Admiration or Sanctification?

 

Søren Kierkegaard (AD 1813-1855) was a Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, social critic, and religious author. He is widely considered to be the first existential philosopher. While such a philosophy of life has a worldview distinctly different than that of New Testament Christianity, he did make some observations about Christianity that accurately reflect on some who call themselves Christians. He wrote, “The difference between an admirer and a follower still remains, no matter where you are. The admirer never makes any true sacrifices. He always plays it safe. Though in words, phrases, songs, he is inexhaustible about how highly he prizes Christ, he renounces nothing, gives up nothing, will not reconstruct his life, will not be what he admires, and will not let his life express what it is he supposedly admires.”

 

What Kierkegaard identified as an inherent weakness of Christianity in his day and age, is still a troubling problem for those who would follow Jesus today. Are we truly His disciples, or simply admirers? Consider the rich young ruler, who had the right question to ask Jesus; “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” (Matt. 19:16). As the conversation went along, he showed Jesus keeping commandments was not his problem, as much as it was keeping his heart. He went on his way sorrowfully, as his possessions possessed him (19:22). He was an admirer of truth and desired eternal life, but was not willing to commit himself as a genuine follower from the heart, to gain what he so desired.

 

James raised the question, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” (Jas. 2:14). The understood answer is no, as he goes on to say, “So also faith, by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (2:17). It is one thing to sing the praises of Christ, but quite another to get involved and commit oneself to being like Christ, living like Christ, and serving like Christ. “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:16-18).

 

There are many ways one can be an admirer of Christ. One can wear images of Christianity as jewelry, such as a necklace with a cross. One can sit in an assembly and sing with enthusiasm hymns about Christ. One can carry around a Bible with an expensive binding. In and of themselves, there is nothing wrong with these things, but without the spirit of Christ, without the life of Christ, they simply become tokens of admiration. Is one willing to give up the works of the flesh to grow in the fruit of the Spirit? Will one reconstruct his/her life around the image of Christ, or simply here and there through the week admire Jesus and His sacrificial life for us? “And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (Luke 9:23-24). We have to let go of life as the world knows it, and live like Christ, if we will truly find life.

 

We are created in such a way to give ourselves to something, to devote how we live to something or someone. It never profits being an admirer of Christ, yet still be a devotee of the world. Admiration may make us feel good, but it will not accomplish God’s goal of forming Christ in us (Col.1:28). While we should have a reverential awe of God, it should be more than that. We must surrender life to Christ, that He, through the course of our lives, can shape us in His image. Do you just admire Christ, or are you willing to sacrifice for eternity? “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:1-2).

 

μαράνα θᾶ

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/30/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Prov. 23:23. “Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.”

 

Vladimir Lenin said, “A lie told often enough becomes truth.”  In our age of revisionism and spin, this proves true all too often.  We are in an age, as Jeremiah said of his own, where people know not how to blush (Jer. 6:15). Like Isaiah, our age is one where good has been substituted for evil and evil for good (Isa. 5:20).  As Paul said, “Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them” (Rom. 1:32). 

 

“What is the problem with lying?” society asks?  For one thing, it destroys trust, which is the foundation that societies and relationships are built on.  When lying is the rule, and not the exception, how can you depend on others, or they on you?  When you make up the rules as you go, what right do you have to get upset when others deal dishonestly with you?  It's just the fruit such a practice bears.  Character is lost, and in the process, so is one's self-respect. Besides this, for the Christian, to reflect the image of Christ, we should live by the truth and speak the truth.

 

Paul wrote, “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another” (Eph. 4:25). Our challenge in such an age as this is to continue to promote and live by the truth of inspired Scripture, not reflect the deceptions of the age in which we live.  We should pray for many who seem bent on self-destruction.  And let us never compromise what God really says is true, what is right and wrong, what leads to eternal life, and what condemns to eternal judgment (Rev. 22:14-15). Today, may our lives reflect the truth in what we say and do as we go out to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/29/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 1 Cor. 14:33. “God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”

 

Disorder and confusion are the opposite of peace. They are traits that fill many people’s lives, but their origin is not of God.  “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (Jas. 3:16).  Sin creates confusion and destroys peace, in our own lives, in our relationship with others, and especially in our relationship with God.

