The apostle Paul writes in I Corinthians 2:9, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” The Psalmist says, “The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display His marvelous craftsmanship” (19:1). “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - - the moon and the stars you have set in place - - what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us?” (8:3&4). Indeed, who of us when looking at the beauty of the night time sky, or the wonders of a snow-covered mountain, or the splendor of a huge waterfall, have not been in awe at the glory and the power of God? Paul is saying that if God would create such beauty in the things we can see, there is no human way to imagine the beauty of the things we haven’t yet seen.
Revelation describes heaven for us in these words: “And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a beautiful bride prepared for her husband” (21:2). The Holy City, “was filled with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious gem, crystal clear like jasper” (21:11). “The city was pure gold, as clear as glass” (21:18). “The city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is it’s light” (21:23). John concludes his vision of heaven with these words, “And when I saw and heard these things, I fell down to worship the angel who showed them to me” (22:8). Even the glorious word pictures used in Revelation to describe heaven, as awesome as they are, still do not adequately picture for us what is indescribable.
“Faith is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is believing that God is faithful to His promises (Romans 4:18-25). Faith is agreeing with the Bible that God does not lie (Numbers 23:19; I Samuel 15:29; Titus 1:2). And so, we look forward to that day when we look upon the glory and splendor of God face to face (I Corinthians 13:12) when we no longer live by faith, but live by sight! “He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord !” (Revelation 22:20). In fact, the sooner, the better!
Monday, December 29, 2014
December 29
“Be careful! Watch out for attack from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are” (I Peter 5:8&9). Even as none of us can fully comprehend the enormity of God’s love for us, neither can any of us fully understand the magnitude of Satan’s hate for us. We see glimpses of his hatred scattered throughout scripture. Of course, he appears to us with noble intentions (Genesis 3:1-7; II Corinthians 11:3&4, 13-15), but Satan is a liar (John 8:44) and following his lies leads to destruction.
We can be sure that if Satan would think nothing of lying to Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) and if Satan would so ruthlessly pursue the destruction and death of the Messiah (Revelation 12:13-17), he will be just as ruthless in his desire to destroy us. The fact is, he stands before God day and night, even now, pointing out to God all the bad and sinful things we have done (Revelation 12:10; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7). How blessed we are to be washed, cleansed, purified, and set apart as God’s children because of the blood of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:11; Isaiah 1:18-20; Psalm 51:1-12; Isaiah 53:4-10).
We can be sure that if Satan would think nothing of lying to Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) and if Satan would so ruthlessly pursue the destruction and death of the Messiah (Revelation 12:13-17), he will be just as ruthless in his desire to destroy us. The fact is, he stands before God day and night, even now, pointing out to God all the bad and sinful things we have done (Revelation 12:10; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7). How blessed we are to be washed, cleansed, purified, and set apart as God’s children because of the blood of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:11; Isaiah 1:18-20; Psalm 51:1-12; Isaiah 53:4-10).
Friday, December 19, 2014
December 27
The end of each year is usually a good time to take inventory in our lives and evaluate whether we are accomplishing for God all He has equipped us to do. We would be wise to do the same as congregations of believers in Jesus Christ, as well. In Revelation 2&3, Jesus has a message for seven different churches located in Asia. Interestingly enough, many modern day congregations can usually see themselves in one of these seven churches.
Like the church at Ephesus (2:1-7), some churches do many things right, but they seem to have lost their momentum. They have forgotten why they exist and need to remember the mission and purpose given to them by Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
Like the church at Smyrna (2:8-11), some churches are going through great persecution because they are doing what Christ has called them to do, very well. Jesus assures them to keep going for he will be with them and they will overcome.
Like the church at Pergamum (2:12-17), some churches have remained loyal to Christ in spite of intense persecution and pressure, but they are tolerating teachings within their congregations that are leading many faithful from the truth. Jesus says they need to root out the false teachers if they expect to ultimately be victorious.
Like the church at Thyatira (2:18-29), some churches do many things well, but they permit evil to exist within their congregations, that threatens to influence the entire congregation like leaven, if they don’t deal with it.
Like the church at Sardis, (3:1-6), some churches have a lot of activities going on and many would think they are alive and active, but in reality, their activity masks their spiritual deadness. Jesus says those churches need to concentrate on their spiritual growth instead of their outward programs.
