Growing up years ago, and even into the early years of my preaching the gospel, it was understood if you were discussing matters of faith with others, Scripture would be the basis on which decisions would be made. People came prepared to open up their Bibles and examine verses in their context. While not every person was willing to acknowledge what Scripture taught, others would, and souls who came determined to understand what it taught often obeyed the gospel, and rejoiced in learning the truth and having a new life in Christ.
That was then, but things have changed. Gradually, over time, the search for the truth of God was replaced by how one feels. Despite consideration of Scripture that warns how one’s feelings can be led astray, feelings have become the de facto source for what one believes and how one lives. I remember speaking with an individual regarding a spiritual matter, and we both agreed that the Bible would be the arbiter in our search for truth. It didn’t take long, however, during the course of discussion, when a Scripture that contradicted her desires was read, the response was, “But I feel it in my heart!” This has become the mantra for those seeking spirituality today.
It is unfortunate this is true in the Lord’s church as well. Certainly, we are not denying the importance of feelings, as God gave them to us. It isn’t wrong to have feelings, but we must be sure about what shapes those feelings. Jeremiah said, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jer. 17:9). Jesus added, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person” (Matt. 15:18). Apart from the word of God, our feelings tend to be governed by sin instead. With the word, we can live pleasing lives to God. “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says ‘I know him’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected” (1 John 2:3-5). “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
It is so very difficult to convince people today, that how they feel may not be how God thinks. God has defined his will for us in a clear and understandable way. The problem isn’t that God can’t be known, but in bypassing Scripture, we put ourselves over God, and in doing so, we invalidate Scripture. We must recapture the concept that our role is to be in submission to God, if he is to bless us. “But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, ‘Why have you made me like this?’” (Rom. 9:20).
I am well aware, in this day and age, there are those who, if they hear, or are told, their desires, their emotions, are out of alignment with the will of God, they become upset. They close their minds and hearts, rejecting Scripture to cling to their concept of reality. In the face of such a philosophy, we must continue to preach the word of God in truth (1 Cor. 1:18; 2 Tim. 4:2; Eph. 4:15). Our goal in preaching the truth isn’t to upset people, but to save souls. If someone is distressed over what Scripture teaches, I am sorry, but I would rather them be challenged to examine themselves in light of Scripture, than to coddle them in their misplaced feelings all the way to hell. Jesus is the source of eternal salvation, to those who obey him (Heb. 5:9). God’s way in Christ is still the right way, the only way, if one is to find the abundant life today (John 10:10), eternal life following judgment (John 5:28-29). “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Cor. 13:5).
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.”
Robert Johnson
Bible
Friday, April 13, 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018
Who is Responsible for the Crucifixion?
It would seem something that started shortly after the proclamation of the gospel continues even today. After the apostles were arrested for preaching the gospel, which included His death and resurrection, the Sanhedrin council confronted them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us" (Acts 5:28). Interesting that the group responsible for taking Jesus to Pilate, asking him to have Christ put to death (John 18:28-31), wanted no reminder of it afterwards.
Peter and the apostles, however, clearly state how it was Christ was crucified. “This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men” (Acts 2:22-23). Yes, the Jewish authorities, out of envy (Mark 15:10), handed Jesus to Pilate, who heard the Jewish crowds cry out for Him to be crucified (Mark 15:13). Pilate acquiesced to their wishes, turning Him over to Roman soldiers, that Jesus’ crucifixion could be carried out (Mark 15:15-37).
Historically, these are the ones who brought Jesus to the cross. But if we understand the purpose of the cross, we know the necessity of the cross is for everyone’s sins. Everyone shares in the burden of the cross, because all have sinned (Rom. 3:23), and all need the cleansing that the death of Christ provides. The sins of the world led Jesus to the cross, and it was His love for us that kept Him there. God’s eternal plan for our sins made the cross necessary, and only in the cross is there hope for eternal life (Col. 1:20).
Scripture has no conflicts about the death of Jesus. God reveals truth, not in the eye of the beholder, but in His word, the Bible. We must put aside our sinful pride and prejudices against His will, and humble ourselves in faithful obedience, if we are to find the cleansing Christ’s blood provides. As Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). It’s time we all listened.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
Robert Johnson
Peter and the apostles, however, clearly state how it was Christ was crucified. “This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men” (Acts 2:22-23). Yes, the Jewish authorities, out of envy (Mark 15:10), handed Jesus to Pilate, who heard the Jewish crowds cry out for Him to be crucified (Mark 15:13). Pilate acquiesced to their wishes, turning Him over to Roman soldiers, that Jesus’ crucifixion could be carried out (Mark 15:15-37).
Historically, these are the ones who brought Jesus to the cross. But if we understand the purpose of the cross, we know the necessity of the cross is for everyone’s sins. Everyone shares in the burden of the cross, because all have sinned (Rom. 3:23), and all need the cleansing that the death of Christ provides. The sins of the world led Jesus to the cross, and it was His love for us that kept Him there. God’s eternal plan for our sins made the cross necessary, and only in the cross is there hope for eternal life (Col. 1:20).