 

What is the way to find peace?  The answer is Jesus.  “For he himself is our peace” (Eph. 2:14). When we obey the gospel, and are cleansed of our sins by the blood of Christ, we can have peace.  We have peace with God, as our sins are forgiven.  We have peace in ourselves, knowing the guilt of sin is removed.  We can have peace with others, as we respond to them in love, not from sinful motives and attitudes.

 

Do others see the peace of God in you? What kind of example do they see?  Do you live in godliness, or do they see sin fill your heart and actions?  What kind of language do you use?  Do you speak kind words, or words that create strife? “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). To a large extent, how we respond to others determines whether we can find peace with others.

 

If we have peace through Christ, we should try to be at peace with those around us.  There will be some who, by allowing sin to influence them, will refuse to know peace.  However, Christ living in us should make a difference in how we respond to others, in whether or not we have, and share, peace. Today, let your peace with God be seen in going out and serving your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God bless.

 

Robert

 

 

Message from Scripture: 4/28/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is John 6:68. “Lord, who will we go to?  You have the words of eternal life.”

 

Years ago I knew someone, who was not a New Testament Christian, comment about a talk to be made at a religious retreat.  I asked, “What Scripture are you going to discuss?”  “Oh, I'm not going to use the Bible,” was the response, “because they don't want to get too spiritual.”

 

Is the Word of God to be avoided, because people don't want to be “too spiritual?” When it comes to life and godliness, what do you use, if not Scripture? Human experience and knowledge are imperfect, and often add to our problems. We are not infinite in our understanding, nor always able to do what is necessary. Sin often clouds our judgements and distorts our perceptions.

 

We need God's perfect word to guard our thoughts and direct our ways. The psalmist affirmed, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path” (Psa. 119:105). Peter reminds us, “First of all, you should know this: no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, moved by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God” (2 Pet. 1:20-21). Only God's Word is inspired, profitable, and able to provide us what is needed for life, today and forever.

 

Maybe the world doesn't want to hear Scripture, because Scripture makes us face our sins. Those who want to do their own things won't find any comfort, or confirmation for such, in the Bible. Those, however, who want to find life, can find it abundantly in His word.  What will you hear? Let’s be like Peter, who understood only Jesus has the words of life, which is revealed to us today in His word. Today, lets go out and serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/27/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Rom. 1:5. “Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith.”

 

There is no doubt God wants us to be involved in His will and in His kingdom.  The goal of faith is to obey the gospel, to live in faithful obedience for eternity's sake. God's blessings are found in those who commit themselves to Him (Matt. 6:33).  God is honored when others see us living for Him (Matt. 5:16).  We will be judged by how we have lived (2 Cor. 5:10).  These, and many more reasons, provide impetus for being involved in serving God.

 

There are various avenues available for service in our congregation.  There are other opportunities that wait to be opened.  Where do you fit in?  How are you involved?  Do you need to find some area of involvement to begin?  Can you do more in your involvement?  Don't be satisfied with the status quo, for that will only bring stagnation and regression.  Have the kind of faith that will stretch out and obey, to be a vessel of service for God and His kingdom.  What would happen if that was our prayer, our goal, our effort?

 

In heaven, we will rest from our labors, but not here, not now.  Now is the time to serve, as God has blessed us.  Join in the work here as never before, and see what God can do through you, for you.  “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). Today, let’s go out and serve Jesus as our Lord and Master. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/24/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Gal. 5:24. “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

 

Somewhere along the way, in our age enamored with ease and convenience, we’ve decided that living the Christian life is pretty easy, requiring little to no effort. For many people, being a Christian is no different than how people apart from Christ live. An hour or so of worship a week, or not, is really all that might be different than before. We truly have invented a Christianity of convenience.

