Therefore…

Therefore…in my absence…it is God who works in you…

Philippians 2:12, 13

Sober for eight months, Dale was thankful for God bringing Glen into his life. Through Glen’s mentoring, Dale had found the strength to say ‘no’ when tempted to run from his problems by drinking. Instead, he had learned to face each day, meeting his problems head-on.

Glen had also introduced Dale to Jesus. He was adamant about telling Dale, “Look, I’m not always going to be around. But that’s okay, because God is the One you need to trust for your sobriety anyway. So, in my absence, look to Him for help. Remember, it’s not you, but God in you that makes the difference.”

Glen was away on business, so today was the first time Glen’s instruction would be put to the test. Dale would be in close proximity to alcohol because of his job, and knew it would test his resolve. It was one thing to resist temptation when Glen was around…quite another when he was on his own, with no one but God watching.  But he was determined to trust God for the outcome.

All day long when temptation surfaced, Dale quietly proclaimed, “Not me, but God in me.” And that night, when he laid his head on his pillow, he did it sober.

†

When we attempt to battle sin, in any form, in our own strength, we will eventually lose the battle. When that happens, Satan accuses, “You are hopeless, helpless, useless, and powerless. You are a failure.” Sadly, many people, due to pride and deception, never recognize Satan’s lies or learn the truth of what Glen taught Dale: that in his weakness, and Glen’s absence, Dale needed to cry out to Jesus!

Paul told the Philippians the same thing, knowing they needed to understand this truth so they could mature in Christ by surrendering their own strength in order to gain His.

The strength we need to overcome anything we struggle with is found in Jesus. When faced with temptation, cry out to Him, asking that He fight the battle.

Prayer

“In my pride and denial I find it hard to admit I need anyone to fight my battles, Lord Jesus. Forgive such arrogance and pride as I move aside and let You do the fighting for me, today. Amen.”

Self-Imposed Ignorance

Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets.
Luke 11:50

“Did you hear about the Reager boy?” Janet asked but didn’t pause long enough to allow Tom time to answer. “Kali told me he missed school this week because his father beat him, and he doesn’t want anyone to see the marks.”
“Janet, I swear. You listen to too much gossip,” Tom said. “I can’t believe George would lay a hand on his kids.” What he was actually thinking was, I’m not about to get involved in some other family’s affairs. It’s none of our business as far as I’m concerned.
But Janet didn’t let it go. “Tom Sherman! I can’t believe you’d ignore this to keep from getting involved. Shame on you!”
“What proof do you have anyway? Where did Kali hear about it?” he said defensively. “And even if it’s true, what are we supposed to do?” he demanded. “That’s a job for children’s services or the police.”
“If they don’t know about it, they can’t do anything!” Janet said adamantly.
“So why do we have to be the ones to tell them?” he argued.
“Because we’re the ones who know,” she said quietly.
In that final statement, Tom knew she was right and decided that to do nothing was to allow it to continue. He picked up the phone and dialed children’s services.

†

Self-imposed ignorance is a form of denial. If denial lasts long enough, great tragedy will occur.
In the 1940s, the Germans heard rumors of evil being committed in their midst, yet they refused to investigate for themselves in order to remain ignorant and therefore not responsible to take action. At the end of the war, Allied troops marched German citizens through concentration camps and also forced them to look upon mass graves in hopes that they would never again allow ignorance to perpetuate evil.
In today’s text, God assigned blame for the blood of the prophets on those who turned a blind eye to brutality and murder.
Self-imposed ignorance is no excuse. We are responsible for the knowledge we possess, and we can only claim ignorance once. Once enlightened, we have a responsibility to take action.

Prayer

“Lord, cause me to do what is right when I become aware of wrong. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Inconsequential

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered … you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:30, 31

Bethany was fourteen when she tried to take her own life. She saw herself as a disappointment and felt she had no choice but to end her life by hanging herself from the rafters in the garage. Divine intervention brought her brother to the garage at the very moment she stepped off the chair. Grabbing her around the legs, he stepped onto the chair and supported her with one hand while removing the rope with the other.
Bethany later admitted that she felt inconsequential and unsuccessful—neither of which was true—and saw everything through a pass or fail lens; in her mind, there had been no room for error.
Her parents were shocked and horrified to learn their youngest daughter had thought of herself as a failure or that she believed death was the answer.

