Desire and Good

As I was praying this morning, I lifted up Ps. 73:23-26 for a friend, but the words of the passage spoke to my heart as well.

Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

I was impacted by the phrase, there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. How all inclusive is that! David was not attached to things in this world. As I examine my heart, I wonder if my desiring is only for God. Am I treasuring Him above all else? This world, our life style, our plenty and ease of living all seem so good. Have they clouded our love for God? Have our hearts desire wanted to settle in and make a comfy little nest? Have we forgotten that we are sojourners and travelers?

And then in v. 28 it says, But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. In another version it says, God is my good. I love that! Can I say that God is my good? What a thought to meditate on. He has blessed me with so much. I certainly can say that He is my good, but is He my only good?

Father,

Thank You for these thoughts and the power in Your words. You have impacted my life. I do desire You, but I need You to purify my desire. Take away any penchant for this world. Instead unite my heart to be one with Yours. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

Abiding

Jn. 15:1-17

As I read this passage this morning, I am moved in my heart. I must make it my own; memorize and meditate on it. Write about it. I must echo the words of Jeremiah, Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words become to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. I must devour more of God's word and bury it deep in my heart. Only then will it change and transform me. There is always the possibility that when I read Scripture and want to obey, that I will change within my own will and power. Even though my motive is good, the end result is not. It must be all of Him. As Paul said in 1 Cor. 15:10, But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

So on to John 15. Initially I must recognize the characters in this passage and their respective positions: Jesus, the Father, and John [speaking for all believers]. 

• Jesus- He is the vine who cleanses me through His words. provides life and sustenance to the branches, and gives me a place ot abide [a home] . 
• The Father is the vinedresser with the responsibility of pruning and then gathering of unfruitful branches to be burned. 
• John and all believers are branches, branches that must be clean, bear fruit, and be constantly abiding in the vine. 

Pruning: The Father prunes not to cause pain or to be cruel, but to make the branches more fruitful. I am not sure how the branches on the vine feel when they are pruned. Do they feel pain since they are a living being? Regardless, as a branch, the pruning would cause intense pain, but pain that has a wonderful purpose. God calls us to endure hardship, to fight the good fight, and to bear the burden. None of these speak of ease. 

Cleansing: Eph. 5:26 says that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. and Titus 3:5 says he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, Jesus stated simply that He washed us with His words. How could His words have so much power? He is the logos the living word. When God speaks, words become life! The power of His words was twofold; one a cleansing that washed away our sin, and secondly, a giving of new life. He did not cleanse us to leave a vacuum, but to graft in His being, to make us partakers of the divine nature. 2 Pet. 1:3-4 says, His divine power has granted to us all things pertaining to life and godliness by which He has granted to us His precious and very promises so that we may become partakers of the divine nature having escaped from the corruption that is in the world. Wow! What a glorious gift!

Abiding: He cleansed us to give us new life, this new life is dependent on abiding. Just like a branch dies apart from the vine, so we would die apart from Jesus.  Abiding is essential. It is our power source. If we try and live for Jesus apart from abiding, it will only end in failure. But abiding in Jesus produces much fruit, much power, and much closeness. Jesus states it plainly. Apart from Him we can do nothing! 

Fruitbearing: Once we are cleansed, pruned, and are abiding, then we become productive. Fruit will abound. If we circumvent the divine plan, we will become a withered branch ready to be gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. Who would chose that? No one in their right mind. The Father is glorified by our fruitbearing. Not only that but it proves we are His disciples. It is a mark of our status. It identifies us as a child of God. 

Praying: When we abide in Him and His words abide in us, we can ask whatever we wish and it will be done. Whoa! We have a direct line to the Father. Our words will be answered. But what is the catch? We will be abiding and His words will be in us. Therefore His words will be our words. We will be praying the words of the Son to the Father. Of course, they will be answered. Our abiding in Him and His words abiding in us will unite us with the will of the Father. We will see life as the Father does and His will will become our will. 

Glorifying: By this the Father is glorified. The 'this' includes our cleasing, abiding, fruitbearing,and praying. We glorify the Father when our life is in line with the Son and the Father. When His words abide in us and We abide in Him. We are filled completely by Him and our will has become His will.

Loving: The Father loved Jesus and Jesus has loved us and then we abide in His love. The love originates with the Father and comes down His divinely ordained channel right into our hearts. His love has transformed us into His disciples. As the Son has loved the Father so we must love the Father.

Obeying: Keeping Jesus' commandments is vitally connected to abiding in His love. Jesus obeyed the Father's commandments and so we must obey His. Of course, this is just a greater explanation of what it means to abide. Abiding gives us the power and the desire to obey. Without abiding obeying becomes a duty, a duty that is often too hard to do or to maintain. But if we are abiding, we have the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit. It enables us to obey as Jesus obeyed His Father. 

Joyful: (Rats! I couldn't make joyful end in 'ing') The end result of pruning, cleansing, abiding, praying, glorifying, loving, obeying is all joy! Jesus wants us to be joyful! So He has spoken His words, those words of divine power into our lives so that His joy would be in us and our joy would be full! Wow! What a gift!

Father,
Thank You so very much for this great gift! I have been cleansed and have felt your pruning. Give me Your grace and strength so that I may abide in Jesus, obey His commands, love You and others, and glorify You. Thank You for the joy that will be mine.
In the power of the Spoken Word,
Amen

Letters

Rev. 2:1-17

As I read these first three letters to the churches, I see some words that could apply to my life, my time, and my culture. Concerning Ephesus, Jesus commended them on their patient endurance, their bearing up for Jesus' name, and their not growing weary. But they had abandoned their first love.

I am beginning to wonder if something akin to this is happening to believers today. We have endured patiently for many years. We have borne up through wars and financial ruin. Yet, I am afraid our hearts have grown cold. Perhaps we have abandoned our first love, for the sake of prosperity, possessions, and liberal politics and policies. Jesus, our first love, would never condone the wholesale slaughter of unborn babies or the abolishing of the traditional concept of marriage, things that many churches buy into wholeheartedly. Yes, America has lost it's first love, it's foundation in the Bible, and its ethical democracy. But what about individual Christians? Have we cooled so far that we have abandoned our first love. When we read out Bibles, it is a fruitless activity. We we hear of atrocities, what is our response?  This plague of creeping apathy must be stopped. Individually, we must examine our hearts to see if any corners of coldness are thriving and then pour the heat of the gospel and the Spirit right in that spot. It must be dealt with immediately or it spreads without notice. 

Then to Smyrna, the angel of the church wrote that the devil would test them by throwing them into prison. But the angel says to be faithful unto death. Scary words and words we have never experienced in America. But could it be in our future as more and more of our freedoms are disappearing? The war the devil has waged here came on subtly so that now he has such an inroad that he can openly assault and alter our complete way of life. How sad to witness a war being fought with hardly a skirmish! Yet for the individual Christian, this is a wake-up call. Examine your heart and live. Make provision for whatever you need to endure whether, it be fines, prison. or even death.

