The Power of Prayer…

James 5:16 (NIV)

Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Our Verse of the Day offers an interesting perspective on prayer. Let’s read the surrounding context:

James 5:13-20 – Prayer Offered In Faith

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again, he prayed, and the heavens gave rain and the earth produced its crops. (Cf. 1 Kings 17; 18) My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

With the broader context in view, I think we can see the great potential of prayer to impact the circumstances we experience in our lives. We live in a fallen world of sin in all of its myriad manifestations. We will experience trouble and tribulation. (Cf. John 16:33) We will experience sickness and illness in our bodies. We will be tempted with sin and challenged with the decision to flee its allure. And in these latter days there will be great tribulation ahead; “such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Cf. Matthew 24:21) Indeed, spiritual forces of darkness and evil envelop the earth (Cf. Ephesians 6:12); and the only light available to prevail against the darkness is the light of Christ Jesus our Lord….

John 1:1-5 (NIV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:19-20 (NIV)

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.

John 8:12 (NIV)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 12:44-46 (NIV)

Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

If you think about the light of the sun, it is produced by an internal source of power. If you think about a light bulb, it can only emanate light when electric power is supplied to it. Even a simple candle must have a source of fuel and a flame to ignite it in order to provide continual light. And so, I want to focus our attention on the power of prayer to awaken our faith. We are urged … even commanded … to pray in order to navigate our human existence within the framework of faith. Why? Because our faith expresses genuine belief in the Lord Jesus; and it follows that our faith embraces the light He has brought into the world.

My friends, I submit that prayer is the source of energy to power that light! It is His light within us that overcomes the darkness, but it must shine in order to accomplish its work. Prayer is the power that activates faith and prompts us to engage the culture (world) around us. As Jesus taught: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Cf. Matthew 5:14-16)

So, I want to encourage us to let the Light of Life ignite our faith. Let it penetrate the present darkness of our world. If we want to address the difficulties in the lives of people … if we want to see illnesses healed … if we want to see deliverance from bondage to sin … if we want to help prodigals and unbelievers be reconciled with God … if we want to engage in spiritual warfare and cast down demonic influences; then our faith to move these mountains must be spiritually empowered to accomplish it. And that power is prayer! Yes, it is my conviction that we will not be productive or effective without abiding in Christ … living in an intimate relationship with Him that can only be established and nurtured through prayer. Indeed, prayer is essential for the supernatural ministries of the Church to bring forth light in the midst of darkness. Prayer is imperative for believers to function as the Body of Christ in this world. So let us be people of prayer! Let us pray without ceasing! For the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. ~ Acts 28:7-9

Do Not Be Anxious…

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Our Verse of the Day is a timely refresher as we focus on a life of prayer. This is especially important as we experience higher levels of uncertainty and anxiety in the world at the moment. God calls us to trust Him! He comforts us saying, “Do not be anxious about what is happening; rather, pray to Him and seek Him for the peace of mind that we need.” Indeed, I think about what Jesus shared with His disciples … encouraging them to watch and pray when the tribulations of life on earth accelerate:

Luke 21:25-36 (NIV)

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the Kingdom of God is near. “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

Yes, Jesus told us to ALWAYS be on the watch … and to pray with a focus on two petitions:

1. That we may be able to escape all that is about to happen

2. That we may be able to stand before the Son of Man

Likewise, Jesus taught us: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Cf. Matthew 26:41) Yes, we need to be on watch and to guard our hearts in preparation for His coming. Through prayer, we are equipped t walk in confidence as we trust Christ Jesus. As Paul admonished, let us all to continue in prayer and let the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. Prayer is vital! Prayer is commanded! Indeed, we need to be people of prayer because it will keep us grounded in the truth … protected from deception … and active participants in the spiritual battle between light and darkness that is engulfing our nation and the world.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. ~ Cf. Colossians 4:2-6

If My People … Pray

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Our Verse of the Day continues with the focus on prayer this week … and with good reason. Today is our National Day of Prayer! There is a desperate need for believers to spend more time in prayer, in intercession, and in spiritual warfare. More than most of us realize. When we are admonished to “pray without ceasing” there is a reason: “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). And so, I sense the Spirit is calling us to gather as believers before the throne of heaven in order to align us with the will of God.

