The Spirit In Us

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons [and daughters]. And because you are sons [and daughters], God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son [or daughter], and if a son [or daughter], then an heir of God through Christ. - Galatians 4:4-7

I have written about the Spirit in the life of every Christian in the past but having recently re-read Galatians I was reminded, once again, of the significance of the Spirit in us. It is all too easy to forget about His presence in me. But before I get into that, I want to explain why I added [ ] brackets with a reference to daughters. In the previous chapter Paul made it plain that there is no distinction between men and women in the kingdom.  Jesus made that clear during His ministry before the crucifixion as well.  If you were to read chapter 4 without reading chapter 3 first, you might get the idea that adoption was "men only". Not true.

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

Ok, let's move on.  Unless there is something wrong, you can't feel your heart, or other organs inside of you, but that does not mean that they are not there. In a similar way, when we are born again by the Spirit, we are inhabited by the Spirit. But there is no physical sense of His presence.

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. - John 3:5-6

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

You can't feel the Spirit in you but you can see the manifestation of the Spirit through you. The fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5. The conviction of sin also comes from the Spirit. 

In Him [Jesus] you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. - Ephesians 1:13-14

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

God sent the Spirit because we need help in our new spiritual life. 

These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except for their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God” - 1 Corinthians 2:10-11

It is not possible for us to know God apart from the presence of the Spirit in us. God's wisdom and truth is hidden from sinful man.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. - 1 Corinthians 2:12-16

It is tempting to think that you are capable of living the Christian life on your own - but you cannot. You may try harder if you are having problems. But trying harder will never be enough. 

This Book of the Law [the Word of God] shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:8-9

It is the Word that provides Truth, the Spirit that provides understanding, prayer and obedience to the Spirit's leading that girds our relationship with the Father. And with respect to prayer ....

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. - Romans 8:26

Pretty simple Huh? 

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

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

Why We Do What We Do

But when he [God the Father] who had set me apart before I [Paul] was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles -  Galatians 1:15-16

So Paul was set apart by God before he was born. Does that mean that Paul did not have a choice? No - In my thinking it means that God is omniscient - He sees from the beginning to the end. He knew what Paul would do before Paul was Paul or Saul. That when God revealed Jesus to Paul - Paul surrendered by faith. 

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. - Romans 8:29

In other words - those whom God knew would believe in Jesus as the Christ would then be conformed to the image of Christ - becoming one with Jesus and the Father.

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

Jesus said - "If you have seen me then you have seen the Father". The same could be said about Christians. I might say, "If you have seen me then you have seen Jesus." That is what it means to be conformed to the image of Jesus. What!!!!  You say that you could not tell people that - because??? Well because I don't always look like Jesus - in fact - very often I look more like the world I was saved out of. 

That is why Paul exhorted the Roman Christians and Christians since - 

I beseech [beg] you therefore, brethren [men and women], by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. - Romans 12:1-3

What is His good and acceptable and perfect will? That you be conformed to the image of His Son. How do you do that? Surrender - surrendering your will and your ways to God. Submitting to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Easy peasy - right? Uh - no it's not. It is a battle. So that begs the question - Are you up to the fight? I pray so.

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 only Half Right

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. - James 1:27

Martie and I have recently initiated a new outreach in Pathfinder Mission. We call it the James 1:27 initiative. We are encouraging Christians to be intentional about visiting widows "in their affliction". That is a good thing - a great thing really. But as I reread the verse the other day something got my attention - it was the word "AND". You see I have been quoting James 1:27 is if it ended with affliction. But is doesn't.

Visiting widows and orphans is a noble thing, certainly. But if it is done apart from your heart being right with God it is merely good works lacking the spiritual power that God intended. Keeping oneself unstained from the world is another way of saying that there is no sin in the heart of the person doing the visiting. It might have been better - that is more obvious on the first reading if the verse went like this

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to keep oneself unstained from the world and to visit orphans and widows in their affliction.  

Putting the cart behind the horse instead of in front of it. Remembering this is the book of James, he does speak about works being an evidence of faith or being unstained from the world. Faith without works is dead. On the other hand, works without faith is also "spiritually" dead.

Do you remember the encounter Jesus had with the Rich Young Ruler?  The man did good works - meeting the mandate of the second greatest commandment, but stumbled when Jesus challenged him to meet the mandate of the first greatest commandment. You see Money was the god of his heart. He was stained from the world and "When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." (Matthew 19:16-22)

We know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ - Galatians 2:16

My point, before we attempt to do anything for God, by His Spirit, our prayer, every day, should be the same that David prayed

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. - Psalm 51:10-12

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

Praying With Expectation

  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-7

When you pray - do you pray with expectation? What expectation? Well - that God is listening. He is not taking orders at a drive through. He is the creator God and our Father by adoption. Have you ever asked your parents for something - hoping that they would say yes. Or maybe you got no response as if they were not even listening to you.  Frustrating? Yes - especially if the request was not frivolous. When Jesus prayed in the Garden before His crucifixion asked that that cup be removed from Him - but He added "not my will but your (the Father's) will be done. Are you willing to defer to what God deems to be best, even if it means that you don't get what you want?  Are you ready to be like Jesus or do you  think you are more deserving than Jesus? 

