Purified Conscience

Heb. 9:14

"How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God."

When I think of a purified conscience, I think of God's great grace. For without grace, my conscience is severely limited. Sometimes it might warn me of impending failure, that is if I listen to it, but most often it produces guilt, frustration, and failure. Hebrews tells me that Christ has done a more excellent thing through the sacrificing of His blood. Not only has He purified my conscience from death to life, but He has released it from sin's dominion and rule. As if that were not enough, He has replaced it with a heart written on by God Himself. "I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their heart, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." New life for me means a super-charged conscience, one autographed by God and controlled by His Spirit.

Is the overriding purpose of this new conscience to flood me with guilt over my many failings and flaws? Thankfully, no, but it is to make me aware of the gift of grace that fills my entire being. It is through His grace that I am able to serve Him, to cease from dead works, and to wait for Him eagerly. Thankfully, His grace is perfected in my weakness, the weakness of my conscience, my flesh, and my self-striving. He has changed me from the inside out giving me all that I need to obey His Word.

Father,

Even though my conscience is purified by the blood of Jesus, it seems as if I still struggle with serving You through grace. Teach me the 'how-to' of my new spirit-enabled conscience. Make my service only through Your grace.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Much More Excellent

Heb. 8:6

"But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant He mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises."

A life with Christ is always much more excellent, excellent in that He came to give life abundantly, His life for my life not only in sacrifice, death and suffering but in untold blessings. Initially, this abundance is mine by grace through faith in salvation and justification, but then that grace flows unstoppable transforming and conforming me to the image of Jesus in sanctifying power. Still it is one thing to read of this glorious power, but it is another thing to experience this glorious power. How does this all come about? How do I make these great concepts a practical reality? The verse says that this excellence is related to the better promises, the Word of God. Abundance in grace is commensurate to saturation in the Word. Apart from the Word, how would I know God in His nature, in His provisions, in His blessings, or in His will? The Bible is not just a book, it the very Word of God, filled with promises that are life-changing. It is my means of one-on-one communication with the Author of all life. Why wouldn't I chose this excellent ministry and these great and better promises? When I think about this, I realize how careless my heart still is and how inconsistent my desires. Even though I want to give all to God, when I look at my life and my affections, I realize that the world still has a strong pull.

Father,

You have given me excellence in Jesus and in Your Word. Purify my heart, my desires, and my flesh so that Your way is all that I want. Grow me in Your abundant grace.

In His name,

Amen

A Better Hope

Heb. 7:19

"...a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God."

Why does the new covenant offer a better hope? What about it is infinitely superior to the old covenant? Initially, the former commandment was set aside because of its inherent weakness that is it made nothing perfect. Instead, it only exposed sin without giving a lasting remedy for the sin. It had as its priests men whose mortality gave discontinuity to the priestly line and to their priestly service. In a far superior manner, the new covenant was based on a priest who had the power of an indestructible life. This fact alone changed everything. Instead of many priests, there was one priest. Instead of mortality, there was indestructibility. Instead of multiple offerings for sin, there was one offering for sin that was once and for all. The fact of Jesus' indestructibility makes Him able to save to the uttermost all those who come to Him. Is there any doubt about His ability to save? No, 'to the uttermost' negates that possibility completely. But, not only does He live forever as priest, He intercedes forever. He lives to intercede for me! That sounds like it is the focus of His life. When I try and wrap my head around that thought, I am blown away. Why would the Son of God want to intercede for me, a drastically flawed, sin-plagued human? Wouldn't His time be better served in other places? Yet, praise God, He loves me that much! He loves and lives to intercede for me. What a better hope and covenant!

Secondly, I am reassured that His priesthood, though eternal, will always be righteous. Just imagine if an eternal priest would somehow become flawed and evil. How horrendous! There would be no hope! But Hebrews says I have a better hope because Jesus is sinless. There is no chance that His eternal reign will be eternally bad. In fact, verse 26 says he is holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Wow! Those descriptors ensure that my high priest will forever be effective and righteous. His once for all sacrifice can never be negated. It completely satisfied the payment for sin without becoming tainted in itself. It saved by sacrificing a life yet without sacrificing the essence of that life, its purity and holiness.

Thirdly, I have a better hope because my priest is the Son. He was not appointed because of His weakness, but because of His perfection. My priest is the Son of God whose mission was to offer Himself in all His perfection, to atone for all sin by assuming its penalty, and to bridge the separating gap between God and man once and for all. The Son is my priest! Of necessity, I have a better hope!

Father,

Open my eyes to understand the full depth of what this means. Take it beyond head knowledge to life-impacting heart knowledge. Thank You for such a high priest Who has given me a better hope! In fact, He has given me my only hope!

In His holy name,

Amen

Two Unchangeable Things

Heb. 6:17-18

"So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of His purpose, He guraranateed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to life, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragment to hold fast to the hope set before us."

God's intent was to show in a more convincing way the unchangeable character of his purpose through the promises of God. He begins by relating His time with Abraham. In order to validate the promises to Abraham, He swore by Himself. However, this is not so with man. Man shows intent and purpose by swearing to something greater than himself, but in God's case, there is no one or nothing greater. He must swear by Himself. He reassured Abraham that what He said was true, and He is attesting to that same fact in this passage for the believers of that day and the believers of this day. Even the fact that the character of His purpose is unchangeable is a reassurance to me. God does not change! He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow! If He Himself is unchangeable, won't His words and His promises be unchangeable?

So what were the two unchangeable things? First, it says that He swore by Himself, and secondly, God cannot lie. Truth is synonmyous with His nature. It is Who God is. But why does God go to this extent to reassure man? Isn't it enough that He state the truth? Shouldn't the listener be responsible for his own belief? Yet, God's purpose reflects His heart of love. He wants to give believers strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope He has set before them by doing everything 'godly' possible for us so that our belief and our faith might be strong. He makes His Word the believer's sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, an anchor that will not fail. How much more foundational can something be if it never changes? Thankfully, God's Word and His promises are my anchor and my hope.

Father,

Thank You for Who You are and for Your great and unchangeable Word. What an anchor for my soul! Help me hold fast according to Your grace.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Although He Was a Son

Heb. 5:8

"Although he was a son, He learned obedience through what He suffered."

How can I expect anything less? If Jesus, the Son of God, learned obedience through suffering, this most certainly is the way that I am to learn obedience. Specifically, Hebrews is referring to Gethsemane where Jesus prayed in such agony. What an example for me! Jesus did not respond to suffering by feeling sorry for Himself, indulging in self-pity, or even in depression. He uttered prayers that far exceeded mere words but that were saturated with great emotion. Hebrews tells us that "He offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence."

The first thing that I see from Jesus' example is great emotion. When I am in a tough spot, what is my emotional level? Am I so involved in seeing the problem from my point of view that my emotions have gone from agonizing to bitter? Am I allowing my emotions to take me into the presence of God to see my suffering from His point of view? Am I venting my emotion to God or to others? Am I upholding Him as holy before those He has placed in my life?