I think the context of 2 Chronicles 7 is important for us to review today. Beginning with 2 Chronicles Chapter 1, we learn about the heart of King Solomon and his prayer for wisdom. God granted the request along with wealth, possessions, and honor. Then beginning in Chapter 2, the narrative shifts to preparations for the building of the Temple, and construction begins in Chapter 3. The furnishings are reviewed in Chapter 4, and the entire work was completed in Chapter 5 when the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the innermost sanctuary (Holy of Holies) of the temple. There were sacrificial offerings and worship, and the manifested glory of God filled the temple as a cloud…. I invite you to read this historical account when you have the time….

But it is Chapter 6 that sets the stage for our call to prayer. Here, Solomon addresses the assembly to bless them and then offers a public prayer of dedication. He expounds that the Temple cannot contain the God of Heaven; but Solomon asks that God be attentive to the prayers and supplications offered before Him there, and to hear from heaven … to forgive, to judge, to heal, to restore, and to show mercy. What you will note in his prayer, is the acknowledgement that people will sin against God – for there is no one who does not sin. (Verse 36) But the holiness of God has to address the issue of sin. There is an expectation of repentance on the part of people and forgiveness on the part of God. And it is this interaction that occurs during our time of prayer. God judges the sin … but He is sovereign to justify the repentant sinner….

In Chapter 6, as Solomon prayed, there is a list of the judgments or afflictions that he shared as examples:

1. When anyone wrongs their neighbor and is required to take an oath before the altar

2. When the nation is defeated by an enemy because they have sinned

3. When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned

4. When famine or plague comes to the land; blight or mildew; locusts or grasshoppers

5. When enemies besiege in the cities; whatever disaster or disease

Solomon goes on praying, asking the Lord God to be responsive to prayers offered:

1. When the foreigner (outsider) come and pray toward the Temple, grant their prayers for Your glory.

2. When the nation goes to war against their enemies; grant their prayers and uphold their cause.

3. When people sin and repent; forgive and restore them.

Beginning in Chapter 7, when Solomon finished praying, the text states that “fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple! What a powerful manifestation … revelation of God in response to prayer! The people saw the power of God fall, knelt with their faces to the ground, worshipped, and gave thanks to God. And then an incredible time of sacrifice and worship followed these events for the next seven days. It is this scene that sets the stage for our Verse of the Day:

2 Chronicles 7:11-16 (NIV)

¹¹When Solomon had finished the temple of the Lord and the royal palace, and had succeeded in carrying out all he had in mind to do in the temple of the Lord and in his own palace, ¹²the Lord appeared to him at night and said: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices. ¹³“WHEN I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, ¹⁴if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ¹⁵Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. ¹⁶I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.

Did you note the word “when” in Verse 13? It indicates that God will engage or allow His natural creation to bring affliction to His people. We could view the ensuing suffering and consequence as judgment for sin; but perhaps, the purpose of God is to recapture our attention. Maybe these things “happen” because of our sinful nature and transgressions. Perhaps, God wants us to recognize we have offended Him; that we have transgressed His commandments and need to repent. He desires us to repent, to seek forgiveness, and to receive restoration. The issue is not about what God allows to happen to us; rather, it is about our response to God’s correction and discipline! It is about the inclinations of our hearts … our sorrow for disobedience … our reverence and love for God and His mercy. Whatever happens … whatever we observe or encounter in our physical life … it should prompt reflection and repentance and restoration in our spiritual life. As Solomon prayed:

2 Chronicles 6:28-31 (NIV)

²⁸“When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when enemies besiege them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, ²⁹and when a prayer or plea is made by anyone among your people Israel—being aware of their afflictions and pains, and spreading out their hands toward this temple— ³⁰then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive, and deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know the human heart), ³¹so that they will fear you and walk in obedience to you all the time they live in the land you gave our ancestors.

