“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’” Matthew 7:21-23
In Saturday morning cartoons, you probably have seen the clever coyote trying to sneak into the sheep field dressed in a sheep costume. He tip-toes around fooling many of the sheep and thinks he is perfectly disguised. But every time, the sheepdog pitches him out of the pasture.
Sometimes this amusing scene is uncomfortably close to real life. Jesus warned the disciples, “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 7:15
A false prophet is someone who is one thing on the outside and another on the inside. False prophets very often dress themselves in good deeds. Some are treacherous and are out to deceive, while others will be genuinely surprised when they find out their meritorious works are insufficient to save them. Matt 7:22-23
Outward appearance is not a reliable indicator of a relationship with the Lord. Does this mean that good works do not count? No. When you know Jesus as your Savior, good works are the result as the Holy Spirit changes your life and behavior.
Don’t be fooled by anyone who tells you that service for God will get you to heaven. Trusting Jesus is the only way, and His good work is for real.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Appearances are Deceiving
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philip. 2:5-11
Usually when you think of a lord or a great ruler, you envision a person of great power, with commanding presence and dignified bearing.
He lives in magnificent wealth and runs his vast household and business affairs with unquestioned authority. Everyone gives him glory and reveres the very ground he walks on.
This wasn’t so with the Lord Jesus. In fact, the very opposite was true. Jesus gave up the grandeur of heaven - veiling His glory in the flesh of a human being - in order to live with us for a time on earth.
Born in a lowly cattle stall, Jesus did not live the soft life. He learned carpentry and earned a working man’s wage, never knowing the comforts of the contemporary Roman rulers. And though many acknowledged Him as Savior, Jesus certainly never enjoyed the popularity and honor that are His due.
Finally, He hung naked and bleeding on a crude cross like a common criminal. Was this a picture of a reigning, sovereign Lord?
Absolutely. Appearances here were certainly deceiving.
Three days later, He rose again. Someday everyone will see the true picture and worship Him as Almighty God. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will pronounce Him the King of Kings.
Usually when you think of a lord or a great ruler, you envision a person of great power, with commanding presence and dignified bearing.
He lives in magnificent wealth and runs his vast household and business affairs with unquestioned authority. Everyone gives him glory and reveres the very ground he walks on.
This wasn’t so with the Lord Jesus. In fact, the very opposite was true. Jesus gave up the grandeur of heaven - veiling His glory in the flesh of a human being - in order to live with us for a time on earth.
Born in a lowly cattle stall, Jesus did not live the soft life. He learned carpentry and earned a working man’s wage, never knowing the comforts of the contemporary Roman rulers. And though many acknowledged Him as Savior, Jesus certainly never enjoyed the popularity and honor that are His due.
Finally, He hung naked and bleeding on a crude cross like a common criminal. Was this a picture of a reigning, sovereign Lord?
Absolutely. Appearances here were certainly deceiving.
Three days later, He rose again. Someday everyone will see the true picture and worship Him as Almighty God. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will pronounce Him the King of Kings.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
A Godly Influence
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
She had tried desperately to get through to the young woman, but nothing seemed to work. Years had been spent in prayer, asking God to save her friend. However, the young woman appeared even farther away from God now than in the beginning.
Then came the answer to her prayers. One evening as her marriage was falling apart, the young woman asked Jesus Christ to come into her heart. Later when asked who was responsible for her becoming a Christian, she replied: “It was my friend’s influence. She has always accepted me. She never condoned my sin, but never failed to show me the love of Jesus Christ.”
What a testimony to God! There may be times when “hanging in there” with a person is the hardest thing you will ever do. But that is what Jesus does and what He calls us to do. Of course, there are other times when all you can do is pray, and that is enough.
Being a godly influence requires conviction in the principles of God, an unwavering commitment to obey Him, and courage to influence others for His Son.
Don’t give up on the person you are praying for. This woman didn’t, and today her friend is in full-time Christian service.
She had tried desperately to get through to the young woman, but nothing seemed to work. Years had been spent in prayer, asking God to save her friend. However, the young woman appeared even farther away from God now than in the beginning.
