Category: Courage

Hour…

Hour…

“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” ~ John 12:27-28

I find it interesting that Jesus felt troubled in His soul when the approaching hour of His ultimate test would come.  In His human form, Jesus too was subjected to weakness and temptation in every way, just as we are – yet He did not sin. (Cf. Hebrews 4:15) Jesus did not coward from His purpose or His mission. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. (Luke 19:10) And His death would be a sacrifice of atonement. Indeed, Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)

How often do we become troubled in our souls as we commit ourselves to the calling and purpose of God upon our own lives? Do we meet with resistance from others? Jesus did! He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him. (John 1:11) Yes, He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. (Isaiah 53:3a) And yet, for the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)

Oh, there is a powerful lesson here if we would but grasp it and fix our eyes upon Jesus. You, too, will be tested as you serve God. Yes, in faith you responded to His call upon your life. In faith, you vowed to be obedient and to accomplish the mission you were assigned to fulfill. And from experience, your most difficult challenges have come from your own … your own family … your own friends … your own church. Do not be dismayed when your greatest distractions and discouragement come from those you thought most unlikely to do so. Remember, even Jesus was betrayed by one of His chosen disciples.

I am grateful that the Apostle Paul shared some additional insight for us to consider before we throw in the towel or surrender to our temporal emotions during the heat of the battle. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:12-13) Indeed, your challenges come from the Adversary who is at always at work to prevent you from glorying God through your good deeds in your hour.

My dear friends, when Jesus was troubled in His soul, He first had to surmount all the human frustrations and emotions that besieged Him. And then He questioned, “Should I let pain or suffering deter me from what the Father sent me to do?” “Should I pray for divine rescue from the difficult circumstances that God had already allowed to test my faith?” What did Jesus conclude? “No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Yes, like Jesus, our resolve should be to remain steadfast in the good works that God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

John 15:7-12 (NIV)

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Have a Blessed Day!

Strong…

Strong…

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. (1 Corinthians 16:13)

When we think of being strong, the idea of having the power to move heavy weights or perform physically demanding tasks probably comes to mind. But for the Christian, we more readily identify with the ability to withstand great force or pressure being exerted against us. And so, it is of great importance for us to be trained and equipped in those spiritual disciplines which strengthen our resolve and determination to triumph; that is, to overcome the world through victorious faith in Christ Jesus. (1 John 5:4)

In Ephesians 6:10-18 Paul instructed:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 

Note the key premise: Our struggle is not against flesh and blood; rather, we must come to terms with the spiritual warfare going on around us. As Paul explains: “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

My friends, I am praying for spiritual awakening within the Church to break forth in 2024! I am praying the people of God will prepare themselves for the battles already in sight on the horizon. Yes, let us begin with a time of fasting and prayer … to seek the power and presence of the Lord.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7) Indeed, let the weak say I am strong!

Have a Blessed Day!

I AM with You….

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Do you need a Word from God to lift you up? I think our Verse of the Day will do so. It reminds us how God is active in the lives of those who love Him – who have been called according to His purpose. God is with His people! God is for His people! He is ever present and engaged to help us; to strengthen us; to uphold us … when the challenges of life tend to overwhelm us.

Isaiah 41:8-14 (NIV)

But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, “You are my servant”; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Look at the context for a moment. Those who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced … those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish … those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. God said we are not to fear! “No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” (Cf. Isaiah 54:17) Indeed, our Verse of the Day reminds me of what Paul shared in Romans 8 regarding the engagement of God in our lives through Christ Jesus. I have reprinted a portion for our reference and encouragement:

Romans 8:26-39 (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. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

As you face each day and the challenges it might bring you, be encouraged! God is with you! God is for you! The Holy Spirit helps you to pray according to the will of the Father. Christ Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for you! If you are in Christ, you are no longer condemned … you are beloved! There is nothing that is able to separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Yes, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Cf. Joshua 1:9)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:6-8

Ah, Sovereign Lord…

Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)

Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

Our Verse of the Day affirms God as the creator of everything and sovereign over all His works. But if we look at the surrounding context, we will see that Jeremiah prayed this prayer in the midst of an impending national crisis. The remnant people of Israel were being invaded and taken over by the Babylonian Empire because of their unfaithfulness to God; and yet, he is buying land (while in prison) as a display of his trust in the ultimate mercy and goodness and faithfulness of God to redeem and restore His people:

Jeremiah 32:8-23 (NIV)

I knew that this was the word of the Lord; so I bought the field at Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel and weighed out for him seventeen shekels of silver. I signed and sealed the deed, had it witnessed, and weighed out the silver on the scales. I took the deed of purchase—the sealed copy containing the terms and conditions, as well as the unsealed copy— and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the presence of my cousin Hanamel and of the witnesses who had signed the deed and of all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard. In their presence I gave Baruch these instructions: ‘This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Take these documents, both the sealed and unsealed copies of the deed of purchase, and put them in a clay jar so they will last a long time. For this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Houses, fields and vineyards will again be bought in this land.’ After I had given the deed of purchase to Baruch son of Neriah, I prayed to the Lord:

Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the parents’ sins into the laps of their children after them. Great and mighty God, whose name is the Lord Almighty, great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to the ways of all mankind; you reward each person according to their conduct and as their deeds deserve. You performed signs and wonders in Egypt and have continued them to this day, in Israel and among all mankind, and have gained the renown that is still yours. You brought your people Israel out of Egypt with signs and wonders, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with great terror. You gave them this land that you had sworn to give their ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey. They came in and took possession of it, but they did not obey you or follow your law; they did not do what you commanded them to do. So, you brought all this disaster on them.

The disaster that Jeremiah speaks of is the Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem and the land of Judah.  Indeed, God brought judgment upon His people for their disobedience to His covenant; but there is still hope for a future.  If you go back to the famous passage (most of us can quote it) from Chapter 29, we can see the confidence Jeremiah had in the promises of God to restore His people once again.

Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NIV)

This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

We are not told, but perhaps the cousin was selling his land to Jeremiah out of fear; or maybe, just survival. I would think there was all kinds of distress at the time because of King Nebuchadnezzar and his ensuing armies. But I believe Jeremiah saw the situation as an opportunity to demonstrate his confidence in the prophetic words of God to restore a remnant of believers after His justice has been meted out.  Buying the land with the intent to possess it after the exile offered hope and encouragement to those around him; and perhaps, to those who otherwise distrusted Jeremiah’s prophecies and the instructions from God concerning the exile.

My friends, I believe there is an application for us in this generation as we see and experience economic distress and the travails of upheaval coming upon our land … even the world. Could the unrest and tribulation be judgment for the unbelief, rebellion, and hostility toward God in our culture? Perhaps. God has been more than patient with the sin and unrighteousness of this nation! He has not treated us as our iniquities deserve. (Cf. Psalm 103) Yes, there will be a day of wrath … a day of judgment. And so, we are admonished to persevere so that when we have done the will of God, we will receive what He has promised. For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.” (Cf. Hebrews 10:36-37) As Peter advised: The Lord is patient and not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (Cf. 2 Peter 3:9)

For me, Jeremiah has presented a prophetic metaphor that speaks to our faith in the power and promises of God for those who love Him. Indeed, we should be investing in the Kingdom of God “now” to be received in the Kingdom of God “not yet”. Our devotion and service to God now … as we engage with a rebellious culture … serves to demonstrate our faith in God’s word and His promise of redemption and resurrection! In other words, we should not be fearful or distressed by what we can already see is coming upon this nation (and the world) in these latter days; rather, we should be prepared and at work for the harvest … being confident in the gracious love of God for those who have placed their faith in Jesus. 

1 Corinthians 2:9-10

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” (Citing Isaiah 64:4) – the things God has prepared for those who love Him— these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

I am hopeful the application is discernable to us. In the midst of tribulation, we need to stay positive and active – confident in the future God has planned for us. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (Cf. 2 Timothy 1:7) Yes, I think we need to respond to our current circumstances like Jeremiah did in his generation … forward-looking and trusting in the Almighty God who is for us and not against us … believing in the loving, compassionate Father who has planned an inconceivable future for us!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

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. ~ John 14:1-4

Your Vindication…

Psalm 138:8 (NIV)

The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.

