Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

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.

Our Verse of the Day come from the opening passage of Hebrews 12, and there are some thoughts I want to share from it:

Hebrews 12:1-7 (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 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. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as his son.” (Citing Proverbs 3:11-12) Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children.

Verse 1 begins with a reference to those people of faith who throughout the millennia of human existence manifested and exercised their faith in God.  Read Hebrews 11 for a powerful recounting of the ancient ones who were commended for their faith. The inspired writer asserts that these worshippers are notable witnesses of the one true God … the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! And we are encouraged to join them in the faith … to throw off any remaining doubt and to seek the righteousness and holiness of God for our lives.

Verse 2 shares how we can begin the walk in a steadfast and enduring faith. We need to look no further than Jesus.  He is the originator … the initiator … the author of faith! Likewise, He is the One who will complete … finish … perfect our faith in God! Indeed, it was for the joy of bringing us to salvation that Jesus willingly and lovingly endured the cross at Golgotha (Aramaic) or Calvary (Latin). How profound is that thought – Jesus faced His crucifixion with joy. It is incomprehensible on a human level!

Verse 3 encourages us to see the life of Jesus as motivation to persevere in our faith! He endured the cross with joy because through the lens of eternity He saw our redemption and reconciliation with the Father.  By comparison, the inspired writer noted that we have not resisted sin to the point of shedding our own blood. Too often we cave to temptation even though God will provide a way out so you can endure it. (Cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13)

Verses 4-7 address the discipline of God … the testing of our faith.  The inspired writer cites the wisdom of Solomon in this regard; and he admonishes us to endure hardship as discipline because it comes forth from God’s unfailing and everlasting love for His children!  For we in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, how have been called according to His purpose. Indeed, through suffering and hardship, the Father is conforming us to the image of His Son. (Cf. Romans 8:28-29) And remember: “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. (Cf. Hebrews 5:8-9) Yes, after His resurrection, Jesus ascended to the right hand of the throne of God where He is also interceding for us. (Cf. Romans 8:34)

I am reminded of an old hymn that I believe encourages us to look to Jesus for the hope and blessing of faith.  Written by Helen Lemmel, the chorus reads:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

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. ~ Hebrews 11:6

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Our Verse of the Day is familiar to most of us. It provides a great description of how the inner working of the Holy Spirit should manifest in our lives. When Jesus spoke about bearing fruit (See John 15), I have no doubt that these qualities or virtues were in mind. In fact, if we are not bearing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, there appears to be a consequence – separation from the life of Christ within us.  Let’s take a look at what the Apostle John recorded for us:

John 15:1-12 (NRSV)

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit He prunes (cleanses) to make it bear more fruit. You have already been pruned (cleansed) by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

In this context, I see love as the overarching theme. Jesus encourages us to abide in His love; and we do so by keeping (obeying) His commandments. Apart from Christ, we cannot bear fruit. We must abide in Him! His Spirit must abide in us! And herein lies the key to bearing fruit: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” As Paul unfolds the fruit of the Spirit, we can see that the first fruit mentioned is love. And I believe that love is essential to the setting and budding of all other spiritual fruit to be borne in our lives. Joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are all dependent upon the pollination of love … the love of Jesus rooted within our hearts.

“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.” Abiding in Christ … having an intimate, personal relationship with Him … is only way to walk in the Spirit and to bear the fruit of the Spirit.  So, I think the issue we need to consider is whether or not the fruit of the Spirit is evident in our lives. Perhaps we should seek the Father today, and pray as David did: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.” (Cf. Psalm 51:10-12) The application is to examine ourselves! As Paul exhorted the believers in Corinth: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test!” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 13:5)

I am convinced that “living in the faith” is “abiding in Christ Jesus.” And so, I encourage each of us to seek those things that draw us closer to His presence.  We need to spend time each day in prayer; in meditation on His Word; in praise and worship of His Being; in thankfulness for His grace and lovingkindness. We are to be growing in our faith and in our relationship with Jesus. This is how the Holy Spirit will blossom and produce His fruit in our lives.

