If My People … Pray

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Chronicles 7:11-16 (NIV)

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

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

2 Chronicles 6:28-31 (NIV)

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

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

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

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Jesus Died For All…

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NIV)

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.

Our Verse of the Day brings a great opportunity for deeper understanding of the purposes and implications of the resurrection of Christ Jesus. I have decided to reprint the entire chapter to afford the context because it is packed with theological applications for us to consider. For me, there are lessons that impact not only my view of the world, but my understanding of finding my identity in Christ Jesus. Paul helps us discover who we are and what we are supposed to be doing with our lives as new creations who has been born of the Spirit to abide in Christ Jesus forever. Yes, this portion of scripture captures a myriad of faith-building tenets; and I hope you will find faith-growing encouragement as you review these insights of Paul….

2 Corinthians 5 (New Living Translation)

For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God Himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God Himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee He has given us His Holy Spirit.

So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So, whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please Him. For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ’s love compels us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

So, we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know Him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to Himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to Him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And He gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So, we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

I’m not quite sure how the theological thoughts and applications of the resurrection could be more succinctly presented. What God has done for us through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, our Lord and Savior, is overwhelming to contemplate! His great mercy; His amazing grace; His abiding Spirit; His everlasting love are fulfilled and completed in Jesus! His last words while on the cross were: “It is finished!” And with that, Jesus bowed His head and gave up His spirit. (Cf. John 19:30) There is nothing else to be done except to receive His gift of reconciliation!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

For this reason. I kneel before the Father, from whom every familyin heaven and on earth derives its name. 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. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. ~ Ephesians 3:14-21

Like A Tree Planted…

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

Our Verse of the Day is a timely reminder about trusting the Lord and placing our confidence in Him!

The Lord tells us, through the Prophet Jeremiah, that blessing and cursing are determined by where; or rather, in whom we place our trust. The ones who trust in themselves … in their abilities as humans or the abilities of other people … whose hearts are not turned toward God … will not be blessed but left desolate. But the ones who trust in God … who place their full confidence (faith) in Him … will be blessed. They will be as a tree planted by the water and kept alive and bear fruit! Let’s look at the didactic metaphors used in the larger passage:

Jeremiah 17:5-8 (NIV)

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

In the context of the incessant tribulations sweeping our world, we need to keep historical experience and perspective in mind. World-wide pandemics and pestilences have plagued humans over the millennia of human history. Famines, droughts, swarms of locust, earthquakes, powerful weather systems, etc. have occurred; and it is probable they will continue to do so. History is filled with wars, violence, and other human conflicts ever since Cain and Abel. But God has always taken care of those who trust Him. His care does not mean we will be free of hardship or suffering. But we can be confident that WHEN the heat of trials and difficulties comes, we will be watered. We will be refreshed. He is Jehovah-Jireh … the God who provides!

Further, we need to remember that God will work through every circumstance in our lives to grow our faith in Him … to help us become more rooted in His Word, more transformed in our thinking, and more fruitful in our lives. His desire is to conform us to the image of His Son. Considered what Paul affirmed in this regard:

Romans 8:28-32 (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. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He (Jesus) might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?

What we can see in this passage is the unfailing love and promises of God through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Whatever happens in the days ahead, we KNOW that in ALL things, God works for the good of those who love Him … for the good of those who have been called according to His purpose. We do not have to be afraid; rather we can believe Him at His Word. As with Joshua, I believe we too can hear the voice of God saying: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Cf. Joshua 1:9) As Paul asked, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” And further along, Paul will ask: “What shall separate us from the love of Christ?” And his conclusion? Our conclusion? “No, in ALL these things (everything we WILL endure in life) we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Cf. Romans 8:33-39)

Note that our troubles and trials will not only be the physical realities of hardship and suffering that will test us; there will be spiritual challenges and battles in the midst of this tribulation as well. Satan will use any occasion and attempt to use it to disrupt our faith … plant seeds of doubt … and entice us to question the love of God. But thanks be to God, we have Jesus! Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Cf. John 16:33) “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.” (Cf. 1 John 5:4-5)

Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Here, Paul emphasizes the power of the Spirit of God to produce perseverance and to expose the real war … the real battle that is going on. I believe what is happening in our natural world is a reflection of what is going on in the heavenly realms … the Kingdom of Light at war with the kingdom of darkness. Yes, in the natural we can see enemies and threats to our physical lives; but I pray that more believers will now begin to see with spiritual eyes that we are fighting another adversary of our minds and hearts … the spiritual forces of evil in this world. And so, we need to be equipped! We need to be strong in the Lord and in HIS mighty power. All of the spiritual armor serves its purpose to protect us … to defend us from the assault; but do not overlook that we have an OFFENSIVE spiritual weapon. That weapon is the sword of the Spirit … which is the Word of God (Truth). (Cf. Ephesians 6:14-17)

My friends, as we persevere in faith in these times of uncertainty and upheaval, we need to encourage one another and build one another up … just as you are doing. (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:11) We need to encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of us may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (Cf. Hebrews 3:13) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but encouraging each another, and more so as you see the Day approaching. (Cf. Hebrews 10:24-25) Yes, it is vital that we stay connected and continue to care for one another….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

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

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

You Are a Faithful God

Psalm 33:4-5 (NIV)

For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love.

