“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4) 

            There are numerous places in Scripture that speak of the value and responsibility of parents to instruct their children in the ways of the Lord. One of those places is in the book of Ephesians. Unity within the family is an important theme Paul addresses in his teachings. As he begins chapter 6 of Ephesians, he reminds children of their responsibility to obey and honor their parents, and of the resultant blessing that follows their submission (Ephesians 6:1-3). In verse 4 he instructs the fathers saying, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).  Fathers are not to frustrate and dominate their children, provoking them to anger, but to instead instill in them both the discipline and instruction of the Lord in hopes that these teachings will serve as a foundation for their lives as they grow. It is crucial that parents play a primary role in the discipleship of their children.   

            On their CD, Hymns for the Christian Life, Keith and Kristyn Getty have included a song entitled, A Mother’s Prayer. Though titled a mother’s prayer, the Getty’s describe the song as a prayer for any parent as they watch their children grow and learn faith for themselves. I first heard this song when they led worship at our church in the fall of last year. I was immediately struck by the songs third verse, “You’ll travel where my arms won’t reach as the road will rise to lead your feet on a journey of your own. May my mistakes not hinder you, but His grace remain and guide you through; this is my prayer for you.” This particular verse stood out to me so personally because my children are either now, or soon will be at the place in their lives where they will be left to live out their faith on their own.  

            I sometimes wonder as a parent what I may have done to hinder my children in living out their faith. As they’ve aged I’ve wondered it even more. I suppose most Christian parents at some point have wondered the same. It’s unmistakable that as parents we will make mistakes in raising our children, but equally unmistakable is that God’s grace not only covers, but also compensates for those mistakes. We should constantly pray to that end. What an encouraging thought reflected in this song as to the magnitude of God’s grace. It simply never ends. So, by His grace and through His power, let us strive each day to be the kind of parents that our heavenly Father has so perfectly modeled for each of us.     

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for Your forgiveness. Thank you for constant grace because as parents, we need it. Though perfection in this life is impossible, by the power of the Holy Spirit, help us to model for our children a life of faith. Minimize our hindrance to their spiritual growth and give them grace in spite of it. Thank You most of all for Your Son and for the forgiveness we have in Him. Help us to honor Him in all we do. Amen. 

“Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:13-14) 

            Death happens. It happens as a result of the normal aging process, when disease invades the body, and it happens when tragedy strikes. In whichever manner death occurs, it causes a lot of pain and suffering for loved ones left behind. However, it’s hard to imagine any death bringing about questions of faith in God like a tragedy that takes a life seemingly way too soon. In those types of situations, how can we believe Romans 8:28? “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good…”  How is it possible that suffering can be a path to glory? Though it happens, we must never view death or suffering as natural. In God’s world, they’re not. But they are realities and as Christians, suffering is often a greater one. When we suffer in any circumstance, but especially under tragic ones, how is it possible to still find satisfaction in God? In an article entitled, Preparing People to Suffer: What Expectations Do Our Sermons Create? John Piper addressed from a pastor’s perspective that very question, helping us not only in the case of suffering due to tragic circumstances, but suffering due to any circumstance at all. 

            “Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” In this section of Psalm 90, Moses appealed to God to pour out His grace so that people would find satisfaction in Him above everything, enabling them to rejoice all their days. Piper suggests that in times of personal suffering, the wise pastor cries the very cry of this passage and then preaches its truth to those he shepherds. This doesn’t mean that the hurt doesn’t hurt. It doesn’t mean that tragedy will not bring about questions. But what it does mean is that by the grace of God and by the Spirit of God we can accept the truths taught in Scripture, truths like Romans 8:28. It means we can be sure that God sees where we can’t, that His purposes are perfect, and that He is always working for our ultimate good.  

            Pastor’s have an awesome responsibility to preach the whole truth of God, including the reality of suffering. It may not be easy to preach and it may not be what people most want to hear, but it must be done. According to Piper, by teaching the reality of suffering and God’s sovereign goodness in and through it, when tragedy strikes, it leaves you needing only to embrace those in the midst of their pain.  I’m thankful for my pastor for his faithfulness in not dodging this difficult truth. I’m sure many in our congregation have been blessed because he didn’t. But this is not only a pastor’s responsibility; it is all of ours who minister in any manner. So be grateful for your pastor for preaching it and anyone else who teaches it. Because when they do, it not only better prepares you to deal with suffering in your own life, but also minister to others in theirs. And in times like today, we need it.   