Like the church at Philadelphia (3:7-13), some churches are doing exactly what Jesus has called them to do and consequently, he promises to continue opening doors to them for further witness to him.
And like the church at Laodicea (3:14-22), some churches are doing nothing more than going through the motions of looking like a church. They aren’t on fire, but neither are they totally ineffective. Jesus is nauseated with their lukewarmness and promises to bless those churches prayerfully asking for his blessings.
Which congregation does your church look like?
Like the church at Ephesus (2:1-7), some churches do many things right, but they seem to have lost their momentum. They have forgotten why they exist and need to remember the mission and purpose given to them by Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
Like the church at Smyrna (2:8-11), some churches are going through great persecution because they are doing what Christ has called them to do, very well. Jesus assures them to keep going for he will be with them and they will overcome.
Like the church at Pergamum (2:12-17), some churches have remained loyal to Christ in spite of intense persecution and pressure, but they are tolerating teachings within their congregations that are leading many faithful from the truth. Jesus says they need to root out the false teachers if they expect to ultimately be victorious.
Like the church at Thyatira (2:18-29), some churches do many things well, but they permit evil to exist within their congregations, that threatens to influence the entire congregation like leaven, if they don’t deal with it.
Like the church at Sardis, (3:1-6), some churches have a lot of activities going on and many would think they are alive and active, but in reality, their activity masks their spiritual deadness. Jesus says those churches need to concentrate on their spiritual growth instead of their outward programs.
Like the church at Philadelphia (3:7-13), some churches are doing exactly what Jesus has called them to do and consequently, he promises to continue opening doors to them for further witness to him.
And like the church at Laodicea (3:14-22), some churches are doing nothing more than going through the motions of looking like a church. They aren’t on fire, but neither are they totally ineffective. Jesus is nauseated with their lukewarmness and promises to bless those churches prayerfully asking for his blessings.
Which congregation does your church look like?
December 21
When Nicodemus approached Jesus under the cover of darkness, he was searching for the truth and he believed that Jesus had that truth he was looking for. Without wasting any words, Jesus immediately informed Nicodemus, “unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Nicodemus’ logical question to Jesus was, “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” Jesus assured Nicodemus that humans can only produce human life, but the Holy Spirit is able to give us new life from heaven. It is a spiritual rebirth and not a physical rebirth.
The apostle Peter verifies that truth when he writes, “For you have been born again. Your new life did not come from your earthly parents because the life they gave you will end in death. But this new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God” (I Peter 1:23). Even as human life requires a sperm donated from a man impregnating an egg donated from a woman in order for human conception to take place, so the word of God is the “imperishable seed” of God (vs.23; NIV) that conceives spiritual life in our human hearts. Not every human life conceived results in a birth. Likewise, not every spiritual life conceived results in a birth. Jesus said that a person is “born again” by “water and the spirit.” Thus, baptism is an outward and visible sign that spiritual rebirth has occurred (I Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38&39; 5:32; 22:16).
Once, we have been born again, God sees us as “holy” and forgiven. It now becomes our responsibility to live out this new position in practical ways, on a daily basis (I Peter 1:16; Hebrews 12:10,14). The many exhortations in scripture on how to live are nothing more than practical suggestions on how we can be “holy as God is holy.” Since God has called us unto Himself and given us that position, let us make every effort to live up to our calling (Ephesians 4:1; II Thessalonians 1:11; Hebrews 3:11; II Peter 1:10).
The apostle Peter verifies that truth when he writes, “For you have been born again. Your new life did not come from your earthly parents because the life they gave you will end in death. But this new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God” (I Peter 1:23). Even as human life requires a sperm donated from a man impregnating an egg donated from a woman in order for human conception to take place, so the word of God is the “imperishable seed” of God (vs.23; NIV) that conceives spiritual life in our human hearts. Not every human life conceived results in a birth. Likewise, not every spiritual life conceived results in a birth. Jesus said that a person is “born again” by “water and the spirit.” Thus, baptism is an outward and visible sign that spiritual rebirth has occurred (I Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38&39; 5:32; 22:16).