We must remember the final words of this letter, The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death. 

Father,

I ask You to warm my heart today. Pour the heat of the gospel into my life melting any coldness or stiffness that might be hidden there. Help me to be Your vessel to show to all the peoples that Your hand if mighty.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Poor Choices

John 12:37-50

As I read this passage, I just feel the heartbreak of Jesus. Such an intense rejection must have grieved his soul! He offered freedom, but they wanted slavery. He offered light, but they wanted darkness. Unbelievable that man would choose so poorly! In spite of all the signs, the healing, the bread, the resurrection, still there was disbelief. Why? What was the problem? 

Some believed but were afraid of the Pharisees, afraid they would lose the privilege of the synagogue and their own crafted religious system. But the sad thing is that their time in the synagogue was devoid of truth. They lost the most important thing, the true reality for something vacuous and false. 

Others refused because they loved the glory of man more than the glory of God. How heartbreaking that they would reject the God of the universe for the applause of man, the most fickle being on earth! What an indictment! 

Then in v. 44 it says that Jesus cried out. He didn't just speak, but from His agony of soul He uttered great truth. Whoever would believe in Jesus would believe in God, the One who sent Him, the One who had reached out to man to offer a way out of darkness. He sent Jesus, the light of men to shine a light on the darkness of sin and point the way to the Father. Even in the rejection, Jesus did not judge. But the words that He had spoken would judge on that day. The words that they had heard but not believed had come from the Father, and in these words was and still is eternal life. They were so close but yet so far away! The decision was so simple but yet so difficult! They were willing to eat His bread and have their physical bodies healed, but not willing to believe His words! How selfish, grasping, and indulging! 

Father,

I believe Jesus' words, yet in my heart I see remnants of my old nature. I still see my own rank selfishness trying to control and dictate my actions. Keep speaking Your words to my inner man. Keep strengthening me with Your grace. I need You constantly. Help me to make right choices.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

Suffering

1 Pet. 18-25

Suffering is definitely not considered a positive in our culture. But in God's culture, it is! Since we live in this world in a body of flesh, part of our world's culture has seeped in and taken root in our hearts, especially the part about suffering. Yet, God's culture is stronger and has claimed significantly more of our thoughts and hearts. So as I read these words about suffering, I must buy into them! I must be all in!

There is no innate credit for the person who does wrong and suffers for it. In fact that is called justice! But for the person who is good who thinks of others, who is a good neighbor, who pays his bills and his taxes, who is honest and loving, for this person suffering is a gracious thing in the sight of God. It is a gracious thing because it is only through His grace that someone can endure the suffering without getting bitter or hardened.

Even more than that, our suffering is our calling. The believer is called to suffer because Christ suffered. He is our example. What he suffered, we must! Following in His footsteps is no cakewalk! Jesus continually (and not just once) entrusted Himself to His Father. He knew and understood that suffering  could not be accomplished without the Father. Suffering that is gracious has a loving and forgiving spirit toward the one inducing the suffering. Suffering that comes out of nowhere and takes a loved one with no notice can only be endured with the Father. Any suffering no matter how horrendous demands the grace of God to be endured. Without His grace, suffering can cause bitterness, desolation, devastation, depression, mental and physical states from which a person cannot recover. Without the grace of God, suffering becomes a black whole swallowing a part of a person or even the entire person. 

So when it says that Jesus, God in the flesh, someone with all the angels of heaven at His beck and call, had to commit Himself to the Father constantly and continually to endure suffering, then so must we! How can we think that we can handle it on our own? How foolish and prideful! This calling demands God's enabling!

Father,

I confess that I have not always relied on Your grace as I suffer. Help me to do this Give me Your grace to ask for the grace that I need. You must do it all in my life.

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 a beautiful attitude toward God's words! Oh that I might be an eater of God's words, that I might devour them and treasure them! What in this world do I joy and take delight in? Family, friends, possessions, esteem? All of those things pale in light of God's word, or should I say should pale. How easily distracted are our hearts! How easily turned to value what is temporal and earthly! We often forget whose name we have taken or has taken us. We are bought with the price of the life of the Son of God and are no longer our own. We are His, and because of this one fact we must take delight in the things that are eternal, in the things that are filled with Jesus.  We must eat the words because they are He. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word, the living Word, the Logos is Jesus Christ. He is our delight and our joy!

Father,

Give me an unquenchable appetite for the Word, for Jesus. Give me that delight and joy that only comes from You. Help me to always remember who has called me and who is my owner. Help me to remember I am called by Your name!

In the name of the Word,

Amen

Final Remarks and Benediction

Heb. 13

This chapter deals with so many issues ranging from hospitality to strangers to adultery and sexually immoral people. The Bible has a word on all the things that we need to know. I want to list some of the topics covered in this chapter: 

• Be hospitable to strangers.
• Remember those who are in prison.
• Hold marriage and the marriage bed in honor and undefiled.
• Keep free from loving money.
• Be content.
• Don't fear what man can do to you.
• Remember leaders, those who taught us the word, and imitate their lives.
• Jesus is timeless and unchanging.
• Watch out for diverse and strange teachings.
• Be strengthened by grace and not foods.
• Jesus suffered outside the camp and shed His blood for us. 
• We have a lasting city yet to come.
• Through Jesus we an offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.
• Do good.
• Share what you have.
• Obey leaders and submit to them because they keep watch on our souls.
• Pray for believers.

So much vital information all packed into one chapter. And yet there is more. The book has a beautiful and fitting benediction.

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Father,

I ask that through Jesus You equip me with everything good that I may do Your will. I want to be pleasing in Your sight and give glory to Jesus who is the rightful owner of all glory forever,

In His name,

Amen

No Judgment

Heb. 9:11-28

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.

Christ came and died as the sacrifice to put away sin by His righteous substitution. In the same way it is appointed for man to die once, and after death comes judgment. But for the believer not so! Praise God! When Christ appears for us [those who eagerly wait for His return] he will not come in judgment but in deliverance, to pull us out of this world before final judgment. What a savior we have!

Father,

Thank You for the provision of Your Son, for supplying what we needed to be right with You even at great cost to Yourself. Thank You for Christ returning for us. I eagerly wait!

In Jesus name,

Amen

Idols

Heb. 4:1-11

God has promised His people rest, rest from work and rest from the struggle of the flesh and the spirit within each one of us. But what is the one thing that prevented Israel from resting? It was disobedience. They disobeyed the Lord and did not keep Him holy in their hearts. Instead they pursued false gods. It seems as I read the OT that for Israel their sin was obvious, false gods vs. the true God. They seemed inordinately attracted to the gods of the people that they had conquered. But even though things seem so much more gray now as opposed to black and white, I wonder if it seems gray only because we want to perceive it that way. 