 Prayer

Father, thank you for your Word and the faithful pastor’s dedicated to its exposition. It’s a struggle to grasp the difficult truth of suffering, but God, we know that you are good; you are good both in and through our suffering. The reality of suffering is a hard truth, but you have given us your Spirit that we may accept and praise you in the midst of these times. Help us to know that our satisfaction can only be found in you. Comfort all who suffer and embolden those who minister to them that you may be glorified.  Amen!

“…but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that Abraham had before he was circumcised” (Romans 4:12) 

            Paul uses chapter four of Romans to teach that our right standing before God comes through faith. The Jewish people struggled with faith alone being the measure of their right standing or justification before God. Many struggle with that today, as our natural tendency is to think and act as if we have to do something in order to be made right with God. That thought or action would be salvation by works, which is not the gospel. There are some important lessons from Romans 4. First, salvation by faith alone and not works was not something new that Paul was teaching. He used God’s own words concerning Abraham’s righteousness to prove that point (Genesis 15:6). Abraham was declared righteous prior to both the covenant of circumcision and the Mosaic Law. Second, Paul’s reference to the Old Testament of how Abraham, the most revered Jewish patriarch, was made right before God testifies to the unity of all of Scripture regarding salvation. A more subtle, but no less important point and lesson for each of us appears in verse twelve. What might we learn?

            “…but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that Abraham had before he was circumcised” Many Christians can point to the day they made a “decision for Christ”, the day they were “born again” and in that moment they were made right with God. But there is danger when we think of our conversion only as a past decision made at a fixed point in time. We should remember that moment was only the first step of a lifelong Christian walk. As we trace the footsteps of Abraham, though not always perfect, his were characterized by obedience. They were also always in response to what God had initiated. Salvation is always initiated by God and comes not through our works, but only through faith.  We would do well to think of our salvation not just as a fixed decision “for Jesus”, but as a continual walk of obedience to His prompting, knowing that He is walking with us. 

Prayer 

Lord, thank You for Abraham and the testimony of Scripture that salvation comes through faith alone. Too often, we act as if it results from our own works and righteousness. Help us realize that though we are made right with God in a moment, our Christian life is a walk that should be marked by obedience.  Obedience always follows true faith. Thank You for Jesus, our righteousness and for the Holy Spirit to help us do Your will each day. Amen.

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil”

           Temptation in this life never ends. Satan, the father of lies is pleased when we give into temptation. He knows that as a child of God he can’t change our relationship with our Heavenly Father, so he instead tries to break our fellowship with Him, while at the same time destroy our testimony before others. We have all faced temptation, but it’s hard to imagine any time in which temptation to sin and secular conformity has been greater than it is today. As adults, we face many temptations; in our careers, in our marriages, as we lead our families and in many other situations. Our children encounter temptation in the decisions they face; to conform to peer pressure in order to be accepted, whether or not to remain sexually pure until marriage, appropriate friendships plus many more. Though it may seem as if temptation has never been greater, human temptation began in the Garden and has been with us ever since. But temptation is not sin, so the question for us to ask is how we keep it from becoming so and suffering the painful consequences as a result of it.

            “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” Paul knew spiritual warfare was real and he knew those in the church at Ephesus faced their own temptations. Using the image of a Roman soldier, he set forth the means in which Christians can stand against these evil schemes. Notice in the passage that Paul says, “the whole armor of God”, both the defensive weapons to shield from attacks and the one offensive weapon, the “sword of the Spirit” or the Word of God. Paul used this image so the people in the church at Ephesus would know that the LORD had provided them all the spiritual resources necessary to stand firm.   

            As Christians, we must be fully armed to battle against the world today. That is because it’s not really the world we are battling, but “spiritual forces of evil” in which our world is just a pawn. Way too often, we battle temptation in our own strength. Instead of His armor, we put the armor of self help, a determined will or our best effort. The devil loves it when we clothe ourselves with that kind of armor because it spells our certain defeat. This battle can never be fought in the flesh. Our flesh is weak. But when you put on the whole armor of God; now that’s real power, power that comes from a Divine source; the Spirit of God working through His Word.  Why do we keep relying on our best efforts when they fail us over and over? Will we humble ourselves and realize we are no match for the enemy? Will we be weak enough to gain real strength, strength that comes from above? Paul knew God’s strength was magnified in his weakness, and his only surrender in battle was to his Savior, Jesus Christ. Isn’t it time you surrendered to Him as well?

