The Authority Of Jesus

"When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. And suddenly they cried out, saying, 'What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?' Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. So the demons begged Him, saying, 'If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.' And He said to them, 'Go.' So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine." - Matthew 8:28-32

Seem like an odd verse? The point is that even the demons recognized the authority of Jesus as Lord of All. I once read somewhere that if "Jesus is not Lord of All (in your life), then He is not Lord at all." That is a hard truth. A pill that I think most Christians would have a hard time swallowing. Do you remember the conditions for salvation? Let me refresh your memory.

"if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." - Romans 10:8-9

Do you see the two parts of belief that leads to salvation? First - confess (which means to agree with God the Father) that Jesus is Lord. The same Lord with the same authority that even the demons submitted to. And Second - Believe that God the Father raised Him from the dead - having died for the sins of mankind and raise on the third the victor over death. Jesus asks us the same question He asked His disciples.

“But why do you call Me ‘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

The answer is that we want to "cherry pick" the scripture. We do obey some of the Word, but there are other parts that we see as optional, discretionary or just ignore them as it they did not apply to us.  It is then that we prove that Jesus is not really Lord of all in our lives. A hard word? Yes. I really don't like typing it because it cuts me to the quick as well.

It is like Paul's lament in Romans chapter 7 where he affirms that only Jesus, the Lord of all, can come to our aid!

"For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. ...  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 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. ...  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 7:15,18-20,22-25 

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

Understanding Worship

"Then Jesus said to him, Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’" - Matthew 4:10

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." - Romans 12:1

Worship is more than singing a song, praying a prayer and listening to a sermon on Sunday which you might forget before you exit the door of the church on your way to lunch. Worship - spiritual worship - is living a life of obedience to the One you are worshipping. Saying "no" to you and the world and "yes" to God and His Word.

That is why Jesus told Satan that He, Jesus, would not bend His knee to Satan. His devotion was to His Father. That is why Shadrach, Meshak and Abednego would not bend their knees to a statue of Nebuchadnezzar. They served God and bent their knees to Him alone. 

Worship is not reserved for Sunday mornings - but 24x7x365. We are to be fully devoted to God the Father who saved us through the sacrifice of His Son. 

"Then Jesus told his disciples, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." -  Matthew 16:24

Jesus is the first born among many brothers (and sisters). (Romans 8:29). If we are to follow His example then our worship is demonstrated by our devotion and obedience. Jesus asked the question

"Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?" - Luke 6:46

Expand your thinking about worship and devotion toward God. It is more that singing about it, talking about it and listening to sermons about it. To offer ourselves as a living sacrifices we must subordinate our devotion to all other things. Family - Friends - Culture - Politics - Material things - the list goes on. We worship God through our obedience. Yielded ourselves to God and not to the flesh and our old nature. 

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

Being Like Jesus In A Fallen World

"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." - Galatians 5:19-21

The point of this post is to remind you that as a Christian, this world is not your home - you are just passing through. It is easy to forget that what we see, hear or read about every day represents the nature of a fallen world. A world surviving under the crushing weight of sin. In Galatians chapter 5, Paul shared a contrast between the behavior of Believers (fruit of the Spirit) and unbelievers (works of the flesh). I have listed the titles of some of the articles posted in Yahoo News - an on-line amalgamation of news articles from different news agencies. Just this short list makes the state of the world clear. Each title is separated by a semicolon ";". Take a moment to read them and then see if you can spot how each is a product of the sinful nature - works of the flesh.  

Women working in Antarctica say they were left to fend for themselves against sexual harassers; Jacksonville killings: What we know about the hate crime; Large police presence reported in St. Johns Town Center; Florida’s Gulf Coast braces for Cat 3 hurricane as Tropical Storm Idalia strengthens; South Dakota woman admits to making false rape report after an extramarital tryst in Florida; Ignored by police, twin sisters took down their cyber stalker themselves; Trump's drumbeat of lies about the 2020 election keeps getting louder. Here are the facts; 'I live in the real world': Kevin O'Leary warns the US has a 'crisis emerging' thanks to the breakneck speed of interest rate hikes; China's $10 trillion hidden debt mountain could be the 'ticking time bomb' that Joe Biden warned of; Reported Israeli strike damages Aleppo airport and puts it out of service; Multiple victims shot, active shooting situation in Boston: police; Trial starting for suspect in Des Moines school shooting that killed 2 students; Man, woman charged in deadly gas station shooting in Rochester; victim identified; Ukraine-Russia war live: Key village Robotyne liberated as Kyiv claims five Moscow jets hit by drone; A gang in Haiti opens fire on a crowd of parishioners trying to rid the community of criminals.

