There Is No Other…

Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV)

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.

Our Verse of the Day extols the character of God … declaring that the Lord, the God of Israel, He IS God. He alone is God! There is no other God! There is none besides Him! And I think that we might need to be reminded today of His Supremacy … His Sovereignty … His Faithfulness … His Everlasting Mercy and Love!

Deuteronomy 4:32-40 (NIV) – An Exhortation of Moses

Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of? Has any other people heard the voice of God speaking out of fire, as you have, and lived? Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like all the things the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? You were shown these things so that you might know that the Lord is God; besides Him there is no other. From heaven He made you hear His voice to discipline you. On earth He showed you His great fire, and you heard His words from out of the fire. Because He loved your ancestors and chose their descendants after them, He brought you out of Egypt by his Presence and His great strength, to drive out before you nations greater and stronger than you and to bring you into their land to give it to you for your inheritance, as it is today. Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other. Keep His decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord your God gives you for all time.

1 Kings 8:56-61 (NIV) – A Prayer of King Solomon

“Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel just as He promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises He gave through His servant Moses. May the Lord our God be with us as He was with our ancestors; may He never leave us nor forsake us. May He turn our hearts to Him, to walk in obedience to Him and keep the commands, decrees and laws He gave our ancestors. And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God, day and night, that He may uphold the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel according to each day’s need, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God and that there is no other. And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.”

Isaiah 45:4-7 (NIV) – A Prophetic Word from Isaiah

For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.

Yes, God is faithful and has kept His covenant of love with His people. He is worthy of all praise and honor! Give unto the Lord the glory due His Name! (Cf. Psalm 29:2) Oh, how I pray that we would be faithful to the Lord God … that we would walk faithfully with Him who loves us with an everlasting love (Cf. Psalm 103:17-18; Jeremiah 31:3) … who gave His only begotten Son (Cf. John 3:16) … who demonstrated His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Cf. Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:9) Yes, let us worship the Most-High God … and keep His commands with the obedience that comes from faith!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

I will give thanks to the Lord because of His Righteousness; I will sing the praises of the Name of the Lord Most-High. ~ Psalm 7:17

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your Name, O Most-High. ~ Psalm 9:1-2

For you, Lord, are the Most-High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. ~ Psalm 97:9

Be Prepared To Answer…

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

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…

Our Verse of the Day is one of the most succinct instructions we can find in the Bible regarding evangelism in its “simplest” form. We do not have to pass out “religious tracts” in the mall or door-to-door in order to be evangelists; although there might be occasions for us to use that method of sharing the Gospel. We do not have to stand on street corners with signs, banners, and megaphones heralding Scriptures to passersby; although if the Spirit directs you to do so … you should obey Him. But if you think about it, when most of us were “confronted” by the Gospel message, the context was probably somewhat different. Your exposure to the message about Jesus Christ probably came through someone with whom you had a relationship. It could have been a parent, a sibling, a family member, a friend, a co-worker, or simply an acquaintance. Maybe someone did hand you a Gospel tract, or a religious billboard caught your eye and planted a seed of spiritual introspection. But most likely it was seeing “something different” in the life of another believer or hearing the personal, spiritual experience of someone you trusted that inspired or encouraged you to have a “real” relationship with God….

As I read this verse, I connected with its instruction on “how” to be an effective witness of the Gospel. First of all, Peter indicates that we must have a deep relationship with Jesus ourselves. In our hearts we are to “revere Christ as Lord”. This means we have humbled ourselves and wholly surrendered our lives to His authority. This means we esteem Him worthy of all praise, honor, and worship. This means we have experienced His life-changing grace in our own hearts and desire our lives to reflect the holiness for which He saved us. As the writer of Hebrews admonishes us: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Cf. Hebrews 12:14) Yes, if we revere Christ as Lord in our hearts, we will pursue a life that is sanctified in order to live godly and worthy lives before Him.

