed me. All Your breakers and billows passed over me. So I said, ‘I have been expelled from Your sight. Nevertheless I will look again toward Your holy temple.’ Water encompassed me to the point of death. The great deep engulfed me, weeds were wrapped around my head. I descended to the roots of the mountains. The earth with its bars was around me forever, but You have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God. While I was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to You, into Your holy temple. Those who regard vain idols forsake their faithfulness, but I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation is from the Lord.” Then the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah up onto the dry land. Jonah 2:1-10
One of the common “run-arounds” we give God when we don’t want to obey is “the substitute.” But keep in mind one unchanging biblical principle which cannot be disregarded: Incomplete obedience is disobedience. There is no substitute for complete obedience.
In a world which denies absolutes, that statement is in for ridicule. But we serve a God Who has a goal and is working it out not only on the grand scale of nations and continents but also in the lives of individuals who know Him through His Word, His Son, and His Spirit. Our point of challenge often comes in wanting to reduce the requirements for obedience - and so we offer a substitute.
“Not accepted,” says God. “I want the real thing.” That is the message of God’s dealing with mankind all through the Bible. We are to live and find our purpose according to His agenda - not ours. That is the heart of commitment. Will I choose to surrender all of my life to the purpose and plan of God? Will I trust Him? Will I be faithful to Him? Will He provide for my needs? Put Him to the test. That how you will find out.
“Those who regard vain idols forsake their faithfulness.” Jonah 2:8
One of the common “run-arounds” we give God when we don’t want to obey is “the substitute.” But keep in mind one unchanging biblical principle which cannot be disregarded: Incomplete obedience is disobedience. There is no substitute for complete obedience.
In a world which denies absolutes, that statement is in for ridicule. But we serve a God Who has a goal and is working it out not only on the grand scale of nations and continents but also in the lives of individuals who know Him through His Word, His Son, and His Spirit. Our point of challenge often comes in wanting to reduce the requirements for obedience - and so we offer a substitute.
“Not accepted,” says God. “I want the real thing.” That is the message of God’s dealing with mankind all through the Bible. We are to live and find our purpose according to His agenda - not ours. That is the heart of commitment. Will I choose to surrender all of my life to the purpose and plan of God? Will I trust Him? Will I be faithful to Him? Will He provide for my needs? Put Him to the test. That how you will find out.
“Those who regard vain idols forsake their faithfulness.” Jonah 2:8
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Committed to Christ, Part 2
“The word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai saying, ‘Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.’ But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” Jonah 1:1-3
“Then the men became extremely frightened and they said to him, ‘How could you do this?’ For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. So they said to him, ‘What should we do to you that the sea may become calm for us?’—for the sea was becoming increasingly stormy. He said to them, ‘Pick me up and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will become calm for you, for I know that on account of me this great storm has come upon you.’ However, the men rowed desperately to return to land but they could not, for the sea was becoming even stormier against them. Then they called on the Lord and said, ‘We earnestly pray, O Lord, do not let us perish on account of this man’s life and do not put innocent blood on us; for You, O Lord, have done as You have pleased.’ So they picked up Jonah, threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging. Then the men feared the Lord greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows. And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights.” Jonah 1:10-17
Is there an unresolved issue which keeps surfacing when you attempt to relate to God? Is there some unsurrendered desire? Some “secret” or “hidden” sin which you think you are hiding from God? Is there some relationship which needs to be mended? Or severed? Some want or wish which you just won’t release?
Let go of that hindrance. In some cases you may have to cut the bonds of affection and pleasure. Some may find it too painful to take this step. No one promised that it would be easy or painless, but the sustaining comfort and assurance of God’s love and grace are applied to the wounds of those who choose to release all for Him.
You may feel today that you just can’t release the things that are so dear. You realize they stand in the way of your availability to God, but you can’t bring yourself to deny them. My challenge to you is to look at those things in the light of eternity and weigh their value.
Isn’t it amazing how worthless our treasures are when compared to the immensity of God’s unlimited resources of love, mercy, justice, and all the other qualities of God’s character? The challenge: God is worthy of our all. Does He have it?
“But Jonah ran away from the Lord.” Jonah put feet to what we often do in heart: run from God.