†

We no longer allow our children to be average. And because of this mind-set, our children are choosing to end their lives because they don’t measure up in their own eyes.
Teen suicide is a growing epidemic and in large part is a result of being subjected to irrational ideals that create irreconcilable dilemmas teens are neither emotionally nor spiritually mature enough to handle.
Irreconcilable dilemmas create depression that, if unrecognized, causes excessive withdrawal and isolation. These symptoms can be misunderstood as a need for personal space. Quiet withdrawal is not always a downtime thing needed to regroup.
Bethany eventually learned that self-imposed, irrational expectations could overwhelm anyone. No one person is capable of carrying the weight of such demands.
Christian counseling brought Bethany to a place where her overwhelming sense of a need to succeed no longer overshadowed rational thought.
We must not fail to recognize signs of depression. They can be as subtle as they are destructive. There are abundant resources available; Christian psychiatry can be beneficial; the local library and online medical sites have a wealth of information.
But as valuable as these are, God’s Word is priceless. Our children must know they matter. And we must not fail to tell them.

Prayer

“Lord, save our children from the lie of inconsequence. Help us end this epidemic by revealing Your great love for them through those who know the truth. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Absolutes

Then they can train the younger women to … be self-controlled and pure.
Titus 2:4

Shania realized she’d made a terrible mistake accepting Reggie’s offer of a ride home. She grabbed his hand, pulling it away from her breast. “No!” she said adamantly. “Stop it!” The timbre in her voice left no doubt that she meant what she’d said. “I want to go home now!”
“Aw, c’mon, Shania. What’s wrong with a little exploration?” Reggie’s hormones were cranked, and he wasn't going to be easily dissuaded. “You didn't mind it when we kissed. What’s the big deal?” he asked, genuinely perplexed.
But as she scooted away, he sensed his expectations dying an emotion-filled death. This doesn't make any sense. He thought. After all, she kissed me, didn't she? What’s up with that?
“What makes this so wrong?” he said, confusion and frustration driving him.
“I’m a Christian, Reggie,” she stated with conviction. “I made a commitment to Jesus not to have sex before marriage. I want my husband to be the only man I ever have sex with, and I don’t intend to break that vow. You offered me a ride home,” she reminded him, “not a sexual encounter. Now, please take me home.”
Completely baffled but resigned not to push her anymore, Reggie restarted the car and drove Shania home.

†

It’s difficult for teens to remain pure until marriage while television and blockbuster movies are constantly sending the message, “Everybody’s having sex!”
Society has removed moral absolutes because of their restrictions, yet refuses to make the connection to the rising rate of teen pregnancy, teen abortion, teen rape, and teen suicide.
When we fail to teach the spiritual reason for abstinence, we remove the ability to understand why morality matters. The consequences of sex outside of marriage can run the gambit from disease to unwanted pregnancy, not to mention being open to spiritual assault.
Paul instructed the older women to train the young ones. Sadly, many have failed in their responsibilities by modeling a life of promiscuity, so the cycle repeats itself.
The cycle will end when those who understand absolutes step up and show our young women how to reclaim their purity.

Prayer

“Forgive our turn from moral absolutes, Lord. Help us reestablish them in our homes so our children might understand Your purpose for their lives. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Genuine Reproductions

As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects a man.
Proverbs 27:19

The three-hundred-foot covered bridge was located on an old railroad bed turned horse trail that traversed the Mohican River Valley in north central Ohio. Glen stood on the bridge, taking pictures of the colorful fall foliage.
He leaned through one of the bridge’s windows and directed the camera toward the water, snapping frame after frame. The scene was breathtaking; all the colors of the surrounding hillsides were mimicked in reflection, not quite as brilliant, yet showing two images: genuine and reproduction. The reflection was marred only by the ripples in the current as the water flowed downstream.
While Glen was drinking in the wild beauty of his surroundings, a bald eagle soared up the river valley toward his location. As the majestic bird glided closer, it suddenly dived toward the surface of the water. Glen snapped frame after frame, hoping to capture the bird’s hunting prowess. In one swift motion, the eagle grabbed a fish in its talons, disappeared under the bridge, and flew from sight.
At home, with photos transferred to the computer, Glen was ecstatic; he’d caught it all! He’d gotten several incredible photos for his portfolio.
As he brought the images up on the monitor, he was fascinated by one photo in particular. It was the frame in which the eagle’s talons sliced into the water after its prey. In the troubled water, the eagle’s reflection was anything but majestic; it appeared distorted and grotesque. Shaking his head in wonder, Glen uncatalogued it along with the rest.

†

As Christians, we are the image bearers of Christ. When people look at us, they should see grace and compassion, love and understanding. Yet, is that what they see in us? Do we, by the life we live, have a Christlike appearance? Or, like the image of the eagle, does the reflection appear distorted and grotesque?
The choices we make are reflected in the way we live. What’s sown into our heart is apparent to the world.
Only by sowing grace and love with the help of the Holy Spirit can we become a genuine reproduction of Christ’s image.

Prayer

“Father, find in me the likeness of Your Son and bring it to the surface so my reflection is pleasing to You and those whose lives I touch. Amen.”

