Posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
We are entering my favorite season of the year, Fall or autumn. I love the changes that are ushered in
during these weeks. The colors of the trees, the crispness of the air, the freshness of fruits and
vegetables. Not to mention some of the great seasonal cuisine: from homemade apple or pumpkin
pie to bubbling hot chili. I even enjoy pulling out the sweaters and sweat-shirts from the closet. Fall is
truly a season of transition or change.
Change. This one word not only describes our current season, but characterizes the society we live in
better than any other. One only needs to take a quick look around to see this truth for themselves.
From the seasons to the landscape, things change. From the price of gasoline to the cost of a home
computer, things change. From the color of our hair to the style of our jeans, things change. From the
popular definition of truth to the standards of morality, things change. In fact I can only imagine how
much changes that many of you have seen and experienced over your life time.
Change. Whether we like it or not - it is a fact of life. Things constantly change. Some change is good
and brings great benefit to our lives: Like the oil lamp to light bulb, or the horse and buggy to the
automobile, or the grass hut to the brick house. However, not all change is for our benefit.
For some people (especially those of us of Scandinavian or German decent) change is a scary thing.
One that many do not like or seek out, and resist at all levels.
Yet in the midst of our world of perpetual change, there remains one constant: God. In Malachi 3:6 God Himself says - “I the LORD do not change.” What a comfort the prophet Malachi has for us, to
know that our Lord and Savior remains the same even in this changing world.
Hebrews 13:8 assures us of the same thing saying “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today
and forever.” Jesus is the same, never changing. The One whom we can always count on, Who is
always consistent, Who’s steady, always there and will be continually no matter what is happening on
earth. Our Lord remains the same.
We live in a world much different than most of us grew up in. One, where on a daily basis, we are fully
engaged in a cultural and spiritual war. Regardless of where our time is spent it has become
impossible to escape the messages and propaganda that challenge and undermine traditional biblical
values.
Sadly this has affected many within the body of Christ, causing some to try to redefine and change
the unchangeable God. Yet this cannot be done. God and His Word remain. Christ himself said “I tell
you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen,
will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” 1 Peter 1:25 restates it
well “but the word of the Lord stands forever."
The unchanging truth of God, His Love, and His sacrifice remains. His nature, expectations,
commands, and grace, despite what we encounter in the culture, these truths stand unshaken. All the
Bible verses and Bible promises we have memorized, heard, and placed our hope in remain true.
The change that comes is not in God’s Word, but rather in our life as we spend more time in His
Word. God changes us into His likeness, not the other way around. We need not be in fear of the
changing world we live in, for the unchanging God lives in us. Let’s be encouraged, strengthened,
and emboldened by the unchanging nature & message of Christ; holding fast to and letting God’s Word mold us into His likeness day by day.
Labels: 1 Peter 1:25, Autumn, Bible, Change, Christ, Culture, Devotions, Encouragement, Fall, God, Hebrews 13:8, Jesus, Love, Malachi 3:6, Matthew 5:18, Nature, Promise, Truth, Unchangeable, Word of God
Tomorrow begins the season of Lent. While most are familiar with the term, for many Christians Lent is a mystery. For some it is simply a period of going on a diet; for others Lent is a time when their Catholic friends wear ashes on their foreheads and eat fish on Fridays. Although many are attracted to Lent, few know much about the Lenten season.
Although, the word “Lent” is not found in the Bible, nor are we commanded to observe this season, I believe this is an important time in the life of the Christian and the Church. Let’s take a moment and explore this special time.
Lent is the forty-day season of preparation before Easter. It starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. The Lenten season is generally referred to as being 40 days long (which mirrors Christ’s time of fasting and prayer in the wilderness, Matthew 4:1-11) even though it is spans 46 days, because Sundays are generally not counted as part of the season.