We so struggle with the flesh and the spirit, falling prey to the same sins over and over. Is this repetition not a type of false god? Are we not worshiping at the altar of self as opposed to the crucified self? I think it must be a matter of heart. When the struggle ensues and we fall, how do we feel? Do we accept it as the common course of things, or do we grieve over that sin? Do we think about God when we sin or are we focused more on ourselves? Are we taking seriously the commands of Scripture wanting more than anything to obey them, or have we reduced our Christianity to a more convenient relationship, one that is easier to follow and one what does not attract any unwanted attention from the world. Even though we are covered in the grace of God and He views us covered in the blood of Jesus, He still desires us to be holy as He is holy. He desires us to want to be like Him because we love Him above all. 

I think of myself how that many times I accept as the normal course of life my bad attitude when I should be crying out to God confessing and asking for help. It reveals to me how insidious sin is. If sin is given even the slightest inch, it will take so much more. To be victorious, we must be engaged in the battle. We must remember the little skirmishes are as important as the big battles. Heb. 4:11 says, Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.

Father,

I confess my disobedient heart, my allowing of bad attitudes and a sharp tongue and retort. Give me a heart of love. Pry my fingers off myself sot that You may flood in filling and controlling.This is my desire.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Onesimus-the Beginning of the Story

Philemon 1-11

Paul wrote to Philemon, a slave owner and the owner of Onesimus more specifically, about Onesimus, a run-away slave who had run all the way to Rome where he had come in contact with Paul. That was it for Onesimus! He became a believer and ministered to Paul in an exceedingly helpful way. Even though he was a great comfort and help to Paul, Paul knew that he must send him back to his master, Philemon who was a believer as well. 

Paul began the letter telling Philemon what he had heard about him: his love and faith toward Jesus and toward all the saints. He prayed for Philemon that his ministry would be effective and that he personally would grow to full knowledge. His love had blessed Paul's heart in so many ways, but especially because the hearts of the saints had been refreshed through him. 

I love that phrase, the hearts of the saints had been refreshed through him. I wonder how many of us can attest to this. Have our lives refreshed the hearts of the saints that God has brought across our paths? Is that concept even in our thinking? In what possible ways could we refresh hearts. What comes to mind is multi-faceted: compassion, caring, gentleness in the way we handle people; giving, assisting, praying, and meeting needs in our actions; remembering and thinking about them, and formulating plans in our hearts and minds. If they are not in our hearts and minds, we have absolutely no way of refreshing them. 

Father,

Help me be a refreshment to the hearts of other believers. Open my eyes to opportunities.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Love

Titus 3:1-8

What is love? This question has been pondered for centuries. Some think,'love is an action' while others think it is 'free love'--which is really love without any responsibility or commitment. Still others seek to identify it through the lives of other people, often their parents. Of course, this is where the whole process goes awry because people are so imperfect. The home instead of being the place where love flourishes, is the place where love is attacked and tried. It is in the home that the worst side of every person exists and is seen. But to identify true love, we must look away from humanity and look to God. His love is perfect in every way!

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,

he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

God's love reached down to us in our most horrible state. We were not worth saving in any way. Goodness existed in us only as it benefited us. In His own mercy and through the washing of the Spirit we became regenerated and renewed. All of this was through Jesus Christ. He was the One who offered Himself as the substitute sacrifice, the sacrifice that paid the price to take away our sin and rank evilness. Because of Him we are justified [just as if I had never sinned] by His grace so that we have a future and a hope. We will be heirs with Christ eternally. Paul concludes by emphasizing the truth and trustworthiness of these words. We can take it to the bank!! For these reasons our life style should be changed. We now must be careful no longer living haphazardly and without focus. We must do good works reaching out to others with this same message. All of this is excellent and profitable! And I agree!! Amen!

Father,

How You loved me! You are the epitome of love and kindness. Grow me in Your love so that I might reflect Your Son.

In His name,

Amen

Purpose and Focus

Titus 2

Have you ever wondered what you were supposed to be doing in this life? Have you wondered if you made the right career choices or relationship choices? Sadly, often once a path is chosen it's hard to go another way, kind of a 'road not taken' scenario. As I was reading in Titus this morning, the verses seemed to jump out at me saying this is your purpose, this is what should be your focus.

For the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men,

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Well there it is! God's grace came in the person of Jesus Christ to bring salvation to all, all who would believe. This salvation as well as Jesus Christ has taught us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. What a big order! We are not just to abstain from them part of the time or have them in a watered down form in our lives, no, we are to DENY them! 

As soon as we get rid of the negative, we are to put in the positive. You can't leave an empty space. The negative will flow right back in! So into the newly emptied space, we are to add in living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Not later in heaven, but right now where everything is flawed and so very difficult. Being sober in focus really has nothing to do with drinking [although it could], but I think it speaks much more to a focus that is not encumbered by a lot of things, things that would make you go out-of-control much like alchohol does. All three of these things come from saturating ourselves in the word and prayer, seeking a closeness with Jesus to the point that this world fades. 

Then finally, we are to eagerly look forward to His return where He takes us to Himself instead of thinking about all the worldly things that you still want to do. Why should I not look at and even enjoy what the world has to offer? Because Jesus gave Himself for us. He redeemed us from sin and all of its evil consequences, and He wants to purify us so that we might be a peculiar people zealous of good works. Peculiar, sure we can see that! But zealous of good works. How many of the world's great humanitarians have been Christians? How often do unsaved people have a much greater compassion for those hurting and suffering? That is to our shame!

So there is the answer to our questions about purpose and focus. If we are doing things in life that taint any of the directives in these verses, then we are not where we should be! Instead of drawing closer to Jesus, we are drawing closer to the world. We can't be neutral. We are either hot or cold.

Father,

I thank You so much for this passage this morning. It has really spoken to my heart. Make my focus and my purpose be always in sync with Your purpose and focus for me.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Strengthen, Endure, Suffer

2 Tim. 2:1-13

Even though Paul was in prison, he was not disabled because the gospel itself was not imprisoned! He was willing to endure anything as long as the gospel would be preached, as long as salvation was offered to the elect. He went on to give advice to Timothy encouraging him to share in sufferings as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Don't shy away from them! Don't hide from them! Instead Timothy was to strengthen himself in the grace that was in Jesus Christ. Then Paul asked him to remember, If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful-- for he cannot deny himself. Pretty strong words to put Timothy's thinking straight. Pretty strong words for us as well. For me, I need to remember to share in suffering as a soldier of Jesus. I need to be faithful and to endure what comes my way. I need to strengthen myself in the grace of Jesus Christ.