I am certain you have heard the saying, "The heart wants what the heart wants" as if we have no choice in the matter. This is what the Bible says about the heart.

The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? - Jeremiah 17:9

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. - Matthew 12:34

What is in our hearts comes out in our prayers - or our hearts are revealed by our lack of prayer.  We say we love God with all of our being but never talk to Him. Oh we don't mind if others talk to Him for us, but we don't make the effort.  Well, until we need or want something.

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  - James 5:13-16

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7

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

Serving God's Purpose In Your Generation

When David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep - Acts 13:36

Do you have any idea what God's purpose is for you in your generation? I can tell you it is more than waiting for or living in retirement.  Our goal in this new life - I say "new" because of what the Word says about you and me.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! - 2 Corinthians 5:17

We have a new purpose that God expects us to fulfill before we head for heaven. You know I have found it easy to read the Bible - even memorize verses - but where the trouble comes is the application of what I read and memorize. It's like I am spiritual in my thinking but natural in my living. My natural life often takes precedence over the spiritual - but isn't it supposed to be the other way around?

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

That seems to be THE verse to be quoted. I have heard it every Sunday for the past month. We should find comfort in knowing the God has our back! But He also has a purpose for us. We are children of God - part of His kingdom and His reality. He has plans for us in that context. He really is not concerned about our having a condo in Florida or a bass boat or a "fat" 401K - a nice house and car. He is concerned about a world that is hell bound. Or perhaps you think - "I get it, but I have time to focus on those things - later." 

It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment - Hebrews 9:27

Unless Jesus returns for the Church first, you and I are going to take our final breath - have our last heartbeat. God doesn't tell us how - when - or where, just that it will happen. My question is "What are you going to do in the meantime?" The right answer is pursue God's purpose. You don't know what that is? That is not reason enough to decide you will wait until God speaks to you personally. Whatever it is - you will not know it if you are standing still. Opportunities come your way every day. You purpose is not likely to be like Moses purpose - or one of the Apostles. God can use you for amazing things. 

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away - James 4:13-14

Being a Christian is not an earthly attribute - it is a heavenly reality - that has eternal purpose - and not just for you. 

If anyone desires to come after Jesus, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Jesus. - Matthew 16:24

And where is Jesus going? It doesn't matter but you can bet it is going to be good!

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

Faith is a Noun - Love and Trust are Verbs

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?  Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. .... Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. ....  As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. - James 2: 14-17, 26

I sit here in my little office in my comfortable home with no perspective. Even today, I do not face the hardships that so many others face today. I wonder if I should order something on Amazon or get in my car and go to the grocery store or order take out. And yet there are millions on this planet who wonder if they will eat at all today. I turn the tap on and remember that I need to change the water filter while so many walk miles with plastic containers to draw water for the day from a community well.

I am reminded of Matthew 25 - the parable of the Sheep and the Goats. The Goats being insensitive to the struggles that are all around them, living their lives as if there was no needs but their own. The Sheep responding to the "man in the ditch" out of compassion for others. Willing to lay their own needs aside to tend to the needs of others. 

We are people of the Faith and that faith is made visible by the way we live and the way we love. Demonstrated to a world without hope.

Lord, give us eyes to see and hearts that are ready to demonstrate the love of God to a world in desperate need.

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 Cup Comes Before The Crown

“I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble [tribulation]. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

Jesus was referring to Peace, the fruit of the Spirit - which we have in our hearts in spite of our circumstances, not because of them. Have you ever had a difficult day and when you got home you just to relax in the quiet? Well maybe not if you have small children. :) That aside, it is that feeling, by faith not a quiet room, that we can have even in the midst of the turmoil of life. A pastor said that the Christian life is not like a cruise ship, it is like a battle ship. The title to this post and that last phrase were both borrowed from the sermon we heard last Sunday. 

Sometimes you can see trouble coming your way and can prepare for it. Other times trouble comes upon you like an ambush. Suddenly - seemingly out of nowhere. Either way - there can be peace in the midst of the storm. Do you recall Jesus and the disciples in the storm?

Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” - Matthew 8:24-25

Notice the difference between Jesus' and the disciples' response to the same event. He was sleeping and they were panicked. You would have thought that they would have taken the hint that he was SLEEPING! Helloooo! But they didn't. They were focused on the trouble at hand. A storm that surpassed their boating skills. His was a spiritual response - theirs was a natural response. Fear of impending doom. They just knew they were going to drown! Ever been there? Remember the Battleship analogy?  There is a saying in the military - "You fight the way you train."

