Deny…

Deny…

I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. ~ 1 John 2:21-23

When we think about the word “deny” in the teachings of Jesus, most often we think about His saying: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (Cf. Matthew 16:24-25; Mark 8:34-35; Luke 9:23-24) Indeed, this is a primary focus of how we abide in Christ and He in us. It is the initial action of our sanctification … to separate ourselves from the world and to set ourselves apart for service unto the Father. As we have been admonished in 1 Peter 14-16: “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (Cf: Leviticus 11:44, 45; 19:2)

But I think there is a greater significance to the word “deny” in the Scriptures as emphasized in our key verse above. The one who denies that Jesus is the Messiah (Christ) is considered a liar and an antichrist. John asserts that to deny Jesus is tantamount to the denial of God the Father. Indeed, the judgment of all people rests upon the acceptance or denial of Jesus.

John 3:16-18 (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.

Romans 14:10-12 (NIV)

You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” (Cf. Isaiah 45:23) So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)

Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Dear reader, I pray that you have not denied the Lord Jesus as our Messiah, the Son of the Living God. And I pray that if you claim to know Jesus but deny Him by your actions (Cf. Titus 1:16), you would further examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith. Yes, test yourself. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you – unless, of course, you fail the test? (Cf. 2 Corinthians 13:5) And if you do confess Jesus as Lord to the glory of God the Father, then I pray you and I will deny ourselves, take up our crosses daily, and follow Him in all obedience. For Jesus affirmed, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (Cf. John 14:15)

Have a Blessed Day!

Sincere…

Sincere…

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ~ Romans 12:8

Today I want us to consider the idea of being sincere. The word “sincere” means to be free of pretense or deceit; not dishonest or hypocritical; proceeding from pure, true, genuine feelings. To be sincere is to be wholehearted; heartfelt; and unfeigned. Does that describe your love for God? Is your love for one another sincere … as the Lord Jesus loves each of us?

When Jesus was tested by the religious rulers, He was questioned: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ (Quoting Deuteronomy 6:5) This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Quoting Leviticus 19:18) All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40)

Observe that Jesus said the first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God! Do you think the genuineness of your love is unknown to Him who created all things? Is He unable to discern the sincerity of your love for Him? Jesus told His disciples, “If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15) Was this a mere suggestion or recommendation? “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:9) Consider the implication when Jesus replied to the religious leaders: “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me.” (John 8:42)

I believe each of us needs to revisit these words: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.” (Isaiah 29:13) Jesus said, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24) And, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

Reader, if you truly desire to be sincere in faith and in love, it will require some honest introspection. As Paul urged the believers in Corinth: “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) And to the churches in Galatia he admonished, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps whatever he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8) It is my prayer that you and I will wholeheartedly love and serve the Lord Jesus – for He knows the truth! Therefore, let us rid ourselves of all deceit and hypocrisy.

Have a Blessed Day!

Good…

Good…

As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up to Him and fell on His knees before Him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. (Mark 10:17-18)

As I read this story, I wondered why Jesus asked the man a question before He responded with any answer. I do not think our Lord Jesus made His response to the man to rebuke him; rather, I think Jesus was trying to determine if the man thought that He was God? Notice that the man had fallen to his knees before Jesus. Perhaps, it appeared to be a gesture of worship. So, it was a valid question … similar to when Jesus had asked His disciples: “Who do you say I am?” (Mark 8:29)

As we read further in the story, we see more detail of the interchange between this ruler and Jesus. Observe how Jesus answered the question:

Mark 10:19-22 (NIV)

“You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” He said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

What a powerful statement! Jesus loved the man for his effort to please God through obedience; however, something was lacking. In what had the man ultimately placed his confidence? In his self-perceived goodness through keeping the relational commandments? Note the absence of the first four commandments to love, serve, and worship God? Yet, Jesus brings these into view when He explains what is lacking and urges: “Come, follow Me.” Indeed, the time had come for true worshipers to worship the Father in the Spirit and in Truth. (John 4:23)

It is clear that goodness has escaped us since the trespass of Adam. “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.” (Genesis 6:5) Moses understood this spiritual issue. Indeed, in spite of our greatest intentions for goodness or our utmost desires for holiness, our sin nature still reflects this verdict: “There is no one who does good – not even one.” (Psalm 53:3) King David confirmed it…. And later, the Prophet Isaiah observed:

Isaiah 64:4-6 (NIV)

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved? All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

My friends, Jesus has told us what we must do to receive eternal life. We need to understand that our righteousness has not been received through the Law because none of us has been careful to obey all the commandments. (Cf. Deuteronomy 6:25) But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:21-24) A person is justified by faith apart from the works of the Law; and this is the Good News!