It is like a world gone mad. My contention is that the only solution to this madness is Jesus - repentance and salvation. I am grieved to say, that will not happen for the majority of people and life on this planet is bound to only get worse not better. Not to say well intentioned people won't try to fix it, they will. Most people, Believers or not, are not happy about the bad things that are happening around them. They want solutions. But man's solutions are either out of reach or inadequate.  The best answers we can come up with, on our own, are like giving someone cough medicine when the problem is not a cold but lung cancer. In short - the world can only treat the symptoms and not the root cause. 

There is a movie, "A Few Good Men" starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson. In the movie, Tom Cruise tells Jack Nicholson that he wanted Jack Nicholson to tell the truth to which Jack Nicholson replies "The Truth? You can't stand the truth!" In a similar way, the world needs to hear and understand the Truth, but it doesn't want to hear it if it is Jesus. But .....

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6

So what can we do? It is simple, really. Just do what the Bible says to do. Be the Light to whoever crosses your path.  Whenever you see a Jesus opportunity - step into it.

"All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?  When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’  And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." - Matthew 25:32-40

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 Third Strand

"For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken." - Ecclesiastes 4:10-12

I was first sensitized to those verses when I was part of the Promise Keepers ministry in the '90s. The idea then and now is as a Christian man, it is important have other Christian men in my life. Don't try to live my new life on my own, devoid of any meaningful association with other Christians beyond the superficial grip and grin on Sunday mornings. But the principle goes beyond that. 

The other day, I wrote about the husband and wife being one - not two. But there is more to the story. The husband and wife are three not two. What binds us together as husband and wife is more than our determination to "stick it out". It is the Spirit of God. The One who makes it a "threefold cord". 

To fulfill God's intent and design requires the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God is what quickens each of us in our relationship with God - the Father. Yes - it requires faith in God the Son, but our faith is cemented by the Spirit, first separately in the husband and in the wife and then together as husband and wife. Marriage is a triangular relationship if you will. 

"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?" - 1 Corinthians 6:19

A successful relationship, as God intended, is built on our relationship with God by faith in the Son and the indwelling of and submission to the Spirit.  But what if either the husband or the wife is not a Christian? We have this admonition.

"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" -  2 Corinthians 6:14

Getting married in a church does not make an uneven yoke right before God. It is not possible to have a God honoring marriage if one of the spouses is an unbeliever.  But if one of them is not a Christian, then the believing spouse must be faithful first to God and then to their spouse. God does not give you license to abandon the unbelieving spouse. However, should they abandon you then you are free from the relationship.

"If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases." - 1 Corinthians 7:12-13,15

Why is that possible? I believe that since they were not joined together by God and so if they leave the relationship can be ended. Remember.

"What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." - Mark 10:9

Complicated, isn't it? That was not by God's intent. There are so many "What ifs" that can be asked because we are so good at going our own way and then making a mess of things. I think those "What ifs" all can be summed up by answering a question with a question. "What if you sin in any way?" There are consequences from our sins that most often cannot be avoided but, at the same time there is forgiveness. Of course, our preference would be that consequences would be vacated supernaturally by God and forgiveness would wipe the slate clean as if the sin never happened. There are inevitable consequences to our sin even though forgiveness is certain. My encouragement - no matter what has happened or is happening in your life.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones." - Proverbs 3:5-8

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

One Is Not Always The Loneliest Number

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." -Mark 10:7-9

God's intent is that a man and women were created to compliment each other. It is not just about procreation - but for the purpose of living out their lives together in magnificent harmony. Mutually supportive. That kind of relationship is within reach unless it is not God who has joined them together. Very often people get married or choose to live together and God has no place in their relationship. 

There is no more fulfilling relationship between husband and wife than that which is God honoring and other-centered. Have you ever used a nail bent over when you needed a bolt but didn't have one? In the Army we called that a "field expedient". It works for a while, but not well. A marriage is not about what you can get out of it, but more, what you can put into it. Focusing on the needs of your spouse and not yourself. When you both have that godly attitude and understanding - you have a very fulfilling relationship. You are living as God intended. 

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies." - Ephesians 5:22-28

The wife submitted to the needs of her husband - the husband submitted to the needs of the wife. Making myself less so my wife can be more. If she is the most important person on this planet, why on God's green earth would I not want to do that.

The problem is our sin nature. The solution is faith and walking by the Spirit and not the flesh. 

