Do Not Relinquish Your Shield

Verse of the Day: Hebrews 10:35-36 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

Today’s verses are a reminder that we must not be discouraged by the things we see unfolding around us (whether in our personal lives or around the world). The writer of Hebrews is encouraging his brothers and sister to stand fast in their faith. He reminded them of all they had suffered after choosing to follow the Lord. He also reminded them of how they stood by him as he served them, and the Lord, even in persecution. The fact of the matter is that following Jesus will always involve self-denial, taking up our cross daily, and enduring mocking and persecution amongst family, friends, co-workers, and unbelievers in general. Some Christians, depending on where they live, may also suffer martyrdom for the cause of Christ. However, we are reminded today that we are to endure through all that is allowed and not cast away our “boldness” (the word used in these verses is “confidence”). In other words, we must stand fast in our faith and never back down when we face persecution for what we believe. We are to continue boldly in prayer and service to our God, even when discouragements comes (and they will). There are so many circumstances that the devils want to use to discourage us, but God will use them to build our faith, and our patience, as we wait for the promise of His coming to be fulfilled (Hag 2:6; 1 Pet 1:6; 5:10); for with His coming will also come our heavenly rewards (Matt 16:27; 1 Cor 3:8; Rev 22:12). In the next couple of verses (36-37) the writer reminds the readers of the promise made, that God will return, and His return will be soon. Therefore we must live by faith, and not back down, for a lack of faith in following, and serving, God is unpleasing to Him; for we know that without faith we cannot please Him (Heb 11:6). For the Greeks it was a disgraceful thing to lose or put down their shield during battle (punishable by death). So it is with us, as followers of Jesus; to put down our shield of faith is to say that we do not trust God to get us through those times of discouragement. We are to move forward, in boldness, holding up our shield of faith, knowing that only by faith can we be pleasing to God. The shield of times past we designed as such that an army could lock shields side by side and march forward. What a wonderful picture of what we, as soldiers in God’s army, should be doing. Encouraging each other, picking each other up, and marching together for a common cause, the spreading of the Gospel and honoring the Lord with our lives (Heb 10:19-25). Whatever we may be going through today, let us boldly go before the throne of grace and ask for help we need (Heb 4:16), knowing that whatever we endure will be rewarded when we stand before the Lord (2 Cor 5:10). Even if His coming is delayed, we know that to be absent from this body is to be present with Him (2 Cor 5:6-8). Either way, we win. For in Christ, we are already victorious (John 16:33).

Life can certainly be discouraging. Without Jesus life truly is hopeless because all we have to look forward to is eternal condemnation. However, that does not have to be the case. We can choose to have hope by choosing to call upon Jesus. God gave us His Son, who died for each of us (John 3:16), and now wants us to trust Him for eternal life (Rom 6:23). Trust Him, repent, confess you sins, call upon Him by faith, and have the hope that you will need to deal with life’s discouragements, knowing that your final destination will be eternity with God (Rom 10:13).

“Love-sealed” Lips

Verse of the day: Proverbs 17:9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

1 Corinthians 13 outlines for us the characteristics of true love; some of these are that love suffers long, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, and endures all things (this is only a short list from chapter 13). I specifically point these out because they are the ones we need to remember so that we avoid provoking scandals, and gossiping about the transgressions of others, as reminded by today’s verse. We have a good example of what this looks like, in the life of Noah. In Genesis 9, Noah, after coming off of the ark, planted a vineyard. However, the atmosphere had changed after the flood, and upon taking of the grapes (wine) he had grown, he became drunk. As a result of being drunk, he was naked, and his son Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his nakedness and told his brothers, Shem, and Japheth. The two brothers then went into their father’s tent, and walking backward, as to not see his nakedness, covered their father. Shem and Japheth are a great example of those who seek love by covering another’s transgressions. Ham, on the other hand, is a picture of the typical person who gossips, and creates scandal by repeating the transgressions of another. Because of what Ham did, when Noah woke up and knew what had been done, he cursed Canaan, who appears to have had a part in this lack of discretion. Noah curses Canaan by name, and not Ham, so that it is clear that the curse was specific to the lineage of Canaan, and not any other sons that Ham might have afterward (being understood that Ham was included in Noah’s statement as well). Nonetheless, it is this very example that should serve as a warning to us that we need to be careful about what we say in respect to other people’s transgressions, especially amongst God’s people. We need to be reminded that when a brother, or sister, stumble, our response should be one of attempting to reconcile that person back into fellowship with God and His children (Gal 6:1-3). Today’s verse is also speaking of a matter that has been resolved; one that has been repented of, confessed, and forgiven. In other words, “once it’s done, it’s done”. We are in no way being instructed to minimize sin or allow justification for sinful behavior. For there will be occasions when we will learn of someone’s sin and be the only one to know. If we then go to that brother/sister and they repent and get things right, even if the offense is against us, our duty is to forgive and not talk about the offense to anyone else, or to bring it up the next time there is another offense. We are to forgive, as God forgave us in Christ (Eph 4:32). If we fail to seek love in such matters, the end result will be broken relationships. It can cost the friendship between two people, or more, that we may know, or it could divide us from our own best friend(s), and damage precious fellowship within God’s family. This is not what the world needs to see of God’s people. On the contrary, Jesus said that if we love one another as He has loved us, the world will know we are His disciples (John 13:34-35). Let us do all that we can to show one another the kind of mercy and grace given to us.