Secondly, He was not concerned with outward appearance, or trying to hide His loud cries and tears. To see this suffering from God's point of view, He would have to forget about the physical realm and its social conventions and go to a place where all pain is emptied in blatant honesty. Could it be that to have God be in control in the spiritual realm, I would have to be out-of-control in the physical realm? Am I too concerned about looking like I am in control? Am I more concerned with my outward appearance and not the true, gut-wrenching pain of my heart? Am I holding on so tightly to my hurt that I won't give it to God?

Thirdly, He took His pain and prayer to God, to the One who could actually do something about it. Was Jesus necessarily asking God to change the plan, or was He asking that His mind be made one with the mind of God about the plan? Certainly, doing the will of God while enduring the hard times is not an easy road to follow. So likewise, I need to take my heart's pain to God because all the plans for my life are His plans, plans for pain and plans for pleasure, plans for suffering and plans for blessing. God is the sovereign planner! Is God the first person I run to when times are hard? Do I seek solutions to my problems in other ways before coming to God in prayer? Am I asking God to make my heart one with His heart?

Finally, even though the emotion was strong and the pain overwhelming, Jesus was reverent when He talked to His Father. When I cry out, am I reverent? To me, reverence implies a willingness to accept the will of God even though the pain was intense. Jesus was declaring His dependence on God to make it through what God wanted Him to do. How do I ask God for help? Do I ask after I try and handle the situation on my own? Or am I taking the situation to the One who has the power to help me grow through the pain? Am I willing to give up what I perceive as the control of my life to let God have control? Do I rest in His will as the best plan for my life?

If I follow Jesus' example, then like Him, I can learn obedience. I can see that the lesson of obedience is not for the fainthearted, but it for those who know the One to cry out to in prayer, for those who know the One who is the source of enduring power, and for those who reverently accept the will of the Father.

Father,

I confess that many times I have held on to hurts and not given them to You. Teach me how to depend on You for strength and power to do whatever You want me to do. Thank You for Jesus, the One who gave His all so that I might live through His power.

In His most precious name,

Amen

The Throne of Grace

Heb. 4:16

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Thank God, I can draw near with confidence because of my high priest, Jesus Christ. As a high priest, Jesus was tempted yet without sin, but at the same time, He experienced humanity and suffering to the fullest extent. He understood the pull of the flesh and the enticing power of Satan. Because of this He has a sympathetic heart. Out of this great heart, grace and mercy flow freely and continually to me.

Why is this grace so important? The answer is simply: without grace I would be nothing. "My grace is sufficient for you for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Without grace where would my sufficiency be? Since I am always and only a flawed, weak human being, I will always need His grace. As Paul said, "By the grace of God I am what I am," so I must say as well. Whether or not I become a spiritual giant like Paul, or I stay a struggling, weak Christian, it is all related to the grace of God in my life. How much of the grace of God do I humbly seek at the throne? How much of God's grace do I allow to transfrom my flesh? Am I abundant in grace or impoverished in grace?

Why the imagery of a throne? I think it is because God's grace must reign in my life. Just like any sovereign ruler, grace must have complete control and not require a half-hearted allegiance. Grace is much like a benevolent dictator, a dictator in the fact that grace must be the only way, but benevolent in the fact that mercy is given freely to walk this way. So why, if grace offers so much and promises to be all that I need, do I still try and operate in my flesh without coming to this throne? I think it comes down to my pride. To receive grace, I must be humble. " God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humility and pride can never walk hand in hand. It is either one or the other. Sadly, I often choose my inadequate and debilitating pride instead of bowing before my sovereign King. No wonder I need a sympathetic high priest!

Father,

I can't believe that I would still choose my pride over Your grace. I can only confess and ask You to forgive. I humbly come asking You to fill my often foolish vessel with Your grace so that I might honor You in all that I do. Thank You for such an amazing grace.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Faithful as a Son

Heb. 3:6

"But Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are His house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope."

I am part of God's house, His Body, His church. Where He is, there am I! What a blessing! When I think of all the ways that Jesus was faithful, it shows the great abundance of God's blessings to me. First He was faithful in coming as the Son of God to be the Son of Man, in saving the world from their sins, in fulfilling OT prophecies, in fulfilling the law, and in being obedient to death even to death on a cross. But this list is only a beginning, He is faithfully my intercessor, my grace-giver, my shepherd, my living water, my living bread, and my brother. Jesus is the eptiome of faithfulness. Whatever He and the Father have promised will be true. He is faithful to His word because faithfulness is His nature! Jesus came to be the first among many brothers, to bring many to Himself, and to bring His bride back to heaven purified, holy, and blameless. Without Jesus as the faithful son, where would I be? Lost and undone. With Jesus, all that God has for me is mine. Jesus is my confidence and my hope. Like Paul says, "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." The only 'indeed' for me is to hold fast. It sounds like this is something that I have to do, to hold on with all my might. Yet, Jesus not only tells me to hold on, He gives me the strength to hold on. It is all of grace and faith so that my boast is in Him. "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." Jesus is my strength, my strength for holding fast. I must be fully dependent and surrendered so that He can work through me.

Father,

My heart is heavy with the blessing of Jesus, the Son. Thank You for Your gracious, sovereign plan that included me.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Made Like His Brothers

Heb. 2:17-18

"Therefore He had to be made like His brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. for because He himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted."

God's plan was that Jesus be made like His brothers in every respect. Since I am His sibling, He has been made like me in every respect. Because He was tempted, suffered, and died like a man, He knows my need for a merciful and faithful as a high priest. At times it is hard for me to wrap my head around these statements. He became like me in every respect, yet without sin. So how could He really be like me in all respects? This is something that I have to believe by faith. God said it, so I believe it. As a result of His life in human form, He became the propitiation for my sin. Without His being sinless, that wouldn't have been possible. So whether or not it is hard for me to understand, it is totally essential for my salvation! As the propitiation, He conquered death and sin destroying "the one who has the power of death, that is the devil, and delivered all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery." Wow! So many blessings from a loving brother who gave His all!

Then he went on to become my high priest. What does a high priest do? In the OT, the high priest not only offered sacrifices to the Father for the sins of the people, but He went into the Holy of Holies. In the same way Jesus is the sacrifice offered for my sin who He is in the very presence of God praying and interceding for me. Not only that but He is merciful and faithful: merciful because I am tempted and do not remain sinless; faithful because he never tires or grows impatient of interceding for me. Because I know he is faithful and merciful, I can come boldly to the throne of grace finding the grace and mercy that I need for every day.

Father,

What a plan! Continue to teach my mind and spirit so that I might understand You and Your way even more. Thank You for the gift of Your son as my brother, my sacrifice, my propitiation, and my high priest. He is my all!

In His most loving name,

Amen

God's Son

Heb. 1:2b-3

"He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He uphold the universe by the Word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high."

