Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And thiswill be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Luke 2:8-14 (NKJV)
Anytime a tragedy happens, you can count on a couple of things: 1) There will be people who say that they are mad at God for letting the tragedy happen. 2) There will be people who proclaim that the tragedy is an act of God's judgment. Both of these viewpoints must be oblivious to the message of the angel(s) at the birth of Christ. "For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people...glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men."
Really??? "Goodwill toward men." Is that really how God feels about the human race? I am going to let the arguably most popular verse in the New Testament answer the question: "For God so loved the world (Mankind) that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." For centuries the whisper of the Enemy has been this lie: "God detests people." This lie has been perpetrated by people both inside and outside the church. In fact, many Christians believe that God does not like them, but they are thankful that they are not non-believers, because they are convinced that God hates non-believers.
There will be a day of reckoning, where "all" will stand before God and be weighed by His perfect judgment; but until that time arrives, God is in the business of saving and transforming as many as believe on His Son. There is one word that describes the perfection of God's character, that is the word "love." 1 John 4:8 states it as a simple fact,"God is love." This does not mean that God is weak, or that God is unwilling to judge the wicked or chasten those who are His Sons and Daughters. It simply means that God's attitude towards mankind is that of goodwill.
Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, You are a God of love, grace, mercy and great patience. Although everyone sins and falls short of Your glory, You are still extending Your goodwill toward men. Thank you for saving me--for lifting me out of my sin--for bringing about changes in the way I think and the way that I live. I will forever be grateful! Blessed be the name of the Lord!" Amen
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deut 6:4-9 (NKJV)
This ancient admonition clearly establishes the highest priorities in the life of Believers that have children. The first priority is to love God, and the second is to pass that passion for God down to our children. This has to be the most important challenge that we face in life. Back in the time when this challenge was issued to the nation of Israel, the children were educated within the context of the family. A short time later the Hebrew male children were sent to the local synagogue for education and said education had one priority--that the children would know God's Word.
In the post-modern era, the priority of education is not God-centric. That is true of all public education; but, even in private Christian schools and in our home schools, we would be hard-pressed to say that the reason for education is to more fully know God. I agree that Math, English, Science and Reading are all essential skills, but they have now become the priority of education. It is a subtle switch, but there it is. In early American history, the reason children were taught to read is so that they could read and understand the Bible. The end game was not learning to read--it was learning to read the Bible.
If passing our faith down to our children is to remain a high priority to Christian parents, we will need to start considering making it the visible priority in all practical areas of life. The question is "where do we begin?" Start with some "easy to do things" such as read the Bible together as a family at the dinner table. Also, pray as a family--not long prayer meetings, but praying on all occasions when a need arises that requires prayer. Put visible signs of your faith everywhere and play music that is glorifying God. Lastly, talk about God with your children whenever you get the chance.
Prayer: "Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory,
For ever and ever." Amen
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." John 14:12-14 (NKJV)
Jesus was a walking miracle. In terms of miracles, He is unmatched in the annals of history. We are talking about turning water into wine, cleansing lepers, casting out demonic spirits, healing the blind, raising the dead and walking on water...just for starters. So, the very idea of normal humans doing greater works than Jesus, well, it is simply difficult to believe. And yet, there it is..."The works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do."
Have you ever watched a movie that made you cry or laugh out loud? In order to buy-in to the movie that you are watching you must suspend your disbelief. This allows you to temporarily believe that what you are watching is really happening. If an actor or actress is particularly or spectacularly poor at their craft you may never be able to suspend your disbelief. But, if you start believing...you will find that movies tug at your emotions and you may also find yourself ducking under the asteroid that was about ready to collide with your space ship. For a moment, we need to take Jesus seriously and suspend our disbelief.
What if Jesus was really serious about His bold statement? What if He really has planned for us to do the things that He did and even greater things? What if there is no ceiling on what we can accomplish through His authority and power? Was Jesus' Church actually designed to be a super power on this earth? Without qualification let me simply answer with one word; the word is "Yes!" Empowered by the Holy Spirit we have been authorized to be ministers of reconciliation--to preach the gospel all over the planet--to make disciples--with the promise that He will supply whatever it is that we need to accomplish our mission! I would suggest that we need to suspend our disbelief and take Jesus at His word!
Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, I declare that I believe in You, and at the same time, I have doubts about myself. Even the possibility that I could be used in powerful ways, doing the things that Jesus did...well, I need You to help my unbelief. In spite of my doubts and fears I do know that You have already prepared works for me to accomplish. I pray that You would help me to be faithful to that call and that I would boldly do the things that You lead me to do. It is my desire to be a good and faithful servant. Lead and guide my words and deeds this day!" Amen
The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will exalt Him. Ex 15:2 (NKJV)
This happens to be one of those rare places where the "old" King James translators did a better job than those that worked on the NKJV. The NKJV reads: "He is my God, and I will praise Him." The King James Version reads:"He is my God and I will prepare Him a habitation." This translation is much more faithful rendering of the original Hebrew.
Moses led the Children of Israel across the Red Sea and then watched as God swept away the army of the Pharaoh that was chasing them. Moses and the Children then sang a song of praise unto God. The song contained this interesting promise: "I will prepare Him(God) a habitation." A short time later Moses made good on his promise and the tent of Moses became the first Tabernacle of Israel and the place where God dwelled. We know that God is omnipresent, which means that God is everywhere at the same time. But, in fact, the Tabernacle of Israel and later the Temple in Jerusalem was a specific place set aside as a habitation for God.
Moses' tent has long since disintegrated and the Romans destroyed the last Jewish Temple in Jerusalem almost two thousand years ago, but there is a new temple that has been set aside as a habitation for God. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you are that temple. God , the Holy Spirit dwells in us. Jesus said this concerning the Holy Spirit, "You will know Him for He will live with you and will live in you!" Just think about it--the power that created the universe is living in you...what are the possibilities as a habitation for God?
Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, I want to be a place that is set aside for Your habitation. I want to be full of Your Spirit and emptied of the world. I pray that You would become so evident in my life that strangers would stop me and ask me about the hope of glory that is living in me and visible to them. May the evidence of Your presence be present in my actions and my demeanor every waking moment, and through my actions may You receive all the credit and glory for my transformed life!" Amen
Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My ownauthority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. John 7:16-18 (NKJV)
I had a class of young potential spiritual leaders. We began to study the "rules for interpreting the Bible." (Commonly called Hermeneutics) We came to this conclusion: If a person ignores the basic rules of Hermeneutics and/or manipulates God's Word or twists its meaning to any significant measure they are, at best, teaching their own opinion and at worst, they are in danger of teaching false doctrine. We further concluded that it is better to teach those truths that are obvious and important and avoid those things that are unclear and of marginal significance.
Even Jesus (God in the flesh) made it clear that He did not come teach His opinions. He came to teach the doctrine of the Father and to accurately represent the Father to us. This fact makes the teachings of Christ pure and unpolluted by falsehood, hidden agendas or self-serving tripe. This means that the red letters in your New Testament accurately represent the thoughts and communication of the Father.
Both Jesus and the Apostle Paul warn us of a time when the world will be full of false teachers and prophets, who will be deceiving others and are themselves deceived. It is further prophesied that people will flock to their teaching, because they are teaching what people want to hear. In the words of Jesus, such a teacher "seeks his own glory." If you are a teacher of God's Word, you should follow the example of Jesus; Do not teach your opinions as the Gospel truth--Teach the Word without manipulation and accurately represent Christ.
Prayer: "Dear Heaven Father, Your Word is true and it is the truth that sets me free and that shines light upon my path. I may want my ears to be tickled by ideas that appeal to my flesh, but that is not what I need. I need Your truths--Your thoughts--Your ideas--and Your ways to infiltrate and then influence my life. Lord, with Your help, I endeavor to preach and teach Your Word accurately and without any personal manipulation. May this bring glory to You and You alone!" Amen
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. 1 Tim 4:12-16 (NKJV)
I think that this passage would be more easily understood if the Apostle Paul had written it more like this: "If you act mature in what you say, and in the way you live; and if you set an example for others to follow in love, in spirit, in faith and in purity; everyone will respect you even though you are young." In other words, Paul was telling Timothy to live in such a way as to command the respect of others.