When you encounter trouble - that is not the time when you decide you need to read your Bible or pray more.  Those should be daily disciplines of spiritual preparation for the eventuality of TROUBLE coming your way. The Apostle James wrote - 

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

Perseverance - persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness. It is a supernatural response to what happens to us in our natural lives. Someone once said there is no TESTimony without a TEST. While we were serving in Jacmel, Haiti I would pass by a building supply store which was not named Lowes, Home Depot or Ace but Perseverance. A reminder to me that what we were doing was difficult but we could persevere.  Another store was Mesi Jezi - Thank You Jesus - great names for stores don't you think. 

As we face the trials of this life, our faith is strengthened so long as we keep a spiritual focus. Last verse to put a bow on it.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. - Proverbs 3:5-8

Remember, the cup of adversity comes before the crown of life. So don't be surprised and don't doubt.

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 Ten Percent Rule

Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well. - Luke 17:11-19

There is a rule - that I made up :) which I call the 10 percent rule.  Consider the verse you just read. Notice that only one, a Samaritan, out of ten lepers came back to thank Jesus or only 10 percent was thankful for what Jesus did. Jesus asked, "Where are the other nine?" The others - well - I imagine they were thankful, but I suspect they were thankful they weren't lepers anymore and could get back to their lives before the leprosy.  Maybe relieved would be a better way to describe it.

Wherever He went, Jesus was always drawing a crowd of people who needed healing of some sort. How did they spell relief? J-E-S-U-S. They would hang out with Jesus so long as they got some physical benefit. Over the years Martie and I have helped hundreds of people facing physical needs - most related to catastrophic loss from hurricanes.  We would get them back in their homes or meet some other need and then would never hear from them again. Were they thankful - yes - but most were like the nine. Mostly relieved. We would meet some like the one from time to time, but not many. About ten percent.

The thing is - the reason we helped them was not to receive expressions of gratitude. It was because we were prompted by the Spirit to help - to cross the road to help the man in the ditch if you will.  That was a story told by Jesus to make a point. There was never any indication that the man who was helped sought the Samaritan out to thank him later. The point was the showing of mercy. Jesus asked ....

Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?  The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, Go and do likewise. - Luke 10:36-37

Another example is the parable of the Sheep and Goats in Matthew 25.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’  “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’  “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’- Matthew 25:34-40

You see - the point is one of showing mercy. And why? Because of the mercy that was shown to us. If we are one with the Father and with Jesus then our hearts will compel us to show the love of God and mercy to a world that desperately needs to see Jesus. We should not be disappointed when the 90 percent are not grateful - that is not why we did what we did. 

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

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

Understanding The Source Of Love

A new command I [Jesus] give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. - John 13:34-35

This past Sunday the teacher in the Encouragers class we attend asked a question about love. If someone you didn't know approached you and they had piercings all over their face, ears, lips and inside their mouth - as well as sporting body tattoos, would you have a hard time loving them. That question got me to thinking about what love meant. The New testament is replete with admonitions to love others. But I think that all too often we forget that the Bible is a spiritual book. We are never encouraged to do anything biblically without the presence and power of the Spirit of God.

All too often we think of love as an emotion that we conjure up in our hearts that God says we are then express to the world. Natural love has no spiritual power. It is conditional and selfish meaning its expression requires that a benefit be gained by the one expressing it. It is not selfless.

Let's consider the root of the love that Jesus was referring to.  God created mankind and God loved His creation. But mankind turned away from him and sought its own way. But God's love was undeterred. In fact ...

God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

God was willing to sacrifice His firstborn to restore mankind. We are able to love the way God loves only because ... 

He first loved us. -  1 John 4:19

Jesus said that the two greatest commandments were

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind [and strength]. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. - Matthew 22:38-39

Jesus was not referring to the natural love conjured by man apart from God, but spiritual - unconditional love - love that comes from God and is then expressed back to God and to others. But love like that can only happen by those who have been born again by the Spirit. Jesus went on to say - 

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. - John 15:13

The love that Jesus showed us was sacrificial. Where we place others before ourselves - not requiring that we derive some benefit from our expression love to others - a natural man's Quid Pro Quo kind of love. We love because God first loved us! We can love others the same way because of the love we have for the Father. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome -  Romans 12 [I am certain that you know Paul did not label the sentences he wrote]

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:1-2

He also wrote to the church in Corinth

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. ...  And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. - 1 Corinthians 13:2-8,13

The love Paul wrote about was AGAPE - spiritual love - a capacity given to those who have been born again by the Spirit. So let's go back to our pierced and tattooed friend. How can I love him? - In the same way that God loves me - and am able because God loves me. Remember

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -  Romans 5:8

Jesus, when he confronted those who judged others by what they saw, said 

Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. - Matthew 23:26

And Jesus said we are to love others in the same way the He loved us. We are not asked to condone sin - but we are commanded to love others in spite of their sin and point them to Jesus. Our inclination is to profile people. But that person just might be a believer or a seeker or perhaps he is lost like most of the rest of the world. Most of whom don't have piercings and don't have tattoos, but they are people are bound for an eternity in hell nonetheless. Does that concern you? If you love God and love others it should.

