You Have Preserved My Life…

Psalm 119:93 (NIV)

I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.

There is a battle that we fight most the time … the struggle with doubt and the sin of unbelief. We are vulnerable and question if there is absolute truth … truth that we can fully trust. And it is possible to succumb to the influence and demonic lies of the enemy at times … especially when we observe a world in great turmoil and where the suffering of people abounds. We might ask, “Where are you, God?” “Where are you when people need your help?” And if we neglect to consult the Word of God for answers to these types of questions, we are susceptible to reaching wrong conclusions and allowing our thoughts to wander in the direction of anxiety and fear….

Our Verse of the Day affirms that the Word of God IS the source of all truth … truth that is able to sustain and preserve our lives when we feel vulnerable or lost. We are encouraged to read it often … to memorize it and to implant it in our minds and hearts. For when we know and embrace its certainty, we will not be swayed or distracted by the uncertainty that we experience in this world. As Jesus taught and affirmed, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Cf. Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; Citing Deuteronomy 8:3) So, where is God now in our time of trouble? David declared this truth: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Cf. Psalm 46:1) Yes, God is ever-present! He has said, “Never, will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Cf. Hebrews 13:5; Joshua 1:5) I am reminded of what Paul wrote concerning the love of Christ as the anchor for our faith:

Romans 8:35-39 (NIV)

Who (or what) shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Think about what Paul is saying here. We are to expect challenges and hardships to occur in our lives. They are inevitable as long as we live in this fallen world. But none of the things that God allows under His sovereign will diminishes His love for us; rather, He uses them to develop, strengthen, and mature our faith in Him. So, I believe above all things that we need to trust the love of God! If we ever doubt His love, we make ourselves vulnerable to the lies and seduction of the enemy. We may not always understand how God works in our lives or why He allows the circumstances that we face and navigate, but I believe we can be assured that whatever happens is in accordance with His perfect and faithful love. Yes, that is why we need to know the Word of God … to know His will for us … to know His love for us … to be transformed by the renewing of our minds … to receive the salvation He has provided through His Son who is the living Word of God. Through faith in Jesus, our lives are preserved for eternity! We simply need to cry out to Him. As David wrote: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.” (Cf. Psalm 34:17)

My friends, how God delivers us from our troubles may not always be how we think He should do it. It is not up to us to make God’s decisions for Him nor should we even desire to do so. We do not have His foreknowledge … the ability to know the eventual outcomes. Only He knows the end from the beginning. (Cf. Isaiah 46:10) And so, we are well advised to trust that whatever happens is in accordance with His loving will and for the good those who love Him. (Cf. Romans 8:28) That is what faith is all about! That is why we are encouraged to persevere in faith! That is why it is important to know the Word of God … for by its wisdom and guidance our lives are preserved….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant so that you may be feared. ~ Psalm 119:36-38

Jesus Is The Messiah…

Matthew 16:15-16 (NIV)

“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.”

In our Verse of the Day, Jesus asks His disciples a poignant question: “Who do YOU say that I am?” Let’s look at this passage to see the context:

Matthew 16:13-20 (NIV)

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, (Greek word meaning ‘rock’) and on this rock I will build my Church (community or assembly of called out ones), and the gates of Hades (Hell or the realm of the dead) will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven.” Then He ordered His disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Messiah.

This question is one that every human will have to answer: “Who is Jesus?” When Jesus inquired, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is,’ I believe His question was a general one to them. The expression “Son of man” is used extensively in the Book of Ezekiel to address the prophet regarding what he is commanded to speak. However, in the Book of Daniel, we see a different reference to the term: “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. (Cf. Daniel 7:13-14)

The Aramaic phrase bar enash used here is translated as “son of man” meaning “human being.” But in the context, the ‘Son of Man’ referenced here was unique. This Son of Man was coming with the clouds of heaven; approaching the Ancient of Days (God) and entering His presence; was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; worshipped; having an everlasting dominion and kingdom. These attributes do not reflect the description of a prophet like Ezekiel or Daniel; rather, they refer to a special Son of Man … an extraordinary human being having great intimacy with the Father like a Son of the Most-High God Himself. This was the Jewish understanding of the human being … the Son of Man … who would be the Anointed One … the Messiah of God … coming to establish the Kingdom of God here on earth.