I don't even like to think where would I be without the Son. His life is crucial to my life's very existence because His nature directly impacts my life. First, it is through the Son that God speaks to me. Without Jesus, my line of communication would not exist. He was the Word from the very beginning, the logos, and it is this Word that is directly responsible for my salvation. His Word is the gospel of grace, the means of my growth in grace and knowledge, and the power for my walk of faith.

Secondly, He was the agent of creation of the world that I live in. John said "All things were made through Him and without Him was not any thing made that was made." That includes my world and me. Without Him I would not exist at all.

Thirdly, He made purification for sin, not for His sin because He had none, but for my sin. Without His death and shed blood, my sin would forever label me as LOST. In fact, my sinful nature would prevent me from ever saving myself. For "I am saved through grace by faith and not of my own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." I can only boast in the cross. It was, is, and will be my blessed hope.

Fourthly, because of my relationship with Jesus the living Word and its power indwelling me, I can worship and know God. Jesus is "radiance of His glory, the exact imprint of His nature, and the upholder of the universe simply by the word of His power." Wow! How would I know God at all without Jesus? How could I praise and worship Him without having a personal relationship with the exact imprint of His nature? Because of Jesus' unique relationship with the Father, I have grace and truth. No one has ever seen God, but Jesus has made Him known.

Finally, Jesus is heir to all, and likewise, so am I. "If I am a child, then an heir-an heir of God and fellow heir with Christ..." How amazing! Jesus saves me, sacrifices His life for me, and then shares His inheritance with me.

My life is so rich because of Jesus. I can worship God the Father through the Son at the throne of grace and mercy where I find all I need to delight in God. I can meet God through His Son on a personal level! My heart and life are transformed by this great power resident within me. I can honor and glorify my great God though the Son. Without Jesus, I have no hope, but with Him, my life is made new, is being transfromed, and will be praising God forever. Wow! What a glorious Son! What a glorious salvation!

Father,

My heart is so full of thanks that I cannot find any words that will expess my joy in Jesus. You are a God beyond thought and comprehension. I can only rest in Your gracious and sacrificial love.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Go Therefore...

Mt. 28:19-20

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

When I read this verse, I realize that the amount of time I spend in making disciples is not proportionate to the amount of time I spend in shepherding or fellowshipping with the body of Christ. For me, it is much easier to spend more time in ministry than in misssion. Even though I realize that Jesus wants me to do both. Why is that? Even though time in ministry and with the body of Christ is not without difficulty and frustrations, I think that time in reaching out to the unsaved world brings with it an entire dimension of the unknown. Within the body of Christ there are a common foundations, teachings, and beliefs. What we share should bring a strong and powerful union! Yet, sadly it often brings a wishy-washy commitment or even a critical dissension. But with the world at large, my foundation is drastically different. My teaching from the Word opposes the world's system, and my belief system values the spiritual and not the temporal. All of this tends to put me drastically out of my comfort zone, yet when I really think about it, these foundational things are what the world needs to see. I need to be a reflection of Jesus Christ. I need to reveal how Christ has impacted my life!

So why am I afraid? I think that the reasons are varied. Initially, it could be a lack of trust in Christ. When I view the task, I look at it in my own flesh which sees it as impossible, but in my spirit, I know it is possible through God. Also, I think it comes down to human psychology. Who wants to be the odd man out? Who wants to be noticed or even ridiculed as being different? I know that I shouldn't think of these differences as a pariah but as a badge-of-honor. Another reason might be that I don't know enough to share, but I think that this reason is pretty much an easy out. How much do I have to know? Doesn't the Spirit indwell me for just such times as these? Won't He bring to my mind what I should share? More than that, He will even guide me to those people who need to hear. Another reason for me is the time factor. To really reach out of neighbors or others that God might bring across my path takes time, time away from my life and my schedule. There is the rub: 'MY.' All of these reasons really expose my selfishness and the power of my flesh. When it comes right down to it, is there any reason I shouldn't be passionately involved in this mission? NO!

Father,

I confess my flesh and self. How strong and sinful it is! Spirit, fill me with Your power to accomplish this mission. Take away my discomfort and fear replacing it with a passion that cannot be extinguished.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Joy and Delight

Jer. 15:16

"Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by Your name, O Lord, God of hosts."

What is my attitude toward the Word? In the first place, I don't have to find the Word of God since I have many copies within my house and the freedom to read them whenever and wherever. Yet in some places in the world, it is not so. The Word of God is scarce. Some people have only a page and would gladly sacrifice their lives for it, and many times they do. I imagine that their attitude toward the Word is considerably different from mine. But should it be? I think that most would agreee that abundance characterizes America, but even though that sounds like a good thing, it also has a down side. When commodities, including the Bible, are in abundance, it lessens their value. So all this freedom and affluence, has the potential to jade my attitude toward the Word which is something that I must guard against.

When I open the Word each day or many times throughout the day, I need to devour those words. I need to be ravenous for my next meal. A starvation diet will not do! When I 'eat' the Word, it has the God-given capacity to become one with my soul and spirit, in fact, with all of me. As it lives within me, it permeates, sustains, transforms, and grows. The end result: I am a changed person. No wonder Jeremiah could say, the Word was his joy and delight. It is mine as well! I have found that a steady diet of the Word increases my appetite for even more. The more that I take in, the more joy and delight there is, and the more I want.

Jeremiah felt the reason for this was because He was called by God's name. He was God's child and a member of God's chosen people. The same goes for me, I am called and a part of the body of Christ. Wow! That is a great cause for rejoicing. To me, this verse is a win-win. First, I find the Word and ingest it, and it becomes joy and delight. Secondly, I am called by God's name and am part of His body. Why wouldn't I want to devour the Word? Why would I choose a life without joy or delight? There was a time when the Word was 'lost' to me. My life was dour and duty-filled! Who wants to live that way? Not me, not any more. I can say with Jeremiah, "Your words are my joy and delight for I am called by Your name and am part of Your body." Praise God!

Father,

Thank You for this great blessing beyond belief. Help me never to take it for granted or to grow careless in my eating. Send Your Spirit to take what I eat and transform it into the nourishment and growth that I need so that my delight and joy in You may increase unbelievably.

In Jesus name,

Amen

But He gave no answer.

Mt. 27:12-14

"But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer...then Pilate said...But He gave no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed."

To understand Jesus' silence, I need to remember v. 11, "Now when Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus said. "You have said so." Was there really any more to say? His answer was definitive. It was the satisfactory answer to all the charges.

But still I think there is something more to consider. First, I see that Jesus didn't defend Himself. I have found that when I am under fire, a defense can often make me look guilty. Even though I have never really understood that phenomena, I know it is true. Some years ago, I was in a situation like this where I was falsely accused and had to be taken to a "trial' of sorts. My accuser's charges were ripe with lies. At first I tried to defend myself, after all, what he said was untrue. But the more that I said made what he said seem credible. Defending myself took me down to his level, but silence did not! Of course, I am talking about a situation where I was innocent.