So be careful that you are not hasty to jump to conclusions or miss an opportunity to show someone Jesus. 

"The love of God is greater far Than tongue or pen can ever tell; It goes beyond the highest star, And reaches to the lowest hell; The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled, And pardoned from his sin.

Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry; Nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky.

Refrain:

Oh, love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure— The saints’ and angels’ song." - The Love Of God, Frederick M. Lehman - Public Domain

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 Ready To Share The Truth In Love

  “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”  – 1 Peter 3:15

Talking to a friend the other day, she told me that she had told her friend, “Karen” about me. Karen was talking to her about a problem she was struggling with. When Sally described me to Karen the first thing she said was, “He is very religious”. I wasn't certain if that was intended as a compliment or if I was being “profiled” 😊 You know, put into a “category” to set the context of the conversation. I don’t mind, actually, but if being religious is the limit of my witness – I should be concerned. But then I thought about the “natural man’s” understanding of Christians and being religious is as much as they understand. Karen asked my friend if I would be willing to talk to her about one of Karen’s relatives living a particular lifestyle. What the lifestyle was is not the point – Karen was trying to sort it out – was it right or wrong and how should she respond to that person. I told Sally, initially, that I would not because I sensed the point was to argue rightness and it was something Karen was certain I would consider wrong. Why?

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

And so, I don’t believe that, apart from the Spirit of God, people can understand spiritual truth. It is like have a conversation with a person who speaks another language – words are said but there is no understanding – it is just gibberish. Then I had second thoughts. What if this was a God-appointed moment. So I decided that I would take a different approach.  First, I would ask Karen if she believes there is a God and that He created all things.  If yes – that is common ground – if no – then at least she would know where my beliefs about what is right and what is wrong come from. Giving a defense does not mean convincing someone to believe what you believe, but explaining why you believe what you believe. 

Second, I would explain that I believe that the Bible is God’s written revelation to mankind.  That it is Truth.

“[Jesus speaking] Sanctify them by Your [God the Father] truth. Your word is truth.” – John 17:17

In other words, I am not making right and wrong up as I go – it is not my culture’s opinion – not based upon how I feel that day – Truth does not change. So if I want to know the Truth, I look to God as the source of truth.

Third – it is possible to love someone who is doing something that God says not to do. There is a difference between acknowledging the fact that someone is sinning and judging them for it.  I am not to judge others. I am to love others – that is hard for a world to embrace that is performance based and cannot separate the sin from the sinner – ready to throw the baby out with the bath water, if you will. It can feel like a compromise. Certainly there are sins that have greater consequences than others – but in the final analysis – sin is sin and Jesus is the only answer.

I am not going to argue with a person about the rightness of God’s word – it is only the Spirit of God who can reveal that to the human heart. And when confronted with the Truth – that person must choose to accept or reject it. I cannot make that decision for them – nor can you. I must not guilt them into a false confession with them hoping it will make me happy – but there is actually no heart change. That may be religious but has nothing to do with true conversion and salvation.

Now if Karen is a Christian, my advice to her would be, love the person but stand your ground on not agreeing that their lifestyle is OK. If Karen is not a Christian, then I would tell her that according to God’s word, the lifestyle is not OK. Like with Nicodemus – I know that Karen must be born again to understand why it is not OK and how she can still love the person without condoning what they are doing. Perhaps our conversation would be a stepping stone on Karen’s path to salvation. Either way, my responsibility is to embrace the Truth and share it when given the opportunity. After all we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. 

“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.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

Be ready!

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

 

Two Essentials For Spiritual Obedience

 He went out, not knowing where he was going. —Hebrews 11:8

When we respond to God's leading and call, there are a couple of essentials in “spiritual obedience”.  First is “knowing”.  Knowing that it is God and not your own idea of what you should do or want to do. When God sends you, He goes with you. It’s not like leaving your parents’ home.  You leave and they stay. 

But … if you go off on your own to do something that requires the power of God, you are doing it on your own … and you are in trouble from the start. God never asks you to do anything for Him that you can do on your own. You can do nothing in the flesh that will please God. 

To know it is God, your heart must be right with Him … your relationship must be solid … your devotion to Him consistent.  God examines the heart.  Why do you think He chose Abraham?  

The Second essential is “going”.  Paul wrote …. (Philippians 3:-13-14) “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  If you are going to follow God then you must be prepared to abandon your earthly affections and to put your trust or faith in God. 

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. - Hebrews 11:8-10

The heroes of the Faith were willing to put their lives, their affections, their cultural preferences behind them in favor of following God.  Jesus said if you are going to follow Him … if you are going to be His disciple … your love for even your own family must be subordinate to obedience to God’s voice and His will.  I have heard many men say that their priorities are God, family, then ministry. If I understand the Bible correctly .. ministry is doing God’s will .. it’s not a vocation … God may ask you to do something that requires not only your sacrifice, but your family’s as well. That is a true test of higher devotion. 