A Final Thought:

Paul asserts: “Against such things (the fruit of the Spirit) there is no law.” I am reminded of another passage where Paul states: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Cf. Romans 13:8-9) So, I will simply conclude that if we want to bear fruit … if we want to be living in the faith … if we want to know that we are abiding in Jesus … we need look no further than His command to love one another as He has loved us. For if we keep this command, we will abide in Him and we will bear the fruit to the glory of God the Father. Amen….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

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.

Our Verse of the Day is one of my favorites in all of the Bible.  One thing that I like the most is its assurance of God’s care and concern.  We live in a fallen world.  Sometimes do not make the best decisions for ourselves.  Sometimes we are harmed by the decisions of others.  But we can take heart that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose!  He will not always remove the circumstances or consequences of the situations we encounter in life, but we can trust … we can KNOW … that the goodness of His purposes will prevail in them.   There are a few related scriptures that come to mind as I think about this verse:

Genesis 50:19-21 (NKJV)

Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Deuteronomy 31:7-8 (NIV)

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.”

John 16:33 (NIV)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble and tribulation. But take heart and be of good cheer! I have overcome the world.”

Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV)

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Quoting from Psalm 118:6-7)

Whatever you are going through today … whatever hardship or brokenness you have endured in life … remember that God will work ALL things for your good when you love Him and trust Him with your life.  He will go before you and be your rearguard.  You can know and have confidence in the love and compassion of God to bring you through all the circumstance and situations that will refine and build your faith in Him.  And so, I encourage you as well: “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.” (Cf. Proverbs 3:5-6) Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV)

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time…

Our Verse of the Day addresses a perspective on the purpose of life that, perhaps, some of us have missed along the journey of faith.  I would like to look at some key theological points that Paul makes in this passage of Scripture:

2 Timothy 1:6-14 (NIV)

For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. ⁸ So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me His prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the Gospel, by the power of God. ⁹ He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, ¹⁰ but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. ¹¹ And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. ¹² That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. ¹³ What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Paul speaks about the Holy Spirit a few times in this passage.  In Verse 6, Paul tells Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God….”  The implication is that Timothy has some degree of influence over the Holy Spirit within him. Here Paul is basically telling Timothy to “get fired up for God.” Why? Well, note in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Paul is giving instructions to believers and admonishes them: “Do not quench the Spirit.” When you quench a fire, you are removing its source of fuel or oxygen. Your purpose is to extinguish it. With the use of this metaphor, Paul indicates that we (believers) can “inhibit” the power and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  There appears to be an exertion of the human will that can oppose the will of the Spirit to give us power, love, and self-disciple as Verse 7 mentions. To me, the application is that if we are timid … if we are ashamed of the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ … if we are unwilling to suffer for His sake … it is not because of His unwillingness to empower us. Verse 8 tells us that God gives us the power “to suffer for the Gospel”. Thus, if we are timid, it is our own unwillingness to “unleash” the Holy Spirit to energize our spirits and guide our souls. Paul tells us – fan into flame the gift of God who indwells us and do not quench Him!

In addition, Paul is affirming the importance of a life of faith … a life filled and empowered by the Spirit of God … who is given to indwell us and to engage us in His purpose.  And what is His purpose? As the text indicates: To save us! Yes, God’s purpose is to redeem us from a life driven by our sinful nature into a life drawn toward His Being … His Nature … His Holiness! Indeed, God has saved us through Christ Jesus and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. I believe the verse is asserting that salvation itself is the primary purpose of God for our lives. It is not what we do that is important; rather, it is who we become as new creations. His purpose for us is a holy life… a life that is sanctified … a life “set apart” for service to Him … the purpose of which is to become ambassadors for Christ and heralds of the Good News!