On this National Day of Prayer, we need to consider the insight and wisdom that King Solomon offers within the broader context of intimacy with God. What you and I do through prayer, how we respond to God in whatever situation or circumstance He brings into our lives, impacts our relationships with Him and reflects our faith in Him. It means that we should keep a humble spirit and attitude. It means that we should realize we are not perfect and need to repent and confess our sins to Him. God wants us to carefully observe His commands … and to endeavor to fulfill His will in our lives. (Cf. Deuteronomy 4:6; 11:22) And when we fall short, we need to see it! We need to recognize it and respond in humility and transparency. As the Apostle John affirmed: “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (Cf. 1 John 1:9)

My friends, Father God wants us to enter His presence and to seek Him. He is willing to hear … willing to forgive … willing to heal. But His response is conditional. It is conditioned upon our willingness to humble ourselves; to pray; to seek His face; and to turn from our sinfulness. I believe this is the key to effectiveness in prayer. God wants the attention and hearts of His people; and it is clear that He will allow adversity to accomplish His desire. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

He Hears Us…

1 John 5:14-15 (NIV)

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.

Our Verse of the Day has always intrigued me. It is thought provoking when we consider the question of our prayers being answered by God. Here, John seems to indicate that we can have “whatever we ask” of God in prayer. But if you are like me, it seems that is not always the case in our personal experiences with prayer. God does not always give us exactly what we have asked of Him or answered our prayers in the way we believe He should. There are people that have lost battles with physical illness; people who have experienced separations and broken relationships; people who have suffered devastation or deprivation due to forces of nature; and people who have found themselves in financial distress through the loss of employment. The scenarios of human suffering and experience that we pray for God to spare us or our loved ones is quite diverse; yet, we see them occur even though we have diligently prayed for different outcomes. So, is John being dishonest? Is his assertion contradictory? Does God really hear our prayers? These are understandable questions in light of what we see happening in our human experience in this world.

There is a similar passage recorded in the Gospel of John that can be equally difficult to interpret. Here, Jesus seems to indicate that we can “ask for anything in His name, and He will do it.” I have reprinted the passage here for our reference and further discussion:

John 14:11-14 (NIV)

¹¹Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. ¹²Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Closer examination of the passage from 1 John 5:14-15 might help us better discern what John is affirming about our time in prayer before God. Verse 14 is the key: “If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” Yes, therein lies the conundrum of our prayers. Sometimes the answers are simply not what we want them to be. Yet, I assure you the outcomes will be what God in His omniscience and sovereignty … in His compassion and love … knows are the best, ultimate outcomes. We are simply not able to see or understand what God already knows and purposes when we pray or intercede for others and their situations.

Likewise, with the statements Jesus made as recorded in John 14, I believe Verse 12 sheds some insight on Verses 13 and 14. The context is focused on “works” … the works which lead people to believe in Jesus and afford creditability to His messianic claims. I think the point of His teaching is to ask Him to empower us to do the works He has been doing. Such works serve to confirm the Word of God; to confirm that Jesus is Lord and Savior; to assure that the Father may be glorified in the Son. I sense that this is the context of His statement in these verses.

Jesus made an astonishing declaration right before He raised Lazarus from the dead:

John 11:40-42 (NIV)

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So, they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

Jesus knew that God heard Him … and knew that He would receive what He had asked in prayer. What a confirmation to us that God hears prayer. Yet, the reality we often experience is that we do not receive what we asked of God. What is the difference? Does God have selective hearing? Why is John so confident that God hears our prayers and that we can know that we have what we asked of Him? We pray, and yet, loved ones die of cancer; couples remain childless; children leave the faith; chronic illness continues unabated…. Why does God not answer our prayers the way we want Him to … the way we think He should?

John said God hears us when we ask anything according to His will … not our will. And therein is the challenge for us! How do we ever truly know the will of God in a specific circumstance or situation? In Isaiah 55:8-10 we read, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” So, we have to understand that issue and seek the mind of God. And Paul affirms that we can utilize the intercessory power of the Holy Spirit in this regard:

Romans 8:26-29 (NIV)

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

So maybe we should consider that in order to pray and ask according to the will of God the Father, we need to grow in the knowledge of His “revealed” will. We can do so through the study of His Word and the life of Jesus. And we have to consider that we may not always see how God works and orchestrates in another person’s life to “work” His will for their good when answering our prayers. In other words, God IS answering the prayers offered up in faith; but He is doing so in His way and on His timetable according to His own purpose and grace. (Cf. Romans 8:28; Philippians 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:9-10) I just think we have to realize, and ultimately trust, that God does hear us and does answer us according to His will.