 

However, this isn’t what Scripture says about living the Christian life. We’re in a battle for our souls, as Satan is at work against us. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12).  To allow God to accomplish His purposes in our lives means we must apply ourselves to growing and living by spiritual principles.

 

There is a world of difference in seeking to be like Christ, and in using Christ as a crutch to justify a sinful lifestyle. Each of us must ask ourselves whether we are sincere Christians. Is prayer a daily part of your life? Study of God’s word? Are you active in serving as part of the Lord’s church? “For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life” (Eph. 2:10). If God loved us enough to sacrifice His only Son on our behalf, and if Christ was willing to die on the cross on our behalf, should we feel we can live any way we please? Listen again to the words of our Lord, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Today, serve Christ as your Lord and Savior. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/23/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 2 Pet. 1:4. “By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire.”

 

Years ago my dad told me, “A promise is only as good as the one making it.”  Warranties are only good as long as companies honor them or stay in business to honor them.  A person’s word is only as good as the integrity of the person.  It’s easy to make promises, but something else to fulfill them.  Many times excuses follow promises, or the person who made the promise conveniently disappears.

 

Aren’t you glad our God is faithful in His promises?  And what promises he makes us! Just thinking of what He promised us should cheer any heart. He has promised to be  with us always (Matt. 28:20). He has promised us eternal life (1 John 2:25). He has promised His help and strength through the course of our lives (2 Thess. 3:3). He promises never to allow us to be tempted beyond our ability (1 Cor. 10:13). He promises heaven will far exceed any suffering we endure here and now (Rom. 8:18). How many more could we mention? In all of them, God will be true to do what He has said.

 

What confidence should this give us in living the Christian life! We know God will do all He has said; we should be highly motivated to do our best for Him. With every expression of love His promises show us, our love should be returned in offering ourselves to Him (1 John 4:19). We should not let Satan rob us of our joy, substituting fear and doubt in place of God’s promises. We can take heart, because Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33), and we share His victory. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Cor. 15:57). Today, live triumphantly in the God who always keeps His word. Today, let us serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/22/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Luke 10:41-42. “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

 

When the Crystal Palace Exhibition opened in 1851, people flocked to London's Hyde Park to see all the marvels current technology provided.  One of the greatest marvels then was steam.  There were steam plows displayed, along with steam locomotives, steam looms, steam organs, and even a steam cannon.

 

Of all the great exhibits that year, the first prize winner was a steam invention with 7,000 parts.  When it was turned on, its pulleys, whistles, bells, and gears made a lot of noise, but ironically, the contraption didn't do a thing!  Here was a device with 7,000 moving parts, making a lot of commotion, but having no real practical use.

 

Are there hundreds, even thousands, of parts spinning, turning, and making a lot of noise in your life, but accomplishing nothing that will avail for salvation? The "contraptions" of our lives may look impressive to others, but what of their substance?  God is the final judge, and what you think has substance may dissipate before His searching eyes like steam. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Heb. 4:12-13). Make the most of what you have today, for what really matters. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/21/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 1 Tim. 4:12. “Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

 

Influence is something we exert all the time, whether we realize it or not.  The words we speak, the lives we live, all reflect who we are, our value system in action, on display for others to observe. Certainly not every behavior is attributable to the influence of someone’s example, as each person is a unique individual and will grow up to make his/her own choices about how to live life.  But one’s example, whether for good or bad, can and often does factor in to the process of shaping the lives of others.

 

As a young man, Timothy in the above Scripture was encouraged by Paul to set a proper example to others, as well he should.  How about those who are older in the faith?  Paul urged Titus to remind older men and women to be positive in their relations with others (Titus 2:2-3).  We cannot imbibe the spirit of the world, and expect those who see us to learn anything different.  While words of encouragement are important, lives of encouragement are just as important.  John reminds us, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

 

For us to have a positive influence with others, God and His word must make a positive difference in our lives. Perhaps the problem with so many lives today is that God plays no part in shaping one’s thoughts and conduct, even though He desires to do so, and gave us Scripture to accomplish this goal. Do we allow it to speak to us, to shape and mold us in His image, to show what potential we all have to become more than we are, and what good we can do for ourselves and the sake of the kingdom.