So, at first, the question Jesus posed appears to be general. Who do people think the “Son of Man” spoken of by the Prophet Daniel is? But then Jesus personalized the question by asking, “Who do you say that I am?” By implication and self-reference, I believe Jesus was asking if they understood that HE is that unique Son of Man … the Holy One of God … the Messiah that Israel was looking for and expected to come … the One seen in the vision that Daniel described. And when Peter answered Jesus, “You are the Messiah … the Son of the Living God,” Jesus confirmed that Peter understood the connection because the Spirit of God had revealed it to him.

We need to remember that this revelation: “Jesus IS the Messiah” is still the role of the Holy Spirit to give each person. This testimony upon which we have built our faith must still be internalized and believed! Jesus the Messiah (Yeshua Hamashiach) is the foundation … the rock … upon which the message of the Gospel rests. And His physical resurrection affirms the claims of Jesus and His identity! Yet, the truth can still be rejected as an act of human will. “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” (Cf. Psalm 118:22-23) This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Behold, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; and the one who believes … who relies on it will not be shaken nor fear. (Cf. Isaiah 28:16) Now, note the theological connections that Peter would make with these prophecies a few centuries later:

Acts 4:8-12 (NIV)

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus IS “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

My friends, I hope that you will meditate on these things. Think about your own answer to the question Jesus poses to His followers: “Who do YOU say that I am?” How does your answer reflect your faith in God? It is my prayer that we, the Church, will never fail to proclaim the answer: “Jesus is the Messiah … the Son of the Living God!” And it is my prayer that we, the Body of Christ, will continue to be the living representation of Jesus in our generation as we have been called to do! Yes, I pray that our lives as believers would be sufficient evidence to lead those who do not know this truth to the One who answered: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” (Cf. John 14:6)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Therefore, I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:3

God Is Light…

1 John 1:7 (NIV)

But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.

Our Verse of the Day challenges us to live in the light of God … according to His Word and through the life of His Son!

In his first epistle, the Apostle John gives us some foundational theology to govern our walk with the Lord Jesus. John begins with his eyewitness testimony regarding Jesus, and shares his desire to declare the truth of his personal encounter with the Son of God. He asserts that Jesus is the living Word of God; the light and revelation of God the Father; and the atoning sacrifice that reconciles believers with Him. I have reprinted Chapter 1 for your reference:

1 John 1:1-10 (NIV)

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of Life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you that which we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make your joy complete. This is the message we have heard from Him (Jesus) and declare to you: God is Light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all (every) sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word is not in us.

From this chapter, we learn that God is Light. There is no darkness in Him at all. We also know that God is Spirit and that God is Love. And Jesus, His Son, is the living holiness and light of God. He is the very nature of God (light and love) sent in human form (Cf. Philippians 2:5-11) through whom we receive atonement, salvation, and fellowship with the Father and one another. John said this is what we declare. Indeed, this is WHO we proclaim. Jesus is the Light of the Gospel message. Jesus is the Light that we have been called to walk in from the beginning. He is the Good News we are to share with others!

I want to note that John admonishes us to be mindful about what we claim regarding ourselves. “If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” And, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word is not in us.” These declarations affirm that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Cf. Romans 3:23) There is no room for “fake” fellowship. There is no allowance for hypocrisy. Our sinful human nature points to our need for atonement and salvation in order to be reconciled to fellowship with our Holy Father. It requires the humble and unequivocal submission of our own will to the will of the Father. To receive Jesus … to believe in Him … means He becomes Lord and Master of our lives. It means the utter denial of ourselves if we want to have abiding fellowship with Him.

John 1:1-9 (NIV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

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.