As I contemplate the theme of our recent studies, I am captured by the confirmation of our Verse of the Day regarding the faithfulness of God and His Word. Our verses have been prophetic – encouraging us to rely on God … His strength … His wisdom … His power to affect every situation and circumstance in our lives. And now this verse reminds us and affirms for us: God is trustworthy … He is faithful … His love is unfailing! I just love how King David captured these truths that we are urged to ponder and meditate upon.

I have reprinted the complete Psalm 33 for your convenience. There is no need for further comment. Just let it fill you with hope and bless your inner being today.

Psalm 33 (NIV)

¹Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him.
²Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to Him on the ten-stringed lyre.
³Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

⁴For the Word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.
⁵The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love.

⁶By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of His mouth.
⁷He gathers the waters of the sea as into a heap; He puts the deep into storehouses.
⁸Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere Him.
⁹For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm.

¹⁰The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
¹¹But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.

¹²Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance.
¹³From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind;

¹⁴From His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth—
¹⁵He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

¹⁶No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.
¹⁷A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.
¹⁸But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love,
¹⁹To deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

²⁰We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.
²¹In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.
²²May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. ~ Psalm 143:7-9

When You Are Tempted…

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Our Verse of the Day encourages us to continue the pursuit of holiness for our lives. Let’s break it down and examine it in more detail:

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.

No matter what you are going through … no matter what you face in the battle against sin in your life … there is someone else who has waged the same fight. The sinful human nature is common to the human life we experience here on earth. And if you have been “overtaken” by the sin that so easily ensnares you (Cf. Hebrews 12:1), know that you are not alone. What you have allowed to become a stronghold in your life is common to all mankind. And I believe the greatest temptation that has overtaken any human is the sin of “unbelief.” I think when most sin occurs is when we are most vulnerable to its deception and we have fallen into faithlessness toward God. Yes, when we ignore His invitation to intimacy, we lose the awareness that God sees all! David asked: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Cf. Psalm 139:7) Indeed, there is no place we can go outside of His presence. When we wander from God, we do not leave His presence; rather, we abandon His divine power and His hand upon our lives. Unbelief weakens us! It renders us powerless to overcome sin rather than being mighty to the pulling down of strongholds. Yet, there is an answer to this plight of temptation!

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV)

³For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. ⁴The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. ⁵We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

The reason temptation can overtake us is because we try to fight the battle in our flesh and not in the Spirit realm. Our weapons to resist and flee are not natural but spiritual! And those weapons are fasting, prayer, and the sword of the Spirit – which is the Word of God! (Cf. Ephesians 6:17) Paul instructs us to put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil (temptation) comes, we may be able to stand our ground, and after we have done everything, to stand. (Cf. Ephesians 6:13). Even Jesus was not exempt from being tempted by Satan when He was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness! With every high and lofty arrow of temptation aimed straight for His heart, Jesus responded to Satan with Scripture: “It is written….” (Cf. Matthew 4:1-10) So, do we know the Word of God well enough to fight or resist temptation? Are we spiritually armored up to do battle and to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ? Spiritual warfare is real, my friends! And on the battlefields of our minds and hearts, the war will be won or lost….

God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.

I think far too often we lose battles and wave our white flags of surrender because we have not prepared ourselves for the war. When we “cave to crave” we have not yet reached what we can bear. Remember, God will not let us be tempted (tested) beyond what we can bear! So, what happens? Why do we sometimes fail? I believe James gives us some insight:

James 1:12-15 (NIV)

¹²Blessed 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. ¹³When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; ¹⁴but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. ¹⁵Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

So, we see that temptation comes from within our hearts. We just examined the condition of man – when 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. (Cf. Genesis 6:5) David asked, “Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”? (Cf. Psalm 20:9) Paul observed that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Cf. Romans 3:23) And John asserted: “If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word is not in us.” (Cf. 1 John 1:10) We need clean hearts and right spirits in order to find the path to victory!

