Are You Leaning Forward In The Foxhole?

"Anything that does not strengthen me morally is the enemy of virtue within me. Whether I overcome, thereby producing virtue, depends on the level of moral excellence in my life. But we must fight to be moral. Morality does not happen by accident; moral virtue is acquired. And spiritually it is also the same. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation . . .” (John 16:33). This means that anything which is not spiritual leads to my downfall. Jesus went on to say, “. . . but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” I must learn to fight against and overcome the things that come against me, and in that way produce the balance of holiness. Then it becomes a delight to meet opposition. Holiness is the balance between my nature and the law of God as expressed in Jesus Christ." - Oswald Chambers

Have you thought about living your Christian life as a battle?  It is you know.  

 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." - Ephesians 6:11-13 

 We must be disciplined like a soldier to live this new life in Christ … 

“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.  And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” - 2 Timothy 2:3-5 

Holiness does not just happen.  Walking after the Spirit and not yielding to the flesh is intentional.  In the Army they say that “you fight the way you train” meaning that if you don’t prepare yourself for battle, you will not do well when the battle comes.

Ephesians goes on to talk about the weapons that the Lord has provided … 

"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;  praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--" - Ephesians 6:14-18 

Don’t be caught sleeping on duty.  Another saying is that we should be “leaning forward in the foxhole”.  The picture is a soldier leaning forward with his chest against the front of the foxhole. His weapon locked and loaded. His eyes scanning the distance, alert for the enemy. That means be ready every day, every hour, every minute. His battle buddy is next to him - they have each other's backs. Do you have someone like that in your life? That just reminded me of a song .. “If we ever needed the Lord before .. we sure do need Him now and we need Him every day and every hour.”

So Christian, my encouragement to you for today, and every day,  is  …  

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” - 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Why Did My Church Treat Me That Way?

The local church is supposed to be a haven - that is not a typo meaning "heaven" but a haven of rest from the world.  A safe place where Christians, the Church, gather together. A place where you can be vulnerable and find compassion and encouragement. That is certainly the Lord’s intent.  But there is a glitch – it’s called people. 

The local church can only function as it was intended when the people in the local church are saved by faith and are being led by the Spirit.  But there are a number of variables in this equation. 

First.  Not all the people who attend a local church are Christians.  You can’t necessarily know them by looking at them.  Or perhaps even talking with them.  They may be faithful attenders.  Even tithers. They may be involved on Sunday school or small groups.  Keith Green, a Christian singer, said that being in a church building doesn’t make you a Christian any more than being in McDonalds makes you a hamburger.  The church building is not what makes the Church the Church. Faith in Jesus and obedience to the will of God does that. 

So, if you approach someone at church and expect them to act as a person of faith when they are not, you will be disappointed .. and most likely disillusioned.  It is like when I go to Home Depot and ask someone wearing an orange Home Depot vest a question about a tool or product in the store. They may not have a clue, but they do have a vest!  And yes, I am disillusioned with Home Depot.  And I have adjusted my expectations accordingly. One day another customer asked me what the best paint was for an exterior door. I told him that I didn't work there and he replied, "I know that is why I asked YOU!" Point made.

Second.  Not every Christian attending the church is walking in obedience by faith.  There are many Christians, always have been, that are not growing in their faith.  They are so immersed in the world and the things of the world, they are indistinguishable from the those that are lost and headed for hell.  Expecting spiritual help from them is like one teenager telling another teenager “I will be there for you.”  What does that mean? One drowning person telling another drowning person, “I will be there for you.” They might as well say, I saw you were drowning and thought you might like some company! If a Christian is living a carnal life, they have nothing Spiritual to offer you.  Don’t be surprised when you ask for a fish and they give you a stone.  It is the best they have to offer.

Years ago, during a men’s prayer meeting I was leading, I encouraged them men to be open about their lives and pray for one another – a Biblical mandate. 

“Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results.” - James 5:16

One of the men said “No way! If I do that I will hear what I said from somebody that is not in this room!” And sadly, that may not be too far from the truth.  Not everyone in the room was a Christian walking in obedience to the Spirit.

Third.  There is always the possibility that you are the problem.  I know that is a stretch.  But if you are dealing with the consequence of your sin and you have not repented, then you are part of the problem.  Jesus said 

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” - Matthew 7:3-5

Often times we are not looking for spiritual solutions but merely relief from the consequences of our sin. When we don’t get it, we blame others – even the local church.

The bottom line.  Very often we look to the church for solutions when we should be looking to the Church.  Do you see the distinction?  In the case of the conversation I recently had, the person affected was questioning their faith and God because of how the church had responded to them.  I quote this verse often – 

“God is the God of all comfort who comforts us in our afflictions so we might comfort others with the same comfort we, ourselves, have received.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

That is the Church in action. Use discernment when you seek help from the Christian community. Don’t misjudge or condemn the local Church by seeking comfort from those who are incapable if giving it.  And make certain your heart is right before God when you do.   

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

The Personal Price Of Salvation

"Then the king [David] said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing." 2 Samuel 24:24

The Lord told David to erect an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Araunah wanted to give it to David. King David understood that to live for and glorify God meant that we must decrease so God can increase. That we must count the cost. In Romans 12 Paul said that we must offer ourselves as living sacrifices because it is only reasonable in light of what God, through Jesus, has done for us. That we should not be conformed to this world - which is to say that life of the natural man or woman is about accumulation and self gratification. - But once we are born again, we should be transformed - where our minds, our ways, and our passions are refocused from that which the world craves toward God - and in so doing prove or demonstrate that which is the good and perfect will of God.

Think about the apostles. Jesus challenged them to leave their natural lives behind and follow Him. Even Paul, when he was still known as Saul, who knew he was doing that which was affirmed by the religious elite and assumed therefore his life must be pleasing to Jehovah God discovered that he was, in fact, persecuting the Messiah - the very one all of Israel - in all generations - eagerly awaited. When he understood that - he abandoned what he had invested his life in - to follow Jesus. Saul was given a new name - Paul - just like Abram to Abraham - Simon to Peter - Jacob to Israel. 

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Being a Christian means more than merely having a different attitude. It means having a new life - a new perspective on what is right and good. Your life that was natural and hell bound is now spiritual and heaven bound.