"But I [Paul] say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." - Galatians 5:16

The problems arise when we focus on us and not them. When we drift away from God and depend on ourselves. That is how the world works. I suspect that there will be some who read this thinking that they have messed it up. It's too late. But God can set things right. He is the God of new beginnings. It starts with you.

Just know that when a husband and wife are one - as God intended - there is no loneliness - just joy and fulfillment. That is when one is not the loneliest number. 

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

Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word

"For even if I [Paul] made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance." - 2 Corinthians 7:8-10

There is a song by Elton John about being sorry. It is hard so hard for people to say they are sorry. Having regret for something they said or did. You know what I mean - we all have been there - maybe we are still there. What keeps us from saying we are sorry is most often pride, I think. Perhaps it is a result of something that was done to you and you did something back. Something hurtful. And you are not sorry but perhaps feel justified.

Actually, saying you are sorry is not the hardest thing to do. Words are cheap as they say. Meaning you are sorry is. True sorrow leads to repentance. Meaning that you no longer harbor malice in your heart. Whatever you did, you don't do again. I am certain you know people that will say they are sorry and then do the same thing again. Abusers are like that. There is no repentance - no change - just words tossed out like a balm to ease the conscious of the offender. Some of you will remember the movie, Love Story. There is a classic line in it, "Love is never having to say you're sorry." Remember that? Not true. Love will compel you to say you are sorry and then to demonstrate the reality of that sorrow by what you do. 

Godly grief or sorrow on the part of the offender leads to repentance or change. That change happens in the heart and is demonstrated by how that person then behaves. You and I experienced godly sorrow on the day that we were born again. It was godly sorrow that we felt when we yielded our hearts to God by faith in Jesus. We repented which led to salvation. 

As a Christian, you have a spiritual capacity that the lost do not have. They must rely on themselves in all of their relationships. We, on the other hand, rely on the Spirit of God and our faith to do what we cannot. When Jesus would tell someone to "Go and sin no more", they were incapable of doing that on their own. 

"the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." - Galatians 5:22-26

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

Dealing With Difficult Christians

"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

I was talking to someone, just the other day, about struggles in ministry. I told them that relational problems with people, in my experience, had more to do with other people in ministry and not so much with the people we were ministering to. People who have their own agendas or troubles serving alongside us. I don't expect people to be perfect - I am certainly not - I hold no one to that standard. I told her the challenge they would face when that happens is to keep their focus on God - who called them to service and the people they were called to serve.

God knows that we will encounter disagreeable people (Christians) as we journey on the path that He has set before us. If you are not careful and vigilant, serving with difficult Christians can tempt you to say "enough - this is not worth it" and stop doing what God has called you to do. God did not promise that your journey would not be difficult. But no matter what the difficulties are, we are to be compassionate, kind, humble, meek (bridled strength not weak - self (spirit) controlled), patient, forgiving. All a result of the Spirit at work in you. Colossians is telling us not to respond with our flesh.

Consider this. Perhaps God has allowed difficult people into your life to be "relational sandpaper." Perhaps He is working on your godly character through those experiences - conforming you to the image of His Son. Perhaps He wants you to trust in Him and not yourself when you encounter difficult people - Christians. To be honest, I have not always fared well on some of those occasions.  But I must add that in every instance, I have learned something about myself and the grace of God. 

"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

Reminded of a song - More Like You - by Maranatha Music

"More like You Jesus, More like You
Fill my heart with Your desire To make me more like You
More like You Jesus, More like You
Touch my lips with holy fire And make me more like You
Lord You are my mercy, Lord You are my grace
And all my deepest sins, Have forever been erased
Draw me in Your presence, Lead me in Your ways
I long to bring You glory In righteousness and praise"

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 World Is Not Ready

"See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my [Jesus'] name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. ... But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." - Matthew 24:4-8, 36-39

I have talked to a good number of Christians, "Sheep", who are convinced that Jesus' return is imminent. I pray so but then I read Matthew 24 and am reminded that only the Father knows WHEN that will be. We can see the signs, certainly, but as I have told my children many times, "The worst thing you have experienced is the worst thing you know." Don't fool yourself into thinking that things can't get any worse before Jesus returns for His Church. They can and, I am sorry to say, most likely will.

Then there are the "Goats" [not the Greatest Of All Time] who may or may not believe there is a creator God but don't believe Jesus is the Way and Truth and Life. Just like you and I used to not believe. So they are "eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage". Living life. Unaware that one day the "door on the Ark" will close. Any opportunity to be saved by faith will be gone - forever. And just like the flood, God's judgement will sweep them away to eternal separation from Him. 