I know people who think that doing comes before being.  The thinking is that if I immerse myself in the work of the ministry then I will be in the will of God.  That is a “works” mentality. Doing the will of God starts in the heart not in the hands.  Following God for us has meant that we have not been with our family for years at a time.  Do we trust God enough to believe that He is in control?  Even in the lives of those on this earth that we love the most?  If not, when He says go – you will say no … or maybe later which is the same as no. As if your timing is better than His.

So what is it that God has been saying to you?  Nothing?  Maybe you have not been listening .. or maybe you put your fingers in your ears because you don’t want to hear.  This is my prayer for you ....

 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. - Ephesians 3:16-21

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

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

Approaching God With Your Hat In Your Hand

Clouds and darkness surround Him… —Psalm 97:2

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 hats or grab the brim and move it downward as a show of respect.  Standing before God with our hats in our hands is comparable to Moses removing his sandals because He was standing on holy ground. When we come to worship collectively or privately, we may come just as we are. But we must be careful that we are not prideful in our attitude toward God thinking that we can come with any heart condition and He can “take it or leave it”.  WYSIWYG - What you see is what you get. You may be thinking, “I would never do that?”  Well, my fear is that many of us do refuse to remove our hats when we stand before God without even thinking about it.

Over the past 30 years, there has been a shift in how people dress on Sunday morning when going to church.  We no longer wear our “Sunday go to meetin’ clothes”, but put on whatever we pull out of the closet.  Today, if a man wears a suit and tie to church many people assume he is either going to preach or is in church leadership.  

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7

God judges the heart of man, not his outward appearance.  The outward appearance is not necessarily a true 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. They were looking for recognition by men and not God.  

for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. - John 12:43

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. The clothes, so long as they are not a carnal distraction, are irrelevant.

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 grace through faith and not works .. there is nothing we can take credit for.  Know that as you stand before God - He is looking at your heart.

So take off your hat!

What does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, To love mercy, and to walk humbly before God. - Micah 6:8

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

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

Be A Witness For Jesus - God Will Do The Rest

Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear - 1 Peter 3:15

I have a prayer that I pray every morning. One of the things that I ask the Lord in that prayer is "Give me an opportunity to share Christ with someone." After I prayed those words this morning I wondered "What exactly do I mean by 'Share Christ'?" It could mean that I want to be given the opportunity to share the Gospel with an unbeliever. Do you remember the Four Spiritual Laws from Bill Bright and the Campus Crusade For Christ ministry?

Law 1: God Loves You - God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.

Law 2: Humanity's Sin - All people have sinned, which separates them from God.

Law 3: Jesus Christ as the Solution - Jesus Christ is God's only provision for sin.

Law 4: Personal Acceptance - Individuals must personally receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

There is more to it - but you get the idea. It is the plan of salvation. There are a lot of ways that those truths have been communicated, and dare I say "packaged" to make sharing your faith a little less daunting to the new Believer. 

In John chapter 3, Jesus told Nicodemus that to have eternal life - Nicodemus had to be born again spiritually.

Paul wrote in Romans - 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. - Romans 10:9

That is sharing the Gospel with words but you can also share the Gospel by the way you live your life.

Jesus told Philip - "He who has seen Me has seen the Father"  - John 14:9 

Jesus told a group of Jews - “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. - John 5:19

Jesus prayed to the Father - “I do not pray for these [the disciples] alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; - John 17:20-23

When the world sees us, it should see Jesus in us, who, in turn, is a reflection of the Father - who is also our Father. 

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! - 1 John 3:1

So my testimony is not just the words that I say, but the life I live.

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

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

You see, Christian, we are a witness by the way we live our lives not just the words we share.

That is not to say that God will not use you as you pass by someone in life who is seeking God. God uses you to share the Gospel in words and deed. That person may not know you or ever see you again. 

Paul described it this way "I planted, Apollos watered, and God brought the increase." - 1 Corinthians 3:6

"Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." - Romans 10:17

And so we ask God to give us an opportunity and then we get ready to be a witness to the saved and the lost alike. God will do the rest.

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

Abandoning The Things Of This World Starts In The Heart

Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. —Matthew 5:41

“Our Lord’s teaching can be summed up in this: the relationship that He demands for us is an impossible one unless He has done a supernatural work in us. No amount of enthusiasm will ever stand up to the strain that Jesus Christ will put upon His servant. Only one thing will bear the strain, and that is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ Himself— a relationship that has been examined, purified, and tested until only one purpose remains and I can truly say, “I am here for God to send me where He will.” - Oswald Chambers

Many of Chamber’s devotions were derived from his lectures at a Bible College.  He was speaking to men and women who had been called by God to service beyond what most of us are called to after our conversion.  But, the principles for all of us are the same.  Even the person with only one spiritual gift and that, they may wrongly consider to be almost non-essential, (God does not agree with them by the way) faces the same challenges that every other saint faces in living their new life. We are all called to abandon the same things, even though for most it will be an abandonment in the heart, while with a few, it will require physical abandonment.  