Lent is designed to be a season of fasting, self-denial, Christian growth, penitence, conversion, and simplicity. Lent comes from the Germanic word for springtime, and can be viewed as a “spiritual spring cleaning,” or a time for taking a spiritual inventory and cleaning out those things which hinder our relationship with and service to Christ.
Lent is a time for serious self-examination. It is often a time spent in prayer, repentance, and fasting. In Scripture (see I Samuel 7:6, I Kings 21, and Ezra 8) fasting is often connected with times of repentance and prayer.
Fasting often means abstaining from all food and drink for a period of time. However it can also mean going on a disciplined diet, or simply giving up anything that you normally consume. This reminds us Who is in control; and also reminds one to spend time in prayer when their belly growls or they see the things they have given up.
Traditionally Catholics fast on Good Friday, and traditionally eat fish rather then other meat on Fridays during Lent. This tradition could stem from a couple of reasons. Some say that giving up meat was forgoing a luxury, as it was rare for most people to have. Others point to the early days of Christianity, they were forbidden to eat meat every Friday .
Friday’s were chosen because this is the day that Christ died, and is the day (sixth) where God created animals. Some believed that abstaining from meat is a symbolic "stay of execution" for cows, pigs, and sheep; symbolizing how the cross saves us from eternal death. Good Friday is also considered a fast day, where one goes without the usual luxuries as a form of penance, purification and remembrance of God's laws. This idea has morphed into the large fish fries we see today.
In any case, Lent is a time for serious, disciplined self-examination, spent in prayer and repentance before the cross of Calvary. Where we are reminded of our sin and the sacrifice of our Savior.
2 Corinthians 7:9–10 says, “Yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
Take time this season and consider how great our need for Christ is; and how His sacrifice completely met that need.
Labels: 2 Corinthians 7:9–10, Bible, Cross, Devotions, Easter, Fast, Fasting, Fish, Forgiveness, God, Good Friday, Jesus, Lent, Prayer, Preparation, Repentance, Sin, Spiritual Inventory, Spiritual Spring Cleaning
Sweeping, Scrubbing, and Scripture. Preparing for a Busy Week.
0 comments Posted by Eric at 10:33 AM
As we face the start of this week, I’m sure many of you, just like me, have much to get done in order to be ready for Thanksgiving this Thursday. For some, it requires packing and traveling some distance to spend time with family, while others are expecting a house filled with family and friends.
As a result, there is plenty to be accomplished in order to ensure your house is ready for your guests. Floors need to be washed and linens cleaned, enough food must be bought, thawed, and cooked at the right time, adequate sitting and tableware for everyone must be secured and sleeping arrangements finalized. As the “Must Do” list grows and appears impossible to finish, it becomes increasingly difficult to be thankful for anything, let alone find quiet time to spend with God. Yes, as I reflect on the busyness of the season, I am reminded of Luke 10:38-42, where Jesus and his disciples drop in on their friends Mary and Martha. Luke says,
"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!""
Undoubtedly this was a large task to be completed. An entire meal for at least 15 people. Even with our modern kitchens and appliances, this would not be an easy or quick thing to accomplish. And here, Martha was left all alone in the kitchen to make all the preparations by herself while her sister lazily sat and visited with the guests. How could she do such a thing? As Martha worked in the kitchen, her frustration grew, and emotions boiled over until she burst into the room where Jesus was and demanded Him to instruct her sister to leave and help her with the preparations.
However, Christ lovingly looks back and correct her. "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Martha was so wrapped up in the tyranny of the urgent - she forgot that the Son of God, Jesus Christ Himself, was at her house. She was so focused on her tasks she neglected to spend time with Christ.
Here Jesus doesn’t admonish her for preparing a meal, but reminds her there is something much more important than the feast she was preparing; that there is only one thing in life that really, truly matters, and it can never be taken away: time with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For it is more important to feed the soul than to feed the body.
See, it is easy to become overwhelmed and distracted by all work and pressures of life, especially during the holidays. Despite all there is to do, there is only one important thing that must never be left undone; time spent in prayer and reading God’s Word.
This week, would you place time with Jesus on the top of your MUST DO list? Would you put down the mop and broom for a few moments each day this week and spend time in God’s Word and in prayer? Ask Him to realign your priorities, and help to restore an attitude of thanksgiving this season.
May you take time each day for the Best: Jesus Christ.
Labels: Best, Better, Bible, Busy, Christ, Devotions, Holiday, Important, Jesus, Luke 10:38-21, Martha, Mary, Meal, Prayer, Preparation, Soul, Thanksgiving, Time, To Do List, Work
When people outside of our church hear me talk about the FLY Convention, it’s easy to think I’m speaking about an aviation conference. However, this is far from the truth. Rather F.L.Y. is an acronym for Free Lutheran Youth, and the FLY Convention is the bi-annual youth convention for our Church Fellowship.
FLY, (as many call it) is held on the YMCA Camp of the Rockies which is nestled in the Rocky Mountains just outside of Estes Park, CO. Last year’s convention, was held over the week of July 4th; and I served as the Technical Manager for the Convention. I oversaw the pre, post, and live production, of the events held in our main meeting area; which is an oversized gymnasium. This was a massive task, one that required months of planning and lots of manpower.
The weeks leading up to the convention were filled with stress as I scrambled to complete all the last minute details. As I drove up the mountain Saturday July 2nd all the stress from the past weeks melted away, and I eagerly waited to begin the transformation of the stark gym into a warm and engaging meeting room.
From the moment I set foot on the YMCA Camp, I was faced with set backs. A storm in South Dakota nearly blew our semi off the road, our rented truck overheated on it’s ascent up the mountain, and this was only the beginning. Once all the supplies and staff landed safely onsite, we began to unload, unpack, and build the stage. Already behind, we had less than 48 hours before 1800 people descended on the Camp.
For the next 36 hours, breaking only for food and little sleep, my crew worked hard; handling every task with care and completing them as fast as humanly possible. As I collapsed on my bed early Monday morning July 4th I had only one desire - more time. That’s what I truly needed, more time. As I drifted off for a short nap, I was unsure if we would be able to finish before our opening service that evening.
More time is all I asked for, as others continued to inquire how they could help, or what they could get me. More time, I would say. I just need more time.
This theme continued throughout July 4th, along-with a few more surprises. Before I knew it, the camp was bustling with people and according to my watch, the opening service was less than 90 minutes away. We were not ready. More time, that’s what I needed. It seemed like an impossible request.
Soon, I was greeted by the leaders of the convention. I assumed they were coming to check in on the progress. I was wrong. They were coming to give me a progress report. It seemed I wasn’t the only behind that day.
Due to the holiday, the kitchen staff was not adequately prepared to serve supper for the 1800 people who had arrived that afternoon. The lines were backed up a good ¼ mile. It was evident that many of the conference attendees wouldn’t be done eating by the scheduled start time. As a result, they were coming to ask if we could start later. Without a second thought, I said YES!
As I reflected on this a year later, I was again amazed at my God. He gave me the one thing, the only thing I needed - more time. I was reminded that God knows of and cares for all my struggles; that He is all powerful and capable of doing exceedingly more then I can ever imagine. Even the impossible - Giving more time.
James 4:3 says “You do not have because you do not ask God.” Upon reflection, I realized during the stress of the event I never asked God for the one thing I needed. More Time. Sure, that’s the answer I gave everyone else, but I never took it to God. I thought it was a fruitless prayer since it was impossible. (Apparently I forgot the time when God caused the sun to stand for Israel.) Despite my unbelief God gave me just what I needed - more time. However, I can’t help but wonder what stress I would have been spared if I had only gone to Him in prayer sooner.
Let heed Christ’s encouragement to you bring all our needs, especially the impossible ones to the Lord in prayer.
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” John 15:7
A few weeks ago my oldest daughter turned six years old. I can hardly believe it; for it seems just like yesterday that I was rushing my wife to the hospital as her contractions increased. But alas, my girl is growing up.
As my daughter ages, the more responsibility she desires. Often, I can see it on her face, wishing she was old enough to make her own decisions; old enough to no longer take direction or obey her parents.
I remember having similar thoughts as well. Thinking how great it must be for adults not having someone constantly telling them what to do, where to go, how to act. How easy they had it: for they didn’t have to obey anyone.
I recall longing for those days as a teenager. Counting down until I turned 18 and was finally an adult, no longer answering to anyone; especially my parents. I waited with anticipation for the time when I could decide for myself what to do, when to go to bed, and where to eat. I imagined a life free from authority, free from accountability, and free from any correction. A time where the only one I had to obey was myself.
However, I soon learned my thinking was wrong. Accountability never ceases, for “each of us will give an account of himself to God” Romans 14:12. Obedience (especially to God) transcends age, and much to my disappointment, never gets easier. Abraham learned this lesson as well. In Genesis 17 God entered into a special covenant with Abraham and his decedents. According to Genesis 17:9-14 the sign of this covenant was circumcision, and any uncircumcised male would be cut off from God’s blessing. Abraham wasted no time. Later that day he, his son Ishmael, and every male in his household was circumcised.
Abraham was no spring chicken. Genesis 17:24 says “Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised.” Yep that’s right ninety-nine years old!
God didn’t give Abraham a pass because of his age. No, he still required Abraham to obey his command and walk according to His covenant. This couldn’t have been easy or desirable! No one would have blamed a man who had lived nearly a century to attempt to escape such a request. Yet, Abraham didn’t, nor did he even raise a slight objection or complaint. Instead, out of respect, love, devotion, and gratefulness for God, Abraham obeyed and insisted his household do the same!
As we age, it can easy to let compromise creep in. To allow things in our home and our life that we would have never before. Yet, that isn’t right. God doesn't change his requirements, or have different expectations because we are older. No. His Law remains the same. Regardless of our age, His Word still demands our attention and obedience. His grace and mercy continue to require a response. Age is never an excuse for disobedience or dishonor.
While no longer accountable to our parents, or possibly no longer have impressionable children at home, we are still accountable to God. Our lives should still be a living sacrifice to Him. May we walk in His ways by His grace each day of our life.
Labels: Abraham, Accountability, Adults, Bible, Circumcision, Compromise, Covenant, Devotions, Freedom, Genesis 17, God, Growing Up, Ishmael, Law, Obedience, Obedience Transcends Age, Obey, Parents, Romans 14:12, Teenager
A few years ago, our congregation finished a building project that had been a dream for decades. Each week we are reminded of God’s goodness as we worship in a warm and beautiful sanctuary. There is one feature, however, that many cringe at as they walk past; a 3x6 ft framed mirror. It hangs on our back wall simply to provide visual balance to the window to our cry room on the other end of the room. Yet, some wish it wasn’t there, for who really likes to look at a mirror anyway.
Yes, mirrors are necessities. We must look at them to make sure our hair is combed, our teeth are clean, and our clothes are on straight. But for some of us, once we’ve got ourselves put together in the morning, we avoid looking in the mirror for the rest of the day - especially big one.
Whether it is insecurity, poor self image or a desire to remain in ignorance, some people don’t like mirrors. And who can blame them? Mirrors don’t just show our best side, but also our blemishes, and no one wants to be reminded of their imperfections. However unless our imperfections are revealed, they can never be fixed, which leads to much greater problems.
In many ways God’s Word is treated like a mirror. People enjoy looking at it when they are being reassured in their life - hearing about the many blessings and promises Christ offers. However when God’s Word begins to point out our imperfections or sins, most people cringe away; tucking their Bible on the far end of their bookshelf - avoiding it at all costs. For no one likes to be reminded of their imperfections.
King David, someone whom God called “a man after His own heart,” treated God’s mirror in a much different way. In Psalm 139:23–24 he wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Instead of cringing away from God; David invites Him to take a deep look within. To test him, to search his heart and mind for anything that brings offense to God. David asks the Lord to serve as a mirror, pointing out his imperfections, his blemishes, his sins. David knows that only God alone can accurately point out and take his sin, and lead him in a new way of living. David knew he needed to look in God’s mirror often.
We do too. James 1:23-24 compares the Bible and the work it does to that of a mirror; exhorting each of us not to simply hear or read it, but also to do what it says.
As we invite God through His Word to examine our heart, He points out our imperfections, our wickedness, and our sin. Yes, it is ugly. In fact the prophet Isaiah says our sin stains deep like crimson, and our attempts to cover it up reek like filthy rags - images no one likes to be reminded of.
If we close God’s Word there, we miss another, more important, reflection; that of Christ. For God promises that all who acknowledge their sin, repent and turn to Christ will be forgiven (1 John 1:8-10). In fact, no longer is their sin seen, but instead Christ’s righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). We are now a reflection of Jesus Christ and the more time we spend in His Word, the more we are transformed to be like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18).
I encourage you to take a close look each and every day into the mirror of God’s Word.
Yes, I was duly warned. My older sister was very clear in her explanation and warnings to me. Vanilla Extract does not taste good. Over and over again she admonished me, telling me not to drink it. But I refused to believe her. It just can’t be. I knew that it enhanced the flavor of many goodies my mother baked, and besides it smelled so good. She must be wrong, or worse yet she doesn’t want me to enjoy this treat.
It wasn’t long before the pleasant aroma had convinced me. My sister must be wrong, How can something that smells so good be as bad as she describes? Besides, I could nearly taste the Vanilla on my lips. I raised the plastic bottle to my mouth and took a giant sized gulp. It never made it to my stomach. As soon as the liquid touched my tongue, I spewed it out and quickly attempted to rid my mouth of that horrible taste.
Trying to control her laughter, my sister said with smile, “see I told you it tasted nothing like it smells.” Many, many years later, I find myself still asking the same question “how can something that smelled so good taste so bad.” I learned a valuable lesson that day, looks can be deceiving. I do take comfort in knowing that I am not the only one who has learned that lesson; Lot did as well.
In Genesis 13 Abraham and Lot had to part ways since their herds had gown too large to remain together. In verses eight and nine Abraham tells his nephew to choose where he would like to settle, and he, Abraham, would go in the opposite direction. He did just that; Genesis 13:10-11 says. Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east.
Yes, this land looked perfect. It was beautiful, large, and luscious; appearing to have everything Lot needed for his family and farm to be successful. However, instead of peace, growth, and success; his family experienced hardship, loss, and spiritual decay. It wasn’t long before war broke out in the region and Lot was captured; only to be rescued by Abraham.
Sodom and Gomorrah were wicked and immoral cities and eventually were destroyed. The hedonistic and depraved life modeled in these cities undoubtedly had a profound effect on Lot's children, who later got their father drunk and slept with him order to conceive. Lot lost everything, his wife who was turned to a pillar of salt, his home and farm which was consumed in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the spiritual life of his family. The land that looked so good, proved to be so bad. Looks can be deceiving.
What can we learn from Lot? What looks good to the eye, may not be good for the soul. Many things in life look appealing yet prove to be destructive. Seem innocent, yet rob our innocence. Physically appearing to offer the best life has, but causing spiritual decay and death. Let’s not be fooled by our flesh, captivated by the culture, or seduced by Satan; instead let us stand firm in our faith, letting God’s Word and His Spirit be our guide.
Labels: Abraham, Bad Taste, Bible, Christ, Deceived, Devotions, Genesis 13, Genesis 14, Genesis 19, God, Gomorrah, Jesus, Life Lessons, Lot, Sodom, Soul, Vanilla Extract
It’s been a couple of weeks, but it is still hard for me to believe, my oldest child started school this year. I know every parent says it, but it seems like just yesterday I was in the delivery room hearing my daughter cry for the first time. Now, she is ready to embark on her educational pursuit that will dominate and direct a good part of the rest of her life.
My wife and I take this very seriously, and spent a long time carefully weighing the different education options available to us: Public School, Private School, and Homeschool. Each option has it own set of advantages and struggles. It became apparent to us that whatever route we chose, as parents it is our responsibility to be deeply involved in the education of our children. After all, they are ours, not someone else's.
This responsibility does not lie solely in “secular” subjects but includes the “spiritual” also. God never gave the church the primary responsibility to rear or instruct our children. Instead He gave it to us, as parents.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
God’s design for family is rather simple. As parents we are given the responsibility to teach (or disciple) our children in God’s Word. In Deuteronomy 6:1-5, God instructs parents (and grandparents) to hear, to heed, and to teach God’s Word in our homes, giving our children an example to follow. However, the goal is more than teaching, more than passing on facts about God and the Bible, and more than blind obedience or head knowledge. Our goal is to pass on our faith and love for Christ.
God tells us to impress His Word on our children. Which means to “Teach them diligently.” The idea is similar to the sharpening of blade on a stone; indicating a close and sometimes hard task. This is done through accurately teaching the Bible, sharpening our kids’ faith on the honing stone of God’s Word.
Deuteronomy says that this should be an integrated part of life. We are told to talk, or have conversations about God and His Word throughout our life. Day by day, moment by moment talking and teaching our children what the Bible says and how it applies to life. We are to look for the teachable moments and seize every opportunity where spiritual lessons can be taught.
It is also important to keep reminders of God and His Word visible. We may no longer tie Frontlets or Phylacteries around our head, or carve Scripture verses on our door; but our Faith and the Bible should be visible in our home and lives; visible to our family, and to all guests who may enter.
Yes, the church has an important role in coming alongside families, helping and equipping them to instill God’s Word in their families. But the work starts, and ends at Home. As you bring your children (or grandchildren) back to Sunday School this year, don’t let that be the only instruction they get…. For everyone should be “home-schooled” in God's Word!
Labels: Bible, Children, Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Devotions, Education, Faith, Family, Frontlets, God, Grandparents, Home, Homeschool, Jesus, Kids, Life, Phylacteries, Private School, Public School, School, Sunday School
Those who know me best understand that rendering me speechless is not an easy or common thing to do. I am rather quick on my feet and rarely fazed by what people say. Although, I will admit from time to time, something one says will catch me off guard without any reply.
This very thing happened to some religious leaders in Jesus’ day. The Pharisees & Sadducees were always trying to trap Jesus; attempting to coax Him into saying something that they could use against Him. In Matthew 22 a group of them set out to accomplish this.
The scene started in verse 15 as the Pharisees went and asked Christ about Roman taxation, hoping to catch Him speaking some words which could be interpreted as rebellion against Caesar. Yet, Christ’s answer amazed them. Hoping to accomplish what the Pharisees couldn’t, next the Sadducees went and tried to trap Jesus with questions of their own, but again His answer proved to be too much.
The Pharisees didn’t give up. They came back again with more loaded questions, and like the last time, Christ answered them beyond what they dreamed possible.
Beaten yet not yet ready to give up, the Pharisees huddled together in verse 41 to come up with a question that surely would stump this great teacher. However as they were scheming, Jesus challenged their conception of the Messiah quoting Psalm 110:1. After He said these words, Matthew 22:46 plainly states “No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.”
Each time the Pharisees or Sadducees tried to trap Christ, He answered with the Truth of Scripture. Each time His accusers were left standing in silence. Luke records it this way in 20:26 “They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.”
This is always the effect of Truth, it silences everything else. Just as the light casts out all darkness, the truth casts out all lies. For just as Jesus said in John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
The truth of God’s Word silences the lies of the Devil, the World, and ourselves. The lies that tell you your sin is too great for God to forgive, that if people really knew you they wouldn’t accept you. The lies which tell you this one time really won't hurt, or the reward outweighs the sin. The doubt and questions posed by those who seek to destroy your faith. Answer them all with God’s Word, and watch them remain silent.
Christ did this in the wilderness when tempted by the devil, Peter did this when accused by the Jews, and Paul tells us the only way to overcome sin and guilt is to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
As you let God’s truth speak to you and through you, It will defend and protect you refuting all the lies thrown from the evil one.
Next time you’re tempted to sin, accused by Satan, or challenged by a non-believer, turn to the Truth and let It silence your accusers for good.
My family and live in a parsonage. This has been a real blessing for us; in fact, the blessing began even before we moved in.
In the months preceding our move into the parsonage, the church made sure it was ready for us. Many men and women, and even a few kids, spent countless hours cleaning, painting, fixing, and, in many areas, remodeling the house. During the renovations, the church kept us in mind, often asking our opinion on colors, styles, or other various aspects of the work. My wife and I were truly honored, and each day are grateful for the thought, work, and preparation that was put into the house for our sake.
I’m reminded of another home that is being prepared just for me. It is not found in Amery, Wisconsin, or even in the United States. I will never get to see this home before I take up residence there. Yet I am confident that when it is time move in, it will be finished and perfectly designed just for me.
Where is this home? In heaven of course; and the person making all the preparation is Jesus Himself.
He gave us this promise in John 14:1-2.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled, Trust is God, Trust also in me. In my father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
Think about this great promise. For all who trust in Christ alone are promised a room in the great house of God the Father. This will not be some generic guest room, or hotel-like place. No. This home is being specially prepared for each of us by Jesus Christ Himself. He has prepared the way, paid all necessary fees, secured our safe travel, and our permanent residency in heaven with His own blood; and nothing can take that away.
What a great promise from the Lord! Regardless of what this life might hold, or what cards we are dealt, there is a place waiting for us in heaven. A place owned and operated by the Creator of all, a place free from any and all economic crises that come, a place being prepared for you by Christ.
Let us heed Christ’s commands, and not let our hearts be troubled; but place all trust in Him as we await our glorious home in heaven.
Thank you Lord for building a home in heaven for me to dwell for all eternity.
Labels: Bible, Carpenter, Custom Built, Devotions, Economic Crises, Eternity, God, Home, House, Jesus, John 14:1-2, Parsonage, Promise
The buzzing of the alarm, the chirping of the birds, the crack of thunder, or rustling of the wind through the leaves; there are many sounds that can wake us each morning. However, none quite compare to the sound of little feet.
Most mornings, before my alarm sounds or the song of the birds reach my ears, I am awakened by the sound of little feet racing across the hardwood floors at our home. Soon the hinges on our bedroom door begins to squeak and before I know it, our bed has some extra occupants, a five and three year old.
Although, this has happened for years, it never ceases to amaze me. The first thing my kids want to do each morning is to be with their dad. They don’t reach for the remote, or rush off to play with their toys. No, they simply want to be with me. If I have gotten up before they have stirred, they quickly leave our bedroom and set out on a hunt to find me.
But what about us? What do we seek out each morning? Coffee? Breakfast? A shower? The paper? Or maybe it’s the snooze button. Yet should’t we reach for something else?
Consider the words of David in Psalm 63:1 “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.” Likewise the Prophet Isaiah said “All night long I search for you; in the morning I earnestly seek for God.” (Isaiah 26:9)
Each morning before our day begins there is a need, a desire, a blessing in seeking God through His Word and Prayer; feeding our spiritual life as we do our physical one. Receiving nourishment, strength, refreshment, and encouragement for the day ahead. We are reminded that our sins are forgiven, that we are His, and that this day was made by Him for Him.
Before you reach for your morning caffeine or hit the snooze button one more time, grab your Bible and crawl up into your Abba Father’s lap and enjoy some time with your Dad.
I hope you are eager to see and spend time with your heavenly Father first thing each day.
Labels: Bible, Dad, Devotions, Father, Father's Day, God, Isaiah 26:9, Jesus, Kids, Morning, Prayer, Psalm 63:1
I know you’ve heard it. I know you’ve experienced it. And I imagine you’ve shattered a few in your day as well. At times it does seems like “Promises are made to be broken.”
Yet as I reflect on that statement again, I’m reminded how much I dislike it and how illogical it truly is. By definition a promise is “a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that it guarantees that a particular thing will happen.” Promises are made to bring assurance, confidence, and peace of mind, not disappointment.
Sadly, this statement has not been born out of its dictionary definition, but experience. For we live in a world of broken promises. Wether from a politician, businessman, or loved one, each one of us has experienced the disappointment of having a shattered promise. Sadly, we too have broken our fair share of promises.
Nevertheless, there is One who has never broken a promise and never will. It is impossible for Him to do so; for by nature He is The Promise Keeper.
Numbers 23:19 says “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?”
The Author of Hebrews shares the same sentiment as he writes in Chapter 10 verse 23 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
God has never, and will never break a promise. What He says, He does. What He promises, He delivers. This is seen throughout the pages of Scripture, for God’s word is filled with hundreds of promises fulfilled.
God promised to give Adam a helpmate, He did. God promised never to flood the earth again, He hasn’t. God promised that a nation would come from a barren woman, it did. God promised to lead the Jews out of Egypt, He did. God promised them victory in Cana, they won. God promised a virgin would conceive, she did. God promised the Messiah must suffer and die, He did. God Promised He would rise, and He did.
Yet, they continue! He promises to forgive sin, He does, He promised never to leave us, He won't, He promises to come again, and He will! But this is only the tip of the promise iceberg, for the Bible overflows with promises for those who trust in Christ. Since He has left such a great legacy of promise keeping, we can be assured He will keep each one yet to be fulfilled.
Stop for a moment asking God to remind you of the promises He has fulfilled and those He will keep.
Thank you Lord for your faithfulness in keeping your promises in the past, and let me rest in your promises for the future.
Labels: Assurance, Bible, Broken Promise, Confidence, Devotions, Faithful, God, Hebrews 10:23, Hope, Jesus, Numbers 23:19, Promise, Trust, Unbreakable
“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28
“Sugar and spice and everything nice.”
This may be what makes up little girls, but what is the recipe for a good Mom? Parenting Magazine recently published an article aimed at answering this question. Although this article may bring some encouragement and balance the scales of what it truly means to be a mom, I wonder is flexibility, risk taking, and understanding yourself and your own mother are the true ingredients for Motherhood? Will the right measurements of each produce a “good mom?”
A better recipe is found in Luke 1:26-38. A recipe for a “Highly Favored Mother.” Like all good recipes this one is short, easy to follow, and only has three ingredients.
- A Mother Hears God’s Word. In Luke 1:26-36 God’s Word is revealed to Mary through the word of the angel Gabriel. Despite her initial reactions (fear and confusion v29) she stayed and listened.
- A Mother Believes God’s Word. The message was truly beyond belief. She would give birth to a son. How could this be, Mary thought, for she was a virgin? So she asked, and waited for a reply. Soon it was given (35-37) - she would conceive by the Holy Spirit. This was not only hard to understand, but was also shameful; for Mary had no husband and ran the risk of losing the one promised to her. Despite all of that she believed.
- Mother Obey’s God Word. In verse 38 Mary simply replied “I am the Lord’s Servant. May it be to me as you have said.” She understood her role was to walk in obedience to the Lord’s Word and Will. She didn’t argue or bargain just obeyed. This is seen in the rest of Luke chapters one and two.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)