If we are living a life that demonstrates a genuine, intimate relationship with our Lord Jesus, then I’m fairly certain others will see it. And sometimes your life in Christ will produce curiosity in someone who is seeking to have “more” of that “something different” you have in your life. It will be attractive to them because you display the way, the truth, and the life of Jesus. In this context, Peter instructs us: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Note the extreme language: ALWAYS. To be prepared means we have “practiced” in order to be ready. We have “refined” our thoughts about our own personal encounter with Jesus. We have “reflected” on our own experience of repentance, redemption, and reconciliation in our lives. As a result, sharing the Gospel … well it simply becomes a matter of sharing our own story!

“But do this with gentleness and respect,” Peter advises. His approach sounds very similar to what Paul counseled, “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 4:5-6) Indeed, this is why I think we need to reflect on how to best communicate and share the good news of Christ Jesus. The manner and the circumstances in which we shared the Truth with someone will determine our effectiveness in reaching that person for God. If we appear pious or act superior in our tone, we will not reflect what Jesus taught: “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Cf. Mark 9:35) So the question to ask is whether you and I are “prepared” to answer anyone about our faith and hope in Christ? Or perhaps a more pertinent question to ask might be: “Is our love for others evident in our lifestyle and walk of faith – so much so that it would be a conversation starter for a stranger or an unbeliever?”

My friends, for unbelievers to respond to the Gospel, they need to see an “authentic” Gospel impact within us. They need to see a genuine outcome of the power of God in order to believe such power exists and that it does produce change. We live in a generation and a culture that increasingly dismisses or rejects the existence of God; and more specifically, the wonderful message of Jesus. And I believe some of this intellectual skepticism might stem from inadequate “evidence” of the work and power of God in the lives of those who profess faith in Him. If our manner of life looks no different than the culture or the world, how can we have any impact on those seeking to come out of it?

John 3:5-8 (NIV)

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

I love the metaphor that Jesus used when He conversed with Nicodemus. We cannot see the wind, yet we can observe its movement and impact. Likewise, we cannot see the Spirit of God, yet a person should be able to discern His manifestation in the life of a believer! If our lives do not authentically reflect the transforming power of Christ, then how is there evidence for an unbeliever to move from skepticism to the truth they are desperate to find? I believe when the presence of God is seen because His impact is observable, a seed of faith can be planted. And so, I pray that each of us will be introspective and consider if the “wind” of our lives is sufficient to “stir the leaves” of doubt in the heart of an unbeliever. If it is, I would venture to say that someone is going to ask about the difference they see in you … your life of faith in Jesus Christ. And if they do, be prepared to tell them your story. I know it will be a great one to share!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

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,” 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. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:3-6

What Is The Purpose?

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. ⁷For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. ⁸So 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. ⁹He 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, ¹⁰but 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. ¹¹And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. ¹²That 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. ¹³What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴Guard 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

The God of All Comfort…

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

I love the message conveyed in our Verse of the Day. We are reminded that God is the originator of compassion, and He is the source of all comfort. As we experience and process the human emotions that come with hardship and suffering, we find God is present with us to comfort us in the midst of them. God does not remove the emotions from our experience; rather, He works through them to bring us closer to Himself so that our faith, endurance, and hope rest in Father God alone….

I want to share a larger portion of the text in order to see the broader context of suffering and comfort that Paul is expressing here:

2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (New Living Translation)

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And He did rescue us from mortal danger, and He will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in Him, and He will continue to rescue us. And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.

Sometimes we ask, “Where is God?” when our situations and circumstances seem unbearable and we are despaired of life. When we are seized by these inner emotions, it is important for us to remember that God permits these things to happen in our lives so that we might not rely on ourselves but solely upon Him. He is the one who raises us to life both physically and spiritually! Sometimes it takes a trial of affliction to be emptied of ourselves in order to encounter the presence of God. And when we receive the comfort and peace that only He can provide, we are empowered with a knowledge that no one can take away. Indeed, it is the experience of His comfort that we are enjoined to share with others … just as we are commissioned to share the love and forgiveness of God as well.