Once, we have been born again, God sees us as “holy” and forgiven. It now becomes our responsibility to live out this new position in practical ways, on a daily basis (I Peter 1:16; Hebrews 12:10,14). The many exhortations in scripture on how to live are nothing more than practical suggestions on how we can be “holy as God is holy.” Since God has called us unto Himself and given us that position, let us make every effort to live up to our calling (Ephesians 4:1; II Thessalonians 1:11; Hebrews 3:11; II Peter 1:10).
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
December 18
When a baby is born, we recognize that his/her digestive system and eating reflexes are not yet ready for solid food. The natural order of things is for them to begin with milk to gain the nutrition their body needs to grow. In time, we feed them baby food such as: beans and ham, peas, carrots, etc. Since most babies don’t like some of the more exotic vegetables we know are good for them (any more than we adults do), I always tried to fool them with a spoonful of delicious fruit mixed in with their vegetables once in a while. Eventually, as they grow up, babies graduate to soft table food, and ultimately, they are ready for solid food.
What is true physically, is also true, spiritually. New Christians are not capable of handling some of the more difficult truths of the Bible. We would be foolish to take a baby in Christ and place them in a Bible study on Romans, Hebrews, or Revelation based on the original Greek language they were written in. There is a natural order of things in spiritual growth just as there is in physical growth. BUT, even as we expect our babies to grow into toddlers, who then grow into children, who then grow into adolescents, who then grow into teenagers, who then grow into adults physically, it is natural to expect the same type of growth from a person spiritually. Unfortunately, there are some Christians who never seem to graduate from the milk of biblical truths to the baby food of spiritual truths, let alone the solid food of spiritual truths. This was an issue amongst the readers of the Hebrew letter (5:11-6:3), and it was a problem also amongst the Christians in Corinth (I Corinthians 3:1-4). Each of us is responsible for our mental and social growth, as well as our spiritual growth. Let us no longer be content to remain spiritually like children forever (Ephesians 4:14-16), but train ourselves in the wisdom of God’s holy truths (II Timothy 3:15-17) for only then will we be thoroughly equipped for anything life may bring our way.
What is true physically, is also true, spiritually. New Christians are not capable of handling some of the more difficult truths of the Bible. We would be foolish to take a baby in Christ and place them in a Bible study on Romans, Hebrews, or Revelation based on the original Greek language they were written in. There is a natural order of things in spiritual growth just as there is in physical growth. BUT, even as we expect our babies to grow into toddlers, who then grow into children, who then grow into adolescents, who then grow into teenagers, who then grow into adults physically, it is natural to expect the same type of growth from a person spiritually. Unfortunately, there are some Christians who never seem to graduate from the milk of biblical truths to the baby food of spiritual truths, let alone the solid food of spiritual truths. This was an issue amongst the readers of the Hebrew letter (5:11-6:3), and it was a problem also amongst the Christians in Corinth (I Corinthians 3:1-4). Each of us is responsible for our mental and social growth, as well as our spiritual growth. Let us no longer be content to remain spiritually like children forever (Ephesians 4:14-16), but train ourselves in the wisdom of God’s holy truths (II Timothy 3:15-17) for only then will we be thoroughly equipped for anything life may bring our way.
December 16
There is the temptation when reading scripture to do so just to complete our assignment for the day, rather than taking our time and gleaning golden nuggets of truth. We all do it from time to time. In the midst of today’s reading, these words appear that might be glossed over because of all the other things Paul has to say to Timothy: “Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me” (II Timothy 4:11). Those words are truly remarkable when one considers the history that took place between these two.
John Mark is the author of our Gospel of Mark. His mother owned a house in Jerusalem that was often used as a meeting place for the followers of Christ (Acts 12:12). Some even think it might have been her house that hosted Christ’s Last Supper in the Upper Room (Matthew 26:17-20; Mark 14:12-17; Luke 22:7-14). When Jesus was betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane, scripture tells us his disciples all fled. Mark adds additional information not provided by the other gospel writers. “There was a young man following along behind, clothed only in a linen nightshirt. When the mob tried to grab him, they tore off his clothes, but he escaped and ran away naked” (Mark 14:51&52). Most scholars agree that Mark was ashamed to identify himself, but he was indeed, referring to himself.
