“…give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) 

Let’s face it; it’s easier to give thanks in certain circumstances than others. But God’s Word says we are to give thanks in all of them. What Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 has a tendency to strike us the same way as when James writes, “Count it all joy…when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2). The call to obey is clear, but obedience to that call is easier said than done. In fact, without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, it’s impossible.

            As part of our thanksgiving service at church, I’ve had the opportunity to hear people share testimonies of their thankfulness for God’s work in their lives. In many instances these testimonies were given by people or families dealing with difficult and uncertain circumstances related to an illness and even death. But in spite of that, they testify that although they may not know what today holds, they are quite sure of what the future does. I always leave this service realizing the problems I have aren’t really problems at all. I also leave encouraged that it is God who authors our circumstances and whether those circumstances have us on a mountaintop or in a valley, He is there with us.

            “…give thanks in all circumstances” When we encounter passages such as 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and James 1:2, it’s tempting to apply our own meanings or put boundaries around these passages. Paul’s teaching to those in the church at Thessalonica was not that they were to give thanks for everything that happens, but to be thankful that God is working to bring good out of whatever does (Romans 8:28).

            It’s the same with us. As a child of God, this life is about preparation for the next; it’s about living with an eye on eternity, being made more like Christ, realizing that whatever happens here cannot compare to the promise of heaven, “the glory that is to be revealed” (Romans 8:18). I believe those who suffer realize this more fully. This has been the testimonies of these families. And I know that it’s all made possible because of God. God doesn’t put boundaries around these passages because they are to be understood in light of who He is. A greater understanding of who He is will help us be able to give thanks in all circumstances, even the difficult ones.

            When you give thanks during this thanksgiving season, remember how much you truly have to be thankful for: your health, your family, your friends, your church, your job and much more. But more than anything be thankful for what God has done for you in Christ, be thankful that He walks beside you each day. And be thankful for the glorious promise of what is yet to come.      

Prayer

Lord, your Word tells us to give thanks in all circumstances, not just the good ones. It also tells us to rejoice always and to pray continually. Lord this is difficult when we suffer, so we ask for your Holy Spirit to help us. God, all your purposes are good and we know that this world is not our home. Let our knowing what awaits us be an encouragement for today. But until that time, in good times and bad, help us to be thankful in all things, knowing that you are making us more like your Son and enabling us to live for your glory. Amen!

Modified from original post November 2012

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6) 

Not through Buddha, Mohammad, Mormonism, the Mosaic Law, or good works. There is only one way to spend eternity in heaven, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ. There is a difference between tolerance and having a firm conviction about something. People are not intolerant because they stand firm on the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only way to the Father. Just because our culture and our media say so doesn’t make it true. The truth is that the claims of Christ are exclusive, and as Christians, we cannot waver on this issue. I know some people who, when I look at their character and kindness, even knowing they are of a religion other than Christianity, I think, How can those people not be saved, or why wouldn’t God save them? God can save them, but that salvation will not come based on their goodness but only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.       

            We are not left to guess who Jesus claimed to be. One of the primary purposes for which John wrote his gospel was so people would believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ. For the Jews, the “Messiah” represented the coming “anointed one” who would save God’s people. The book of John records seven “I am” statements that Jesus made in which He explicitly claimed to be God. These “I am” statements angered the religious leaders of Jesus’ day because they understood that this was the covenant name of God first disclosed to Moses (Exodus 3:14). While all of the “I am” statements were and are controversial, perhaps none is more despised than the one we find in John 14:6 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus’ claim of deity and exclusivity bring about an angry reaction today. I can hear it now, “Jesus can’t be the only way; I believe there are many ways.” But Jesus didn’t say that. He’s not just one of the ways but “the way.” Does that offend you? I hope not, but make no mistake, it offends many.

            Unfortunately, even many Christians are subtly being broken down as to their conviction on the exclusive claims of Jesus Christ. It just doesn’t fit our culture in this era of tolerance that such exclusivity could be claimed. But Jesus was never interested in fitting into the norm of society. His claims were always bold, to the point, and unapologetic. It may seem that not believing in and expressing the exclusive claims of Christ with confidence appear more humble and gracious, attributes that do please our Lord, but Jesus desires we take Him at His word. If we waver on this issue, and in effect deny its truth, it’s His heart we break. The truths of Jesus’ words are never dependant on how they make us feel.