Note: If the transgression(s) is/are such that it is known by many, and potentially affects the church body, and the party(ies) refuses to repent, confess, and correct the offense, then there is a biblical avenue for dealing with such a one (Matt 18; 1 Cor 5).

The greatest act of love the covered the greatest number of transgressions took place on Calvary. Jesus, save many of us that transgressed in ways that no one but God knows. When He gave us eternal life, He did not broadcast our sins to the world. Instead, He quietly gave us life eternal, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and now we are called to tell others about God’s love and goodness. Call upon Jesus, and receive eternal life by repenting of, confessing your sins, and accepting His free gift of salvation, by faith (Rom 6:23; 10:9; 13).

No Excuse for Compromise

Verse of the day: Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

There are many excuses that we can come up, and use, to justify compromising our faith. I’ll say up front that there is no valid excuse, and when we do compromise our faith, we are doing so by choice. We all have different convictions, and that is fine, if those convictions are based on God’s Word, and not pushed on someone else with different convictions. However, there are black and white truths that ought not to be compromised. Daniel was just one example of a man who chose to live for God, and refused to compromise his faith and relationship with God. Daniel, Hanahiah, Mishael, and Azariah (later known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego) were in Babylonian captivity, and being asked to compromise their diet (contrary to the dietary laws given to Moses). These young men found themselves living in a culture that was contrary to the culture and religion they knew as God’s people. They are now at a crossroad of having to decide whether to allow themselves to be defiled by accepting the foods being offered (and ordered) to consume or take a stand as God’s men. This is no different today, as we live in this world whose system is contrary to everything God says is acceptable, and morally right. We often face the choice of compromising our faith by choosing to live like the world, rather than live a life that is clearly separated unto God (in our speech, attitude, and moral compass). We can learn a lot and apply what Daniel did, in this instance, to our own process of taking a stand for our faith, and for our God. Keep in mind that Daniel was now away from home, in captivity, under the authority of a gentile king and nation, and stood the chance of losing an opportunity to be elevated within the government of that nation (for his righteous stand God ultimately elevated him). Sadly, today, too many Christians compromise their faith for the sake of keeping a “good paying, important, job”, even if that job requires dishonest and morally corrupt practices. Like Daniel, when we are first confronted with a challenge to our faith, we must decide what a true conviction is (one we are willing to die for), and what we are not willing to compromise. Before he approached his companions or the eunuch who was given charge over them, he made up his mind what his stand would be. We must then trust that if we are truly seeking to live godly, god honoring lives, God will honor our position and give us favor with those we will have to deal with (Dan 1:9). So was the case with Joseph when he was enslaved and later imprisoned; God gave him favor with his master and later the jailor (Gen 39:4, 21). Next, unlike today’s approach to protesting, Daniel was respectful and courteous in his protest. He trusted that God would guide him, and therefore felt no need to be rude, confrontational or lead a destructive rebellion to make his request or try to accomplish his goal. We can accomplish so much more if we would just trust God to go before us, and being careful to protect our testimony for Jesus. Daniel knew that his request would require self-denial, and self-control, on his part. He had to be ready to be called all kinds of names, and withstand false accusations, without lashing out. What happens today when we take a stand for Jesus and what we believe? We are called bigots, narrow minded, often lose friendships, and may even be forsaken by family. This is all part of counting the cost for our refusal to compromise with the world. Lastly, Daniel was willing to be tested, and have his faith tested. If we are going to take a stand for what we say we believe, we must be willing to allow ourselves and our faith to be tested, trusting that God is with us and will never let us down. Ultimately, God will prove Himself to be faithful, and will not allow us to be shamed, if we are taking an honest stand for what is right. May we, as God’s children, as born again believers, be found to be bold in our stand, and being steadfast in our beliefs, as Daniel, Noah, and Job (Eze 14:14, 20). All to the glory of God!