What an encouragement to know that even when we are tempted … even when we are weak or faithless … God is still faithful to us. Indeed, His kindness is always intended to lead us to repentance. (Cf. Romans 2:4) David found that place of repentance; and we would do well to carefully observe His confession. I encourage you to read Psalm 51 … but this excerpt is what came to my heart: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Cf. Psalm 51:10-12) And John affirmed, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (Cf. 1 John 1:9)

But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

The truth of the matter is you and I will be tempted. The text does not read, “But IF you are tempted….” No human being is or has ever been without temptation. It has become part of our human experience since the transgression of Adam and Eve. And even though God showed Himself mighty to deliver His people, they still wandered and rebelled against Him. God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Cf. Romans 5:8) And yet Jesus asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Cf. Luke 18:8) Faith is essential in this battle against temptation, because faith determines whether or not we will engage our human will to resist each temptation that comes. I am reminded what Moses wrote:

Deuteronomy 8:2-5 (NIV)

²Remember 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. ³He 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. ⁴Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. ⁵Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you. ⁶Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to Him and revering Him.

God took His people into the wilderness and then He led them through it. God caused His people to hunger … and then He fed them. So, I think it is important for us to realize the testing and trials that the Lord allows are not temptations; rather, they are used to expose the truth of what lies within our hearts. As Peter explained: “These (trials) have come so that the 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.” (Cf. 1 Peter 1:7) And James encouraged: “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. (Cf. James 1:2-4)

My friends, we will all be sifted! We will all be subjected to temptation … in order to test the sincerity of our faith! But let me encourage you, that even now, Jesus sits at the right hand of God and He is interceding for us. (Cf. Hebrews 7:24-25) God may send you into the wilderness, but He will lead you through it. God may allow you to hunger and thirst, but He will fill you and sustain your life. God may allow Satan to sift you with temptation to test the genuineness of your faith, but Jesus will intercede for you so that your faith may not fail. Praise Him!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

“I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” ~ Psalm 119:11

I Will Not Be Afraid…

Psalm 118:5-6 (NIV)

When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

I am excited about our Verse of the Day! I have always loved Psalm 118 and its message of reliance upon the Lord. The opening verse reveals the foundation on which our relationship with Father God is established. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Yes, because God is faithful (Cf. Deuteronomy 7:9; 32:4), we give Him thanks and exalt Him for His great love toward us! King David was keenly aware of this incredible intimacy God desires to have with those who love Him. His unfailing love is the anchor of their faith and why it rests completely in Him! God invites us to trust Him in everything with our entire being … no matter what our eyes may see or how life circumstances appear. This is what moved David to seek God and His help in times of trouble. Indeed, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. (Cf. Psalm 46:1)

Psalm 118:5-9 (NLT)

⁵In my distress I prayed to the Lord; and the Lord answered me and set me free. ⁶The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the Lord is for me; He will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. ⁸It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. ⁹It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.

When I first read this verse, my thoughts wandered to all the times I’ve felt stressed out (hard pressed in the translation). And I think my “go-to” response has generally been to “cry out to the Lord” … meaning to pray to Him. There will always be dilemmas to navigate. There will always be questions we want answered. Why is this happening, Lord? Why is this happening to me? Like King David, we find can ourselves in the midst of great battles – distressed by difficult situations or circumstances and surrounded by an unseen enemy … fear. Somehow, David knew prayer would bring the presence of God into his personal circumstances. Prayer would be a channel for receiving discernment and wisdom from an all-knowing and all-loving God. So, no matter what we are facing, we need to remember that prayer should always be our first response. David expressed deep trust in God throughout His inspired writings. And I pray that each of us come to the place in our own walk of faith to profess: “Into Your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. (Cf. Psalm 31:5) It foreshadows the final words that Jesus cried out from the cross: “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.” (Cf. Luke 23:46) In this prayer, we express the utmost trust in our God and Savior!

When David prayed, the more immediate benefit was that the Lord “brought him into a spacious place.” Other translations rendered it “broad” or “large” place. Metaphorically, David experienced a change of mental disposition. God helped him find perspective in his circumstances. When all David could see was the immediate pressing problem in front of him, God helped him see the larger, broader picture … the view from a higher altitude. And that is what David needed to relieve his stress … and more importantly … to calm his fear. In Verse 6, David comes to understand (through his time of prayer with God) that “the Lord is with him.” What a wonderful and powerful affirmation to receive when you and I become stressed out, worried, or fretful. God is with us! His Name is Emmanuel! Indeed, God is for us! We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us! (Cf. Romans 8:31-39)

The surrender of ourselves has always been a challenge for the human heart; and I believe it is the lack of sincere trust in our Creator that leads us to fear and paralysis. The Father urges us to rely upon Him and His strength to face the troubles of life … to entreat Him to rescue us when the battles come and grow fierce. And God will demonstrate the faithfulness of His love toward those who love and wholly trust Him. His Word declares His faithfulness:

You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our Savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas. ~ Psalm 65:5

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. ~ Psalm 71:22

But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. ~ Psalm 86:15

O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O Lord? You are entirely faithful. ~ Psalm 89:8

He has remembered His love and His faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. ~ Psalm 98:3