Still, the nature of my silence must be a consideration as well. Jesus was not standing there silently defiant, with an attitude, or with bad body language. Instead, He was meek like a lamb being led to the slaughter, because in fact, He was! Christ likeness in me must resemble this same meekness. By its very nature, meekness is not motivated by pride especially injured pride. When I am falsely accused, does my pride run roughshod over the situation? Is my wounded pride more important than my godliness or my right relationship with God? In the heat of the moment, when the fire of my pride burns strong, is Jesus my example?

I think that Jesus could respond this way because He knew and trusted in the will of His Father. Like I Pet. 2:23 says, "when He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly." There is the rub! Jesus could trust the Father for all the details of His life, the good ones and the horrific ones. Am I trusting Jesus for all the details of my life, especially when I am falsely accused, or do I feel the need to control my own defense? Do I feel that the Father somehow has lost control of my situation? No, I know He never does, but sometimes I don't act like it.

Father,

Reveal my root of heady pride. Give my Your strength to root it out. Let my see and accept Your hand and Your plan in all the details of my life. Transform my self-sufficiency to selfless trust in You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Weak Flesh

Mt. 26:41

"Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

What a great reason to pray! Human flesh though weak in resolve is strong in humiliation! The account of the Peter and the two sons of Zebedee going to Gethsemane with Jesus is so revealing of this weak flesh. Jesus was severely burdened so He poured out His soul to the Father three times saying the same things each time. Even though His desire was to have the cup pass from Him, He said, "Not as I will, but as You will. " What an example of prayer! Pouring out the soul with the deepest of emotions, yet always wanting the will of God. When Jesus was going through this time of agony, He asked the three disciples to watch with Him. Sounds like a small thing...wouldn't any friend want to 'watch' with a friend who was going through a hard time? You would think... I am sure that these men wanted to watch, but their flesh won the battle. Sleep called, and they answered. They did this not just once, but three times. Are they learning from their mistakes at all? Do I learn from my mistakes? Amazingly, I make the same ones over and over again too.

Earlier in this story, Peter said some strong words. Jesus told the disciples that they would fall away like sheep because the shepherd would be struck that very night. Peter blurted out with force that no matter who fell away, he would not! Such resolve! Surely he would hold true to this. But Jesus told him that he would deny him this very night. Peter blurted out again, "Even if I must die, I will not deny you." Those words were the ingredients for a bitter, humble pie that he would eat that very night. Peter's pride in his own strength and resolve was his undoing. He was counting on his flesh to carry him through, but it did not.

Even though Peter had lived through two reality checks exposing his weak flesh, had he learned his lesson? Not entirely. When Judas and the cohorts came to arrest Jesus, Peter whipped out his sword and cut the ear off the servant of the high priest. Jesus admonished him even more strongly than in the other previous instances. "Do you not think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and He will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?" But Peter was rolling in the flesh. He was out of control.

Finally, Peter endured the humiliation of having what Jesus said come true. He denied knowing Jesus three times. And as Jesus said, the rooster did crow announcing to Peter his flesh had won the battle over his resolve. What a deal! What a night for Peter! Failure after failure. The neat thing is that Peter did eventually learn this great principle and became a great shepherd to the flock of God. God did a mighty work in him.

What I see is the ever powerful and debilitating fleshly body that I live in! Apart from the power of God living within me, I could never hope to win over my flesh. My resolves would pretty much fall by the wayside. Sure there would be times of success, but it wouldn't last. However, the principle is not complete in just realizing the powerful flesh that many times controls me, I must 'watch and pray,' Praying is the means by which the flesh is defeated! When I think of times when I have repeatedly fallen prey to my flesh, I must confess that I really didn't pray. Prayer is my lifeline to God. It is my power source giving me His strength and power to make my resolves possible.

Father,

What a lesson! I know my spirit is strong, and my flesh is weak. I want to obey and honor You, but often I am defeated from within. Draw me to You in prayer as You drew me to Yourself for salvation. I need Your power to live as You would have me live.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Alabaster Flask

Mt. 26:7

"A woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. "

What an act of devotion! Not only was the ointment expensive, but it was given from a heart that held back nothing. However, reactions to her act of love were strong. The disciples saw it as a waste. They felt it should have been given to the poor, but Jesus rebuked them saying the poor would always be there. He would not. After Jesus questioned the disciples, He said simply, "She has done a beautiful thing to me"... that will be "told in memory of her." Wow!

I want to hone in on her act of devotion. What I notice first is that it was an act of devotion. Her heart was so filled with love that it poured out in this generous and gracious act. How many times have I overflowed in an act of devotion to Jesus alone? In fact, what would an act of devotion be?

Secondly, it was costly. She sacrificed her all for her love for Jesus. Are my acts of devotion self-sacrificial? Could my 'self' be affecting my acts of devotion in quality and in quantity? What is my true heart's feeling? Am I willing to give all without fearing the loss for myself? Something to think about...

Thirdly, these acts will bring some adverse reactions in others. That tells me that this act was noticable to others. Devotion cannot be a secret thing nor can it be limited in any way because of others. This act is for Jesus alone in cost and in disclosure. Could it be that I haven't really experienced any criticism because I am not openly displaying my devotion for God? How would I go about doing this? More to think about....

Even though this woman was rebuked by others, she was praised by Jesus. What she had done was beautiful because it proclaimed the gospel, the death and burial of Jesus. Devotion must begin at the cross since it is the foundation for all that I am especially my devotion.

Finally, what this woman had done would be a memorial to her. Her act would not be forgotten. Still today as people read the Word, her act is touching others. I would have to trust God that my acts of devotion would serve Him in the lives of others. I do not think that she knew the far-reaching effects of her act nor was her motive to be remembered forever. Her motive and devotion was wrapped up in one word. Jesus! He must be my motive and devotion too!

I love what Jesus said, "She has done a beautiful thing to me." This is my heart's prayer that I will do beautiful things for Jesus, that I would be delighting Him.

Father,

My heart wants to be beautiful to You and for You, but how? Teach me. Change me. Mold me. Never let me forget the cross. My heart is thankful for Your hand in my life even though those words sound so inadequate.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Dead Flies

Ecc. 10:1

"Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench."

What an image this conjures in my mind! Certainly, I would never use perfume with a dead fly in it. Not only would it stink, but it would be gross! A dead fly destroys the beauty of the perfume no matter how beautifully it is packaged. What is the principle here? I think this verse is saying that a little bit of sin or evil in the most beautiful packaging gives off a stench. For instance, If I were to speak beautiful words but with bad motives, the beauty of my words would be destroyed by my 'fly-ish' motives. Or, if I were to obey God with a bad attitude or not in a timely fashion, my obedience would be 'fly-ish,' and the stink of sin would destroy it. Or, if I am outwardly nice to people when I really harbor ill will against them, that ill will is 'fly-ish' and destroys the whole relationship. What is God asking from me? He wants purity and sincerity of heart. "Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart..." In fact whatever I do He wants me to have a pure heart. He wants my perfume to be free of stench. "so whatever I do," I will "do all to the glory of God." In fact, my prayers are to be sweet to God like "golden bowls full of incense." If there is a fly in the incense, the offering is foul. I think that pride is the biggest fly of them all. Its power is so destructive, and its control so subversive. "God is warning me when He says, "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understand and knows Me, that I am the Lord who practices love, justice, and righteousness in the earth." To be fly-free, I must boast in the Lord, make the Lord my all, and take up my cross and follow Him. He and His word must be the joy and delight of my life. My perfume must be God's fly-free sweetness which can be bought only by the riches of His grace!