“Then the men became extremely frightened and they said to him, ‘How could you do this?’ For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. So they said to him, ‘What should we do to you that the sea may become calm for us?’—for the sea was becoming increasingly stormy. He said to them, ‘Pick me up and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will become calm for you, for I know that on account of me this great storm has come upon you.’ However, the men rowed desperately to return to land but they could not, for the sea was becoming even stormier against them. Then they called on the Lord and said, ‘We earnestly pray, O Lord, do not let us perish on account of this man’s life and do not put innocent blood on us; for You, O Lord, have done as You have pleased.’ So they picked up Jonah, threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging. Then the men feared the Lord greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows. And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights.” Jonah 1:10-17
Is there an unresolved issue which keeps surfacing when you attempt to relate to God? Is there some unsurrendered desire? Some “secret” or “hidden” sin which you think you are hiding from God? Is there some relationship which needs to be mended? Or severed? Some want or wish which you just won’t release?
Let go of that hindrance. In some cases you may have to cut the bonds of affection and pleasure. Some may find it too painful to take this step. No one promised that it would be easy or painless, but the sustaining comfort and assurance of God’s love and grace are applied to the wounds of those who choose to release all for Him.
You may feel today that you just can’t release the things that are so dear. You realize they stand in the way of your availability to God, but you can’t bring yourself to deny them. My challenge to you is to look at those things in the light of eternity and weigh their value.
Isn’t it amazing how worthless our treasures are when compared to the immensity of God’s unlimited resources of love, mercy, justice, and all the other qualities of God’s character? The challenge: God is worthy of our all. Does He have it?
“But Jonah ran away from the Lord.” Jonah put feet to what we often do in heart: run from God.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Committed to Christ
“Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned). When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.’” Acts 5:26-32
Have you ever considered the source of the motivation for your commitment to Jesus Christ? What motivates your commitment? When you are not sure you want to obey, consider this question: Would you rather obey God on this issue and allow Him to bless you or disobey God and spend the rest of your life wondering what God would have done with you if you had obeyed? That is a sobering question, isn’t it?
Friend, there are many good Christian folk who find themselves looking back to a time in their life when they stood on the threshold of decision and, because of an unbroken will or a weakness of the flesh, chose to serve self instead of God and are now wondering what God would have done with them if only they had submitted to His authority at that one point. Tragically, for many the actual point of contest did not at all satisfy as they had hoped.
If you have failed, God loves you just as much as ever, but you have to deal with lost opportunities which have gone by forever. Today’s warning: Check yourself. Are you committed to obedience?
“We are called to be holy at any and every cost. If obedience costs you your life, then pay it.” -Oswald Chambers
Have you ever considered the source of the motivation for your commitment to Jesus Christ? What motivates your commitment? When you are not sure you want to obey, consider this question: Would you rather obey God on this issue and allow Him to bless you or disobey God and spend the rest of your life wondering what God would have done with you if you had obeyed? That is a sobering question, isn’t it?
Friend, there are many good Christian folk who find themselves looking back to a time in their life when they stood on the threshold of decision and, because of an unbroken will or a weakness of the flesh, chose to serve self instead of God and are now wondering what God would have done with them if only they had submitted to His authority at that one point. Tragically, for many the actual point of contest did not at all satisfy as they had hoped.
If you have failed, God loves you just as much as ever, but you have to deal with lost opportunities which have gone by forever. Today’s warning: Check yourself. Are you committed to obedience?
“We are called to be holy at any and every cost. If obedience costs you your life, then pay it.” -Oswald Chambers
Monday, April 8, 2013
The Great White Throne
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
Revelation 20:11-15
“The scene at this final judgement is cosmic in scope. Every created being and every created thing will stand before the all-knowing gaze of God Himself. What are some of the implications of that judgement?
- The ultimate triumph of God’s will and the consummate display of His glory in history (the sign that all He intended has been accomplished).
- The cosmic declaration that God is just (all affronts to His glory are punished and all recognition of it is rewarded).
- The climax of Christ’s ministry, as the Apostles’ Creed affirms.
- The reminder that human and cosmic history move toward a goal, measured by the purposes of God.