Father,

I confess I don't always embrace suffering or stand as a good soldier. Give me Your strengthening grace that I might be strong for You. I only want to live in and for You! Thank You for Jesus who makes my life in You possible.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Charge and The Christ

1 Tim. 6:11-21

As I read this section, I was overwhelmed with the beauty and the message of the words. So much in so little space. First the charge: As for you, O man of God...Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. This should be my pursuit! So whatever it is I am doing, if it does not allow for this qualities to grow and flourish, it should not be what I pursue. But wait, if that is not enough there is more! Fight the good fight of faith, Take hold of eternal life, and keep  the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wow! This should be the believer's life. This should be my life!

Second, this passage makes some wonderful statements about Christ! The preceding charge is given in the presence of God who give life to all things, and in the presence of Christ Jesus, who Himself made confession in front of Pilate. He is our example. He is who we should follow. Then the passage goes on to describe Jesus at His coming for His own. He is blessed and only sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, immortal, dwells in unapproachable light, and to Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen! Wow! 

Finally after all great stuff, Paul speaks specifically to Timothy, and tells him to guard the deposit entrusted to him. Like Timothy, I need to heed the charge of Paul and live like he wanted Timothy to live. I need to remember who Christ is, this Christ I serve and love.I need to remember Him in all his glory! And glory He is! I love this passage! Might be a good one to memorize and pray.

Father,

Thank You for blessing my heart this morning. You knew exactly what I needed. Thank You for giving me Christ, for showing me just a glimpse of His glory. Thank You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Men and Women

1 Tim. 2:9-10

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling, likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable attire, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but that what is proper for women who profess godliness--with good works. 

Every place, that is not just in church, men should be praying [even praying for the women]. Apparently the men were, and still are, prone to anger and quarreling [not to say that all men are]. But certainly we see it in so many instances of abuse for women and children and even road rage. To be sue there are murderers and combatants, but I am not sure if that is predominantly men. Regardless, a Christian man should never engage in these behaviors especially if he wants to be holy and to have an effective prayer life. So obviously those things must stop, but the lifting up of hands, not just any hands, but holy hands, must be paramount. For the hands to be holy, sinful behaviors must cease!

Then on to women. Apparently our Achilles Heel is vanity and immodesty. Why is that ? An overwhelming desire to look like the world? A secret desire to be noticed by all men and not just husbands? Whatever the motivation, immodesty must stop. But the problems lies in what is immodest since it is a nebulous word. What is immodest for some is not for others. But if the Christian woman is sincere in her desire, the Holy Spirit will lead her correctly. She will be modest. But there are other areas as well, self-control and vanity. Self-control covers so many areas from eating to watching TV, from shopping to hobbies, Whatever it is , women must exercise self-control. There must be balance! In addition her focus must not just be on her appearance, her hair, her jewelry, her clothes, and oh yes, her shoes! Self-control must be in these areas as well. Does functionality have a say in these matters? What about quality and quantity? Once again prayer could bring the answers. Even though these areas seem trivial, they apparently are not! God included them in His word for a reason. 

So whether you are a man or a woman prayer must reign in the life. It will be the guiding force for what we do, say, think, feel, for what we wear, and for what we participate in. 

Father,

Thank You for including these areas in Your words as well. Help me to be attune to Your Spirit so that I might hear His guiding and voice.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Purpose

1 Tim. 12:20

Paul now goes on to explain the purpose of the charge, that is, love that issues from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Does it make the charge that much stronger when you know the purpose of the charge? I know that there are people who won't do anything unless they know the reason why. Perhaps Paul is handling that type of person. Anyway, Paul says he has issued the charge so that Timothy [and us] might wage the good warfare, holding the faith and a good conscience. 

The Christian life is definitely a warfare. Many times this struggle comes from outside sources in the form of ridicule or persecution, even at the cost of life. But even if the outside elements are fairly calm, there is always a struggle from within. Here we wage war against our flesh, the thing that defeats us almost before we begin. We know what we should do, yet our flesh never seems to cooperate. How appealing Satan makes the pride of life, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes!

How much we need to cry out for help and rely on the strength and power of His glorious grace! And how much we need to desire to fulfill the charge that we might be pleasing to Him.

Father,

Help me to have a pure-hearted love, a good conscience and a sincere faith. I want to wage a good war holding onto my faith and keeping a good conscience.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Charge

1 Tim. 1:1-11

"The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."

How complex is this simple statement! Love from a pure heart. Who can even aspire to that? Our love is so flawed and often selfish. A good conscience! Even harder. Haven't we all hidden away things that we don't want others to see or know. And a sincere faith. Thankfully faith is a gift, but how sincere are we? This simple charge is humanly impossible! Maybe that is the point. It is only through the grace of God working in and through us that we can even begin to understand what these words mean. For me, this charge must be a matter of constant prayer. God must grow me in these areas. I so want to be obedient to this charge.

Father,

Help me love from a pure heart, keep a good conscience, and have a sincere faith. I can not do this on my own. It is only through You. Jesus, be my help. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

Speed Ahead

2 Thess. 3

Paul prayed and asked for others to pray that the word of the Lord would speed ahead and be honored. It had been thus so with the Thessalonians. He also asked for prayer that they would be delivered from wicked and evil men, men who would thwart the spread of the gospel, men who would seek to do harm to Paul and his crew. But even with these risks, Paul was confident that in faithfulness, the Lord would establish and guard the Thessalonians from the Evil One, and he would always pray in this way for the Thessalonians. Paul knew personally the great power of the Lord. He had seen it at work in his own life and in the lives of many others. The Lord had given Paul a feeling of confidence in his spirit that these people would grow, doing and willing to do the things that they had been taught. He knew that the Lord would direct their hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. What a wonderful prayer! And one that we could use for a model.  

I wonder in this age of computers and global communication, do we pray that the gospel would speed ahead and be honored. Certainly this is what we need! To speed ahead of all the foolishness and evil that resides on the internet! Do we ask prayer that we would be delivered from Satan, or do we just accept his influence as part of our daily lives, as part of our culture? Are we confident in the Lord that He has the power to establish and guard us protecting us from Satan, or have we been so blinded by human technology that we no longer see the power of God in the human heart? Do we personally know the power of the Lord in our lives and in the lives of others? Do we pray for ourselves and others that we would be directed to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ? Maybe we have not because we ask not! Perhaps we should be praying as Paul prayed, even using his exact words and desiring what he desired with our whole hearts.

Father,

I confess my lack of prayer and my lack of focus in prayer. I ask that you would direct me to Your love and to the steadfastness of Christ. I ask that You would speed the gospel around the globe and have it be honored as it should be. Give me godly confidence in Your great power.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Encouragement

1 Thess. 5:1-11

Paul reminds us to be ready for the coming of the Lord because He will come like a thief in the night when He is least expected. But it should be no problem for those who belong to Him since we are not of the night but of the day. Those of the day are sober having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. In addition we are covered in His grace which gives us His strength and endurance for living out each day. Our destiny is not one of wrath, foolishness, or ignorance instead we are saved through Jesus Christ our Lord and have an eternal future and inheritance with the saints in light. So these words are an encouragement to us. We need not fear that the Lord hasn't come yet, He will, and whether we are alive or asleep it makes no difference. We will be together with Him for eternity. Wow!