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

It is one thing to say that you love God more than your family, it is quite another to leave your family and go on Mission for God.  It is one thing to say that you do not love the things of this world, it is quite another to sell your house and put your retirement at risk in order to go where God has said “Go!”.

I would find it very difficult to write these things to you if I had no intention of doing them myself.  When I was on staff with Promise Keepers in the ‘90s, there was a saying that was popular among us.  “You can’t teach what you don’t know, you can’t lead where you won’t go, and you can only recreate what you are.”  The secret to going is obedience and faith.  Faith comes from God and obedience comes from a “broken and contrite heart”, wholly submitted to the will of God.  

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise. - Psalm 51:17

Every step you take for God requires the power of God.  It is a glorious life .. living by faith and not by sight.  The person who abandons their life's devotions in their heart is no less faithful than the one who also abandons physically in response to the call of God. The point is, being obedient to God no matter what He calls you to do. So when the Spirit whispers in your ear, “This is the way walk in it.”  (Isaiah 30:21) Walk on! … to the glory of God and in testimony to a world that needs to see 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

When It Has All Been Said And Done

“All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower fades, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” - 1 Peter 1:25

That verse is actually a reference to Isaiah 40:6-7.  It was used in a sermon one Sunday and of all that was said that morning, this verse got my attention. We are to be like the prophet Samuel with respect to wanting to hear God speak by His Spirit.  

"And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” - 1 Samuel 3:8-10

When I am at church listening to a sermon, I say "Speak Lord for your servant is listening". Do you believe that God would speak to you through a sermon, the scripture, or other Christians? You should because He does. The right question really is not "Does God speak to us?", but "Are we listening for His voice and will we receive what He says to us?"  Like Samuel. 

When I heard the scripture from 1 Peter, in my mind, I substituted the word "flower" with "life". The question that came to me was, "When my life has faded what will remain?" The answer is only what has eternal value. Our daughter, Mandi, proud of my service in the Army, decided that I should have all of my Army memorabilia on display in our guest room. So out of the closet and attic it came. And on to the walls it went. When I was in the Army, career soldiers often had what was referred to as their "I love me wall" where all of their going away mementoes from duty assignments where they had served were on display. And what does this have to do with 1 Peter? When I die - and I will one day, the significance of those things hanging on the wall will fade. In fact that process has already started - their significance might linger for one more generation in the hearts of our children, but probably not our grand children.  What do you have hanging on the "walls" of your heart?

Don Moen wrote a song, "When it has all been said and done." 

"When it's all been said and done. There is just one thing that matters. Did I do my best to live for Truth. Did I live my life for You? All my treasures will mean nothing. Only what I've done for Love's reward will stand the test of time. You're my life when life is gone. When it's all been said and done."

Is that what you want to be said about your life? That is what I want to be said of mine - that my life glorified God. That I lived for Truth. That I lived my life for Him. Will you leave an eternal legacy when your flower fades? As a story goes, a man was looking at a tombstone. It read "14 August 1930 - 27 November 2021". His friend commented that the man had lived a long life. The man commented to his friend, the first date and the last date are not what is significant. It is the "dash" that tells the story and whether that life made a difference.

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 Rational - Reasonable Sacrifice To God

 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites [very small copper coin], which make a quadrans [a Roman coin]. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” - Mark 12:41-44

I just wrote a devotion about salvation not being just a ticket to ride - that is to heaven. There is much more to the Christian life. The rich man had discretionary income - an abundance beyond what he need to live. He gave some of the money that was left - not the first fruits. He could afford to give it away. His trust was in His riches - not God. The widow, on the other hand gave all that she had - because her trust was in God and His providence and provision. God looks at the heart not the pocketbook. The greatest commandment says to have total dependence on Him. 

Then King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will surely buy it for the full price, for I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing. - 1 Chronicles 21:24

King David would not offer something to God that did not cost him something - like the poor widow.

I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your rational service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. - Romans 12:1-2

It is the same message. Are you willing to abandon your natural affections - what your flesh - your old nature - says is important to cling to if you want to find satisfaction in this life in favor of yielding to God? Can you identify with Job - "though He slays me, yet will I serve Him". Absolute trust in God and his leading and not in your present circumstances. 

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

Do you live by faith or by sight? Have you crucified your flesh? Your answer will not be in words but by the way you live your life and where you put your trust.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. - Galatians 5:22-25

The world will know the answer by the fruit that is hanging from your branches.

Shine Bright my friend and glorify God with your life.  

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

Salvation - More Than A Ticket To Ride

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

The first part of this devotion is from a journal entry I made while serving in Jacmel Haiti from 2011 to 2015.