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." - Matthew 16:24

So the question for each of us is "Am I - are you - willing to pay the price that God demands?" What is that you ask? Total devotion to Him. A life abandoned to doing the will of God. That does not necessarily mean that you must quit your job or sell you house - but it could. Although come to think of it, that is what God called us to do. But, it does mean that you must be willing to say "yes" to God when He speaks. I am thinking about some verses in a few songs that are not sung much anymore. 

Jesus paid it all - All to Him I owe.

I have decided to follow Jesus - no turning back. The world behind me, the cross before me.

Almost persuaded - almost but lost.

All to Jesus I surrender. All to Him I freely give. I will ever love and trust Him. In His presence daily live. I surrender all. All To Jesus I surrender.

Amazing grace how sweet the sound. I once was lost but now and found. Was blind but now I see.

Do you see? Do you understand the new life you have been given? Do you embrace that?

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." = 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

What To Do When You Can’t Get Along With Someone

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” - Romans 12:18

Is there someone who just does not like you? There can be a number of reasons for the conflict.  It may be something you did or didn’t do. It may be personality, or something more nefarious like race or geographic origin, jealousy and envy or it may be you’re a Yankee or not from Texas? So what are you supposed to do about it Christian?   

Have you ever said “that is their problem”?  Just distanced yourself from the issue.  Like an ostrich with its head in the sand.  The problem does not go away, you just don’t have to look at it. Well, the Bible is pretty clear.

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” - Hebrews 12:14

You must make the effort to be reconciled. Seek to be at peace with them. And if you are rebuffed in your attempt? You move on with your life.  Broken relationships are not like broken bones. They may not mend, ever.  You might wish they would, but the fact is that a restored relationship is dependent upon both parties. But for your part don’t allow bitterness to take root, but let forgiveness abound instead. 

Peter asked Jesus about being willing to forgiveness - given there is repentance on the part of the one who has given offense. 

“Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” - Matthew 18:21-22

Jesus proceeded to tell the parable about the unforgiving servant.  He had been forgiven much but refused to forgive others in the same way.  

"But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt." - Matthew 18:28-30

Notice the offender sought forgiveness.  When that happens, we must be ready to give it. This isn’t about a restored relationship but a repentant heart.  Repentance is a necessary first step for forgiveness and restoration.  Be careful, receiving someone when they have not repented is a sure-fire recipe for more brokenness.  Like the Father of the prodigal son – you may be waiting – watching – hoping that the relationship will be restored on day.  Your heart may hurt – especially if it involves a family member.  Turn to the Father – the God of all comfort. And let the love of God, the fruit of the Spirit rule in your heart. Restored trust is another matter. Trust is an easy thing to lose and a hard thing to get back - being trustworthy must be proven - not just promised.

 “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." Love never fails.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

God's Call Requires More Strength And Ability Than you Have

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” - Ephesians 2:8-10

I believe that I have a very clear understanding of what God wants me to do, and I am doing it.  But there is this issue of faith, or lack of it, that will raise its head every now and again.  Maybe make you question if you are doing the right thing. Like Adam in the Garden when Satan asked him, "Did God really say?" It is important that you are able to discern when it is the Spirit and when it is the flesh speaking. Let me explain.  

It is clear that God has me, actually Martie and me to be correct, helping those who cannot help themselves. For the past 20 years. In particular, recently He has made me very aware of the plight of widows.  James 1:27 says “religion is expressed in its purest sense when we help widows and orphans in their affliction” (paraphrased by me).  

What God calls us to do is always spiritual - God-dependent. Do you remember the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18? Right after that victory, Elijah was exhausted and even ran for his life in fear.  How did that happen. He lost focus on the fact that it was God and not him. We have been privileged to have seen the mighty hand of God at work.  In my experience, when you are anointed by the Spirit of God for a particular work and that work is accomplished to and for the glory of God, you will be physically and emotionally exhausted at the end.  You will have a supernatural ability in the midst of the work, but afterwards, you become very aware of your weakness in light of Jesus’ strength. 

"And He [Jesus] said to me [Paul], “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 

I recently read a post on Facebook about people who have suffered the loss of a loved one and the thought came to me.  “What good do you think you can possibly do in light of what others are doing? What local churches are doing? Who do you think you are?”  

Have you every wondered that in the light of God’s call on your life? The truth is, what God calls you to do is between you and God.  It has nothing to do with what He has called others to do. The temptation is to take your eyes off of Jesus and focus on other things, other people. If you do, you will immediately start to sink.  That is what happened to me this morning. On the face of it, it seems improbable or perhaps even impossible.  I mean how can you go from standing boldly for God at one minute and doubting that what you are doing is right the next. 

“It’s not by strength or by power but by my Spirit says the Lord God of Hosts.” - Zechariah 4:6

As Jesus followers we all live with this tension between the Spirit and the flesh. Proverbs 3:5-6 says trust God and not yourself. If you are using the world and trust in yourself to do what God has clearly called you to do, you will fail. You can’t do it.  Don’t compare yourself to others when considering your God-given purpose.  God will always ask you to do what is not humanly possible.  You will always need the power of the Spirit to do it.  And when the task is accomplished, you will feel just a little bit, or even a lot, of the weight of what you have just done. And it will exhaust you.  Maybe even make you fearful or doubtful.  When that happens … praise the Lord and be humbled that He would use a sinner like you for His eternal purposes.  Amazing! 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Having The Faith To Believe, But Still Having Doubts

"Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" - Mark 9:24

Up front – Some may think that devotions should be short.  A few sentences.  I write what the Lord lays on my heart.  Sometimes, like today, it can be lengthy.  No apologies, just know that is not likely to change.  

Do you ever have doubts? Join the club friend. I was talking with someone the other day.  The matter was concerning what seemed to be the imminent death of a loved one.  He said, “I sure hope that when I die, I find out this (meaning my hope in heaven) is really true.” 