Father,

Thank You for this encouragement today. Thank You for giving me a destiny with You and Jesus. You have saved and kept me. My heart is full. Thank You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Commands

1 Thess. 4:9-12

Paul has given commands to the Thessalonians, commands that concern their [and our] daily living. First is to love one another. Pretty basic but so often forgotten! Col. 3: 14 says, Above all these put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 1 Cor. 13 describes the qualities of this love, patient, kind, does not envy or boast, is not arrogant or rude, does not insist on its own way, is not irritable or resentful, does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Yikes! That pretty much spells it out. Quite the command! Who can do it? No one apart from the strength and grace that God supplies. I would think that most people have a long way to go on this command. 

Secondly, to aspire to live quietly. How is that even possible in our day and age? So much noise, commotion, and hurrying from one event to another. Crowding so much into each day barely leaving time to think. Yet, we are commanded to do this. We must then evaluate our life styles. Are we crowding too much into each day? Are we seeking time to be quiet and listen to God, to soak in His word and cherish our time with Him. 

Then, to mind our own affairs. It makes me laugh to think of this since we even have TV shows centered around minding other people's affairs! But personally, why this command? Perhaps it has to do with keeping us from judging others. If we are minding our own affairs, we can then focus on praying for others without throwing our 2 cent's worth into their lives. We can begin to see these people from God's point of view not ours.

Finally, to work with our hands so that we would not be dependent on others and be walking properly before others. It is not right that we be moochers or beggars without seeking employment. Also too much time on our hands breeds problems like countless hours surfing the web. Funny how this phrase is not really used anymore. How many people actually work with their hands? It is something for us to think about and apply. Are we providing for ourselves as much as is possible?

All of these commands are necessary for pleasing the Lord. It is right that we pray about them and ask God for the strength and grace to implement them. There is always the possibility that wherever there is a list, we will make it something we check off. But not so in God's realm! As Paul said he worked as hard as he could but through the grace of God that was in him. This is what we must do!

Father,

Thank You for these practical words today. Help me to obey in all areas.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Denial

Lk. 9:23-26

And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Following Jesus means denying self and taking up our cross daily. Denying self seems like an impossible task, but through the strength that God supplies, we can make some inroads into this denial. In the footnote of my Bible, it says denying personal control of my life. That makes sense. to deny self is to deny my right to run my life thus allowing God to have this right [which really rightfully by rite of creation should be His.].  Phew, a lot of rights there!

But taking up the cross, what is this cross? Certainly it is a cross that all believers must bear, a cross that must parallel the cross of Christ. His cross was one of intense suffering, pain, separation, mockery, and isolation from the One He loved most, His Father. So for the believer it would mean that I should walk in His footsteps, steps of suffering and separation. Following Jesus will lead to persecution in some form whether it is physical abuse or mockery. It can also mean separation from family and friends, a cutting away from familial ties. Quite a cross! This too would need the strength that only God supplies.

So if we lose our lives here in this life, we will save our life eternally. If we give up control of our life here, we will spend eternity in heaven with Christ. For what is gained by fighting for control here and losing our souls for eternity? Absolutely nothing! Satan has so magnified the claims of this world, that people can't imagine life without all this world system has to offer. But a closer look would reveal its true emptiness and insatiability. Even though it seems heavy, that is denying self and taking up His cross, He supplies the only true fulfillment and satisfaction there is to be found. A life lived for Jesus may have some really rough times, but He is right beside us in whatever we go though. A life lived for Jesus is like none other!

Father,

Strengthen me when I encounter suffering and affliction. Strengthen me in denying myself. Both of these areas seem so hard. I know that in myself it is not possible. I must and want to rely on You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Words

Col. 4:1-6

As I read these few verses, several things come to mind. First, that I should be continuing steadfastly in prayer. Why is prayer so hard? I study without any problem, but when it comes to prayer I am inconsistent. It says here to be watchful in prayer with thanksgiving. Watchful of what? The roaring lion seeking someone to devour. If I am not praying, I am easy prey for the one who wants me to fail. Prayer is my guard, my protection, my strength. And yes, always with thanksgiving. Our lives have suffering and affliction as did Jesus' life. He said we are to follow in His footsteps. For that, we need much prayer and help from the Holy Spirit. 

Paul was deeply concerned about having more doors of opportunity to share the gospel. Even though he shared constantly, he wanted to share more so he asked believers to pray. Such a burden we should have! Then Paul says that we should walk in wisdom toward unbelievers.  Our lives, words, actions, and attitudes say so much about Jesus. We are His windows to the world. Whenever we slack off, what does it say to the world? 

Not only are we to walk wisely, but we are to make the best use of our time. So when we are around unbelievers, we need to examine our use of time. Are we seeing opportunities or are we just involved in chatter without any spiritual emphasis? Are we looking into the lives of others seeing their needs and then trying to meet those needs? Are our words ministering to those that God brings into our lives?

Finally, our speech needs to be seasoned with salt so that we may know how to answer each person. 'Salt' is a unique concept. It refers back to Mt. 5:13 where Jesus tells us we are the salt of the earth. We are here for seasoning, for healing, and for preservation. So if we think of this as we answer people, it would make a huge difference. Are my words healing or preserving? Are they seasoning or giving people a direction in their life? Are they what Jesus would say? He had a way of looking into a person and seeing their true need. We need to have this same spiritual vision.

Father,

I bring my life before You know for You to use as You know best. Open my mouth wisely. Make my time count. Let my eyes see opportunities and needs. Help me to pray consistently.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Put to Death

Co. 3:1-11

If we have been raised with Christ...Certainly we say that we have. We attested to it in baptism, but is it a reality in our lives. If it is, then we will seek spiritual, heavenly things. We will seek Jesus Christ Himself. Why? Because we have died to the flesh, and our lives our hidden with Christ in God, hidden no longer to be seen. If only that were true, then our flesh, our selfishness wouldn't be so evident.

So what do we do to make this a reality? We must put to death certain things in our life. If we were to put to death a living being, they would cease to exist. The same should be true here.We must make no allowances for these things to ever be seen in our lives again, and if they do surface, we must instantly grieve over them and kill them again. Sadly, too often we make allowances for them and let them coexist with our struggling spirituality. 

This passage lists those things we must put to death: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, covetousness, idolatry. Oh, we say, these are no problem! But the list goes on, and these may hit a little closer to home. anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk, and lying. None of these things must be found in a believer's life. They definitely cannot coexist with the Spirit of God who indwells us.The passage says that on account of these the wrath of God is coming. Scary! Since we have a new self which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator we must put off the old self with everything associated with it. Strong words and very black and white. It really leaves no room for those little things that we call personality traits or weaknesses. This calls them sin!