<Journal Entry 1 August 2011> Sitting here waiting on Ephesian (the Haitian responsible for overseeing the property before I arrived in Jacmel.  I had been asked to build an orphanage out of 6 - 40ft shipping containers).  He was trying to find the tractor key. Learning Creole is a challenge – my brain is not as quick as it once was – Kle pou tracte la – Key for the Tractor – is about it for now. Who were Martie and I there to help – Those who come to our fence and cry “You!” because they see an American and want to ask for help. Or the children behind block walls and an iron gate who long for the comfort of a mother they don’t have – a meal to answer the call of an empty stomach – As in the middle ages – in this culture, being overweight is a sign of wealth and lacking for nothing – especially food – I am a walking billboard for opulence and a life of abundance – Some of the Americans that I see here boast in the sacrifices they made to come to this country – but it is actually mere inconveniences they encounter that they consider hardships – do I do that as well? All we lack are ashes and sack cloth. Lord help me if I do. Do I wear the fact that I have been called to serve and endure hardship like one of the battle ribbons I wore on my Army uniform? Lord forgive me. It is not about what we have done, but about what God has done in us and is doing through us. I see Americans wanting to create “little Americas with all of the amenities and comforts they are used to – a cultural and economic bubble. Am I describing myself? I think the Lord has given me a mirror so I can see my reflection (Matthew 7:3-5)  – not being hard on myself but being alert to the temptation – self-glorification is only a short walk from right standing and right thinking. I must remain vigilant.   <End of Entry>

It is easy to focus on yourself and allow that focus to supersede or become more important to the task that the Lord has called you to. We are called to be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and to sacrifice, by definition, means that you must give something up. It might be living in austere or primitive conditions. It might be as simple as turning away from worldly affections and practices. Being a Christian comes at a cost – first it is possible only because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Jesus asked the Father if there was another way –

“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” – Luke 22:42-44

There was only one choice to be made – obedience or disobedience. God’s will is perfect – but it requires a sacrifice. Second –  living the Christian life requires the surrender of our will and a willingness to go and do what God requires for His purpose and glory and not our comfort. Pastor Rick Warren said, “God is not interested in your comfort but in your character.” That is a hard sell to many Christians in the United States.

Our new life requires faith – sacrifice and obedience.  It is the life that Jesus lived – the life we that are the Called are called to when we are born again. Salvation and our new life in Christ is more than a ticket to heaven.

Shine Bright my friend and glorify God with your life.  

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

Love Is An Action Not Just An Attitude

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” -  John 21:15

The question that Jesus asked Peter is the same question that every Christian must answer. That answer is not by words but by deeds. Peter had told Jesus he would go anywhere with Him but when the time came to go to a difficult place, Peter denied Jesus.

“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 integrity of our response to God is totally dependent upon our heart's devotion. If we merely like the idea but are not willing to live our life trusting God and not ourselves then our faith is built on sandy land. Not that we will lose our salvation but we will struggle when the storms of life come - and they will surely come.

There was a secular song in 1990 - "More Than Words" that actually speaks to this truth.

Saying "I love you" Is not the words I want to hear from you 
It's not that I want you Not to say, but if you only knew
How easy it would be to show me how you feel

More than words
Is all you have to do to make it real
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me
'Cause I'd already know

Don't confuse works and faith. It's the chicken or the egg. Faith comes first then works. Just like love comes first is demonstrated by what I do, faith in made manifest from my works - Like James wrote. We are saved by faith which, in turn, is demonstrated by a changed life bringing glory to God. Words are cheap - laying your life down to follow Jesus costs you everything.

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

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

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

The Word Of God - Read It

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

You may remember the TV commercial that said "you are what you eat" to "milk does the body good". For a Christian - the Word of God is spiritual food. 

I [David] do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. - Psalm 119:102-104

The pastor at the church we attend put it this way. "The Bible tells you - What's Right, What's not Right, How to Get Right, and How To Stay Right." I have heard it described as the owners manual for Christians. The thing is - in order to understand it the Truth - you need and interpreter who is the Holy Spirit.  

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18

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

In order for the Bible to accomplish its intended purpose you need to read it every day. 

Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. - Psalm 119:11

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:8-9

I would suggest you have a plan - there are lots of Bible reading plans to help you - but a plan is not helpful if it is not followed. A daily devotion is a discipline. The Bible will not fulfill its God-intended purpose if it sits on your bookshelf until Sunday morning - or maybe you have abandoned the printed version for a App on your phone which means you have it wherever you go. But you still have to read it.

So my encouragement to you - READ IT!

for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success

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

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

Our First Devotion Is To The Father - Not The Son

For I [Jesus] have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. - John 6:38

We all know John 3:16 - that the Father sent the Son, but at times I think my devotion to Jesus, as Savior, can overshadow my primary devotion which is to be to the Father. Jesus never suggested that He was equal to the Father, but that He was one with the Father. Sent by the Father, he represents the Father. Jesus told Phillip ....

Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. - John 14:9

I [Jesus] do not pray for these alone [the disciples], but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;  that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. - John 17:20-21

Jesus was sent to restore mankind to the Father.

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

When Jesus said that He referred to the two greatest commandments in Matthew 22:40 - 

On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.  

Those two commandments summed up all of the laws in the Bible - both Old and New Testaments. In a recent Sunday morning Bible class we were talking about the trouble with loving other things, worry, relational problems, sickness and health. That maladies associated with life on this planet. And how, as Christians we should respond.

That got me thinking about the two greatest commandments and in particular the first great commandment. 

[A lawyer asked] 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. - Matthew 22:36-37

Mark 12 and Luke 10 add "and with all your strength" to the list. So I suppose you could say that if you love the Father all your heart, mind, soul and strength you would be "all in" with your devotion to God. Every aspect of your being focused on God the Father.

When Jesus said "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." - Matthew 6:33

He is basically restating the greatest commandment. That the Father should be our primary focus.

Jesus said "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." - Matthew 6:34

A pastor friend used to say that when you see the word "therefore" you need to read the preceding verses to see what it is "there for". Re-read verse 33. Jesus is, again, saying focus on God.  

"But He [Jesus] answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” - Matthew 4:4

Focus on God the Father.

When King Solomon wrote "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

He was not referring to Jesus but the Father. Proverbs 3:5-8 is about the great commandment.

When King David wrote "I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep." - Psalm 121:1-4

David was referring to the great commandment. A man after God's own heart.

Oh - I could go on but I won't. But I will add this. The second great commandment - love others - is 100 percent dependent upon the first. It is because we love God that we can love others with the same love that He has first shown to us. And that of course refers us back to the the Great commandment.

Living our new life in Christ successfully is dependent upon our right and consistent focus on the Father.  He must not be an after thought but rather a constant thought. We achieve that focus through diligence.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. - Hebrews 11:6

When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray - the prayer began "Our Father who is in heaven". He did not say "Pray to me and I will pray to the Father". We are His children - adopted and joint heirs.

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” - Romans 8:15

I remember when I was in the military in a classroom, sometimes the instructor would stop his foot meaning that that what he just said was important and would probably be on the test. Have you hear me stomping my feet?

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

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

Telling Others All Is Well When It Isn't

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my [Paul's] presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.  Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. - Philippians 2:12-15

Oswald Chambers wrote "My worth to God publicly is measured by what I really am in my private life." Living by faith and walking in the light does not just happen. It requires commitment and discipline.  This new life requires effort of the heart… to submit to the Lord requires us to lay down on the altar.  Working out our salvation is not self-effort .. trying harder to be “good” …. it’s submission. 

So many people are satisfied with working on having a good-Christian appearance and miss the joy and peace that comes from living in obedience to the will of God.  I know too many people that are struggling with life and refuse to trust God.  (perhaps you do too) If you ask them, they will tell you that “all is well”, but all is not well, they just want it to be in spite of their living in disobedience. 

Desperation of circumstances can subvert your faith and divert your walk.  Unless you are willing to trust and obey.  I wish I could do that for others, but I can’t and neither can you.  We can only watch their struggle and hope they look to God for answers instead of trust in their own designs that have consistently failed them in the past.  And perhaps be an encouragement to them to look up.

I will lift up my eyes to the hills - From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.  Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore. - Psalm 121

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 Affects Our Saltiness

Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! - Luke 14:34-35

Last week the Bible Study leader made the comment that salt cannot lose it's flavor or properties. I was familiar with what Jesus said about salt so I thought I needed to dig a little deeper. It turns out that pure salt (sodium chloride) does not lose its saltiness over time; however, salt that contains impurities or additives can lose its flavor due to exposure to moisture or other conditions. In ancient times, less pure forms of salt could become tasteless if the sodium chloride was washed away or diluted.

So Jesus was referring to pure salt becoming impure. So I needed to look at the Spiritual context of saltiness. Christians who are pure - washed from sin - wholly devoted to God add "spiritual flavor" to the culture they live in. 

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

But - if they allow the culture to dilute their saltiness - then they are no longer accomplishing their purpose on earth. They become indistinguishable from the lost. In other words if the Christians allow the flesh, sin, to suppress, quench, the Spirit in them then they, as salt, will lose the ability to have a spiritual effect in the world and thus nullify their God-given purpose. Holiness is no small matter but I fear that its importance is often taken lightly. If I sin I will be forgiven.

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

In the case of unconfessed sin - my spiritual impact is stunted. That should concern you if it doesn't. It is not just an impediment to our witness in the world but in our relationship with the Lord.

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

The point is not about losing your salvation - which is the source of your saltiness, but embracing sin and your old nature which dilutes your saltiness.

Don't lose your saltiness for God's glory and the good of others.

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