Have you ever had that thought?  His statement set me back for a second.  I never thought of him as having any doubts about his faith, but there it was. The stress of the death or grave illness of someone you care about seems to have the effect of removing inhibitions from people.  Those situations reveal things that they typically keep hidden, and you wonder “Where did that come from?” or “I had no idea they felt that way!”  But to the point …

We are on a journey of faith – like in Pilgrim’s Progress.  We are jars of clay, formed from dust.  There is something called the Law of Thermodynamics, actually there are 4 laws, like Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion, except different. “Energy cannot be created or destroyed. In other words, in a closed system, the total amount of energy that can be taken out of the system will be equal to the total amount of energy that was put into the system.” 

That might be why people think that they can be reincarnated.  If you leave this form, you will “pop-up” in another form.  Zero sum.  Whatever is taken away is put back in.  (Hang with me, I am almost finished with the physics lesson!!!) My point is that these “laws” are nothing more than man’s observation of God’s creation.  The truth is that God can do what He wants to do, whenever He wants to do it.  He operates on an eternal clock and we operate on seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years. Hey, we do the best we can. Here is the problem. If we try to figure God out on our own, we are doomed to failure.  

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” - Isaiah 55:8-9

You, with your mortal natural mind, cannot figure God out.  

“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” - 1 Corinthians 2:14

You see, in order to not have doubts, you must see the world as God does, and you can only do that by the power of God’s Spirit in you.  We are given an account of a young boy being healed by Jesus.  The boy was apparently beyond human help.  

“So He (Jesus) asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You (Jesus) can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" - Mark 9:21-25

All of us face impossible situations. Situations that challenge the promises of God and our faith. Hebrews 11:1 says that Faith is about things hoped for and not seen.  If you want to strengthen your faith you can do two things.  First, be reminded of when God showed up in impossible circumstances and second, keep your heart and mind fixed on Jesus.  If you don’t do that you will suffer spiritual atrophy and when that happens you will be plagued by doubt. 

“Trust in the Lord in all your ways and not your own mental capacity.” - Proverbs 3:5-6

In one of the Indiana Jones movies, Indy was confronted by a huge man with a huge sword.  Then Indy remembered that he was carrying a gun, so he shot the man with the sword. Well, in a way, Indy is me and you. Faced with impossible circumstances, we must remember that we are “packing”.  We have the Holy Spirit in us .. the Creator God is on our side .. and He is faithful to His promises. You can believe that! 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Finding Joy Through Trust Not Determination

"And the Lord said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.” ... Now Gideon perceived that He was the Angel of the Lord. So Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord God! For I have seen the Angel of the Lord face to face.” Then the Lord said to him, “Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.” So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace." - Judges 6:16,22-24

The pastor at the church we attend preached a sermon entitled "Declaring Our Faith Before Our Circumstances Change". He used Gideon as an example. God told Gideon that God's presence was with him, His promises are enough, and His peace is enough. 

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1

It is in Hebrews 11 that we are reminded again of Gideon's faith. The same faith that we are encouraged to have. Faith that comes from our focus on God and not on our circumstances. It is one thing to trust that something WILL happen after it HAS happened. That is not faith. It is another to trust that something WILL before something happens. That is faith. Be careful that you don't place your trust in the world and its happenings. But trust in God no matter what happens.

I was watching the "25 best singers on America's Got Talent" on YouTube the other day. No commercials :) There was a young woman contestant who sang a song she composed "It's OK".  She looked emaciated and, initially, I thought she might be anorexic. It turned out she was in a fierce battle with stage 4 cancer.  Before she sang, she said something that I wanted to remember so I paused the TV and went to my computer to write it down - she said "You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy" 

I agreed but would substitute "find joy by trusting in the Lord" for "decide to be happy". The reason is that joy is a fruit of the spirit and is found through a close and abiding relationship with the Father. The fruit of the spirit is independent of what happens or may happen to us. We have joy because of the Father whose presence is with us. Whose promises are enough. Whose peace is enough.

The woman passed away from her cancer before the season she appeared in ended. She didn't talk about faith or God. Leaving people to think that all we need do to overcome adversity is we just decide to be happy. But I suspect that the woman, if she was without faith, may have resolved herself to an early death - but happy? Only she knows but I suspect without faith - probably not.

Some thoughts from Psalms

"Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth." Psalm 26:2-3

"Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings." - Psalm 61:1-4

"Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him..... He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." - Psalm 62:1-2,6-8

Maybe you can think of more verses that remind us of God's faithfulness. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Letting The Repentance Process Run Its Course

Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation… —2 Corinthians 7:10

“Conviction of sin is one of the most uncommon things that ever happens to a person. It is the beginning of an understanding of God. Jesus Christ said that when the Holy Spirit came He would convict people of sin (see John 16:8). And when the Holy Spirit stirs a person’s conscience and brings him into the presence of God, it is not that person’s relationship with others that bothers him but his relationship with God— 

“Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight…” - Psalm 51:4

The wonders of conviction of sin, forgiveness, and holiness are so interwoven that it is only the forgiven person who is truly holy. He proves he is forgiven by being the opposite of what he was previously, by the grace of God. Repentance always brings a person to the point of saying, “I have sinned.” The foundation of Christianity is repentance. If you ever cease to understand the value of repentance, you allow yourself to remain in sin. Examine yourself to see if you have forgotten how to be truly repentant.” - Oswald Chambers

Being forgiven or forgiving others is a supernatural act. But there is a progression that leads to forgiveness.  As Christians we sin.  We come under conviction. That conviction produces godly sorrow which leads to repentance. Repentance leads to forgiveness and restoration.  Think about that.  Granting forgiveness without repentance is called enabling.  Even though you will be tempted, don't give someone a "pass" because you feel sorry for them.  That means you don’t love them enough to get them to the point of repentance which brings healing and restoration.  

Think about the parable of the prodigal son. (Luke 15:11-32)  What is the remarkable point of that story?  God is the “father” and we are the “wayward son”.  The father loved the son, but did not go after the son to convince him to come home. The father waited for the son to be convicted, to repent of his sin and return to the father seeking forgiveness.  The son did not even imagine that he would be restored as a son.  The best he hoped for was to be treated like a hired hand.  An evidence of a broken and humble heart.  Every day, the father looked to the hills in the hope that his son would repent one day and return.  He loved his son.  He loved him enough to let the process take its course … even though the father hated what his son was going through.  The father knew that until his son’s heart was changed, there could be no restoration.