- The absolute seal of human accountability (all believers are held responsible for their works at the Bema, and all unbelievers for their rebellion at the Great White Throne).
- The most serious motive for Christian mission (in the face of such judgement, the world’s only hope is Christ’s salvation).”
-D.A. Hubbard
Revelation 20:11-15
“The scene at this final judgement is cosmic in scope. Every created being and every created thing will stand before the all-knowing gaze of God Himself. What are some of the implications of that judgement?
- The ultimate triumph of God’s will and the consummate display of His glory in history (the sign that all He intended has been accomplished).
- The cosmic declaration that God is just (all affronts to His glory are punished and all recognition of it is rewarded).
- The climax of Christ’s ministry, as the Apostles’ Creed affirms.
- The reminder that human and cosmic history move toward a goal, measured by the purposes of God.
- The absolute seal of human accountability (all believers are held responsible for their works at the Bema, and all unbelievers for their rebellion at the Great White Throne).
- The most serious motive for Christian mission (in the face of such judgement, the world’s only hope is Christ’s salvation).”
-D.A. Hubbard
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Blessed is he...
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.” Revelation 1:1-3
Only the book of Proverbs comes close to imparting this type of blessing to the reader. Proverbs exhorts the reader to seek wisdom and apply the nuggets of truth found within its pages; Revelation begins with a bold statement (but a conditional statement) to those who read and hear the revelation of God.
Have you put off reading the book of Revelation because you felt some kind of dread of knowing something about the unchangeable future - a frightening future full of strange beasts and worldwide catastrophes?
The Word says you are blessed if you read or hear the Revelation and heed it; you will recognize that God does indeed have everything under His control. Yes, the events described in the twenty-two chapters are something horrifying, but the master plan of the ages is unfolding, and the child of God watches with the pride of a child who watches his father punch out the local bully. There’s “no contest.” It has already been decided; it has already been fought and won.
Whenever you falter in your belief, read the back of the book. We win.
Only the book of Proverbs comes close to imparting this type of blessing to the reader. Proverbs exhorts the reader to seek wisdom and apply the nuggets of truth found within its pages; Revelation begins with a bold statement (but a conditional statement) to those who read and hear the revelation of God.
Have you put off reading the book of Revelation because you felt some kind of dread of knowing something about the unchangeable future - a frightening future full of strange beasts and worldwide catastrophes?
The Word says you are blessed if you read or hear the Revelation and heed it; you will recognize that God does indeed have everything under His control. Yes, the events described in the twenty-two chapters are something horrifying, but the master plan of the ages is unfolding, and the child of God watches with the pride of a child who watches his father punch out the local bully. There’s “no contest.” It has already been decided; it has already been fought and won.
Whenever you falter in your belief, read the back of the book. We win.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Walking Through the Darkness with God, Part 2
“Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
For the sake of Your name, O Lord, revive me.
In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.
And in Your lovingkindness, cut off my enemies
And destroy all those who afflict my soul,
For I am Your servant.” Psalm 143:10-12
“How childlike - ‘teach me’! How practical - ‘teach me to do’! How undivided in obedience - ‘to do Thy will’! This is the best form of instruction, for its source is God, its object is holiness, its spirit is that of hearty loyalty. The man is hidden in the Lord, and spends his peaceful life in learning the will of his Preserver. When the heart can sincerely call Jehovah ‘my God,’ the understanding is ready to learn of Him, the will is prepared to obey Him, the whole man is eager to please Him.
There is no inheritance like a portion in the land of promise, the land of precept, the land of perfectness. He who teaches us must put us into leading-strings, and guide and conduct us to His own dwelling-place in the country of holiness. The way is long, and steep, and he who goes without a divine leader will faint on the journey; but with Jehovah to lead, it is delightful to follow, and there is neither stumbling nor wandering.”
-Charles Spurgeon
The Treasury of David, Volume 3
For You are my God;
Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
For the sake of Your name, O Lord, revive me.
In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.
And in Your lovingkindness, cut off my enemies
And destroy all those who afflict my soul,
For I am Your servant.” Psalm 143:10-12
“How childlike - ‘teach me’! How practical - ‘teach me to do’! How undivided in obedience - ‘to do Thy will’! This is the best form of instruction, for its source is God, its object is holiness, its spirit is that of hearty loyalty. The man is hidden in the Lord, and spends his peaceful life in learning the will of his Preserver. When the heart can sincerely call Jehovah ‘my God,’ the understanding is ready to learn of Him, the will is prepared to obey Him, the whole man is eager to please Him.
