Don't Run Away

Verse of the day: Jonah 4:2 And he prayed to the LORD, and said, I pray you, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before to Tarshish: for I knew that you are a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repent you of the evil.

I can no longer count the number of times that I have gone in the opposite direction from where the Lord was leading me to go. There are those times, for all of us, when we just do not want to take on the tasks we know God wants us to tackle. The problem with this is that every time we go away from what God desires to accomplish through us, we miss out on a great blessing. Too often, we tackle life from our perspective, instead of seeking God's perspective, on any given situation. Here, Jonah knowing who God is (gracious, merciful, slow to anger, kind), and knowing the possibility that God would forgive the people of Nineveh, who were known for their fierce wickedness, ran to Tarshish; in hopes that the people he was sent to minister to would instead be punished by God. However, that was not God's heart, and not God's plan. Needless to say, running away from God was futile. Ultimately, God got Jonah's attention, and he finally did what God called him to, with a supernatural outcome (an entire nation of people repenting, and turning to God). So today, I ask, are there any prejudices, grudges, or the like, that are keeping us from doing what we know God is calling us to? The fact is that in dealing with people, we will be offended, we will be hurt, and will suffer, in this lifetime. However, we are called to love others, as God loves us, and them. Too often, when we are bitter because of something someone has done to us, our bitterness increases when we see God's goodness toward that person. Who are we to judge who God chooses to show goodness to? This is where Jonah was. Instead of rejoicing about a whole nation repenting, and coming to God, he chose to ask God to kill him. God forbid, that we, as God's children, should ever become so bitter that we refuse to share God's love, and His Word, with those who desperately need it. Is there some task that we have been avoiding, knowing that God is calling us to it? It is not too late to turn and move in the direction that God is calling us to move in. When Jonah repented, God forgave him, and when he went to Nineveh, He used him greatly (in spite of his attitude). Let us not rob ourselves of the blessings God has for us, and those He wants us to serve, over a grudge or a prejudice. We are called to serve God, and people, in a way that will represent Jesus with honor and glory. If you do not know Jesus as your Savior, then, like the people of Nineveh, repent of your sinful ways, confess them to God, and ask Jesus to give you eternal life. Do it today, as we are not guaranteed tomorrow. If you already know Jesus, but have been moving away from Him, and what He has called you to; repent, confess it, and turn back to Him, and His calling on your life. If you are alive, and still breathing, it is not too late, and He still has a plan for your life (1 Cor 15:58).

True Repentance

Verse of the day: Luke 3:10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?

John the Baptist is preparing the way for the Messiah. In his message to the people he commands them to bring fruits worthy of repentance, as the people go to be baptized. As they encounter John, they ask him the question, "What shall we do then?" His answer to them, is still an applicable answer to us today when we find ourselves in a place of not just having to confess sin, but also repent of it. All to often we say that we have confessed our sin, and that is well and good, but my question to us today is, "Have we repented?" When asked what they should do, John the Baptist tells each group what they should to, regardless of what status they had in society (general public, publicans, soldiers, etc.); Luke 3:10-14. His answer ranged from giving to those who had a need (whether clothes or food), to being just, and fair, in the manner they collected money from the people, or being satisfied with their wages, and not being corrupt. In other words, he was telling them to show, by a change in the way they lived, and treated others, that they had truly repented. There should be evidence of a changed way of thinking, which was made obvious by their actions. You see, it is not enough to say that we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior. Along with our confession (Roman 10:13), their should be evidence that we have truly accepted Him, by showing the fruit of His salvation in our lives. That change will be evident when others see us forsake our old way of living, our old habits, our old way of treating others, and our old way of thinking when it comes to moral issues. This is also true of sins we wrestle with as believers. There should not just be a confession (which means seeing our sin as the Lord sees it), but it also means that we then show the fruit of our repentance, by forsaking the sin. For some this may be a process, and for some it may be instantaneous; however, we, who know the Lord, have the same Holy Spirit indwelling us, and the Word of God. We have Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world, sin, and death; and therefore, we too, in Him, have overcome. For those who may be trying to use Jesus as "fire insurance" alone, today, go before Him, and confess it, repent, and show fruits of that repentance by living a changed life. For those that have been holding on to that "pet" sin, today is the day to let go. Bring it to Jesus, and turn toward a life of righteousness, leaving that "pet" sin behind. We can say that we have confessed until Jesus comes back (or He takes us home), but the evidence of that will be seen in how we choose to live (whether for Him, or for ourselves and our sin). Remember, In Christ, we are free from the grasp of sin. Let us show the world that our Savior really is more powerful than anyone or anything on this earth, and can truly rescue us from a life that leads to condemnation, to life eternal.

Great Humility

Verse of the day: Mark 9:35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

The greatest Christians in God's family are those who are most humble. The Lord was our Ultimate Example of humility. Although He was God, He humbly submitted to His Father, and humbled Himself under the authority of man, even unto a cruel death (Phil 2:5-8). The world has a completely different idea about what is great, who is great, and how greatness is achieved. Greatness, in the world, is about exalting self. Its foundation is pride, and the path to it usually means the destruction of someone else's reputation, or life. It is about stepping all over others, and convincing others that we are better than anyone else, and worthy of praise and reward. In order to achieve greatness in the world, it calls for us to make such great sacrifices that it often costs us relationships, and even our own physical and mental health. All this to gain that which has no eternal value, and perishes with the world. Ultimately, when we die, we leave it all behind to those who did nothing to earn it, and will eventually waste it (Luke 12:20-21; 1 Tim 6:7). This is not so with God. The Lord Jesus told His disciples, and it still applies today, that in order to be the greatest, we must be the least. We must be willing to serve others; even as He did when He washed their feet, to include the feet of the one He knew would betray Him, Judas (John 13:11-17). Our attitude as Christians should be that nothing is beyond us in our service to Him; nothing is too lowly for us to perform in His Name. Serving God is about exalting Him, and in order to do that we must be willing to humble ourselves in serving both Him and others. It means that there will be times when someone may even try to take advantage of our kindness (our pride would say, "God forbid", and will keep us from doing what is right, and what we know He would have us do). We need to remember, that a person who does that to us will not get away with it, as God sees all. We must concern ourselves, more so, with what the Lord sees in our hearts when we serve Him, and do for others, for His sake, and the sake of the Gospel (Phil 2:3). The bottom line is that one act of humility, in service to our Lord, can open the door for an opportunity to share Jesus Christ with someone who desperately needs Him. In our humility, He will lift us up (Matt 18:4; James 4:10; 1 Pt 5:6).

Spirit of Worship

Verse of the day: John 4:24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Worship…I often hear Christians say, “I’m going to church to worship”. As God’s children we are told not to forsake corporate worship (Heb 10:25); however, we must be careful that we not fall into the trap of thinking that worship only takes place in the church building. Worship is what we should be doing 24 hours a day. Jesus, in having a conversation with the Samaritan woman, in John 4, told her that a time would come when we would worship God in spirit in truth. There was a time when God had established a worship system, for Israel, that involved ceremony and sacrifice. Today, we do not follow that sacrificial, ceremonial system. However, too many believers have been deceived into thinking that God is still interested in our religious rituals, and ceremonies. The problem with this approach is that too many are taking more care to perform rituals than taking care of what is in their hearts. Jesus was communicating that God is not interested in where we choose to worship Him; instead, He is more interested in what condition we are in on the inward parts when we worship Him (Ps 51:6; Heb 10:22). The only way that any of us can truly worship God in spirit and truth is via the help of the Holy Spirit, who knows the will of God (Rm 8:27). Outward rituals of worship are worthless before Him, if there is not sincerity, righteousness, holiness, and truthfulness, in the inward parts (which is only possible in Christ). True sacrificial worship is something that we do at all times, by offering Him the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and praise, regardless of what circumstances we are living in. Our circumstances should not dictate how we worship God. Instead, how we worship God should be what affects our response to our circumstances. God is not interested in our empty, religious rituals. He wants worship that is rooted in faith. He wants worship that is rooted in a genuine desire to live life in accordance to God’s truth (not our version of truth), as found in God’s Word (in the way we love Jesus, and others).