That is true for us as well.  We are commanded to forgive, but we must be careful that the forgiveness is not misapplied … and abused.  That means we must exercise spiritual discernment and emotional restraint.  We must be ready to forgive, as we have been forgiven. 

"be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32

But remember, forgiveness comes after repentance and not before. Very often we want our relationship restored at all costs so we choose to ignore the sin. We love our children even when they sin - but that does not mean we embrace their sin - we must allow the "repentance process" to run its course. Don't let the cart of forgiveness get in front of the horse named repentance. No matter what your emotions say. The only way that you can do that is to keep your eyes fixed on the Lord.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Our Problem With Living A Consistent Christian Life

"For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." - Romans 8:13

“I have a heredity in which I had no say or decision; I am not holy, nor am I likely to be; and if all Jesus Christ can do is tell me that I must be holy, His teaching only causes me to despair. 

Redemption means that Jesus Christ can put into anyone the hereditary nature that was in Himself, and all the standards He gives us are based on that nature— His teaching is meant to be applied to the life which He puts within us. 

The proper action on my part is simply to agree with God’s verdict on sin as judged on the Cross of Christ. The moral miracle of redemption is that God can put a new nature into me through which I can live a totally new life. Just as the nature of sin entered into the human race through one man, the Holy Spirit entered into the human race through another Man (see Romans 5:12-19). And redemption means that I can be delivered from the heredity of sin, and that through Jesus Christ I can receive a pure and spotless heredity, namely, the Holy Spirit.” - Oswald Chambers

Sin entered the DNA of mankind through the first Adam.  Redemption entered in through the second Adam, Jesus Christ. 

"And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit." - 1 Corinthians 15:45

Seems pretty simple.  So why then is it so hard for us, as Christians, to live in that redemption? The truth is that it is not, so long as we are willing to lay our lives down and live by the faith and the power of the Spirit.  We --- cannot live our new lives in Christ through determination and effort.  We can only live our new life through submission and sacrifice.  

We must stop trying to “be good” and allow Him who IS good to live through us.  The word Father means Source.  God is the source of all that is good.  It is by His grace that we are saved through our faith.  

Do not be content with a mediocre - inconsistent Christian existence.  It’s not attending church that makes you a better Christian.  You can sit in a pew with a hard heart just as easily as you can sit on your sofa at home.  Another conference is not the answer.  Yielding your heart to God is the answer.  Picking up your cross daily and following Jesus is the answer.  Offering yourself as a living sacrifice is the answer. Living by faith.  Walking by the power of the Spirit.  Not leaning on your own understanding but trusting God is the answer. Do you need other Christians to help with your journey? Most probably.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken!  But you can hang out with Billy Graham with your hard heart to no avail. This culture, this fallen world, will certainly harden your heart toward the things of God.  Don’t kid yourself.  Don’t pretend.  We all struggle with this malady.  Friend we all need more Jesus.  He is the way, truth, and life. 

I have a friend, George, who used to serve with us in Disaster Relief. We would be working on a house for doing something else and I would say, "George, what do you think?" Every time he would answer - "Jesus Saves". Our days should start and end with that truth!

"We have heard the joyful sound: Jesus saves! Jesus saves! 

Spread the tidings all around: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

Bear the news to ev'ry land, Climb the steeps and cross the waves;

Onward! 'tis our Lord's command; Jesus saves! Jesus saves!"  - WE HAVE HEARD THE JOYFUL SOUND, Author: Priscilla J. Owens (1882)

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

When Is Jesus Coming Back

"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. .... Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. ....Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." - Matthew 24:36-39, 42, 44

A lot has been happening recently with respect to weather, seismic events, wars, air disasters, political upheaval. People are wondering what is going on.  I talked to a guy at church and he said rather matter-of-factly, "Jesus is about to come back!"  I thought about taking him to Matthew 24 and then changed my mind. I didn't know the guy and decide to not "bust his bubble".  Besides, I suspected that he would not be swayed. He was looking to the Eastern sky.

Oh - something you might find of interest. When I was in flight school, one of my instructor pilots told me that if I ever lost my compass on an overcast or stormy day and wanted to know what direction North was to fly over a cemetery.  All of the grave stones faced East in anticipation of the dead rising when Jesus returns  and He will appear in the East.

"For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be." - Matthew 24:27

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” – Matthew 24:6-7

I did appreciate his hope that all of this would come to end by Jesus return. I mean can it get any worse? Unfortunately the answer to that question is "Yes". Nearly every generation has imagined that Jesus return was imminent because of the calamities happening. Technology has made it seem worse. Before the technology of our age - even as far back as the early 1900's it took months for people in the country to become corporately aware of something that happened in another country. Today it takes minutes. So there is an appearance of increased intensity. So when is Jesus coming back? According to Jesus, don't ask Him - only His Father - our Father knows the answer.

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." – 2 Peter 3:9

For mankind - the Lord's return is slow - from God's perspective not so much.

"But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:8-9

I wrote about the time differential between heaven and earth before. A thousand years passes for men and it is only one day in heaven. So the Father waits a few days in heaven before He tells Jesus to return to earth.  2 or 3 days in heaven is 2 or 3 thousand years on earth. 

Why does it matter to you, me and my friend?

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God?" - 2 Peter 3:10-12

Like my new friend, we should all be looking forward to the day of Jesus return, but we won't know when that will be. In the meantime we should be standing idle looking to the Eastern skies but conducting ourselves with holiness and godliness in a world that desperately needs to see Jesus - now. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

When Does God Not Hear My Prayers?

"If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear. But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer." - Psalm 66

Does that thought bother you? The idea that God will not always hear our prayers. I have talked about this before. This is not about whether you are a Christian. It is about how we approach God to pray.

"Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the Lord, And righteousness from the God of his salvation." - Psalm 24:3-5

I believe that we treat God with great disrespect when we don't consider the condition of our hearts before we approach God in prayer. It is almost like we treat God like we are at a drive through fast food restaurant. We pull up, place our order and get frustrated if we think they take too long to fill the order. Or worse give us something we didn't ask for.  

Jesus is our high priest and makes eternal intercession for us. It is His blood that has atoned for our sin. And yet, we are told we must confess our sins as we live our lives day to day.