 Prayer

Father, we need to trust your armor and not our own. I am of the flesh and sold under sin, but my heart’s desire is to please you. I renounce my own efforts in doing this because I realize that I am no match for the devils schemes. By the power of your Spirit through the power of the Word, let me be strong in the Lord and rely on the strength of His might.

“…that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4) 

         Our appreciation for something is often greatest when we consider the consequence of it never having been. There are people who don’t believe in the resurrection because there are people who don’t believe in Jesus Christ. There are also those who have a misperception of why Jesus came and who He claimed to be. This was also true in the Apostle Paul’s day. Paul was always concerned about the integrity of the gospel, emphasizing that the gospel he preached was that which he received from Christ. Of all the teaching in Scripture on the resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15 is the most comprehensive. In this passage, Paul mentions three elements of the gospel: Christ’s death for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection on the third day. All of these elements are critical to Christ’s redemptive work, but His resurrection is what we prepare to celebrate this day. Consider for a moment where we would be without it.     

         “…that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” In this chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul tells us the consequences of there being no resurrection. He says that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then preaching is in vain, faith is in vain, God is misrepresented, sin is not dealt with and all who have died “in Christ” have perished. He goes on to say that if it is only in this life that we hope in Christ then, “we are the most to be pitied” (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). Translation: If it is only in this life that we have hope in Christ, we can stay home on Sunday’s, throw away our Bible’s and live as we please because we’re hoping in something that isn’t real. Our hope for eternity is built on the resurrection and without it there is nothing or no one to hope in. But there is reason for our hope. The reason is because the Bible tells us that Jesus has been raised from the dead (1Corinthians 15:20).  

         In church today, the resurrection is the least alluded to aspect of Christ’s saving work. I’m not sure why that is so. Maybe we take it for granted? The resurrection is a necessary pillar of the Christian faith and its affirmation has everything to do with not only salvation and justification, but also biblical authority. It is often said that Jesus conquered sin on the cross, and I know what people mean when they say that, but His death alone is incomplete without His resurrection as this is how we are justified before God (Romans 4:25). The victory was completed when Jesus rolled away the stone and came out of the tomb. Though as a church we may only formally celebrate the resurrection once a year, as Christians we testify to it every Sunday and live it each day. As you consider and celebrate all that Christ has done, just as with His sinless life, His atoning death and His burial, thank Him for His defeat over the grave, His resurrection. Because of it we will never suffer the consequences of it never having been. But even more, thank Him for the resurrection because it speaks to the character of God. It not only confirms God accomplishing His plan, but also places the glory where it belongs, on Jesus Christ. Because of Him we have hope, not only for this life, but hope for all eternity. Worthy is the Lamb!    

Prayer 

God, I thank You for all of Jesus’ work in His life and death that saved me. My sin is that great. But God, today I especially thank You for His resurrection because without it, I am to be pitied and left without hope. But I have hope and that hope is in Christ alone. Help me to trust your Word as I live my life each day and as I testify about all of Jesus’ redeeming work. You are a great God and Savior.

“Pray then like this…” (Matthew 6:9) 

            Have you asked yourself why you don’t pray as often as you should, why your mind wanders when you do, and why you don’t pray expecting that God will answer? If you have, you’re probably not alone. Last year, I led a class through a study of twenty basic beliefs Christian beliefs. The study was based on the book Christian Beliefs by author and seminary professor, Dr. Wayne Grudem. The material to prepare for these classes included a video of Dr. Grudem teaching each lesson. One of the lessons was on prayer. Prayer is at the heart of a true relationship with God. Our Christian lives should begin with prayer, end with prayer and be filled with prayer everywhere in between. And it’s true that the degree to which we pray is an indicator of our trust in God. But like every other aspect of our Christian lives, prayer is subject to human imperfection and in need of God’s gracious work. 