Barnabas and Saul (otherwise known to us as Paul; 13:9) were commissioned by the church in Antioch to deliver relief to the starving Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30). When the two returned to Antioch, they brought with them from Jerusalem, John Mark (12:25). John Mark then accompanies them on their first missionary journey (13:2-5). For some reason, which the Bible does not describe, John Mark left Barnabas and Paul and returned home to Jerusalem (13:13). We can speculate all we want the reasons for his doing so, but his actions greatly disturbed Paul. Sometime later, when Paul and Barnabas prepared to travel again, they had a sharp disagreement which led to the separation of these two great friends. Barnabas (known as the, “son of Encouragment”; Acts 4:36) wanted to give John Mark a second chance and Paul refused to do so (15:36-41). Barnabas took his cousin, Mark, and departed for Cyprus while Paul chose Silas to accompany him on his journeys. No other mention is made of John Mark in the book of Acts. But, when Paul was imprisoned in Rome (28:16,30&31) he wrote to the Colossians these words, “Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’ cousin. And as you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way” (4:10; see also Philemon 24 which was written about the same time). Apparently, some type of reconciliation had taken place between Paul and Barnabas. It is not God’s will that His children be divided. Whatever our disagreements, the Bible gives us advice on how we reconcile and how we get along with others, in spite of our differences. And in our reading today, it would appear that Paul and John Mark were eventually, fully reconciled (II Timothy 4:11). It is amazing the reconciliation that can take place between people when they first reconcile themselves individually, to God (II Corinthians 5:18-21).
John Mark is the author of our Gospel of Mark. His mother owned a house in Jerusalem that was often used as a meeting place for the followers of Christ (Acts 12:12). Some even think it might have been her house that hosted Christ’s Last Supper in the Upper Room (Matthew 26:17-20; Mark 14:12-17; Luke 22:7-14). When Jesus was betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane, scripture tells us his disciples all fled. Mark adds additional information not provided by the other gospel writers. “There was a young man following along behind, clothed only in a linen nightshirt. When the mob tried to grab him, they tore off his clothes, but he escaped and ran away naked” (Mark 14:51&52). Most scholars agree that Mark was ashamed to identify himself, but he was indeed, referring to himself.
Barnabas and Saul (otherwise known to us as Paul; 13:9) were commissioned by the church in Antioch to deliver relief to the starving Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30). When the two returned to Antioch, they brought with them from Jerusalem, John Mark (12:25). John Mark then accompanies them on their first missionary journey (13:2-5). For some reason, which the Bible does not describe, John Mark left Barnabas and Paul and returned home to Jerusalem (13:13). We can speculate all we want the reasons for his doing so, but his actions greatly disturbed Paul. Sometime later, when Paul and Barnabas prepared to travel again, they had a sharp disagreement which led to the separation of these two great friends. Barnabas (known as the, “son of Encouragment”; Acts 4:36) wanted to give John Mark a second chance and Paul refused to do so (15:36-41). Barnabas took his cousin, Mark, and departed for Cyprus while Paul chose Silas to accompany him on his journeys. No other mention is made of John Mark in the book of Acts. But, when Paul was imprisoned in Rome (28:16,30&31) he wrote to the Colossians these words, “Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’ cousin. And as you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way” (4:10; see also Philemon 24 which was written about the same time). Apparently, some type of reconciliation had taken place between Paul and Barnabas. It is not God’s will that His children be divided. Whatever our disagreements, the Bible gives us advice on how we reconcile and how we get along with others, in spite of our differences. And in our reading today, it would appear that Paul and John Mark were eventually, fully reconciled (II Timothy 4:11). It is amazing the reconciliation that can take place between people when they first reconcile themselves individually, to God (II Corinthians 5:18-21).
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
December 12
Most of us take great pride in something we have built with our hands. It may be an actual building we helped construct, a house, a cement patio in the backyard, or any number of things. It is a great feeling to look at a completed project and know that you had a hand in putting it together. It is also interesting to listen to the excitement and the passion in someone’s voice when they have been instrumental in building up a human life. Helping another human being grasp an important concept in the classroom, or watching a young person you’ve coached perform something they had previously been unable to do gives us much greater satisfaction than even building something with our hands. And perhaps nothing excites us as much as leading someone to Jesus Christ, or participating in a discussion with them that helps them understand a spiritual truth that forever changes their lives.
Few of us think of ourselves as having much effect on other people. But, if we think about moments in our own lives that had a huge impact on us, those moments often involved other people and what they either said or did to us. How many of us have been immensely hurt by the actions or the words of another? How many of us have been positively listed up because of the actions or the words of another? James was right. Out of our mouths come either blessings or curses (3:9&10). We choose whether to build up people who are made in the divine image of God or whether to tear them down. Our actions demonstrate the sincerity of our faith; whether we truly love the people God places in our paths by what we do (1:19&20; 2:1-26), or whether we demonstrate our lack of faith by our apathy towards the needs of people.
James says that if we are smart, we will see that God’s ways of life are the right ways and we will live by His ways (3:13; Romans 12:2). In the process, we will have a huge effect on the lives of everyone we come in contact with (3:17&18). So, do you want to be a part of building people up in Jesus Christ, or will you be one who tears them down? The choice is ours. Choose wisely.
Few of us think of ourselves as having much effect on other people. But, if we think about moments in our own lives that had a huge impact on us, those moments often involved other people and what they either said or did to us. How many of us have been immensely hurt by the actions or the words of another? How many of us have been positively listed up because of the actions or the words of another? James was right. Out of our mouths come either blessings or curses (3:9&10). We choose whether to build up people who are made in the divine image of God or whether to tear them down. Our actions demonstrate the sincerity of our faith; whether we truly love the people God places in our paths by what we do (1:19&20; 2:1-26), or whether we demonstrate our lack of faith by our apathy towards the needs of people.
James says that if we are smart, we will see that God’s ways of life are the right ways and we will live by His ways (3:13; Romans 12:2). In the process, we will have a huge effect on the lives of everyone we come in contact with (3:17&18). So, do you want to be a part of building people up in Jesus Christ, or will you be one who tears them down? The choice is ours. Choose wisely.
December 10
Paul wrote the letter to his Christian brother, Philemon, while he was imprisoned in Rome (Acts 28:30&31). Since Philemon was living in Colosse at the time, this letter was probably penned when he also wrote the Colossian letter and both were delivered at the same time. Paul was obviously a close friend of Philemon’s, having been instrumental in his conversion to Christ (vs.19). Apphia is probably the wife of Philemon and Archippus is their son. Having been at the home of Philemon before, Paul might have known some of Philemon’s slaves. One of them, Onesimus, has escaped and fled to Rome. We don’t know the timing of Onesimus’ trip to Rome. Did he know that Paul was there and so he purposely went to meet with Paul in Rome? Or, was Onesimus already in Rome and he sought a meeting with Paul when he heard Paul was a prisoner in that city? Or, was Onesimus in Rome and he and Paul had a chance meeting? What we do know is this; when we invite God to begin His work of redemption and transformation in us, He aims to finish the task no matter where we go or what we do. “I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again” (Philippians 1:6). In this process of changing our character so that it resembles the character of Christ himself (Phil.3:12-14; I John 3:2; II Corinthians 3:18), God will use many people, many unusual circumstances, and the power of His Word to mold us and shape us as He wills. We have the promise that “all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). God’s plan for our lives simply will not be deterred, no matter what turns our lives take, and regardless of whether we always make the right decisions or not.
God had begun a good work in the life of a slave named, Onesimus, in the city of Colosse. We don’t know whether Onesimus was a Christian before he was purchased to be a slave in Philemon’s house or if Onesimus found Jesus while employed by his Christian master, Philemon. What we do know is that God aimed to complete His project in Onesimus, regardless of where this slave went or what he did. If God took such careful consideration to bless Onesimus and help him find the Lord, than God would also take care to make sure that Onesimus grew in his relationship with the Lord. “Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else (we need to live and grow)?” (Romans 8:32). The answer is a resounding, “YES!”
What is true of Onesimus, is also true of us. God has a plan for each of our lives (Jeremiah 29:11-14). He has predetermined that when we begin searching for spiritual answers to our lives, we will find Him (Deuteronomy 4:29; Matthew 7:7&8; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 8:29). And when we find the Lord and commit our lives to Him, He begins a transformation in us that will ultimately be completed when we leave this life for the one beyond.