Our Verse of the Day is an uplifting song of praise composed by King David.  I thought just a simple reprinting of the entire psalm would be sufficient for us:

Psalm 138 – Of David.

1 I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. 2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness; for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. 3 When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me. 4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord, when they hear what you have decreed. 5 May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great. 6 Though the Lord is exalted, He looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, He sees them from afar. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. 8 The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.

What does it mean to be vindicated? Merriam-Webster defines it as “to be cleared of blame” … “to be shown or proven to be right or justified” … “to be free from accusation.”  And I love the thought of vindication … especially for those of the faith. “For without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who come to Him must believe that He exists and the He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Cf. Hebrews 11:6) And I believe the reward will include our vindication regarding our “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Cf. Hebrews 11:1) … that our faith will one day be proven right! Indeed, we will be free from the Accuser! Oh, I love how King David expressed this thought on vindication in Psalm 17:15, “As for me, I will be vindicated and will see Your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing Your likeness.” (NIV)

Some additional reflections:

Isaiah 50:4-9 (NIV)

4 The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. 5 The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious; I have not turned away. 6 I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. 7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. 8 He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! 9 It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.

Romans 8:31-39 (NIV)

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” (Citing Psalm 44:22) 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Oh, my friends, we have every reason to persevere in faith! And I encourage us to do so because there is great reward for faith in our Lord Jesus. He vindicates us now and will be our vindication on that Great Day! Yes, I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise! I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. ~ Psalm 37:3-6

When I Am Afraid…

Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV)

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

As I reflect on our Verse of Day, I wonder: “Are you afraid this morning? Anxious about your life? Concerned about your future? King David experienced those types of feelings and insecurities. We all do from time to time. Life does not always go as expected. Circumstances and situations change. Relationships change. People change. The only thing that is certain in our lives is change! And, there is another thing of which we can be certain … God’s unchanging nature.  His love and mercy are everlasting! They endure forever! God does not change. (Cf. Psalm 55:19; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Cf. Hebrews 13:8)

Through adversity and great challenges, King David came to understand that the only thing he could really trust in life was God Himself! When fighting life’s battles … both real and perceived … both external and self-inflicted, I think we should consider these words from the pen of David:

Psalm 20 (NIV)

May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May He send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May He remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. Selah. May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over Your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to His anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of His right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. Lord, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call!

Although, David was referring to his position as the anointed King of Israel, understand that you abide in Christ and are anointed by His Spirit as a believer. Yes, through faith, the Holy Spirit abides in you and equips you for a victorious life! You are the recipient of His victorious power! As Peter wrote: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. (Cf. 2 Peter 1:3) So, trust that God does hear your prayers and answers them from His heavenly sanctuary.  Yes, trust that Christ Jesus is your mediator and sits at the right hand of God (Cf. 1 Timothy 2:5). Indeed, you can trust Him with your life … because He created your life! God loves you and He is for you! (Cf. Romans 8:28-32)

God has given us His Spirit … and He has given us His Word! And these are the greatest weapons we can wield in the spiritual battles that the Adversary wages against us.  Paul exhorted Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God (in indwelling Holy Spirit) … for the Spirit God gives us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. (Cf. 2 Timothy 1:6-7) Indeed, Paul taught that the struggles we encounter with people are not against flesh and blood but with spiritual forces of evil:

Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

In God I trust and am not afraid. Let this be our banner today! “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5) And I recall the word of the Lord to Joshua: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Cf. Joshua 1:8-9)

Here are some additional references that speak into this message:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. ~ Proverbs 29:25

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal. ~ Isaiah 26:4

No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.  This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. ~ Isaiah 54:17

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. ~ Nahum 1:7

My friends, we are spurred by God to trust in Him. King David urged, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” (Cf. Psalm 62:8) And, “I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Cf. Psalm 91:2) Indeed, trust is the foundation of our faith in God. Trust is inherent to a life without fear. And so, I pray that you will find all of these Scriptures an encouragement for your journey of faith.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

This is what the Lord says: Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. ~ Jeremiah 17:7-8

Be Patient With Others…

Romans 15:2 (NIV)

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.

Our Verse of the Day offers us more relational advice.  Again, the context regards our relationships with others … our neighbors … and how we can live for their good as well as our own. I think we should review the context again because of its importance to the application of our walk with Jesus:

Romans 15:1-7 (NIV)

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. (Refer to Romans 14 concerning those who have religious sensibilities.) Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please Himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” (Citing Psalm 69:9)  For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

What I see in the context here is that Paul is urging us as believers to be patient with and to help non-believers … non-Christians … in their walk with God. To be sure, Paul is focused on his fellow Jews and their need to receive Jesus as Lord and Messiah; but the principles apply to ALL non-believers. Paul emphasizes that the mercy shown to non-Jews (Gentiles) is evidence of the desire of God for ALL people to place their hope in Him and to glorify Him. And we who have received the light of Christ … we who have been born-again of the Spirit of God … are called to bear with the weaknesses of others who have not come to faith in Jesus.

With this goal in mind, I think we need to remember: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 4:4) We see this every day in our culture … in our communities … among our neighbors. This is why we must persevere in prayer for those who are enslaved by their flesh (sinful nature) … for those imprisoned with addictions of all kinds … for those filled with unforgiveness, bitterness, and anger …  for those in need of deliverance and healing! And we must excel not only in prayer but in action as well. For even Christ did not live to please Himself!  This is why Paul admonishes us to accept people where they are … to find opportunities; to build relationships; and to be witnesses to the light and hope of the Gospel.

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (NIV)

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” (Citing Genesis 1:3) made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

As we endeavor to live at peace with everyone (Cf. Romans 12:18), we need to realize that living at peace does not mean we should ignore relational engagement; rather, it means our conduct and conversation should be peaceable. It means in the process of pleasing our neighbor, we are called to patience and to be willing to suffer for doing good. (Cf. 1 Peter 3:17) Sometimes, I suppose, that just goes with the territory. But Peter affirmed, “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (Cf. 1 Peter 4:14)

My friends, I believe it is the desire of our Lord Jesus that we should be engaged with our neighbors and those around us.  It is our responsibility to seek their good and to build them up regardless of their response to our kindness or reaction to our message. “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; and 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 4:5-6) For even Christ did not live to please Himself….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. ~ 1 Peter 3:13-18a

Your Works of Love…

Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)

God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.

Our Verse of the Day made me pause to think about what the writer is really saying with regard to our “work” for God.  So, I want to review the context of this passage:

Hebrews 6:1-12 (NIV)

Therefore, let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death (useless rituals); and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites (baptisms), the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the powers of the coming age – and if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to public disgrace. Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

In the context, we see an exhortation to achieve maturity in the faith. He contends that believers have received sufficient knowledge to walk in the light of truth. And so, his concern is for those who fall away from what they know. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, to ‘fall away’ is a “phrasal intransitive verb” and it conveys a processing of diminishing … decreasing in size … eroding. If something such as a sound or feeling falls away, it becomes weaker and disappears. If something falls away, it breaks off from the thing it was attached to.  To fall away from faith in Christ Jesus is tantamount to severing your personal relationship with Him … the One to whom you are attached. In the context here, the inspired writer warns that people who have been enlightened and repent … people who have been born of the Word of God and come to a knowledge of the truth … people who have received the Holy Spirit … people who engage in the spiritual conflict between light and darkness … can enter a place of no return if they “fall away” or “renounce their faith.” He indicates that a faith that is focused on the promise of salvation … a faith that is patient and mature … remains alive and active! In short, faith has no place for laziness at all….  Consider what Peter advises in this regard:

2 Peter 1:3-11 (NIV)

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So, what is a faith that is alive and growing? Well, it is a faith that is engaged! It is a faith that manifests itself in good works and service to the Kingdom of God. It is a faith that we keep “adding” to – through bearing the fruit of the Spirit. It is a faith that is effective and productive! As Paul wrote: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Cf. Ephesians 2:10) A growing faith … a mature faith … is attending to the business of the Father who saved us in Christ Jesus to fulfill His purposes. And He has equipped us to accomplish it! And here is the point that I want us to see: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.” What you and I do when we help one another … when we love one another and continue to do so … is how we show our love to God! The Father does not forget our expressions of love but remembers each one. But if we should fall away … if we should become lazy in our faith … if we fail to persevere in the faith we have received, we essentially tell God that His salvation means nothing. As the author of Hebrews admonished: “To our loss we are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to public disgrace….” 

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race (of faith) marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 10:36-37

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.”

James 1:12

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

My friends, I want to encourage you to not grow weary as we do good for those around us. Such works do not save us; rather, they are the expression of love and a grateful heart for the salvation God promised to us through His Son … our Lord Jesus. I pray these verses I have shared will comfort you.  Indeed, there is great reward for perseverance in faith!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And 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. ~ Galatians 6:8-10

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

Bearing The Gospel…

Acts 4:10 (NIV)

Then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.

As enter the season of preparation to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Gospel message we bear within ourselves should be a light for all to see. So, I would like to look at our Verse of the Day in its surrounding context in order to understand how we “image” the transformation of the Gospel in our lives:

Acts 4:1-14 (NIV)

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the Apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; and the number of people who believed grew to about five thousand. The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ (Citing Psalm 118:22) Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.

To me, this passage affirms that the role of the Holy Spirit in the declaration and demonstration of the Gospel is essential. The Holy Spirit healed the man who was lame. The Holy Spirit gave Peter both the words to say and the courage to say them without reservation before the religious authorities. There was no hesitation or concern about the possible outcome (punishment) that might ensue. The religious authorities had been provoked; their religious paradigms had been challenged. And yet, “there was nothing they could say.” Sometimes I wonder why the Church today no longer seems as effective in the declaration and demonstration of the Gospel. Are we afraid to operate in the divine power we have been given? Does the Church, at large, simply ignore the Holy Spirit and His reality?

Maybe we should go back to the Day of Pentecost and review the powerful, prophetic word delivered by Peter. The events that took place are captured for us in Acts 2:1-21, and I encourage you to click on the link and read it have context for the following commentary. I believe you will see there is a definite connection between salvation and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. His indwelling presence produces in us the power of testifying and proclaiming the “wonders of God” and the “works of faith.”

Romans 15:18-19 (NIV)

I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So, from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

Hebrews 2:1-4 (NIV)

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.

Proclaiming the Word of God and the Good News of Jesus was confirmed by signs and wonders through the power of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, as the writer of Hebrews explained, it is God who testifies and affirms the truth of His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ with signs, wonders, various miracles, AND by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will. HIS testimony is not conjured up by the will or power of people. Further, the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell every believer in these latter days as Joel prophesized and as Jesus promised and as Peter affirmed has been fulfilled. The gifts of the Spirit were not solely for the Apostles as some bible scholars purport. It is evident that the Holy Spirit indwelt disciples who served under the Apostles; and there are many other instances of people being filled with the Spirit recorded in the Book of Acts.

Acts 6:3-8 (NIV)

Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.  So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.

Acts 11:15-18 (NIV)

“As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as He had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.’ So, if God gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

Through the transformation of faith and spiritual rebirth, God created us in Christ Jesus to do good works – which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Cf. Ephesians 2:10) And Jesus declared, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Cf. John 15:5) So it follows that believers are filled with the Holy Spirit in order to abide in Jesus and to bear the fruit of the Spirit through good works. This is the heart of the Gospel. Yes, this is the message we should declare with the boldness and power of the Spirit God gave us. (Cf. 2 Timothy 1:7) We should be obedient to operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit we have received … as distributed according to His will … as a testimony of the salvation we have received by grace through faith.

My friends, I believe that in order to BE the Gospel, in order to have credibility before an unbeliever, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit must be manifested in us – demonstrated through a sanctified life and through signs, wonders, various miracles, and the gifts we have received. And since these are “distributed” to us by the Holy Spirit, we have His credibility. I ask us to consider: “Do we display our credentials?” “Do we exercise our giftings? Do we operate in the power of the Spirit? Or do we quench Him? In order for the Body of Christ to be effective in proclaiming the message of salvation through Jesus, we must collectively exercise our individual Spirit-filled gifts. Indeed, it should be “natural” for us to operate in the supernatural….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin. ~ Micah 3:8