So how must a Christian proceed? Take Jesus’ words at face value. He said it and He meant it, so don’t crumble in the name of tolerance. Trust in the authority of Jesus’ words. Do you think He died for you not to believe Him?

 Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You that You are the way, the only way to be reconciled to the Father. Help me to lovingly but boldly stand firm on what Your Word says, that through no other way but faith in Your work can one be made right with God. As society more and more counters Your claims, God, give me strength to proclaim the truth.

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) 

As part of my sales route, there is an office I visit about once a month. Each time I’m there, I’m drawn to a picture on the wall. The picture is of a lamb lying contently on top of a crown of thorns and below a reference to Isaiah 53:7, “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, yet He opened not His mouth”. In Scripture, a lamb is used in both a literal and symbolic sense. The Israelites viewed lambs as a symbol of innocence, sacrificing them in worship as a burnt offering to make atonement for sin. Under the Mosaic System, these sacrifices had to be repeated. It was required the lambs chosen for sacrifice be without blemish because God deserved only the best. These lambs were also to be unblemished because they pointed forward to a perfect sinless sacrifice.

            “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” The gospel of John records John the Baptist’ declaration of Jesus as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”. What the Old Testament sacrifices had pointed to was now here. The Greek word Lamb used in this verse had to do with daily offerings made in the temple. It makes perfect sense that the image of a lamb in the Old Testament would be more fully developed in the New Testament, for the whole purpose of the Old Covenant (Mosaic System) was to point to the New Covenant mediated by Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ fulfilled all the demands of the Old Covenant. He was who Isaiah 53:7 predicted. The blood splattered on those altars pointed directly to the perfect blood that was shed by the Messiah. But whereas the sacrifices under the Old Covenant had to be repeated to atone for sin, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God would atone for sin for all time.   

            I am always encouraged when I visit this office and see that picture on the wall because it makes me reflect on what it represents. It represents what Christ did at the cross. Because He chose to wear a crown of thorns, I will wear a crown of righteousness. I hope that is your reflection as you read this. But let us not stop there because Jesus is no longer on the cross nor is He in the tomb. He conquered them both and now sits at the right hand of God the Father. That crown of thorns placed on His head to mock Him has been replaced with a crown of glory and honor (Hebrews 2:7). Philippians 2:10-11 says that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The apostle John writes in Revelation that as we sing praises in heaven, we will sing of Jesus saying, “Worthy is the Lamb” for He is a Lamb who will demand our praise. But why wait for heaven? Jesus Christ demands our praise now. So, for all that we have to praise Him for, today praise Jesus as the Lamb of God, the perfect, sinless sacrifice who came to take away your sin and mine. He is worthy! 

Prayer

God, You are worthy of all of our praise. Help me live in the salvation You provide with a grateful heart for the atoning sacrifice of the perfect Lamb, Jesus Christ. Your Word tells us that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess You as Lord. Don’t let me wait for that day. Let me bow before You, confess You as Lord and praise You today and every day. You are more than worthy! 

“We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are” (Numbers 13:31) 

Loss of vision is an unfortunate disability. Though there is no cure and disadvantages exist, many advances allow people with blindness to get along well in today’s society. Spiritual blindness is different. People who are spiritually blind may have perfect eyesight, but are blind to the ways of God. Such was the case for the majority of the spies that Moses sent into Canaan to spy out the land and report back on what they saw. In all, twelve spies went in. When the LORD told Moses to send the spies, He said, it is, “a land which I am giving to the people of Israel.” This gift of land was a fulfillment of a promise the LORD originally made to Abraham (Genesis 17:8). It was a promise that would be kept because God keeps all His promises. Even having been witness to God’s faithfulness since bringing them out of Egypt, doubt still dominated the disposition of the majority of the spies. They were “blind” to the ways of God, and their report upon return from Canaan proved it.   