Although tempted, and offered a shortcut, by Satan, in respect to inheriting His Kingdom, Jesus did not compromise, but carried out His Father’s plan (Matt 4). Let us not compromise and cut a deal with the devils and this world system. Instead call upon Jesus, received eternal life, and live the life that God has planned for you. Repent of, confess your sins, call upon Him, in faith, and be saved (Rom 6:23; 10:9; 13).

Suffering Seen Through A Heavenly Lens

Verse of the Day: Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

If we have been believers for any length of time, it is no secret that as followers of Jesus we will suffer while here on earth. Our suffering can range from personal challenges, rejections, trials, tribulations, to persecutions, and painful losses. So often our responses to our trials are shortsighted. We pray and ask God to end the trial or pull us out of it, even though the Lord is with us throughout the length of our sufferings, as He was with Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Dan 6:18; 3:24-25); and is desirous of teaching us something about who He is, and where we are in our walk of faith. We know that everything He allows, He works out for our good (Rom 8:28-29), and always for His glory. As Christians, suffering helps us to grow stronger in our faith, and helps us to respond to life on earth more Christ-like (James 1:3-4). However, what we often lose sight of is that God has eternity in view when He allows suffering. When David was being pursued, persecuted, and running from King Saul, those that were with him (David), and endured suffering with him also reigned with him, when the Lord finally put him on the throne. They were willing to stand by David because they knew that some day he would be king, and they would be rewarded by having a part in his kingdom. Ultimately, this is what our goal and focus should be in enduring whatever the Lord allows in our lives. The Word of God promises that although we suffer for the cause of Christ now, the rewards that are coming will dwarf whatever pain we endure here (Matt 5:12; 2 Tim 2:12; 2 Cor 4:17). Let us be mindful of the fact that Jesus is coming back to establish His Kingdom here on earth, and we will rule and reign with Him (Zech 14:5; Rev 19:19), after which we will be with Him forever more (Rev 21:1-5; 22:1-5). Rather than bemoan our suffering being allowed now, we should rejoice in what is to come (1 Pet 4:13). The Apostle Paul also reminds us in this chapter of Romans that although we will suffer, we have a Helper, the Holy Spirit, who helps us in those moments (among other moments) when we are praying, but know not how to pray in respect to what we are being allowed to go through (Rom 8:26). It is the Spirit that strengthens us in times of tribulations. He reminds us and consoles us with the faithful promises of God, given to us in His Word. When we really do not know what to ask for, the Spirit intercedes and asks according to the will of God for the outcome of any given situation we find ourselves in. This is why each circumstance works out for our good. God’s way, no matter how trying, is always the best way for us, even if it means that we suffer a bit longer or the situation is a bit more painful than we would like it to be. If we truly made an effort to look at life from the lenses of eternity, many of us would be surprised, and blessed beyond measure, to find out that most anything God allows, in view of Heaven, and eternity with Him, is bearable for the short time we are here (1 Pet 1:6-9).

Anyone who suffers the trials of this life without Jesus, is truly a person with no hope. When we have Jesus, we have Someone who will see us through whatever life throws at us. As a child of God, He promises never to leave us nor forsake us (Heb 13:5-6), and He will be our Helper. Call on Him today, by faith, repenting, and confessing your sins (Rom 6:23; 10:13).

Did You Really Hear What Was Said?

Verse of the Day: Proverbs 18:13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.

One of the things that fuel an argument is a person’s refusal to really listen to what the other is trying to communicate. So often, one party wants to express their point of view, while the other is interrupting to express theirs. The end result is that a situation that can be easily resolved by talking escalates to a heated argument that could potentially end up in a physical altercation. Sadly, many arguments, and fights, could be avoided, if people would just listen to, and respond wisely, when communicating with each other. This is especially true with husbands and wives. We, as born again believers, should be people who are seen as wise, and people who calmly listen to other with a sympathetic, and kind ear. One culprit that usually adds fuel to the fire in verbal conflicts is pride. We begin in anger because of something that “hurt our feelings” or “offended” us, and refuse to listen to the other person’s reasoning for what may have been said. This is why it is important to approach others in humility, and practicing the art of being silent, if need be, when we become angry (Phil 2:3; Prov 15:18; 16:32; James 1:19). When we try to talk over the other person who is already speaking, or refuse to hear all that needs to be said, before answering, we essentially demonstrate a lack of wisdom and put ourselves in the position of being a fool. I have found that communicating with others, especially in resolving conflict, requires much patience, love, and wisdom. We need patience to be still, quiet, and truly listen; love, to give that person the benefit of the doubt, as the person may not have intended to offend us; and wisdom so that we can determine what the root of the misunderstanding was. It is quite possible that we are the one that was wrong, and this is where humility plays a great part in being able to admit that, apologize, and begin reconciliation, if necessary. Many conflicts have turned into something they need not be, such as broken relationships, or hurtful words being spoken (which will cut deep and potentially scar someone for life), because one person or both refused to allow the other to complete a thought or sentence before interrupting. All too often we hear just enough to respond with our reasoning or “wisdom” about the situation, which in reality turns out to be foolishness because we refused to hold our tongue long enough to truly hear what was being said and what the matter is truly about. Even worse than making this mistake with other brothers, sisters, or people in general, is when we do this with God. We must be careful to not just skim God’s Word, and haphazardly apply God’s truth to our lives, but we must patiently study it, in its context, so that we truly understand what God is saying to us, and so that we do not then communicate something to others that God did not say; for we will account for that in a big way, and an with eternal consequences (James 3:1). I have heard it said that God gave us two ears and one mouth, therefore we must be careful to listen twice as much as we speak. There is much wisdom in that. I have always admired those that can sit patiently and listen to others before giving an answer. The wisest thing that we can do in communicating with each other people is to patiently listen. Once the person is done speaking, rather than answer right away, there is nothing wrong with trying to absorb what has just been said. If we are offended by something said, then this would be the best time to ask, “I heard you say this, and this is what I understood it as. Did you mean it that way?” If what they said was not offensive to you, before you answer, there is nothing wrong with taking a moment to absorb what was said before we attempt to respond. If we respond calmly and thoughtfully, the conversation is likely to remain at a level that is respectful, and God-honoring. This is not to say that the other person will not be foolish in the way they respond or interact, but we, as God’s children, are to be mature enough to be the voice of reason. This is not an easy thing to do, and like any other godly principle, takes practice. We will make our mistakes because the devils will attempt to interfere, but that is where humility will give us the ultimate victory, especially if our humility is fashioned after the Lord, who did not revile when reviled and refused to answer the foolish, false, accusations against Him when false witnesses spoke against Him (Matt 26:62-63; 1 Peter 2:21-23). Let us be like our Lord in our communications with others. It will resolve many unnecessary conflicts, and will ultimately honor God when we demonstrate godly wisdom that can only come from having a true intimate relationship with Jesus our Lord and Savior.

God has communicated His love to us. Do we truly understand what He has said, and what are the implications of rejecting Jesus (John 3:18; Rom 6:23)? He gave us His only begotten Son so that we will not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16-17). Let today be the day you respond to Him, calling upon Jesus, by faith, repenting, and confessing your sins (Rom 10:13).

Is There Death or Life In Our Words?