Father,

Keep my perfume free of flies. Let my aroma be sweet in your nostrils. Spirit, reveal to me those nasty and deeply buried flies. Root them out and wash me clean. I so want to be sweet to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

My Words will not pass away.

Mt. 24:35

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."

I am always concerned about the lasting quality of things whether it be clothes, shoes, yard tools, or even this computer. Lately, my computer has been doing strange things so what is my first response? Is this computer a piece of junk? It hasn't even lasted 6 months. I even have this same attitude in buying groceries. How upsetting it is to get home and have produce be inferior or rot in a short time! I have often thought that culture programs destruction. Things are made to wear out quickly so the cycle of buying and selling goes unhindered. How upsetting and stressful! But in the midst of this upheaval, is the one lasting thing, that is the Word of God.

This verse talks about destruction on a global level that is heaven and earth. So not earthquakes or tsunamis, floods or famine, man-made catastrophes or natural disasters can destroy the Word of God. What a blessing! Jesus is the living Word of God. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." God's Word transcends time and human intervention. He and His Words are eternal. So what is the basis for my life? Would I chose this world's system with its programed destruction, or would I chose the lasting, eternal Word of God? For me, the choice is easy. I want the Word of God!

Knowing this unbelievable fact puts life in perspective for me. It gives me a scale of significance for what the world has to offer and a guide as to where I should spend my time. When things break or accidents happen, I just remember that I am a citizen of heaven and a sojourner here. None of earth's 'riches' or 'possessions' will go with me. Knowing this helps me loosen my grip on the world's possessions. Not only that, but it helps me focus the use of my time. What will I do? What do I value? What kind of activities fill my days? Are they in pursuit of what the world offers or are they focusing on the lasting Word of God? How thankful I am that I have the eternal and time-transcendent Word of God in my life!

Father,

Thank You for the Living Word that You sent to save me. Help me to value these Words above all. Keep my grip loose to the world but strong toward You. Show me how to spend my time honoring You and Your Word.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Woe and the Want

Mt. 23:16-39

"How often I would have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!"

What a chapter of contrasts! First, Jesus describes the heart condition of the Pharisees and scribes: "they preach but do not practice; " they place impossible burdens upon the people; and their lives are only for public show. They totally ignore the principle that Jesus is driving home to his disciples, that is "whoever exalts himself will be humbled,and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." But Jesus doesn't stop there, in fact, what He has said thus far is nothing compared to what is to come. I would think that the disciples would have been seriously sobered listening to Jesus proclaim woe after woe upon these people, not only that but they would have been looking at the condition of their hearts to make sure they were not next on the chopping block.

These seven woes pronounce a judgment that is harsh to the max and personal to the core. Jesus begins by calling them blind fools, blind men, blind guides, and hypocrites three different times. What a huge slap in the face! I can imagine their sputtering, injured pride, and intense anger. These people had always had the highest respect of men and now all this was exposed as a sham. Their game was up! Jesus saw through their pretense of holiness to their hearts of hypocrisy. Not only had they involved themselves, but they had shut the door of heaven to others. I think one of the strongest characterizations of them was when Jesus said they were whitewashed tombs full of dead men's bones. They appeared beautiful because of all their forms and traditions, but on the inside were the bones of the men they had kept from heaven. It is pretty clear that Jesus is not softening the blow, but He is adding to its impact!

Yet, as soon as He is done with this tirade, his heart flows with love and compassion. But before the love must be conviction. Sin must be exposed because sin cannot coexist with the holiness of God! It is like a wall of self preventing the flow of God's grace, love and mercy. Jesus then moves from the specific to the general, from the Pharisees and scribes to Jerusalem as a whole. "O Jerusalem...how often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!" I can feel His heart of longing for His people and His intense pain and heartache. They would not! Such stubborn self-will! They rejected Him and all He had to offer. As a result, their house would be desolate. Yes, God judges sin harshly, but at the same time He offers His grace and mercy.

This picture of judgment on self-will and hypocrisy is an eye-opener. I don't have to wonder anymore if God overlooks or excuses those sins as part of my flawed humanity. No, they are the blackest of sin to Him. I need to confess and forsake so that I might be nurtured and loved under the loving wing of my heavenly Father.

Father,

I thank You for being Judge and Savior. What a glorious God you are! I am so grateful that you have gathered me under Your wings of love and protection. Keep my heart tender so that I never stubbornly refuse Your promptings.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Love the Lord your God

Mt. 22:37-39

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Jesus is emphasizing love, especially love over works since He is conversing with those who are trying to test Him. He says that I must love God with all that I have, my heart, soul, and mind. When I think of my heart, I think of my desires, emotions, and longings, the center of all the things that I treasure. My soul would be my spiritual center where I would need to be aligned with the love of God and not a foolish and inept idol of man. Finally, my mind speaks to me of all that I think about, my dreams, my thoughts, and my understanding. All of these areas have a great potential for failure since my flesh is motivated by selfishness and not love. Jesus goes on to say that I should love my neighbor as myself which is even more impossible than the first commandment.

What I really think Jesus is saying is that this is not a task or something that I must tackle, it is a lifestyle that is made a reality through the power that dwells in me. Jesus gives the blueprint for life, and along with it comes the power to live out that plan. It is not presented as a huge to-do list, but as an opportunity for His grace to be made perfect in my weakness. In my flesh, these commandments are an impossibility, but in the power of God, all things are possible. If I am dependent on Him, He can transform my selfishness to love by making my heart's treasure be Him, by conforming my mind to the Truth, and by creating a burning passion in my soul that is fueled by His love. Once my heart, soul, and mind are dependent on Him, then I can love Him and others.

Father,

Take away my self-sufficiency and transform it to God dependency. Conform my heart, mind, and soul to Your love so that I might be obediently loving You and others.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Many are called but few are chosen.

Mt. 22:14

"For many are called, but few are chosen."

This verse was the conclusion of a parable that Jesus taught where He was comparing the kingdom of heaven to a wedding feast. Even with an invitation, the guests refused to come. In fact, "They paid no attention." How heart-breaking is that! Why would they respond like this? It says that one man had a farm to take care of and another a business. They were wrapped up in this world's priorities. Still another group seized the servants of the master, abusing them and eventually killing them. People today still respond to the gospel in a similar way. Many people are involved in their jobs, possessions, status, lifestyle, etc., and others outrightly hostile to the claims of Christ. Everything is more important than Jesus. They don't want to be bothered because the pride of life completely controls them. Sadly, in many parts of the world, the messenger of Jesus is met with hostility, abuse and even death.