            “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are” This was the report from ten of the twelve spies upon their return from Canaan. There were two others who went into the Promised Land as well, Caleb and Joshua. As all twelve traveled the land for forty days, physically, they saw the same thing. Canaan was a fertile and prosperous land, “a land flowing with milk and honey”. The spies gained other insights as well. The people in the land were very formidable; they were very large and powerful people. It was on this observation where the spies separated into two groups, where ten of the spies lost their sight, spiritually speaking that is. When these ten spies looked, they saw only the obstacles they faced, believing their enemies were too much to overcome. Caleb and Joshua saw the obstacles as well, but believed they could be overcome. These calm and confident voices however were not welcome as the majority of the spies stirred Israel to rebel against Moses and Aaron, but most importantly, against God. They grumbled and complained, showing their contempt against the LORD who had brought them to this point and had promised this land to them. Their unbelief would not go without consequence. God made Israel wander for forty more years in the wilderness until the whole generation of the people twenty years and older died. The ten spies died as a result of a plague. Because of their belief, only Caleb and Joshua received the blessing of entering the Promised Land. 

            So what was it that distinguished Caleb and Joshua from the other ten spies? What distinguished them was how they viewed their situation. The majority of the spies saw the obstacles, but didn’t see God, while Caleb and Joshua not only understood God’s promises, but also the value of having Him present with them. The difference was simply an issue of belief versus unbelief. Unbelief is always at the root of spiritual blindness and often brings about undesired consequences. Belief on the other hand always pleases God. Caleb and Joshua believed God. In contrast to the majority of the spies, they were unique. Joshua eventually led Israel into the Promised Land. Caleb was said to have a “different spirit”, the Hebrew word for “spirit” having to do with the heart (Numbers 14:24). The reason Joshua and Caleb could see with eyes of faith was because they saw with their hearts.

            When our hearts are open to God, He is pleased to help us see. Do you have eyes that see every circumstance filtered through the Word of God? Do you see all of the happenings of this world under His providential hand? Our hearts help our eyes to see with faith. Maybe one day there will be a cure for blindness, but today, because of God’s grace, there is a cure for those who are spiritually blind. That cure is Jesus Christ. He alone changes hearts, taking us from unbelief to belief, from darkness to light and from blindness to sight. Do you see Him?

 Prayer

Lord God, help me to see You in everything, no matter how uphill the victory may seem. Let me learn from the testimony of Caleb and Joshua that victory is certain in Your presence. I want to stay in Your presence each day Lord as I battle this world and all of its obstacles. You are gracious and faithful. Help me glorify You in all I do. Amen!

“But Jesus called them to Him, saying ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God’” (Luke 18:16) 

There are moments that cannot be described any other way than as just precious. Once a year at Hunter Street, the first graders are presented with Bibles during the worship service. As they walk across the stage to receive their Bibles from our pastor, it’s always interesting to watch the manner in which they go to get them. Some go briskly, some very seriously while others go meekly. On this particular year, after the presentation of their Bibles, the children were led out as the congregation sang Jesus Loves Me. This song is probably familiar to most of us. It may even be the first song you ever learned in church as a child. If you’re not familiar with it, the chorus goes, “Yes Jesus love me. Yes Jesus loves me. Yes Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so”. What great words to teach life altering lessons, not only to children, but to each of us.   

            “But Jesus called them to Him, saying ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God’” Jesus’ attitude towards children was unique and quite different from many religious leaders of His day. In many ancient cultures, until children were of an age to actively contribute to the family, they were seen as somewhat of a burden. The disciples seemed to even believe this as they rebuked those who tried to bring their children to Jesus for blessing. Jesus in turn rebuked them for keeping the children away. He saw children as a model of humility and trust, taking this occasion to make a point, “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” (Luke 18:17). 