Father,

Give me grace and strength to deal with these areas as sin. Help me never to allow them in my life. Prick my conscience. Make me grieve. It seems like the flesh has such a strong hold on me in certain areas. Help me!

In Jesus name,

Amen

Strong Words

Col. 2:8-15

Paul minces no words as he issued this warning! Beware of philosophy and empty deceit, endless discussions about the minutia of  human thought, human traditions, and the elemental spirits of the world! Why? Because these things have the power to take our minds captive. Satan has crafted them to be his agents of slavery. For the Christian this is serious business! Christ did not save us to have us be captives of foolish, earthly thought. 

In fact, Christ's power is much greater than Satan's. In Him is the whole fullness of God, and amazingly, we have been filled in Him. God has designed it so that there are no empty spaces left for foolishness. Since Christ is the head of all rule and authority, he has canceled the debt that stood against us with its legal demands. How? Not by judicial order which He could have done, but by His willing and humbling sacrifice on the cross.When He died, He disarmed rulers and authorities triumphing over them. He revealed their true identity and put them to open shame. This is our Christ, the One who has filled us with Himself! So why would we open the door to be a slave of a conquered ruler? Pure Foolishness!

His death on the cross canceled our debt of sin by His taking our place and our penalty. He also circumcised our hearts with a circumcision not by human hands by putting off the body of our flesh and freeing us from the power of Satan. In baptism, we are buried with Christ, and then rise up with Him in faith. Even though we were dead in our sins and the uncircumcision of our hearts, God made us alive together with Christ with our sins forgiven and our debt of sin canceled. All of this through the powerful working of God who also raised Christ from the dead. This same power that raised Christ from the dead is resident within us! Amazing Grace! So in light of all this, why would we allow philosophy and empty deceit to make us captives? Foolishness! It is just that, empty! 

Father,

Thank You for blessing my life with You and Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for forgiving my sin and canceling my debt of sin. Thank You for filling me with Your Son and circumcising my heart. Thank You for removing the power of sin in my life, for freeing me from its slavery. Thank You!

In Jesus name,

Amen

In Christ

Col. 2:1-7

Paul struggled for the Colossians and the Laodiceans not because he wanted to see them again but because he had never seen them at all. Having this deficit made their spiritual growth and progress paramount in his thinking. What exactly was the struggle? No doubt it was in prayer and concern. He desired that they be encouraged by his words, that they be knit together in love, and that they reach the full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery that is Christ. So much in Christ! He wanted them to have it all because in Christ was hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Christ had radically transformed Paul's life, and he wanted others to experience this same radical transformation. So even though he was not with them personally, he was with them in spirit, the spirit they commonly shared because of Jesus Christ. 

Then we come to the 'therefore, the conclusion of the thoughts previously stated. Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. [Amazing how Paul can say so much in one sentence!] Once Jesus is in the life, we must walk in Him! He is not in our lives to be hidden! We are His window to the world, the evidence of His transforming power. When we walk in Him, we need to be rooted and built up in Him. How? Soaking up His words. Knowing what He is all about, what His ethics and principles are, knowing how all His words apply to our lives, and then living them out! When we do this we are established in the faith. However, we can never rest on our laurels since the Word is living and active. Every time we read or study, it teaches us more and grows us more. A life lived out through Jesus is a life that is ever growing and changing making us life-long learners of Jesus Christ! Our hearts are full of thanksgiving because He fills our vision each moment and our hearts constantly. When we are focused on Him and not on the world, we don't become discontent or covetous. Because in Christ we are content and thankful because He has satisfied us completely. What a life to be lived in Jesus Christ!

Father,

Thank You for Jesus Christ and all He is to me. Thank You for His words that I may know Him and You better.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Reconciled!

Col. 1:15-29

What a declaration! Jesus has reconciled us in His body of flesh by His death. It is amazing when you think about it! The verses immediately preceding this declaration describe who Jesus is, the image of the invisible God and Creator of all. He preceded all things and in Him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church., the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, the preeminent one. In Him the fullness of God dwells and through Him is all reconciliation. He is the peacemaker through His shed blood. This God, this person of such exalted greatness offered His body to death so that even when we were filthy with sin, We might be saved, be reconciled to God. Wow!! This is the ultimate gift! And why would he do this since we are nothing in ourselves and have nothing to offer God. He did this in order that He might present us holy and blameless and above reproach before Him. What a vision God had for us! he could see us before the Father standing pure! All this given to us! But what do we do? Through His grace, strength, and power we must continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard. 

Father,

Help me to be stable and steadfast. Strengthen me in Your love and power.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Hills

Ps. 121

As the psalmist lifted up his eyes to the hills so to I must lift up my eyes each day. Perhaps the hills meant he was nearing his place of worship and was almost to his desired destination, or perhaps it means that there was danger in the hills, a danger that wanted to keep him from Jerusalem. Either way, I can identify. There is danger in the world, a danger that can be feared depending on where a person lives in the world, or as I look I can see the hand of God in everything. I can see the great power of God in creation and His power over an individual life. 

Like the psalmist, I know that my helps comes from the Lord. There is no other person who can provide the help that I need, that can protect, strengthen, guide, or comfort me. He is the One! He never slumbers and has the power to keep everyone person on this earth at the same time since He is the God of ultimate power and control. He is the creator! He keeps me from evil and keeps charge of all the details of my life. You name it, He has control of it. He is much more than a manager or the most powerful person on this earth. He is a power unlike any man has seen or ever will see, yet He has reached down to man individually and has established a relationship with him through His Son, Jesus Christ. What have I to fear? Man could only end this life, but has no power over eternity. God can has control of this life and eternity as well. Certainly, the psalmist had a handle on who God really was! He must have known Him personally as do I. Praise Him for His watch care over me!

Father,

Thank You for this beautiful psalm. How it blesses my heart this morning. Thank You that You are in control of my life. There are too many decisions that I do not have the wisdom to even begin figure out. It must be You, all You!

In Jesus,

Amen

Hypocrites

Lk. 6:39-42

It is a strange phenomena indeed that allows a person to see a fault or even faults in someone else's life when they can't see a much bigger fault (s) in their own life. Pride uses such clever subterfuge! Jesus calls this person a hypocrite. If this is the case, and it is, then all the hypocrites are not just in the church since this behavior cuts across all humanity. But for the Christian it is particularly heinous! 

We are filled with the Holy Spirit of God, forgiven and shown God's love, and yet we can't extend this same forgiveness and love to others. Instead we become self-righteous and condescending looking down on others and seeing their faults without ever looking in the mirror. James diagnoses this person as someone who looks in a mirror without seeing the reality of what they are. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. Truly this is the hypocrite. He has forgotten what he looks like because he is so focused on what others look like. He is so busy being the 'holy spirit' for others that he does not see what the Holy Spirit is revealing in his own life. What a word for all of us! There is in all of us this same flaw if only in varying degrees. So our only recourse: Be in tune with the Spirit. Seek the face of God and be ever so attentive to what He says to us about us!