              “Pray then like this…” In Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus gave His disciples a model for prayer.  It is a model for us as well. Known as the Lord’s Prayer, the intent of Jesus’ teaching is that God’s preeminence and glory is to be central as we make our requests known to Him. Though often recited, neither this nor any other prayer should be a mindless repetition of phrases, but instead heartfelt communication with our heavenly Father. 

            The Bible teaches a lot about prayer and we learned much in this class: the purpose of prayer, the effectiveness of prayer, what it means to pray in Jesus’ name and things that hinder our prayers. All of it was tremendously fruitful. But as I watched the video in preparing for the class, I was mostly struck by Dr. Grudem’s personal reflection about prayer in his own life. He shared that on the front of his prayer journal was a note he had written to himself. It reads,   “Wayne, this is not wasted time, this is your work. This is where the work of the Kingdom is established and advanced”. Just before reading the note, in a very self reflective way he affirmed his belief in what he had written about prayer, but also his desire to believe it even more. The note was to be a constant reminder that prayer was not only necessary in preparation for his work in ministry, but was in fact the work itself. I was so encouraged by what Dr. Grudem shared. I hope you are. Like every other aspect of the Christian life, a life of prayer is one in which we will always be growing. It’s easy to become discouraged in areas where we fall short of what we desire and God deserves. But it’s also important to realize that this Christian life we live is a process of continual growth. We are never completely there on this earth. God knows that. So be encouraged when recognizing your prayer life is not all it should be and your desire that it be more. That is the Holy Spirit’s work in you. Now just follow His lead and take the steps to be more faithful. Seek the Lord daily in His Word, keep a prayer journal to help you be more deliberate in prayer, and naturally of course, pray. 

 Prayer

Father, thank you for the encouragement we get from others. It’s really from you. Thank you for your grace as we grow more into who you created us to be, and help us to strive more to that end. Let our striving always be out of a thankful heart. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who helps us in our prayers. As your children, let prayer be the context in which we live each day. It is never wasted time. Amen!

            “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals’” The context for this verse is Paul’s teaching on the resurrection. There were some in the church at Corinth who were not only being negatively influenced by incorrect teaching about the resurrection, but also by their association with people of questionable character. Paul founded the church at Corinth during his second missionary journey and ministered there for eighteen months. After his departure, he later received a report of problems within the church. Corinth was one of the largest cities in the Roman world. It was also one of the most corrupt. Instead of growing in spiritual maturity, the church was characterized by their immaturity. There were many issues Paul addressed in writing to the Corinthians, but a primary purpose of his letter was to exhort them to break away from the negative influence of the culture in which they lived. 

            The culture in which we live exerts great influence as well. As certain phases of life end, others begin, bringing with them new sets of influences as new relationships are formed. These influences can either be good or bad. In Corinth, just as there is today, evil influence exists. But it is also the case that, though it may not necessarily be evil, the influence of new relationships can cause us to be less than what God desires for His children. Are you mindful and on guard for this subtle influence?

            As a child of God, Satan can’t impact our relationship with God. He can, however, do much to affect our fellowship with Him. It is impossible to completely avoid culture’s influence on our lives, and as Christians, we are called to engage the world in which we live with the gospel, but we must always be careful of the company we keep. We must “put on the whole armor of God” daily (Ephesians 6:11). One of Satan’s greatest deceptions is to have us believe that our own strength is enough to avoid being impacted by negative influences. This is why knowledge of God’s Word is so critical; it helps us to discern His will. It is also the means by which the Holy Spirit gives us a filter with which to see the world. Our strength is the Spirit’s presence in us. Those in the church at Corinth failed to take this seriously. We must not! Our culture is challenging, but our God is greater. As you enter new phases of life, meet new people and develop new friendships, let me ask, are you pointing them to Christ or are they pointing you away from Him? Are you changing them or are they changing you? Don’t be deceived, it matters!              

Prayer

Father, our culture exerts great influence. We are tempted by it, and in our own strength completely incapable of standing against it. God, we know that you are the one who changes hearts. Thank you for changing mine. Help me to be a positive influence on other people by pointing them to Christ. Lord, thank you for your goodness and your grace. Let my life be lived for your glory each day. Amen!