As I meditated on these thoughts, I discerned that my vocation can be anything I choose. I can utilize every talent, aptitude, acumen, and personality trait that God has wired and equipped me to use for family, community, and vocational roles. But are those roles my “true” purpose? As I have matured in the faith, I have come to believe that who I am, where I live, and what I do are really only a context for my life. These are not ultimately the purpose of my life; rather, they provide the framework or platform in which I am afforded the grace to discover and fulfill God’s purpose for my life. His purpose is salvation and holiness. I have been called to be conformed to the image of His Son in all of those roles. (Cf. Romans 8:29)

As I further contemplated the idea of purpose, I considered the suffering Paul affirmed we will encounter for the Gospel as believers; and it appears to be related to living a holy life! That’s right! We will suffer from endeavoring to be good and to do good for others. Jesus Himself made this clear when He taught:

Matthew 4:10-12 (NIV)

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

My friends, have been called to righteousness and holiness; and that is a difficult thing for any human to attain.  In fact, we cannot do it apart from the power of God through His Spirit within us.  As Jesus asserted, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Cf. Luke 18:27) And this power comes to us in the form of grace … a grace that was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.  And we know that His grace is sufficient because His power is made perfect (complete) in our weakness. (Cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9)

Finally, Paul impresses upon Timothy to “guard the good deposit that has been entrusted to him— to guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” Yes, the Spirit of God is essential if we are to live out His purpose and grace for our lives.  If you have time, please read the following passages regarding the “deposit” of the Holy Spirit within us: 2 Corinthians 1:21-23; 2 Corinthians 5:4-5; Ephesians 1:13-15 

When you come to faith in Jesus Christ, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit.  He is sent and given to indwell you … deposited into your soul as a guarantee of what is to come – which is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord! For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. 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 2:8-10) Through grace, His Spirit is who you and I have been called to embrace with our entire being! And Paul not only cautions us to not quench the Spirit of God, but he admonishes us to not grieve the Holy Spirit either. (Cf. Ephesians 4:30)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself by means of His own glory and grace. And because of His majesty and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. ~ 2 Peter 1:3-4

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV)

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Our Verse of the Day is a great reminder about the importance of imparting the instructions for life our Creator has given us to those who have been or will be born after us … our children and grandchildren. 

Deuteronomy 6:1-9; 20-25 (New Living Translation)

These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all His decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is One. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

“In the future your children will ask you, ‘What is the meaning of these laws, decrees, and regulations that the Lord our God has commanded us to obey?’ “Then you must tell them, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with His strong hand. The Lord did miraculous signs and wonders before our eyes, dealing terrifying blows against Egypt and Pharaoh and all his people. He brought us out of Egypt so He could give us this land He had sworn to give our ancestors. And the Lord our God commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear Him so He can continue to bless us and preserve our lives, as He has done to this day. For we will be counted as righteous when we obey all the commands the Lord our God has given us.’

Deuteronomy 11:18-21 (New Living Translation)

So, commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors.

The inspired Word of God given to Moses is quite adamant about our obedience to the commands of God; and it is imperative that our children and grandchildren are taught His commands, laws, and precepts. For these communicate both His nature and His will. They define the moral absolutes … the principles and standards of conduct to which we are held accountable. For God called His people to be a Kingdom of priests and a holy nation. (Cf. Exodus 19:6) He has declared, “I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.” (Cf. Leviticus 11:45; 19:2, 20:7; 20:26) Yes, we consecrate ourselves to God through obedience to His Word! And this is how we serve God as a light to the nations.  As Isaiah wrote: ““Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation: Instruction will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations.” (Cf. Isaiah 51:4)

Do we see the application of teaching the Word of God to our children and grandchildren?  When we read the words of Jesus, obedience as the expression of love comes into view.  Consider His promise: “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of Truth. (Cf. John 14:15-16) Or contemplate His instruction: “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. (Cf. John 15:9-11) Yes, ponder on this key thought: “Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 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.” (Cf. 1 John 2:2-4)

My friends, I pray that we will not only express our love and reverence for God through obedience to His commands, I encourage us all to leave a legacy of faith through sharing the Word of God and living it out as an example for our children and grandchildren. Indeed, I hope we can join with the Apostle John who expressed: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (Cf. 3 John 1:4) Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. ~ Deuteronomy 8:2-3

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)

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.