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." - 1 John 1:8-10

When David, who had been anointed by God and was described by God as a "man after God's own heart" confessed his sin to God he said in Psalm 51

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit." - Psalm 51:10-12

Time does not heal all wounds. You should not pretend that your sin didn't happen. Sins that are harbored in our heart affect our relationship with our Father. We don't lose our salvation -He is still our Father - Jesus is still our intercessor - the Spirit, although quenched is still in us but our intimacy with the Father is affected. 

Jesus told the disciples in relation to sin that they didn't have to wash their whole body - just their feet to cleanse the sins that they had picked up along the way. (John 13)

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

You Are A Child of God

"Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed by your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses [debts] (against you and others) as we forgive those who trespass [have debts owed to us] against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen." - Matthew 6: 9-13

If there is one scripture that you know by heart, besides John 3:16 it would probably be the Lord's prayer.  Have you ever thought about the reason why Jesus did not say "You can pray to My Father." He said "Our Father"?

Let's consider some facts about our new life that were true when we were born again.

Jesus is the first born Son of God, but we are also Jehovah God's sons and daughters by faith in the first born.

"For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." - Romans 8:29

We are God's children.

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" - 1 John 3:1-2

We were adopted into the family of God on the day that we received new life by faith in Jesus.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." - Ephesians 1:3-6

Now, our primary citizenship is in heaven not on earth. We are merely pilgrims in this land. We learned the pledge allegiance to the flag of this country as a statement of our earthly citizenship and devotion to the United States. But, our primary allegiance is to our Father who is in heaven.

"Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." - Philippians 3:17-21

We don't have a birth certificate testifying to who our parents are - we have the Holy Spirit who is a greater testimony.

"In Him [Jesus] also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory." - Ephesians 1:11-14

I want to encourage you to live each day with this perspective. You are a child of God - first, now and forever.

This is a verse from the song "Who You Say I Am" by Hillsong.

"Who the Son sets free Oh is free indeed I’m a child of God  - Yes I am

In my Father’s house There’s a place for me I’m a child of God  - Yes I am

I am chosen Not forsaken - I am who You say I am

You are for me Not against me - I am who You say I am"

You are who He says you are! So rejoice!

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

When You Think You Can't Go Any Further

When You Think You Can't Go Any Further, God will Be Your Second Wind

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

 When I was in the Army, we would do a lot of physical exercise as a unit.  I can remember with one particular unit in the Aviation Squadron of 3rd Armored Cavalry in El Paso, Texas,  I had a squadron commander that trained us for war.  Not just physically, but mentally.  We had a saying “you fight the way you train”.  

Well, in one case he used our physical training to help us with mental toughness.  We were used to running a particular route.  Early in the morning – 5:30 early – we call it O-dark thirty. We knew the land marks for our 3 to 4 mile run.  We knew when we were half way and we knew when we were at the finish. By then, we were ready to hear “Quick time – march”, which means in civilian vernacular – stop running and start walk.  

Well, one day we got to the “finish line”, but we kept running.  We were always exhausted by the time we got to that point, but he kept running.  I was already thinking I can’t go on, and I was thrilled we were at the finish line – but the squadron commander kept us running right past the point where we could not go on!  We ran for another half mile or so.  What was the lesson?  We can do more than we think we can.  War is very demanding on the body and the mind.  You must be able to go beyond yourself. 

For those of us in the Lord's Army, God will call you to go beyond yourself ... how ... He will be your second wind. And such is our life of faith.  

 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7 

Paul said that in the face of great personal trials. He had gone beyond himself many times, running on faith – Spirit power, and not his own determination and wisdom. 

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.”  - 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 

Not falling out of the run requires discipline and faith.  In our runs in the Army, there were always people who would fall out, who could not go on, who lost heart and confidence.  They fell by the wayside.  The same way with our faith.  I am not talking about loss of salvation.  The people I mentioned were still in the Army, they needed more physical training so they could serve in the manner that was expected of them.  And so it is with us as Christians.  There are many who don’t have the faith to keep up with where God wants to take them. They need more training .. more confidence .. more encouragement.

Along those lines, I remember taking a PT test in the Armor Officer Basic Course.  That test is something you must pass.  Well, a friend of mine stopped running during the two mile run.  He had a look of pain and exhaustion on his face.  I stopped too so I could encourage him to finish.  The evaluators called out to me and told me to keep going and leave him behind.  I could not and would not.  He finished .. passed, barely.  But he passed.  So did I, but helping him cost me something. 

“No greater love has one man than this, to lay down his life for his friends”  - John 15:13

I am not bragging, I am making a point.  We are supposed to encourage one another to love and good works. But doing that will likely have a personal cost for you. That is the "laying down your life" part.

 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”  - Hebrews 10:24-25

Some need more encouragement than others . .who do you know that needs to be encouraged in their faith .. to continue to run and not fall out .. even when they think they can’t go on?  But know this .... helping them will cost you something.  Be willing to pay the price and bring glory to God.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Life Is Like A Vapor

 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you." - Psalm 39:4-7

The photo on the left is a group of Army helicopter pilots that I served with in the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in the mid 1980's. That is me in the center. The picture on the right was taken in 2023. That is me on the left. Wayne and Mike in that picture are the guys circled with me in the picture on the left. We had not seen each other since 1986. We all three have changed a little bit. So why show you those pictures? 

I can't speak for them, but I am pretty certain that they would agree that the guys on the left never imagined they would look like the guys on the right. I listened to a pastor preach this Sunday who turned 90 years old - this Sunday. He is continuing to press on with his calling to mankind until God calls him home to heaven.

I tell people that I would rather burn out than rest out. My idea of the "good life" is not sitting on my porch watching the cars go by or getting on a bus and going to Branson Missouri. No, my definition of the good life is fulfilling God's purpose in my generation. 

I want to be like King David and Pastor Kendall - 

"David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers" - Acts 13:36

This is the blessing that the pastor, Dr. R.T.Kendall, prayed over the congregation.

Heavenly Father, I pray that from this moment

That You will bestow an anointing of the Holy Spirit

In ever increasing measure

Where that [each] person with a certain gifting 

Will have power to exceed with ease without

Having to work it up or rush but to wait on You.