The Cancer of Greed

Put to death … sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
Colossians 3:5

Kenny was executor of the estate when his father died. His mother’s passing a few years before meant the entire estate would now need to be settled. It was a sizable estate to be settled among the three children: Kenny, his older sister, Kate, and their younger brother, Kurt.
For years Kenny had dreaded this day, but now that it was here he saw an unexpected opportunity. With startling clarity, he realized the will was rather generic in nature, and there was room for interpretation.
Having lost his life savings in a recent securities venture, Kenny was financially insolvent, completely broke. Here was an opportunity to recoup his financial losses by siphoning off funds from the estate.
So, deciding to make the most of it, Kenny fudged the books to reflect fictitious debt his father had accumulated. By filtering the finances to cover those debts, Kenny would make a substantial amount of money and receive three times more than his siblings in the settlement.
His plan almost worked. Kenny was unaware that his father had taken Kurt into his confidence weeks before his death because he was afraid of this very thing happening. When confronted, Kenny initially denied any improprieties. The resulting feud tore the family apart. Kenny was unremorseful over his veiled attempt to defraud his own family, and greed claimed another victory.

†

Greed is a cancerous evil. It changes a person’s character, gradually increasing its grip, claiming more and more of the person’s heart, until finally he or she is consumed by it.
Greed tells us we are deserving, subtly gaining our allegiance, all the while making it harder to recognize its influence in our own lives.
And it doesn't always show itself in a deliberate manner as in today’s story; it frequently comes cloaked in possessive behavior such as stinginess or entitlement.
Paul tells us to kill it.
Through prayer and purposeful giving, without thought of personal gain, we can resolve any issues of greed in our lives. By committing random, anonymous acts of generosity, we put to death the idol of greed.

Prayer

“Help me hold on loosely to what You've given me, Lord. Teach me to have a giving heart instead of a selfish one. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

I’ll Never!

Children, obey your parents in the Lord.
Ephesians 6:1

“I hate you!” Benny screamed at his dad. “When I have kids, I’ll never treat ’em like this!” And with that, he slammed his door.
Geneva looked at her husband and impishly said, “Sounds like the boy I met in high school. Whatever happened to him?” she teased, hoping to ease her husband’s frustration at having his son stomp off in rebellion.
“For two cents … ” He decided not to finish a statement he knew he didn’t mean. “Yeah, I was an awful lot like him, wasn't I?” He reminisced. “I even remember saying the exact same thing to my dad.” Then it hit him. “Am I just like my dad?” he asked.
“Well, I happen to love your father—” she began.
“You weren't his son.” He parried.
“No, but he’s a good man, Paul. And you could do much worse than to emulate your father. As a matter of fact, you are very much like him: kind, compassionate, loving, tender, thoughtful, and considerate. Those are wonderful attributes, and I hope Benny inherits every one of them,” she said with conviction.
Paul knew she meant every word. “I guess those traits got lost in the discipline. Yes, Dad is a good man. I guess Benny is just like me; I never liked the word no either,” he lightheartedly said.

†

Our parents love us. And because they do, they seek to keep us from harm. Rules serve a necessary purpose. That we don’t like them remains irrelevant to the fact we need them.
Sometimes the rules can be imposing. And in the midst of that imposition, we can get out of sorts, forgetting that although everything is permissible, not everything is beneficial (1 Corinthians 10:23).
Most, if not all, of us have made the claim, “I’ll never treat my kids like this!” And with few exceptions, we've treated them exactly that way: with love and concern for their well-being. To do otherwise would be to fail them. So when you find yourself facing an obstinate child, consider this: you were once just like them; then try to smile as you enforce the rules.

Prayer

“Father of grace, teach me to be the parent I need to be. Guide my actions and help me to not exasperate my children. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Abstinence Is Work

Abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
1 Peter 2:11

“I feel like I’m in this constant battle,” Carlene said incredulously. “It’s like I’m constantly faced with decisions of right and wrong,” she confided.
Rochelle understood her friend’s quandary. “I know. You see, before you came to Christ, you lived your life apart from God; you were ignorant of His ways.” Rochelle let that sink in.
“When we give our lives to Christ, He gives us His Holy Spirit. The Spirit convicts us of actions we failed to recognize as sinful before.” Rochelle watched as the realization of what that meant dawned on Carlene.
“This isn’t easy,” Carlene remarked woefully. “It’s like this constant battle rages inside me. I feel”—she paused, searching for just the right word—”dirty when I do some of the things I used to do. Does that make any sense?”
“It makes perfect sense,” Rochelle answered. “Living a godly life comes with its battles. It’s all part of learning to live for God instead of ourselves. The things that we want are filtered through God’s Spirit. When it’s something God considers sin, it registers on our heart, letting us know we should resist and not give in to the desire.”
“I’m gonna need a lot of help,” Carlene said, a mixture of wit and worry in her voice.
“God always provides assistance when we ask for it,” Rochelle assured her. “But it’s our responsibility to ask. God isn’t some genie Who makes life easy for us. He’s a loving Father Who instructs His children in what’s best and then allows them to make informed choices.”