God had begun a good work in the life of a slave named, Onesimus, in the city of Colosse. We don’t know whether Onesimus was a Christian before he was purchased to be a slave in Philemon’s house or if Onesimus found Jesus while employed by his Christian master, Philemon. What we do know is that God aimed to complete His project in Onesimus, regardless of where this slave went or what he did. If God took such careful consideration to bless Onesimus and help him find the Lord, than God would also take care to make sure that Onesimus grew in his relationship with the Lord. “Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else (we need to live and grow)?” (Romans 8:32). The answer is a resounding, “YES!”
What is true of Onesimus, is also true of us. God has a plan for each of our lives (Jeremiah 29:11-14). He has predetermined that when we begin searching for spiritual answers to our lives, we will find Him (Deuteronomy 4:29; Matthew 7:7&8; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 8:29). And when we find the Lord and commit our lives to Him, He begins a transformation in us that will ultimately be completed when we leave this life for the one beyond.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
December 5
It is hard to comprehend what the conditions must have been like on board the ship Paul was sailing to Rome on. For two full weeks the boat was constantly battered by the waves, both night and day. There was no sighting of the sun, moon, or the stars during that entire time (Acts 27:18-20,27). Few of us ever experience a storm like that in our lives. It was so bad, Luke writes, ‘All hope was gone” (27:20). It would be easy in a situation such as that, to just give up and quit, to cease trying to survive.
But, even in the midst of our hopeless situations, God always provides light. Jesus Christ is our ultimate reason for never giving up. “If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else (we need)?” (Romans 8:31&32). Because Jesus Christ has conquered the grave, he is able to provide us with the inspiration, the example, and the power through His Spirit to help us overcome any obstacle we encounter in life (Rom.8:37).
And now that Jesus has given us light and hope, he commissions us to reflect his light and his hope to the rest of the world (Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 5:8&9; I Peter 2:9-12; II Corinthians 1:3-7). God wants to use us to bring light to people’s lives in the midst of what seems like hopeless situations to them, even as He used Paul to bring hope to the sailors and others on board his ship. And how do we do that? By knowing the promises of God’s Word. Paul shared with the sailors a promise he had received the night before, from God. Paul had been assured that not only would his life be spared, but so would all the lives of the others on board the ship with him (Acts 27:21-26). Imagine the credibility Paul had with them the rest of the trip after God fulfilled His promise to Paul and spared all their lives. For us, that means being grounded in the promises of God contained within His inspired, written Word. Peter reminds us, “worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it” (I Peter 3:15). If people asked us why we have so much hope in the midst of what would seem to be despair, are we prepared to explain why? Could we point to the promises of God we have found that bring us a solid foundation even in the midst of our storms (Matthew 7:24-27)? Standing on the promises of God requires knowing the promises of God. Do you?
But, even in the midst of our hopeless situations, God always provides light. Jesus Christ is our ultimate reason for never giving up. “If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else (we need)?” (Romans 8:31&32). Because Jesus Christ has conquered the grave, he is able to provide us with the inspiration, the example, and the power through His Spirit to help us overcome any obstacle we encounter in life (Rom.8:37).
And now that Jesus has given us light and hope, he commissions us to reflect his light and his hope to the rest of the world (Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 5:8&9; I Peter 2:9-12; II Corinthians 1:3-7). God wants to use us to bring light to people’s lives in the midst of what seems like hopeless situations to them, even as He used Paul to bring hope to the sailors and others on board his ship. And how do we do that? By knowing the promises of God’s Word. Paul shared with the sailors a promise he had received the night before, from God. Paul had been assured that not only would his life be spared, but so would all the lives of the others on board the ship with him (Acts 27:21-26). Imagine the credibility Paul had with them the rest of the trip after God fulfilled His promise to Paul and spared all their lives. For us, that means being grounded in the promises of God contained within His inspired, written Word. Peter reminds us, “worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it” (I Peter 3:15). If people asked us why we have so much hope in the midst of what would seem to be despair, are we prepared to explain why? Could we point to the promises of God we have found that bring us a solid foundation even in the midst of our storms (Matthew 7:24-27)? Standing on the promises of God requires knowing the promises of God. Do you?