My friends, Jesus was sent by the Father to reveal His Light … to reveal the way and the truth and the life. If you reject Jesus, the Light of God sent into the world, you reject the truth of God and His sovereign authority. As John affirmed: “Light has come into the world, but people love darkness instead of light because their deeds are evil.” And it is clear that people do not want to see the truth because they love their sin and darkness. As Paul explained, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel that displays the glory of Christ – who is the image of God.” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 4:4) Unless a person comes to the Light of God found in Jesus alone, they continue to walk in darkness … they continue in the condemnation of sin … they continue to be separated from the life of God. Indeed, there are eternal consequences to living and remaining in darkness! All the more reason for the light of the Gospel to be shared. All the more reason to pray for the lost to come to the light of Jesus. All the more reason to know the truth and to walk in it. As Apostle John exclaimed: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (Cf. 3 John 1:4)

It is my hope and prayer that we who now walk in the light will testify to others that Jesus is the light of the world. He has fulfilled our need for reconciliation with the Father. Indeed, He is the only answer to our human dilemma of separation from God. Jesus commands His disciples to go into all the world and declare the Gospel to all creation. (Cf. Mark 16:15) So, let us continue the Great Commission in our generation as we approach the end of the age.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. ~ Isaiah 42:6-7

Unashamed of the Gospel…

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Our Verse of the Day is a familiar passage, and so many thoughts come to mind about the importance of sharing the Gospel … the Good News about Jesus Christ! Why is this so important? Well, Paul answers that question: “Because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” There are two key points here regarding the Gospel: Power of God and Salvation! The power of God is His Word. He spoke creation into existence! (Cf. Genesis 1) And so, in order for a person to come to faith and receive salvation, the Word of God (the message about Jesus) must be heard and understood. For Jesus IS the incarnate Word of God! (Cf. John 1:1-5; 14)

Paul wrote: “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (Cf. Romans 10:17) And what is the word about Christ? What is the core message about Christ?

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.

1 John 4:9-10 (NIV)

This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

John 3:31-36 (NIV)

The One who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what He has seen and heard, but no one accepts His testimony. Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for He gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

Romans 3:21-25 (NIV)

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. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood—to be received by faith.

There are a multitude of Scriptures that emphasize the salvific power of the Word of God; but we can see with just these few I have shared that our atonement can only be received through Christ Jesus – the Son of God! Life, eternal life, is given to us as we hear His words, listen to them, and apply them to our hearts. And I love this pronouncement from God through the Prophet Isaiah: “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Cf. Isaiah 55:11) Indeed, God has ordained that His Word … His Son … shall bring forth salvation. As Jesus affirmed: “I know that His command leads to eternal life. So, whatever I say is just what the Father has told me say.” (Cf. John 12:50) This is why sharing the Gospel is so important … so that unbelievers can come to a knowledge of the truth and place their faith in Jesus Christ.

Proclaiming the message of Christ (a message that permeates both Old and New Testaments) is imperative if people are to know the truth and respond to it! Against great opposition, trial, and persecution, Paul was determined to persevere in the preaching of the Gospel. And it is quite evident from the record of his life that Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel, its message, or its power to transform the human heart. God does not want His people in rebellion against Him; rather, He desires peace, reverence, and oneness in His relationship with us. Sharing the Gospel is the telling of God’s message of forgiveness and reconciliation through His Son, Jesus the Christ! The Gospel is not a human invention or imagination because the compassion and unfailing love of God has been revealed from Genesis through Revelation through His Word. As Paul asserted in Romans 1:17, “For in the Gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last (from faith to faith), just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Citing Habakkuk 2:4)

As Paul and the other apostles and disciples experienced, sharing the Gospel can become quite wearisome. Although we have been called in Christ Jesus to believe in Him and His atoning sacrifice for our sins, putting our faith in action will not be without cost or hardship. Jesus taught: “Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Cf. Luke 14:27) Even now, we see that our faith in Jesus has become the impetus of ridicule, scorn, persecution, and ever-increasing hatred in this world. But we should not be surprised…. When Jesus sent out His disciples to minister to “the lost sheep of Israel,” He forewarned, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.” (Read Matthew 10) And Jesus counseled: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (Cf. John 15:18-19)

Despite whatever vitriol or persecution that might come to believers, the Gospel must be shared! This is the call and commission of very born-again, Spirit-filled believer. Our faith should be bold, courageous, unashamed, undeniable, and unwavering! Indeed, we have been filled and equipped by His indwelling Holy Spirit! “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We are to implore others on Christ’s behalf to be reconciled with God.” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 5:20) And as we see the end of the age approaching, we can enter it with full confidence; for Jesus has already told His disciples what to expect: “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of Me. At that time 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, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Cf. Matthew 24:9-14) Even so, come Lord Jesus.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me His prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the Gospel, by the power of God. 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, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7-10

Humbly Accept The Word…

James 1:21 (NIV)

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the Word planted in you, which can save you.