†

Sin is sensual and seductive. And Peter instructs us to engage in the battle instead of passively giving in.
The Christian life is not one of ease; it demands a life of physical and spiritual discipline, one of abstinence in which we actively war against Satan and his tempting offers.
Although our salvation may be complete when we give our life to Jesus, we’ve only begun to take on His likeness. The more we abstain from sinful temptation, the closer the resemblance gets.
Peter encourages us to be built up into a spiritual house, one that looks like Christ.

Prayer

“Lord, give me wisdom and strength to wage war against the enemy. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Selfish Trinity

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.
Romans 12:3

During a work session to repair a parishioner’s house, the pastor pulled one volunteer aside, away from listening ears. “John, I need to speak with you about something.”
Having John’s undivided attention, he forged ahead. “God wants to use each of us, and your assistance here is very much appreciated.”
He noticed a look of boredom dawn in John’s eyes. “John, your attitude and actions scream, “Look at me!” You make people uncomfortable, and you effectively steal the blessing God—”
“Look, Pastor,” John cut him off. “I hear you. But quite honestly, I do things the way I want, or I don’t do them. Is that a problem?” You could tell he expected the pastor to back off, believing they couldn't get along without him.
What happened next took John by surprise. “It’s a big problem, John. And I surely won’t force you to make changes you’re not willing to make. But if you choose to continue treating others with disdain, I must ask you to leave. And I mean our church, John, not just this project.”
Taken aback, John responded in anger. “Fine! I don’t need your high-and-mighty church!” he said forcefully and left, slamming the door on the way out.
The mood in the house changed almost immediately; it was as though a dark cloud had been lifted.

†

John suffers from a case of the selfish trinity: me, myself, and I.
Some would say the pastor was too strict. On the contrary: pride is a sinister root, which if allowed to propagate, will pollute and choke out healthy roots.
It led to the fall of mankind; Satan decided to elevate himself above the throne of God and in doing so set in motion a series of events that led to his and a third of the angels’ eviction from heaven; thus sin entered the world.
It is so subtle that we rarely, if ever, realize our own pride.
So in His mercy, God sends His Spirit to convict us. When convicted of any pride in our lives, we should humble ourselves before God and deal with the issue.

Prayer

“Is there any pride in me, Lord? If so, help me put it to death so I might be humble before You. Amen.”

Extinguished Flames

The devil prowls … like a roaring lion
1 Peter 5:8

As the pastor and his family returned home, he found an envelope tacked to the parsonage’s front door.
Curious, he pulled it from the door and read. As he read, his face turned ashen; the shock and confusion on his face caused his wife to ask what was wrong. There were no words to soften this blow:

We, the leadership of the church, no longer require your services. We therefore inform you that you have one week to vacate the parsonage. We will find your replacement in due time and do not wish any future contact with you.

Signed,
The Leadership

With no further explanation forthcoming and in total shock with inexplicable heartache, they complied with the request, leaving the little church God had called them to.
The young pastor agonized. Haven’t I spoken the true Word of God? Hasn't the community responded affirmatively since my appointment? And hasn't God shown me areas of needed growth I've been addressing? With astounding clarity, he understood; he had made the leadership uncomfortable, requiring growth and a new level of commitment. He had become a threat to their little church.
Rumors spread by his accusers followed the young pastor, and he was unable to secure future appointments. Jaded, he returned to secular work, never to minister again from the pulpit.

†

What a profound loss. What an egregious act of abhorrent behavior. What an insidious use of God’s children by Satan. Our enemy prowls, just as today’s text tells us, like a roaring lion. But he also slips subtly in and out of our lives, undetected and unidentified, using good-willed people to extinguish the fire of God from the hearts of men. Failure to recognize or admit Satan’s influence in our lives will prolong our struggles. Without giving evil more power than it deserves, we must be aware of Satan’s willingness to use us against each other.
Satan is real; he hates the things and people of God, and he will use us to attack each other. We must learn to recognize his tactics and then resist him!