It is my prayer we will incorporate the message of this verse into our walk with God. He IS the God of all comfort! He IS the God of love and peace. (Cf. Romans 15:33; 2 Corinthians 13:11) And we know the peace of God, which transcends all human understanding … that it guards our minds and hearts in Christ Jesus. (Cf. Philippians 4:7) This is what we are empowered by the Spirit to do … to love and comfort others so that they might experience and know the peace of God as well. This is our commission as believers … comforting those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. And in this context, comforting is ongoing – meaning we are to continually comfort others as we are continually comforted by God.

My friends, love others as you have been loved. Forgive others as you have been forgiven. Comfort others as you have been comforted.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

In humility, value others above yourselves – not looking to your own interests but to the interests of others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 2:3-5

You Know Me…

Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Our Verse of the Day points us toward the pursuit of holiness in our lives; however, in its full context we find an emphasis on the glory and power of God. I often go to this Psalm to remind myself that God is ever presence no matter where I go … no matter what I am doing or saying. He is there observing and listening … knowing the thoughts of my heart. As David asserts, we cannot hide from God … there is nowhere to run from His presence because God fills all things and knows all things. We deceive ourselves if we think or entertain otherwise….

I have reprinted the entire Psalm here for your reference so that you can consider the context of the prayerful petition David presents:

¹You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
²You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
³You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
⁴Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.
⁵You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
⁶Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

⁷Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
⁹If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
¹¹If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”
¹²even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

¹³For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
¹⁵My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
¹⁷How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.

¹⁹If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
²⁰They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
²¹Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
²²I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
²³Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Besides the introspection we find here, I feel that David conveys a calm, “surrendered” tone in his discourse. He seems to find delight in the fact that God knows him … and knows him intimately. David does not seem fearful of this knowledge; because in Verses 23-24 we see David inviting God to search him and test him. Why? Because David desired to correct anything displeasing to God. David sought accountability from God … and knew God would tell him the truth in love. He sees the rebellion in the hearts of others and despises it. He sees their evil intent and knows it offends God. David wants no part of their iniquities and asks God to cleanse his own heart. All of this meditation is within the context of God’s omniscience and omnipresence.

So, what are the implications for us and our walk with God? Very much the same…. If we know that God sees all (and He does), how should that affect our conduct, our conversation, our confession, and our commitment? Should we not be more self-aware of God and His presence? Should we not fear (have great reverence for) the Creator who formed us and gave us the breath of life? We are living beings and God delighted to create us and to have fellowship with us. Why do we run or try to hide from His presence? It is futile … and David crafts a solid argument.

I asked that question, but the answer is obvious. Did not the first human beings flee from the presence of God in the Garden of Eden? Adam and Eve were disobedient and knew it … and they “hid themselves” because of guilt and shame. (Cf. Genesis 3:10) This has happened to us all. Each of us has separated ourselves from God because of our sin. We all need both His forgiveness and reconciliation. And God in His great love, compassion, and mercy, provided us with His forgiveness and reconciliation. It is found in the life of His Son, Jesus. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Cf. Acts 4:12)

As I pondered this Psalm, I thought about what the Apostle John wrote along these lines. Why do people run from God instead of to Him? I love how John frames this concern within the context of God’s tremendous love us:

John 3:16-21 (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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

In his Psalm, David sought the light of God for his heart and for his life. David wanted to know the truth and follow the ancient way. (Cf. Jeremiah 6:16) David had figured out that God, being who God is, already knows everything about us anyway. He already knows the truth because He formed us. We are not going to hide anywhere from the presence of God. It is impossible. We might as well submit to Him and be cleansed by Him. We can be redeemed and reborn through His Son as God made provision. Yes, we need to join David and ask God to search our hearts … to test and refine us … to remove any offensive attribute or character flaw … and to lead us in the way, the truth, and the life. Otherwise, like the world, we will show that we love darkness more than light. Like the world, we will deceive ourselves into thinking God does not hear our words or observe our deeds. Like the world, we will become indifferent to the presence of God and His love – indifferent to the cross and the atoning blood of His Son shed upon it.