Our Verse of the Day takes another look at the spiritual disciplines that are paramount to our profession of faith and that lead to the obedience that comes from faith. This ‘active’ believing, if you will, plays a critical role in our fellowship with God; abiding in Him so that we are able to accomplish the good works He ordained in advance for us to do. (Cf. Ephesians 2:10) So I would like us to see them in the surrounding context:

James 1:18-25 (NIV)

He chose to give us birth through the Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of all He created. My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to (or only simply read) the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says! Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

It is apparent that the study and practice of the Word of God is what will cleanse us from our natural, sinful human condition. It will reveal the moral filth in our lives. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Cf. Hebrews 4:12) The Word of God will direct us in our thinking and manifest itself in changed behavior. Without it, we are essentially lost in the forest of life … without a compass or guide for direction. I know we have looked at these other Scriptures before, but I think they are applicable to our theme:

Psalm 119:9-11 (NIV)

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

2 Timothy 3:13-17 (NIV)

But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Matthew 7:23-25 (NIV)

Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

My friends, it is my prayer that we will humbly accept the Word of God into our inner beings. I pray that we will allow it to change the intents of the thoughts of our hearts … so that we might be changed. The Word of God is the power of God to reveal His will and to equip us to obey it. And we must realize that bible study and meditation require intentional time and significant effort on our part. But if we will commit to do the work and to delight in His Word, I believe the difference it will make in our fellowship with God is beyond compare! So, I pray for each of us to make it a habit to be in God’s Word each day – finding out what it says, applying it to our hearts, and then putting it into practice.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. ~ Psalm 119:12-16

Jesus Christ IS Lord…

Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)

Our Verse of the Day is a declaration of the supremacy of Jesus Christ and the exaltation due Him. To surrender and submit ourselves to the authority and sovereignty of Jesus Christ is the will of God the Father who is glorified through His Son. So, I would like us to take a closer look at Jesus, the exalted Son of God, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given by the Father. (Cf. Matthew 28:18) We can start with the Gospel of John and his introduction of Jesus to the world:

John 1:1-5; 14 (NIV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.¹⁴The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

With this scripture in mind, I want us to look at our verse in some context:

Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV)

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature (in the form of) God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature (the form) of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 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, ¹¹and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

In this context, there is a focus on humility and submission to one another; and the purpose is to exhort us to be of the same mindset as Christ Jesus. And then Paul introduces the surpassed example of Christ showing how genuine humility should be manifested among ourselves. For God the Creator to appear in the form of a Son of Man, made in human likeness, is an incomprehensible act of divine humility in itself. As John articulated it – “the Word of God became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” It is because of this extreme humility that Christ Jesus willingly took upon Himself (even so far as to experience human death upon a cross) that God the Father exalted Him to the highest place and position of authority. Perhaps, this is the part of the reason why Jesus taught: “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Cf. Matthew 23:12; Luke 14:11; Luke 18:14) The Apostle James admonished, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (Cf. James 4:10) And, Peter likewise taught, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that HE may lift you up in due time.” (Cf. 1 Peter 5:6) If God humbled Himself to reach us, then we should humble ourselves in our relationships with one another.

The other lesson that I see is the exaltation of Christ Jesus. Because of His death upon the cross and because His own blood was shed as an atoning sacrifice for the remission of our sins, Jesus is most assuredly worthy of our adoration, worship, and praise! His name is above every other name! As Peter declared, “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) And so, God the Father has ordained 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, for His own glory. And we have seen this same call for worship declared through the Prophet Isaiah:

Isaiah 45:22-24 (ESV)

“Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance (shall confess to God).’” Only in the Lord, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; to Him shall come and be ashamed all who were incensed against Him.

Indeed, every soul ever created by God WILL bow before Him! Every tongue WILL confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! Every person who has rejected God and the Son, who have rebelled and raged against Him, will come before Him and be ashamed. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10) There is no one who will be exempt! For He has said, “I am the Lord, that is my name; and my glory I will not give to another nor my praise to idols.” (Cf. Isaiah 42:8) See Also Isaiah 48:6-11.