Have a Blessed Day!

Follow…

Follow…

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed Him. (Matthew 4:18-20)

I never cease to be fascinated with the stories of people who encountered Jesus as captured for us in the New Testament Scriptures. Jesus invited ordinary people to come to Him first; and then, He told them to follow Him. In Luke 5:1-11, this encounter with Jesus is shared in greater detail, but the outcome is unchanged: They pulled their boats up on shore, left everything, and followed Jesus!

How intriguing and compelling Jesus must have been to them! How irresistible His captivating presence must have felt! These fishermen immediately left everything – their very lives as they had known them up to that moment – to follow Jesus. What a testimony of their conviction and faith! I scare know anyone who has immediately left everything to follow Jesus; and yet, that is what He expects of us….

In Matthew 19:16-30, we read about another encounter. A rich young man met with Jesus to question Him about obeying the Law and eternal life. Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Oh, there is no doubt that to follow Jesus will require sacrifice on our part. Indeed, Jesus has affirmed to us all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

In spite the cost and self-denial required to follow Jesus, there are great blessings for doing so! Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Whoever follows Jesus will know His voice and never follow a stranger. (John 10:4-5) Whoever follows Jesus will serve Him; and where He is, His servants will also be. (John 12:26) These are just a few of the innumerable riches of grace Jesus imparts to us. Indeed, to follow Jesus is to love Him wholeheartedly … withholding nothing within our beings from Him….

My friends, there is an incredible life to be received and experienced when we come to Jesus Christ and follow Him. He redeems us from the old-self … the old way of life. He empowers us walk in newness of life! (Romans 6:3-5) We become new creations; old things pass away; behold, all things have become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17) Yes, come to Jesus! Follow Him! He is the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. (John 14:6)

Have a Blessed Day!

Darkness…

Darkness…

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. (Proverbs 4:18-19)

Darkness has been defined as the partial or total absence of light; and it depicts both human and supernatural behaviors associated with wickedness, sinfulness, evil, and iniquity. Darkness has been associated with this particular date through the centuries. It is a time of heightened demonic activity. So, Halloween is neither a holiday nor a holy day at all; rather, it serves to desensitize us and to normalize the spiritual forces of darkness at work in the heavenly realms and in this world.

Paul urged spiritual awareness in believers when he admonished:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:10-17)

This is not a date for us to put on costumes and celebrate with powers of darkness; rather, it is time for us to put on the armor of God and to pray in the Spirit! We are in the latter days and have entered the time that Jesus warned: “Many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:10-12) Let us not join with those who perpetuate darkness or be deceived with so-called “innocent fun”. Satan, the god of this world 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. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) My prayer is that all people will decide to follow Jesus … and therefore, not walk in darkness.

Have a Blessed Day!

Setting Priorities…

Mark 8:36 (NIV)

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

Our Verse of the Day has been studied before; but in light of our recent series of Scriptures focusing on the spiritual health of men, I believe we should look at it again in that context….

In Mark 8, we find Jesus on an evangelistic and ministerial tour of Judea with His disciples. Large crowds would gather along with some of the religious rulers and listen to His teachings. Sometimes He stopped at a hillside as people gathered to see and hear Him. They made stops in Bethsaida and Caesarea Philippi as they traveled, and Jesus would question His disciples to ascertain if they were understanding all that He was pouring into them about His identity and regarding the purpose for which God the Father had sent Him. In the final section of this chapter, Jesus challenges everyone to examine themselves and to make a decision about whether or not they wish to believe in Him and follow His Way:

Mark 8:34-38 (NIV)

Then Jesus called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the Gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

I encourage us to think deeply about what Jesus is declaring here. In essence, the message is: “If your life is not totally about Jesus, following Him and serving Him, then your decision to follow your own path will lead to ruin. Yes, humans have been granted “free will” to chart their own courses … to determine their own destinies … to choose to live their lives on their own terms. We see these mindsets all around us in this world. Perhaps, at times, we exhibit these attitudes ourselves; but Jesus indicates that we need to consider the cost of doing so. He asks: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” So, look at the context again because I see this question being asked in reference to whether you and I “want” to be His disciple. Jesus states that whoever wants to be His disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Him. Indeed, those who have determined in their hearts to follow Him will no longer live their own lives; rather, they will die to self and will live for the One who died for them!