Our Verse of the Day has always been a favorite of mine – and I am sure many of you are quite familiar with it as well.  Like the “series” of verses we have reviewed the past few weeks, this one also reveals the great love of God for you as well.  He knows YOU!  He knows the desires of your heart! AND He longs for you…. Yes, God longs for relationship with you … a deep, close, personal relationship. And He promises that you WILL find Him when you seek Him with all your heart. God is delighted when you and I seek Him … when we call on Him … when we pray to Him. AND God promises to listen to you.

The thought of seeking God reminds me of a speech that Paul made before the men of Athens when he spoke at the Areopagus (Mars Hill) near the Acropolis.  It is recorded in the Book of Acts, and I will share it here for your contemplation.  For indeed, Paul confirms that God desires us to seek Him … to reach out to Him … and to find Him … though He is ever present with us:

Acts 17:22-28 (NIV)

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So, you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you. “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything. Rather, God Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man (Adam) God made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ (Here Paul is quoting the Cretan philosopher Epimenides) As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’ (Here Paul is quoting the Cilician Stoic philosopher Aratus)

I observed here how Paul brings the wisdom of God into view … revealing how God desires us … how He longs for us to seek Him and find Him!  He is not an “unknown” God; rather, He is the Creator who has revealed Himself through His Word … and in these last days made Himself known through His Son!  (Cf. Hebrews 1:2) And He brought you and me into the world at this very time in history … at this place in history … in this specific community … in your specific family … for one purpose.  That purpose is to seek God … to reach out to Him and to find Him!  EVERY CONTEXT in which you and I live and move and have our being – home, work, family, friends, church, community, etc. – has only one goal in the mind of God: that you and I would seek Him above all else.  Life is simply the context which He designed for us to accomplish this one goal – TO BRING YOU AND ME TO HIMSELF!

I believe this singular purpose has been woven into the tapestry of the plans God has for each of us! All of us want to have a positive outlook … a hopeful future … and a purpose directed by God. These things are central to our human experience. But Jeremiah looks deeper into what hope and purpose entail. There are actions on our part that are fundamental to the realization of the plans God has promised to bring about in our lives. In Verses 12 and 13, he states, “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 think we need to look closer at those words in the context:

• You will call on Me
  • You will come and pray to Me AND I will listen to you
  • You will seek Me
  • You will find Me WHEN you seek Me with all your heart

I sense there are people who want to know God’s will for their lives. They want to know HIS plans for their lives … the future HE envisions … the prosperity and protection HE promises. Yet they do not pray … they do not sit still and listen … they do not seek God with their whole heart. They have their own ideas for happiness … their own conceptions of prosperity … and they simply want God to bless what they want to do … based on their own plans for their lives. This is not what the Word of God teaches us; and I urge anyone caught in this mindset to take a step back and examine themselves and their motives. Perhaps, we need to consider what the Prophet Isaiah wrote:

Isaiah 55:6-9 (NKJV)

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the man of iniquity forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

This is why we need to come to God … to pray to Him … to listen to Him … to seek Him with our whole hearts … in order to know what HE has planned and ordained for our lives. Do you want to know the plans that God has for you? His desire to give you abundant life? Eternal life? Then you need to call upon God. You need to go to Him and pray. You need to listen. You need to seek Him with your whole heart. For we read in Jeremiah 29:14 where God has said, “I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.

Do you see what this verse is telling us? “I will bring you back from your captivity.” Captivity? Yes, we have held ourselves hostage … imprisoned ourselves with our own thoughts, our own plans, our own visions of the future … and not the plans God has designed and purposed for us. He allowed us to be held captive there in those thoughts so that we could see and experience the futility, the servitude, and the enslavement of man-made dreams! We need to realize that God has something better … something greater … something more fulfilling and satisfying for our souls.  Oh, how I pray we would but seek an intimate relationship with Him who is our Creator … our Savior … our Lord.  As Solomon cautioned: “Woe to the rebellious children,” says the Lord, “Who take counsel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin.” (Cf. Proverbs 23:17-18)

My friends, God knows the plans that HE has for each of you! His thoughts toward you are thoughts of peace … not of harm. His thoughts are for you … not against you. The future He offers is the hope of eternal life … given to us through Christ Jesus our Lord. God is asking us to come to Him for wisdom … to call upon Him and pray to Him. God is asking us to seek Him with all of our heart … to trust Him in all things and not lean upon our understanding. Our understanding is limited, but what we do know is more than sufficient! For we know the love of God; and so, we can trust Him for our future because God is trustworthy. Let us believe Him at His Word….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Proverbs 17:9 (NIV)

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

Our Verse of the Day gives us some practical advice on love in operation. I would like to begin with looking at various translations of it:

He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends. (NKJV)

One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend. (NRSV)

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. (NLT)

I wanted to share these various translations in order to afford us an interpretative consensus of what love should entail. Do you see its connection with forgiveness? Indeed, the most supreme act of love we can offer is forgiveness. God modeled this when He sent His Son to bear our sin debt! Indeed, God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us! (Cf. Romans 5:8) “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (Cf. 1 John 4:10) Oh, that we would learn the lesson of forgiveness … to release all debts for all wrongs for all time!

I believe forgiveness demonstrates sincere love in action! Love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (Cf. 1 Corinthians 13:5) David well understood this concept when he penned: “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven; whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.” (Cf. Psalm 32:1-2) As Paul exhorted: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Cf. Colossians 3:12-14)

I find this application in our study: If I desire to foster the love of God in my relationships with others, it starts with forgiveness. It begins with the covering of offenses as God demonstrated through His love for me in Christ. Indeed, we love Him because He first loved us! In the same way, it is incumbent upon us to love first! Each one of us is to be the initiator of reconciliation … even if we are the one who has been wronged. That is what God did for us! That is what we are called to do for others! And so, I pray we will endeavor to keep matters of wrongdoing private as an intentional act of love. Spreading gossip or repeating a matter as retribution for the hurt or pain someone caused us will serve no useful purpose. Self-vengeance ultimately opposes the work of love.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.  ~ 1 Peter 4:7-8

1 John 4:10 (NIV)

This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

As I read our Verse of the Day, I realized that I had quoted it in my comments yesterday.  I want to share a few comments on this specific verse for us.  Note that love does not originate with us or within us.  The root and source of love is God Himself.  John testifies to this truth when he wrote: Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (Cf. 1 John 4:8) And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. (Cf. 1 John 4:16) Indeed, I encourage you to read through the entire chapter of 1 John 4.

God loved us first! And the love we have for Him and one another is simply our response to His love.  As all the Apostles have attested, the love of God is most definitively expressed and manifested in His Son, Christ Jesus, whom He sent into the world.  If there is any message that God wants to reveal to us (His created beings), it is the magnitude and depth of His love. Yes, I recite and join with Paul in his prayer: “I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Cf. Ephesians 3:16-19)     

And I believe John was inspired to drive home the purpose of love: “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. (Cf. 1 John 4:11-12) When we love one another HIS love is made complete in us and through us. Love comes full circle when our response to God for His love is demonstrated through loving others in the same manner as He loved us in Christ! I love how Paul articulates this concept:

Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

So, as we are reminded this week of the excellence of love … the preeminence of love … let us set our minds and hearts on Jesus! For the Son is the brightness and radiance of God’s glory, and He is the exact representation (expressed image) of His Being. He upholds and sustains all things by His powerful word. After Jesus had provided purification (atonement) for our sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (Cf. Hebrews 1:3) Yes, in this world we are called to be like Jesus … to be His hands and feet … as members of His Body – the Church.  Let us live as Jesus lived. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

We love because He first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And He has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. ~ 1 John 4:19-21

John 3:16 (NIV)

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

As I read our Verse of the Day, I thought about how succinct the Gospel message is presented in this single verse … so familiar to us all. It aligns with our continued focus on the command to love one another. Knowing how God loves us sharpens our vision and lays the foundation for all Jesus taught when He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (Cf. John 13:34-35) And so, John 3:16, speaks to the depth of God’s love for His people … such that He Himself would atone for the sins of the whole world … from creation to the present and for all eternity. (Cf. Hebrews 7:26-28, 9:27-28) Paul affirmed this same truth when he penned: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Cf. Romans 5:8) And likewise, John reiterated, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (Cf. 1 John 4:10)