It is true that disrespect is sometimes unearned. People disrespect or despise people for a myriad of reasons. They might not like another person's social economic background, or gender, or educational background, or culture, or race, or national heritage, or religion, or age...the list is really endless as well as nonsensical. You can challenge their preconceived prejudice by proving their assumptions wrong. By being an example in so many important areas of conduct, Timothy would not be giving any room to his critics to "despise his youth!"
Certainly, no one is perfect; however our progress needs to be evident to all. When I was a young man my grandfather told me, "Build your reputation by living right, this will make it more difficult for your enemies to turn people against you and it will also make it easier for your friends to defend you." It was great advice! I'm sure that we all have our critics, but by setting a Godly example and living Godly lives, we are literally taking away their ammunition and silencing the voice of the accuser.
Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, I am so far from obtaining perfection. And yet, rather than accusing me or putting me down, You lift me up--clean me up--and set my feet on a more solid footing. Please help me live in such a way as to be a credible witness for you. As to my critics--give me love for them and help me to set an example. Thank you for Your transforming power that continues its work in me." Amen
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Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Phil 2:1-4 (NKJV)
Humility is relative. That sounds very philosophical, yet none the less true. Too often humility is portrayed as being self-hatred, which renders the idea of "loving your neighbor as yourself" a mute point. Humility is not self-hatred; humility begins when we understand our relative position to God and others. In other words, I can feel great about myself and still understand that God is much, much, much greater than I am! I submit to God, because He is greater and that is humility in action. I can also love myself and still love others to the point that I would lay my life down for them.
Many sports historians are calling Tim Duncan the greatest power forward in the history of the NBA. (National Basketball Association) Tim Duncan is also noted for his humility. He submits to the authority of his head basketball coach (Greg Popovich) setting an example for his teammates to follow. They reason, "If Tim Duncan, the greatest power forward in the history of the NBA is willing to listen and submit to our coach, how can we not do the same?" I am sure that Tim Duncan knows that he is a great basketball player, but he practices humility on his team by submitting to a higher authority.
As dearly loved Sons and Daughters of God, we should love and value ourselves, because God loves and values us. We should also love and value others, because God loves and values others. When we are filled with God's love it compels us to a practical, applied humility; because, we want to serve others, we want to put their needs before our own, and we want to serve their interests. If you want to demonstrate the character trait of humility in your own life, submit to God, and learn to love others just as Christ loved you.
Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus. Who humbled Himself by submitting to You and demonstrated His love by laying His life down to save us. It is hard to imagine that God, our God would bow before His friends and wash their feet. Lord, that is the kind of love that I want driving the actions of my life. That is the kind of humility that I want others to be blessed by--as I put their needs before my own. Lord, help me to walk in total submission to You this day--I surrender!" Amen
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thingI do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Phil 3:12-15 (NKJV)
You hear people talk about others who are "living in the past." I know what they mean when they say that; however, it is actually impossible to live in the past and unlike the character in "Back to the Future," we do not have a rigged DeLorean that can actually take us back in time. We can be preoccupied with the past--but, in truth, we cannot live there. For everyone, we can only live in the moment, and right now--this very moment we are making decisions that "shape" the future.
The Apostle Paul stated that he was "forgetting those things which are behind." I wonder what was included in "those things" that Paul was determined to forget? Perhaps, even more relevant, what should be on my list of things that I "need" to forget? There is no doubt that we can learn from our experiences of the past, but even that can be detrimental if through our emotional weaknesses we have drawn the wrong conclusions--and have let those wrong conclusions influence our decision-making process. (Wow--the past really can complicate things)
Maybe...just maybe, we should let loose of the past and press on--embracing all that God has in mind for us. If we believe that God is intellectually superior to us, maybe we should give Him a chance to work all things for our good and stop interfering with the process. Perhaps, we should press toward the ultimate goal without carrying all the baggage that we have accumulated through our experiences. Just maybe, we should consider a complete surrender to His will for us. I am convinced that complete submission to God would accomplish two things: 1) It would make my past mistakes irrelevant. 2) It would insure a better future--and that is an understatement!