 

May we do our best to live for Jesus, to let others see a good influence that can commend us and others to eternity. What kind of example do others see in you? Make it a good one. Have a great day today. God bless.

 

Robert

 

 

Message from Scripture: 4/20/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 2 Thess. 3:11. “For we hear that there are some among you who are idle. They are not busy but busybodies.”

 

When Paul wrote these words to the congregation in Thessalonica, they had decided the Lord’s return was imminent, so they ceased being productive in their labors, and started spending their time engaging in activities by intruding in people’s lives that were none of their business. Paul uses a play on the words in the Greek, that could basically be translated, “Oh, they’re busy, but busy being busybodies!” The implication is, they were busy everywhere intruding in the lives of others, but not being busy with what they should be doing.

 

While helping one obey the gospel, or better live the Christian life, is a noble thing, that’s not what Paul is talking about here. It can be easier to find fault in others than consider it in oneself, to tell others what to do than to than to try and be a better person oneself. Paul reminds us of this when he told the Galatians, “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted” (Gal. 6:1). The Lord speaks of such in the sermon on the mount as well. “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you (Matt. 7:1-2).

 

It's easy to see what we believe to be flaws in other people’s lives, but ignore the issues we may have in our own lives. We all are works in progress, and we all need genuine prayers, help, and support from each other. Spending our time, however, considering everybody but ourselves, is hypocrisy. We should examine ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5), and consider each other more important than ourselves (Phil. 2:3-4). We will be better for the illumination it shines on our hearts. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/19/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 2 Pet. 3:10. “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.”

 

No matter what we do, there never seems to be enough time. This is strange, in light of all the technical advances that have been made to reduce the amount of time it takes to perform certain tasks. Most of our modern appliances are advertised as “time saving” devices, and yet, if we have saved any time from them, it has been offset by other projects, endeavors, and activities. We even feel rushed in our leisure pursuits!

 

God, however, counts time differently than we do.  He waits. God waited for Noah to build the ark (1 Pet. 3:20). He waited until the fullness of time to send Christ into the world (Gal. 4:4). While on earth, Jesus waited until His hour, the right time, to die for our sins (John 13:1). Now, God waits for that day and hour when judgment will come and eternity will begin. 

         

Maybe realizing this will give us a different perspective on the time we have left in our lives, as well. Peter goes on to remind us, “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11). We can make time for God if we really want to. There’s time enough in our lives to obey His will, to live each day for Him, to be prepared for eternity. How will you spend your time today? Use it to honor God, and when His time to return comes, we will share in His glory. Have a great day today. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Quiet Desperation or Joyful Anticipation?

 

Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) was an American naturalist, essayist, poet, and philosopher. He is best known for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings. In it is the oft quoted statement, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” He is basically addressing what he sees as a problem in life, which many people resign themselves to living. If you feel a sense of desperation in life, then change how you think, how you feel, and how you live. Find what offers meaning, purpose, or joy for your existence. He did this himself for a little over two years at Waldon pond. There is more to this, though, than what Thoreau considered.

 

Putting this into a Biblical perspective, I am reminded of what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes. As one with seemingly unlimited resources and time, he pursued all kinds of lifestyles, seeing what good they had to offer. He tried riches, alcohol, various physical pleasures, work, gaining knowledge and skill, and other such things. The result of them all is captured in his phrase, “Indeed, all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun” (Eccl. 2:11). The physical by itself offers nothing lasting, nothing that will satisfy, nothing that brings a true sense of purpose. In the end, he reaches this decision; “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil” (Eccl. 12:13-14). A life without God being one’s focus is a meaningless life, as the eternity that awaits is based on who we live for, either ourselves or God.

 

If we think like the world around us, and wind up living like the world, we’re going to not only lose battles but also eventually the war, as to live for self is to live for the devil and sin.  Perpetually yielding to temptation creates a sinful mindset within a person, and it will harden one’s heart (Heb. 3:12-13).  To do this long enough conforms us to the pattern of the world (Rom. 12:1), and we will reap the horrible harvest of what we have sown (Gal. 6:7-8).