There is no inheritance like a portion in the land of promise, the land of precept, the land of perfectness. He who teaches us must put us into leading-strings, and guide and conduct us to His own dwelling-place in the country of holiness. The way is long, and steep, and he who goes without a divine leader will faint on the journey; but with Jehovah to lead, it is delightful to follow, and there is neither stumbling nor wandering.”
-Charles Spurgeon
The Treasury of David, Volume 3
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Walking Through the Darkness with God
“Answer me quickly, O Lord, my spirit fails;
Do not hide Your face from me,
Or I will become like those who go down to the pit.
Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;
For I trust in You;
Teach me the way in which I should walk;
For to You I lift up my soul.
Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;
I take refuge in You.” Psalm 143:7-9
“...Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;
For I trust in You;
Teach me the way in which I should walk...”
“This is a short and sweet morning prayer. God hears early prayer, and lovingly responds to it. The smiles of His face, the sweetness of His voice, the gifts of His hand, bless the morning, bless throughout the day.
Lovingkindness is a favorite expression, a choice theme of David’s. It is used more in the Book of Psalms than in any other book in the Scriptures. Lovingkindness is love showing kindness; it is the sun of love shining with rays of kindness; the river of love sending forth streams of kindness; it is the heart of love uttering itself by words of kindness, doing deeds, and giving gifts of kindness.
‘Cause me to hear’ this voice. It speaks every morning, but many ears are deaf to it. But while others are indifferent to it, cause me to hear it; let me not lose the opportunity; waken my ear morning by morning, so that I may hail the season and enjoy the privilege. And when the morning of eternity shall come, ‘cause me to hear the voice of Thy lovingkindness’ welcoming me to its joys.”
-W. Abbot
The Baptist Messenger, 1870
Do not hide Your face from me,
Or I will become like those who go down to the pit.
Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;
For I trust in You;
Teach me the way in which I should walk;
For to You I lift up my soul.
Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;
I take refuge in You.” Psalm 143:7-9
“...Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;
For I trust in You;
Teach me the way in which I should walk...”
“This is a short and sweet morning prayer. God hears early prayer, and lovingly responds to it. The smiles of His face, the sweetness of His voice, the gifts of His hand, bless the morning, bless throughout the day.
Lovingkindness is a favorite expression, a choice theme of David’s. It is used more in the Book of Psalms than in any other book in the Scriptures. Lovingkindness is love showing kindness; it is the sun of love shining with rays of kindness; the river of love sending forth streams of kindness; it is the heart of love uttering itself by words of kindness, doing deeds, and giving gifts of kindness.
‘Cause me to hear’ this voice. It speaks every morning, but many ears are deaf to it. But while others are indifferent to it, cause me to hear it; let me not lose the opportunity; waken my ear morning by morning, so that I may hail the season and enjoy the privilege. And when the morning of eternity shall come, ‘cause me to hear the voice of Thy lovingkindness’ welcoming me to its joys.”
-W. Abbot
The Baptist Messenger, 1870
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
You are Not Alone, Part 2
“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.’ Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored; those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish. You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them, those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent. For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’ Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel; I will help you,” declares the Lord, “and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:8-14
Loneliness, or the feeling of being all alone, is not only a sensation experienced by those living in isolated regions of the earth; it is even strongly felt by those who live in crowded cities, where they are never physically alone.
The expression “lost in a crowd” takes on new meaning when you look at the crowded streets and sidewalks of any major city in the world. Though packed shoulder to shoulder, there is a sense of isolation and insulation as you look into the faces and the eyes of those you pass.
It has been said that we build walls instead of bridges. But God is in the bridge-building business, linking Himself with humanity on a one-to-one basis. He deals with each one of us individually, meeting us at our most crucial point of need.
Is your need to find relief from loneliness and the oppression of having no real friends? Read today’s suggested Scripture, and accept God’s words for you today.