But the king in the parable did not stop there. He sent out his servants into the main roads to invite guests whether they were good or bad. From outward appearance , the preceding group of people would have seemed more likely candidates. They were probably good, moral, well-to-do people, people who were educated and intelligent. In contrast, these ' road' people were poor with nothing to offer. Why would the king want them? That is the point! They had nothing! The king does not want anything that people think they have to offer, instead He wants us to come admitting our need and accepting his garment. Still in this second group there was one man not clothed in a wedding garment. The king had only one response: bind and cast him into outer darkness. The king's requirement was that everyone at the feast be clothed in a proper wedding garment.

The king called many, but only a few were chosen, only those who were clothed in the wedding garments, that is those who were clothed in the righteouness of Jesus and washed by His blood. Certainly, from this parable I can see that all people were invited, and the people had to make a choice to come or not. God does wish "that any should persih, but that all should reach repentance." But at the same time, God has to give the wedding garment to each one in order for them to attend the wedding feast. Salvation is a work of grace from a sovereign God. I wonder about that wedding guest who was not in the wedding garment. Did he know that his clothes were not right? Did he think that his good works would be enough, or did the entire situation take him by surprise? How strong is the will of man! It is amazing that we can decieve even ourselves.

Father,

Put within me a strong desire to share your gospel with others. I confess that I have judged on outward appearance. In essence, I have shared with those that I thought would be good candidates. But I see now that I need to trust You and let You guide me to those You have chosen, whether they are good or bad. I thank You for inviting me to Your feast and cleansing me in the blood of Jesus so that I could be clothed in His righteousness.

In Jesus name,

Anen

Prosperity or Adversity

Ecc. 7:14

"In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider:God has made the one as well as the others, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him."

God has made prosperity as well as adversity, but the difference in the two comes in my response. In the day of prosperity, I should be joyful because it has pleased God to bless me in this way. I need to remember that it has nothing to do with me or what I have accomplished. Not only does prosperity come from a sovereign God but adversity does as well. Though they both come from the hand of God, my response to adversity is to consider. Why would I consider in times of adversity and not prosperity? Certainly pausing to think would be a great response in either situation, but often in prosperity my life is centered on living and enjoying while in adversity my heart is drawing close to God seeking comfort and guidance. What exactly am I to consider? Am I to consider why my life is going down a rough patch, or am I to consider how God is there to be all that I need? From my perspective, I think the times of adversity are good because I am much more focused on God. Because of this focus, I grow in His grace whereas in prosperity my tendency is to be more focused on life and less on God. The neat thing is that both come from God. Since He knows what is best for my life, I can rest in what He sends. Whether it is prosperity or adversity, I know that it is for my good because "all things work together for good to those who love God and who are called according to His purpose."
God knows my end from my beginning. I do not! He sends exactly what I need and what is for my good. My response is to see His hand in all that is in my life, to surrender to His sovereign plan, and to be joyful and contemplative as He leads. I thank God that His grace is sufficient for my weakness in prosperity or in adversity.
Father,
As I live each day, let me see Your hand in all the haphazard details of my life. Teach me to love Your prosperity and Your adversity. Take my eyes off the uncomfortable times and put them on You, the Comforter.
In Jesus name,
Amen

They did not ask the Lord.

Josh. 9:14-15

"So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord. And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregations swore to them."

The Gibeonites were aware of the will of the Lord concerning their lives. They knew their future meant immediate destruction. So in an effort to save their lives, they crafted a deceptive plan to secure a covenant with Joshua to preserve their lives. After listening to their plea, Joshua did make this covenant, but Joshua "did not ask counsel from the Lord." Not only did Joshua not seek the Lord in this decision, but he disobeyed the previous command to destroy all the inhabitants of the land. It seemed an innocent enough situation so apparently Joshua felt he could make the decision on his own. Later, after he had discovered what had happened, he confronted the Gibeonites. The result was that they would be wood cutters and water drawers for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord. Was Joshua's decision justified? Was it enough to make the Gibeonites subservient, or was their subservience an ever present reminder of decision-making without the Lord's counsel?

It appears as if Joshua was trusting in his own superficial decision-making ability and not in the wisdom of God. He looked at what he thought were the facts and made a decision. What a warning to me! I think that I have made many 'Joshua' decisions. Like him, I mistakenly think I can figure out what to do. After the fact, it seems like such a foolish thing to do, but in the moment, it seems like the natural thing to do. Why would I opt for failure when I could ask God? I guess it comes down to my pride or my self-sufficiency. I think that I can handle those decisions in my own strength. And like Joshua, the effects of those decisions often have long-lasting effects. They become ever-present reminders of my foolishness.

Father,

Send Your Spirit to remind me always to ask You before I make a choice. I want to do Your will and be obedient to Your commands. Root out my selfish will and draw me ever closer to You and Your way.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Set Your Mind on Things of God

Mt. 16:23

"But He turned and said to Peter, Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the earth."

Jesus was sharing with the disciples what was to come, that is His suffering, death, and resurrection. When Peter heard these words, he was undone. Obviously, he could only think of the physical details of death and suffering. It was as if he could not comprehend the resurrection that was also to come. He countered Jesus by declaring that this could never be, as if there was anything that he could do to change what God had set in motion. With deep emotion, Jesus responded calling him Satan. Why would Jesus respond so strongly? Why wasn't He gentle with Peter? I think it was because Peter's response was doubting the very plan of God. Not only that but Peter was trying to interfere with the plan of God that was the reason for Jesus' entire earthly existence. Peter's focus was entirely temporal and not eternal. Even though he had been with Jesus on a daily basis, had been taught by Jesus, and had witnessed many miracles; he could not see beyond the physical details of life to see the hand of God at work in the life of Jesus.

This story makes me think of my response to events and details that God sends into my life. Can I see beyond the physical details of life to see the hand of God, or do I rail against these circumstances? Do I say that these events are unfair and should not be? Am I only focusing on the harsh realities or the seeming impossible turn of events, or am I looking for God's grace to live out His plan? When I think of Jesus calling Peter Satan, it brings so many thoughts to my mind. Have I ever doubted God or interfered with God's plan to the degree that Jesus would think that I am a 'Satan'? Somehow when I think of Jesus calling him Satan, it seems so much worse than Jesus saying that Peter was setting his mind on the things of man. Maybe if I would use the harsh approach with myself and realize that I am working with Satan to oppose Jesus, then I would not stubbornly want my own way, but would cry out for grace immediately and trust Him even in this.

What an amazing thought that Peter, a disciple who spent many hours with Jesus, who left all to follow Jesus, and who was a leader of other disciples, could still be called 'Satan' ! Such heavy words! How does Jesus speak to me? Does my life engender tenderness or harshness? Am I justifying my worldly mindset, or am I seeing life as Jesus does? What is my heart's desire in all the circumstances that God sends my way? Do I see them as the hand of a loving God forming me into a vessel that can be used for service and to bring glory to His name?

Father,

I am deeply touched by Jesus' response to Peter. Spirit, convict me when my mind is on the things of the earth. Strengthen me so my heart and mind will be obedient and submissive to Your will for my life. I cry out for Your gentle voice and Your tender mercy, but if I need the harsh word, bring down the hammer so that I will glorify Your name.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Hewed Out Cisterns

Jer. 2:13

"For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water."

What an situation! Not only did Israel forsake God, who is the fountain of living waters and who supplies all the water that anyone would ever need, but they engaged in self-serving cistern building. They chose to reject God's gracious offer of unlimited water flowing from an eternal fountain and preferred to hew out their own cisterns which held no water at all. Why would they chose dehydration over refreshment?

I think this verse reveals the true heart and mind of man. In the flesh, man would sacrifice his very existence to indulge his own self-will. His thinking is so blinded by his self-will that he would rather chose to die from lack of water than come to the fountain of living waters. How self-deceived man is! How blinded to the gracious offer of God!

Even though I have come to this fountain and have quenched my thirst, I think there are times that I am still in the business of cistern digging. In these times my self-will overrides my new-born spirit. It reminds me of Paul who experienced a similar struggle. In his heart, he desired to do right, but because of his flesh, he was often stymied. I have found that my flesh has a passion for digging cisterns, and if given a chance, will plunge in wholeheartedly. I need to be on the constant alert for my self-will that fuels my desire to dig new cisterns. I need to be constantly aware that these cisterns are evil, an evil that separates me from God.

Father,

I confess my penchant for cistern digging. Reveal this evil activity to me whenever I fall back into this pattern. Keep me ever hydrated at your fountains so that my spirit life may flourish and bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Rashness

Ecc. 5:2

"Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words by few."

What great words of wisdom! I agree that my mouth gets me into trouble when I speak without thinking. Either I am rash or speaking hastily without taking the necessary time to know all the facts. My hasty speaking often occurs in time of frustration, anger, and deep emotion. Because of the stress, I don't stop to find out all the facts; instead I just spout off. Then in humiliation I have to apologize. Solomon's advice could prevent all this from happening. It sounds so simple: don't be rash or hasty with words. Why is it so difficult?

Another thought is that even though I say these words on earth to people who are many times in the same 'mouthy boat' that I am, I am really saying these words before God. I need to remember that I must honor Him with all the words. My speaking in such ways is sin and dishonors God. When I sin with my mouth, I am not upholding God as holy before the people He has placed in my life.

The end of the matter is: Let my words be few. I need to listen to a matter, think, and remember Who I am to glorify. Venting is sin! Speaking rashly and hastily leads me down a path that never ends well.

Father,

Thank You for these great words. Help me to let my words be few. Change me from the inside out so that my heart will be godly and feed my mouth godly words so that I may glorify You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Quietness

Ecc. 4:6

"Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind."

Do I really understand the concept of a handful of quietness as opposed to the busyness of life, or have I really thought about quietness as a blessing? When I think about this, the first thing that comes to my mind is what can be accomplished in quietness. First, quietness allows for thought. Many times as life is racing around me, there is no time for reflection. I am merely running from one thing to the next as if I am on autopilot, going through life by rote. Secondly, quietness allows me to hear the voice of God. I can become like Mary who chose the better part, who sat in adoration and quietude with Jesus. Thirdly, quietness allows me time to study and to grow in Jesus. As I read and study, I can think and reflect on what God is saying to me through His word. Fourthly, when I am quiet, I can pray. I can pour out my heart before God. I can relate to Him as I should giving Him all the glory and honor. Fifthly, I can hear the needs of others instead of rushing around meeting my own needs. If I listen closely enough, I can hear the words that are not spoken and the feelings that so want to be heard. I would imagine that I could list so many more blessings that come from quietness, but I will end with the blessing of an added awareness. In quietness, I can see God's hand in my life, and I can see how my life is intricately woven with the lives of other believers. Busyness captures my moments and controls my life, but quietness expands my moments by revealing to me God's hand and sovereign plan.
Father,
Thank You for blessing me with quietness. Help me to seek it above the busy race of life. In that quietness, help me always to seek you.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Where Is My Heart?

Mt. 15:8-9

"This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."

Jesus was speaking of the Pharisees and the scribes when He quoted Isiah's prophecy. Since these people were not outwardly evil, but outwardly religious, they appeared to be the epitome of religion. Yet, Jesus looked beyond their exterior into their hearts. Sadly, they had perverted true worship by teaching their commandments as godly doctrine. Not only that, but their hearts were far from God. They were merely professional religionists who Jesus denounced as hypocrites.

As I read this, I have to wonder if I ever make my worship more of a form than a heartfelt reality? Do I ever adhere to certain traditions more than God's words? Do I act in a way as to say my life is alright, but allow wrong attitudes underneath? Even though I know God knows my heart, why do I persist in the charade? As I think about this, it breaks my heart to think that I might have done this. God calls for truth in my heart and in my actions. Hypocrisy is sin!

Father,

My heart is convicted. Even though I would never want to be like the Pharisees, have I allowed hypocrisy to sneak into my life? Spirit, reveal to me whenever I am not honest with You and with others. Keep hypocrisy far from my heart and my actions.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Sells All

Mt. 13:44-45

"The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."

When I think of this merchant, I think of someone who is single-mindedly on his search. He is not distracted by anything inferior or second rate, but only wants fine pearls. Quality is of the utmost importance to him. When he finds this pearl, this culmination of his dedicated search, he is more than willing to pay the price. In fact, he sells all to buy it. In the parable preceding this one the kingdom of heaven is compared to a treasure hidden in a field. When the merchant finds it, he goes with joy and sells all so that he might buy it.

What lessons is this teaching about the kingdom of heaven? First it comes with single-minded searching. A key element of searching is realizing the need and possessing a great desire. Secondly, the search for life in Christ is not deterred or satisfied with an imitation faith. There are no other ways. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Thirdly, the cost for this kingdom is great. Jesus said earlier in the book that to be counted worthy, His disciples must carry their cross and follow Him. Carrying the cross and following His example demands all that a person has. It means changing one's entire life focus and priorities. Finally, when one has the desire, searches, is willing to pay the cost, he must take the final step, that is buy the pearl or the treasure. Being in the kingdom of God is the most important decision that there is. Sadly, not many are willing to pay such a high price nor to search for the one True Pearl.

Father,

Thank You for helping me find this great treasure. Continue changing me so that I might truly possess all that You are and all that You mean to be in my life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Eternity in My Heart

Ecc. 11:11

"He has everything beautiful in His time. Also He has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."

I thank God that His plan is beautiful. He has blessed my life with His glorious grace that is perfected in my weakness. He has put eternity in my heart, eternity with God in His glorious presence because in God's time He drew me to Himself. In fact, God's plan put eternity in the heart of all mankind. But with this eternity comes a choice, the choice to choose salvation or self-will. Even though man has eternity in his heart, he still cannot understand God's timing. It is only by grace through faith. This verse brings up so many things in my mind that are paradoxical. God's plan is beautiful yet it contains suffering and hardship. God gives us eternity in our hearts yet we can't understand all of what God has done. It reinforces the fact that God's thoughts are not mine, and His ways are not mine. I just need to trust Him that what He brings into my life is beautiful because He knows the end from the beginning.