Generally, I think men are more challenged with keeping a balanced perspective on their career and financial goals because we tend to be occupational or vocational centric … meaning we place a high value on what we do and accomplish in our jobs and professions – the money we earn from doing so – and the self-esteem we attach to our careers and bank accounts. It is normal to have an interest or concern about household finances because of our deep-seated desire to be successful and consistent providers for our families. But Jesus asks us a very pointed question: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Another related question for men might be: “What good is it to “prosper” yourself in your work but lose your marriage or your children or your health in the process?” In other words, Jesus calls us to give consideration to the greatest priorities we have in our lives and to not lose sight of what has more eternal impact on ourselves and those we love.

The Apostle Paul shared this perspective with a young man named Timothy – who he mentored in the faith. Paul offered this observation: “For we brought nothing into the word, and we can take nothing out of it.” (Cf. 1 Timothy 6:7) Perhaps that is the sobering reminder that we need to form a healthier view of the life God has granted to each of us. Life is a gift. Everything we have is a gift. And while work and the enjoyment it brings to our lives is an important aspect of it … it is really only a context for us to discover, learn, and grow in the knowledge of God’s will for our us. Consider a parable that Jesus shared with His followers:

Luke 12:16-31 (NIV)

And He (Jesus) told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Then Jesus said to His disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap; they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will He clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek His Kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Speaking especially to the men, we need to take this lesson and its wisdom to heart! God wants to do so much in our lives and through our lives … not only to conform us to the image of His Son … but to develop us for the good and well-being of others; especially our wives and children. So, our spiritual health is critical, and we need to exercise it regularly each day in prayer and study of the Word of God. Every once and awhile, you and I might need to reset our mindsets. As the Apostle Paul admonished, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Cf. Romans 12:2)

My friends, when life gets out of balance and we begin to focus more on work and career more than focusing on God, I pray we will set more time aside from our work and personal ambitions to rekindle His Kingdom in our hearts. Indeed, it is my prayer that each of us would make loving and serving God our sole priority. Then we can truly flourish in our spirits for the positive influence it will have on our marriages, our children, and our relationships with others. I assure you; it will be time well spent. As John wrote, “I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in good health – just as your soul prospers. (Cf. 3 John 2:2)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” ~ 1 John 2:15-17

Take Up Your Cross…

Luke 9:23-24 (NIV)

Then Jesus said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”

Our Verse of the Day challenges us to evaluate our response to Jesus! Jesus taught a key principle of discipleship; namely, whoever wants to be His disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Him. Notice the spiritual application for us is a daily action item – “take up your cross daily.” In essence, Jesus is telling us that self-denial … no longer living for ourselves but for Him … is the conviction and transformation that should occur within us. This is what it truly means to believe and abide in Jesus! We are called each day to put our sinful nature to death (Cf. Colossians 3:5); bring every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ (Cf. 2 Corinthians 10:5); and to serve Jesus by following wherever He goes. (Cf. John 12:26)

As we have studied over the past several days, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Cf. Romans 3:23) It is the redemption accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus that requires a response from every human being. That response is repentance! That response is faith in His blood atonement! That response is a love for God demonstrated through obedience:

1 John 2:4-6 (NIV)

Whoever says, “I know Him,” but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him:Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.

1 John 5:1-3 (NIV)

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves His Son as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

So let us pray and resolve this morning to deny ourselves and to be obedient to the life of Jesus within us. Let us take to heart these words that Paul penned: “For if we have been united with Jesus in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His. For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” (Cf. Romans 6:5-7) “For those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Cf. Galatians 5:24) This is what is means to deny ourselves and to pick up our own cross each day and to follow Jesus! Let us encourage each other to do so as we see the Day approaching…. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. ~ Matthew 10:37-39