“You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48) 

            My dad is 82 years old today. I think about my dad a lot. As he gets older and as his birthday approaches, I think about him even more. When I think back over the years, I remember the various stages of what I thought about my dad. They’re probably not much different than most of our thoughts concerning our fathers. When I was little, I looked at him with such reverence, he couldn’t do anything wrong. I just took in every word he said. But, as I grew and became more independent in my teenage and early adulthood years, though I loved and respected him, I wasn’t always as eager for the advice he had to offer. As I’ve aged, now having children of my own, I realize how often his advice was right.            

            “You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” The central theme of this passage in Matthew is not about how to be a good father, but on emphasizing the perfection of our Heavenly Father. The Greek translation for the word “perfect” means to mature. In the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7), Jesus taught about the high standards in which Christians are to live. Though it’s unattainable in this life, we are to pursue perfection. God’s standard is His own perfect character. Well, the truth is, my father can’t meet that perfect standard. Nor can I or any other father, we never will. That fact, however, doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be our hearts desire. But at best, earthly fathers are but a dim reflection of our Heavenly Father. 

            I know I have a great father who loves me. I’ve always known that I can count on Him for anything, but like we all do, I have an imperfect father because all earthly fathers are destined to be just that, imperfect. I know the mistakes he made along the way, he made loving me. I’ve made plenty of my own. God’s Word teaches that in our pursuit of Him, we will always fall short. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father never does. He’s the perfect Father who never fails and because He loves us, He gave His Son to be the perfect sacrifice for our sin. It’s our Heavenly Father who should be our role model. As your Heavenly Father has dealt so graciously with you, honor Him and extend that same grace to your imperfect earthly father. Thank him for what he has done for you, but also forgive him for what he has failed to do. That will bring glory to the Father who loves you the most, the Father who awaits you in heaven. 

 Prayer 

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for my earthly father. Thank you for the wisdom you gave him in raising me. Though imperfect, he loves me. Father, in the ways that he may have failed, I forgive him.  We all have failed. You are the one perfect Father and we adore you. Thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to show the grace you have shown me, and by the power of your Holy Spirit, give me a desire to be perfect before you. Amen! 

“I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3) 

            In many ways, I’m a creature of habit. One such way is that when I’m in my car I have certain radio stations and CD’s that I like listening to. I don’t vary too much in this regard.  However, when I travel long distances, I’m forced to do a bit of channel surfing in order to find a radio station of my liking. In doing so recently, I came across a station playing songs from the eighties and nineties, songs that of course brought back a lot of memories. There was some great music in both of those decades. One of the songs that came on the radio was   Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough by Patti Smyth and Don Henley. I used to love that song, but had not heard it in quite some time. As I drove listening to the song and thinking about the title and lyrics, I realized there may in fact be a reason as to why sometimes love isn’t enough.   

            “I have loved you with an everlasting love” The Hebrew people were God’s chosen people, set apart for His purposes. Of all the people on earth, it was them with whom He chose to establish a covenant. A covenant is the binding of two parties. Grounded in love and faithfulness to promises made to the patriarchs, the LORD’s love never ceased, even when many rejected that love. God’s love was always based on grace; He simply loved them because He chose to love them. As Christians, we’re in a covenant relationship with God as well. This new and better covenant is mediated by Jesus Christ. Marriage is also a covenant, the most important human covenant there is. It is also a picture that reflects the relationship that Christ has with the church; believers are the bride of Christ. 

            Now, I don’t know whether the context of Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough is a marriage relationship or not, but the point remains the same. The plain truth is that love, be it in marriage or any other relationship is never enough when we attempt it in our own strength.  Marriage is particularly difficult and constantly under Satan’s attack because of what it represents. Be faithful in your marriage. Be faithful to the covenant you swore before God. Put Christ at its center. Quit trying to love in your own strength and love in God’s because ultimately, your marriage is about His glory. Value your relationship with Christ more than any other. When you do, it can change all others. Certainly your marriage will never be perfect, because you’re not perfect, but as you seek to honor Christ in it, the LORD’s sustaining power will be with you. God is faithful. His power and strength is perfect. And His love, well, it is always enough.    

Prayer

Father, we know it’s impossible to love as you love. Your love is perfect. But we know that your power is perfect within us. So by the power of the Holy Spirit help us to love in your strength and not our own. Help us to prioritize our relationship to you above all others so we can be in our marriage what your glory deserves. Amen!