              Though Scripture teaches that all of us are brought forth in iniquity (Psalm 51:5) there was a certain innocence to this moment of when these children received their Bibles. They may not know all the theology that will serve them as they age, but they don’t possess all the clutter either. That is not to say that theology is unimportant. Correct theology is critical. It is only to say that children’s hearts and minds are wide open to God’s shaping. Is yours? God will reveal great things to those who approach Him like a child. A humble and teachable spirit is fertile ground for the Holy Spirit’s work. Let us approach Jesus like a child. The words of the song, Jesus Loves Me may be simple, but they are also powerful and true. No one loves you more than Jesus. And just as with the children, it’s the Bible that tells you so.         

 Prayer

Father God, thank you for your Word and its expression of love for us. Thank you for the cross that saved us from our sins. Thank you for the empty tomb by which we are justified. As children grow, let them hold fast to what the Bible teaches. It will not be easy. Help all of us to hold fast to your Word. Keep us humble before you, trusting in all that you are.  

“For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross be emptied of its power” (1 Corinthians 1:17) 

We live in a day where instant credibility and wisdom seems to attach to a person gifted with great oratory skills. You see it all over the place; in the political arena, in business, you see it with celebrities’ and with sports figures. We can be so enamored with how someone says something. It’s almost like it doesn’t even matter what they say so long as they sound good saying it. But, do you know what? The same thing can also be said about the church. It’s not to say that being a great speaker is a bad thing, it’s not. It’s a gift, and like all good gifts, it’s from God. But it is to say that being a great speaker in and of itself, particularly as it relates to proclaiming the gospel message is not the most important thing. Unfortunately, sometimes we treat it as if it is. Continue reading →

“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace…” (2 Timothy 2:22) 

I wonder if when Timothy read the letter’s Paul wrote to him he ever thought to himself, “Doesn’t he think I know that”? You might think after almost twenty years of ministering together, Paul wouldn’t need to repeat what should be so obvious. But that’s the point; there are some things that always need repeating. To understand this passage it’s important to understand the context in which Paul wrote 2 Timothy, his last letter before his death. He chose to write Timothy, for one reason, he loved him as a son, but also because it was Timothy that Paul would entrust to “guard the good deposit” (2 Timothy 1:14), the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul wrote to encourage Timothy to carry on in faithful ministry, but also, in a sense to provide him a roadmap on how to proceed in doing so. He encouraged Timothy to use the gifts God had given him, to not be ashamed of the gospel or let it become corrupted under the influence of false teachers. Continue reading →

“Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4) 

God knows exactly what we need and when we need it. Last year as a church family, we read through the Bible. During the month of August the schedule took us to the Psalms and on that particular morning it brought me to Psalm 121. At that time, prominent on my mind and a prominent topic in mine and Karen’s conversations was the fact that we now had two children in high school, even more; we had a senior, Kristin. That meant in a year, she would be heading off to college. Well, today, those thoughts and conversations become reality as today is the day we move Kristin to Auburn University to begin a new phase of her life, and a certain transition for our family. Today is also the day where God’s Word’s in this psalm becomes more real to me than ever. These years have flown by. I didn’t really believe it when people used to tell me that they would, but it’s true. I can still remember as if it was yesterday when we put her on the school bus for the first time as she started kindergarten. As the bus drove away, the tears flowed, not Kristin’s, but mine and Karen’s. When we leave her today, they’ll be no bus to bring her home when school’s out.

            “Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” My Bible titles Psalm 121 My Help Comes from the LORD. It is a fitting title because it is God’s supernatural strength that we must all rely on as we live out His will. The specific purpose of this psalm was to give confidence to those traveling to Jerusalem in order to attend the feasts and worship in the temple. It expresses the LORD’s tireless care and sovereign protection throughout all of one’s life. As His child, you can be assured He’s always there.

Encountering God’s Word is encountering God. It’s where He reveals Himself to us and challenges us to walk according to His statutes. But it is also where He assures and encourages us with His promises. God knew I needed the comfort of Psalm 121 last August, and He knows that from today forward, I’ll need it even more. In just a few years, Logan will follow Kristin and take the next step in his life’s journey. I know many parents who are in similar situations as Karen and I, at the point of having to let go as never before. It’s a great moment in many ways for our children, but at the same time, a frightening one for us as parents. Be comforted by the promise of this psalm. We have a God we can trust. So, all of our preparations are complete; we’ve purchased the necessities for her dorm room and the cars are packed. At the end of the day today we’ll leave, and as we have, we’ll continue to pray for Kristin. We will pray that in our absence God will continue to watch over her. I know He will. He always has. After all, it’s in His arms where she’s most secure. “From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD…” Thank you God!