Where the person of Jesus will become more clear than ever before [to them].

[Father] Supply their every need.

Guide them by Your Holy Spirit.

I pray in Jesus name – Amen.

I have prayed that same prayer for everyone who might read this post. 

Every child of God - born again by faith in Jesus has a purpose and a place to serve in their generation. My hope is that you will have a hunger to discover what your God-given purpose and place are and then to walk in them. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Choosing Not To Be Angry - You Will Need Spiritual Perspective

"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.  Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth." - Colossians 3:2-8

Anger – you know the feeling don’t you? That feeling in rises up inside of you? Like a jug quickly filling up with water until it overflows. You face is flushed.  Your heart is racing. But is it anger or frustration or disappointment? Often times they are indistinguishable and their expression through you is likewise indistinguishable.  Someone once said that anger is a secondary emotion - there is something else that has triggered the anger response. Many people try to explain how they respond or excuse how they respond to life, people and problems by pointing to their ancestors and their family’s dominant country of origin.  

Some time back we ran into a plumbing snag at the house we are working on that had been damaged from a storm.  It was fixable, but the repair would cost one or two thousand dollars.  The plumber was talking to me on the phone about it, almost apologetically, because he knew we are a ministry and the home owner had no money to pay for something like this. I could sense that he was expecting me to be unhappy and perhaps even angry.  I told him – “Man, I have been in two wars.  If someone is not dying – I don’t get upset about anything” I went on to say I know two things – “God is good” and “Jesus Saves”.  That brought perspective into the issue.  I told him that I was happy that I was dealing with this and not the home owner.  

 “Bear one another’s burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ.”  - Galatians 6:2

If you can’t quell your anger – not let your emotions rule – that is a pretty good indication that you are not fully submitted to the Spirit of God.  That is not a judgment, just an observation from my own life.  People often point to Jesus being angry in the temple as an excuse for their own anger.  I would say that the next time you go to church if the money changers and vendors are set up in the foyer – go ahead and drive them out with a righteous anger. But don’t use Jesus as justification to excuse for your flesh and sin.  Others looking for an excuse for themselves may buy it, but God doesn’t. 

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” -  Matthew 5:44

Hmmm.  How are you going to squeeze anger into that verse? Here is another to put some icing on that anger cake. 

 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” - James 1:2-3

Letting the emotion of anger have its way is a temptation -  a fierce temptation – that will spring on you without notice – like an ambush.  The only way you will “survive” when you are in the "kill zone" of an ambush is if you fight your way through it.  To do that you must have prepared yourself for such an occasion beforehand.  How you prepare I will defer for another devotion.  

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

I was Once Blinded By The Darkness As Were You

"But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

I am certain that you have been in a dark room and then someone flips the light switch on and you are temporarily blinded by the light. Actually ---- there is a medical explanation for it. You see ---- your eyes have what are called rods and cones. And the rods have something called "visual purple" which allows us to see in the dark. But we can't see colors without light. That is why you might put on 2 different colors of socks if you get dressed in the dark, like I typically do. ---- (So I have learned to get me socks out the night before.) 

Then there are the cones. Cones become active with ambient light and they make it possible for you to see colors. (I hope you are still awake - I am almost done!) Well, when it is dark and the rods are at work and suddenly there is light - the visual purple gets "washed out" by the light and momentarily you are blinded. So - there you have it. Now you can impress your friends at the next cook-out! The god of this age, Satan, has blinded the lost and so they have no "color vision" if you will.

"But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." - 1 Corinthians 2:14

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." - Romans 8:5-6

What that means in a practical sense is that the lost cannot understand the spiritual truth found in the Word of God. They will reject it as foolishness - it is patently contrary to their understanding - that's because their minds are set on the things of the flesh. It does not mean that we should not share the Gospel and the word with the lost --- just like we were one day --- they desperately need to hear it - whether they know it or not. 

But understand that when you share the Gospel, you are casting seed - you --- by yourself --- can't save anyone that is a transaction of faith between the hearer and God through the Spirit of God. In a parable in Matthew 13 Jesus explained that not all the seed will fall on good ground.

"Some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.  Some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But [some] fell on good ground and yielded a crop" - Matthew 13:4-8

There are 4 circumstances where the seed fell but only one that yielded an eternal crop. In an over simplification, that is 25% of the time. You and I are in that 25%. 

Take a moment to thank the Lord for the one who was faithful to cast the seed that took root in our lives! 

The gate is wide that leads to destruction - 75%. Martie and I served in southern Haiti for 4 years - 2011 to 2015. During one trek to a mountain village, I passed a trail that led off of the main trail and was blocked by a small gate. Behind that gate was a smaller, less travelled path. Unlike the well traveled path that we were using. As I walked past it, I was reminded of the narrow Gate that Jesus talked about so I took a picture of the gate to remind me of Jesus' words.

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." - Matthew 7:13-14

And so our message to a people who are running pel-mel toward the gates of Hell. Jesus Saves! Preach the gospel with your words, certainly, but also with your life.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Your Brother's Keeper - Building On The Rock

"Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” -  Genesis 4:9

I have been watching the developments in central Texas after the flash flooding. As of this morning July 8 there have been at least 100 deaths. Many were young girls at a Christian Camp on the river. There has been a huge outcry all across the nation. And a great outpouring of financial, material, and volunteer help. Having been involved in disaster relief since 2005 I understand the challenges that the survivors, families and the responders face. I also understand that losses like this have stirred up wounds of the heart for others who have lost loved ones at other times. I, in no way intend to minimize the emotional pain associated with this time. But it has raised the greater issue of being our Brother's keeper for me.

I have been "ruminating" on this post for several days. Then this morning the Lord brought to my mind the confrontation between the Prophet Nathan and King David, where Nathan said to King David after, he - King David, became angry with what a man in a story Nathan told had done. Nathan said "King, you are that man" The one that David was angry with. David was guilty.

There is human tragedy happening all over the world. Did you know in Gaza at least 57,130 civilians have been confirmed killed, including 17,400 children. I have read news articles every day about the tragedy that those civilians are facing. But then I just move on to the next headline. And then the question stirred in me, "Do those lives matter as much as those in Central Texas or do they not matter because they are not in my country or of my faith? Do I feel as compassionate about the loss of those innocents? (Now I do understand that not all of the adults were innocent). But I don't think that God will give me or you a "pass" on our apathy because the people happen to be Ismael's descendants. That thought reminded me of the parable of the Good Samaritan? 