Then came the answer to her prayers. One evening as her marriage was falling apart, the young woman asked Jesus Christ to come into her heart. Later when asked who was responsible for her becoming a Christian, she replied: “It was my friend’s influence. She has always accepted me. She never condoned my sin, but never failed to show me the love of Jesus Christ.”
What a testimony to God! There may be times when “hanging in there” with a person is the hardest thing you will ever do. But that is what Jesus does and what He calls us to do. Of course, there are other times when all you can do is pray, and that is enough.
Being a godly influence requires conviction in the principles of God, an unwavering commitment to obey Him, and courage to influence others for His Son.
Don’t give up on the person you are praying for. This woman didn’t, and today her friend is in full-time Christian service.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Power from On High
“And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49
Luke tells the story of the two people on their way to Emmaus after the crucifixion. They were greatly dismayed and discouraged in what seemed to be the end of their dreams. They had thought Jesus would free Israel from Roman rule. Now that He was dead, all hope appeared lost until their eyes were dramatically opened by the risen Savior.
All of us have known the crushing feeling of disappointment. Especially when we think God is leading us a certain way and things turn out differently. However, the death of Jesus Christ was not an ending but a wondrous beginning. His disciples as yet had not been empowered with the Spirit of God. Therefore, their spiritual perspective was limited.
No one, including the disciples, could grasp the power available to them until after Pentecost had come. Only then were Christ’s followers fully clothed with power from on high.
The powerful message of the resurrection is that God now inhabits the hearts of His people through the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit.
The next time you feel doubtful or discouraged, remember the power given to you by God through His Son. It is overcoming power from on high, and it is given to every person who places their faith in Jesus Christ.
Luke tells the story of the two people on their way to Emmaus after the crucifixion. They were greatly dismayed and discouraged in what seemed to be the end of their dreams. They had thought Jesus would free Israel from Roman rule. Now that He was dead, all hope appeared lost until their eyes were dramatically opened by the risen Savior.
All of us have known the crushing feeling of disappointment. Especially when we think God is leading us a certain way and things turn out differently. However, the death of Jesus Christ was not an ending but a wondrous beginning. His disciples as yet had not been empowered with the Spirit of God. Therefore, their spiritual perspective was limited.
No one, including the disciples, could grasp the power available to them until after Pentecost had come. Only then were Christ’s followers fully clothed with power from on high.
The powerful message of the resurrection is that God now inhabits the hearts of His people through the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit.
The next time you feel doubtful or discouraged, remember the power given to you by God through His Son. It is overcoming power from on high, and it is given to every person who places their faith in Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Be Strong...
“Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
As the boat carrying the Lord and His disciples landed on the shores of Gerasene, a young man with a demonic spirit approached Jesus. He bowed down before the Lord and said: “What do I have to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!” Mark 5:7
We live in a world directly under the influence of Satan. Many people, and surprisingly many Christians, avoid acknowledging the enemy’s presence in our world. However, they have no real explanation for the violence and hatred that plague our society.
Jesus wanted the disciples to make no mistake by disregarding Satan’s activities. He is a strong and powerful adversary, but he is powerless in the presence of the Son of God.
Christ immediately took authority over the unclean spirit and commanded it to leave the young man. Because the Holy Spirit abides within us, we are given authority over demonic powers - not by our own authority, but by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Refuse to give Satan even an inch of space by asking Jesus to give you a deep desire for His righteousness. If you have fallen to temptation, accept God’s forgiveness and determine to resist the devil in God’s authority the next time.
As the boat carrying the Lord and His disciples landed on the shores of Gerasene, a young man with a demonic spirit approached Jesus. He bowed down before the Lord and said: “What do I have to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!” Mark 5:7
We live in a world directly under the influence of Satan. Many people, and surprisingly many Christians, avoid acknowledging the enemy’s presence in our world. However, they have no real explanation for the violence and hatred that plague our society.
Jesus wanted the disciples to make no mistake by disregarding Satan’s activities. He is a strong and powerful adversary, but he is powerless in the presence of the Son of God.