So, let this be our prayer today … each of us. Let us pray like David: Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? ~ 2 Corinthians 13:5

Great Is Thy Faithfulness!

Isaiah 25:1 (NIV)

Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.

Our Verse of the Day from the Prophet Isaiah is a call to praise and worship … exalting God for His “perfect faithfulness” toward His people. We first find this gratitude for the faithfulness of God in the Book of Genesis – so this understanding of His nature has been affirmed at least since the time of Abraham. Let’s look at that passage and some others:

Genesis 24:26-27 (NIV)

Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned His kindness and faithfulness to my master.

Exodus 34:5-7 (NIV)

Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed His name, the Lord. And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.

Psalm 57:9-11 (NIV)

I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

Psalm 71:22-23 (NIV)

I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you – I whom you have delivered.

These are just a few of OT Scriptures attesting to the faithfulness of God. The earliest believers recognized and praised God for His manifested love and faithfulness toward them. So likewise, I think we need to be mindful and grateful ourselves. As you look back on your life and all of your relationships and experiences … can you see the hand of God over it? Can you see the faithfulness of God in sustaining your life … creating the unique story of you? I know that I can! In fact, without the faithfulness of God to guide me through the pitfalls and challenges I have faced, I would not be here to share this testimony. I have absolutely no doubt about the faithfulness of God in our lives. Perhaps, the more salient question is whether we have been faithful to Him. Ask yourself, “Have you been as faithful to God as He has been to you?”

I’m sure we all feel indicted by that question. None of us have lived a perfect life. All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Cf. Romans 3:23) Even after we came to a knowledge of the truth; received Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior; and experienced rebirth through the Spirit; most of us have stumbled at best to walk the narrow road and to love one another as He has loved us. I think of Peter who boldly and rashly proclaimed that he would die for Jesus at the time of His arrest … only to swear that he “did not even know the man” just a few hours later. (Cf. Matthew 26:74-75; Mark 14:72; Luke 22:60-61; John 18:27) So zealous was his boast and so vehement was his disownment. And note how every Gospel writer recorded what happened! Oh, I’d say each of us has wept as bitterly as Peter at some point in our life because of our unfaithfulness to God….

What amazes and encourages me, though, is that Jesus takes the initiative to comfort Peter and restore him to fellowship. You can read about it in John 21. Yes, when we find ourselves in despair over our sin and unfaithfulness to God, the Apostle John shares with us this word of encouragement: “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (Cf. 1 John 1:9) John reminds us of that timeless truth: God is Faithful. And so, I repeat that message here because someone needs to hear it. Someone needs to know that the discouragement and despair of unfaithfulness that has been extinguishing their life can be defeated. Yes, you ARE forgiven! Your life and fellowship with God will be restored! God is faithful even when we fail…. Like Paul, I am convinced that nothing is able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Cf. Romans 8:38-39)

One other thing that caught my attention about our verse was the phrase “things planned long ago.” I thought about that a moment. I thought about the plan of salvation was in the mind of God before the foundation of the world. I wondered, “What other things did God plan long ago?” Well, He planned my birth. He determined the date, the generation, the place, the nation, etc. God knew when and where He wanted me for His plans and purposes. And despite a rebellious time of youth … in spite of disobedience, failures, and unfaithfulness in my life … God planned my reconciliation and salvation. I am His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for me to do. (Cf. Ephesians 2:10) And each day of my life becomes a revelation of things He has planned long ago for me. Indeed, God is faithful over the span of your life and mine….

Oh, I am certain there is someone who needs to know that God is willing and ready to restore your life just like He did for Peter – a man who disavowed even knowing the Lord Jesus … just like He did for Paul – a blasphemer and a murderer … just like He did for me – another sinner saved by grace through faith. God planned your Day of Reconciliation long ago! God knew just the right time … when you would bitterly weep … and open your whole heart to Him. God knew your moment of confession would come, and He is faithful and just to forgive your sins because you have called on Him. He is at the door of your heart … knocking even now. And I can assure you, it is an indescribable feeling to experience the great mercy, love, and faithfulness of God will pour out upon your life! I urge you to open the door and bid the Lord Jesus to come in … and let your healing begin!