 

So how do we change?  How do we become a different person, with a different way of thinking and living?  “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2).  Allow God through His word to mold and shape you in His image, to allow you to be a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), created in righteousness and holiness of the truth (Eph. 4:24).

 

In the final analysis, we either live for God or for sin; we either will live by God’s will or that of the devil. We will either take the wide road to destruction or the narrow one to life (Matt. 7:13-14). We will either be slaves of God or of sin (Rom. 6:16-18). We will either live an abundant life in Christ (John 10:10), or one which is shameful (Rom. 6:21). Since most people live under the influence of the devil and sin (1 John 5:19), it is no wonder most live life with a sense of quiet desperation. Only in Christ is there hope beyond today, is there a purpose for tomorrow.

 

We were made in the image of God, which means we should live the life He created us to live in Him. Anything else will be unfulfilling and meaningless, moving from one distraction to the next, until it’s over. Only in Christ can we look beyond the despair of today to the hope of eternal life. What is your choice? Will you live in quiet desperation, or joyful anticipation? Christ is He who makes the difference. Make Him integral to all of life’s actions, choices, and aspirations. Live for heaven. Look with joy to what lies beyond the flesh, beyond today. Heaven is worth it all. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).

 

μαράνα θᾶ

Robert

 

 

Message from Scripture: 4/17/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Luke 16:31. “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.”

 

This person to which Jesus spoke had basically lived a self-centered life, taking no thought of tomorrow, or of those around him, as so many do today. He had no time to pay attention to what the Law had to say to him about the life he lived. Upon dying, he found himself in Hades, being in torment (Luke 16:23).  He was concerned about finding relief from the judgment of sin, of the torment sin brings eternally. It was not to be for him (Luke 16:24-26), but his suffering caused him to want his family, who were living a self-indulgent lifestyle as well, to avoid what he did not. All of the warnings he may have heard in life, the image of those whose needs could have been helped by him, the teaching of the Law regarding living for God and not self, seemed inconsequential to him, until he experienced eternal torment for himself. He came to understand, but it was too late!

 

The Bible is God’s word, a message to us from He who is eternal, the “Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end" (Rev. 22:13).  It reveals to us what life is all about, and how to live it abundantly, now and eternally.  It’s a voice from Him who will judge us, which speaks to us about finding eternal life, not eternal judgment.  The question is whether we will listen and obey while there is still time.

 

We must submit our lives to God who speaks to us today through His word, the Bible, and fully trust in His promises while there is still time. Will we listen to His voice from eternity, as He calls us to live for Him, and find the life that is life indeed? Do you take to heart what He reveals in Scripture? It makes the difference between eternal life or eternal torment. Spend time in the Bible, as it alone speaks to the needs of our souls, now and forever. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/16/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 2 Cor. 2:14-15. “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.  For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”

 

Have you ever accidentally thrown something important away, and then had to spend time going through the garbage to find it? When it was all over, you probably showed signs of where you had been, either on your hands, your clothes, or by the “fragrant” aroma you now carried. Sometimes, it’s not that easy to rid yourself of that aroma.

 

It can be the same way for us with sin, as well.  We can’t become involved in sinful things, without the stain of sin clinging to us.  If all we fill our mind with is worldly books, television, music, and other carnal things, we will soon reflect it in our thoughts, our speech, and our actions.  Like Paul, we must put off the old person of sin, and put on the new person of God, who reflects His righteousness and true holiness (Eph. 4:22-24).

 

We all need daily renewal in God’s love and salvation for us, to remind ourselves this is what living is all about. We’ve washed our robes clean in the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 7:14).  Don’t go digging around in sin. It will only defile us and condemn us in the end.  Fill your hearts and minds with that which is pure and holy, and find the beauty and pleasing aroma such offers to God. Spend time in God’s word today, and cleanse the effects of sin from your life, becoming pure and acceptable in His sight. It will fill you what all that is good. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/15/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Psa. 56:8. “Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?”