He Will Guard Us

Verse of the day: 2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

As born again believers, it is no secret that we have an enemy. Ephesians 6 is very clear that our enemy is not flesh and blood. Knowing this, the Lord has even given us Spiritual Armor (Eph 6:10-18) that would should be careful to prayerfully put on each day. Our enemy is no stranger at using men/women to do his bidding, and carry out his wicked deeds. However, we must remember that people are not our real enemies. It is people that we are called to win to Christ, but we will not do that if we see them as the enemy (instead, we will be consumed with vengeance); and this is the reason why it is so important to always be forgiving toward those who wrong us, and why it is important to obey Christ in loving those we see as our enemies. Sadly, the greatest mistake we make as Christians, when we read these verses, is to focus on the fact that we have an enemy. However, the real focus is, and should be, on the Lord. The focus should be on His protection, and the fact that our God is faithful to guard us from the enemy. In both this chapter, and the verses in Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul is asking for prayer that the Word of God would have free course; that they would not be hindered from sharing, and preaching the Word of God. This is the area where we will face the greatest opposition. When we witness to others, and share the Word of God (whether verbally or by our actions), our enemy will use wicked men/women to try and hinder us. This is why it is of utmost importance that we be in constant prayer, knowing that the Lord who called us will always be with us, and will be our Greatest Protection against our enemy. So, rather than focus on what the enemy can do, let us put our eyes on the One who indwells us, who is greater than the one that is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Fulfilling God's Law

Verse of the day: Rom 3:31 Do we then make the Law void through faith? Let it not be! But we establish the Law.

For us, the born again believer, we know that our salvation comes from putting our faith in the finished work of Jesus on the Cross. There is nothing we can do to earn salvation, as even our works of righteousness are like filthy rags to God (Is 64:6). We know that our works, in and of themselves, do not gain us any great favor with God, even as Christians, if done without faith as their basis (Heb 11:6). However, even though our eternal life is not earned by anything we have done, this does not make God's Law "null and void" in our lives. On the contrary, when we read, and study, the Law, it actually helps us to have a greater appreciation for God's salvation, and His amazing grace! It is the Law that brings us to the realization of how much we truly need the Lord in our life. It is the Law that brings us to the place where we realize how much we needed a Savior in order to get to Heaven. Salvation has not made the Law of no use. Does that mean that we have to set up a bunch of religious rules to follow in our lives, based on the Old Testament Law? No. Why? Because if we are truly saved, and are obediently living for Jesus, then we will, by virtue of obeying His commands, fulfill the Law. Galatians 5:14 tells us that when we love our neighbor, we fulfill the law. In Mark 12:29-31, the Lord tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves. When we do this, we are careful to obey the Word of God in respect to how we live for Him, and how we should treat others (as Jesus treated others). In doing so, we will do our best to avoid doing those things toward others that the Law instructed man not to do to each other, as outlined in the Old Testament. The bottom line is that all Scripture is profitable, not just the New Testament. So, even though we do not live by the Law, in loving God, and loving others (in our actions toward them), we fulfill God's Law.

What Are You Thinking?

Verse of the day: Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Regardless of how much we may try to conceal what we think, it eventually comes out, in some form, in the way we behave. The battle for our minds is a real battle. If we ponder and meditate on that which is negative, dishonest, and unrighteous, we eventually begin to cultivate a plan that will allow us to accomplish whatever it is we are thinking. We may not want to have an affair with a co-worker or someone we encounter on a regular basis, but if our thoughts toward that person are not pure, eventually we will find a way to get closer and allow our lustful thoughts to become actions that are sinfully fulfilled. After all is said and done we often regret our actions, and cannot figure out how we got there. Well, it began in our thought life. We camped on thoughts that should have been rebuked and given over to Jesus (2 Cor 10:4-6). This is why we are told in Romans 12:2 to not be conformed to that this world, but be transformed by renewing our minds. How do we do this? We do this by reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God. As born again believers, we have the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit, working in us to enable us, in the power of Christ, to change how we think. This verse in Philippians reminds us that we need to focus our thoughts on things that are sincere (in the words we speak), honest (being dignified in our actions), just (or just toward others), pure (this is in reference to our own actions and behavior), lovely (that which is lovable toward others; our neighbor), of good report (in reference to how people see us, and speak of us, as representatives of Jesus); whatever is ethical and others will praise (please note that our goal is not the praises of men; however, in doing what is praiseworthy before the Lord will sometimes earn us the praises of others). These are things we are supposed to be mindful of. Why? Is it simply to occupy our minds all day without a purpose? No. In verse 9 of this chapter the Apostle Paul instructs the church to do this, as they have seen him do this (as a living example; as he follows Jesus Christ). In other words, we are to think on these things in order to be prepared for the occasions when we will be given opportunity to practice them. In my days as a pastor, I have had occasions where Christians have said or done things, in my presence, that were less than honorable, and have apologized; only to have their spouse comment, “I told you that one day you were going to do/say something you shouldn’t, if you didn’t stop doing/saying _____.” The truth is that you cannot hide your thought life for long before your outward actions give you away. Meditate on those things that honor God, and that will lead to attitudes, words, and actions that will also honor God as a rule, and not an exception.

An Example To Follow

Verse of the day: Philippians 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.

What kind of example are we setting for others, whether in the church or without? We are going to be one of two types of Christians; the first is the one who does his/her best to live life for the Lord, and the other is the vain, and worldly, professing Christian who lives for the world and what it has to offer (Phil 3:18). Brothers and sisters, as true born again believers, we need to be the type of Christian that seeks after God, lives for the Lord, and sets an example that can be followed. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, the Apostle Paul tells the church to imitate him, as he is an imitator of Jesus. He was not seeking a following for himself, but was desiring that others would imitate Jesus, as he was a living example of what that looked like. We know that we fall short of God’s glory (Rm 3:23), and Jesus is the Glory of the Father (John 1:14). That being said, our primary Example for how we should live for God, and treat others, is Jesus. However, each of us, as we live for the Lord, can be a living example of what that looks like. That means that we need to take extra care in respect to our attitude, our words, our actions, and our deeds. We are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor 5:20). We are called to be salt and light in this dark world (Matt 5:13-16). In this chapter of Philippians, we are reminded that we are citizens of Heaven (v. 20), and that the end of those that choose to follow the ways of the world is destruction. There are many Christians who have gone after the riches, and offerings, of this world, who have ultimately destroyed their own lives, and their families in the process (1 Tim 6:10). In some cases the Lord has allowed their downfall in order to get them refocused on Him. Let us today not wait until we get to that place; instead, let us cherish an intimate, and obedient, life with Christ, and be the living example that He wants us to be, so that others will be drawn to Him, as we lift Him up in our lives.