"[Jesus asked] So which of these three [the three who had opportunity to give aid] do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?  And he [ the man Jesus was talking to] said, he who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise." - Luke 10:36-37

The Lord has been essentially asking me, "What side of the road was I walking on?" Am I too busy to be concerned? Every time I write one of these devotions, my own heart is convicted. 

Certainly we are not walking on the other side of the road for the people in Central Texas. But can you put that parable into the context of the people in Gaza - Palestinian people? Like me, I am fairly certain that you will not identify with the priest or the Levite, [religious professionals - schooled in God's law] but with the Samaritan? Or at least, like me, you will want to. Do you remember the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25.

"Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." - Matthew 25:41-46

Those are hard words coming from the Lord? This is what Jesus said about it!

“But why do you call Me [Jesus] ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?  Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great." - Luke 6:46-49

Let's use this time to consider the plight of literally thousands of innocents around the world - not just Gaza. (Might I mention the unborn who are aborted every year -  in 2024 there were 1,038,100 clinician-provided abortions in the US, alone, in those states without total abortion bans, an increase of less than 1% from 2023.) There is so much more that could be said about abortions - but I will refrain ....but before I do, one thing that comes to mind - people want to justify abortion - why it is really OK - by defining when a human being is a human being. Perhaps this verse will give you some context in that regard. (read my post from July 8, 2025 for more context). God - the Father said - 

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you.” - Jeremiah 1:5

That means that God recognized me even before I was conceived - He didn't wait until after the first trimester to acknowledge my existence.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

A Rock of Offense

“Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed." -  1 Peter 2:6-8

Who are you most concerned about offending? Your neighbor or the One who created you and your neighbor? Just as a reminder, the first greatest commandment is to love God. the second is to love others. Now let's put that in context. God has declared what is sin and what is not. What is holy and what is not. Man has also declared what is sin and what is not. 

So, stay with me on this ---- if we love God first and our love for others is birthed from that love then we are obliged to give God primary allegiance when there is a conflict between God and man's declaration of right and wrong. Where we get into trouble is when we choose man's definition of what is "right" over God's. 

"God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,  backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them." - Romans 1:24-32

Today, in man's way of thinking - in his world view if you will - it is in man's domain to decide what is moral and what is not. If any decision is contrary to what God has ordained, then God is wrong and man is right. If you should choose God's definition over man's then you are declared a hater or bigot or both. The only way that the lost will ever change their thinking is by faith in Jesus. That same cornerstone who they have rejected.

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Listen to me on this – it is God’s desire that no one should perish. Just like you and me – those people need to see Jesus. But, at the same time.

There is no room for compromise. Although sometimes we would like there to be. It would take the social pressure off of us if somehow both God and man could be right. If you are a Jesus follower then you have been called by God to live by and proclaim His Truth. Your God-given purpose is to be salt and light in a dark and sinful world - 

".... you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." - 1 Peter 2:9-10

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Stacking Sin On Top Of Sin

"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7

My goal in writing devotions and now making podcasts from them is to encourage Christians to be God-aware, to think about things differently - spiritual things that affect how you and I live our natural and supernatural lives. My goal is not to make you feel guilty, although at times you might be convicted by truth – that is not a bad thing by the way -  but hopefully I may shed light on a spiritual truth you may not have considered before or maybe had forgotten.

There is a truth that we would not like to be true. When we sin we very often ignore the fact that our sin is first against God and then toward other people. We try to hide our sin from men, but cannot hide our sin from God. He looks at the heart. Men see our behavior and are easily deceived by our lies. Very often we lie about our sin to others because we don't want to suffer the consequences of their finding out the truth.

I was reading in 1 Chronicles 11 about King David's mighty men - those who would lead his army after he was anointed king over Israel and Judah. While reading the list I saw the name "Uriah the Hittite". Does that name sound familiar? It should. That was Bathsheba's first husband. To refresh your memory.

"It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house. And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, “I am with child." - 2 Samuel 11:1-5

So Bathsheba was the wife of one of David's mighty men who had gone off to war. Instead of going with the Army - which was the custom - David had stayed back. You have heard the saying "the heart wants what the heart wants". The urge to sin can be debilitating to all reason. In the face of temptation, we ignore the consequences and are drawn to the sinful acts.

"But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed." - James 1:14

The devil didn't make you do it - your sinful nature yielding to the temptation is what set you feet on that path. David was in a place where he should not have been and let the "bird of temptation" make a nest in his hair. (Recall Pastor Greg Laurie's quote). "You can't keep a bird from flying over your head (speaking of temptation) but you can keep it from making a nest in your hair!)

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." - 1 John 2:15-17

So what did David do? He tried to cover the sin up. When that didn't work - he had Uriah put in the most dangerous place on the battle field where he was killed. Then David was free to marry Bathsheba as if that made his first sin OK. Sin upon Sin. That is the nature of sin - we justify more sin to avoid sin's consequences. As you know, eventually David was confronted by the prophet Nathan and David repented. That repentance was recorded in Psalm 51.

Why share this with you? Because we are no different than David. We face temptations - we yield to the temptation - we forget that we have sinned against God and others - focus on how to hide our sin from others - often because we don't want to disappoint people we care about. And so we stack one sin upon another thinking that we are actually doing a good thing. Protecting others. The truth is - our actions are not for them but for us - for our reputations and relationships. Those consequences that we ignored or minimized when we said yes to the temptation have been waiting at the door. But so have God's grace, mercy and forgiveness.

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." - 1 John 1:8-10

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

God Expects You To Do The Impossible? But Not On Your Own

“Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” - Luke 18:26-27

Our life of faith is all about the impossible. Jesus had just spoken to a wealthy young man who thought that doing the right things was what was necessary to be right before God.  As human beings whose roots are firmly planted in the Garden and the sin of Adam, there is nothing we can do apart from Jesus to be right with God.