Father, I thank you and I praise you for your perfect faithfulness. You have done wonderful things … too many to count as well look back over our lives. Each one is a testimony of your surpassing kindness and your steadfast love. Help, Lord, each one of us to embrace that you have been faithful to redeem us … to give us a hope and a future … to give us eternal life. These promises were established long ago … and we can receive them by placing our faith in you. You have proven yourself trustworthy, and I pray any person who has questioned the depth of your love will see the truth in your Word. In the powerful Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ~ Lamentations 3:19-23

Teach Your Children Well…

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

Be Strong and Courageous…

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

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.”

I believe our Verse of the Day is both a timely and a prophetic word for us today! I am under conviction even as I type these words. God has been pressing each of us to be obedient … each of us to operate in faith and obedience to something He has placed on our hearts to do! Perhaps, you and I just need one more “push” to do it! Maybe this Scripture will be the encouragement we need to act! Have you ever considered that God commands us to be strong and courageous? Is that not the key to walking forward in obedience to whatever He has called us to do? And when God gives us something to do for Him, will He not empower us to accomplish it? Look at the surrounding context of our verse:

Joshua 1:1-9 (NIV)

After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua, son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land that I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 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.”

Note the intensity – “Have I not commanded you?” The implication here is that the Lord commands us to be strong and courageous! Indeed, I am reminded of what Paul wrote to encourage Timothy in the work of evangelism: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline! (Cf. 2 Timothy 1:7) Therefore, do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. The Spirit of God gives us what we need to do to accomplish the good works that He prepared in advance for us to do. (Cf. Ephesians 2:10) And we have the promise of Jesus who declared, “Surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age.” (Cf. Matthew 28:20b)

These are some powerful assurances and promises of God. They were spoken to others – but I believe they have been written (recorded) for our hope and encouragement as well. God commands us to “exercise our faith.” To be strong means we operate in the supernatural. To be courageous means walk in faith – expectant of a victorious outcome. Yes, there are battles ahead and there are challenges and oppositions to face; but God promises to never leave us nor forsake us. God did not give us a spirit of fear; rather, the Holy Spirit empowers and equips us to accomplish His will. He fills us with the love of God so that in this world we are like Jesus. (Cf. 1 John 4:17) He imparts to us sound minds to understand what Jesus taught and remind us of everything He said. (Cf. John 14:25-27) His Spirit lives within us, and will be in us forever. (Cf. John 14:15-17)

Oh, let us open our hearts to embrace each of these truths today:

God has commanded me: “Be strong and courageous.”
God has urged me: “Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged.”
God has promised me: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

My friends, I pray we will apply this Word to our hearts … and to the situations or circumstances that God has engaged us to be His instruments. I pray we will believe Him and begin to move where He is moving … to work where He is working … with boldness and confidence! Yes, know that God is with you to accomplish His will. Whatever the Lord God has called you to do … just do it! In Jesus’ Name, I pray with boldness and confidence. Amen!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. ~ 1 Corinthians 2:10-12

My Thoughts Are Higher…

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Our Verse of the Day reminds me that life is more mysterious than understood. But I believe that is perfectly fine. We do not have to understand everything. In fact, it is probably best that we do not understand everything…. I’m not saying that ignorance is bliss, but I am saying that sometimes the unknown can be best for us. The unexpected can actually be a source of great joy … especially when we look back and connect the dots and see the tapestry God has woven in our lives. Not “knowing” puts us in the strategic position of exercising our faith. The unknown requires us to trust God; and I believe that faith is the desired outcome of every context we are given in life. Indeed, we are instructed that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Cf. Hebrews 11:1) And, without faith, it is impossible to please Him; for whoever would draw near to God must believe the He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. (Cf. Hebrews 11:6)

With this perspective in mind, I have come to the realization that God is ultimately beyond our comprehension. He is the mystery that every human soul wrestles to comprehend. As King Solomon wrote: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Cf. Ecclesiastes 3:11) We do not know all the hidden things of God – the mysteries of His wisdom and counsel; nor will we be able to comprehend all of His knowledge. It is simply too great for human minds! As Moses wrote: “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Cf. Deuteronomy 29:29) In His grace, God has revealed many things to us – mysteries as Paul described them; but He appoints the times and circumstances of His revelations. Scripture is clear that God determines what He will reveal to us, but I believe God has revealed “enough” of Himself to us in order for us to know Him, to fear Him, and to keep His commandments.

