Reaping Death

January 7

There is a way that seems right to man, but in the end it leads to death.

Proverbs 14:10

Kirk had been sent home from school for committing a “hate crime.” He had been taking part in a discussion in his Diversity Class on sexual preference and had spoken his mind concerning a pointed remark regarding homosexuality, “It is not a natural act. Sexual intimacy was created for bonding between a husband and wife with the purpose of procreation. You cannot procreate while committing this act and it is my belief that you should therefore refrain from such acts.”

Most of the class agreed with his position, yet refused to stand against those in opposition in large part because their teacher was living in an open lesbian relationship.

Kirk had been openly ridiculed by her for his “closed-minded intolerance and archaic belief system.” He was abruptly and ill-temperedly ordered from her class. She personally escorted him to the guidance counselor’s office, demanding he be punished for his narrow-mindedness. She also held that he not be allowed to return to her class until such a time as he apologized for his out-dated beliefs, and changed his perspective on sexual preference.

†

Uncontended sexual perversion has lead ambitious people, with self-centered objectives, to lobby society to be tolerant of their actions, regardless of how it may affect them, or society as a whole. In their zeal they have effectively silenced the moral majority.

Kirk’s beliefs are not only correct; they are the foundation for our existence.

In the beginning there was Adam and Eve; no one else. Because of their ability to procreate we are nearing 7 Billion people world-wide, not counting those who have gone before us. Had it been Adam and Steve there would be no human race.

How can we so blatantly disregard, or turn a blind eye to this obvious truth? Fear of controversy does not exclude us from our responsibility.

God will allow us, through free will, to do as we please. But He will not fail to judge us. Those who willfully participate in ungodly acts will reap their spiritual death. In love, we are to contend these acts.

Prayer

“Author of life, help us to stand against the lies of the enemy. Help us lovingly call society to accountability. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

 

Know Criticism, Know Judgment;

No Criticism, No Judgment

January 6

Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

Matthew 7:1

Matt believed that because other people’s shortcomings were so evident to him it was his responsibility to point them out. He felt that if he objectively criticized people they would make an effort to change their behavior. And because of his perceived responsibility, Matt never hesitated to give his opinion on any given matter, at any given moment.

One day as Matt was creatively criticizing a coworker, his boss happened to be standing nearby. Hearing Matt’s openly critical analogy of his coworker’s abilities, he decided to give Matt a lesson in grace. The moment Matt finished, he walked over and said, “You know, Matt, it’s one thing to give constructive criticism when it’s asked for; quite another to indiscriminately berate a person because you believe you are doing them a favor.”

Matt was astonished that his boss didn’t seem to appreciate his actions and explained that he was only doing it so his coworker would be an asset to the company instead of a liability!

“You know, Matt, when you first started here I was warned against hiring you. But I saw potential. I believed you to be a man of integrity. If you continue berating people I might be forced to reconsider my original assessment.”

†

True wisdom appreciates constructive criticism. Regardless of this fact, it is still uncomfortable, and should be solicited, not offered.

It is easier to judge than look inside and change the wrong within. And for that reason we must guard against judging.

The Matts of the world fail to understand the destructive nature of their actions until they themselves are judged. Nobody appreciates a hypocrite; especially within the Church. When those outside the Church see those inside beating each other up, they want no part of it.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; Paul did not list criticism or judgment. We should make every effort to offer grace, lest we be judged.

Prayer

“I thank You that You are patient with me, Lord. Help me to bear good fruit that is enticing, not spoiled remnants that repel, discourage and destroy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

A Mother’s Love

January 5

Greater love has no one than this…

John 15:13

“Look, Pete,” Earl began. “I know that from your perspective what Barb did was wrong. I’m not saying she wasn’t. But would you allow me to speak a truth into your life about the why?”

Pete nodded his head in assent.

“Cassie and I have battled over the kids taking responsibility for things since they were old enough to understand, and most of the time we’ve been like-minded. But what took me forever to grasp and even longer to accept, is that there is a bond I don’t fully understand between my wife and our children that will cause her to sacrifice herself, and our relationship, for their sake.”

“That’s what’s so exasperating!” Pete said vehemently. “It’s like she doesn’t even care about what I think!”