Verse of the Day: Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Have you ever said something and immediately regretted it? Maybe said something to someone, and years later found out that the person had been deeply wounded by what was said? Perhaps someone has said something to us that has wounded us so profoundly that it stayed with us for years, and even affected the way we thought of ourselves or changed us in a negative way? By the same token, maybe words were spoken that encouraged us and was life changing. What a blessing to know that words of encouragement we have shared made a great difference in someone else’s life. The Bible is very clear that the tongue can either be a blessing or a curse, and can cause death or life, depending on how we use our words. The Word of God tells us that the tongue, although small, is untamable, and can start a great fire and is a deadly poison. Out of the same mouth comes cursing and blessings (James 3). As born again believers, we must be very careful about the words we speak. Proverbs reminds us that whatever fruit we sow with our words is the fruit we will eat. When we speak words that are spoken in anger, gossip, or for the purpose of breaking others down (putting people down, speaking lies about others, being false witnesses), we stand the chance of being involved in arguments that could cause us to lose our lives, hurt others and break up long standing and cherished relationships; potentially ruining our testimony for Christ by being known as a hypocritical Christian who talks about others, cusses, and speaks in a way that dishonors what we claim to believe, and Who we claim to represent (Jesus). Too often, we do not take the time to think before we speak, and as a result our words are frivolous and hurtful. For that reason, we must especially be careful about the words we speak in anger, because once they are said, we cannot take them back. On the other hand, we can speak words that encourage others, give sound biblical advice (speak truth), and encourage others to come to us, knowing that we are people who will bring words of comfort and encouragement (speaking kindly). The bottom line is that we need to use our words to bring life. We need to use our words to praise and thank God. Our words should point others to Jesus. We are told to gather together, as children of God, to encourage one another (Heb 10:24-25). Ephesians 4:29 tells us that we are to avoid corrupt speech, and use our words to build each other up, that it may give grace to the hearer. Sadly, a person who gossips, and speaks negatively about others, easily begins to enjoy the drama that it causes. Yet, is the same person that becomes angry when they know that someone has gossiped about them. Let us put into practice daily using our words to bless others. Let us practice daily praise and thanks to the Lord, and ask Him to give us opportunities to lift up others with the way we talk to them (Prov 15:23; 25:11). Ultimately, we will all give an account for every idle word we speak (Matt 12:36); and even for the words we use to teach (James 3:1-2). Our words can solve problems or cause them. Whichever fruit we choose to produce, we will eat thereof. Let us not be known as people who are continually in conflict because of the words we speak. Let not pride be what guides our words toward others, but let humility and prayer be what guides our tongue when speaking with others. May our relationship with the Lord also help us to know when it is best to be silent, and when it is best to speak. When we learn how to control what we say, we show the kind of biblical maturity that will honor God (James 3:2).

The Bible is very clear that we have been commanded to preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). Sharing the Gospel message involves both living it, and speaking it. Let us always speak in a way that does not discourage others from hearing what we have to say when the Lord opens the door for us to be a witness for Him. It is with words that we call upon Jesus. Let today be the day that you speak the words that will bring you eternal life, by calling upon Jesus, by faith, repenting, and confessing your sins, and calling upon Him (Rom 6:23; Rom 10:13).

Was That An Angel?

Verse of the day: Hebrews 13:1-2 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

Being children of God, we should know by now that there is no such thing as a coincidence when it comes to God working in, and directing, our lives. This applies to those moments when we seem to have those random encounters with people we do not know, and have opportunity to be kind to. In these two verses we are reminded first that we must be careful to take care to not allow persecution and tough times (as we face today individually and as the church of Jesus) to destroy our unity. For in times of persecution it is brotherly love and unity that will often enable us to stand against the attacks upon our beliefs. Secondly, we are reminded that our encounters with strangers, especially strangers in need, are opportunities to share the love of Jesus. As born again believers, we should always be ready to show hospitality toward others. Why? Well, because we may have opportunity to entertain angels without even realizing it; as was the case with Abraham (Gen 18:1-32) and Lot (Gen 19:1-12). More importantly, when we minister to others, especially those in need, Jesus tells us that whatever we do for them, we do for Him (Matt 25:35-40). Too often we see the need in someone else’s life, and we justify not doing anything by simply telling them that we will pray for them. However, the Word of God tells us that when we do that, when in fact we have the ability to meet that need physically, our faith is dead (James 2:14-17). I have often seen Christians who have refused to help someone in need because they felt that the person was going to use whatever they were given for “booze” or something other than food. I agree that we should be wise in how we approach such situations, maybe by offering them a meal or a place to rest their heads instead; but the bottom line is that if we give to another, regardless, and we truly give it based on our relationship with the Lord, then we have given it to the Lord, and the person receiving it will then be accountable for what they do with it. Our reward is certain with the Lord for giving it unselfishly and with the proper motive. Too often I have heard, and seen Christians give to the church or donate something, only to want it given back because they got upset over something that was said or done, that they did not agree with. If the person has truly given whatever they gave to the Lord, then there is no need to ask for its return, and it will be those who received it within the church that will give an account for it. When all is said and done, we too are strangers in this world (Heb 11:13), and know that unkind words hurled at us and unkind actions toward us. For that reason, let us be careful to do to others as we would have them do unto us (Matt 7:12); especially strangers that God allows us to cross paths with. When we love others whether our brethren, enemies or strangers, we will gain great reward when we stand before our Lord and Savior. Let us then not view others through selfish, earthly eyes, but through heavenly lenses; you never know who it is that is standing before you.

Even though we were once strangers and enemies of God, He showed us great love by dying for us (Rom 5:8). The same love and kindness He has shown us, is the same love and kindness He wants us to now share with others. He promised that if we believe that He died to pay for our sins, repent, confess, and call upon Him, in faith, we will be saved (Rom 6:23; 10:9; 13).