Christ immediately took authority over the unclean spirit and commanded it to leave the young man. Because the Holy Spirit abides within us, we are given authority over demonic powers - not by our own authority, but by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Refuse to give Satan even an inch of space by asking Jesus to give you a deep desire for His righteousness. If you have fallen to temptation, accept God’s forgiveness and determine to resist the devil in God’s authority the next time.
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Test of Faith
“And He Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’ And being aroused, He rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Hush, be still.’ And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them, ‘Why are you so timid? How is it that you have no faith?’” Mark 4:38-40
The disciples had been with Jesus less than a year the first time He allowed their faith to be severely tested. “And on that day, when evening had come, He said to them, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’ And leaving the multitude, they took Him along with them, just as He was, in the boat; and other boats were with Him. And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. And [Jesus] Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion...’” Mark 4:35-38
According to Mark 4:30-32, Jesus had just finished teaching about faith. He had carefully explained how even the smallest amount of faith, once exercised, became a powerful tool in the heart of the believer.
As the storm clouds gathered and the waves rose in response to the wind, the disciples became fearful. The blessing of God in this situation was that Christ Himself was in the stern of the boat. His presence was all they needed for protection.
Faith must be tested. One of the greatest blessings we have is that Jesus promises never to leave us. Whatever you are facing, He is in it with you. You are not alone. Trust Him and He will calm you in the storm.
Remember - Blessings are an expression of God’s attributes, character, and nature.
The disciples had been with Jesus less than a year the first time He allowed their faith to be severely tested. “And on that day, when evening had come, He said to them, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’ And leaving the multitude, they took Him along with them, just as He was, in the boat; and other boats were with Him. And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. And [Jesus] Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion...’” Mark 4:35-38
According to Mark 4:30-32, Jesus had just finished teaching about faith. He had carefully explained how even the smallest amount of faith, once exercised, became a powerful tool in the heart of the believer.
As the storm clouds gathered and the waves rose in response to the wind, the disciples became fearful. The blessing of God in this situation was that Christ Himself was in the stern of the boat. His presence was all they needed for protection.
Faith must be tested. One of the greatest blessings we have is that Jesus promises never to leave us. Whatever you are facing, He is in it with you. You are not alone. Trust Him and He will calm you in the storm.
Remember - Blessings are an expression of God’s attributes, character, and nature.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Not a Slave...a Son!
“But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4:4-7
Before we can fully understand Paul’s definition of our adoption into God’s family, we must first understand the promise of God to redeem mankind. By yielding to Satan’s temptation, Adam and Eve gave the enemy opportunity to apply his fingerprints to God’s creation.
When Satan had worked his evil deed, they were left to struggle with new invaders - sin and fear of the presence of God. This was something they had never known before the Fall. In gaining the knowledge of good and evil, they lost their innocence and surety in God.
Yet in His sovereignty, God made a mockery of Satan’s ploy. Even before dealing with Adam and Eve’s sin, He turned to the serpent and pronounced his ending.
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.” Genesis 3:15
This is our first glimpse of the coming of Christ. From this point on, God set in motion His plan to reestablish man’s rightful relationship to Him.
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of that plan. He dealt a fatal blow to Satan in His resurrection - and through our faith in Him, we again become part of His family.
Before we can fully understand Paul’s definition of our adoption into God’s family, we must first understand the promise of God to redeem mankind. By yielding to Satan’s temptation, Adam and Eve gave the enemy opportunity to apply his fingerprints to God’s creation.
When Satan had worked his evil deed, they were left to struggle with new invaders - sin and fear of the presence of God. This was something they had never known before the Fall. In gaining the knowledge of good and evil, they lost their innocence and surety in God.
Yet in His sovereignty, God made a mockery of Satan’s ploy. Even before dealing with Adam and Eve’s sin, He turned to the serpent and pronounced his ending.
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.” Genesis 3:15
This is our first glimpse of the coming of Christ. From this point on, God set in motion His plan to reestablish man’s rightful relationship to Him.
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of that plan. He dealt a fatal blow to Satan in His resurrection - and through our faith in Him, we again become part of His family.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)