Once we are born again, God will ask us to do the impossible for His glory.  Oh, that strikes fear in the hearts of most Christians.  For the rest, it at least gives them opportunity to doubt.  Like when Peter walked on the water but then began to sink. 

“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” - Matthew 14:29-31

By the way, notice that Jesus and Peter walked back tot he boat - on the water! Human ability is not in question.  You can’t do what God asks without faith and His mighty power.  That is why Proverbs 3 says trust God and not yourself. That takes faith.  Do you remember when Jesus told the disciples to feed the people?

“Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” - Matthew 15:32-33

Jesus was asking the disciples to do what was humanly impossible.  Imagine putting one chicken leg on the table with your family gathered around to eat.  Impossible, for men.  In the same way, every day we are faced with doing the impossible.  Going beyond ourselves to do what only God can do through us by faith.  And as soon as we take our eyes off of Jesus and depend upon our own puny abilities, we begin to sink. We wonder, “How can I possibly do this? There are so many obstacles in the way.”  The Bible is replete with stories of the impossible, but I suspect that most if not all of us think that those stories were for another time and place. They certainly don’t apply to our lives.  The thing is – it’s the same God – the same world – just different people. 

So, what has He asked you to do that you have rejected as being impossible.  Perhaps you need to re-think that decision, or more correctly re-faith it.  Trust God. Walk by faith and not by sight.  Nothing is impossible with God.  Never has been and never will be. 

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

To do what I am suggesting you need to be strong in your faith.  Courage is action in spite of your understanding what the natural consequences could be. So what are you waiting for?   

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone 

When Hearing Is Not Enough

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." - James 1:22-27

Have you ever known about someone who lived like the law did not apply to them? Maybe because of position, fame, social standing or wealth. Or maybe all of those things. Our Declaration of Independence says that "all men (inclusive of women of course) are created equal meaning no one is above the law. Have you ever wondered how someone can go to church, say "yes and amen" when the preacher speaks and then lives like a lost person when they exit the doors of the church?

Like the man who looks in the mirror - he is faithful to go to church - and when he turns away - it is like he forgets what he saw, heard and shouted Amen to. For some it is because they have abandoned their faith to satisfy the lusts of their flesh. For others, they have never had a saving faith, but were merely following family tradition or being religious. 

"as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ" - 1 Peter 1:14-19

My goal is not to send you on a guilt trip but, rather, to remind you of the dangers that we all face. There is a song - if you have read any of my posts you know there is nearly always a song! - Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing written by Robert Robinson in 1758. I try to imagine what the authors of those hymns were going through or might have been thinking about when they penned the words of those great hymns. 

"O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart; O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above."

Do you ever feel that way? I do every time I sin. Uh Oh -  was I supposed to admit that I sin? Uh - yes! We should not be content with our sin and neither should we deny that we do sin. 

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." - 1 John 1:8-10

One day we will all be glorified - but that won't happen until we see Jesus. Until then - we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus - our hearts devoted to God - our conscience clear of unconfessed sin - and our hands to the plow. Thankful that we are saved by God's grace through faith and not our own effort. I have nothing to offer God but a broken and contrite heart. Just like King David. Do you remember when David was confronted by the prophet Nathan over David's sin with Bathsheba and Uriah the Hittite? It is in 2 Samuel chapter 12. Psalm 51 is David's prayer of repentance. Remember God told Samuel that David was a man after God's heart. David hearing Nathan was not enough.

"Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise." - Psalm 51:1-17

Might not be a bad prayer for each of us.  

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone 

Who Do You Look Like?

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.  “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father." - John 14:6-9

In John 17 Jesus said that He and the Father were one and prayed that just as they are one that we too would be one. In other words indistinguishable. When people see you - who do they see? Not what you look like physically -  all of us are unique in that regard. But who do they see in the way you live and love?  

Later some ethnically gentile proselytes (converts to Judaism) approached Philip asking to see Jesus.

"Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” - John 21:20-21

If someone asked you that question could you answer like Jesus answered Philip? "If you have seen me, you have seen Jesus. Jesus and I are one." Two examples in my life. One good and one not so good. I think I was a teenager when I did something that my mom didn't like. She had divorced my dad when I was 2 years old. She said "Don't do that you remind me of your father". Obviously there she still harbored emotional pain from the divorce. I loved my dad and my mom so that put me in a difficult place. Her pain was an inescapable scar from a broken marriage. To this day I don't know what "that" was but I tried not to do it again anyway. 

The second - as a teenager I worked in my step-dad family's store. They made mattresses and sold furniture. I would wait on customers when I wasn't building box springs or making deliveries. On some occasions the people would ask, "Are you one of the brothers? You act just like them."  I would just smile - to avoid a complicated answer. But the fact was - I did act just like them. I was a Pierson proselyte if you will. 

As I get older I wonder about my life today - am I still a witness? Do people still see Jesus in me? I met with a friend who is also a director of a non-profit ministry just this week. Among other things we talked about what a great privilege we had been given to live the life we have and are living. Both of us are, like Paul, living with physical thorns in our sides. Reminding us that we must continue to look to God as our sustainer.  I told him I planned to burn out - not rust out. Along those lines, as you get "long in the tooth" don't let people put you in a pigeon hole and declare you of no earthly or spiritual value. I was reading in Psalms this morning.

"The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing, To declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him." - Psalm 92:12-15

So if someone watched you live your life who would they say you look like? I hope it's Jesus!

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone 

I Am Weak But He Is Strong

"And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." -  2 Corinthians 12:9

When you are going to attack an enemy, you don't attack their strength - at least not initially. First you search out their vulnerabilities - weaknesses in their defenses and attack them there.  It is the same in spiritual warfare. When the Bible says "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." - 1 Peter 5:8 remember that lions look for the weak in the herd. 

We are all weak - there are areas in our lives that are vulnerable to temptation. Those are the places where we will be attacked. Where Satan will send his "fiery darts" (Ephesians 6:16). Where we commonly fail is thinking that that our "won't power" will be sufficient to fend off the attack. Remember what Paul wrote in Romans 7?

"For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!" - Romans 7:19-25

We forget that this new life we live is 100 percent dependent upon the Spirit and Jesus. 

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." - Galatians 2:20

Ephesians 6 says we should stand - but only when we have prepared ourselves by God's provision. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone