United So The World May Know

 

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." - Galatians 3:28

As I was driving back from Florida, I saw a billboard with the Avengers on it.  The words were, "We all have the power to unite." Thinking about the characters on the Avenger's team - each one was markedly different from the others on the team. Yet, they were united and identified with each other. That is when Galatians 3:38 came to mind. As did the words of Jesus as He prayed to the Father in John 17.

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me." - John 17:20-23

Apart from being born again, we lack the power to unite, to be one. We may think we are, but not like the Avengers and not like Jesus was praying about. If unity were possible apart from God then Jesus did not need to pray.  It would be something that people could do on their own. If that were possible then when the world saw oneness - unity, it would not be amazed and glorify God. But they can't. The next thing I saw was a Venn diagram in my mind's eye. I know! Here we go!!!!

The diagram has three parts. One is uniquely spiritual - things that are supernatural and not sinful. One is uniquely carnal - things that are natural and sinful. One that is what I am calling neutral - things shared by the saved and the lost. Things that people can do without God's help that are not sinful. Unity falls under the Spiritual. Lost people may have a semblance of unity at times, but it is not the unity that Jesus and Paul were referring to. Unity apart from God is more like an alliance - the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Unity for a season - when it is convenient. When it benefits me. It is like a fleeting shadow. Spiritual unity, on the other hand, is rooted in the power of the Spirit and is the product of our surrender to God.  The Spirit will draw you to the spiritual.  Your old nature will draw you to the sinful. Last thought ..... 

"If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen." - 1 John 4:20

Spiritual unity draws no natural distinctions it is based solely on sharing one Spirit, one faith and one Lord. That is what unites 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

Our Common Christian Ministry

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.  For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. " - 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

I often quote verse 17 referencing our new life by faith in Christ. But did you know that every Christian, every born-again believer, has been given a ministry. It is pretty simple actually but can be incredibly difficult. We all have the ministry of reconciliation. Showing the world the life God intended for mankind.  

We are to live our lives in that context. Showing the world changed lives. Doing through the power of God what is out of reach for those who are lost. We are ambassadors - God's representatives to a world headed for hell. And so the Epistles in the New Testament are full of admonitions to put the world behind us and the Cross before us. To trust God and not ourselves. 

As Christians we are to love God with every fiber of our being and let that relationship reveal itself by the way we live and love others. The kind of love that every human being longs for but fails to find apart from faith in Christ.

If you choose to compromise your calling and embrace the world and things that are contrary to your holy calling as an ambassador, then you are like the one who put their light under a basket. 

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

You have said "No!" to God. You won't see it that way. The temptation to do that is strong. Like all temptation, it can seem harmless enough. You don't have to stand on a street corner with a sign telling people to repent. Being an ambassador - preaching the word of reconciliation can be as simple as how you live your life - how you treat others. The love you show to others. What does that look like?

"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." - 1 Corinthains 13:4-7

I am reminded of a song by Dionne Warwick, "What the World Needs Now". 

"Lord, we don't need another mountain. There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb. There are oceans and rivers enough to cross. Enough to last until the end of time. 

What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It's the only thing that there's just too little of. What the world needs now is love, sweet love. No, not just for some but for everyone"

The love she sang about is the Love of God demonstrated through the lives of His children - His ambassadors. You!

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

Spiritual Understanding Is Not By Magic But By Maturity

"We know that all things work together for good to those who love God…" —Romans 8:28

“The circumstances of a saint’s life are ordained of God. In the life of a saint there is no such thing as chance. God by His providence brings you into circumstances that you can’t understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you. […] All your circumstances are in the hand of God” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For Hist Highest

There are no coincidences in the life of a Saint.  I all the "God-incidences". God is always at work, all around you.  The question is, “Can you see Him at work?” Even in the mundane – simple things .. God is at work.  

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."  Very often we think of that verse in terms of bad things happening, and God ultimately making something good out of them.  Well … that would not be “all” things now would it? Only bad things.  Be on the alert Christian.  There is a reason you meet who you meet, for things to happen the way they happen.  God is weaving all of those life events into a beautiful tapestry, for His glory and our good.  

Whenever I meet someone I think “Lord, why did I meet this person?”  And so should you when you meet someone.  The meeting is primarily not for your benefit, but for God’s purposes.  God is amazing, the original multi-tasker.  Having trouble seeing how God can use anything that happens to you, good or bad?  If you are born again, you are now walking in a new reality … a spiritual reality.  You need to have spiritual perspective and understanding.  That is not by magic but by maturity.  And so, like Paul, wanting all the Saints to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, I share this encouragement with you. 

"And so, from the day we heard, (I) have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” I can hardly wait to see what God is going to do, how about you?" Colossians 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

Living The Other Six Days

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:24-25

Very often I have associated this verse with importance of corporate worship. There are some Christians who believe that gathering together on Sunday is nice but not necessary for their spiritual health. I would say that we miss the point of gathering together. First it is a testimony to the world. Second it is an encouragement to the Saints. Third it is an opportunity for some Christians to read the Word of God since that discipline is absent in their life on the other six days of the week. (I hasten to add that the third point is targeted at those Christians who have free access to the written Word. Many Christians in other countries do not have that privilege.)

Although important to consider, that is not the point of this writing today. It is about the other six days of the week.

"As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." - Proverbs 27:17

I recall a story about Chuck Colson, the founder of Prison Fellowship. A friend was visiting Chuck. The conversation gravitated to this subject. The friend told Chuck that he didn't think it was necessary, that he could live faithfully on his own. Chuck walked up to the fireplace and took an ember out. He stared at the ember glowing dimmer and dimmer until it went out. He looked at his friend and said, "That is what happens when you try to live your new life on your own." The point - you need other Christians in your life - more than just one day a week.

Be careful that you don't try to make up your own rules on how to live your life of faith. We just finished a time of service in Florida building sheds for people impacted by Hurricane Ian. Some local people said they wanted to continue building sheds after we leave. I gave them detailed steps on the process from a pile of wood to a finished shed. They told me that they didn't need the plans that they could do it. They might build sheds but they won't be the same sheds. In the same way, God has given us detailed instructions on how to best live as Christians. You may think that you don't need other Christians in your life - the other six days, but you are wrong. Or are you asking the same question that the snake asked Adam and Eve, "Did God really say?" Actually - yes He did!

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

Out Of The Abundance Of Your Heart

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." - Colossians 4:6

Seasoned with salt. Isn't that a curios way to describe speech.  Have you ever tasted food that was not seasoned and needed some salt? Or how about food that had too much salt. I remember one day in the kitchen I grabbed a teaspoon and scooped out what I thought was sugar and put it in my mouth - still not sure what possessed me to do that. The result was not good needless to say! 

Salt in this context is the Word of God. How often does your conversation include references to the Word? It should flow naturally from us. Not over done like that spoonful of salt that literally made me gag. But just the right amount that seasons the conversation and gently brings God into the conversation.

"For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. " - Matthew 12:34-35

If the Word is not going in, then the Word will not come out.  If you are not weaving the Word into your conversation, especially with other Christians, then it is a sign that you need more of the Word in you. This is not meant to be a criticism but an encouragement. 

"This Book of the Law [the Word of God] shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." - Joshua 1:8

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

Show The World What Right Looks Like

 One Nation Under God ....

I gave that phrase some more thought as we navigated I-75 southbound to Fort Myers. So much so that I am writing an elaboration on yesterday's post. If you haven't read that one, you might want to and come back to this one.

When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength." (Matthew 22:37) When we say "One nation under God" it means that the people of that nation are to acknowledge God for who He is - sovereign over the nation and everything thing in that nation. That the people are subject to God - yielded to Him. Obedient to His commands and statutes. And that must be true in order to be indivisible, free from oppression and treating each other fairly. In fact, loving each other encompasses that and is the second greatest commandment. (Matthew 22:38-39)

But what is the truth. The truth is that the majority of the nation is not yielded to God but to their own devices and truth.  Not just those who are lost, without hope, you would expect nothing more from them. There are many Christians who have yielded their hearts to another - their culture. Jesus asked the question, "Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?" (Luke 6:46) I think that today you would find it difficult to get a consensus from the citizens of this country that they believe we are one nation under God. Do not be surprised if one day there is a movement to remove "In God We Trust" from our currency. 

Why do I share these things? Because, as Christians, we must be aware of the reality of what this country stands for in whom we place our confidence and hope as a people. You are salt and light in this dark time. Your country may no longer identify as being "under God" but you do. You will be - are being tempted to embrace something other than what God has declared as truth and right. Do not be deceived. Stand strong.

Remember - " ... we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil 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 firm." - Ephesians 6:12-13

You have been given the mission from God through Jesus, by the power of the Spirit and the Word of God in you to show our nation and the world what right looks like. What unity looks like. What liberty looks like. What justice looks like. And hope and peace and love.

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

Living Under A False Assumption

 "One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all" - Pledge of Allegiance

Thinking that is an odd way to start a devotion? Perhaps - perhaps not. I can remember standing up next to my desk, hand over my heart, facing "Old Glory" and saying that pledge every morning. That practice may have fallen out of favor in more recent times. So why this morning? 

As I was driving back to Florida to retrieve our RV, I was considering all of the turmoil in our nation and I wonder what happened to the unity - liberty - and justice for all that I spoke of every day at school. Unity - all people regardless of race, color or creed are equal - the same. One not any better than the other. Liberty - freedom from oppression - political, social, economic. Justice - equal treatment and fair under the law and in the land. It was at that moment that I reconned that with the first phrase failing (One nation under God) - the rest was merely a pipe dream. Because of the sinful nature of man, diverse people being united as one, enjoying freedom and justice are out of reach. 

"I [Jesus] do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." - John 17:20-21

What I pledged and hoped for was actually out of my reach - as it is for the rest of mankind - apart being reconciled to the Creator God by faith in Jesus. I can remember being taught that the United States was a melting pot - different people groups coming together becoming one people. 

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." - Galatians 3:28

That is the struggle today is it not? We have legislated unity and liberty and justice and it is failing. Why? Because most people have rejected God who is the source of unity, liberty and justice and peace. Logic says that if your assumption is false - your conclusion will also be false. The Assumption - That man can achieve on his own, naturally, only that which can be achieved supernaturally by faith and rebirth.

Unity, liberty, and justice will always be out of our reach no matter how sincere we are because of our fallen nature. It is not sincerity but faith that will make that pipe dream a reality. 

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

Word's Worth

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Have you ever been in a situation where as a Christian you were struggling with some issue and someone "figuratively" tossed some scripture at you as they "figuratively" drove by your house? I have heard some well-meaning Christians comment that you should not just give people a scripture verse when they need help. I agree with that in a way. But it might also be that what the person needs most is assurance that comes from the promises found in the Word of God.

Be careful that you don't discount the importance of sharing the Word of God with other Christians in their hour of need. It may well be that the Spirit of God will use that scripture to mend the heart and encourage that particular Christian to persevere. Apart from the working of the Spirit, the word can be just that - words. But with the Spirit it is the power of God.

Sharing verses with other Christians should not be a substitute for some other action that the Spirit has prompted you to take. 

"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?" - James 2:15-16

In other words if you have the capacity to help the specific need - maybe it your time or your treasure - you should. If the Spirit has prompted you and you have said "No! I will do something less and call it a spiritual act." You deceive yourself and have quenched the Spirit. Don't' expect that a good thing will come from your sinful act. Seem harsh? I hope so. 

The shared Word of God, empowered by the Spirit of God, communicated by a child of God can be a balm to a broken or hurting heart. An encouraging reminder of God's faithfulness to a saint who is struggling with their faith.  

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 Trouble And Sorrow Finds You

…what shall I say? "Father, save Me from this hour"? But for this purpose I came to this hour. "Father, glorify Your name." —John 12:27-28

"As a saint of God, my attitude toward sorrow and difficulty should not be to ask that they be prevented, but to ask that God protect me so that I may remain what He created me to be, in spite of all my fires of sorrow.  You can always recognize who has been through the fires of sorrow and received himself, and you know that you can go to him in your moment of trouble and find that he has plenty of time for you. […] If you will receive yourself in the fires of sorrow, God will make you nourishment for other people." - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

I do not find it strange but marvelous that I can have a discussion, or some event will occur in my life, and the very next morning the Word or a devotion will address what happened only yesterday. I know a number of people that I care deeply for that are in the midst of sorrow. I have been thinking about how people respond to sorrow, and what, if any, good can come from it. Sorrow in this life is unavoidable. The question is not how to avoid it, but how to endure it, to persevere. 

For the most part, people focus on the here and now – their mortal lives and put everything that happens in that context.  Their natural life has primacy over any and all other considerations.  What happens to them, or doesn’t, in their natural life shapes their attitude toward others and their confidence in themselves.

The thing is … that is not the right view of life.  Of course, for those who are not “born again by the Spirit” they have no choice really in how they respond. They must trust in mere mortals for help. But, for those who have been “born again” there is another road to be taken. 

There are really two aspects to the sorrows we face in this life.  First – what you should do when it happens to you.  Because it is sure to come your way. Second – what you should do when it happens to others. When it does happen to Christians - The Apostle Paul wrote -

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoicing always – not being anxious – experiencing a peace that transcends human understanding – peace in the midst of turmoil – peace that has a supernatural root – born out faith and experienced by the power of the Spirit that rests in the heart of every Christian.  It is God’s intent that we, as Christians, would have these abilities – that the fruit – the result of living a life submitted to the Spirit of God – would be evidenced in our lives no matter what happens in our lives.  What is out of the reach for the natural man is fully within the grasp of the “super-natural” man.  The man or woman who is saved by the sacrifice of Jesus through faith and trusts in the Lord as a way of life – their new life.

So what do you do with all of that pain and hurt that life brings your way? Pastor Rick Warren said “God never wastes a hurt” Paul also wrote –

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too." -  2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Just as God provided strength to endure and overcome, He expects us, and has equipped us, to embrace the comfort we found in Him and use it to encourage others.  Not to “fix” them, but to love them.  Experiencing hardship increases my compassion for others.  I don’t seek hardships and disappointments out .. they will surely find me.  But I don’t have to let them break me.  Not with God on my side. And neither do you my friend.

"I am pressed but not crushed, Persecuted not abandoned.  Struck down but not destroyed. I am blessed beyond the curse. For His promise will endure . That His joy's gonna be my strength. Though the sorrow may last for the night His joy comes with the morning." Trading My Sorrows, Darrel Evans

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 Challenge Of Choosing

"all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived." - 2 Timothy 3:12-13

I am certain that you have noticed that the world seems to being running faster and faster toward the gates of hell. Things have never been worse it seems. The headlines are dominated by shootings, civil unrest, financial crises, natural disasters, wars and rumors of wars. There is very little good news in the news. We live in a time where what was thought to be wrong is now declared to be right and what was thought right is now declared wrong. And if you don't agree and embrace the "new" truth - you are an evil person.

As you live your life, if you are never in conflict with the norms of the culture you in which you were born, you need to question your devotion to God. The Bible makes it plain. God sent Jesus because the world was corrupted by sin. If you are not challenged by the disparity between the obedient Christian life and that of the people whose hearts are far from God - Houston we have a problem!

"I [Jesus] have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

I once read a bumper sticker that said "Know Jesus, Know Peace, No Jesus, No Peace". Peace that passes understanding. Meaning being at peace in the midst of the turmoil that is boiling up everywhere makes no sense. For the world having peace requires the absence of conflict. For Christians having peace requires trusting that God is sovereign. That we see our present circumstances and trouble in the world in the context of His sovereignty and our kinship to Him.

That we understand that to embrace the Bible in these times means that you believe what is contrary to the new truth. Joshua's words are ringing in my ears right now. 

"And if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." - Joshua 24:15

What say you?

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

Guard Your Heart

 "be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. [Guard] your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil." - Proverbs 4:20-27

Do you know what Chinese water torture is? Yeah - where there is a constant drip of water on your forehead. It never ceases and then finally you go crazy. [It was first described in the late 15th or early 16th century by Hippolytus de Marsiliis from Bologna, Italy. He got the idea by the way water wears away a stone over time. But the term was actually made known by Harry Houdini. There is no documented proof that it ever originated in China] But I digress! My point is that as Christians we are exposed to the constant dripping of a fallen world - like Chinese water torture. 

Everywhere you turn you are faced with those things that are contrary to the Word of God. Drip, drip, drip. Things contrary - opposed to your professed faith. To your new life. Diametrically opposed to the holiness of God. Not surprisingly, the Bible is replete with admonitions to turn away from those things and turn toward that which honors God.

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." - Philippians 4:6-9

There is a song that we taught our children when they were small. "Oh be careful little eyes what you see, oh be careful little ears what you hear, oh be careful little tongue what you say, For the Lord is up above and He is looking down with love so be careful ..... " You can finish it :)

And so, my encouragement to you is to be careful. As an example, guard against the culture invading your home through your television and attacking you and your family. Audio and visual media will attempt to convince you that what it portrays is normal and good, entertaining even. It may be normal and even good in a fallen world, but not according to the Word of God. And like Chinese water torture it will continue to wear away to your spiritual sensibilities trusting that one day you will yield to it.

"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 desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life —is not from the Father but is from the world." - 1 John 2:15-16

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 Were Destined To Be A Missionary

"All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us." - 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

Through the course of the 47 years of our Christian life, Martie and I have crossed paths with a number of missionaries.  Missionaries in the sense of people who had left their secular vocations for full time Christian service in in this country or another country to minister to another people group. In fact, for the past 18 years we have considered ourselves to be among them. We left our secular life for full time Christian service. Setting aside what most people in the U.S would consider the "normal life" choosing personal sacrifice of relationships and comforts for another way of living. Many people have commented on how much they have admired us for following the path that we continue to tread. But I sensed that, at the same time, what they were not saying is that they were thankful that God had not called them to that same life of service.

Listening to a sermon this past Sunday that was focused on the verses in 2 Corinthians 5, I was reminded that those thankful people were all mistaken. God has called us - all of us - to a life of Christian service. That in fact, we are all ambassadors - so that God can make His appeal to the Lost to trust Jesus through us.  Perhaps you have thought that you were not entitled to be part of that group because you are still imperfect. With respect to your flesh, your old nature, - you are right to think that because you are. We all are and but for God's grace and mercy we would still be Hell bound. With respect to your new nature - you are wrong. It is your new spiritual nature that God calls to His service. 

"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:13-16

Do people know you are a Christian? By know I mean that you communicate that not just by your words but by the way you live your live in your secular setting. There is no place on earth that you might go where you can escape a secular culture. Whether it is just outside of your front door or in the middle of a remote jungle. Wherever you are on this planet you are a stranger, a foreigner. You are also an ambassador - a missionary, if you will.  

I don't cut the grass anymore. I pay someone to do it. Better than I could or would. Many think that being an ambassador or missionary means that you are paid to be one. Not true. You are saved, destined to be one. If you think that you can be obedient in your Christian life by saying nothing and doing nothing - just stuff your faith under a basket saving it for Sundays and when you are home or around other Christians - you are wrong.

God is making His appeal to the world that it needs Jesus through you or at least that is His intent. Jesus did His part - now its our turn.

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

Conditional Faith - A Rationalized Compromise

"As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus[g] said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." - Luke 9: 57-62

The day Martie and I placed our faith in Jesus, I didn't give much thought about what it meant to live my new life - in terms what it would cost me. I really didn't care. I just knew that it was right! I think that is most probably the case with everyone who bears the name of Christian. That is not to say that there are not some aspects of my old life that continued to struggle with, even to this day. I did for several years in fact. On the other hand, there were a number of habits that did change almost immediately.

As Christians, our biggest challenge I think, is contending with the tension between our old and new natures. It is not God's plan that the moment we are born again we be whisked away to some spiritually safe place until we are called to heaven in the "sweet by and by." No - God's intent is that that we are meant to live out our lives, however long or short, in the same fallen world. Exposed to the same temptations and troubles as before. But not as victims but as victors. As living testimonies of God's grace and mercy through Jesus - resurrected. 

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life 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

The men that Jesus was talking to in Luke 9 wanted to follow Him, but they had another devotion - family responsibilities. They were bound to the natural but drawn to the supernatural - just like we all once were. Jesus told them in essence that if they were going to follow Him they could not have it both ways. They must choose. Don't we struggle with the same issues? Probably why that story was included in the Bible - you think? The temptation we face is to compromise our devotion to God in favor of our devotion to the things of this world - people and possessions.

"Teacher [Jesus], which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him [a Pharisee], “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment." - Matthew 22:36-38

Loving God is to be first and all-inclusive of our whole being. Our relationship with and to everyone and everything else springs from that primary love and devotion. We are to embrace that which honors and glorifies God and keep our distance and devotion from everything that does not. How is that working for you? Every time you fail at that it should be a reminder that you cannot live your new life by virtue of your own effort. BTW you are not a failure because you fail. You merely, once again, prove your need for a Savior.

"I [Paul] know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:12-13

When you fall - and you will - spiritually, pick yourself up - dust yourself off (1 John 1:9) - and press on by faith. Don't resolve yourself to anything less than obedience in every nook and cranny of your life. None of us will be perfected while we live on this planet. That does not make it OK to be complicit in the ways of this world. Complicity is compromise with the world. We compromise because we rationalize our sin. I once heard rationalize as telling ourselves "Rational Lies". Be careful that you do not follow that path. It can be very alluring. Be like Peter and Andrew. (Don't forget that Peter struggled later)

"While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him." - Matthew 4:18-20

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

As Far As It Depends Upon You

"Repay no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12:17-21

Have you ever been treated unfairly? Or have you ever treated someone unfairly out of spite or jealousy or maybe a sinful attitude like bigotry or your own insecurities. If you are the source of the discord - the responsibility to make amends depends upon you. And you, for the sake of your faith and obedience to the Word of God, should do what is necessary to be reconciled to that person. To set things right if you will.  But what if you are not the offender but the one who has been offended. What then?

I have had that happen to me a number of times since I have been involved in ministry. On one particular occasion, I went to a friend and spiritual mentor to seek counsel. I knew what my old nature was crying out to do - but I also knew that was not the path I should follow or the voice I should listen to. My friend's counsel - "Do nothing - let God vindicate you". But forgive the offender. Forgiveness is something that you can do independent of the other person. Forgiveness opens the door to reconciliation and restored relationship. As far as it depends upon you. 

Having said that there are two facets to this. First is when the offender is another Christian. Someone who is capable of understanding and responding to Spiritual Truth. Who has been sealed by the same Spirit. The other is when the offender is not a Christian. Incapable of understanding and responding to spiritual truth. Totally dependent upon personal will.

"Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you." - Matthew 7:6

In other words, although you live by Christian principles, don't expect non-Christians to respond well to a spiritual act on your part. That does not mean that you don't do all you can to restore the relationship. Just understand the complexities of living in a fallen world. As an alien you speak a different life language than the person you are trying to set things right with.

"The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." - 1 Corinthians 2:14

With respect to the incident I referred to with the other Christian. I heeded the counsel I received. Did all I could to seek peace but was rebuffed at every turn.  We were never reconciled - sad to say. My forgiving in spite of the response of the other person has nothing to do with their response and everything to do with my obedience to the Word.

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put-on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." - Colossians 3:12-14

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

Once Saved

"So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or [bad-worthless]." - 2 Corinthians 5:6-10

You may or may not have figured this out already - I am not a graduate of a seminary, but I am a student of the Word, as I trust you are as well. I have been blessed with the opportunity to sit under the teaching of some great teachers and preachers of the Word - but it is the greatest teacher - the Holy Spirit that affirms spiritual truth through the teaching of others and my reading of the Word of God.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I [Jesus] have said to you." - John 14:26

There have been many times when I heard something taught and it came as a revelation to me. Meaning I had not understood something from God's Word in a particular way and then the Spirit affirmed in my heart that what I had just heard or read was indeed a spiritual revelation - God's Truth revealed. Of course we must always be careful that we are not swayed by words that appeal to our flesh and are encouraged to embrace what makes sense to our natural way of thinking as spiritual truth. Many have traveled that dangerous path. Instead, we are to be like the Bereans.

"Now these [Berean] Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." - Acts 17:11

That was a long lead-in to my point. This is it. I was listening to a teaching on 2 Corinthians 5 which illuminated my understanding. That  there are two eternal judgements, the judgement seat of Christ and the Great White Throne Judgement. The first for Christians - those who are saved from condemnation - the judgement seat of Christ. And the second is for those who are not Christians - the Great White Throne Judgement. (Revelation 20).

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" - Romans 8:1-4

Perhaps you already knew that but I have heard eternal judgement described in that past as all mankind standing before the Great White Throne judgement where Christians would be acquitted because Jesus died for us. Study it for yourself. That judgement examines the works of the "goats" - both what they consider their good deeds as defined by mankind and bad in the light of a Holy God. But both fall short of God's glory.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. ..... remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world." - Ephesians 2:8-12

There is a term called "double jeopardy" which means that you cannot be tried for the same offense twice.  Jesus paid it all - all to Him we owe. The penalty for our past, present and future sins has been paid, by Jesus. That does not mean that to continue to sin is OK. We must keep them in perspective. Jesus went to the Cross because of them. We are to living testimonies of God's grace and one day we, Christians, will stand before the judgement seat of Christ. And if you already understood this, then receive my words as a reminder to rejoice and be thankful.

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

My Life Is Not My Own - Neither Is Yours

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." -  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 

Well do you? Do you understand that at the point that you surrendered your life by faith in Jesus that it was more that getting your one-way ticket on the "train" to heaven? That God had "sealed the deal" with His Spirit?

"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." - Ephesians 1:11-14

We are saved but we are also God's own possession.  So what does that mean? I just met with some Army Aviator friends that I had served with in the '80's. I have pretty much suppressed thoughts about military life in favor of the new course the Lord has set for me, but memories and my affection for military life were rekindled with that meeting. One thought was that being "regular" or "career" Army when I felt the call of God to leave the military I had to submit a formal resignation and it had to be approved by my immediate commander and his immediate commander. You can't just say "I am giving you my two weeks notice" or just not go to work on Monday.  In the Army there are legal consequences for that. You are essentially a bond servant. Similar to the Apostle Paul in a way .....

"Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior" - Titus 1:1-3

So to my point. As a Christian, like a soldier and like Paul, we are bond servants. We are to follow the commands of the one who rules our lives.  We should not go off on our own as if we were the captain of our own destiny, although we often do. If you do that in the military, it is not long before you get a "course correction." It is called failure to obey orders or failure to repair (show up for duty) punishable under military law. From the Christian perspective it is called "sin". The things that God tells us to do in the Bible are not suggestions - they are directives. 

Don't just focus on the BIG sins and think because you have not committed any of them, you are good to go. We are responsible to live in a way that honors God and gives testimony to the world in ALL things. 

"For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it" - James 2:10

I found a quote from General George S Patton, actually several that I thought fit my point.  (Upon reflection, the first date I took Martie on was to watch the movie - Patton. I suppose she should have become suspicious about what was to come!")

"You cannot be disciplined in great things and indiscipline [be undisciplined]in small things." General George S. Patton.

We may convince ourselves that the small things don't matter, but they do! The problem is that spiritually speaking we, by ourselves, are incapable of obedience. We need help - a lot of help!

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." - Zechariah 4:6

Remember who you are in Christ. Remember what Christ did on the cross. Do not trivialize what you consider to be small sins as tolerable to God. Don't forget that your life is not your own to do with as your please. You have been sealed by the Spirit - bought with a price. You are a soldier of the Cross. 

"Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him." - 2 Timothy 2:3-4

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

Taking Aim As We Live Our lives

"So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him." -2 Corinthians 5:6-9

We walk by faith and not by sight. That is to say that we have our eyes fixed on God and not the world. That doesn't just happen. It requires discipline. Intentionality. Deliberate action on our part. Awareness that we are not of this world any longer. "We make it our aim to please Him - who? God our father. When I heard that spoken by the pastor and read it - again for I don't know how many times, I thought about something I had learned on the rifle range in Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri in the spring of 1969. Something called the 8 Steady Hold Factors. The challenge for the instructors was to teach a bunch of trainees, most of whom had never held a weapon, to shoot and hit what they were aiming at. Then, we were trained to fire the M-14's rifle. What are the 8 Steady Hold Factors? Glad you asked.

1. Grip of left hand
2. Placement of Rifle Butt
3. Grip of right hand
4. Right elbow
5. Stock weld
6. Breathing
7. Relaxation
8. Trigger control

So why share that with you? Going through that routine each time I fired my weapon meant that I had to be deliberate, intentional, disciplined.  Just like walking by faith.  If you have trouble being consistent with your faith walk it is most likely that you are not doing those things.  You are just letting life happen and then looking back at what you should have done when you consistently miss your target. Years later when I ran rifle ranges for my unit I would tell them, "Firers, Lock one three round magazine, load, Ready on the right, Ready on the Left, Firers - watch your lanes!" And up would pop the targets. 