My friends, it is clear to me that ALL people … of every tribe, of every language, of every nation … will one day bow before the throne of God and worship Him. The issue is whether we will do so now while we are alive through our own free will … or whether a person will be “required” to do so when they stand before the judgment seat of Christ. It WILL happen because Father God has declared it, and He is sovereign over all things. Therefore, it is urgent for ALL people to confess Jesus Christ as Lord now … while it is still called today. “For just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him.” (Cf. Hebrews 9:26-28)

It is my prayer that each soul will come to the knowledge of God and make their confession of faith. And I pray the Church, the Body of Christ, will work as His ambassadors to lead others to the truth … so that repentance and reconciliation will come to those who respond to the Gospel. Jesus declared that He was sent to seek and to save the lost. (Cf. Luke 19:10) And we, as His Body, as His presence in the world, must continue His mission. Therefore, I challenge myself, and I challenge you to consider this as well: to set sight on just one person you know is not saved and to get focused … get intentional … and be persistent. Enter into devoted prayer and intercession for that one person and be patient. Yes, be present and available to them. Engage them when opportunities are presented. Let your conversation be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer them. (Cf. Colossians 4:6) Let your light shine before them so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Cf. Matthew 5:16) This is how we humble ourselves with the same mindset of Christ; this how we serve in hope to prepare them for an authentic encounter with Christ Jesus. We prepare the soil and plant seed; we fertilize and water; and God will provide the increase for harvesting. (Cf. 1 Corinthians 3:7)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. ~ 2 Timothy 2:1-6

Ah, Sovereign Lord…

Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)

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

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

Jeremiah 32:8-23 (NIV)

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

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

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

Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NIV)

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

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 2:9-10

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

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

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. ~ John 14:1-4

A Completed Work…

Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Our Verse of the Day is a great reminder of the promise and faithfulness of God to complete your sanctification in Christ Jesus! Let’s look at the larger passage for context:

Philippians 1:1-11 (NIV)

¹ Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

²Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

³I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. ⁷It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the Gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. ⁸God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. ⁹And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

What a powerful opening dialogue in his Letter to the Philippians! Paul clearly explains that the work of God in each of us individually has a corporate goal or purpose in mind. Paul appreciates their partnership with him in the declaration (preaching) of the Gospel; and he prays for their love (rooted in their relationship with Christ) to increase the fruit of wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives us. The desire of God is the completion of our personal holiness and devotion to Him; and the awesome news is that God is still working in each of us! Indeed, Paul assures us that God will continue His work in us until it is completed!

My friends, it is my prayer that today you will take time to consider all the work God has done in your life through the life of His Son, Jesus Christ. I pray that each of us will surrender ourselves to the obedience that comes from faith so that we too will be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the Day of Christ … when He comes in His glory! As the Apostle James urged: “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)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them. ~ Hebrews 7:24-25

His Way Is Perfect…

Psalm 18:30 (NIV)

As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.

Our Verse of the Day can also be found at 2 Samuel 22:31. In fact, 2 Samuel 22 captures Psalm 18 in its entirety … for those of you interested in bible trivia. This Psalm is prefaced with these words:

For the director of music. Of David the servant of the Lord. He sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:

¹I love you, Lord, my strength. ²The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. ³I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies….

Psalm 18 – Excerpts

¹⁶He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters. ¹⁷He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. ¹⁸They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. ¹⁹He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.

²⁵To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, ²⁶to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd. ²⁷You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.

³⁰As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him. ³¹For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? ³²It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. ³³He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He causes me to stand on the heights.

Oh, may each of us remember that our Heavenly Father is perfect in all of His ways! May we embrace the truth of His Word: “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” (Cf. Psalm 12:6) “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” (Cf. Proverbs 30:5) Yes, God is our refuge and places a hedge of protection around those who love Him … a spiritual barrier around those who trust in Him! I fervently pray that we all embrace the truths His Word has proclaimed….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

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. I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread. ~ Job 23:10-12

Your Vindication…

Psalm 138:8 (NIV)

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

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

Psalm 138 – Of David.

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

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

Some additional reflections:

Isaiah 50:4-9 (NIV)

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

Romans 8:31-39 (NIV)

³¹What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³²He 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? ³³Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” (Citing Psalm 44:22) ³⁷No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

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