In 1 Corinthians 13, we saw the characteristics of sincere love that should permeates our lives. And we can see those characteristics manifested within the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Cf. Galatians 5:22-23) Indeed, love is not contrary to the Law … the will of God; rather, love fulfills the Law and the commands of God. In 1 John 4:8, the Apostle John said, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” And His love never fails! Love is His covenant with His people. There is nothing that will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Cf. Romans 8:39)

So, as we celebrate Valentine’s Day in our myriad of traditions, I pray we will reflect on the source of all love … our Heavenly Father.  I pray the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14) I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Cf. Ephesians 3:16-19) Yes, and I pray that you will come to see and to know within your hearts what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (Cf. 1 John 3:1) Yes, may this understanding and the peace that it brings be yours in abundance today and always.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ~ Romans 12:1

Psalm 59:16-17 (NIV)

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.

Our Verse of the Day is a beautiful excerpt from Psalm 59.  David wrote this Psalm when King Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him.  If you read the entire Psalm, you will see the context is plea for deliverance from his enemies.  It is a petition for God to deal with his enemies and to bring consequences for their evil intent.  But at the end of his pleas, David sings praise and thanksgiving to God for His power, love, and protection.

Though I find little eloquence or poetic language used in this Psalm, I do find a message of reliance upon God … a sense of dependence upon God … and a profession of faith and trust in His vindication.  My observation is that David sees God as sovereign and in control of the situations he faces, and He trusts God to protect him. David praises God because He is trustworthy to meet his needs; and he conveys two important aspects of how to exercise our faith when we are under duress: Prayer and Praise!

David reminds us to shift our focus from our circumstances to the power and purposes of God. “I will sing of Your strength.” This inspires me to remember that His power and strength are available to me. The resources of heaven are only a prayer away when I feel helpless to change the circumstances that I am going through. It reminds me that God provides His strength and grace to endure the situation and to persevere in faith. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Cf. Isaiah 40:29) And Paul affirmed, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” (Cf. Philippians 4:13) And in 1 Corinthians 1:25, Paul shared, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” Yes, “God strengthens us with all power according to His glorious might so that we may have great endurance and patience.” (Cf. Colossians 1:11)

So, when you come under duress or under attack; when you face physical, emotional, or spiritual battles; when you feel overwhelmed and anxious about things beyond your control and it seems that nothing is going right in life (at least not according to your desires or expectations); simply ask God to deliver you! Share with God your concerns … your feelings … your hurts … your disappointments … your needs. There is an overarching purpose God is using in each situation or season of your life; and His purpose is to deepen your faith in Him … to build a foundation of trust in Him … to increase your reliance upon Him. As Paul affirmed: “We know that in all things that God works for the good of those who love Him; for those who have been called according to His purpose. (Cf. Romans 8:28)

And then … remember to praise Him. Praise Him because He is your fortress … your place of refuge. Praise Him because He is your strength.  You can rely upon Him to bring you through it!  He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you.  Trust Him!  God has your back … and He loves you far beyond all you can imagine or conceive. Yes, I am thankful that David was transparent and shared his own personal experiences to encourage us. I hope each of us will seek God with the same boldness that David did. You might just be surprised at what honest prayer and joyful praise might do in your life

My friends, we do not have to be shaken with all the problems and troubles that come into our lives. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Cf. Romans 8:37) So, I encourage us to embrace God’s love for us; to receive His strength through the Spirit; and to express in our hearts the delight of His fulfilled promises. Yes, sing of His strength! Yes, sing of His love! He is your fortress … your refuge … your strength! The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Cf. Proverbs 18:10) Indeed, your very prayers to Him acknowledge His sovereignty over your life and place you in a position of submission … of trust … of faith. Yes, God is glorified when you enter His presence and seek Him for every need and aspect of your life. That is His purpose … because He does not want to be a part of your life; He desires to be your life. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. (Cf. Psalm 34:17-20)