Asking for Wisdom

Verse of the day: James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Sometimes, one of the greatest difficulties we experience in trials is the lack of wisdom in the way we respond, react, and attempt to resolve whatever challenge we are facing. All too often, even as Christians, we seek the easy solution (which is often the world’s solution), using worldly wisdom, only to find that we complicate our lives further. God admonishes us to avoid the counsel of the ungodly (Psalm 1), and seek wisdom from His Word. The world offers us quick, and often corrupt, solutions, which in reality are not solutions, but entanglements. However, for us, the children of God, our Heavenly Father tells us to come to Him. In this chapter of James, we are reminded that trials help us develop patience. It is in that period of working patience that we need to learn how to wait on God with godly wisdom; that wisdom is going to come from gaining a working knowledge of God’s Word (Prov 2:6). There are far too many Christians who have a head full of verses, and God’s truth; yet, when it comes to applying those truths to difficult situations, we all too often fall short. This is where we must be going to God for His guidance, through prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us in the application of God’s Word, and that, my brothers and sister, is applying practical, godly, wisdom. We have a God who wants us to go to Him, in Christ, seeking His wisdom; and unlike the response we get from people, God does not make fun of us, or scold us, when we are not sure which way to go. He does not mock us for having a head full of Bible knowledge with a lack of knowledge on how to apply it. Instead, He wants us to come to Him and ask Him how to apply His Word to our lives, so that we are doer of His Word, and not just hearers (James 1:22). Every day, most of us are faced with having to make decisions, whether in our personal lives or our professional lives. God is available to us every minute of every day to guide us in the ways of righteousness. Most of us own more than one Bible, and have no excuse for not being able to find the answers we need to steer us through life’s twists and turns. The bottom line is that we must trust God’s Word more than we trust the world’s ways, and our own understanding (Prov 3:5-6). Wisdom will teach us when to take a step, and when to be still. She will teach us when to speak (and what to speak), and when to muzzle our speech (Ps 39:1). However, it all begins with being in constant prayer and fellowship with God, reading His Word, studying His Word, and let us not forget more prayer (to ask Him for guidance in the practical application of His Word). What are we facing today that needs God’s wisdom applied to it? Let us go boldly before God’s throne of grace, and ask, for He will supply us with all the wisdom we will need to overcome whatever He allows us to face; all to the glory of God!

Taking A Long Walk With God

Verse of the day: Exodus 13:17 Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.”

Beware of shortcuts! In today’s society, many have become accustomed to having everything right away. If we want a meal, we can get fast food or use the microwave. If we want information; who has time to pick up a book and turn pages? We just get on our computers, laptops, tablets, or phones, and with one or two clicks find what we were looking for. More and more, society is coming up with ways to take shortcuts to accomplish whatever we set out to do. With God, this is not always the way. God works in His way, on His timetable, and all for good reasons; reasons that we are often completely clueless about. This was the case with the Israelites when God used Moses to lead them out of Egypt. There were things that God knew, and things that God wanted to show His people, that they did not know would be for their good. First, even though there was a shorter route to the Promise Land, God chose to take them the long way around. Why? Because He knew that they were not ready for the fight they would have encountered had they been led through the land of the Philistines. So it is with us today, when God is leading us, He already knows what we can, and cannot, endure on the path He has chosen for us (Ps 32:8). One of the biggest mistake that we can make in our walk with God is to think that we know better than Him in respect to which way we need to go or what course we need to take. We will face certain failure if we trust in our own wisdom, and understanding, over what our Omniscient God already knows (Prov 3:5-6). God had a greater purpose in bringing the Israelites via the longer route. In allowing Pharaoh to pursue them, and corner them at the edge of the Red Sea, they were given a great opportunity to see that God was with them, and protecting them; just as He is with us today (Heb 13:5). He demonstrated His great power over Pharaoh by not allowing Him or His army to come near to His people or cause them any harm. He (Pharaoh) no longer had that power to enslave them, as God shows us in Exodus, chapter 14. Today, when we call upon Jesus, and become one of God’s children, our bondage to sin, death, and Satan is broken, and we can never be enslaved again, unless we choose to be enslaved (Rm 6:16). Not only did they see God’s protection and power, but He was also trying to teach them, and we could learn from this as well, that there are times in our walk with the Lord when He simply wants us to be still and know that He is God over all (Ex 14:13; Ps 46:10). Trusting God to lead us on the right path takes faith. Imagine being the first person to have to step onto the dry land, between the two enormous walls of water, after God parted the Red Sea! We can read about it; praise God for it, but could we have honestly been the first one to take the first step, maybe being uncertain that those walls were not going to come crashing down on us? Well, that is exactly what the devils would want us to think so that we would hesitate or even refuse to take that first step of faith. You see, today, God is still in the business of doing the impossible so that it is possible for us to accomplish whatever He is leading us to do, and to live out the plan He has for our lives. However, in order for us to finish our race, God may choose to steer us away from some of life’s shortcuts, and take us the long way around so that we can see His power (up close and personal). He may choose the longer path to teach us to trust Him, so that we will learn how to truly live by faith (Rm 1:17; Gal 3:11). Today, we may feel like we are going nowhere fast, and may be getting impatient because God seems to be taking His time in allowing us to accomplish some things for Him or answer some prayer we think needs answering right this minute. Maybe God is trying to teach us to be still. Maybe He is trying to teach us to be patient, trust Him, and wait on Him. Taking a shortcut may rob us of the opportunity to have a “parting of the Red Sea” experience in our lives. Wait on God, trust that He knows the best route, slow down, and enjoy the fellowship; make the most of the long walk God may want to take you on. In the end, it is really about His glory, getting to know Him, and what He is capable of doing in our lives if we will just put our lives in His hands, by faith, and trust that He will never steer us down the wrong path (Jer 29:11).

God Will Not Be Mocked

Verse of the day: Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

"What goes around, comes around." How often have we heard that said when people treat us unfairly? Well, there is some truth to that statement when it comes to our relationship with the Lord. It is fairly easy for us to deceive ourselves, and other, in respect to our character, and who we want others to think we are. However, God's Word is very clear about the fact that we will all eventually reap what we have sown. God may remain silent as we build our facade, but He is fully aware of who we really are, and what is in our hearts; and He warns that some day He will rebuke the "pretenders", and set things in order (Ps 50:21). Too often God's patience and long suffering is misinterpreted, and wrongly taken advantage of. Like one who reaps the fruit of his harvest when he sows seed, so we too will eventually reap what we have sown; and just like it takes time for that sown seed to produce fruit, so our words, actions, and deeds, will eventually produce its fruit. There are those who, by their words, give the impression that they are followers of Jesus, but by their action they contradict their words. These are well known by the Lord, and their end will be to their own hurt, and destruction (Phil 3:19). There are those who are believers, who are backslidden, and have allowed themselves to be deceived into thinking that they can get away with their ungodly "secret" sins, that they hide from others, and justify to themselves, who will eventually find out that God is true to His Word that those things done in secret will be exposed publicly (Luke 12:2). The other side of this coin is that there are many of us that grow weary of doing what it right, and seemingly not seeing the results of doing the good works we are commanded to do, to show our trust and faith in the Lord. However, we must not tire from doing good. Yes, it may mean that people take advantage of us, and may even show an attitude of ungratefulness, but the Lord did not place conditions on our well doing. He reminded us that we are to do what we do knowing that He is the One who will ultimately reward us (Col 3:23-25). We are not to give up, but continue until we have finished our race (Gal 6:9; 2 Thess 3:13; 1 Tim 4:6-8). So today, let us take courage; for our Lord knows all things, and will reward in accordance to our works done in faith. He will repay those that do wrong, whether openly or in secret. Let us not grow weary in well doing, knowing that what we sow in the Spirit, we will also reap in the end when we receive our eternal rewards.

Rejoicing in Trials

Verse of the day: James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

Trials, difficulties, calamities, poverty, and any other types of tribulations are not meant as punishment for the follower of Jesus. These are allowed to come into the believer's life to test our faith. To show us where we are in our walk with the Lord, to show our weaknesses, and what areas we need to give over to the Lord. It is all part of the process of making us more like our Savior. When we choose to live for the Lord, we will undoubtedly face challenges, and persecution. However, we are told to rejoice, both in this verse, and Matthew 5:12, where we are reminded that there is reward for us in Heaven when we endure. Will testings come? Yes. If Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tested (Matt 4), then how are we to think that we will not be allowed to be tested? Just as Jesus' defense against testings was Scripture, so with us it is of utmost importance that we study, and learn, the Word of God, so that we respond to trials and testings properly. We are told to rejoice, and count it all joy. Trials are not easy to endure, and while in the midst of them it is not easy to be grateful; but in the end, they teach us patience, and how to respond in a godly way (with thanksgiving and praise). 1 Peter 1:6-7 reminds us that whatever we suffer here is only for a short while, and ultimately is more precious than gold; for in the end, there is reward that is more valuable than anything this world can offer. So, whatever we are going through now, will ultimately be for our benefit, and God's glory, as God tells us that all things always work together for good (Rm 8:28).

Do Unto Others

Verse of the day: Matthew 7:12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

This verse of Scripture is well known to many as "The Golden Rule". In a nutshell, it tells us to not do to others what we would hate for others to do to us. In its context, the first thing that is written in this chapter has to do with judging others. Too often, we cast judgment upon others, only to be hypocritical in our judgment. Too many Christians use Matthew 7:1 as a crutch to continue sinning or to push back when another brother or sister is trying to help them overcome a temptation or sinful situation. Sadly, the "push back" comes because of the well-meaning Christian's attitude in trying to help out the person who has sinned. In trying to correct an erring brother or sister, we sometimes come across as mean-spirited, and angry. This is the worst approach we can take in dealing with others (James 1:20); for it is not how God deals with us to turn us back to Himself. Romans 2:4 tells us that it is God's goodness that turns us back to repentance. We all have the ability to judge what is right or what is wrong, based on God's Word, but judgment for wrong doing has been given solely to the Lord (Romans 2:1; 1 Cor 4:1-5). Yes, I understand that sometimes we must put someone out of fellowship when they refuse to leave their sinful ways, as instructed in 1 Cor 5:3-5. However, no where in those Scriptures are we told to do it in a spirit of hate or self-righteousness. Just as God does not allow us to continue in sin, and deals with us in love; so are we to do the same. We need to first look inward, and approach others with the same love, and forgiveness God approaches us with, dealing in humility, and a goal of reconciliation (Gal 6:1-3). The other area Jesus addresses in this chapter of Matthew, in respect to doing to others, is the area of giving to others (Matt 7:7-11). When we pray, and ask God to meet our needs, He is faithful to give us what we need (and already knows what we need before we even ask). So, how can we, as His children, keep back from others in their time of need? What good is our faith if we have the ability to give, but hold back? Too often we have the means to help, but tell the person that we'll pray for them, without offering to help them ourselves. Our refusal to help another in need is an indication that our faith is weak; as we are to prove our faith, by what we are willing to do for others, as we trust God to take care of us, and our needs (James 2:14-18). The bottom line is that Jesus told us that we are to love our Lord with all that we are, and our neighbor as ourselves. With that in mind, we must really stop and consider how we treat others, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. When they stumble, do we add to their hurt? When they are in need, do we leave them in despair, even though God may want to use us to be the answer to their prayers? How would we want others to treat us when we stumble? How would we want others to be respond to us when we have a need? As representatives of Jesus, we sometimes give little thought to the consequences of our words, and actions. Let us stop, think, and ask ourselves, "Can I do or say this to the glory of God?" We are here, not to prove how good or holy we are. We are here to glorify God, and share and show Christ to others (both in word and deed).

Victory Over Temptation

Verse of the day: 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has taken you but what is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but with the temptation also will make a way to escape, so that you may be able to bear it.

My brothers and sisters, even though we may all be tempted in differing areas of our lives, none of us have been tempted by something that is unique to us alone. This is what God tells us. When we are tempted, we have not sinned. Sin occurs only when we give in to the temptation; for if temptation were sin, then our Savior would not be perfect, as He was led into the wilderness, by the Holy Spirit, to be tempted by Satan (Matt 4:1). It was because of this event in our Savior's life here on earth that He can relate to our being tempted (Heb 4:15-16), and why we can come boldly before His Throne of grace in our time of need. The bottom line is that with each temptation, God provides us a way of escape. However, we must also understand why we are tempted. Yes, the devils do put thoughts in our minds, but we do not have to entertain every thought. Instead, we should cast down those thoughts and bring them to the Lord (2 Cor 10:4-5). These verses in 2 Cor 10 are powerful verses to learn, recite in times of tempting thoughts, and putting them into practice. The truth is that we are drawn into temptation by our own desires, and we fall to sin because of our own lusts, and because we give into our wicked desires (James 1:13-15). Nonetheless, this verse of Scripture tells us that God provides a way of escape with each temptation, and 2 Pt 2:9 tells us that He delivers the godly out of temptation. Is temptation a struggle for each believer? Yes, it is. Do we have to give in? No, we do not. Will we stumble? Yes, we will. How do we deal with it? We take responsibility for our choices (note that I did not say "our mistakes", I said "our choices" because the majority of the time when we sin, we are making a choice). We must repent, confess, and get right with God (1 Jn 1:8-2:2). If we are honest, and make a true assessment of what happens right before we sin, we would have to admit that we were thinking about something that we should not have been thinking about, or hanging out in a place we should not have been at to begin with or been with someone (or a group) we should not have been with. We must not put ourselves in a place where we can be tempted. This is why it is important that we constantly stay in God's Word, thinking pure thoughts (Phil 4:8), thank Him continually (Eph 5:20), and remain obedient in His will (in accordance to His Word), so that when temptations come (and they will), we will be able to resist by drawing near to God (Jm 4:7-8). Like Jesus, when He was being tempted by Satan (Matt 4), our best weapon is Scripture; this is why we must hide it in our hearts (Psalm 119:11). Let us not forget that we are in a battle, but praise be to God that in Jesus we have victory! For if God be for us, who can be against us (Rm 8:31)?

Open Our Eyes

Verse of the day: Gen 21:19 And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went and filled the bottle with water, and gave drink to the boy.

Oh that the Lord would open our eyes so that we may see the grace that is available to us when we need it most! So often, we are so focused on our circumstances that we lose sight of the Living Water that sticks closer to us than a brother (Prv 18:24), and promised to never leave us nor forsake us (Heb 13:5). Hagar was distressed at that possibility that Ishmael would perish, along with dealing with the fact that she had been cast out (as a result of a choice made for her by Sarah, Abraham's wife, who gave her to him in order that they might have a child, in an attempt to make something come to pass that God had already promised He would do), and completely missed the fact that there was a supply of water nearby that she could use to help herself, and her son, survive. Just a side note that our decisions have consequences that affect others, sometimes adversely, as the case with Hagar. Before accepting Jesus Christ as Savior, we are all spiritually blind. The Holy Spirit will open our eyes to the truth of the Gospel, and convict us, to which we can choose to turn a blind eye to, but that would be to our condemnation (Jn 3:18). Once we have accepted Jesus' offer of eternal life, our eyes are then open to the truth found in God's Word. However, as God's children, we can sometimes be blind to the grace that is right before us when difficult times come (even as a result of our own bad choices) because we focus on the problem, rather than on the One who always has the answers we need. The Living Water, which is Jesus, is always available; as we are told that we can go boldly before the throne of grace in our time of need (Heb 4:16). Let us praise God that we have a High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, and who is always ready to give us what we need to be encouraged, and to be able to continue on in the race set before us. If today we find ourselves in a situation that is causing us to be in distress, let us stop, pray, and ask God to open our eyes to the Source (Jesus) of our strength, peace, and joy. Let us find rest, and refreshment, in our Living Water, and take our eyes off of our circumstances, putting them on the One who is greater than anything we can face in this lifetime.

Possible Impossibilities!

Verse of the day: Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

"Is any thing too hard for the Lord?" This is the question the Lord asked Sarah when she laughed in disbelief that she would conceive, and give birth to Isaac, the son promised to Abraham (Gen 18:14). Today, let us look at our own lives and ask ourselves the same question. What is going on in our lives today that we are waiting God to work in? Have we gotten discouraged, and given up on a situation, a family member, a desire to serve God in a certain way or waiting for healing (whether physical or emotional), and just cannot see how God can work in the circumstance(s)? We all experience this at some point in our walk with the Lord. However, it is those instances that we read, in Scripture, when God does the impossible in the life of one of His people, that we need to find the encouragement, and be reminded that God can do what is impossible for us to do. Here in the Book of Luke, the angel reminds Mary, the mother of Jesus, that her conceiving a child, and her barren cousin Elizabeth also bearing a child, is not beyond the realm of possibility with God. We later read (in the Gospels) the account of how she conceives by the Holy Spirit, and how Elizabeth also conceives and gives birth to John the Baptist. In the Old Testament, we not only have the account of Sarah conceiving, and giving birth to Isaac, but we also read the account of Hannah, who was also barren, but her womb was opened by God, and she conceived, and gave birth to Samuel. These are only a few examples of how God can make the impossible possible in the lives of His people. Lest we forget, did not God part the Red Sea for Moses and the Israelites when they were delivered from their bondage in Egypt (Ex 14:21-22)? Today, we serve the same God. Our Omnipotent God has not lost one ounce of His power, and desires to demonstrate that power through us; even if we have faith as small as a mustard seed (Matt 17:20). The Christian life is not a boring life, if we are living it by faith. Too often we live life based on what we think is possible, what we physically see or have experienced, thereby hindering God's desire to work miraculously on our behalf (Matt 13:58). We serve a faithful God who can do far beyond what we give Him credit for. We speak of His greatness, and His power, but sadly, and much too often, live as if situations we face on a daily basis are too hard for God to help us overcome, or too hard for Him to carry us through. Today, let us surrender our lives to God, give Him all our "impossibilities", and watch Him do the impossible (Matt 19:26). We must remove the boundaries we have built with our unbelief, and give God free reign in our lives to do the impossible; all for the glory of God.

True Freedom

Verse of the day: John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to the Jews who believed on Him, If you continue in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

What does it mean to be truly free? For most people it means being able to do whatever they want to do, based on whatever they deem to be right. However, being truly free can only come from having a real, and genuine, relationship with Jesus Christ. Until that happens, we are enslaved. We are enslaved to sin. We are enslaved to Satan, his lies, and his deceptions. We are enslaved to the grave, and eternal death (Hell, a place not created for man, but for the devil and his angels; Matt 25:41, and the Lake of Fire). When we choose unbelief, we choose to continue not being truly free, and the Bible tells us that we are choosing condemnation; thereby condemning ourselves (Jn 3:18); contrary to God's desire for us. He desires that none should perish, and that all should come to repentance (1 Pt 3:9). In this chapter of the Book of John, the Jews tried to argue with Jesus on the basis that they were free because they were of the seed of Abraham. Jesus was very clear that though they were the seed of Abraham, their actions, clearly demonstrated that they belonged to Satan (Jn 8:37-46). Because they belonged to Satan, they were not free at all. Today it is no different, and that truth still stands. Until we call upon Jesus, and accept eternal life, as He offers it, we are not truly free (John 3:3; 3:14-18). For those of us who have already accepted God's salvation in Christ, we are free from sin and condemnation (Rm 8:1). We are free from the grip of Satan's lies (the father of lies), and his deceptions (Rm 8:44). We are free from worry (Matt 6:25-34). We are free from the fear of the grave, and of eternal death (Heb 2:14; 1 Cor 15:54-56). Let us not make the mistake of thinking that we have been set free for the purpose of doing whatever we want. We have been set free in order that we might serve God, and worship Him, in spirit and truth (Jn 4:23-24). Jesus is Truth, and in Him is the only place that we will find truth, and it is this truth, if we live by it, that will enable us to live truly free in Christ. When we live in accordance to God's Word, we will avoid being entangled in the things of this world (2 Timothy 2:4), and will keep from allowing sin to enslave us once again; for who we choose to serve is who we will be a slave to (Rm 6:16-17). The bottom line is that we are free when we choose to live according to God's truth, and not our own twisted, and watered down, version of truth (which is not truth at all). Now that we are free, in Jesus, to serve God, how are we using that freedom? For our own selfish end, or God's glory? If you do not know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, then this one thing I know; you are in prison, and enslaved to sin, worry, the fear of death, the devils, this world system, and your own lustful desires. If you want freedom from all of that, you must call upon Jesus who died to give us eternal life, and set us free (John 3:16; Romans 10:13). Do not hesitate to call upon Him today (right now), for we are not guaranteed tomorrow, for tomorrow may be too late (James 4:14).

Merciful God

Verse of the day: Lamentations 3:22-23 Through the Lord ’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

Our successes or failures, our faithfulness or lack thereof, do not change who God is or His love, mercy, and grace toward us. This was the hope that Jeremiah had in writing this. He was confident in respect to God keeping His Word, as God's people were suffering great discipline for their sin, and their turning away from their God. The LORD had warned them that punishment would come should they turn from Him, and as He promised, it came to pass. Jeremiah, seeing this come to pass, as the Babylonians killed, imprisoned, and oppressed God's people, knew that God was a God of His Word. Just as the LORD was faithful in keeping His promise to punish them, Jeremiah knew from personal experience that God would be faithful to rescue, and redeem His people. Jeremiah himself, at one point, had been thrown into a cistern (filled with its mire) that was used as a prison, but was eventually rescued by the Lord. He knew that if God's people would turn back to God from their sin (that was like this mire filled cistern), He would rescue them from their sin, and their captivity. God's compassion is His love in action. There is no sin that is greater than God's compassion, love, mercy, and grace. However, let us not be deceived. When we sin, and find ourselves in the midst of the consequences of that sin(s), we must be willing to come under God's discipline and learn what it is that He is trying to teach us (Heb 12:5-13). Far too often we take God's compassion for granted or as permission to continue in sin. However, just as God promised Israel that chastening would come with continued sin, so chastening, and severe consequences, will come when we refuse to turn from sin. How do we respond to God's chastening? God's desire is not to destroy us, but to make us more like our Savior. Jesus has already done what was needed to save us from Hell, and eternal condemnation. He has provided the ultimate Sacrifice to pay the price for our sins (1 Jn 2:2). God forbid that we should continue in our sinful ways as His children. Rather than complain, get upset with God, or blame someone else for our own actions and choices, we need to take responsibility, repent, and confess our sins (not as we see them, but as God sees them). In the process of doing this, we should reflect on what it is that God wants from us (humility, self-control, patience, holiness, righteousness, and complete dependence on God). Do not let people (regardless of who they are) or Satan convince you that God has forsaken you when you sin. Know that God promised NEVER to leave us nor forsake us (Heb 13:5-6). Praise be to God that in Christ (and because of His righteousness) we are acceptable to the Father, and we are not consumed, as we deserve; but instead God's mercy in our lives is given to turn us to repentance (Rm 2:4), and bring us back to where we belong, in sweet fellowship with Jesus. So, if today you are far from God because of some sin in your life, repent, confess, and let Him accomplish what He is trying to accomplish with whatever form of discipline He has chosen for you. Know this, that our God is compassionate, merciful, and His mercies are truly new each day. If you are still here, and He has not called you home, then turn back to God and take hold of the mercy and grace He is offering. Come back home, learn, and let Him make you more like our Savior; for our God is faithful.

True Success

Verse of the day: Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

How do we define success? Sadly, too many born again believers still determine what success is, using the world's measuring stick. For this reason many have ruined their testimony, and have shipwrecked their faith (Prov 11:28;1 Tim6:9). Please do not misunderstand me. The Lord does allow some of His children to be rich in the material things of this world, but there are many who chase after it, resulting in material things and money become their gods; and we know that it is impossible to serve both God and money (Matt 6:24). There are those who go to the extreme, and say that money is the root of all evil (I have even heard Christians quote this as being scriptural). However, money is not evil, it is a necessity. It is the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil. 1 Tim 6:10 tells us that the love of money has been the source of many sorrows for those who love and covet it. What I am saying is that success before God has nothing to do with "who dies with the most toys". Success before God has more to do with who we become in Christ, how well we obeyed Him and His Word, and how faithfully we serve Him, by faith (Ps 37:16). There are many who have gone on into eternity with little or no earthly riches, but have gone to receive great riches that will last into eternity, where thief cannot steal or moth and rust cannot corrupt (Matt 6:20). It would do us well, as God's children, to be mindful of what the LORD said to Joshua in this verse (and chapter) when he was chosen to step in, and lead the Israelites, after the death of Moses. In this verse He tells Joshua that he will be prosperous if His Word is constantly on his lips, and he meditates on it day and night. Why? So that he will be careful to obey it. This is what the LORD says will lead to prosperity and wisdom. Now, let us not get all worked up or derailed about the word prosperity. There are too many today teaching falsely in respect to riches and prosperity. Being successful by the world's standard is not the same as being successful by God's standard. Just because a person gains the things of this world, it does not mean that they are spiritually mature or that they have a close intimate relationship with God. All too often it is the pursuit of the world's riches that draws people, even God's people, away from the Lord (Prov 10:2; Prov 11:4). Success before God has more to do with pursuing holiness, and righteousness; 1 Tim 6:10-11 (which can be obtained in Christ), rather than chasing after worldly treasures which are fleeting. What is greater than this world's riches? A good name (our reputation), humility, and the fear of the LORD (Prov 22:1 & 4). People, including Christians, will do whatever it takes to gain this world's treasures. They will cheat, lie, and destroy others, just to gain fleeting riches that cannot be taken with us when we die (1 Tim 6:7). Yet when it come to serving God, and being bold for the sake of the Gospel, too many shy away, and become silent, and just go along with the crowd. In verse 7 and 9 of this chapter God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. Why? Because when we strive to be successful in the eyes of God, by His standard, being obedient to His Word, and ways, we will face all kinds of opposition, even from those who identify themselves as our brothers and sisters in Christ. We must not fear being kind, loving others, and doing what is right, when everyone else says we should give someone a piece of our mind, ignore another's needs (look out for #1), or cut a corner here or there. It takes courage, and the fear of God, for us to stand up for what we believe in, and live in a way that will be rewarded when we finally give account to our Lord and Savior. The bottom line is that our focus should be on the things of God, and He will take care of whatever our needs are, and may even allow us to gain more than we expect or deserve (Matt 6:25-34).

Refusing to Revile

Verse of the day: 1 Peter 3:9-11 Never give back evil for evil, or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, giving blessing, knowing that you are called to this so that you might inherit blessing. 10 For he that wants to love life and to see good days, let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile. 11 Let him turn aside from evil and do good. Let him seek peace and pursue it.

Our Greatest Example of how to respond to evil was demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ. The Scriptures tell us that when He was reviled, He did not revile in return. He did not threaten, but instead gave Himself in obedience to His Father's will (1 Pt 2:23). For us, as human beings, that can be quite the challenge, but in Christ not impossible. The fact of the matter is that every day we deal with other people. We deal with selfishness, pride, conceit, just to name a few; and though we ourselves may sometimes suffer from some of these same things, we will constantly have to prayerfully remind ourselves of how God calls us to respond to the way other people treat us (whether it be a spouse, other family member, friend, co-worker, acquaintance, or stranger). It is very easy to lash out when people treat us with a lack of respect or treat us as if they are better than us. As God's children we will suffer criticism, and be mocked for our beliefs. People will speak lies about us, and even blame us for things that are really their own fault (because of their own choices), but will want to point the finger at us. Our first, and natural, inclination is to defend ourselves. However, let us be reminded that Jesus did not defend Himself when He was accused by false witnesses. We too are called to be silent during those moments, because God will plead our case, in His time. Vengeance belongs to Him. Instead, we are called to return good, and kindness. We are to refuse to speak evil, and use foul language in retaliation for the evil done to us; rather than curse we are to pray for them, and show them love. Again, not easy, but always possible in Christ. The bottom line is that when we react to others in the same way they treat us, we miss out on the blessing of being obedient to our Lord. As stated in verse 9, "giving blessing, knowing that you are called to this so that you might inherit blessing." What blessing? The blessing of seeing God work on, and change, the person's heart who wronged us (in His way, and His time). The blessing of knowing that we have a clear conscience before God for doing what is right before Him. The blessing of gaining eternal reward for doing right when we could have done wrong. The blessing of seeing what God does when we choose to be salt and light; trusting Him to be God in our lives. God calls us to be at peace with others, as much as is within us (Rm 12:18), and as long as we have done that, it is on the other person to be at peace with us. As long as we have done what we are supposed to do, the other will answer, ultimately, to God. Let us do all that we can to pursue peace, and trust our Lord for the results (no matter what it might look like to us). In the process, we may be surprised what we learn about ourselves, and how much we grow in maturity and our knowledge of Christ; and how much our peace and joy is increased. Do not let others take control of you by allowing them to plant bitterness in your heart. Let the peace of God, the love of God, keep bitterness from taking root, and show it by the way you respond (with love, grace, and goodness) to those who treat you unfairly or unkindly.

No Room For Division

Verse of the day: Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

The wicked man; God has much to say about him. As we study these verses, let us pray that none of us fall into this category as one of God's children. What the Lord describes for us here is what many of us used to be, but should no longer be as a follower of Jesus Christ (Eph 4:17-5:21). As New Testament believers, we are continually instructed to be a people of unity (1 Cor 12; Eph 4; Phil 2). Why? Because in Christ there is no division. In the body of Christ, even though we may have differing gift, talents, opinions, and personalities, we are called to serve together, in Christ, for the glory of God. Jesus told us that by our love for one another the world will know we belong to Him (Jn 13:35). Are there times when we can agree to disagree? Yes. Unless God says it is so or it is not so, we have room to agree or disagree. Our convictions are not Scripture or doctrine, but our convictions should come because of Scripture. With that said, our convictions may differ, and in that case we can agree to disagree, as long as we are not using our conviction(s) or liberties to justify sinful behavior. The bottom line is that the God of the Old Testament is still our God of the New Testament; therefore, when God says He hates something, and considers something an abomination, in the Old Testament, it still stands today. The list of things that God hates in these verses are very clear, and the one thing He despises above all is clear as well. Lying in general, pride, murder, a wicked heart, mischief, a person who tells lies about another. All these things God hates; but above all God despises, and loathes, when discord is sown among brethren. Why? Because in Christ there is unity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are One. In Christ we are called to be One with Him, and with one another. We are called to love one another, and forgive one another, even as God has, for Christ's sake (Eph 4:32). A brother or sister in Christ who displays the characteristics found here in Proverbs is one that needs to go before God confessing and repenting of such actions. As God's children we are new creatures (2 Cor 5:17), and therefore we must represent Jesus as such. One of the greatest forms of hypocrisy, and shame, that we, as Christians, can show the world is our inability to get along and be united in Christ. How are we to preach the Gospel of unity to a divisive, and devilish, world, when we refuse to get along as brothers and sister in Christ? Phil 2:3 tells us, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."

It Is Worth It

Verse of the day: 2 Timothy 1:8-9 Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God; 9 who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

In the Gospel of John, chapter 15, verse 20, Jesus told his disciples that they would suffer persecution because He was persecuted, and they were not greater than their Master. This still stands true today. During the time that the Apostle Paul wrote this to Timothy, Christians were being imprisoned for their belief in Jesus and the Gospel. At some point in his ministry, even Timothy was imprisoned (Heb 13:23). For many of us, we have not even come close to this type of persecution; yet, too many of us still shy away from the possibility of being rejected or persecuted for the cause of Christ. We avoid talking to family or friends for fear of what they might say or do. However, may I remind us that we have not been given a spirit of fear (2 Tim 1:7). Rather than shy away from persecution, we should welcome it, knowing that if we suffer for Christ's sake, we will be rewarded by Him (Matt 5:11). The Apostle Paul was reminding Timothy that the Gospel was worth suffering for. He also reminded him that he could endure suffering because of the power of God, which was also the power that saved us, who have already called upon Jesus as Lord and Savior (Rm 1:16). Aside from that, the suffering endured is nothing compared to the free gift of His salvation. How did we receive this free gift? Was it something special that we did? No. It was because of the love, and grace, of God. But let us not just rest there. Let us ponder why it was that we were given eternal life. We have been called. We have been called to holiness (1 Pt 1:13-15). We are called to serve Him. We do not call ourselves. For any man/woman who calls themselves will not last in His service, as the hardship this service involves can only be endured in the power of God, in Christ. Our works have no merit in gaining the salvation that has been freely given. May this serve as a reminder that we were not saved simply to be idle in our Christian life. We are to be living sacrifices to God (Rm 12:1). We are to live in accordance to His truth, and for His purposes. Too many Christians are trying to live Christianity on their own terms, living with Jesus as Savior, but refusing to let Him be Lord (mostly because they want to keep one foot in the world). Lastly, may we be reminded that long before any of us were born into this world, and long before we called upon Jesus, God had a plan for our lives (Jeremiah 1:5; Gal 1:15; Acts 9:15). The bottom line is that we cannot fulfill God's plan for our life without Jesus, and with that plan there will be a certain amount of suffering associated with it because we live in a world that opposes anything that is godly and involves the truths found in God's Word. The suffering we endure here is nothing in comparison to what God has in store for us when we go to be with Him (1 Pt 1:6-9). My brothers and sisters, whatever we are called to endure, we must endure as soldiers of Christ (2 Tim 2:3), knowing that in Him we will receive our reward (which is far better than anything this world can ever offer us). Be steadfast until the end, for the greatest victory has already been had in Christ, victory over death and the grave (1 Cor 15:55-58).

Our Testimony Counts

Verse of the day: Colossians 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one.

Some of us have heard the saying that "we are the only Bible some will ever read." In many instances, that is true. However, I find that often, as Christians, we are more careful about our behavior, and language, when we are in church with other believers, than when we are in public, or at work, with unbelievers. These versus are a good reminder for us that we need to use godly wisdom in dealing with the unsaved. "Them that are without" are those that have not professed Jesus as Savior. We are Christ's ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20). We are called to be light and salt on the earth (Matt 5:13-14). This means that our attitude, and behavior, should mirror that of our Lord and Savior. That means that our level of morality, and integrity, should be higher that what the world says is acceptable. It means that we measure our life by the truth of God's Word, and not by what the world says is "okay". We can be all thing to all men without compromising who we are in Jesus (1 Cor 9:19-23). In the world, the unsaved person cares nothing for how many verses we have committed to memory or how much doctrine we know. These things are great for our own personal growth in Jesus, but if we are not living godly lives, and treating others with the same love, kindness, compassion, and patience, as Jesus, being separate from the world's ways, we will be as hypocrites before those we are supposed to be winning to Christ. We cannot be known for being dishonest, mean-spirited, and speaking with foul language constantly, and expect the unsaved people around us to want to hear about our faith, and about our Lord Jesus. We cannot dismiss those who need our help or be a person of poor work ethic, and then expect the people who needed us or the unsaved that work with us to want to readily hear about our Righteous and Holy God. We cannot offer others something we claim is life changing when our lives looks no different than theirs. We must be a people who are known for getting things done, and done with honesty, and integrity. We must be known for our kindness, and language that is laced with grace, being polite, and well-mannered; not rude or discourteous. As salt improves the flavor of the food it is added to, so our presence should add flavor to the situation or conversation we are involved in. When a Christian behaves as he/she ought to, there will be no need to announce that we are different, for those around us will take notice of the difference (some will welcome it, while others will oppose it because it will expose their own dishonesty, immorality, and corruption). Nonetheless, we are called to live holy before God. When we take extra measure to do this, the Lord will certainly open doors of opportunities for us to share the Gospel message without hypocrisy. For this reason we must also always be ready to give and answer for what we believe and why we live as we do, as followers of Jesus Christ. Aside from speaking the Gospel, our life may be the only gospel others have ever seen, or ever will. Make it count for Jesus!

Turn Before It's Too Late

Verse of the day: Amos 5:14-15 Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live; and so Jehovah, the God of hosts, will be with you, as ye say. 15 Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish justice in the gate: it may be that Jehovah, the God of hosts, will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.

How easy it is to fall into the trap of going through religious rituals, and thinking that just being religious is pleasing to God. Too often, when times are good, and we have plenty, it is easy to become complacent in our relationship with the Lord. Even worse is when we live corrupt lives, but deceive ourselves into thinking that doing good works will cover up our acts of wickedness. This is where the Northern Kingdom found itself. It was a time of prosperity, but they were corrupt. They cared not for the poor, practiced idolatry, and their justice system was corrupt. They used their religious rituals, traditions, and customs, to cover up the fact that their outer display of religion was contrary to where their hearts were...far away from God. Amos was warning them of God's coming judgement; for they did not know that they were on the brink of their captivity, and enslavement, under the Assyrians. We must be careful that we not think that we are "okay" simply because God allows us to prosper. It is false thinking to assume God is pleased simply because He allows us, as His children, to experience His goodness; for the sun rises on both the evil, and the good, and He sends rain on the just and unjust (Matt 5:45) What He is trying to accomplish with His goodness is to turn us to repentance (Rm 2:4). Amos commands these deceived people to turn from evil, and seek good. However, they were not just to turn from evil, but they were to hate it. These verses are not just an encouragement to do good. They are a command given for complete reformation, not just of the individual, but the entire corrupt system. That command still stands today. It is not enough to cover up our wickedness with acts of good. God sees deep beneath our "religion", and goes right to the heart of the matter. It is not enough to just stop doing evil. We are to allow God to perform a complete overhaul, from the inside out. Just like Amos was boldly warning the Northern Kingdom of the coming judgement, so we today need to be mindful, and warning others, of the fact that all of us, whether saved or unsaved, will give account for our lives. The unsaved must give account for their sins, and be punished, so turn to Jesus, and call on Him, before it is too late! We, as His children, though we are not condemned (Rm 8:1), still have great responsibility, and accountability, for the way we live for Him. We are not excused from living righteous, and holy, lives. We will be accountable for how we serve our Lord, and represent Him, here on earth. For us, there will be either gain or loss of reward, base on how we have built our lives on the Foundation that is Jesus (1 Cor 3:11-15). Let us not forget that as His children, when we choose evil, regardless of how much of the world's riches He allows us to have, we will not escape the chastening of our Heavenly Father (Heb 12:3-11). That chastening could come in the form of loosing all that He has allowed us to gain. In the blink of an eye, we could lose it all. This was where the Northern Kingdom eventually found itself. The wealthiest of God's people found themselves with nothing, poor as those they neglected, and slaves to the Assyrians. Let us not wink at God's warning. Be grateful for His goodness, and let His goodness drive us to repentance. Let draw near to God, purify our hearts (James 4:8), turn from our wicked way, and allow God to show us where we need reformation so that our outward good works come from a heart that desires, and strives, to be right with God first.

Prepare Your Mind

Verse of the day: 1Peter 1:13 Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober, and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Our mind is a battlefield. The enemy desires to control it, and cause us to self-destruct in our thinking. What we believe is of utmost importance in relation to how we live. This is why we are told in Romans 12:1-2 to renew our minds. We are not to be conformed to the world's way of thinking, but allow God's truth to change the way we think. In 2 Cor 5:17 we are told that, in Christ, we are a new creation. We are made new from the inside out. In verse 16 of that chapter we are reminded that at one time, before we called upon Jesus Christ, we thought of God, and man, in a certain way (worldly), but now, as His children, we think of God, and man, differently in light of what we know about Jesus and the truth found in His Word (heavenly). In Eph 6:14, the Scriptures tell us to gird our loins with the truth. This is where too many Christians fall short in their attempts to grow in their knowledge of Jesus. Rather than rely on the Word of God to learn who He is, and learn what truth is, too many still rely on self-help books, and motivational books. I do praise God for the godly men He has used, as commentators, to help us have a better understanding or perspective, but the bottom line is that God has provided us with everything we need to grow in our faith; that is His Word and the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:13) who will guide us into all truth. As we learn the truth, and change the way we think, we will grow in our trust of the Lord. When difficulties arise, we will learn not to default to worldly thinking, and seeking worldly solutions. The truth of God is what will give us the balance needed in our Christian walk. In days of old, the people wore loose clothing, and girded them in order to be to run or move quickly, when the occasions arose. When we gird our minds with the truth (God's truth) we will always be ready for what comes our way. Not that we will not be caught by surprise, but we will always be confident that our God is never surprised; therefore, we will more readily bring our concerns to Him in prayer and supplication, thereby receiving the peace of God that passes all understanding (Phil 4:6), and falling into the "worry" trap. The truth of His Word is what cements us in the hope that we have in our God. Brothers and sisters, let us not be deceived into thinking that we have no need to be in His Word continually, just because we have grown in our walk, and have committed a few verses to memory. That is exactly what our enemy wants us to think. We must remain watchful, and anticipate Jesus' return. It is this hope, and anticipation, that should drive us to live holy lives, as Peter encourages us to do. We are to be holy, even as our Lord is holy (v.16). Let us fight the good fight, continue to seek God without fainting, and committing ourselves to the continual reading and studying of God's Word. His truth is the only thing that will put a strong, impenetrable barrier around the battlefield, which is our mind.

Imitators of God

Verse of the day: Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

I am sure that many of us have heard this question before... If you were charged with being a born again Christian, would there be enough evidence in your life to convict you? I believe many of us would be ready to proclaim that there would be, but the real answer would be determined by what God, and others, see. Why? Because we generally do not see, of ourselves, what God, and others, see of us. That truly is a humbling thought. We are exhorted to be imitators (followers) of God. Like children who want to imitate, and be like their fathers, we ought to desire, and make great efforts, to be like our Heavenly Father. As God is kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving (Eph 4:32), so ought we to be the same. Too often, we get the whole concept of being like God backwards. We encounter others regularly, but we let the other person's attitude or actions determine whether or not we respond in love. That is not what our God does. He begins with love, and already knows about our bad attitudes, and wicked, sinful, actions; yet He still loves us, and demonstrates it by the way He responds, and deals with us, daily. That is what we, as His children, should be doing in our approach to life, and others. We must allow the love of God move us, and be the determining factor in our response to others. Who the other person is should not be the determining factor in our behavior toward them; for even if it is an enemy, we are to show them love (Mt 5:44-47). If we love only those who love us, how are we different from the world? How are we imitating God when He loved us, even when we were His enemies (Rm 5:8)? This is the love, and lifestyle, which Jesus demonstrated toward us. His actions toward us are based on His love, and not our actions toward Him. How great His grace! As He gave Himself for us, and sacrificed Himself for our sake, in obedience to His Father's will, so we are to be in our imitation of our Lord, willing to love, and take up our cross daily (Mt 16:25). The bottom line is that, in Jesus, we are an acceptable sweet-smelling savour (2 Cor 2:15). Our God is love (1 Jn 4:16), and we are called to love one another, even as He has loved us; for by this the world will know that we belong to Him, and that we are His disciples (Jn 13:35). The Apostle Paul encouraged the church to be followers of him, as he was a follower of Christ (1 Cor 11:1). If those who observe us in our every day lives were to follow us, who would they be following, us, the devil, or Jesus? As we desire for our earthly children to imitate us in our faith, and love of the Lord, so our Heavenly Father wants us to imitate Him. Would those who imitate us be imitating our Father? I ask again... Would there be enough evidence in our lives to convict us of being true followers or imitators of our Father in Heaven or our Lord and Savior?

The Refiner's Fire

Verse of the day: Malachi 3:2-3 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appears? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: 3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the LORD an offering in righteousness.

If we were to be honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that not one of us would be able to stand (in and of ourselves) if Jesus appeared before us at this moment (Ps 103:3). Our Lord, and His Word are a Refining Fire, that burns through us, and exposes our facades, to show who we really are (Heb 4:12; Jer 23:29). As God's children, we should praise Him for the fact that Jesus' righteousness is what allows us to stand before Him (Lk 21:35-36). Like a refiner of fine metals, the Lord purifies us with the Fire of His Word. Interestingly, the refining process is one that is painful, and precise. The refiner heats the metal to a temperature hot enough to bring the dross (impurities) to the surface, in order to purify the metal. However, he intently monitors the temperature so as to not overheat the metal, so that it is not ruined. Once the metal is purified, it is then polished until the refiner can see his own reflection in it. This is our Lord Jesus, who allows the heat to be turned up in our lives in order to bring out the dross, or impurities, that He went to the Cross for (1 John 2:2), and continues that process until He can see Himself in us. He brings it all to the surface to make us aware of what is there, as He purifies us. The fuller's soap was used to make stained garments white. The Lord, by His Blood, has washed us, and made us white as snow (Ps 51:7; 1 Jn 1:9). One day we will all stand before Him, and as a Refining Fire He will judge our works, and what we did in His Name (1 Cor 3:12-13). I say all this to say that whatever difficulties we face in our walk with Him, we must faithfully endure, and ask ourselves, "What is God trying to teach me about myself, and Him, in allowing this?" We must trust that every trial, and every challenge, has been allowed for the purpose of purging us of some attitude, habit, or hidden sin, that God wants to bring to the surface, that He might purge it from our lives. For this reason it is of utmost importance that we maintain a daily routine of reading and studying His Word. We must continually allow God to show us what is in our hearts, that we may be continually confessing, and repenting of, those things He shows us that do not belong in the lives of His followers. I should also remind us at this point that the Lord does not just purge us from within, but He also uses this process to purge us from without in respect to relationships that ruin our walk with Him. The Scripture is very clear that corrupt company also corrupts our life (the way that we live, 1 Cor 15:33). There does come a time in our walk with the Lord when we must forsake certain relationships that corrupt us (companions that lead us to do that which is wicked or immoral before God). The one comfort we have is that regardless of how long we are in the furnace of life or how hot He has to turn up the heat, like a Refiner, He is with us, intently watching, so that we are not ruined in the purifying process.The bottom line is that God began a process of changing us, and making us more like His Son, who came and sacrificed Himself for us. Let us not make this sacrifice of no affect in our lives. Let us not resist what God is trying to do in our lives to make us more like Jesus. Let us intently seek to give up those impure habits, attitudes, sins, and companions, that the Lord is trying to purge from our lives. Remember, some day Jesus will return, and unlike His first coming, His second coming will be one of us giving an account of the lives we lived for Him here on earth. Our desire is to hear those words spoken in the Gospel, "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Mt 25:23).