Noah preached repentance and he was ignored - only a remnant was saved from the flood because they chose to enter into the Ark - to believe the message. Comparatively speaking, only a remnant of everyone who ever lived will "enter the Ark" which is to put their faith in Jesus, to be saved from judgement and condemnation - from the flood.

Our life on earth is but a blink of an eye in Heaven. So for any generation, time is short. 

"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" - 2 Peter 3:8-9

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

Called Out By God

"Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs. But the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ Now therefore hear the word of the Lord." - Amos 7:14-16

Do you feel adequate spiritually speaking? Are you content with being saved and trying to be a good person? You don't have to answer that, but you should think about it! Like Amos, you and I are Christians, called out of the natural world. Called to subordinate our affection for those things natural to those things that are supernatural - meaning above the natural - spiritual. The word for "called out" in the original Greek text is Ekklesia (eck-les-see-ah). (I am not a Greek scholar and certainly not trying to impress you. I had to look that up). A synonym for "called out ones" is the Church (capital C) or assembly. We are collectively called out by God the Father through Jesus, the Son.  

"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”- 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Like Amos, we must be willing to give up our natural agenda - deferring instead to God's agenda for His children. What is that agenda? Living in a way that glorifies God and shouts out the Truth of John 3:16. You don't have to be a prophet, a pastor, a missionary (meaning you leave where you live and go to another place for the purpose of promoting faith in Jesus) or even a Bible teacher. You can bloom right where you are planted, as they say.  God has called you out and will equip you for your role in the Church. When and if you live out your new life, you will be strikingly different from the majority of the people you live around - work with. Not just because of what you say, but because of how you live. By how you treat other people. In short because you look and act like Jesus.

Does that thought take you outside of your religious comfort zone? It should. Fulfilling your eternal purpose is an impossibility apart from the power of God and a surrendered life. Do you understand how remarkable and amazing your new life is or can be? My hope in writing these devotions is to spark your spiritual thinking - encouraging you to take on a spiritual perspective. Remind you of who you are in Christ and the remarkable calling you have from the Creator God. Don't hide your faith under a basket but to let it shine from the hilltop. 

"I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might" - Ephesians 1:16-19

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

Love Starts With A Devoted Heart

"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

I woke up this morning with this verse on my mind. The idea here is that loving others is a product or result of loving God. If you hate your brother then it's because you have a love problem

"But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law? And he said to him, 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. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." - Matthew 22:34-40

So what does loving God look like? A devoted heart. A heart surrendered by faith. Where there is no room for anything that is not of God. And if there is, well, it is because you lack devotion to God. So often, as Christians, we justify our attitudes and actions based upon the rules of the natural world - our old nature. The life and ways that we have been saved from. All we need is agreement from others that how we feel or treat others is justified - even Biblical. 

What binds us together is found in our relationship with the Father through faith in the Son. There is a song that we used to sing years ago - in the 70's call "Bind Us Together Lord"

"Bind Us Together, Lord. Bind Us Together With Cords That Cannot Be Broken. 
Bind Us Together, Lord Bind Us Together. Bind Us Together In Love
There Is Only One God, There Is Only One King There Is Only One Body, That Is Why We Sing.

Bind Us Together, Lord. Bind Us Together With Cords That Cannot Be Broken."

The world wants peace, love and unity but actually teaches division and hate. The thing that it craves will always be out of reach apart from God who created us. 

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

Your greatest testimony is the love we have for one another. Love birthed out of our love for God. People who have devoted and surrendered hearts toward 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

Fulfilling Your Purpose In The Body

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually." - 1 Corinthians 12:4-6,12-14, 18, 20,27

If you are reading this, I assume that you are a Christian. That you can point to a moment in your life when you confessed to God the Father, that Jesus is your Lord, and you believe that God raised Him from the dead. That being revealed by the Spirit of God. And so, at that moment, you were born again spiritually. And if you are a Christian, then you are a member of the body of Christ. And if you are a member of the Body, then you have been given certain spiritual gifts to fulfill your role within the Body and outward to the world. There are no unimportant gifts given and so there are no unimportant roles to be accomplished. We all have a significant place and purpose in the Body and our new life in Christ. 

Do you think about your God-given purpose at all? Beyond being a child of God and having eternal life. As if that were not enough! Have you ever taken the time to understand what your gifts are? And if you have, have you been willing to nurture and exercise those gifts beyond personal benefit? They were not given to you for you, but for the edification of the other members of the Body and for the promotion of the Gospel as God's ambassadors in a world headed for hell. In the process of nurturing and exercising you will be stretched. The reason is that being spiritual, their successful application is dependent our submission to the leading of Spirit of God. Having a spiritual nature means that we will never feel that we are personally able to what God's asks of us on our own. It will require faith. Are your ready for that? I hope so! Fulfill your spiritual purpose. 

"Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts." - Zechariah 4:6

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

Trusting When God Says Wait Through Silence

When the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. —Genesis 15:12

“[A] saint’s duty is to be still and listen. The story of Abram and Hagar in Genesis 16 is an excellent example of listening to so-called good advice during a time of darkness, rather than waiting for God to send the light. Never try to help God fulfill His word. Abram went through thirteen years of silence, but in those years all of his self-sufficiency was destroyed. He grew past the point of relying on his own common sense. Those years of silence were a time of discipline, not a period of God’s displeasure. Do I trust at all in the flesh? Do I trust in books and prayers or other joys in my life? Or have I placed my confidence in God Himself, not in His blessings? As soon as God becomes real to us, people pale by comparison, becoming shadows of reality. Nothing that other saints do or say can ever upset the one who is built on God.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Trusting in the Lord and not our own wisdom or plans (Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 16:9) is perhaps our biggest challenge.  We know what “the Lord saith”, but often lack the faith to wait and trust.  Like the E.G. Wentworth commercial, we want it now! We can’t see God’s hand moving so we worry and try to “help” God.  

I can remember one of my granddaughters, when she was 3 or 4.  I would try to help her do something that was way beyond her ability and she would say “Let me – I can do it myself!”  Out of the mouths of babes.  That was Abraham and Sarah’s problem. Sarah was complicit in Abraham’s sin.  Sarah laughed at the thought of her having a baby. (Genesis 18:12) They knew what the Lord had said but lacked faith.  Have you ever struggled with that problem?  When God says something .. you know that it is true, but you have a hard time trusting in the truth.  It is endemic to our old nature.  

“Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.” - Mark 9:21-26)

Faith is the “substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not see”.  (Hebrews 11:1) It’s the “evidence of things not seen” part that that the father asking Jesus for help and all of us struggle with.  What is it in your life that you need faith for?  Faith is a result of nearness to God.  

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” - Romans 1:17

Strong faith is a result of exercising our faith, just like our muscles.  Faith requires trust.  Trust requires submission.  Submission requires humility.  You do not know better than God. 

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” - Proverbs 16:18

Haughty means – Proud and disdainful; having a high opinion of oneself, with some contempt for others; lofty and arrogant; supercilious. Supercilious means – behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others.  If you think you know better than the Creator God then you have a haughty and supercilious attitude!  Just like the Pharisees. We all struggle with it.  It is the nature of our flesh .. in fact, it was at the root of Adam’s sin.

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

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

The Trouble With Traditions

"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 [on earth] 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, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." -  1 Peter 1:17-19

Have you ever seen young children playing together? They are not worried about gender, race or what side of the tracks they were born on. They are content to spend time together - no pre-conditions.  Those worries will come soon enough. And where do they come from?  They are learned. They are told what is right and what is wrong with the world by their parents, family, church, culture - media.  Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, said that values are "caught" - not "taught". Meaning most of our learning from others comes from our observing how they live and treat others.  

My parents taught me many good things when I was young. Things that were consistent with the Word of God, but that was not their intention when they taught them. At least not in my formative years. They also taught me things that were not consistent with the Word of God.  They were not Christians until I had left home and joined the Army. But I digress. 

Peter's point is that the traditions of our culture, our families, the people we identify with do not and should not have primacy over the will of God for His children.  But often times, we allow those traditions to shape our thinking and behaving. I have said before that if I profane the name of Jesus or God, people would say nothing, but if I were to speak against their parents, they would be ready to fight. I have met a number of Christians who judged me based upon my accent, the part of the country I was born in or current live in, the denomination of the church I attend, or my ethnicity. The thing is, they didn't see anything wrong with it. It is all part of their world view. An amalgamation of the Word and the traditions of their fathers. If there was any conflict between the two, most traditions won the day.  I always thought about 1 Peter 1 when that happened.  

Do you remember the Fiddler on the Roof? Why do we wear our hats? That's right - Tradition! We very often don't question the traditions passed along from generation to generation. We just accept them - right or wrong.

Who we are in Christ should and must be the thing that binds us together with other Christians. Not race or geography or wealth or education. Certainly not traditions that are contrary to God's revealed will.

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

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

Keeping The World At A Distance

"You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together." - Deuteronomy 22:10

You don't have to be a farmer to imagine the potential problems with harnessing to different animals together. When the Apostle Paul wrote his second letter to the Corinthians he addressed being unevenly yoked with non-believers. 

"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?  And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God." - 2 Corinthians 6:14-16

At first blush, you might think that Paul is saying, as a Christian, don't be around lost people. Far from it. What he is saying is don't embrace their habits, practices and beliefs. You say you don't? Well you probably do. Those who are lost represent what we once were. And like putting on an old pair of shoes, embracing what we were saved from is an easy fit. That is why Paul and God through Paul, encourages us to resist.

That is easy to say and would be easy to do if emotions were not tied to it. We are talking about friends, family, maybe culture and ethnicity. Shared history - but natural history. We have a hard time believing that if we toss out the bath water (the things that we must abandon), we won't also be tossing out the "baby" (people we care about) as well.  How do you separate what people do and believe from the people doing and believing? Well, it is possible but not humanly possible. It requires the power of God which requires primary devotion to God. I am certain you remember Jesus saying that of all of the things we do, what was the most important thing is that we must do first. 

"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment." - Matthew 22:36-38

Jesus also said that the love you have for others will look like hate when compared to the love you have for God the Father. In other words - nothing else, no devotion or earthly relationship should come before God. 

"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple." - Luke 14:26

But what if compliance and participation with the world are a requirement to maintain those relationships? Then you may have to let the relationship go. If you don't like the thought of that, then you are struggling with your devotion to God. And if you don't like the thought of that then you are struggling with your understanding and acceptance of the Word of God. In my experience the "unsaved" people in my life keep me at a distance and "tolerate" my faith. I wish this was a simple matter, but it is not.  

"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." - 1 John 2:15-16

Put bluntly, placing anyone or anything ahead of God is sin. There are none of us who have not struggled with that - maybe are struggling with it today. And if not today then you most likely will tomorrow. Are there some habits or relationships that are proving to be toxic to your spiritual walk and testimony?

"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." - 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

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

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

Longing For Beulah Land

"Tell us [Pharisees], then, what you [Jesus] think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar's.” They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." - Matthew 22:17-21

There is a better place that is just over the hilltop. A bright land where we will never grow old. Don't you yearn for Jesus to come soon. Perhaps some days more than others. Do you find it difficult to render unto Caesar when some of the laws are clearly contrary to the Word of God? Are you surprised that there is a tension between the two? Wasn't this country founded by people of faith?

The fact of the matter is that politicians, Christian or not, are bound to represent their constituency. Think about that. Remember, Christians are a minority, not just in this country, but in the world. I wrote about the problem of unity a couple of weeks ago. The impossibility of being fully united with the lost. There is some agreement, but when the consensus of the world is contrary to the declaration of God - therein lies the rub. What to do when there is a conflict. What did Jesus say? 

"render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" If it is in the domain of the government and is not contrary to the Word of God then we must honor it. But, if it is contrary to God then we must honor God. 

God said don't steal. Our country has laws in place that say it is unlawful to steal and have penalties in place for those found guilty of stealing. The same with murder. That was easy!

There are laws in most countries against people assaulting one another, with consequences if you are found guilty. The Bible does not speak to assault explicitly - although the principles for how we are to treat one another are clear. But, I think the explicit issue of assault is in Caesar's domain. 

Money is a medium used in the economy to pay for goods and services. Money is minted by the government and has an underlying value which the government supports. Some of the currency in the United States is imprinted with, "In God We Trust", which is not true for everyone who uses it. (In fact, I would not be surprised if one day that phrase is removed because someone who does not trust God finds it offensive). Remember, our currency belongs to Caesar. 

What I see as the biggest challenge is when God has made something plain as being wrong, but Caesar has declared it through legislation as being right. I will let you think about some examples. It is at this point that we must side with God. Regardless of the personal consequences.

"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 1:28-32

Remember - the Lost are lost - headed for Hell. Jesus came to save them. We don't have to agree with those who practice such things. But that does not mean that we treat them any different than anyone else whose heart is far from God. They need Jesus. The laws of the Land reflect the majority. The majority are lost. Peoples' inclination is to move away from God not toward Him. But one day, some of them will meet Jesus on the road. Just like we did. Be the light in this dark time. 

"For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." - 2 Corinthians 2:15

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 World's Gospel - We Are All God's Children

"For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but “In Isaac your seed shall be called.” That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed."- Romans 9:6-8

I am certain that you have heard someone say, "We are all God's children." That might be right given the right definition of "all". If "all" means all born again Believers, then the statement is correct. But if it means every person that has or has had breath by virtue of being born on this planet - then it is "WRONG".

In the natural context, as humans, we are all God's creation, but apart from Jesus, we are not all God's children.  Jacob and Esau are a picture of those two realities. Both Isaac's sons. One spiritual and one carnal. God said, "Jacob I loved, and Esau I hated" (Malachi 1:2; Romans 9:13)

In the spiritual context, there are "children of the flesh" - not saved by faith in Jesus and "children of God" - those who were once were children of the flesh but were saved by faith and reborn spiritually into the family of God. 

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him." - 1 John 3:1

Do you remember the song "We Are The World"? It first came out 35 years ago. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. It had credibility because of the coming together of 45 famous singers of the day participating in the song.  These are some of the lyrics.

"We can't go on pretending day by day That someone somewhere will soon make a change We're all a part of God's great big family And the truth, you know Love is all we need. We are the world We are the children We are the ones who make a brighter day So, let's start giving There's a choice we're making We're saving our own lives." 

"We're all a part of God's great big family And the truth, you know Love is all we need." Uh, no we are not and what we all need is Jesus. The world's gospel is that we can make life better if we work at it. The life and love that the world is seeking is found only by faith in Jesus - the Stone that the builders (the world) rejected. (Matthew 21:42)

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 In A World That Hates Its Creator

"When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!" - Acts 5:33-39

Today, more than ever, it is easy to think that the world is against Christians and what we believe to be Truth.  The Bible is clear about how people are to live - to behave - to treat one another. We can find common ground - between the saved and the lost in principle - at the high level. The idea of peace, unity and love. But when we talk about how they are achieved - that is when the breakdown occurs. 

As Christians, we are merely ambassadors for the Creator God. Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. We know that peace, unity and love can only be realized in the context of having a right relationship with the Father through the Son. But, from the world's perspective those goals can be achieved by consensus of opinion of what truth is, accommodating wrong by declaring it right, legislating what the world determines is right behavior. 

As Christians we see the world in turmoil. The world has turned against anyone who embraces Biblical truth declaring them to be evil. You might think that the world is against you, but actually the world is  against God. Like Gamaliel suggested to the Jewish leaders. The Jewish leaders did not like what the Apostles were saying. It was contrary to their thinking. This is a spiritual battle manifested in the physical. We are messengers sent by God to declare His Truth.

"... 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." - Ephesians 6:12

Keep a spiritual perspective on what is happening around you. I know some are thinking that the end of the Church Age is near. It could be - but only the Father will make that call. We can see the signs but only the Father knows the time.

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." Matthew 24:35-44

The bottom line with respect to the Lord's return - Be ready! Only the Father knows! In the meantime - let your light shine. 

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

We Are Change In God's Pocket

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones." - Proverbs 3:5-8

 Was talking to someone at the church we attend in Texas yesterday. They mentioned that they had not seen us for a while. I told them that we had been in Florida. We don't know each other well so I added that were in Texas because of Hurricane Harvey and in Florida because of Hurricane Ian. They asked how long we would be back to which I replied "Until the Lord sends us out again." The wife said, "You are change in God's pocket."

Think about that for a moment. People don't carry change in their pockets much anymore. It was not so long ago that we all did. We are all God's resources available to be "spent" for whatever purpose God's decides. Knowing that it is indeed God who is speaking, Martie and I are ready to go at the drop of a hat - or more correctly, a word from the Lord.

"A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." - Proverbs 16:9

What about you? Doesn't matter if you are a penny, nickel, dime, or quarter. You have value to God and for His purposes. 

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:11-13

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

Ready, Willing, And Able

 

"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 growth." - 1 Corinthains 3:5-7

I wrote about people having the "right to be wrong" the other day. How overwhelming it can be when you think that someone's decision to put their faith in Jesus depends upon you alone. Your persistence. Your eloquence. Even your prayers. Having said that, I am not suggesting that you don't have a part to play - you do. 

A friend posted the adjacent picture on Facebook just the other day. Which is what prompted the content of today's post. I was immediately reminded of Paul's explanation of the spreading of the Gospel and the spiritual power in it. 

As Christians our place and purpose is to live our lives in such a way that the world sees Jesus in and through us. Our words and our actions - the way we live and love - living by faith and walking by the Spirit enable us to cast the seed of the Gospel. 

"And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear." - Matthew 13:3-9

The sower cast the seed (of the Gospel). But not all of the ground (hearers) received the seed where it took root and resulted in salvation. The sower was faithful in doing his part - just as you and I are to be to do ours. 

" ... in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense [to explain] to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect" - 1 Peter 3:15

The idea here is that we are to be ready, willing, and able to share the Gospel when the Spirit gives us  the opportunity. We don't do a "soil analysis" first so that we only cast the Gospel seed on fertile soil. As if there was a limit on how much seed we have. We, as Christians, listen for the Spirit and seeing the opportunity, seize the moment, knowing that although we play a part, salvation depends upon faith and not us. 

So - are you? Ready - Willing - Able?

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

People Have A Right To Be Wrong

"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." - Matthew 5:13-14

I was talking with a friend yesterday. He had called to tell me about a particular situation he is dealing with seeking my advice. He was working with some people who had chosen to follow a course that was not going to end well for them. He had explained the best course of action the best he could, but they ignored his advice. 

I told him that a boss I had once told me that our client had the right to be wrong. That after we offered our best advice, the choice to follow it was ultimately theirs. The consequences that followed would be of their making. not ours. Even though we had the best solution and offered it, the choice was still theirs. 

It is the same with sharing our faith. We are salt and light. A testimony to a world full of people who are bound for hell. We cannot save anyone. Our responsibility is to give them our best counsel. That being sharing the Gospel when given the opportunity and being living proof as we live our lives out each day. But we can't make the decision to trust Jesus for them. They have the right to be wrong - to reject the Truth and continue on their trek toward the gates of hell. It can be heart breaking when what you know is the right thing to do is rejected - especially by those who are close to you - friends and family.

I hasten to add that just because your sharing your faith does not lead to an immediate decision to trust Jesus, that does not mean that all is lost. It was seven years from the time my folks first shared the Gospel with me until Martie and I knelt beside the bed together and prayed the "sinner's" prayer. 

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

Open My Eyes

"In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." -  2 Corinthians 4:4

I have written about the study Experiencing God in the past. About the fact that it has been pivotal to our understanding of the way that God interacts with mankind - specifically with those who are born again. The study is formed around seven realities or spiritual principles that are at work around us - all of the time. I will list them but not elaborate on them, just to say that they exist. But because they are spiritual, they are apparent only to those who have been sealed by the Spirit of God as a result of their rebirth by faith.

Anyone can see the result of those principles at work much like everyone can see the result or influence of the law of gravity. You may see it at work when you drop something on the floor, but you may not think - "Oh that is the law gravity at work!"  In a similar way, people may see God at work through one or more of the realities but, on the one hand have been blinded by the god of this world - meaning the Spirit is absent in them because of sin and lack of faith - or on the other hand, as a Christian they are not sensitive to the Spirit of God and so the idea of God being anywhere but in heaven is foreign to them. 

For the Christian, the truth of the matter is that ....

1. God is always at work around you.

2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal.

3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.

4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church (other Christians) to reveal Himself, His purposes and His ways.

5. God’s invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.

6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing.

7. You come to know God by experiencing as you obey Him, and He accomplishes His work through you.

For what purpose? For the same purpose that God, the Father, sent Jesus, the Son and the Spirit. 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me [Jesus], because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" - Luke 4:18

Your new life is so much more than the personal benefit of salvation. And so, like Paul, my hope for you is this.

"I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe" - Ephesians 1:16-19

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

Laying Down Your Nets

"While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he [Jesus] 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. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." - Matthew 4:18-22

I was just talking with someone about their sense that God was calling them to leave their secular life and follow a new path - one that God had planned for them. I was reminded of Peter, Andrew, James and John. Jesus called them and they immediately left what they knew and followed Jesus by faith.

That is really what every Christian is called to do. Not all of us quit our jobs - although some of do. But all of us are to abandon our devotion to the natural things and live a new life with new priorities and new devotions. Called to abandon the old and embrace the new without hesitation. 

That decision is radical and should be immediate, but often is not. But not everyone follows Peter, Andrew, James and John's example. They are more like the man that Jesus talked to later about following Him.

"Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”" - Matthew 8:21-22

We don't know if that man's father was actually dead or he merely wanted to wait until his father died before he made the commitment followed Jesus. 

"Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." - Luke 14:25-27

That is hate in terms of comparison of devotion. Love God first, with your complete devotion, and then others - including family. Remember James and John left their boat (means of livelihood) and their father to follow Jesus. There are aspects to our former lives that we struggle to lay down. It requires faith to do what God asks us to do - not determination. To do spiritual things you need spiritual help. 

What are you still clinging to? What have you refused to lay down that has prevented you from being totally devoted to God. What are you unwilling to lay down to follow 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