Father,

Keep my eyes focused on You not on others. Help me always see what I look like through Your lens, and then help me to confess and repent. Help me to draw close to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A Future

Phil. 3:10-21

Paul knew his future was secure. Through the grace of God, he would press on to identify with Jesus because Jesus had made Paul His own. Amazingly, He has done that for all of us who claim His name, and for me in particular! Paul knew there was nothing gained from looking behind. It was over and done! But looking to the future had great possibilities. He strained forward to grasp the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. This was his prize! And it is my prize as well! And so it is for every believer! 

Paul also issued a caution: if you set your mind on earthly things, then your end is destruction and your god is your belly. You are doomed to a life of what is perceived as sensual satisfaction when in reality, it is only a tease making you want more and more without ever being truly satisfied.  But for believers who realizes that their citizenship is in heaven, it is a hopeful wait for our savior, the Lord Jesus Christ who will transform our body of flesh to be like His glorious body. Wow! What could be better than that! No more aches and pains. No more disappointment and failures! No more grief and sorrow! No more insecurity or fear! Only a glorious body that is like Jesus Christ Himself! 

Father,

Thank You for such a gift! For choosing me and giving me an inheritance with the saints in light. For giving me the grace to strain forward for the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Thank You for a future that is like no other here on earth!

In Jesus name,

Amen

Work Out

Phil. 2:12-30

Paul urged the Philippians to work out their own salvation with  fear and trembling. Work? But what about grace? But then in the very next sentence, Paul reminded them that it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. So even though we are to work as hard as we can [desire, commitment, follow-through, thought], it is always in and through the power of God. How does that work anyway? It is like Paul said in 1 Cor. 15:10, But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. And again I say, how does this work anyway? 

As far as I know, it is not cut and dried. We have the Holy Spirit who is our guide and teacher. He must be the conduit for the grace of God to flood into our lives empowering us. We also must pray in the Spirit to know the will of God in any situation. That includes working out our own salvation. Coupled with that, we  have the Word where we find many clear cut commands that make God's will abundantly clear. But at the same time, there are the gray areas in the interpretation of those commands. I think it must come down to a matter of trust, trust in the Word and in the Spirit. The more we grow and absorb the Word, the more we know God is working in us and it is not merely us. But at the same time, God is always working in us to work out His purpose and for His good will. How complex!

Father,

Thank You for working in me Your good will and Your good pleasure. I want to be Your vessel to be used by You. Keep teaching me how my work and Your working in me are in sync. I always want to be in sync with You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Living is Christ, Dying is Gain

Phil. 1:21-30

Paul's words, For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain, exemplified the way that he lived. He kept a loose grip on this life and all that entailed whether it was good fortune or imprisonment, but at the same time he was deeply concerned about the spiritual well-being of others. He would have been thrilled to go to heaven and be with Jesus, but he knew that he needed to minister to others for their progress and joy in the faith. So he sent a word to them so that whether he would see them in the flesh or not, they would know his heart for them. Only  let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that ...he would hear of them that they were standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. He wanted them to endure because persecution was coming. And this persecution did not mean that they were on the wrong path but the exact opposite. Persecution, suffering, trials were and are a part of the Christian life. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for Him. Yikes! I wonder if any of those believers thought they had just signed on for salvation not for this intense suffering or perhaps even death. Or maybe they thought like the Christians in Acts who said they rejoiced because they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ. Regardless, the Christian life is not an easy path to take, but Jesus promises to be with us each step of the way. He has given us His indwelling Spirit to guide, strengthen, lead, and comfort. So our attitude should be like Paul's, For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Father,

Thank You for those few simple words. It is not complex, but yet it is so very difficult. I ask that You give me Your grace and strength so that I might be worthy in my manner of life standing firm in one spirit unified with other believers for the faith of the gospel. Take away fear in any form. Help me to see clearly my choices and the implications of those choices.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Envy and Rivalry

Phil. 1:12-20

Even though there was dissension among the ranks,[some preaching Christ from envy and rivalry while some were preaching Christ from good will and love], Paul could rest in Jesus. His sovereign God had thwarted those with impure motives who were seeking to give Paul unrest during his imprisonment. He could say with confidence, What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that he rejoiced. What an attitude! How prone we are to jump to the worse case scenario when things don't go right. How often do we think that proclaiming the gospel is all dependent on us! We think we must do it exactly right or it will come to nothing. We think that we must micro-manage every detail. Not so! Paul knew that God was in charge of every detail. He would work it out as He willed. In this sovereign God Paul rejoiced! And in this God we must rejoice as well!

Father,

Thank You that you are sovereign, that I can rest in You for every detail in my life.

In Jesus name,

amen

Fully Armored

Eph. 6:10-23

To fight a spiritual battle, we need spiritual protection, and we are assured that our battle is not with flesh and blood but with rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over this present darkness, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Although if you are the person enduring the battle, it may seem that it is flesh and blood that is in control. Paul commands us to be strong in the Lord. Soak ourselves in His word and in prayer. But then he goes a step beyond that and commands us to put on the whole armor of God. This is what God has given us so that we might be protected and contend for the faith. We have the belt of truth to gird up our clothing or anything that might be hanging off us. Truth is essential if we are to withstand evil or even to recognize evil. Then the breastplate of righteousness which is the righteousness of Christ that protects our hearts and our vital organs. It is only in His righteousness that we can stand at all. After this Paul speaks of the gospel of peace for our shoes. Our primary mission is concerned with spreading the gospel, a gospel that brings peace between God and man. In any and all circumstances, we are to be equipped with the shield of faith that has the power to extinguish the flaming darts of Satan. Amazing what power is within our faith! Of course, we must have the helmet of salvation which is essential for our entrance in to the battle. Without it, we would already be Satan's. He would have no need to battle with us. God has also given us the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. How important it is for us to be soaked in His word. And after we are fully dressed in the full armor of God, then we must pray at all times in the Spirit. Praying without the Spirit goes no higher than the room that we are in. In fact, it is a waste of our breath. God has given us all that we need. We have no reason to fear or feel ill-equipped. Praise the God who save and equips!

Father,

Thank You for this armor. Help me always to remember to use it. Bring it to my mind.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Profound Mystery

Eph. 5:32-33

This mystery is profound, and I am saying it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Why is the marriage relationship so difficult? Perhaps it is because it has such spiritual significance. It is the one relationship that should parallel Christ and the church. So I wonder if one relationship is bad will the other relationship be bad? If marriage in America is failing, will the church in America also be failing? If the marriage relationship is bad on a personal level, will the corresponding spiritual relationship be bad? I am afraid so. If sin [and that is a stress and strife filled marriage] is allowed to continue or even to flourish, how can we be close to Christ. Christ and sin do not peacefully coexist! Stern words! So If we value our relationship with Christ, then we had better value our relationship with our spouse. If we don't and persist in this divided thinking, we will be losers on both fronts!