Prayer

“Lord, make me aware of the enemy’s subtle attacks. Help me to resist them. And use me as an instrument of grace. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

In Times of Need

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Hebrews 1:14

Lew had outlived his three-month life expectancy by two years before hospice was called in. For those two years, Lew lived: visiting museums, taking walks with his beloved, Patty, and working in his garden from time to time.
On the eve of his death, Lew kept calling for Judy. Judy was, as she put it, Lew’s wash girl; her ministry had been to tenderly meet Lew’s bathing needs. Knowing Judy wasn't scheduled to work that day, Patty called hospice, asking that they send her anyway. “Lew is asking for Judy. Please tell her.”
When later the doorbell rang, Patty was pleasantly surprised to find Brenda, Lew’s RN, smiling through the door at her! “I just left the Healing Hands of Christ seminar and felt led to stop by and see Lew. Would that be okay?” she asked.
“Oh, yes!” Patty exclaimed, welcoming Brenda with a hug.
After simmering a pot of hyssop, frankincense, and myrrh, Brenda anointed Lew with the spices, salving his hands and feet and head while hymns softly played. As she finished, Lew lifted his right hand, pointing toward the corner of the room.
“Do you see someone, Lew?” Brenda asked. His head nodded yes. “Is this someone you know?” she prompted. He shook his head no. “Is this someone speaking to you?” she asked.
“Can’t you hear him?” Lew said in wonder.
“No, we can’t,” they replied.
“It’s the Angel of the Lord, come to take me home.” Trying to sit up, Lew remarked, “You can’t take a trip lying down!”

†

God’s conspicuous attention through the persons of Judy and Brenda, as well as revealing His Angel’s presence as He took Lew home, was personal.
And this is the hope we have in Christ Jesus when we choose to accept Him as our Lord and Savior.
It is appointed unto man once to die; we will not escape this life alive. But we can take great comfort in the knowledge that having made the choice to become one of God’s children, in times of need, we will be tended by ministering spirits.

Prayer

“Loving Father, be near to those who are in need today, regardless of the reason. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Root of Jesse

From his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
Isaiah 11:1

They planted the sapling in the corner of the yard. “Daddy,” his young daughter questioned, “can we use it for a Christmas tree someday?”
He chuckled at her optimism; she saw potential in this small, vulnerable sapling. “You bet, honey. We’ll nurture it to make it the best Christmas tree ever.”
She cocked her head curiously. “What does nurture mean, Daddy?”
“It means we’ll need to love this tiny tree, honey, and treat it with tenderness. We’ll need to cut away dead branches and unwanted growth. We’ll have to make sure the roots have a chance to grow deep so it will grow big and strong.”
Then, as an afterthought, he added, “The weather will actually cause the roots to grow deeper. As the wind and rain, sun, and cold weather beat down on the sapling above ground, the little tree will tell its roots to grow deeper, giving it the ability to stand against the harshest weather.”
So for eight years they nurtured the tree, shaping it by cutting back unwanted growth.
Over time, the pine grew strong and tall. Then something unexpected happened. Birds began building their nests in the tree’s sheltering branches and ate its pine nuts for life-giving nourishment.
When the time came to harvest the tree, the girl decided to leave it for God’s wildlife. And instead of cutting it down, they decorated it right where it stood, giving the birds the most beautiful home in the neighborhood.

†

Our heavenly Father is also optimistic when He looks at us. He sees great potential in each of us. He wants to be our refuge when spiritual winds blow, nurturing us, growing us to maturity.
When we are assaulted by spiritual elements, He patiently waits for us to seek His assistance. As we come, He prunes away unwanted, sinful growth, leaving us stronger and better equipped to stand against the trials of life.
As we grow, we can see our roots being anchored in the root of Jesse. Only there will we find the spiritual nourishment necessary for our own sustenance and be able to bear fruit for His kingdom.

Prayer

“Lord, grow my roots deeper. Make me a strong branch, able to bear fruit for those in need. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Coming Storm

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds beat against the house; yet it did not fall.
Matthew 7:25

Her husband had always known what to do: stay and ride it out or to seek shelter inland, away from the fury of the storm. Yet he had died six years ago, and this decision was hers alone.
As the surf pounded the sand with increasing intensity, she sensed the fury of the coming storm. And although the storm was still hundreds of miles out, she realized it might be a direct hit. They’d prepared for storms many times over the years, closing shutters against the strong winds. They had even rebuilt twice, saying, “We will not give in to this unwanted aggressor.”
She watched the waves pound with a force that belied the storm’s awesome power and knew this one would be bad. Having been through some rough storms in the past, she decided to board up and head inland, taking the kids to her sister’s, not risking their lives to protect inanimate objects.
The storm bore down on the coast, rending wooden structures as if they were made of cardboard. When she was finally granted access to her neighborhood, she found only piles of debris shoved up against the palms; not one shred of the house was left standing.
Only now did she realize with clarity how important the decisions of life could be. She was thankful for having made the right one.

†

Many times, spiritual storms strike without advance warning, giving no sign of the coming struggle. They develop quickly, like a tornado out of a supercell thunderstorm, leaving no time to prepare or run for shelter.
Because of this frequent lack of warning, we must take steps ahead of time to shore up the structures most vulnerable and valuable: our spiritual being.
Jesus says the only way to assure survival from these storms is to build our lives on a solid foundation by immersing ourselves in His Word, spending time with Him in prayer, and meeting with others of like mind. We can prepare for the coming storm.