 Prayer

Father, I trust you and thank you for watching over Kristin. I know that as she sleeps, you won’t; when she moves about, you’ll be there; and if she falls, you’ll catch her. It’s our tendency sometimes to hold tighter to the one’s we love the most. Father, as our children grow and as they go, help us as parents to know it is in your arms that we give them. Help us to be comforted by that. Be with those we love and keep them safe. Thank you for your ever watchful eye. Amen!

Originally posted August 2012

“James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1)

            In order to appreciate God’s grace fully, we often need a lesson from the past. In James’ epistle, he encourages Jewish Christians to live out their faith in spite of difficult circumstances. He wrote to them saying, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). James never taught that people were saved by their works, but that true faith, faith that is “living” works itself out practically in a person’s life. There are many important lessons in the book of James, but I want us to see the lesson of the grace of God as displayed in the life of James. In the opening of his letter, James, the brother of Jesus describes himself as a servant. But James had a past. Having grown up alongside of Jesus, witnessing His childhood and His public ministry, James rejected Jesus as Messiah (John 7:5). It was only upon Jesus’ resurrection that James believed. So why would Jesus have any use for James after he had denied Him for all those years?       

            You and I have a past as well. The title of this devotion, Grace In An Unlikely Place is not meant to imply that God’s grace is in some way obscure in Scripture, but instead to show that it permeates all of Scripture, even where we may not readily see it. God’s grace is displayed not only in what the Holy Spirit inspired James to write in his epistle, but also, that after years of unbelief, he was allowed to write it. James becoming a leader in the church of Jerusalem and known as one of its “pillars” has wonderful implications for you and me. He is a testimony of God’s grace. No matter how long you have been in denial about Jesus Christ, when you believe, God can use you in a mighty way. God’s grace is free flowing and when it’s truly received, like it did with James, it will affect change in our lives. So, look for God’s grace in His Word; even in the places it may not seem obvious. Think about how God has shown His grace to you and respond to Him in a manner worthy of that grace.  

 Prayer

Father, what a gracious God you are. You displayed that grace prominently in how you used James although he didn’t believe Jesus to be Messiah until after the resurrection. But you revealed yourself to Him, changed him and used him for your glory. Thank you for that same grace you’ve shown me. Let it continue to change me that I may bring you glory as well. 

“To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also” (Luke 6:29)

Why do we find it so easy to retaliate? What is it about human nature that makes us want to make sure the person who hurts us is hurt even more? Even if we don’t act on it, we still wish it and that’s every bit as bad in God’s eyes. Nobody denies the difficulty in turning the other cheek, but that is exactly what Jesus taught. You may be thinking, I know that somewhere in the Bible it says an eye for an eye. And you would be right, but the Old Testament intent for “an eye for an eye” was that of proportional justice, the idea that no matter the social class, the punishment would fit the crime. But sinful people, as they often do, take the intent of a passage, use it out of context, and misrepresent it. Such was the case in the circumstance of the Old Testament references to “an eye for an eye” approach. It is and never was meant to be a license for payback.

Jesus said, “To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also” (Luke 6:29). No, Jesus wasn’t kidding! In fact, in the verses just prior, He said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:27–28).

Today, as you go through your day and people strike you on the cheek, some lightly and some not so lightly, resist the temptation to retaliate. To love your enemies is a command. To turn the other cheek is a command. But most importantly is who it is that gave the command. He is the one who expressed love for His enemies and a willingness to be humiliated by turning the other cheek like no other. His name is Jesus.

 Prayer

Thank You, heavenly Father for Your Word. I confess my failure to take Your Word seriously on this issue. Forgive me and help me do what is unnatural in my own strength to do. Help me to please You and love those who strike out at me. After all, You loved me first. Amen.