Additional Scriptures for Consideration:

Isaiah 59:1-2 (NIV)

Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.

James 4:1-3 (NASB)

What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You desire (lust) and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.

I will close with some final thoughts from Paul: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Cf. Romans 12:12) Yes, we are to “rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) My friends, it is clear that our Lord Jesus wants us to spend intimate time with Him through prayer … asking bold things and being conformed to His image. Indeed, if we ask anything according to His Will, He hears us. So, I hope this review has stimulated some thought regarding your views and expectations of prayer. Perhaps it has given you some additional insight and encouragement on how we should view prayer as a spiritual discipline designed to align ourselves with God’s will.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission. Son though He was, Jesus learned obedience from what He suffered and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. ~ Hebrews 5:7-9

Faith That Pleases God…

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Our Verse of the Day has been in our studies on occasion; and I thought we might take a look at it again. What is the inspired writer trying to convey to us? His focus is the subject of faith: believing in Yahweh, the Lord God Almighty, who created all things – and uniquely humans in His own image. The writer asserts that “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” So, let’s review the definition of “faith” that the writer provides us in the surrounding context:

Hebrews 11:1-7 (NIV)

¹ Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ²This is what the ancients were commended for. ³By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. ⁴By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.⁵By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” (Cf. Genesis 5:24) For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. ⁶And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. ⁷By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

In Chapter 11, the writer of the Book of Hebrews helps us understand the components of faith. It is the substance of what we hope for and the evidence of what we do not see. Faith is what gives us the foundation to understand the creation of the universe. And the writer indicates that faith is what drives us to action to pursue relationship with our Creator. In these first few verses we see the human desire to relate to God; to show Him reverence; and to please Him unfold. Through examples designed to help us move from an abstract concept of faith to a purposeful demonstration of it, we discover that faith is an integral part of our being. We can speak of faith (and the love that flows from it) as a noun; however, ultimately the actions of faith and love are verbs. The reality and sincerity of a faith rooted in love are found in the relational actions which are motivated by them.

To me, our Verse of the Day, explains how faith pleases God. It is clear from the context that faith drives our hearts to seek God with the purpose of having a personal relationship with Him. In order to “come to Him in faith” we must believe two things: 1) that God exists, and 2) that He rewards those who are earnestly seeking Him. These two beliefs are essential to the formation of a faith that will delight God. Indeed, it brings Father God delight when we acknowledge Him through worship and show Him reverence through obedience. It delights Him for your faith to express itself with confidence and freedom and joy! Yes, nurture your faith to see hope in what is unseen and to trust God with every fiber of your being! God loves you with an everlasting love! Just believe it and He will be pleased and make Himself at home with you…. (Cf. John 14:23)

In my prayer time this morning, I considered that God has need of nothing. I contemplated that He does not need the world or anything or anyone in it. He has an entire universe filled with awesome wonders to delight Him. Yet, God made creatures. He intentionally created living beings. And I believe His purpose was to enjoy dynamic fellowship with them. God is love! And it is His love that God longs to share with His creation! He wants us to experience true love and the joy and peace that will fill our hearts. Indeed, Father God has manifested this deep desire since the creation and throughout the millennia. Ever since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—God’s eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, because they are understood through the things God has made. So, humans are without excuse. (Cf. Romans 1:20) And in these last days, He has spoken to us through His Son. (Cf. Hebrews 1:2)

My friends, what I have discovered on my journey of faith is how much God yearns for people to know Him. For this purpose, Jesus came to earth as a Son of Man to show us the Father; to reveal His compassion; to demonstrate His passionate love; to manifest His desire for intimate relationship with us. Through Jesus, we can know with certainty that God exists because He is the exact representation of His Being. When we believe Jesus, when we place our faith in Him, we please the Father! When we abide in Jesus, and He in us, we are positioned to bear fruit … the action of faith and love. Indeed, through Jesus, we have assurance that we will receive the crown of eternal life as an inheritance and reward. (Cf. James 1:12) So, if you believe that God rewards those who diligently seek Him, then I believe you will pursue Jesus with all your heart….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

So, faith comes from hearing the Good News. And people hear the Good News when someone tells them about Christ. ~ Romans 10:17

What Is Truth?

Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.

Our Verse of the Day addresses the issue of sharing Truth. Pontius Pilate once asked Jesus, “What is truth?” Although we can see the context of this exchange in scripture, we cannot know for sure what Pilate meant with his retort. Let’s take a look at it for a moment:

John 18:33-38 (NIV)

Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked Him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against Him.

Jesus declared to Pilate that He was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. If anyone wants to know the truth, they should listen to Him. To that Pilate retorted, “What is truth?” But what was Pilate really asking or stating?

“What is truth?” Was he asking, “Is there really any truth in this world?”

“What is truth?” Was he asking, “Does the truth even matter?”

“What is truth?” Was he asking, “Is there an absolute truth that can be known?”

These are just a few possibilities. But what do you think about these questions? Jesus spoke a great deal about truth during His ministry – most of which is recorded for us in the Gospel of John.

John 8:31-47 (NIV)

To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.” “Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the works of your own father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God Himself.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

John 14:1-9 (NIV)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.

John 17:13-18 (NIV)

I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your Word is Truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

My friends, there is a Truth … an absolute Truth which we can know! The Apostle John, an eyewitness of Jesus, affirmed: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (Cf. John 1:14) As the living Word of God, Jesus invites us to hear His voice and to follow Him. Indeed, Jesus has revealed the truth of God … and testified that His Word is Truth! He is the absolute truth; and He said, “The truth will set you free!” We are no longer slaves to sin because Jesus has cancelled its penalty and power through the cross. We are no long slaves to fear because perfect love drives out fear. (Cf. 1 John 4:18)

Jesus asserted the reason He was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Him. Jesus also said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (Cf. John 20:21) And so it follows that Jesus sends us to testify to the truth … that is, to testify about Jesus – the Way and the Truth and the Life! And Paul instructs us to speak the truth IN LOVE. For if we speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, we are only resounding gongs or clanging cymbals.” (Cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. ~ Colossians 4:5-6

My Redeemer Lives…

Job 19:25 (NIV)

I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth.

We have probably read or heard this verse from the oldest inspired text of the Bible … and I think it might be a word for us to revisit. We know the story of Job … the incredible losses that he suffered; the intense physical and emotional anguish inflicted upon him; and the deep lessons of faith that he learned as he persevered through the experience. In the midst of this time of great pain, we find these comments which expressed the hope Job found within his soul … the hope of vindication … the promise of redemption … the confident assurance of his resurrection … and the prophetic knowledge of a literal face-to-face meeting with the Lord at the end.

Job 19:23-27 (NIV)

“Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! I know that my redeemer (vindicator) lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth. And after I awake, through this body has been destroyed, then in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

Job addresses not only the resurrection, but he declares we shall see God … with our own eyes! And I think, “How my heart yearns within me!” And, yet, is there not an element of “fear” that accompanies that thought? When He stands upon the earth, and I stand before Him, what happens next? I think about the Apostle John who personally witnessed the resurrection and the later ascension of Jesus … and while in exile on the island of Patmos He sees the Lord Jesus again and writes: “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead.” (Cf. Revelation 1:17a) I believe that is probably what will happen to most of us. There will be the undeniable reality (not faith) of what we have believed all these years standing right before us! Oh, I think many of us will be filled with awe and wonder … and gripped with a certain element of fear. There will be a long, hard gulp … a skip in our heartbeat … and intense reverence to worship Him.