Prayer

“I need Your protection, Lord Jesus. Teach me how to stand on You and Your Word as the Foundation for everything I do. Amen.”

Words of Life!

The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.
John 6:63

“Mom?” Steph said, calling for her attention. “Jesus said that our flesh counts for nothing and that only the Spirit gives us life. Then He said the words He spoke are spirit and life. Is He referring to the written word alone? Or do His spoken words have more meaning for us?” Steph had been given a religion class assignment to explain what spiritual life meant to her. She’d focused on the New Testament, the red-lettered spoken words of Jesus, to be more precise.
“Well, what do you think He’s saying?” her mom prompted, wanting her answer the question for herself before she received any outside influence.
“I guess I think it’s a combination of both,” she said with a tinge of unresolved doubt.
“So why do you feel He meant both?” Mom asked.
“Well, first of all, I believe He’s talking about the natural life versus the spiritual life, specifically, eternal life versus eternal damnation. And that if we rely on ourselves for all the answers, we’ll become introspective and self-deceived by thinking we can walk through life apart from God without any need of a Savior.” Then she added, “I believe when we speak God’s written word, it comes alive, you know, sharper than any two-edged sword. So what do you think?” she asked.
“Sounds to me like you've got things well in hand, honey,” Steph’s mom said, noting the twinkle of satisfaction in her daughter’s eyes.

†

How many times have you read, read, and reread the same verse of Scripture only to have it jump off the pages in one blindingly revealing moment? Everyone who has ever been a student of Scripture will have this phenomenon occur many times over his or her studies of the Bible. It is the inherent Word of God, our lifeblood, which the Holy Spirit opens for our understanding as we prayerfully read. God intended us to study His Word in order that we would, through that nourishing act, receive the life of the Spirit.

Prayer

“Lord, reveal spirit and life to me as I read Your written account of the story of Your love for me and all mankind. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Enemy Within

Who am I?
Exodus 3:11

“Why did you just up and quit?” Reece was trying to understand how someone with Tim’s drive and intuition would abandon his life’s goal. So far he hadn't figured it out. So once again, he asked, “Why’d you pull up short, Tim? And why now?”
“You really want the truth?” Tim seemed to resent the questioning of his motives.
But as Reece looked into Tim’s eyes, he recognized something from having seen it in the mirror himself: fear.
“You’re afraid, aren't you?” he said, bewildered. “I can’t believe it. You of all people, afraid of what the future holds. So you’re pulling the plug before you lose control?”
Reece was dumbfounded. He’d never suspected his closest friend wasn't as sure of himself on the inside as he appeared on the outside.
This had him stymied. “Tim … ” He struggled for the right words with which to encourage his friend. “I’ve watched you take on challenges that would have brought many a good man to his knees. You always stressed that to believe in myself only required the knowledge that God’s always got my back. You gonna tell me now that you really don’t believe that?”
“It’s not that simple,” Tim blurted. “What if people don’t respond favorably? Then what?”
“Well, my best friend is always telling me, ‘Just put one foot in front of the other and see where God leads you.’” Reece said, knowing that had been what Tim needed to hear.

†

Our greatest enemy to accomplishing God’s tasks is the one within. We all, at some level, fight Moses’ battle against inner fear. Satan introduces doubt couched in the fear of rejection and failure or even our past. He intends to use them as a means to stop us from reaching for a higher level of accomplishment.
Self-sufficiency is a weighty and dangerous thing. Only when we realize that God will equip us completely for His work will we forge ahead.
Only God can defeat this enemy within. And then it’s only if we allow Him into the battle.

Prayer

“Lord, I hate being afraid. And I don’t readily admit to fear. Please send someone to encourage me to reach higher for Your purposes if I begin to falter. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Listen to God, Then Do What He Says

To prepare God’s people for works of service …
Ephesians 4:12

It had been a rough year. Medical issues had left a seemingly insurmountable amount of debt. Yet they trusted in the Lord’s provision. This morning’s mail brought an unexpected bill. Molly had forgotten to include the quarterly water bill in the budget. She prayed, asking God to meet the need. Then Molly sent her pastor an e-mail asking if the church’s benevolence fund might cover half the water bill; they could handle the rest.
The phone rang. It was the bank asking Molly to please come and pick up an envelope someone had left for her.
So, grabbing her coat, she headed out. Upon arriving, she was handed a nondescript, white envelope. Thanking the young woman, she returned to the car to open it. To her amazement, she found two five-hundred-dollar money orders with an unsigned note. “Molly, we know how God uses you and how you say, ‘Listen to God, then do what He says.’ We are listening to God. Please receive this gift and use it as you see fit.”
Molly, tears in her eyes, ran back into the bank and asked the young lady, “Who did this?”
“I’m sorry, but they asked to remain anonymous,” the girl answered.
In her excitement, she drove to the church to share the miracle with her pastor! Unknown to her, he had responded to her e-mail, telling her to drop by with the bill so they could pay it. When she showed up, he assumed she was bringing the bill.
His smile grew as Molly shared her story of how God had moved on the hearts of His people to meet her need before it was known.