Father,

Build this trust in me. Make me aware of Your beautiful plan for my life. Thank you for giving me the gift of eternity with You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

For Out of the Abundance of the Heart

Mt. 12:34b-35

"From out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil."

Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees about the condition of their hearts. He asked them a very probing question, "How can you speak good when you are evil?" There is the crux of the matter! If they were evil in their hearts, then good would not result. Jesus used their heart condition to teach a vital principle, that is out of the heart the mouth speaks. This principle applies to all humanity. What is in my heart will come out of my mouth. Maybe I can hide it for awhile, but eventually, when push comes to shove, it will pop out! So I think that these unkind, evil words are a signal that something is wrong in my heart. It is then that I need to spend some time with the Lord, searching, confessing, and reading His Word. I must constantly be aware of my heart's treasure. I can't be like the Pharisees who tried with all their human might to appear righteous even though their hearts were evil, but instead I need to be like Jesus who was God's good treasure to me in the flesh. He came to share God's love at the sacrifice of His life. This great cost proved His heart's treasure. Does my heart's treasure result in self-sacrifice, in giving freely and liberally to others, and in meeting the needs of others especially when it calls for sacrifice? I know that Jesus has put a new nature within me, but at the same time, I struggle with the flesh. Like Paul, I must say, "I have the desire to do right, but not the ability to carry it out...So I find it a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand." What a struggle to do right out of a good heart! But I can praise God that according to His power at work within me, I can have good treasure in my heart. I can grow in His grace and love. However, all of this comes at the cost of self-denial, of taking up my cross and following Him. What I need to do is guard my heart through the power of the Spirit who indwells me and helps my words reflect the goodness of God. I must never accept or justify my human flaws as the norm! Evil heart treasure should not be at home in my heart. It is my enemy not some horrible relative that I tolerate.

Father,

Thank You for saving me, for giving me new life, and or changing my heart. Spirit, convict me when I grow careless and allow evil to sprout and grow deep within my heart. Help me root it out so that my heart produces a crop of goodness. Let me speak words from Your fruit grown in me to full maturity.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Take My Yoke

Mt. 11:28-20

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you , and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Since Jesus invited the hard working and the heavy laden to come to Him, how do these people differ from the wise and understanding people mentioned in this passage? To clarify Jesus revealed the heart condition of the people in the cities where He had done great miracles. In v. 25 it says that God had hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to children. Why, because these people believed themselves to be wise in the ways of the world and understanding in the ways of established religion. They felt that their works were enough to give them spiritual significance as in the case of the Pharisee and scribes. So when they saw Jesus performing miracles, they began an outright attack against Him instead of coming to Him for rest for their souls. Their self-sufficiency was their self-righteousness! Yet, Jesus didn't stop caring or offering. He wanted to give rest to those who felt the burden of a works religion, a religion that was devoid of soul-rest. Instead, what Jesus offered was exactly what they needed! He came to bring rest!

In my Bible it says that the 'yoke' was a common metaphor for the law. The people were compared to oxen who were yoked to carry a heavy load, that load was the burden of the law. By contrast, Jesus offered a yoke that was easy with a light burden. His yoke reflected his gentle and lowly heart. His life's mission was to pay the debt, to assume the guilt, and to shed His blood. Once and for all He fulfilled the 'yoke' of the law and replaced it with His yoke of salvation through grace. Sadly, it was a salvation that was seemingly impossible for the people in these great cities to understand or to receive.

I see this invitation still being offered. Maybe people today are not struggling with the weight of a complex works-based religion, but they are struggling with the weights of a God-rejecting culture. Whatever the weights and burdens in this life, Jesus is still gentle and lowly in heart. He is still offering a salvation by grace and faith alone. But, like then, people must still see and believe His claims. Belief is the rub because it comes through faith! Today, those who are wise in themselves often do not see and accept Jesus' claims of grace. Sadly, they reject this greatest gift of all. Yet, that easy yoke and light burden is offered to all. I wonder why Jesus' yoke is considered easy? I think it is because once I am His, I don't have to carry the load alone anymore. His Holy Spirit dwells within me helping me in any way that I need. The Spirit is the Helper that Jesus gave to believers when He went back to heaven. I have the load-lifter dwelling within! No wonder the yoke is easy and the burden is light.

Father,

Thank You for opening my eyes to these great claims of grace. Thank you for replacing my heavy yoke of sin with the easy yoke of Jesus and making my burden light. Put within me a fire to share this with others so that they too might have the gift of grace.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Take Up His Cross and Follow

Mt. 10:38-39

"And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."

What a shocking concept to view discipleship in the metaphor of crucifixion! When I read the phrase "take his cross," I think of Christ taking up His cross. That scene of Jesus struggling and beaten comes vividly into my mind. But what exactly was the cross for Jesus? Obviously, it was an instrument of cruel torture, but more than that, I think it was the instrument of God's sovereign will for Jesus. For me the cross means mercy and grace, but for Jesus it meant obedience "even to death on a cross." In the same way, discipleship means that whatever God's sovereign will for my life is, I must pick it up and follow. If I do not do this, and instead, chose my own path, then I am not worthy of Jesus. Why? In Jn. 15:20 Jesus says, "A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. " Since Jesus is my master, I cannot disobey. "For to this I have been called, because Christ also suffered for me, leaving me an example, so that I might follow in His footsteps." (I Pet. 2:21) I must follow in His footsteps especially the steps of cross-carrying and suffering. It is in these steps that I learn obedience. The hard questions come into my mind and my heart. Am I carrying the cross that God has given me? Am I even seeing this cross, or are the eyes of my spirit clouded by a preoccupation with what the world has to offer?

Then the verse goes on to develop a paradox of losing and finding. If I find my life spiritually which includes cross-carrying, then I must lose the life of worldly priorities. The spirit-life found is the world-life lost. They can't coexist for "no man can have two masters." But the cool thing is that though I lose the life that the world prizes and cherishes, I have found a life of infinitely greater good. However, finding this life hinges on cross-carrying. The way to blessing is through suffering, and the way to gain is through loss. These are the paradoxes of obedience. God's way is definitely not the world's way. Have I found my life in God, or am I trying to hold on to both worlds? If finding true life comes from the loss of this life, then it must be through faith. I mean who is going to chose loss? No, this comes through the power at work within me strengthening me in my inner man so that Christ may dwell in my heart causing me to comprehend the love of Christ. It is His controlling love and life that gives me the strength to carry, to follow, and to choose to lose. "He is no fool who loses what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

Father,

Strengthen me in obeying Your will for my life, in carrying my cross, and in following You. I want to gain life in You. Sharpen my eyes so that I may see Your will and chose You way.

In Jesus name,

Amen