So why this commentary on the matter of faith? Well, I think it has an intimate connection with our verse. What we think and understand is based on our limited, finite human knowledge. Yet, the thoughts of God are higher than our thoughts. How God operates is not determined by how we believe He should operate. I think of Job – when God questioned him:

Job 42:1-6 (NKJV)

Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore, I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.” “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You.

Therefore, I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

We simply do not know the beginning to the end. As King Solomon in his wisdom observed:

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 (NIV)

What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God. I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been; and God requires an account of what is past.

In Ephesians 3:1-14, Paul unfolds how the mystery of Christ – though written in the Old Testament Scriptures – had not been revealed (unveiled) until Jesus actually appeared on the earth to fulfill all that had been written and prophesied about Him. Even though Jesus came to His own people, they rejected Him. As the Apostle John wrote: “He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to His own people, but His own people did not receive Him. Yet to all who as did receive Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave the right (authority) to become children of God.” (Cf. John 1:10-12) To me, the incarnation is a perfect illustration of how people can fail to connect with the thoughts and ways of God. The Messiah did not come as the Jewish authorities had expected nor did they believe what God had declared through His Prophets. From the beginning, God has always purposed for everyone who believes in Him to receive salvation!

God declared, “My thoughts are not your thoughts and neither are your ways my ways.” And yet, I see through the Scriptures that God HAS intentionally revealed Himself through His Word and through His Son! What they could not apprehend; or perhaps, refused to comprehend, was not due to the absence of revelation or light made available them. My point is that when we come to a place that we just do not understand what God is doing or how He is doing it or why He is doing it, we need to just trust what we do know … trust what He has already revealed to us in His Word. When we do not understand the affliction of a chronic disease in our bodies … we do know that God loves us with an everlasting love. I know that seems incompatible – suffering and love – but God permitted both human experiences in His Son. And we know that suffering has a role in teaching us obedience … which God, in His love, uses to refine our faith. (Cf. Psalm 66:10; Isaiah 48:10; Jeremiah 9:7; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:3) God knows the ultimate end … the ultimate goal … and He is determined to get us there for His own glory. My friends, we can rest assured that His purpose is always for the good of those who love Him … for those who are called according to His purpose. Even when we cannot see it, God the Father is conforming us to the image of His Son. (Cf. Romans 8:28-29)

I am convinced that God provides us with all we need to uphold and sustain us … even when we do not understand what He is doing in the moment. As King David affirmed: “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of Hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you! (Cf. Psalm 84:11-12) Yes, God knows how to provide us with the knowledge and wisdom that we need for life. God knows how to bless us with every spiritual blessing. He knows what is best for each of us and He does not withhold it. Even spiritual discipline exercised through physical distress can test our hearts in ways we could not imagine for our good. Indeed, there is an ongoing work of God in our individual hearts and lives that draws us to Him … that brings us to repentance and faith … that tests the genuineness of our faith … that brings us into an abiding, intimate relationship with Him. Yes, I believe the work of God within us can be known and understood through faith. We just need to trust Him!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9

When He Has Tested Me…

Job 23:10-11 (NIV)

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed His steps; I have kept to His way without turning aside.

Our Verse of the Day comes from the Book of Job. As you know, this book is the oldest one in the compilation of the Holy Scriptures as some biblical scholars believe Job to be a contemporary of Abraham. The story of Job provides us with some amazing insights into the relationship between God and man; and he delves into many questions each of us have probably already asked of God along the way of our own faith journeys. We often wonder why “bad things happen to good people,” and here Job probes the purposes and will of God in afflictions and sufferings. I like this excerpt from Chapter 23 because it does raise some personal questions for us to examine our walk with God:

But He knows the way that I take.