†

God wants to move us to do good works on His behalf. He’s given us Scripture to help us understand how to hear His voice. He has also raised up others to aide us in distinguishing between His voice and the world.
Through their instruction, His Word, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and with persistent practice, we can learn to filter out the world’s noise.
The Father’s desire is for us to listen to His voice and then do what He says.

Prayer

“Speak, Lord. Then help me do what You say. Amen.”

Unsuspecting Martyrs

Isaac spoke up and said … ”Father?”
Genesis 22:7

Gabriel watched in horror as the woman in front of him pulled into oncoming traffic. He wasn’t sure whether it was a mistake or intentional. And there wasn't much he could do to stop it from happening. Honking his horn for lack of another option, Gabriel prayed she wouldn't be hit.
The first two oncoming vehicles reacted instinctively, slamming on their brakes and swerving to miss her. Those following closely behind were faced with snap judgments. Many responded defensively, pulling over in time to allow the wrong-way vehicle to pass by, unharmed yet unyielding.
Gabriel watched as car after car avoided her. Then, without warning, the woman pointed her car right at the overpass abutment and slammed into it at somewhere around seventy miles an hour.
Paramedics responded quickly but were unable to save the woman. She had not been wearing her seatbelt and had been ejected through the windshield. State patrol investigators later determined the woman was mentally unstable. They found a suicide note on the passenger seat, the distraught woman saying she could no longer live without her children. Further investigation revealed they had been killed in an accident seven years before. She had been driving.

†

Life can be cruel. And many suffer for reasons not of their own making.
Just like Isaac, this woman’s children did not ask for their fate. Yet tragedies happen, and we must do our best to deal with the loss.
But what of the unsuspecting martyr and what of those times we suffer when we feel it isn’t fair? Jesus told us we would have trials in this world. He did not make the statement to scare us, rather to prepare us to choose how we will respond as we meet life’s trials in our walk with Him.
If we find ourselves walking a road full of peace and prosperity, walk in grace. If, however, we find ourselves on a road marked with sorrow and grief, walk in communion with God, trusting Him to go through it with you.

Prayer

“Walk with me, Lord. Help me cope with the troubles of today. Show me how to be gracious in the good times and to lean on You in the bad. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Redeemed

It was not with perishable things … that you were redeemed.
1 Peter 1:18

Sally had been attending services for about two months when the pastor and an elder dropped by to visit her husband, Bob. They brought him an information packet that included a CD of the most recent sermon. Following an extended visit, they said good-bye, and invited for Bob to come check them out.
“Vietnam left deep scars on too many good men and women,” the elder remarked, alluding to Bob’s comments about taking part in the fighting and his struggles with God since then.
The following Sunday, Sally showed up alone. The pastor asked, “Do you think Bob will come?”
“I don’t know. Maybe someday. But not today,” she said with deep sadness.
“Don’t give up,” the pastor encouraged.
Halfway through praise and worship, Bob walked through the door. And that very day, he gave his life to Christ!
There was a church picnic that afternoon right across the street from Bob and Sally’s home. Midway through the picnic, Bob appeared from the house and approached the pastor. “I wasn’t going to come today,” he began. “As a matter of fact, I turned around three times. But I wanted to see if you were as good in person as you were on the CD,” he said sheepishly. Growing serious, he reached in his pocket and stretched his closed hand toward the pastor. “I want you to have this. I was going to use it. But I don’t need it anymore.” And with that, he dropped a nine-millimeter bullet with his name written on it into the pastor’s hand.
Since that day, Bob has grown to know the One Who saved him with His redeeming power.

†

Nothing of intrinsic value could have redeemed us. The price sin required was Jesus’ blood.
Some believe they've done too much, committed too heinous a crime to be of any use to God. But no matter where we've been or what we've done, Jesus’ blood is sufficient to cover that sin.
God wants us to know our worthiness has nothing to do with salvation through His Son. He just calls us to come and be redeemed.

Prayer

“Lord, I feel unworthy. But Your Word says if I accept Your Son, You will redeem me anyway. Forgive me, Lord. I want to be redeemed. Amen.”