 

In this Psalm, David writes of being forced to flee his home due to Saul's bitter hostility, and then, away from friends and family, having to face the Philistines. How difficult did it feel when there was no safe place to go, when there was no one to trust. His sorrow was so intense, he vividly asks of God, "Put my tears into Your bottle.”

 

The term used here for bottle is of a large wineskin. More than a tiny receptacle, God is able to take note and remember all of David's sorrows, all of his pain and grief. Knowing God has such intimate knowledge of his situation in life, He is confident to go on and say, “In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psa. 56:11). 

 

Isn't this the same confidence we can have in God through our troubles in life? It is comforting to know God is aware of where we are and what we have to face. We are reminded God's promises are constant, no matter where we are in life. God has a bottle for all our tears, too, because He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). No circumstance of life is greater than the God who knows our needs, who goes with us through any condition we will face. We can put our trust in Him and praise His word for its assurance and hope. As David also said, “This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, In the LORD, whose word I praise” (Psa. 56:10). 

 

If we seek God’s will for us, and live for Him, there is nothing we will face that He will not face with us. What problem of life is greater than our God? Have a great day today, knowing our Lord goes with us, all the way through life to eternity. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/14/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Psa. 139:7. “Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Or where can I flee from Your presence?”

 

The ability to be in all places at all times is an indispensable quality for God. What good is a deity that can't be over all creation?  God isn't limited spatially; you can't escape His presence.  It's an essential quality of deity. Depending on your point of view, this either provides comfort, or condemnation. Those who put their trust in God take comfort in the fact He is always there for them, that He knows them so intimately. It's reassuring to know God is always there, to hear and to help.

 

However, those who have rejected God, or who live apart from His will, may find this attribute of God unsettling. You may be able to put the knowledge of God out of your mind, but you will never be out of His. No matter how much distance you may put between yourself and those who know you, God is always there! He will always see and know, so His judgment will always be just and true. There can be no real pleasure in sin, if you know the eternal consequences it will bring. As Peter reminded Ananias and Sapphira of the hidden motives of their hearts, they were dealing not just with people, but God (Acts 5:4, 9).

 

God is always with us. Living with Him offers so much assurance, comfort, and peace.   Living without Him, whether one is conscious of it or not, will only bring condemnation, as God always sees, always knows. He's the same God either way; the difference is in your response to Him.  “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Prov. 15:3). Have a great day today knowing God goes with you. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/13/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 2 Kings 7:9. “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent.”

 

Ben-Hadad, king of Syria, rallied his army and laid siege to Samaria.  Food supplies soon became scarce, and the city was on the verge of starvation. Some lepers decided to surrender to the Syrians, hoping they would show them mercy and feed them. Arriving at the Syrian camp, though, the lepers found the army had fled, due to fear, which came from the Lord.  That was only part of the good news; they had also left their supplies behind! They realized this was a blessing from God, and not for them only, but all the people of Samaria. Because they told the king of this good news, the city was spared from starvation (2 Kings 7:16).

 

Like those lepers, we too live in a world under siege, the siege of sin.  Also like those lepers, we are the recipients of good news, the gospel, and its message of salvation.  The gospel is too precious and too needed to keep locked away and hidden in our hearts!  We are the means God uses to spread His message of love and salvation to a lost and dying world (Matt. 28:18-20).  This good news must be seen alive in us each day, in word and deed. 

 

Eternal life is too precious to keep to yourself.  If one isn’t in Christ, then one is lost.  Can you live knowing there were others you could tell about Christ, others you could offer the gift of life, and chose not to?  As envoys for the gospel, perhaps we too should say, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent.”  Let us be silent no more, but use our influence to bring others to the bread of life, the living water. Have a great day today. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/12/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Zech. 4:10. “For who has despised the day of small things?”