December 2
How consistent are we in our Christian walk? There are many who profess faith in Jesus Christ, but whose walk hardly matches their talk. With today’s technology, we often discover inconsistencies between what someone said one day to one group of people from that which was said the next day to another group of people. God is not the author of confusion (I Corinthians 14:33). It is only reasonable to expect that those truly guided by God will be consistent every time in what they say or write, as well as consistent in what they profess and what they live.
Paul wrote to the Philippians, “For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or I die. For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better” (1:20&21).
As Paul traveled to Jerusalem with an offering for the Christians living there that he had collected from Gentile Christians, he was continually warned of the dangers he would face should he insist on reaching his destination. At Tyre, in Syria, the “disciples prophesied through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go on to Jerusalem” (Acts 21:4). When Paul stopped at Ptolemais, Agabus prophesied that “the owner of this belt (will) be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Romans” (21:10&11). When those traveling with Paul heard this, they begged him not to go to Jerusalem. But, Paul replied, “I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but also to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus” (21:13). Paul’s mission was clear. His resolve was firm. “My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - - the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love” (20:24). “I never shrank from telling you the truth, either publicly or in your homes......No one’s damnation can be blamed on me, for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants for you” (20:20,26&27).
Our Lord needs similar confidence, peace, boldness, and resolve from his disciples today. The only thing that matters in life is declaring the Good News about Jesus. Let us not be afraid of the consequences for doing so, or fear those who would threaten us. Our true destiny lies beyond this life so let us use whatever time we have to do what God has called us to do. Let us be able to say like Paul, “For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better.”
Paul wrote to the Philippians, “For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or I die. For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better” (1:20&21).
As Paul traveled to Jerusalem with an offering for the Christians living there that he had collected from Gentile Christians, he was continually warned of the dangers he would face should he insist on reaching his destination. At Tyre, in Syria, the “disciples prophesied through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go on to Jerusalem” (Acts 21:4). When Paul stopped at Ptolemais, Agabus prophesied that “the owner of this belt (will) be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Romans” (21:10&11). When those traveling with Paul heard this, they begged him not to go to Jerusalem. But, Paul replied, “I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but also to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus” (21:13). Paul’s mission was clear. His resolve was firm. “My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - - the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love” (20:24). “I never shrank from telling you the truth, either publicly or in your homes......No one’s damnation can be blamed on me, for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants for you” (20:20,26&27).
Our Lord needs similar confidence, peace, boldness, and resolve from his disciples today. The only thing that matters in life is declaring the Good News about Jesus. Let us not be afraid of the consequences for doing so, or fear those who would threaten us. Our true destiny lies beyond this life so let us use whatever time we have to do what God has called us to do. Let us be able to say like Paul, “For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better.”
November 27
The apostle Paul wrote these words of wisdom to the Christians living in Philippi. “Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God’s saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear” (2:12). In the New International Version, it reads, “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Paul is not suggesting that our salvation is something we earn. The NLT more accurately captures his thought, “put into action God’s saving work in your lives.” In other words, “now that you know you are saved, apply your new position with God into the way you live.” Why were those words necessary? Because there simply is no way scripture can tell us what to do in everything we encounter in life. Christian maturity involves knowing the commands and general principles God has given us and then applying them to our particular situations.
Should a Christian play cards? Attend movies? If so, which movies are okay? How long should a Christian wear his hair? Her skirt? Is dancing okay? What kind of dancing? With whom? What kinds of clothes are acceptable to wear? Which ones are too suggestive? Is it okay to eat lunch with someone of the opposite sex who is not our spouse? What about going on business trips with someone who is not our spouse? Is it permissable to consume alcohol? If so, how much? The list goes on and on.
In the first century, some believers were troubled by eating meat if part of it had already been sacrificed to an idol while others weren’t. Others decided not to eat meat period, but stay with a diet of vegetables only. Some believers thought it was okay to worship every day while others felt like only certain days were set aside and special enough for that purpose. In addition to his many commands, Paul’s writings also contain general principles that are helpful in making these kinds of daily decisions. “Each person should have a personal conviction......while we live we live to please the Lord. And when we die, we go to be with the Lord. So in life and in death, we belong to the Lord” (Romans 14:5,8). “Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God.....Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God” for the way we’ve lived and the choices we’ve made (14:10,12). “I know and am perfectly sure on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another Christian is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died” (vss.14&15). “Let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up” (v.19).