Earl challenged Pete’s comment; “Now you know that’s not true, little brother! She loves you desperately. Listen, guys relate through respect and responsibility, women through emotional connection and nurture. Their children’s needs will always prevail, regardless of age or circumstance. You can’t hope to understand without supernatural intervention. So ask God to show you Barb’s heart; the depth of a love so great that she would sacrifice her own life for someone so precious to her. And then ask Him to reveal to you that she feels the same way about you in almost every other situation.”

†

Only a mother can truly comprehend this depth of love. Men, for the most part, are incapable of complete understanding because love is not first nature. And though our children should never be allowed to manipulate us, there are some battles we shouldn’t fight.

Men, I would suggest that you ask God for the grace to love deeper, in spite of your frustration, and seek a resolution within reason that can be reached without asserting your authority.

Mothers, I would ask that you consider your husband’s authority, and the charge God has placed on him to be the prophet and priest of his household.

Relating in grace is work. It requires us to place someone else ahead of ourselves.

“Prayer”

“LORD, You are the Author of a love so desperate that it would forsake everything for the life of another. Help us learn to love with such conviction! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

 

This Man I Call ‘Dad’

January 4

“You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.

2Kings 2:10

One day as my father and I visited, I made a request, “Dad, I want a double portion of your anointing…a double portion of your Pastor/Evangelist/Teacher mantle!”

He smiled and teased, “You know that Elisha asked Elijah the same thing, right?”

Pretty sure of where this was going I said, “Yeeees…”

“You have asked a difficult thing,” he said, eyes twinkling. “Yet, if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not!”

We both laughed. I knew there was truth in his jest, but the way he’d said it tickled me.

While driving home, I reflected on the rest of the conversation. I knew I had already received much of who Dad was. And although I didn’t realize it as it was happening, Dad had managed to pour into my life by example.

He had taught me many things; how to be a man, a good husband and father. He taught me how to use my hands, and not to be afraid to dive right in and get things done. Yet in all the things I learned from watching my father, none was more significant or vital than observing his example of how to be a Christian.

Dad taught me that Christianity is a lifestyle, not a cliché, and that a life lived unto the Lord is wrought with challenges. Watching him meet those challenges without complaining or grumbling said a lot about the character of this man I call Dad.

†

My father is a great man of God. He has faithfully served the Lord for more than half a century. I aspire to do the same in my lifetime.

1Peter 2:21 says, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” Having had my Dad be that example has been a tremendous blessing, one for which I will be forever grateful. I pray that it would be true in your life as well.

Prayer

“Thank You, LORD, for my father. I ask for a double portion of his anointing in my life. In Jesus’ Name I ask this, amen.”

Dedicated to my ‘Dad’, Rev. John A. Clouston

 

Closing the Gaps in Grace

January 3

Put to death therefore…

Colossians 3:5-10

“Don’t you get tired of being overtaken by the same sin?” Anna asked.

Brenda’s face was a mixture of offense and confusion, “How can you ask such a question?”

“Look,” Anna said quietly, “all I’m saying is if we consciously leave gaps for the enemy to exploit we’re asking for trouble. We’re supposed to put to death those things that hinder our relationship with Jesus; not entertain them.”

“I know that!” Brenda said, feeling that Anna was judging her. “But I get so tired of fighting this battle! Don’t you understand?” she asked.

“Sure I understand!” Anna said. “Persistent battles wear us down. But not long ago God showed me I was abusing His grace.”

“What do you mean?” Brenda asked.

“There were specific issues in my life I refused to completely surrender to God,” Anna admitted candidly. “I retained the right to return to them when and if I didn’t feel like fighting the battle anymore, and as a result I ended up falling into the same sin. That I was wrong to give up just because I was tired never entered my thoughts. I conveniently ignored that truth.” Anna let that sink in a minute, then added, “Brenda, grace becomes the enemy’s tool when we defiantly do what we want believing that as long as we repent of it later everything is okay.” Then she added gently, “When we willfully abuse grace we become like harlots, defiling ourselves and thumbing our nose at God.”

†

Grace has been abused to the point of becoming nothing more than a cop-out for willful immaturity.