 

Our lives are spent mainly in tending to small duties.  We have a normal routine we follow most days.  Few of us will ever do anything which society would consider great.  Even so, our lives are nothing to despise!  A great life consists in doing small things well every day.  The importance of prayer, phone calls, cards, visits, meals, and more, are significant when we do them for the Lord.   How many lives can be touched, or the sick strengthened, and the weak cheered, through prayer?  How many people have you encouraged through a visit, card, or call?  How many have been blessed by a meal you offered?  How many have the hope of salvation because of your influence, persistence, and love, in reaching out to them with the gospel?

 

Jesus said, “And whoever gives to one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward” (Matt. 10:42).  A body of the Lord's people, doing what they can in service to Him, will find together they can be of great value to the Master.  It is through Him that “...all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase which is from God” (Col. 2:19).

 

Think about all the various things you can do, the good you can accomplish, and the opportunities that await.  Don't underestimate the importance of what you do for the Lord, great or small!  Despise not the day of small things. Have a great day living for Christ today. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Honor All People

 

“Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king” (1 Pet. 2:17).

 

When Peter tells us we should honor all people, he is speaking of showing esteem to others, to bestow special marks of favor on someone, to prize, to assign worth or value. It is used of the attitude children should have toward their parents (Eph. 6:2), of kings or those in authority (1 Pet. 2:17), of God and Christ (John 5:22-23), and of everyone (Rom. 12:10).

 

This principle is true because we all are created in the image of God. We may feel some people are not worthy of honor due to their conduct. Interestingly, when Peter wrote 1 Peter and exhorted his readers to “honor the king (emperor),” he was speaking of Nero. While we certainly should not emulate ungodly and sinful behavior, we can still acknowledge the love of God for all, that He does not desire any to be lost, and that all deserve to hear the gospel that can change one’s heart, behavior, and eternal destination.

 

This concept of honor is rooted in not only in our being created in the image of God, but in that God honors those who reflect that image. This basic principle is emphasized when God confronted Eli with putting his sons over Him. “Therefore, the LORD God of Israel declares, ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father should walk before Me forever’; but now the LORD declares, ‘Far be it from Me—for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me will be lightly esteemed’” (1 Sam. 2:30). The term lightly esteemed carries the thought of considering something as trivial. Obviously, God is not trivial, nor should those He made in His image be considered as such either. “’Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?’ says the Lord GOD, ‘and not that he should turn from his ways and live?’” (Ezek. 18:23).

 

Some time back I was helping someone who was in obvious need. As I did my best to help him through the difficulties he was facing, he looked at me and said, “Everyone tries to take advantage of me. Do you think bad about me because of who I am?” I assured him he was just as important to God as anyone else is, since he was made in His image. With this, he unexpectedly embraced me and thanked me. There are those in desperate situations, who just need to hear some kind words and be reassured they have worth and value.

 

The words of our Lord help us to do what Peter encourages us to do. “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you” (Luke 6:31). We know we all have sin and struggle to overcome it. There are times when it gains the upper hand, and we have to deal with its consequences. Isn’t it wonderful God still loves us as His children, that knowing this, He still sent Christ to die for our sins, that He honors us when we submit to Him and seek Him as an integral part of our lives? If we are imitators of God, as beloved children (Eph. 5:1), we will take honoring each other seriously. If we lose the desire to honor God, it’s no wonder we lose our desire to honor each other, and ultimately lose our respect for ourselves as God’s creation. Thus we find, in a society and world where self is exalted above everyone else, the issues that plague us.

 

May we honor all people, because we honor God. We will be amazed at the difference it makes in people’s lives, and ultimately, in ourselves.

 

μαράνα θᾶ

 

Robert

 

 

Message from Scripture: 4/9/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 1 Thess. 5:18. “In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

 

The attitude of thanksgiving is basic to being a Christian.  Scripture reminds us of the blessings we enjoy from God each day, and how grateful we should be.  As Paul reminded the Colossians, we should have hearts “overflowing with gratitude” (Col. 2:7).  God is not only the source of our physical blessings (Jas. 1:17), but all that is spiritual (Eph. 1:3).