Why is it  even when two people love each other, they fail to treat each other in a loving manner. I think it must come down to self. Our underlying selfishness is so strong [even though we think it is not], that we can not stop our love affair with ourselves long enough to love our spouse. Loving a spouse is long, hard work. We are constantly surrounded by their annoying idiosyncrasies and demands. At times it as if we have no time for self at all. There it is! Self! It is shameful when we state it so blatantly! How foolish we are to cut ourselves out of the joy of intimate love with our spouse and our Lord! Because one is vitally related to the other. Certainly, it is a profound mystery. 

Father,

I fall so short in this area. I confess. Forgive. Please, help me to love as You would have me love. Help me to be that wife You want me to be. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Anguish of Childbirth

Gal. 4:1-20

What an example Paul'a heart is! He had such deep concern for the souls of others. It wasn't enough that he brought the gospel to them; he wanted to see the fruit of the gospel in their lives. And this he was not seeing. He asked them how they could turn back to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world. How could they forego the saving knowledge of Christ and His great grace? It was mind boggling! Why would they want to become slaves once more observing the times and seasons of the year? But Paul emotions were greater than just having a dialogue with them. He called them his little children. He was their spiritual father, the father who had brought them new life in Christ. As a father he anguished for them like the anguish of childbirth until Christ was formed in them. His deep concern would only be assuaged when Christ was formed in their lives. How many people feel such anguish as this for the souls of those who are new converts? How many of us anguish in prayer or are willing to do what it takes until Christ is formed in their lives? 

Father,

Paul within me that deep concern for others spiritual growth. Help me to want others to be filled and satisfied as I am. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Promised One

Gal. 2:15-29

The promise was made to Abraham who predated the law. The law then was an intermediary working until the promised One would come. While the law was based on works, the Promised One, Jesus Christ brought faith. Why then the law? It was in place because of sin. Sin needed to be dealt with before Jesus came and dealt with sin once and for all when He took all the sin upon Himself and died on the cross. He became the perfect sacrifice thus making the sacrifices done under the law null and void. All people were imprisoned under sin until Jesus came and conquered sin and death. The law was our guardian until Christ came making it possible for us to be justified by faith. Once Christ came we no longer had a need for a guardian for now we are all sons of God through faith. If we have been baptized into Christ, we have put on Christ and we are all one in Christ. And if we are Christ's then we are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise. The promise has been fulfilled! 

Father,

Thank You for the promised One, for Jesus Christ who was the perfect sacrifice who could conquer sin and death and fulfill the promise making it possible for me to be Your son justified by faith in Jesus. What a blessing! Thank You so much.

In His name,

Amen

Grace Not Law

Gal. 2

Paul's point was that whether you are Jew or Gentile, it matters not. We are not saved by the law or by works of the law, but by Jesus Christ. We have done nothing to deserve it since it was a gift from God. We are justified by faith in Christ not by any works that we have done whether they are of the law or human invention. As Paul said, For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. What better argument than this! Grace would not be grace if it depended on the law or on works. Our salvation is based on faith in the Son of God. Who are we to nullify Christ's death? Such pride man has that he thinks his works can save him! How foolish!

Father,
Thank You for this great salvation, for gifting me with eternal life, with the faith to believe in Jesus, and with wisdom to understand Your great work in the hearts and lives of man. Thank You so much!
In Jesus name,
The One who provided my salvation,
Amen

A Life Transformed

Gal. 1

The people in Galatia were astonished because of the transformation in Paul. They said, He who used to persecute us is not preaching the faith he once tried to destroy. And they glorified God because of Paul. Paul's salvation and corresponding changed life caused many people to glorify God. Would it be true of all Christians! Some some show no signs of change at all, or perhaps they are seeking to hide this change, and this not for awhile but for a lifetime. It makes one wonder if church attendance was substituted for a born again experience with Jesus. Once Jesus is in the life drastic changes must happen. 

Paul's testimony began with his startling encounter with God on the road to Damascus which left him blind for a time. After which he went to the desert and was taught by God for a 3 year time period. As Paul told it, But when He who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone. Paul knew from the start what he was to do. Could that be a reason believers are so invisible? Have they not found their purpose and calling? Things to consider, but it is definitely true that when Jesus comes into the life, changes must happen. A life transformed must look transformed!

Father,

Thank You for setting me apart to be Yours before I was born and before time began. Thank You for calling me by Your great grace and revealing Your Son to me. Help me to share Jesus with all those that You bring my way.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Awaken the Dawn

Ps 108:1-5

 My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being!

Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.

For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!

What wonderful words to begin a new day! David declared again that he was steadfastly God's. It wasn't a fact that he took for granted, but one that he renewed each day. Why? Did it strengthen his resolve when his life was in danger, when circumstances were overwhelming, or when he was losing hope? Yes, just saying the words makes the heart stronger and I am sure made his heart stronger! God is pleased by such a declaration. 

David engaged not only his mind, but he also made music. His entire being was engaged with and focused on the Lord rejoicing in a new day and worshiping God. His music, his heart, and his mind were praising from a heart of thanksgiving. He wanted to shout his praise to the nations, to all peoples everywhere. Having a God who showed steadfast love and faithfulness was deserving of such praise. His God did not demand children to be burned on an altar or women abused and raped on the doors of a temple. His God loved His chosen ones. He worked faithfully in their lives. His God must be exalted above all, and His glory must reign over the entire earth. David praised God with his whole being and that was the beginning of his day! And that should be the beginning of every one of my days as well!

Father,

I praise You this morning for Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness. Thank You for saving me, giving me Your Son as my Savior, for working in my life, and for Your great grace that allows me to be one with Jesus and to be pleasing to You. You are the only God my Savior through Jesus Christ my Lord. Thank You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Sufficiency

2 Cor. 12:1-10

Even though Paul had ample reasons to boast, he didn't. He boasted only of his weaknesses. Strange, who boasts of weakness? But was Paul always like that, or was there a history behind this attitude and behavior? As a safety net to keep him from the sin of boasting because of the great experiences that he had had with Jesus on the road to Damascus and in the desert, God gave him a thorn in his flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass him, to keep him from becoming conceited. I am sure Paul felt he could resist such boasting on his own, and consequently he pleaded with the Lord to take it away 3 separate times. But the Lord, who knows the end from the beginning and who has set all of our days before time began, knew better. He said to Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  God's word to him was about grace and was grace to him. His grace was to be Paul's sufficiency. He wanted Paul to glory only in Him not in any works of his flesh. And Paul's response was, Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. No pouting or bemoaning the issue! He accepted it as from the God that he loved, and trusted God knowing that what He allowed was for Paul's best. 

Father,

These verses have always been so meaningful to me. Thank You for such a grace that it can meet every need that I might have. I am truly blessed. 

In His name,

Amen