God has placed a conscience within each of us and so long as we are sincerely in tune with His will in our lives, we would be wise to listen to our conscience (vs.23). It is possible to sear our conscience to the point that it is no longer reliably guiding us, but that is why Christians must “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is” (12:2). “So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise” (Ephesians 5:15).
Should a Christian play cards? Attend movies? If so, which movies are okay? How long should a Christian wear his hair? Her skirt? Is dancing okay? What kind of dancing? With whom? What kinds of clothes are acceptable to wear? Which ones are too suggestive? Is it okay to eat lunch with someone of the opposite sex who is not our spouse? What about going on business trips with someone who is not our spouse? Is it permissable to consume alcohol? If so, how much? The list goes on and on.
In the first century, some believers were troubled by eating meat if part of it had already been sacrificed to an idol while others weren’t. Others decided not to eat meat period, but stay with a diet of vegetables only. Some believers thought it was okay to worship every day while others felt like only certain days were set aside and special enough for that purpose. In addition to his many commands, Paul’s writings also contain general principles that are helpful in making these kinds of daily decisions. “Each person should have a personal conviction......while we live we live to please the Lord. And when we die, we go to be with the Lord. So in life and in death, we belong to the Lord” (Romans 14:5,8). “Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God.....Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God” for the way we’ve lived and the choices we’ve made (14:10,12). “I know and am perfectly sure on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another Christian is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died” (vss.14&15). “Let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up” (v.19).
God has placed a conscience within each of us and so long as we are sincerely in tune with His will in our lives, we would be wise to listen to our conscience (vs.23). It is possible to sear our conscience to the point that it is no longer reliably guiding us, but that is why Christians must “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is” (12:2). “So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise” (Ephesians 5:15).
November 24
It would certainly be easy to see why the Jews might become somewhat arrogant because of their standing with God. God had promised Abraham that “all the nations of the earth will be blessed through your seed” (Genesis 12:1-3). God had delivered them from Egypt. God had given them the Promised Land. The Messiah sent by God to save people from their sins was a Jew. And it was the Jews who first received this Good News of God’s redemption.
But, the truth is, “no one is good” on their own (Romans 3:10). Next to God, we all resemble “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). “All have sinned and fallen short of God’s standard of holiness” (Romans 3:23). Consequently, all of us are in need of a Savior, Jew and Gentile alike (Romans 1:16). And none of us can be made right with God by obeying the Law because none of us are capable of doing so. Paul says, “we are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins” (Rom.3:22). Faith is totally trusting God whether we fully understand what God has promised us or not (Hebrews 11:1). Even though God had promised to make of Abraham a great nation of people, and even though both Abraham and Sarah were way too old to be having children, “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise” (Rom.4:20; Hebrews 11:11&12). “He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything He promised” (Rom.4:21; Ephesians 3:20&21). Are we? Do we truly trust God in our lives, no matter what may happen (Proverbs 3:5&6)? Someone has said, “Faith is not believing God can do something. Faith is knowing God will.” Righteous people walk by faith in God and not by sight in themselves (II Cor.5:7). May our faith walk be an inspiration and an encouragement to believers and non-believers alike.
But, the truth is, “no one is good” on their own (Romans 3:10). Next to God, we all resemble “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). “All have sinned and fallen short of God’s standard of holiness” (Romans 3:23). Consequently, all of us are in need of a Savior, Jew and Gentile alike (Romans 1:16). And none of us can be made right with God by obeying the Law because none of us are capable of doing so. Paul says, “we are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins” (Rom.3:22). Faith is totally trusting God whether we fully understand what God has promised us or not (Hebrews 11:1). Even though God had promised to make of Abraham a great nation of people, and even though both Abraham and Sarah were way too old to be having children, “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise” (Rom.4:20; Hebrews 11:11&12). “He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything He promised” (Rom.4:21; Ephesians 3:20&21). Are we? Do we truly trust God in our lives, no matter what may happen (Proverbs 3:5&6)? Someone has said, “Faith is not believing God can do something. Faith is knowing God will.” Righteous people walk by faith in God and not by sight in themselves (II Cor.5:7). May our faith walk be an inspiration and an encouragement to believers and non-believers alike.
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