I imagine there will be a wave of thoughts crashing and foaming in that moment. Perhaps, a common thought will be: “Did I accomplish what I was created in Christ to do?” “Did I miss His will … His call?” “Was I faithful at all times … in all circumstances during my life?” And yet, are these not questions we should be asking ourselves right now? If we lived with Jesus in full line of “sight” each moment, how would that change us now? Oh, how my heart longs to see Him as I ought to now…. Oh, how my ears need to hear His voice now …. Oh, how I need to do what I have been created in Christ to do now … what was prepared in advance for me to do. (Cf. Ephesians 2:10) If we all lived as righteous Job, I believe there would be more confidence when we stand before God on that Day. Yes, we should be about the Father’s business right now. Like Jesus, we need to work the works of Him who sent us while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” (Cf. John 9:4) Indeed, the Father has equipped us to do so! “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (Cf. 2 Timothy 1:7)

My friends, we know that our redeemer lives! But do we live fully in this awareness? The Apostle John brings us this guidance for introspection: “We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commands. Whoever says, “I know Him,” but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did. (Cf. 1 John 2:3-6) Perhaps, we should all ask ourselves: “Do I live as Jesus did?” “Do I love others as I have been loved?” “Do I forgive others as I have been forgiven?” “Do I see others as I am seen by the Father?”

Well, this short verse from the Book of Job brings a challenge and hope to faith. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Cf. Hebrews 4:12) And so, I pray that we will always endeavor to apply the Word of God to our hearts … to change our thoughts and attitudes … so that we might have confidence and assurance when Jesus returns to the earth and we see Him as He is….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Come near me and listen to this: “From the first announcement I have not spoken in secret; at the time it happens, I am there.” And now the Sovereign Lord has sent me, endowed with His Spirit. This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.” ~ Isaiah 48:16-18

He Humbled Himself…

Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

I love our Verse of the Day because it gives us a defined expectation for how we are to approach relationships with one another. Paul clearly indicates that our own personal mindset should determine the character and quality of our human relationships. Embedded in his thought process is that we should have the same mental attitude as Christ Jesus. His mindset was fixed; unwavering; steadfast; resolved; committed. And it was rooted in humility….

We need to deeply consider the mindset of our Lord Jesus. How did He view His relationships with people … with us? Paul indicates that Jesus displayed an incomprehensible degree of humility: “Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage.” He took on the very nature of a human servant! And He was so obedient to His Master – Father God – that He was willing to die for the purchase of our redemption … even death on a cross. Indeed, the bar was set extremely high for us! His example is one that each of us should endeavor to emulate….

Was Paul using hyperbole? I’m not inclined to believe he was doing so. I think he is just trying to describe the “mindset” or “attitude” of humility that should become our own as we conform to the image of Christ. Too often, our tendency as humans is to compare ourselves with others and then find some point with which to elevate ourselves – mostly in our own eyes, but sometimes in the form of diminishing others. It reminds me of a parable Jesus told:

Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

The message is that our Lord Jesus desires us to be humble in our attitudes … in our spirits … and in our conduct. As Paul more fully elaborated, humility is to govern our relationships within the Church – the Body of Christ:

Romans 12:3-8 (NIV)

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with yourfaith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

My friends, the most tangible manifestation of that character is to be willing to love one another to the fullest depth possible – regardless of the personal cost. And put in context, the giving of ourselves through serving the needs of others within the Body of Christ … as each of us has been uniquely equipped to do … is the application of this passage. We are not to boast regarding our gifts or to take pride in them; rather, we are to exercise them for the needs of others. Servant-hood. That was the mind of Jesus when He walked this earth. That is the heartbeat of Christ as He lives in us. We have been redeemed to participate in the divine nature … to operate in our spiritual giftedness for the benefit of others. Humble servants are who Jesus has called us to be … for His Kingdom and for His glory!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ~ Romans 12:9-18

A Man on a Mission

Luke 19:10 (NIV)

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

In our Verse of the Day, Luke records for us a concise, one sentence mission statement. Jesus understood and made the purpose of His mission clear: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” And we, as born-again believers, are the evidence of His successful mission … a mission that was completed through His life, death, and resurrection! Indeed, the great news is that He found us and we are secure in Him! As we studied before: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” (Cf. John 10:27-29)

But the message of the mission Jesus began did not end with His ascension into heaven. No, Jesus ordained that His disciples … His followers … His sheep should continue the mission:

Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 1:6-9 (NIV)

Then they gathered around Jesus and asked Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After Jesus said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.