Anna discovered the truth about grace. It is the gift of God, justification extended to those who would seek a righteous life through His Son and the Power of His Holy Spirit! He wants to awaken us to the wiles of the enemy and give us the power to overcome!

It is one thing if we are ignorant of the enemy’s attempt to veil this truth, quite another once the ignorance has been exposed. Because once exposed, we are no longer ignorant. And our rebellion can no longer be passed off as an un-informed choice.

Prayer

“LORD, show me where this is true in my life and help me put it to death. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

 

How Has He Offended Them?

January 2

Be wise in how you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:5

“You can’t possibly believe that crap!” Gary said to his coworker, Marcia. “I mean…that entire book is a bunch of fairy tales. Grow up!” The sarcasm was unmistakable.

Marcia remained unruffled, “What makes you think that? Have you ever read it?”

“I’m not about to waste my time!” he said, yet a question appeared in his eyes.

“How can you judge what you don’t know or understand? What happened in your life to cause you to close your mind and heart to God’s message of love and salvation?” She let the ensuing silence hang, knowing God was at work. Gary turned away without giving her a response or further defaming the Bible Marcia was reading.

Two weeks passed without incident. Then Gary quietly and sincerely asked Marcia why she believed what the Bible said. The opportunity she had prayed for had been provided. For the next month Marcia spent time each day relating to Gary the life of Jesus, and the fundamental message of faith in Christ as our Savior. She explained that because of our sin, Jesus’ life and death became necessary as the atonement for the judgment God placed on Adam’s and our sin. She showed Gary pertinent scriptures, leading him to an understanding of his sin and his need to seek forgiveness.

Gary asked how he could have what she had; confessing he’d felt abandon after living through child-abuse, but now understanding God hadn’t caused his pain.

†

What part of the Message, or Messenger, of the Gospel has offended the outsiders you know? What has them refusing to believe and embrace this simple, yet life-changing truth?

Without knowing what part of God’s plan offends or repels them we have no way of speaking to the hurt or need in their lives; something that will cause them to consider God’s offer again; or for the first time.

We are to evangelize the lost. That means preparing ahead of time for divine appointments. We can’t make the most of every opportunity if we remain sideline observers. Step into the field of play; ask the question!

Prayer

“LORD, give me courage and wisdom to help speak the Gospel Message clearly and without shame. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

 

9 to 5 Salvation

January 1

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works…

Ephesians 2:8, 9

Jimmy couldn’t quite put his finger on the source of his frustration. He felt like he’d done everything he was supposed to, yet there was a sense that the task was incomplete. In fact, that’s how he felt about a lot of spiritual matters lately.

What’s this frustration about, Lord? he silently asked. And into his wonder God spoke…“You are working in your own strength again, Jimmy. You forgot to invite Me in.”

Jimmy had been here before. As a matter of fact he’d lived a lifestyle of setting his own goals; gaining ground for the Kingdom by brute strength and personal wisdom; showing God he was capable…a worthy Christian!

You see, the enemy constantly whispered, “That’s right, Jimmy, if you can’t do it yourself you’re worthless! You have to pull your own weight! You think God intends for you to just rely on His grace? You have to earn the right to be called a Christian!”

Satan had been relentless and persistent, trying to keep Jimmy from hearing God’s encouraging whisper, “All you need to do is rest in my love, Jimmy. You neither have to, nor can you redeem yourself. I’ve taken care of that. Just show up when and where I ask you to, I’ll do the work.”

†

Jimmy is not alone. Many Christians suffer from the misconception that salvation is a works-oriented business…a 9 to 5 job, where we can earn our Salvation.

We must come to understand that other than accepting God’s sacrifice of His Son, and then yielding to His guidance, any work we set our mind to should be because we love the Father and want to please Him, not because we must, or can earn a place in His Kingdom.

Ask yourself: Will what I do bring glory to God, or to me? If it’s me, I need to check my motives.

Prayer

“Sometimes it’s hard to lean on You when I feel I’m capable of getting things done, Lord. Forgive my self-sufficient nature and teach me to learn to rely on You and Your strength, instead of my own. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Inspired by the song, Forgiven and Loved by Christian recording artist, Jimmy Needham.