What I would say to you - "Christians, Hide the Word in Your Heart (Psalm 119:11), Meditate on it and obey it (Joshua 1:8-9), Love God and Love others (Matthew 22:37-39), Suit up for battle (Ephesians 6:10-18) Get ready on the right, get ready on the left, Christians, watch your lanes!" And up will pop the trials and opportunities of life. This new life requires effort. 

"Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him." - 2 timothy 2:3-4

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 Source Of Sin

"For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience [Adam] the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience [Jesus] the many will be made righteous." Romans 5:17-19 

My last post was about the consequence of sin. Not a "fun" topic but one that, as Christians, we need to understand. Both the reason and the result.  Today I wanted to touch on the source of sin.  You might be thinking, Ah Oh - here we go! Just hang with me for a moment.

We all know about the Garden - Adam - Eve - the Serpent. Everyone understands that we are all born with a sin nature because of it. Like Paul wrote in Romans 5. "one trespass led to condemnation for all men" but there is something else at work.  I am certain that you have heard the saying, "The apple does not fall far from the tree." Most often it is made about some positive attribute displayed in someone's life that is credited back to a parent. But it might well be something negative.

Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family, said the "Values are caught they are not taught". He went on to say by the age of 12 a child's values have been instilled. It is not what you say is right and wrong but what we do that children identify with. I remember sitting in the back porch with a bite of soap in my mouth (washing my mouth out with soap literally) because I had used foul language that I had heard my mother using. I remember my dad telling me that smoking was a bad habit, one which I should not start as he puffed on a Camel cigarette. My parents were divorced when I was 2. I remember my mom telling me when I was 9 or 10, "Stop doing that it reminds me of your father!" I assume it was not some good behavior. You get the idea. We can't blame everything on Adam. Very often we can be found guilty of contributing to the delinquency of a minor (our children). It might also be said for our influence on less mature Christians who are watching us to see what living as a Christian in a fallen world is supposed to look like.

So often we excuse the sins we accommodate in our own lives and are quick to condemn the sin we see in others. We don't want to think that we have contributed to the spiritual struggle our children or other Christians contend with - but we may well have. Cain asked the question "Am I my brother's keeper?" 

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6

It would be unfair to leave you with the thought that my mom was a Christian when she had me take a bite out of a bar of soap.  She was saved many years later and the transformation was unbelievable, especially to the four older children as we were not yet Christians. But the change was real and was a testimony to us and all who had known her "old-self". And since the day that I said yes to Jesus there has been no more soap for me!

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

Living with The Consequences Of Sin

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us." - Psalm 103:11-12

What a great promise and fact. When we are born again by faith in Jesus, our sins are forgiven - past, present and future. It is all by God's grace and mercy, nothing we did to earn our pardon. Not only are we forgiven, but our "record" has been expunged. The slate wiped clean. But ... there are consequences that persist that are not undone ... consequences that persist across generations even.  Some consequences  that are not overcome with time. 

Consequences I am referring to may be those that affect you directly, but are also those that affect other people. Those people may or may not be Christians. It may be that you can make restitution - restore what was taken or harmed and it may be that only God can do that. Particularly when it comes to relationships.

It is a natural thing - wired into our being that children want to be connected to their mother and father. But that is not always the case. In the United States as of 2021 there were over 11 million families with a single parent. 80 percent were headed by single mothers. Of course there are a multitude of reasons for that statistic. Some by choice - never married (about 1/2) - some by divorce (about 1/3) - by death or abandonment of the spouse (the rest). What is my point? Apart from death of the spouse, sin is at the root. The biological parents can find forgiveness through salvation. But even then, the family might not be restored.  It is a mess isn't it!  

So what about other people who have been affected by consequences of someone else's sins. Money is not the answer to sin. Reconciliation is a beginning. But apart from salvation - there will be no true restoration. The answer for those people is found in Jesus. He can mend what has been broken by sin. It may not be your parents getting back together or your spouse having a change of heart and wanting to restore the relationship. It may be like that amputee accepting the loss and moving on with life. But in this case our hope is not in other people but in the God who forgives. The God who is the source of our comfort no matter what the affliction.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too" - 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

We live in a world that is broken by sin. That sin affects all of us. But there is Hope through faith in Jesus.  There are over 11 million single parents struggling with life. I don't know how many are Christians. And of those how many have lost their way and are living, once again, as if they were not born again. But I do know that Jesus is the answer.  There is a song --- surprised?

I made a slight change [in brackets] to the chorus in the song "You Are The Reason" Form Jesus' perspective.

"I'd climb every mountain

And swim every ocean

Just to be with you

And fix [what's been] broken

Oh, 'cause I need you to see

That you are the reason [that I went to the Cross]"

Who do you know that is living with the consequences of sin? They need Jesus. And if they have been born again, then they need to be reminded that God is the God of all comfort and they need to draw closer.

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

It's God And Not Our Culture Who Defines Sin

If we walk in the light as He is in the light…the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. —1 John 1:7

"I must “walk in the light as He is in the light…”— not in the light of my own conscience, but in God’s light. […] On the conscious level it produces a keen, sorrowful knowledge of what sin really is. The love of God working in me causes me to hate, with the Holy Spirit’s hatred for sin, anything that is not in keeping with God’s holiness. To “walk in the light” means that everything that is of the darkness actually drives me closer to the center of the light." - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Does the fact that you continue to sin concern you?  Even a little bit?  Or are you content with being a marginal Christian. Are you accommodating sin in your life because, well frankly, you like it?  If you love your culture.  If you embrace what it offers or promotes as truth and right, even though the Word of God says it is a lie and wrong, then that is exactly where you are.  It is not a function of what you have but what has you.  Listen, freedom from sin is not freedom to sin.  It is really not OK.  

"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 desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." - 1 John 2:15-17

The problem is, so many “Christians” are in love with the world and the things of the world, that if you just look at other Christians and not Jesus, you can always find justification for what you do and don’t do very easily.  We are not to love our neighbor and then love for God will spring from it.  It is the other way around.  Love God and then you will compelled to love others because of our love for God and His love for us.  (1 John 4:19-21) 

"By this all people will know that you are my [Jesus'] disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:35

I want you to think about where your heart is and where your priorities are.  Loving God and not loving the world is not an option, it’s a command.  

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

It's Not About The Praise Or Is It?

"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:16-18

Christian - why do you do what you do the way you do? Be careful when people praise you for your service to others and obedience to God. When they see the result of your being faithful to the call of God and give you the credit for the work you have done the bait in the trap has been set.

But what is so bad with embracing the praise from others? After all, it was you that sacrificed. It was you that worked when no one else was willing. It was you that did whatever you did. But was it? Where was the love of God in it? Did love of self get in the way? It will you know - in a minute.

Confession time. I am going to share something that you would have no way of knowing about me unless I told you, which I am about to do. You know that I write devotions most days, Monday to Friday. I have been since 2011. Anywhere from 200 to 300 a year. Well I started tracking the number of "reads" out of amazement actually. (I have talked about this in the past) The numbers represent when someone has read my BLOG or it could have been merely someone opening the devotion and then quickly closing it. The tally had eventually reached over 150,000 since 2011. Big number. I began wondering if my BLOG  might reach 200,000 one day. Shocking to think that what I wrote might be looked at that many times. Then something unexpected happened, I recently had over a thousand in one day. Did it go viral I wondered? Because it was an anomaly, I investigated it and discovered the source of the sudden rise was all from Singapore. Singapore???? But 1000 in a day? Wow! This month the count has been over 16,600. Could it be true or was I being hacked? I checked with some folks who know more about it than me and they said - ignore it - it doesn't mean anything. What!!! 

The first noise I  heard was the air escaping from my ballooned ego. The second noise I heard was the door slamming shut on the trap? Like it or not, my sources are right actually but maybe not for the reason they think - But get a grip Charley!!! Those numbers didn't mean anything! Yet another lesson for yours truly. The Apostle Paul wrote about a principle that is at work for anyone who would venture out for God that we must all understand and embrace. 

"What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the increase" - 1 Corinthians 3:5-8

As soldiers of the cross, while we wade through the trenches of this spiritual war, we can easily forget that it is God who brings the spiritual increase from our effort. It is God who is our strength, our wisdom, our source of inspiration. People may know our names but if there is any praise to be gained - it all must rightly go to God - the only credit we might receive is that we believed and obeyed His call.  I have seen people who did some particular work in the name of Jesus. But they clearly coveted, enjoyed and embraced the personal validation that maybe they were really OK when they gained that recognition. Gobbling up the credit for what God had done through them. Demonstrating a feigned humility. "Oh no, it wasn't me! - Tell me again!" 

Be careful my friends, God knows the heart. Your heart - my heart. Each time I have observed it in someone else, I have said to myself, "Lord help me that it would not be said of me!" That I would not seek recognition for myself but would faithfully stand against the temptation to rob God of His glory. The big question is - am I writing these devotions to encourage the Saints at the prompting of the Spirit or am I doing it to stoke the fire of my ego? I can recognize the struggle in others, but can I see that I am struggling with it myself. It is the speck and the beam. It's like the Prophet Nathan confronting David with David's sin that David had rationalized as being OK. To see it requires that our hearts be open and yielded to the Spirit of God. Temptation is not sin, by the way. But it always precedes sin. 

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13

What is the way of escape? Read Psalm 119:11. Ephesians 6:10-18

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