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. ~ Isaiah 25:1

So, the Lord must wait for you to come to Him so He can show you His love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help. ~ Isaiah 30:18

Rejoice in the Lord your God! For the rain He sends demonstrates His faithfulness. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring. ~ Joel 2:23

For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. ~ John 1:17

God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:9

My friends, the Lord is ever faithful to you! You can trust Him in all circumstances of life! As Peter advised, “Cast all your anxiety upon because He cares for you!” (Cf. 1 Peter 5:7) And remember, “No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.” (Cf. Isaiah 54:17)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9

Thanksgiving and Praise…

Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV)

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

As we celebrate this Day of Thanksgiving, our Verse of the Day reminds us of the preeminent reason for giving thanks – our merciful, gracious, compassionate, faithful, and loving Father! When we consider all that God has done for us … bringing us peace and reconciliation through His Son … we need to keep His mercy and grace in perspective. His lovingkindness should be at the forefront of our thoughts each morning when we awake. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

You and I are “this” generation! His faithfulness has extended through the ages even unto us! So, yes, take a moment to give Him thanks … exalt Him and give Him the glory due His Name! Spend some time with the Father who sought you from afar and brought you near … who demonstrated His love for you through Christ Jesus … who made plans to prosper you and give you a hope and a future. He has restored what the locusts have eaten … and what the enemy has stolen. He has supplied all your needs according to His riches in glory. He has healed your brokenness … and said “no more sorrow … no more pain.” He has released you from the bondage of sin! He has refreshed and restored your soul! He is the One who has affirmed, “The old has gone … the new has come!” He is the One who is alive forevermore … the Alpha and the Omega!

Yes, enter His gates with thanksgiving in your heart and enter His courts with praise! In humility and gratitude, bow before His presence … before His throne of grace to receive what you need. Surrender your heart and enter into His glorious rest! Oh, indeed, God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is worthy of our thanksgiving and praise both now and forevermore! Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

The Path of Most Resistance

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

In our Verse of the Day, the Apostle Peter gives us some straightforward advice regarding the issue of temptation and how to “resist” it. First of all, Peter cautions us always to be vigilant. We need to be alert and clear thinking … knowing that temptation(s) is an incessant battle for each of us. He probably recalls the night of Jesus’ betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus had asked the disciples to “keep watch with Him” as He went to a secluded area to pray. “Then He (Jesus) returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Cf. Matthew 26:40-41)

Second, Peter provides an excellent metaphor regarding our adversary … the devil. Peter describes him as a roaring lion on the “constant prowl” seeking a target … a victim … to devour with his lies. And it is clear that Satan oppresses and opposes those who have placed their faith in Jesus. Paul said we are not ignorant of the devices, schemes, or methods that Satan uses to draw us into temptation and to suppress our testimony through victorious living. (Cf. 2 Corinthians 2:11) Both James and Paul admonish us to consider the following aspects of temptation:

James 1:12-14 (NIV)

¹²Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. ¹³Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. ¹⁴But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NIV)

¹²Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. ¹³No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Further, we should understand that our “battle” with temptation is not always against our flesh or sinful human nature. We need to acknowledge that there are spiritual forces of darkness and evil that require internal spiritual fortitude to withstand. We are called to oppose and strive against the culture and the influence that the devil has over this world:

Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV)

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹²For 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. ¹³Therefore 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.

So, Peter urges us to resist the devil by standing firm in our faith. As James advised us: “⁷Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (Cf. James 4:7-8) In both cases, we are instructed to “resist” or “withstand the action” of the devil. We are to “strive against” or “oppose” what Satan throws our way. As Paul instructed, “We should take up the shield of faith, with which we can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Cf. Ephesians 6:16) Thus, it is our faith that becomes the victory over temptation. As the Apostle John affirmed, “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.” (Cf. 1 John 5:3-5)

A final observation is that Peter connects the aggressive actions of the devil with the sufferings of believers throughout the world. Sometimes our “trials” are the struggles we face with temptation; however, the hardships and sufferings we endure could be those which come in the form of reviling and persecution for our faith in Jesus Christ. This is especially true in areas of the world where Islam is dominant and intolerant of Christianity. But even this is becoming the norm of modern culture – as God is relegated from public consciousness and moral values plummet into the abyss of sin. But Paul foretold us that this would be the case:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV)

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. ²For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, ⁴treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

It is my prayer that we as believers will heed the spiritual insights that the Apostles have shared with us in their inspired writings. May we be alert, sensible, and logical as we observe the signs of the times and the moral decline of our culture. We need to resist, oppose, and strive against compromise with the culture around us … and realize that we will most likely suffer in some manner for doing so. As Jesus taught during the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Cf. Matthew 5:10-12) Be encouraged and remember the Lord said: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.” (Cf. Isaiah 41:10-11)