Prayer: "Dear Father in heaven, I admit that I am weak--that I fall short--that I don't measure up--that I have made more than my fair share of mistakes in this life. What is amazing to me is that You already are aware of all that I am, and all that I have done and still You love me. So, today is a new day with You. Have Your will and way in my life today. Guide me, lead me, speak to me and give me the strength to live for You and to fulfill Your purposes." Amen
However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him."[3] 1 Cor 2:6-9 (NKJV)
I have a vivid imagination. I can look at blueprints and know what the construction will look like when it is finished. I see the future through optimistic eyes and stand convinced that life is going to offer great opportunities and possibilities. "OK...I'll admit, I am a die-hard optimist!" Never-the-less, even the greatest optimist cannot imagine "the things which God has prepared for those who love Him!"
What can you imagine for yourself in this life? How about the life to come--what does the future look like to you? Christians should be people of hope. We are people of hope, because, of God's promises and the mighty work of Jesus. But, what if our fondest hope of what the future holds for us still falls short of what God has prepared for those who love Him? That in fact is the case. If we could indeed "see" what God has in mind for us we would all become optimists and be filled with unquenchable joy!
That said, I enjoy speculating about my future with the Creator that is preparing my destiny. What are the possibilities this life holds as I press on in age--and what unimaginable blessings is God planning for me? I am aware that life can be difficult and is, at times, filled with tribulation and challenges; however, even in the worst of times I'm reminded of Christ's words: "Take heart for I have overcome the world."
Prayer: "Dear Father of unimaginable blessings, I give You praise today! I declare that all glory, and honor, and power belong to You. Not only are You the Creator of everything that is, You are simply good. Thank you for the joy of life. Thank you for the hope of tomorrow. Thank you for unending provision and blessing. May I walk in the fullness of all that You have prepared for me. And may I be joyful in my daily service in Your Kingdom!" Amen
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7 (NKJV)
Some people walk in the darkness, because they actually love the darkness. They avoid the light, because it would expose the actions and choices of their lives that they would rather remain hidden. Obviously, God gives us the free will to make such a choice; but, is it a wise decision? When you consider the heavy price that is paid in broken lives, regret and sorrow, a life lived in darkness is not a wise choice.
"God is light and in Him is no darkness at all!" God is everything that is good--everything that is hopeful--everything that is of love--everything that is of healing--everything that is holy, worthwhile, inspiring, beautiful, magnificent, glorious, lovely...light. The world is full of possibilities for those who walk in the light. Walking in the light as He is in the light is our opportunity to walk in the destiny that God has prepared for us. It is a wise choice.
The Bible tells us that our minds cannot even conceive (imagine) the great things that God has prepared for those that love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:9) If that is true, and it is, I can conceive of some pretty amazing possibilities and yet my possibilities pale in comparison to the reality that God is preparing for me. What is the key to unlocking that door? "If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin!"
Prayer: "Magnificent Father of light, blessed be Your great name!" I know that the plans that You have for me are far better than the mundane plans that I settle for. You are the God of possibilities--possibilities that exceed my ability to imagine. Help me to drop any of the weights of sin or unbelief and to fully charge ahead as You lead. May I embrace all that You have prepared for me as we walk in the light together." Amen
Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's anger was aroused against David, and he said, "Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle." And David said, "What have I done now? Is there not a cause?" Then he turned from him toward another and said the same thing; and these people answered him as the first ones did. 1 Sam 17:28-30 (NKJV)
When we were kids my sister was strong-willed, bossy and looking for a cause worth fighting for. I am sure that without Christ living in her heart, she would have been in the front lines protesting against the Vietnam War. King David had a lot in common with my sister. He was also strong-willed, bossy and looking for a cause worth fighting for. He found his cause, or maybe I should say, his cause found him in the form of a giant warrior called Goliath.
Goliath was a giant of a man and he challenged the hosts of Israel to send a champion out to fight him. Goliath proposed that whichever champion won the bout, the loser's army would then surrender. The hosts of Israel quaked in fear, for Israel did not have a champion that could match the strength and size of Goliath. David, the unknown future King of Israel, was sent by his father with some food for his brothers who were a part of Israel's army. David started mouthing off to his oldest brother, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" David's confidence made Eliab his oldest brother angry, but when he was through putting David down, David said, "Is there not a cause?"
That is the question for the church to consider today. Is there not a cause? The American church is shrinking for the first time in American history. The powers of darkness seem to have more control over the moral direction of our country than ever before. We are losing political clout, the ability to influence, and the giant of secular humanism has issued a challenge. The church is either afraid or apathetic, but we have yet to corporately answer the challenge. We must ask ourselves, "Is there not a cause?" We know this, the Gates of Hell will not prevail against us--and just as young, ambitious David killed Goliath, so the Gates of Hell will fall if we take courage and engage the enemy as God leads us. ...and the answer to David's rhetorical question? "Yes" David, there is a cause!
Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the power that overcomes the world. Thank you for equipping us with mighty spiritual weapons that can and will defeat the enemy. Thank you for making us into a church that is powerful, glorious and triumphant. Please wake us up to the challenge that is before us, and give us the courage to rise up and take a stand. We already know that if we stand against the enemy, we will prevail. Blessed be Your name!" Amen
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Matt 6:9-10 (NKJV)
I had the following thought while standing and singing in a worship service: Both Isaiah the Prophet and John the Revelator had visions of the throne room of God. In that heavenly place there were magnificent angelic beings worshiping God. They were crying, "Holy, Holy is the Lord..." In both visions heaven was observed by Isaiah and John as a place of extravagant worship. What this tells me is that at this very moment in time the worship of God is happening around the throne of God.
It gives new meaning to the Lord's Prayer: "Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven." When I pray that prayer I am asking for the very things that are happening in heaven to come into my world and happen here. I am praying that the extravagant worship of God would happen on this terrestrial shore. That the worship of God would be a high priority and ever happening in my life, in my home and in my church.
When Jesus came into Jerusalem on the back of the donkey, the common people ran into the streets, waving palm branches, paving the road with their cloaks and shouting praises. The Pharisees (of course) did not like the commotion or the idea of the people worshiping Jesus. They took their beef to Jesus and He replied, "If these people do not worship, the very rocks will cry out!" (It was a "Your Kingdom Come" moment!) You see, whether in heavenly places around the throne of God, or in the middle of our mundane lives, God desires a people who will worship Him in spirit and in truth!
Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, please know that I have no intention of letting the rocks cry out before I take the opportunity to lift my voice to acknowledge and worship you. You alone are worthy of my heartfelt worship. It is my desire for Your kingdom to come and rule in my life as it does in the heavens. May people know that I belong to You by the testimony of my life and the passion of my worship. Blessed, blessed, blessed be the name of the Lord!" Amen
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Dan 1:8 (NKJV)
If there was one word that I would use to describe Daniel, it would be the word, "Integrity." He was a young man--captured by the enemies of his people--taken to serve in a foreign country--a place far from home and family. His very survival was dependent on his ability to perform and the whim of a temperamental ruler. His first test arrived when his abductors demanded that he eat types of food and drink that would have violated his religion.
To refuse the food and drink of the King could very easily have ended Daniel's life. Despite the threat Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself. A bold and courageous decision. The King's steward exempted Daniel and his friends from eating and drinking the King's food. In the end, God intervened and Daniel and his friends looked better fed that their "King-fed" counterparts.
What is surprising about this story is not God's miraculous intervention, rather, it is the integrity of a young man who was willing to risk it all for what he believed to be right. Not compromising one's standards in the face of peer and cultural pressure takes a courageous heart. Daring to be different than the crowd and to deny the urge to be accepted by fitting in is rare. But, Daniel is proof that it can be done!
Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, You know that I like other people's approval; however, I know that living a life that is pleasing to You is my top priority. I am also convinced that following after You is far wiser that following after the crowd. Please help me to have the strength and the fortitude to make the right choices and to live for You regardless of what other people do. I want my life to be pleasing unto You!" Amen
Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Gal 6:9b-10 (NKJV)
"Do good to all..." I think that these four simple words give Believers a mandate that is easily understood and much more difficult to live. As far as I can tell the statement stands unqualified. That is to say that the word "everyone" must include everyone and does not exclude anyone. What this means is that we can not afford to selectively exclude people that we either don't like or don't know.
This gives us more than permission to be nice to other people; it gives us a mandate to lavish other people with love, acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and...even cookies. Imagine how effective and authentic is the sharing of our faith, when it lands in the rich soil of another person's heart that you have blessed with your goodness.
If you want an evangelistic tool that helps you bring in the harvest--this is it. I am sure that someone will think that this is being disingenuous. Well, they would be correct if our goodness was only reserved for people that we were trying to influence for Christ. But, please note the following: "We are to do good to all!" This indeed makes us more effective when we share our faith--but, it is a lifestyle of kindness that is extended to everyone.
Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, Blessed be Your name. Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in earth, in my life, in my home, in my church, as it is in heaven. Lord, help me to see other people through Your eyes of love. And help me to receive people with love and acts of kindness rather than with my shallow self-righteousness attitude. May I treat others with the love that You received me with. Thank you for the opportunity to share Your goodness with people who are living in this difficult and sometimes, cold world." Amen
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. 1 Cor 13:4-8 (NKJV)
Trust me--I still remember the first time I kissed Jody. My blood pressure soared and there was a strong emotional feeling of euphoria...goodness, I thought my lips were going to melt right off my face! What I felt was probably infatuation. It was a good feeling, but not real love. Love came later...probably kicked in about the same time infatuation ran out.
The Apostle Paul describes real love in 1 Corinthians, the 13th chapter. The "love" that Paul describes seems to have more in common with integrity than it does with emotions. Let me point out the difference. If we follow our emotions we will always do what we "feel" like doing. If we allow integrity to guide us, we will do what we believe to be right and good. According to Paul, "real love" is expressed as a high level of personal integrity, to the point that love never fails.
Now contrast the "real love" that never fails to my young man's "infatuation" that lasted a mere few weeks. The shelf-life of my infatuation was very short, but God's love never fails. We are secure in God's love, because, unlike humanity, God is not fickle. He loved us enough to send Jesus. He loved us enough to save us. He loves us enough to live in us. And, He will love us when we go to live with Him in eternity. We are secure in God's love!
Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Your never-ending, constant, patient love. Thank you for not growing tired of me and my short-comings. I know that You love me as I am, but I am grateful that You are transforming me into a new creature. A better, a much better version of me. Please continue the work that You started so long ago. Remake me in Your image and teach me to love others with real love." Amen
I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!" Isaiah 6:1b-3 (NKJV)
Isaiah the Prophet was ushered into the throne room of the Almighty. It was quite a scene in that heavenly place. Angels flying around--the Creator shining like the sun sitting on a throne--heavenly choirs--thunder--lightning--a great gathering of the saints worshiping... "OK, I'm taking artistic license, but trust me, it was an amazing sight!" Isaiah gave us this much insight, we know that heaven in a remarkable place.
In the midst of Isaiah's vision he hears the angels remarking about another place in God's universe. They talked about the earth. They specifically said this about our tiny planet: "The whole earth is full of His (God's) glory!" Furthermore, they stated it as a fact. What were they referring to? Sorry about the redundancy; but, they were pointing out the fact that the whole earth is filled with God's glory!
I once wrote a song with the following lyric:
You can see it in the stars at night, you can see it in the ocean tide,
You can see it in the lightning, as it cuts against the sky,
You can see it in the heavens, the clouds, the moon, the sun,
You can hear creation singing, "See the glory of the Lord!"
See the glory of the Lord, See the glory of the Lord!
I do not deny that I'm a creative, artist type of person; however, I believe that the beauty of the creation--the variety of the creation--the complexity of the creation--the amazing interdependence of the creation--the apparent design of the creation all shout the glory of the Lord. The angels of heaven are right: "The whole earth is indeed filled with God's glory!"
Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, I marvel at the universe You have created. It is truly astounding! Walking in the midst of great and ancient Oaks--seeing the color palate that surrounds me--feeling the breath of the wind--seeing the grace of the birds--the sounds of rushing water--the majesty of snow-capped mountains...It is all Your handiwork and reveals Your glory. I am not going to wait for the rocks to cry out--I give you praise for You are my God and my King. Lord, help me to walk this day in awe of You and what You have created!" Amen
Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep." For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Neh 8:9-10 (NKJV)
Back in the early 70's we sang a simple chorus that went like this:
The joy of the Lord is my strength, the joy of the Lord is my strength,
The joy of the Lord is my strength, the joy of the Lord is my strength.
Not a very sophisticated lyric and the bouncy melody simply added to the lighthearted sentiment of the song. As with all songs--even those that are poorly written--the important question is this: Is the theology in the song solid and true? In the case of "The Joy of the Lord," I would have to say that the theological concept is true and certainly worthwhile.
Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and the Israelite exiles were coming home. Ezra the priest began to read to them the Law of Moses. Many of the exiles were hearing Moses' Law and the basis of their heritage for the very first time. With great emotion, the exiles began to weep as they listened to Ezra's voice.
Then Ezra encouraged them with this word: "Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." What is the joy of the Lord and how does it give us strength? The Bible tells us that Jesus endured the cross for the "joy" that was set before Him. What was the "joy" that was set before Him? Ultimate victory over sin, death, hell and the grave! Our joy is also anchored in Christ's ultimate victory. We endure tribulation, difficulty, persecution and even death with this confidence: We will dwell in the House of the Lord forever!
Prayer: "Dear Father, it is amazing to think that You are the Creator of all that is, and yet you care about me personally. To be embraced as a beloved son fills me with confidence to face each and every day. I know that I am secure and safe in You. I pray that You would help me to be more joyful as I keep my eyes on You and not on the cares of this world. Cause me to walk with a courageous heart knowing that You will work all things for my good!" Amen
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know." Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:1-6 (NKJV)
I have become more aware of mortality as I move closer to being an "old" person. I guess that I must qualify as an old person since the average age of people living on planet earth is 15. "Are you serious...15?" As I move forward in time I have also experienced the pain of friends and family members passing away. This is also expected as everyone in my generation is aging. I enjoy life, so I have no death wish, but I see the day approaching.
I certainly do not have a morbid fascination with death, but as a Believer I also take comfort that there is a place being prepared for me on the other side of death. This turns the inevitable end in this life into the first step of the next. The skeptic might ask what is the basis of my hope. I can answer that challenge with one word: "Jesus."
Jesus had just prophesied concerning His death. Of course, His disciples were distraught. That is when Jesus let them know in no uncertain terms that He was going to prepare a place for them on the other side of death. All we know of in this life will pale compared to the place that is being prepared for us. After-all, Jesus has been preparing a place for us for almost two thousand years.
Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to rescue us. I know that Believers all around the earth rejoice in the work of Your Son who conquered death, hell and the grave. Knowing that we will be with You forever gives us courage to face the specter of death with great hope. Lord, until my appointed time comes, I pray that You would send me into the harvest and that many would come to believe in You." Amen
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalms 1:1-2 (NKJV)
A person who is countercultural is a person who chooses a lifestyle and values that run in opposition to those of the established culture. If you ever wanted to be a rebel with a holy cause, you are living in the perfect culture and at the right time in history. If you believe that the Word of God is true, you are going to find yourself at odds with the established culture. If you believe in the values as detailed in the Law of Moses and reaffirmed in the New Testament you are going to be a countercultural warrior.
This does put you in a special class of people, because the prophets of the Old Testament, John the Baptist, Jesus and the early Apostles were all countercultural warriors. Why do we risk persecution by not embracing the cultural norms of the day? The answer for a Believer is simple, we know the truth. God's Word is true--Jesus is the way, the truth and the life--We know the truth and it has set us free... We are not interested in the counsel or wisdom of the ungodly, because we know the difference between right and wrong, or true and false.
The risk of persecution is real--and will be a growing threat against those who live and speak the truth. That said, the blessings of God far outweigh the risk--and that is an understatement. Countercultural warriors will be blessed in this life and the life to come. Their children will also be armed with the truth and have the opportunity to avoid all the destructive and foolish behavior of American Pop Culture. My advice: Know what you believe. Live what you believe. Stay true to what you believe.
Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, I once again declare that I believe in You and I believe in Your Word. I agree with the Psalmist who stated that Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I pray that You would fill my heart with courage. Courage to live right--courage to stand for the things that I believe in--courage to speak the truth in love--courage to face the growing pressure to conform. May I be a countercultural warrior of love, grace, light and truth." Amen
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