Enough to Send His Son

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son … for our sins.
1 John 4:10

“What makes you so sure?” Jenna’s question about God loving us apart from our performance was valid. She wanted to know why God didn't require good behavior a prerequisite to salvation.
“God told us through His Word, Jenna,” Shari explained, opening her Bible and reading, ‘This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us.’”
Shari searched for the right words. “Jenna, we could never measure up to God’s standards. His holiness requires perfection, and we aren't perfect. Scripture says, ‘All have sinned.’ That means we needed a perfect sacrifice to save us. That was God’s Son. God’s love is so fierce that He would rather send Jesus to die in our place than allow us to spend eternity apart from Him.” Shari felt it was time to ask Jenna to make a decision. “Would you like to know such love?”
“You know,” Jenna began, “ I've watched you and Walt, and I see something.” She paused. “You have such a peace, even when things aren't going so great. I’d really like to know that peace in my life.”
Shari silently asked for the right words. “Jenna, God wants you to know that peace too. All you need to do is accept His Son into your heart. You can’t earn salvation; it’s a free gift given at a high price.” Seeing tears begin to form in Jenna’s eyes, she pressed on. “Just ask Jesus to take over from today on. Tell Him you know you’re a sinner in need of His sacrifice.”
Jenna bowed her head, and Jesus became her Lord and Savior.

†

There is nothing we can do to earn God’s love or approval. He showed us His love on the cross of Calvary.
He does require a humble heart, a heart turned to Him, a heart willing to accept His great love and not one trying to earn it.
It costs us nothing. It cost Him everything because He cared enough to send His Son.

Prayer

“Father God, I lift my life to You in this moment and commit it to You. Wash my sins white as snow with Your Son’s blood. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Forever!

But he who feeds on this bread will live forever.
John 6:58
For whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.
Jude 1:13

“So you’re telling me that when I die I’ll continue to live, not in physical form, but live nonetheless?” Jack could see Stan’s skepticism. “And you believe that?” Stan asked.
“To the best of my ability,” was Jack’s honest answer. “Look, Stan, I admit that I don’t fully understand everything the term forever means, but Scripture says that we will live forever in heaven or hell. I believe that.”
Stan thought about that for a minute and then said, “I don’t know if I can wrap my mind around that enough to believe it.”
“You can’t wrap your mind around the things of God, Stan,” Jack tried to explain. “God is so much bigger than us. Just ask Him for the faith to believe now instead of trying to figure it all out before you accept His offer of salvation.”
Stan was unmoved.
“Look, Stan, I’m just saying it requires faith to believe in something we can’t categorically prove here and now. I’m also saying that I believe even though I have some questions about how forever actually works. Forever is a term we really don’t understand. But not understanding it completely has no effect on the truth that we will live forever.”

†

We tend to fear things outside our control, disbelieving what we don’t understand. We live from day to day, taking life as it comes. We’re not acquainted with more than a temporal existence, so it’s hard to grasp the nature of eternity.
Trying to completely understand eternity is like trying to remember what it was like breathing amniotic fluid. We know it happened; yet we don’t understand it much, if at all.
The word forever conjures thoughts of living with physical, emotional, or mental limitations for the rest of time. But throughout eternity there will be no curse, and those limits will cease to exist.
Faith requires belief in an Infinite Someone bigger than our finite mind truly understands. Our not understanding forever does not make it untrue.

Prayer

“Lord, give me faith to believe in forever so that my choices here are based on where I want to spend all that time. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Blind Spots

I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten…

Joel 2:25

Despite growing up in a secular home, Lee and Lynn managed to find the love of Jesus Christ. But as siblings do, each adopted parental traits and characteristics; among them a few that would have been better left to past generations. 

Time passed and each married, having families of their own. One lived a blue collar lifestyle while the other owned and worked a small business. Both grew in the knowledge and wisdom of God. And in both were seeds; seeds of love, and seeds of familial apathy; the latter a hand-me-down from the prior generation. A generation that had fostered sibling apathy and indifference for reasons they couldn’t recall, nor cared to discover. And from this fertile soil grew a bitter root that was unsatisfied with stealing just one generation of love and relationship.  

Lee and Lynn’s pride became a tool in the hands of an enemy so cunning and shrewd that they never saw it coming. One moment in time, no one really remembered, became the wedge that was now planted firmly between them. Both were sure that they had gone the extra mile to reconcile. Neither saw their blind spot. For the walls that had been erected stood tall, strong, and impenetrable; neither realized that what they despised in the other was a barrier of their own making.   

†

We can become blinded by a need for vindication. And the enemy knows it. He also knows how to manipulate us without our knowledge or conscious permission…until it feels like it’s too late. Stubbornness and pride have ended more relationships than fistfights or legal matters.

Satan began his attack on God’s family in the Garden…he will not relent until he has destroyed every relationship he can. Yet there is no battle that is one-sided, and no healing will be promoted when only one party seeks resolution; especially when pride remains in the other. And the locusts continue their feast.

So I ask: Is there anything so valuable, other than the love of Jesus, that we would continue fighting while lose everything meaningful in the process?

Prayer

“Healer of relationships and families, show me if there are any blind spots in my life. Restore what the locusts have eaten. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”