My friends, as believers we too have been commissioned to witness not only with spoken words but with actions that demonstrate our sincere love for others. In this matter, Paul urges us “to live a life worthy of the calling you have received; to be completely humble and gentle; to be patient, and to bearing with one another in love. We are to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Cf. Ephesians 4:1-3) Paul further instructs us to speak the truth in love so that we will grow together to form a mature Body of Christ on earth. (Cf. Ephesians 4:15-16) These are powerful thoughts for our consideration; and I hope they stir each of us to be intentional today in our desire to fulfill and accomplish the mission statement of our Lord Jesus. He has sent us to seek and to direct the lost to Him for salvation; and I pray we will follow His lead each day. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Citing Isaiah 52:7) But not all the Israelites accepted the Good News. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” (Citing Isaiah 53:1) Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. ~ Romans 10:14-17

Christ – Our Intercessor

Hebrews 7:25 (NIV)

Therefore, He (Jesus) is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.

Our Verse of the Day continues with our study on the sacrifice of atonement which Jesus offered up to God the Father for the sins and transgressions of people. We have looked at several passages from the Book of Hebrews which taught in great detail the reality of what Christ Jesus accomplished through His death on the cross; and the inspired writer focused on Jesus as our great High Priest who presented an eternal atonement for sin in the tabernacle of heaven … a tabernacle not made with human hands. His view is that the Messiah (Christ Jesus) serves as a priest … that He ministers as an intercessor before God on a continual basis for those who believe in Him (come to God through Him). The rationale, within the context of Hebrews Chapter 7, is that the eternal nature (endless life) of Jesus affords a “permanent priesthood” for the purposes of our atonement, salvation, and ongoing intercessory needs. Let’s examine the larger passage for context:

Hebrews 7:11-28 (NIV)

If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical Priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. For it is clear that our Lord Jesus descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. For it is declared: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” (Citing Psalm 110:4) The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, but Jesus became a priest with an oath when God said to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’” Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant. Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, He is able to save completely (forever) those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, Jesus does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself. For the law appoints as high priests, men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

And so, the conclusion based on this premise, is that Jesus is able to save completely (or forever) those who come to God through Him … because He always lives to intercede for them. I believe His intercession is prayer (Cf. Luke 22:32; John 17:9, 15, 20); and Jesus also serves as our Advocate (our lawyer) against the Adversary or Accuser (Satan) before the throne (court) of God. (Cf. Revelation 12:10) The writer affirms this role was prophesied by King David in Psalm 110:4 where he declares, “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” So, who was this Melchizedek … this forerunner or archetype of the priestly role the Messiah would assume for us? Well, you can read about him in Genesis 14; and the prophetic connection with Jesus as Messiah is further developed in Hebrews Chapter 8.

So, why is this of any importance to our relationship and walk with our Lord Jesus? Well, part of what intrigues me is the language used: “He is able to save completely!” The blood Jesus shed was more than sufficient to save us absolutely. Nothing was partial. Nothing was missed. There are no conditional requirements. There is nothing for us to add to His work upon the cross or His resurrection or ascension to the right hand of the throne of God. His priestly intercession is eternally permanent. Your life and mine are secure in Him! And this truth should be a great comfort for believers … especially those who might think that their salvation is conditional upon themselves or their performance. Remember, God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) If we were incapable of sinning, there would have been no need for a Savior. There would not be a need for a permanent priesthood or continual intercession. But we find both in Scripture! And the Apostle John affirms, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (Cf. 1 John 1:9)

Such mercy … such grace … such love in the midst of our weaknesses! How can we not be humbled and always strive to live worthy of the Lord Jesus … and please Him in every way … bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God? (Cf. Colossians 1:10) My friends, we need a Savior! We need an Intercessor! We need Jesus! Yes, Jesus was ordained by God to be our High Priest forever! There is no need for an earthly priesthood at all anymore. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. (Cf. Ephesians 2:17-18) So, I pray we will trust Jesus at His Word. I pray we will completely trust in His finished work to redeem us and bring us to God the Father.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said: “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a New Covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord. This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Citing Jeremiah 31:31-34) By calling this covenant “new,” He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear. ~ Hebrews 8:7-13