Job asserts that God knows him … knows him intimately. Ask yourself: “Does God know the way that I take?” The obvious answer is, “Yes.” But what are the implications of His omniscience? Does it impact the way we conduct ourselves – knowing that God sees us … that we are continually before Him even though we cannot see Him? Does it mean that God already determined the course that Job or we would take in life? How does “free will” interact in this process? Fascinating to ponder … but we should take a serious look at this issue. Are we consciously desiring to please God with the decisions we make each day?

When He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

Job asserts that when God evaluates him (tests his faith) that he will pass the test! How do you feel about that kind of boldness? Would you consider it arrogant? Yet Job appears to have complete confidence in his faith toward God. Do you ever question the steadfastness of your own faith? Why? Note that Job is forward looking in his statement: “WHEN God has tested him.” Job sees testing as a given. He expects it! So, I believe we should, too. And the “coming forth as gold” does not necessarily mean that he passed every test that he endured. We most likely have not and will not either. However, I believe it does mean that Job expected God to refine him in the processes of testing such that the final outcome of his life would be purity or holiness toward God.

My feet have closely followed His steps.

Job asserts that He has stayed in step with God and His will as revealed to him. Remember, Job lived long before Moses gave the Ten Commandments, so the basis on which Job made this assertion is unclear. However, we do know there would have been an oral tradition at a minimum from the time of Adam until Moses. There were customs and traditions of worship shaped by the faithful remnant of each generation. And there are non-canonized written documents and narratives from the period which were “morally instructive” and incorporated into the wisdom of holy men of God. The Apostle Paul even wrote about the “natural” knowledge of God all people should possess in his Letter to the Romans:

Romans 1:18-20

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

If you think about it … there is a natural, innate knowing that God exists; that He created us; that He wants relationship with us; that He communicates and reveals He purposes and wills to man through His Spirit and His Word; and in these last days, God has spoken through His Son – our Lord Jesus (Cf. Hebrews 1:1-2) I think, bottom line, we just need to listen!

I have kept to His way without turning aside.

Job asserts that He has not wavered in his faith or in his conduct based upon that faith in God. Again, I find Job to be quite bold in his claim because I’d say few of us have been that “perfect” in our walk with God. Maybe you have … but I have stumbled along the way and turned aside from time to time. Yet, God in His grace has brought me to repentance and disciplined me as needed. The writer of the Book of Hebrews gives us some insight (and comfort) along these lines:

Hebrews 12:4-11 (NIV)

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 child? It says, “My child, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines everyone He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His child.” (Citing. Proverbs 3:11-12) Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Nevertheless; righteous Job … patient Job … remained obedient to the way of the Lord. He turned neither to the right or the left but made his path straight. He was steadfast. And God was pleased with Job … and found delight in him. So, I’m not sure the question is whether or not we have turned aside at any point in our walk with God (whether presumptuously or not); but rather, “Is your relationship with God like one would have with their father?” Do you receive the chastisement or discipline from God with the same respect or reverence you would from your earthly father? Though imperfect, our earthly fathers did what they thought best to guide us in godly or acceptable behavior. But our Heavenly Father is perfect in His manner with us. He is the most trustworthy person we can have in our lives. And you can expect that He is going to discipline you out of His great love for you….

Job is an interesting case study of faith under the microscope. We are able to witness his perspective on the circumstances of life far beyond our control. And it prompts the question: “Would we be able to process a similar situation of assault on our faith in God with the level of confidence and courage that Job exhibited? In the midst of great loss and feelings of injustice, would you or I keep our faith in God with such resilience?” I think of the vast number of believers who suffered great anguish, persecution, torture, and death over the millennia; and I admire their great faith under incomprehensible human distress. Indeed, I think on occasion we should as ourselves: “Is my faith courageous enough … unwavering enough … deep and abiding enough to withstand its testing?

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 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. ~ James 1:2-3, 12