Taking a Stand For Jesus

"Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him. He also shall be my salvation, for a hypocrite could not come before Him." - Job 13:15-16

I am certain that you are familiar with the Job's story. Job was fully yielded to God. His allegiance was put to the test. The question was raised about what calamity must befall him in order that he might curse God and trust in himself and his own wisdom.

"Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face." - Job 1:9-11

Is your allegiance unshakably with God? Or are you like the sunshine soldiers in the Revolutionary war. Fighting when it suits you - following God when it fits in your schedule or worldly priorities. Those worldly concerns that are not inherently bad but are in conflict with God's call on your life. What might your faith cost you? Are you willing to pay that price? What is it that you have had to choose over God - work - family - reputation - acceptance by the world. It is one thing the agree, in principle, with the Bible. It is yet another when you are faced with worldly choices that vie for your heart and devotion and you choose God.

I have known many Christians - and sadly I have been among them at times - who have chosen poorly. The pressure of work - family - reputation - or acceptance has been more than we could bear. And so, we yielded to the flesh - feeling justified in doing so. Asking the same question that the serpent asked Eve in the Garden. "Did God REALLY say?" After all those things in competition with God are not bad things in and of themselves.

"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. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:1-2

Compromise is the way of the world. We are called to an uncompromising faith. Certainly, when you take a stand for God, you must know it is God. But too often obedience to God is challenged by the desires of our own hearts. Do we love God and then others or do we love others and then 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

Is Jesus Lord - Really?

 “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." - Romans 10:8-10

The term "Lord" has several meanings: 1) A person who has power and authority, especially a ruler. 2) In some countries, a title of a man with high social rank or the person himself. 3) In religious context, it emphasizes the authority and dominion of God over creation. 4) The Greek equivalent is "Kyrios," [Koo'-ree-aws] signifying God's supreme ruler status and absolute power.

I think that we can become flippant at the notion of lordship. At the moment that we yield our lives by faith to the lordship of Jesus - we lose our right to decide what is good - what is acceptable - and what is not. Think about that. There are many examples of conflicts that arise between what the world says is right and good and what God says about it. But there is no room for compromise with God. 

"Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin" - James 4:17

No wiggle room!  If God speaks for it or against it and the world disagrees - to go along with the world is sin. I recently heard someone interviewed about their particular faith and practice. They felt that their church needed to "catch up" with the way people see things. In their view, what the Bible says is archaic - out of touch with what is right (I will add) in the eyes of man. Any idea who their lord is?

"For 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

Everything has spiritual context. Social reform that contravenes what the Word of God says is spiritual warfare. What seems reasonable to man is very often just that - man's reason. The cry of the flesh to reject God and choose the devil. It goes back to the Garden. The serpent's suggestion that you can't trust God - God is trying to deny you what is rightfully yours to have and enjoy. Are you thinking of exceptions right now to justify your choices? It is a slippery slope.

So the question - Is Jesus Lord, really? Not just in word but in fact. Your life choices will speak for you. Jesus is asking those who profess faith in Him.

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

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

To Be Like Jesus

Jesus did not commit Himself to them…for He knew what was in man. —John 2:24-25

“Put Trust in God First. Our Lord never put His trust in any person. Yet He was never suspicious, never bitter, and never lost hope for anyone, because He put His trust in God first. He trusted absolutely in what God’s grace could do for others. If I put my trust in human beings first, the end result will be my despair and hopelessness toward everyone. I will become bitter because I have insisted that people be what no person can ever be— absolutely perfect and right. Never trust anything in yourself or in anyone else, except the grace of God. Put God’s Will First. […] The purpose of our Christian training is to get us into the right relationship to the “needs” of God and His will. […] Am I allowing my natural life to be slowly transformed by the indwelling life of the Son of God? God’s ultimate purpose is that His Son might be exhibited in me.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest 

Is it the desire of your heart that your life would be a perfect reflection of Jesus?  It’s a question I had to ask myself.  Oh, I want to be a Christian.  I love God.  I follow Jesus.  I serve others. But .. do I really want to be like Jesus?  Think about this.  Most every Christian I know would say “yes” if I asked “Do you want to love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength?” (Matthew 22:37) 

Jesus asked (Luke 6:46) "Why do you call me, 'LORD, LORD,' and do not do what I say?”  God’s intent is that we all become conformed to the image of Jesus. 

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

That means being absolutely like Jesus in our obedience to the Father and His will.  I have a long way to go.  We all do.  But the question is are you moving toward that goal .. each day … or are you content with being where you are?  To be like Jesus means to be willing to lay your life down .. to crucify your old nature … nail it to the cross and no longer be subject to it .. attracted by it .. content with it still having its way in your life.  Treating others the way Jesus did and not the way your ego, insecurities, and emotions cause you to treat them.  Showing the world what grace and mercy look like without compromising your faith in or obedience to the Father.  That requires spiritual wisdom which can only come from God and devotion to God.  Devoting yourself to seeking out the Father’s will – every day.  That is the life that I want but it is also the life that I am prone to neglect if I am not careful.  Take some time to examine yourself every morning and then spend some time with the Lord.  Let the world see what Jesus looks like in the life of a Believer - you.  Fulfill your purpose.

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

Becoming One

"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

If you have been watching the news you know about the trouble in the world and in our own country. Most countries are formed around a race or a religion. And still others, like the United States, encourage immigration and the blending of cultures. But in the context of sinful man - that is a "pipe dream". Certainly, a noble goal, but naive in the sense that it is counter to human nature. As you know, birds of a feather like to flock together. People mostly associate with people like them. 

"Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him [Jesus], “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?” He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.” He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition." Mark 7:5-9

The old Beatles song - "All we are saying is give peace a chance" sounds like a good idea until the goals of or the pains suffered by different people groups come in conflict with one another.  Then there must be a victor. One of the groups must win the day. Get their say and their way to the detriment of the loser - who is typically the minority. 

For Christians, we know what the Word of God says about unity. About being born into the kingdom of God where all natural - carnal - distinctions are set aside in favor of a common identity with Jesus - bound by one Spirit - even the Spirit of God.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.  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 1:3-10,13-14

We, who are many, are all adopted in one family. Sealed by the same Spirit - the guarantee of our inheritance. There is no room for the flesh and the criteria established by our old nature to be untied with each other. Jesus prayed this prayer. 

"I [Jesus] have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. “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." - John 17:14-21

I have seen a number of groups try to achieve unity, but eventually they take their eyes off of Jesus and look to their old natures. Cracks in the relationships form immediately. When will we ever learn, Lord?

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

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

It Was And Is And Will Be Jesus

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

I was not raised in a Christian home. My dad was a nominal Episcopalian married to a Jehovah's Witness. My mom was a nominal Catholic married to a Christian Scientist. I rarely went to church with my dad and never went to church with my mom. While I was in the Army serving in Vietnam, I started receiving letters from my mom, telling me about her newfound faith in Jesus. After I returned from Vietnam and got out of the Army I moved back home for a time. Home life was not what I remembered. Everything was different. I was confused and felt out of place. There was something they had that I did not, but I could not quite put my finger on it. When I talked to mom about what was happening, she told me what the difference was - It was Jesus. I understood the words but equated it to religion as I knew it. And left it at that.

Not long after, I got reacquainted with a girl I had met at a soda fountain in a local drug store and eventually married her. I was confused by and really not interested in religion. She was Catholic, so we got married in a Catholic church, but I did not convert. I saw it as just another religion - like the other religions. I went to church with her, now and again, but I really wasn't interested in it. I went to make her happy. As time passed, our marriage was OK, but it was lacking. We were both committed to staying married, no matter what - but that commitment was getting stretched. 4 years after our marriage my mom invited us to church. That same Sunday, I came under conviction and told Martie that I was going to make a decision that would change our life together. She said later that she thought I was going to ask for a divorce. That wasn't it. It was Jesus. I told her I was going to surrender my life to Christ. She said, "Did you think that maybe I wanted to do that too?" So, we knelt next to the bed together and prayed the prayer of salvation. We started a new life together - because of Jesus.

Years later our daughter told her mom that she would never re-marry if she could not have what Martie and I had in a relationship. We have been married 52 years and our children joke about how we still flirt with each other. I told Martie to tell her that the difference in our relationship was and is Jesus. Jesus makes the difference. I saw a bumper sticker once that said, "No Jesus - No Peace; Know Jesus - Know Peace."

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He came that we could and would have life and have it more abundantly. Just as the Creator Father God intended. Martie and I were on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ Military Ministry for a season. As an acquaintance with Campus Crusade for Christ, Military Ministry would say, "It's all about Jesus and all about grace". The difference was and is and always will be Jesus. He is a difference maker.

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

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

When You Approach God

"The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around. His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory." —Psalm 97:1-6

“A person who has not been born again by the Spirit of God will tell you that the teachings of Jesus are simple. When we come into close contact with the teachings of Jesus Christ, we have our first realization of this. The only possible way to have full understanding of the teachings of Jesus is through the light of the Spirit of God shining inside us. If we have never had the experience of taking our casual, religious shoes off our casual, religious feet— getting rid of all the excessive informality with which we approach God— it is questionable whether we have ever stood in His presence. The people who are flippant and disrespectful in their approach to God are those who have never been introduced to Jesus Christ.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Are you familiar with the idiom “Coming with your hat in your hand”?  It means to approach someone “In a meek or submissive manner. (The removal of one's hat is typically a gesture of respect.)”  Men used to tip their hat or grab the brim and move it downward as a show of respect.  Standing before God with our hats in in our hands is comparable to Moses removing his sandals because He was standing on holy ground. When we come to worship, we may come just as we are, but we must be careful that we are not prideful in our attitude toward God thinking He can “take it or leave it”.  You are thinking, “I would never do that?”  Well, my fear is that many of us refuse to remove our hats when we stand before God.

Over the past 30 years, there has been a shift in how people dress on Sunday morning.  We no longer wear our “Sunday go to meetin’ clothes”, but whatever we pull out of the closet.  If a man wears a suit and tie to church people think he is going to preach.  You know that God judges the heart of man, not his outward appearance.  But very often the outward appearance is a reflection of the heart.  Don’t misunderstand me.  I don’t think Moses had a suit and tie on when God interrupted his life … he had on work clothes.  This is not about clothing.  It’s about reverence.  In times past, I am certain that many people came to church “all dolled up”, “dressed to the nines” (I love those old sayings) with sin in their heart, looking for recognition by men and not God.  What I am concerned about is that we may have lost our awareness that we have come to worship a Holy God.  When we approach Him, on any day, it must be with an awareness that the only reason we have access to God is because of Jesus and His sacrifice. 

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” - Hebrews 4:13-16

The next time you pray .. read the Word of God .. attend a worship service … maybe even take your next breath … keep this in mind.  He is the potter, we are the clay.  We are saved by God's grace and mercy through faith and not works .. with respect to our salvation, there is nothing we can take credit for.  So remember to take off your hat!

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

Singing Your Song In The Midst Of The Storm

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies." - 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

As I was walking down the hall after getting a cup of coffee – my morning motivation – I had an image of a little bird sitting on a wire calling out in the midst of a hurricane.  To what avail does the bird sing?  How can it possible stand against the storm.  How can it possibly be heard above the wind and rain and thunder.  

It may seem to you that the “cultural” storm that rages about us is too much.  The light that shines from us .. the song we sing .. is drowned out by the force of the storm – and we will have no affect.  Not so.  When the nation of Israel finally reached the river Jordan the first time, (Numbers 13-14) 10 of the 12 spies saw the “storm” – the Giants in the land and a great fear came over the people.  They refused to continue to follow the spiritual leadership of Moses.  They would not cross the river. And so they missed a blessing – the very purpose for leaving Egypt.  They did not fulfill their purpose because they did not trust in God but themselves.  And so, they died in the desert.  They missed God’s best.  True, they were no longer slaves, but they missed God all the same.

The second time the nation approached the river … the same storm was raging .. and more .. the river was at flood stage … impossible for men .. but possible for God.  When they stepped into the water by faith … the river backed up and they occupied the land.  Fulfilling God’s plan.  I was sharing how Pathfinder became Pathfinder with some friends the other day.  Before Martie and I submitted to God’s leading to start this ministry, we talked with my mom about it.  We told her about what God was leading us to do.  About the problems.  Our hesitation.  We had not gone to Mississippi with the intention of staying there and certainly not starting a ministry.  She said “Charley, the river Jordan did not back up until they stepped out into the water.”  My response was “Got it Mom!”  We had to step out in and by faith.  Put our trust in God and not in the hardship that we would surely face.  She asked, “What are you going to call it?” We had not thought that far ahead .. we were still trying to get our socks and shoes off before we stepped in!  She said, “What about Pathfinder?”  Pathfinder was the name of the youth ministry that my folks had started in Peoria, Illinois.  So, we decided to go with it .. Pathfinder on Mission.  Pathfinder Mission.  A work of faith.

Each of us is called to step into the water.  These are dark times spiritually .. but I suspect they are not the darkest times that have ever been .. just the darkest that we have seen.  When I flew helicopters in the Army, I sometimes flew at night in the desert.  It was very, very dark.  No visible horizon, meaning you could not see where the sky and earth met.  Hard to keep oriented.  But then someone would light up a chem-stick.  In all the darkness, I could see it from far off.  One light in the midst of the darkness.  Pointing me to my destination.  My encouragement to you … Let the Light of Christ shine through you! Sing the song that God has given 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

Living The Almost But Not Quite Christian Life

All the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen… —2 Corinthians 1:20

 “Jesus’ parable of the talents recorded in Matthew 25:14-30 was a warning that it is possible for us to misjudge our capacities. This parable has nothing to do with natural gifts and abilities but relates to the gift of the Holy Spirit as He was first given at Pentecost. We must never measure our spiritual capacity on the basis of our education or our intellect; our capacity in spiritual things is measured on the basis of the promises of God. If we get less than God wants us to have, we will falsely accuse Him as the servant falsely accused his master when he said, “You expect more of me than you gave me the power to do. You demand too much of me, and I cannot stand true to you here where you have placed me.” When it is a question of God’s Almighty Spirit, never say, “I can’t.” Never allow the limitation of your own natural ability to enter into the matter. If we have received the Holy Spirit, God expects the work of the Holy Spirit to be exhibited in us.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest 

Do you ever feel like living the Christian life is too difficult?  It may not be for some people, but God expects too much of you.  Maybe you have given up trying and are content with living a life of partial obedience? No one knows you have settled for less. Well, except for you and God that is.  Here's the deal.  What the God demands of you is impossible for you to live by self-effort.  But don’t think there is no hope for you.  Don’t resolve yourself to a life of “almost but not quite”. 

 I am not suggesting that you will live a sin free life.  You will not be perfected until you are with Jesus, .. in heaven .. or in the air. But you can live a life confident of who you are in Christ all the while aware, actually reminded every day, of who you were and what your personal limitations are.  Who you were is not who you are and who you are is not who you are going to be. You must keep that focus.  Keep a clean heart by taking your sins to the Lord (1 John 1:9) every day.  Living the Christian life is impossible if you think you can do it on your own. Living the Christian life is a joy if you live it in the power of the Holy Spirit, knowing that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13).

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

When We All See Jesus - When Will That Be Exactly?

"For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 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." - Matthew 24:5-7

Another Eclipse has come and gone. Millions of people stared into the sky with their special glasses to watch as the moon covered the sun for a moment. Darkness fell upon the earth in the same moment. Not like the evening that we are used to which is the sun gradually setting, but more like someone dimming the lights from bright to dark in a minute or two.

People marveled at the event. I think many if not most felt very small at that moment in time. They could not stop it from happening. It was way beyond their control. Some wondered if God was sending a message. Others were certain He was not, after all in their thinking, there is no God. But still, I think many or perhaps most realized how small each one of us are in this vast universe.

I know some Christians who are looking to the East expecting Jesus to come in the clouds any minute. There is a beating of the war drums in so many places, today - surely Jesus is on the way to bring an end to this madness, to the disasters, and the earthquakes. As much as we would like to know when that day will be, we won't until that day is upon us. 

"As he [Jesus] sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my 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 24:3-8, 36-40

I think the Word makes it pretty clear that - as in the days of Noah - people will not be ready or even believe it is going to happen. There will be no "Jesus Tracker" on television pointing to where and when the event will happen. Jesus said that not even He knows the time. So why do we think that we can figure it out on our own?  Perhaps because we are not familiar with what the Word says about it. Maybe we "camp out" in the Book of Revelation - it is sensational, isn't it? And ignore the other Books. Peter wrote - 

"They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.  But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 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 3:4-9

Can you imagine this with me. One day in heaven - 24 hours is equivalent to one thousand years = 8 million 760 thousand (8,760,000) hours - on earth. So Jesus was crucified (33 AD) which is 1991 years ago. That is just shy of 2 days in heaven-time. We have a natural perspective on time. It's all we know. If I got my math right, an 80-year life span in earth is equivalent to about 1.92 hours in heaven. Oh, I can hear the fingers typing on the calculators now! (Use Excel - it's easier)

I remember my mom asking me if I thought Don - her husband, my spiritual father and stepdad, who had passed away 8 years prior, remembered her. I did the calculation and said, "Mom he has only been in Heaven for 12 minutes - he is just figuring out where he is!" You probably noticed I did not answer her question. Frankly I am not sure about all of that. What is important is knowing that God is faithful and one day Jesus will return. Until that day, our place is to be faithful in how we live 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

Trusting God In Spite Of What I See

"I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth." —Genesis 9:13

“Waiting for God to act is fleshly unbelief. It means that I have no faith in Him. I wait for Him to do something in me so I may trust in that. But God won’t do it, because that is not the basis of the God-and-man relationship. Man must go beyond the physical body and feelings in his covenant with God, just as God goes beyond Himself in reaching out with His covenant to man. It is a question of faith in God— a very rare thing. We only have faith in our feelings. I don’t believe God until He puts something tangible in my hand, so that I know I have it. Then I say, “Now I believe.” There is no faith exhibited in that. God says, “Look to Me, and be saved…” (Isaiah 45:22). When I have really transacted business with God on the basis of His covenant, letting everything else go, there is no sense of personal achievement— no human ingredient in it at all. Instead, there is a complete overwhelming sense of being brought into union with God, and my life is transformed and radiates peace and joy.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

You may have heard the saying “Those who can’t do, teach.” Well, that may be true for some, but there are many teachers who are masters at their discipline and have chosen to teach others in that discipline, communicating their skills and knowledge they have gained in “the real world” in the classroom.  In the same way, I could not write the words that I do, had I not experienced what I write about.  That is the nature of discipleship.  I can study books that tell me about flying, but unless I actually have flown, it’s all hypothetical.  So …. as I read Chambers this morning … I was reminded of our faith journey.  God has called Martie and me to a life that is unfettered from conventional wisdom.  In other words, we do things that don’t make sense to “reasonable-rational” men … that is if you want a secure retirement and to live the American dream.  Nothing wrong with those things .. that is unless they are the source of your saying “no” to God.  If that is the case, they are stumbling blocks and should be tossed aside.

The most important question for a Christian to answer is .. “Do I trust God?”  if not, then you trust something else.  Abraham followed God and did not know where he was going.  He trusted God without seeing.  Life is like that.  We should not presume that we can get ahead of God. Martie and I are in the center of His will for us, of that we are confident.  We are doing what He called us to do.  Worldly consequences are not the measure of the “rightness” of the call.  If things don’t seem to be going the way you thought they would or should … will you still follow God and walk in obedience to what you “do” know? Or will you want to turn back like Israel facing the Red Sea. People asked Noah where the rain was.  It was on its way, but God was holding it back. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but we must be obedient to what we know today.  

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

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

A Demonstrated Heart For God

“…that I may know Him…” - Philippians 3:10

“We are not here to develop a spiritual life of our own, or to enjoy a quiet spiritual retreat. We are here to have the full realization of Jesus Christ, for the purpose of building His body. Am I building up the body of Christ, or am I only concerned about my own personal development? The essential thing is my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To fulfill God’s perfect design for me requires my total surrender— complete abandonment of myself to Him. Whenever I only want things for myself, the relationship is distorted. And I will suffer great humiliation once I come to acknowledge and understand that I have not really been concerned about realizing Jesus Christ Himself, but only concerned with knowing what He has done for me.” Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

I met a guy while I was working on a house in Houston after Hurricane Harvey.  He had come to measure for replacement windows. As it turned out, he owned the business.  One of the first things you notice about this particular guy is that he is very strong .. Arnold Schwarzenegger strong.  It is obvious that he spends a lot of time in the gym.  Getting past that and the unspoken challenge to your own manhood, the next thing you notice is that he is very kind.  As we talked, I learned that he was a man of faith and a Brother in Christ. When I posted a picture of us on Facebook someone commented about his biceps. That is because they are disproportionately large for his stature.  But what you could not see on Facebook was the size of his heart and the depth of his faith in the Lord. Although he obviously was concerned about building up his body, He was more concerned about the Body of Christ.  He told me that he would not charge anything for the windows or the labor - it was a gift for the homeowner.  When I mentioned he might be recognized for it, he balked at the thought.  Why? Because with his heart from God comes humility before God.  It was a picture of Micah 6:8

“What does the Lord require of you, oh man? But to do justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” - Micah 6:8

If we do anything for God then we should be ready to give all the credit to God.  My new friend spoke a lot about God’s grace.  Unmerited favor.  He was shown grace in his life and was showing grace to others.  Showing grace and mercy to others will cost you something .. but when your heart is right, it is a price you will gladly pay. 

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

That was not a simple act of benevolence .. it was a spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1-2). 

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

Be The Light

"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world." - John 1:6-9 

I can't remember how many times I have written "Be the Light" at the end of one of my devotions. Sounds good but it falls short of the truth. Like John the Baptist - the greatest man that ever lived according to Jesus (Luke7:28), we are not the light, but we are sent to bear witness to the Light.

"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." - John 8:12

The light is Jesus. 

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." - 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

We have all been given the ministry of reconciliation - like John the Baptist. As ambassadors of Christ we are to implore the world to be reconciled to God (the Father) through Jesus the Son. The Light that was sent into the darkness. Do you see it? Do you receive it? Do you embrace it? Jesus is the Light and we are little lights sent out to share the Good News with words and the way we live and love.

“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." - Matthew 5:13-15

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

Seeking Vindication And Justification For Loving Things That Do Not Honor God

"Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us! For we are exceedingly filled with contempt." —Psalm 123:3

"What we must beware of is not damage to our belief in God but damage to our Christian disposition or state of mind. “Take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously” (Malachi 2:16). Our state of mind is powerful in its effects. It can be the enemy that penetrates right into our soul and distracts our mind from God. There are certain attitudes we should never dare to indulge. If we do, we will find they have distracted us from faith in God. Until we get back into a quiet mood before Him, our faith is of no value, and our confidence in the flesh and in human ingenuity is what rules our lives. Beware of “the cares of this world…” (Mark 4:19). They are the very things that produce the wrong attitudes in our soul. It is incredible what enormous power there is in simple things to distract our attention away from God. Refuse to be swamped by “the cares of this world.” Another thing that distracts us is our passion for vindication. St. Augustine prayed, “O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself." - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

There are things in this world that are spiritually neutral. In other words, they don’t have a positive or negative spiritual consequence. The problem is that our discernment can become dulled to those things that have negative consequences but are acceptable in our culture but contrary to the Word.  

“Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." - Proverbs 4:23

There are certain things in everyone’s life that we cling to, even though, in our heart, we know they are not right.  There are things that we teach our children are wrong, yet we will sit in our living rooms and watch those wrong things being played out on the television screen or in a movie theater.  What you allow in your home through music and visual media is a statement by you to your children that those things are acceptable.  Do this.  The next time you watch your favorite television show, count those things (words or relationships) that are contrary to the Word of God.  Each one is a lesson.  There is an old adage “Do as I say, not as I do.”  Well, I would suggest that the lesson being taught in many homes is, “Don’t do as I say, do as I do.”  I can remember when I was a little boy, my dad told me not to smoke because it was bad for me.  All the while he was smoking a cigarette.  What is the “real” message there?  If you want to be like me, then you should smoke.

When we observe sin, vicariously, we convince ourselves that it is entertainment and not “really all that bad”.  What we don’t realize is that our flesh is at the root of it.  Sin is attractive to our flesh because our flesh is sinful.  Look, you can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig!  Whether it is language, life style, or sinful behavior … it promotes those things that are supposed to have been crucified in your life. Bottom line, if you crave those things, you have a sin problem.  Hope you don’t stop reading my devotions because of that!  Our country has a problem with violence and the most popular television shows are about people killing people.  Parents fear their daughters getting pregnant before marriage, yet most movies and television dramas portray and promote extra-marital sex.  The same media that is slamming men for sexual aggression toward women is promoting Victoria Secret in China, the world’s sexiest man, and promoting women as sex objects at every turn.  Think about it Church!  It’s the frog in the pot.  Christians are being boiled alive … and they think the water is just right!  Don’t try to vindicate yourself .. justify your actions .. confess and repent .. honor God in all you do.

"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." -  Philippians 4:8

Be careful that you are not turning your spiritual nature off when you turn your TV on, sit down in a movie theater or gather with other people.  

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 Temptation To Jump Off A Bridge

"Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

Has your new life in Christ made a difference in the way you live .. in what you value .. in what you do?   Making the transition from the old nature to the new nature is troublesome for most Christians.  Embracing the idea of being forgiven and going to heaven is easy compared to submitting your will to God everyday .. every moment. Will you lay your life down on the altar. (Romans 12:1-2)

Did your mom ever ask you in response to your saying “all my friends are doing it”, “If your friends jumped off of a bridge would you too?” We have been called to follow after God, but it is so much easier to choose to follow the majority instead.  The Bible says “Don’t give Satan a foothold” 

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." - Ephesian 4: 29-32

But what if the other Christians you hang out with are doing some of those things?  Are they really that bad?  Watching the wrong things, saying the wrong things … doing the wrong things … Good question.  In fact that question has been asked many times over the centuries.  The first time was in the Garden.  “Did God really say you will surely die?”  When you ask a question like that, you are suggesting that God is wrong in telling you not to.  Listen .. It is easier to give in to sin than it is to the Holy Spirit.  You don’t have to fight your natural will when you do.  I am not trying to send you on a guilt-trip but want to challenge you to consider where you are in your spiritual walk.  The choices you make. What needs to change in your life?  You don’t know?  Read the word and pray about it.  The Spirit of God will reveal it to you. 

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

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

Keeping Your Heart In Tune

"They said to Moses, "You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die." —Exodus 20:19

“We don’t consciously and deliberately disobey God— we simply don’t listen to Him. God has given His commands to us, but we pay no attention to them— not because of willful disobedience, but because we do not truly love and respect Him. “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). We show how little love we have for God by preferring to listen to His servants rather than to Him. We like to listen to personal testimonies, but we don’t want God Himself to speak to us. Why are we so terrified for God to speak to us? It is because we know that when God speaks we must either do what He asks or tell Him we will not obey. But if it is simply one of God’s servants speaking to us, we feel obedience is optional, not imperative. We respond by saying, “Well, that’s only your own idea, even though I don’t deny that what you said is probably God’s truth." - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

I am certain that you know already how it is that God speaks to us.  By His Spirit, through prayer, the Word, circumstances, and other believers (the Church).  Of the four ways, the common point is the Spirit.  Our relationship with the Father is a spiritual one not a physical one.  I know, I know, tell you something that you don’t already know.  The problem is not in the knowing .. it’s in the remembering and after the remembering in the obeying.  To receive what the Spirit says to you, you must be in tune with the Spirit.  In other words, your heart must be right.  You must be ready and willing to hear.  Some years ago, a friend of mine and I were preaching at a revival at a small church in Mississippi. He was also responsible for leading the singing.  He had brought his guitar and his two sons with him.  Unbeknownst to him, while he was speaking, his sons detuned his guitar .. not maliciously, but out of curiosity and innocence.  All was well until he played the first chord.  A strange noise came from the guitar that did not sound at all like a “C” chord. There are 6 strings on a guitar.  His fingers were in the right place on the fret board.  But the guitar was mis-tuned.  Being fast on his feet, he announced that we would sing acapella that night.

In the same way, you can be on the right place … in church, Bible study, quiet time, prayer closet .. wherever, but if your heart is out of tune … if you have unconfessed sin … if you are self-focused, when the Spirit speaks … you won’t hear a “C” chord.  Your heart will resonate something else.  

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." - Galatians 5:24-25

Before a performance musicians check the tuning of their instruments.  It sounds like a jumble of sounds if there is more than one instrument.  But then, the conductor gets their attention, and everyone focuses on the conductor and they play together in harmony.  What was noise, cacophony I think is the word, becomes a thing of beauty.  When we obey the Spirit .. when we are living in tune with God, our lives become a thing a beauty and shine like the morning sun in a dark and desperate world.  So, tune up my friend … this world needs to hear your song.

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

Just One Letter Out Of Place

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." -  2 Timothy 2:15

If you are in Texas reading this then you know that there was a BIG rodeo event in Houston recently. As part of the event, Fort Hood sent their ceremonial cavalry unit to participate.  They interviewed a couple of the young soldiers in their garb.  One of them identified themselves as being from the First Calvary Division. No, I did not mis-spell it. The soldier mis-pronounced it. It is a common error. (I bet their commander winced when they heard it and I doubt that not many civilians caught it) I was in the 3rd Armored Cavalry - Aviation Squadron for almost 3 years. I heard people say Calvary when they meant to say Cavalry all the time. BTW, to all you who served in the 3rd Cav - Brave Rifles!

The words are so close. But just one letter out of place makes a world of difference. Is it a military unit or the spiritual pivot point for all of humanity. A friend of ours used to say, "If you get the "I" out of place in "United", it becomes "Untied". One letter out of place. The difference is Jesus. Jesus makes Calvary significant for eternity. Jesus brings unity by faith and rebirth for eternity. 

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

Deciding What Is Right

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." - Proverbs 14:12

"In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." - Judges 21:25

"Therefore, God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." - Romans 1:24-25

I started this post with 3 verses and not one this time. I have been thinking about the world and what people and their governments have declared to be right and wrong. Their standard for declaring what is right and wrong is based upon traditions and the consensus of opinion. If enough people agree that something is right, then it is declared to be right. Declaring that something is wrong is determined the same way. 

Are you familiar with Venn diagrams? Simply put, it is two circles that overlap one another. The place where the circles share the same space or overlap represents a place of agreement or oneness. Think of God's definition of right and wrong as one circle and mankind's definition of right and wrong as another circle. Where the circles overlap is where mankind and God are in agreement. (That space seems to be shrinking by the day.)

As Christians we are to embrace God's circle as truth. Where there is mutual agreement, the world has no problem with us. However, if and when we reject the rest of mankind's circle because it is contrary to God's truth, that is when there are problems. Do you remember when Jesus was tested about paying taxes to Caesar?

"Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.” So, they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." - Matthew 22:17-21

In that case, Roman taxes were inside the common area.  Jesus was not saying that whatever Caesar said to do was OK. He was saying that if God has not spoken against it. If it is not contrary to the revealed will of God and his nature, then it is permissible. Remember, God has dominion over His creation, and we must resist when we are tempted to venture outside of the common area and into the circle of mankind's truth.

You don't have to look too far to see examples of the conflicts I am referring to. They confront you every day. 

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

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 A Dual Citizenship

"Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" - Philippians 3:17-20

I have been hearing the term "Christian Nationalist" a good bit of late. It a secular term with a political, ideological nuance. It is not consistent with our faith. As a point of clarification, "Christian nationalism is the belief that the American nation is defined by Christianity, and that the government should take active steps to keep it that way. Popularly, Christian nationalists assert that America is and must remain a “Christian nation”—not merely as an observation about American history, but as a prescriptive program for what America must continue to be in the future." - Christianity Today 

I won't get into the political banter. The purpose of my writings is to encourage you in the faith. To encourage you to become more sensitive to the struggles we face living with a dual citizenship and the tension that will always exist between the two. Each vying for our devotion. As citizens of whatever country, we hail from, we do have a civic responsibility. But because I am a Christian, I must embrace Biblical truth, or should, over any political party's platform or cultural norm when it is clearly contrary to God's revealed truth. When there is contention between what God has made plain and what the culture I live in declares as right and true, I must choose God.

This is a quote from Dr. Tony Evans on this matter. [It was specifically about race, but it applies to any aspect of our lives. 

"Your Christianity must always be in the adjectival position, your color and culture [and politics] must always be in the noun position, so that if anything must be adjusted, it is the noun of your humanity and not the adjective of your faith. You and I are to define our humanity in terms of our faith, not our faith in terms of our humanity. Jesus stayed who He was, but He operated from heaven’s point of view. God is not asking you to give up who you are to [appease] somebody else [gaining their acceptance]. Don’t be so committed to your own race [or political party] that you operate outside of the Christian faith while [saying that you are] staying true to what God has made you." - Dr. Tony Evans, Focus on The Family Interview.

The tenants of this country are that all men [read all people] are created equal and they are born with certain inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Freedom of religion is at the core of the principles that are the bedrock of the United States. Think about how that fits with the exclusivity of Christian nationalism - it doesn't it. You can draw your own conclusions. 

The troubles that we see today are spiritual problems that need a spiritual solution. Our struggle is not because of political platforms or cultural conclusions about right and wrong. They are rooted in mankind's sin nature.

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." - Ephesians 6:12-13

We first pledge allegiance to God and then to the flag and our country. As born-again sons and daughters of the Creator God through faith in His Son, Jesus, we render unto to Caesar what is Ceasar's and to God what is God's.  

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 Cost Of Being Jesus' Disciple

…that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us… —John 17:21

“If you are going through a time of isolation, seemingly all alone, read John 17. It will explain exactly why you are where you are— because Jesus has prayed that you “may be one” with the Father as He is. Are you helping God to answer that prayer, or do you have some other goal for your life? Since you became a disciple, you cannot be as independent as you used to be. God reveals in John 17 that His purpose is not just to answer our prayers, but that through prayer we might come to discern His mind. God is not concerned about our plans; He doesn’t ask, “Do you want to go through this loss of a loved one, this difficulty, or this defeat?” No, He allows these things for His own purpose. The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and fault-finding, and more insistent on our own way. The things that happen either make us evil, or they make us more saintly, depending entirely on our relationship with God and its level of intimacy. If we will pray, regarding our own lives, “Your will be done” (Matthew 26:42), then we will be encouraged and comforted by John 17, knowing that our Father is working according to His own wisdom, accomplishing what is best.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Do you think of yourself as a disciple of Jesus or are you “merely” a Christian.  In my mind, there is a difference. If you read the Gospels, you see that there was a large crowd that follow Jesus, initially.  But as He got nearer to the cross ..  fewer followed.  The life that Jesus represented was appealing to the crowds so long as there was something in it for them.  Food .. healing … being known as a Jesus follower.  But when the cross was on the horizon, even those closest to Jesus were tested in their commitment to following Him .. to being identified with Him.  I don’t presume to understand everything .. many things are a mystery to me.  For example … at what point did the disciples find salvation in Jesus?  Was it by faith before the cross?  Or was it after the cross?  The Bible doesn’t tell us.  I am thinking the former … I do know that Jesus told them to wait for the Holy Spirit .. which means that with Jesus ascended, they needed supernatural power to live and do.  Before they had it in Jesus.  After the cross, they needed it from the Spirit.  And so, by the way, do we.  

So back to the question.  Are you a disciple or “just” a Christian.  We must all answer it.  In fact, we all have.  Our level of dedication to Jesus is displayed every day by the way we live and love.  Like the parable of the talents .. have you buried the reality of your faith in the ground intending to dig it up when Jesus returns, or you join Him in heaven?  Or are you multiplying your faith by loving God more than you love the world … showing Jesus to the people you meet?  It is important that we reflect on our life in Christ.  The cares of this world are like barnacles on the hull of a ship.  If you don’t deal with them early and often, they will multiple and soon obscure who you are in Christ.  Your God-purposed life will be made impotent.  You will be lulled into a sense of satisfaction that you are living the Christian-life as it was intended.  That is until you come face to face with Jesus.

I have wondered, often, about why I write the things I do in this BLOG.  I sense that I am like a lighthouse warning the sailors that there are dangers to avoid.  I certainly am not judging anyone … but I am, instead, encouraging you to be on your guard .. to consider who you are in Christ and where you are in your faith walk.  To be alert to the dangers of embracing this world and your culture.  

“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” - Proverbs 14:12

My role is to raise an awareness, and frankly, what you do about it is between you and the Holy Spirit.

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

Forgiveness Made Simple - Why, How, And When

By one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. —Hebrews 10:14

"We trample the blood of the Son of God underfoot if we think we are forgiven because we are sorry for our sins. The only reason for the forgiveness of our sins by God, and the infinite depth of His promise to forget them, is the death of Jesus Christ. Our repentance is merely the result of our personal realization of the atonement by the Cross of Christ, which He has provided for us. “…Christ Jesus…became for us wisdom from God— and righteousness and sanctification and redemption…” (1 Corinthians 1:30). No matter who or what we are, God restores us to right standing with Himself only by means of the death of Jesus Christ. God is just in saving bad people only as He makes them good. Our Lord does not pretend we are all right when we are all wrong. The atonement by the Cross of Christ is the propitiation God uses to make unholy people holy." - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

WHY do we forgive?  Because we are forgiven.  HOW can we forgive? It’s a supernatural act, not an act of our natural will to be benevolent.  It is by the power that God put within us.  WHEN do we forgive?  … as often as the repentant soul seeks forgiveness.  Peter asked Jesus about “repeat offenders” …

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." -  Matthew 18:21-22

Jesus followed that with the parable of the unmerciful or unforgiving servant.  A man who had been forgiven but was unwilling to forgive others in the same way … even in the smallest matter.  Jesus has paid the price for sin.  Once for all. Think about it.  Why would we think that the offense against us is somehow more significant that our offense against God?  How can your reject one who has been forgiven by God .. who do you think you are?  I’ll tell you.  It goes back to the Garden.  We want to be like God.  How dare someone sin against me.  In our humanness, we think that we have power in withholding forgiveness.  Actually … in not forgiving, we are sinning.  

“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”  - James 4:17

There is a process that a sinner follows to find forgiveness … he sins .. he is convicted by the spirit … he repents …. he confesses … he finds forgiveness from the one who has been offended.  All sin is against God.  So, you must first go to God and then to the one you have offended.  Confession means … to agree with.  God knows all things, so it is not like the sinner is going to surprise Him with his confession. 

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

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

Your Testimony Is About Jesus .. Not About You

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ… —Colossians 1:24

"A Christian has to be a sacred “go-between.” He must be so closely identified with his Lord and the reality of His redemption that Christ can continually bring His creating life through him. I am not referring to the strength of one individual’s personality being superimposed on another, but the real presence of Christ coming through every aspect of the worker’s life. If we simply preach the effects of redemption in the human life instead of the revealed, divine truth regarding Jesus Himself, the result is not new birth in those who listen. The result is a refined religious lifestyle, and the Spirit of God cannot witness to it because such preaching is in a realm other than His. When we say, “What a wonderful personality, what a fascinating person, and what wonderful insight!” then what opportunity does the gospel of God have through all of that? It cannot get through, because the attraction is to the messenger and not the message. If a person attracts through his personality, that becomes his appeal. If, however, he is identified with the Lord Himself, then the appeal becomes what Jesus Christ can do. The danger is to glory in men, yet Jesus says we are to lift up only Him (see John 12:32)." - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

"I was talking with a painter and his son one day during a Hurricane Harvey home rebuild here in Texas.  The conversation drifted from what had to be done in the house, to more personal matters … Specifically, who we are, why we are what we are.  I felt strongly that God has these men helping for His purpose.  As I shared a little about my past and why I was in Texas, the young man smiled and said that what I was doing was a great thing.  And so back to Oswald Chambers point.  

If all I did was impress those men with my service and fail to communicate Whom it is that I serve and why, then I have failed in my mission.  Testimonies are good, but are hollow and vain without the Gospel at their center.  You can impress people with the “whats” in your life but fail in your mission if you do not tell people “why” you do what you do.  (Matthew 22:37-39) Love God and Love People. Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth, 

"And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

If people are not drawn to Jesus, but to you, then you have missed the point of your encounter with them.  Be careful that you don’t neglect the Gospel, your primary mission in your new life, in favor of people being impressed with who you are or what you do.  Every bit of your service is for the glory of God, not your personal glory.  Don’t be like the some of the Pharisees. 

"Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God." -  John 12:42-43

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

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

Choosing Something Bad And Expecting Something Good

... I should [not] boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. —Galatians 6:14

“If I dwell on the Cross of Christ, I do not simply become inwardly devout and solely interested in my own holiness— I become strongly focused on Jesus Christ’s interests. Our Lord … did not physically cut Himself off from society, but He was inwardly disconnected all the time. He was not aloof, but He lived in another world. In fact, He was so much in the common everyday world that the religious people of His day accused Him of being a glutton and a drunkard. Yet our Lord never allowed anything to interfere with His consecration of spiritual power. The Spirit of God has set a great many people free from their sin, yet they are experiencing no fullness in their lives— no true sense of freedom. The kind of religious life we see around the world today is entirely different from the vigorous holiness of the life of Jesus Christ. “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15). We are to be in the world but not of it— to be separated internally, not externally (see John 17:16). Consecration (being dedicated to God’s service) is our part; sanctification (being set apart from sin and being made holy) is God’s part. We must make a deliberate determination to be interested only in what God is interested." - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest 

I have known a good number of Christians who have made tremendous errors in spiritual judgement.  Those errors have derailed their lives and brought grief and heartache … sometimes that lasts a lifetime.  And yet, they persist in making the same choices based upon their emotions … their desire to “fix" the problem themselves or perhaps content to satisfy the need that seems to dominate their lives.  Although they may sing “Jesus loves me this I know” … time and again they disprove their sincerity, by choosing their own path and solutions over the path that God has laid out for them (Proverbs 16:9) 

They quench the Spirit and listen to their flesh.  They ignore the Biblical counsel of their friends and family … and repeat the same mistakes that they have made in the past with, predictably, the same result.  When I see this happening, my heart breaks because I know the joy they have rejected for the trouble that they will inevitably embrace as they suffer the consequences of their choices.  Does that sound dismal? That’s because it is.  God has called us out of that life.  But our faith must be more than a philosophy … a “get out of hell free” card.  The great gift we have came with a price .. Jesus on the cross .. yet even that is a distant thought for many.  That truth is not enough to motivate many to choose God .. to follow the Spirit .. to sacrifice the flesh.

So why does that happen? For one reason, most of us do not separate ourselves from our old life.  It’s one thing to be in the world as a Christian.  It’s quite another to continue to participate with the world.  To embrace what we know to be sin in an effort to secure the world’s substitute for God’s acceptance, will and way.  The interesting thing is that although I might speak to the wayward Christian to encourage them to draw close to Jesus, only the Spirit of God can bring conviction to their hearts and only they can yield to that conviction and turn to God in repentance.  

So what to do.  Well.  Be an example.  Love them .. not their sin … like Jesus.  Pray for them.  And bear the hurt in your heart as you watch them struggle with the impossibility of the life they have chosen.  Jesus spoke to the problem … the Apostles wrote about the problem to the churches ..  so it is not a new problem in our generation.  It is the eternal struggle between the flesh and the Spirit natures.  The nature that you feed is the one that will dominate. 

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

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

What Can Wash Away My Sins

"But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God." - Hebrews 9:11-14

I woke up this morning with this on my mind. On the Day of Atonement, the Jewish High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies. He would then offer a sacrifice for the people of the nation of Israel with the blood of the spotless lamb on the Mercy Seat on the top of the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark contained a jar of manna, Aaron's staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant (the Ten Commandments). By pouring the blood of the lamb on the Mercy Seat the wrath of God for the sins of the nation would be satisfied. 

"Therefore, he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people." - Hebrews 2:17

Propitiation means to satisfy the wrath of God - think mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant. Christians around the world just celebrated Easter, the day that Jesus, the Lamb of God, was raised from the dead. His blood was poured out as an offering, once for all. He was established as the eternal High Priest making intercession eternally for those who place their faith in Him. Just as the Jewish High Priest offered the sacrifice for those of the Jewish faith, Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice for those who are born again by faith, people of all nations, once for all. 

"He [Jesus] has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself." - Hebrews 7:27

That is what we celebrated yesterday. And, just like Christmas, the world has an alternative to focus on. It celebrates Easter with eggs, candy and a bunny rabbit in honor of their god - self. Easter is the second best-selling candy holiday in America after Halloween. But what can wash my sins away? Easter is about the Cross.

"without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." - Hebrews 9:22

"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." - 1 John 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