“But you will rejoice in the Lord, you will glory in the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:16
Loneliness, or the feeling of being all alone, is not only a sensation experienced by those living in isolated regions of the earth; it is even strongly felt by those who live in crowded cities, where they are never physically alone.
The expression “lost in a crowd” takes on new meaning when you look at the crowded streets and sidewalks of any major city in the world. Though packed shoulder to shoulder, there is a sense of isolation and insulation as you look into the faces and the eyes of those you pass.
It has been said that we build walls instead of bridges. But God is in the bridge-building business, linking Himself with humanity on a one-to-one basis. He deals with each one of us individually, meeting us at our most crucial point of need.
Is your need to find relief from loneliness and the oppression of having no real friends? Read today’s suggested Scripture, and accept God’s words for you today.
“But you will rejoice in the Lord, you will glory in the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:16
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
You are Not Alone
“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.” Psalm 103:8
“As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.” Psalm 103:12-14
One who knew the comfort of a close relationship with God was the great King David. His 103rd Psalm uplifts the heart as he penned truth after truth which had been revealed to him about the character of God.
Just look at the strong descriptive words used: “Bless the Lord O my soul...bless His holy name...Who pardons...Who heals...Who redeems...Who crowns...Who satisfies...The Lord performs righteous deeds...”
Then comfort and confidence pour forth from this eloquent writer: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness...He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him...Bless the Lord, O my soul!”
Do those words inspire you to confidence, trust, and faith in the fatherhood of God? Learn to rest upon His promise to prove Himself as the ideal Father to every child who bears His name.
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.” Psalm 103:8
“As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.” Psalm 103:12-14
One who knew the comfort of a close relationship with God was the great King David. His 103rd Psalm uplifts the heart as he penned truth after truth which had been revealed to him about the character of God.
Just look at the strong descriptive words used: “Bless the Lord O my soul...bless His holy name...Who pardons...Who heals...Who redeems...Who crowns...Who satisfies...The Lord performs righteous deeds...”
Then comfort and confidence pour forth from this eloquent writer: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness...He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him...Bless the Lord, O my soul!”
Do those words inspire you to confidence, trust, and faith in the fatherhood of God? Learn to rest upon His promise to prove Himself as the ideal Father to every child who bears His name.
Monday, April 1, 2013
The Cross - Our Motivation
“And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, ‘Who do the people say that I am?’ They answered and said, ‘John the Baptist, and others say Elijah; but others, that one of the prophets of old has risen again.’ And He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ And Peter answered and said, ‘The Christ of God.’ But He warned them and instructed them not to tell this to anyone, saying, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day.’
And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.’” Luke 9:18-26
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Read the narrative surrounding this statement by Christ (verses 18-26). After foretelling the things He would suffer, Jesus called His followers to follow Him.
Lest His statement lose any of its punch, translate it into contemporary symbols and see if you feel the same way about it. The cross was a method of execution (one which is not currently in use), so let’s replace it with the term “electric chair.” His statement then would read, “...let him deny himself, and take up his electric chair daily, and follow Me.” Now that’s an attention-getting statement. But what does it really mean?
Fortunately, we find the answer in the next verse. “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it” (Luke 9:24). True discipleship means the definite, deliberate, voluntary transfer of possession, control, and use of my total being (spirit, soul, and body) to the Lord Jesus Christ to Whom it rightfully belongs by creation and by redemption.
That, my friend, is motivation for living in the victory of the Cross of Jesus Christ.
And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.’” Luke 9:18-26
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Read the narrative surrounding this statement by Christ (verses 18-26). After foretelling the things He would suffer, Jesus called His followers to follow Him.
Lest His statement lose any of its punch, translate it into contemporary symbols and see if you feel the same way about it. The cross was a method of execution (one which is not currently in use), so let’s replace it with the term “electric chair.” His statement then would read, “...let him deny himself, and take up his electric chair daily, and follow Me.” Now that’s an attention-getting statement. But what does it really mean?
Fortunately, we find the answer in the next verse. “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it” (Luke 9:24). True discipleship means the definite, deliberate, voluntary transfer of possession, control, and use of my total being (spirit, soul, and body) to the Lord Jesus Christ to Whom it rightfully belongs by creation and by redemption.
That, my friend, is motivation for living in the victory of the Cross of Jesus Christ.
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