 

Even in adversity, we can still give thanks.  God can use times of trial to discipline us, to draw us closer to Him (Heb. 12:5-11).  Even in distress, we know God is with us, to strengthen and help us along the way (1 Pet. 1:6-7).  “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

 

No wonder we are exhorted, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father" (Col. 3:17).  If all one can do is murmur or complain, that person doesn't understand what life in Christ is all about.  Take time today to consider all the ways God has blessed you physically, materially, and most importantly, spiritually.  To realize the richness of His blessings should promote thankfulness from the heart.  “Praise the Lord!  Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting” (Psa. 106:1). Have a great day today in Christ. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/9/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Matt. 13:44. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

 

Have you ever heard the saying, “One person's trash is another person's treasure?” All it takes is going to a garage sale to realize how much truth there is in these words.  What we value differs from person to person. In the above parable, this person went and sold all he had in his joy. Later in His ministry, Jesus would offer someone the opportunity to go and sell all he had, only for that person to leave in his sorrow (Matt. 19:22). The difference between these two individuals has to do with the value they placed on what they were giving up.

 

The promise of eternal life seems unreal to many, or a distant promise that is unrelated to today's needs and wants.  It is easily discarded for this world's treasures. But for us as Christians, we must realize life in Christ and service in His kingdom holds promise here and now, as well as eternally. How can anything compare with the value of that which is to be received in Christ? Or, to use the language of our Lord, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26).

 

Does the spiritual have this kind of value in our lives?  Is living the Christian life a source of joy?  What we value differs from person to person. May we look to that which is eternal and rejoice in the riches we have in Christ. May our love for Christ and His grace towards us be our greatest treasure. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/8/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Psa. 37:5. “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.”

 

There is no doubt we live in troubling times. There are so many things we can be concerned about going on throughout the world, and in our own nation, our own state, our own city. Evil seems to have become the standard so many have chosen to live by, and the fruit it bears brings suffering in so many different ways. The prophet Habakkuk lived in days when horrible atrocities were happening in his nation. The evil he had previously witnessed would be mild compared to the horror the Babylonian forces would bring.  However, when Habakkuk considers what could be the worst-case scenario he or his people would have to face, his response would be one of joy in the Lord.  “I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength...” (Hab. 3:18-19).

 

We've never been promised our lives would be trouble free.  We are blessed to live in this country, but we aren't immune to the evil, pain, and devastation that permeate the world. How can we deal with a worst-case scenario?  We should commit our ways to the Lord, knowing He has a purpose for our lives and the world we live in. God offers hope no matter what we face in life, which assures us we can endure anything if we face it in the strength God supplies.  Do not fear any of those things which we may have to suffer. Remember the promise God offers us in His word. “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). God has something better waiting for us if we live for Him. God bless.

 

Robert

 

Message from Scripture: 4/7/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Mark 10:1. “He set out from there and went to the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Then crowds converged on him again, and as was his custom he taught them again.”

 

Habits.  The dictionary defines a habit as "a way of acting, fixed through repetition."  People have often been called "creatures of habit," because so much of what we do is from habit.  Perhaps, because of its repetitive nature, the word itself is usually viewed negatively.  However, just because something is done from habit doesn't mean it's automatically evil. 

 

Spiritually, we often become accustomed to doing things both good and bad.  Whether something is a good or bad habit isn't the fact it's repetitive, but what it brings about.  Does it encourage you to grow and mature spiritually, or does it hinder you?   Does it bring you to a closer relationship with God, or does it keep you from God?  Does it make you more Christlike, or more like the world around you?  Time spent in prayer, in the word of God, in fellowship with other Christians, and in Christian service, helps develop positive habits we need for our lives to develop spiritually as they should.

 

How can you break a bad habit? Try substituting a good one in its place. We should never ignore bad habits, but we shouldn't reject what is good just because it too could be called a habit.  Almost everything we do in life is from habit; the issue is what kind of habit it is.  Good habits, physically and spiritually, will help us be the best we can.  Let's develop those habits that lead us closer to God, to a closer walk with Him each day, to eternal life. As Paul said, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Eph. 5:1). That is a great habit to have. God bless.

 

Robert