Scripture has no conflicts about the death of Jesus. God reveals truth, not in the eye of the beholder, but in His word, the Bible. We must put aside our sinful pride and prejudices against His will, and humble ourselves in faithful obedience, if we are to find the cleansing Christ’s blood provides. As Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). It’s time we all listened.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
Robert Johnson
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Of First Importance
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3-4).
Easter is upon us. The date on which this event is celebrated is reckoned by the calendar calculations determined in the 7th century. the official formula used to determine Jesus final week of ministry before being crucified, buried, and raised the following first day of the week. This year, based on that formula, April 1 is the day determined to be celebrated as resurrection Sunday.
Two days are typically deemed more important than others in connection with Christ. December 25th was first celebrated as the birth of Christ in AD 336, during the reign of Emperor Constantine. Easter, of course, followed later in becoming the time to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. It is encouraging that, in such a secular society as ours has become, there is still some thought given to Christ, some kind of expression regarding his worth, although it may be more of a custom to many, rather than genuine devotion. Christ should mean more to us, in truth to everyone, than a random thought twice a year.
Paul says the fulfillment of Jesus’ earthly ministry, in his death, burial, and resurrection, is to have priority in our lives. Of course, we are mindful of and thankful for his unique entrance in the world, his virgin birth, but the point of his birth was his death and resurrection. If we truly know the Biblical account of Christ, we also know he is worthy of more than just two days of consideration each year. He is foundational to our lives, his coming the “fullness of time” (Gal. 4:4), the focal point of all history. The Son of God becoming the Son of Man is beyond our capacity to fully comprehend. That he lived a sinless life that our sins could be atoned is truly amazing. His death should touch our hearts, and his resurrection should give us hope. How can anyone deem this to be worthy of significance only twice a year?
Paul reminded the Corinthians they were meeting every first day of the week for a reason (1 Cor. 16:2). They came together to remember the Lord’s death through the Lord’s Supper (11:23-26), and to partake of it without discerning his body, in an unworthy manner, would be guilty of his body and blood (11:27). Each Lord’s Day is special, something to look forward to, to take seriously, to remember his death, and resurrection, and the forgiveness these truths offer. May each Lord’s Day, may every day, be a celebration of God’s love in Christ, of life lived in and for him, and a reminder of our anticipation to be with him for all eternity. “For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from the fathers, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was chosen before the foundation of the world but was revealed at the end of the times for you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God” (1 Pet. 1:18-21).
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.”
Robert
Thursday, March 6, 2014
BY YOUR WORDS
Words are such simple little things, aren’t they? For most people, the ability to speak comes early in life, and is part of our everyday routine. It’s a part of functioning in life that we too often take for granted, until something happens to limit us in our ability to communicate. But rather than just being sound waves sent from one person to another, words are emissaries of the heart, of that which comes from within us, and have tremendous power, not only over our lives, but the lives of those who hear us. As James reminds us, “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” (James 3:5).
Sometimes words are spoken to deceive, calculated to get a specific, selfish response from others. For example, people often use the word “love” when “lust” is the true motive, and once the desired end is reached, the words change and can become harsh and cruel instead. Compliments can often be served up to get someone else to do another’s desires, to do what the one offering the compliments should do, and to keep one distanced from the situation, in case trouble arises. I have seen preachers take a stand for what was right, only to have those who encouraged him initially turn against him when the going got tough. The writer of Proverbs reminds us, “Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put devious speech far from you” (4:24).
Sometimes words can be spoken harshly, in ways calculated to hurt and penetrate to the inmost part of another. I am amazed at how more and more people just say whatever they want anymore, without any consideration to the feelings of others, people they may not even personally know! It’s easy to criticize and condemn, and can make one feel big by verbally making others feel small. I am also amazed at how people who do this sort of thing are always taken aback and have their feelings hurt when someone speaks to them in like manner. Perhaps that should be thought about before any words are spoken by anyone to anyone. Paul tells us, “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (Col. 4:6).
To speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) means we not only are to be truthful in the proclamation of the gospel, but also in how we speak with others as people of truth, representatives of the gospel of Christ. If you listen to people long enough, you can discern by their speech what are the matters of their heart, because the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart (Luke 6:45). What is it others hear when we speak? By listening long enough, what do they learn about the “real” us on the inside, not the façade we’ve erected for others to see? Maybe we should look inside first, and make sure our words reflect Christ in us. “The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:35-37).
Robert
Sometimes words are spoken to deceive, calculated to get a specific, selfish response from others. For example, people often use the word “love” when “lust” is the true motive, and once the desired end is reached, the words change and can become harsh and cruel instead. Compliments can often be served up to get someone else to do another’s desires, to do what the one offering the compliments should do, and to keep one distanced from the situation, in case trouble arises. I have seen preachers take a stand for what was right, only to have those who encouraged him initially turn against him when the going got tough. The writer of Proverbs reminds us, “Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put devious speech far from you” (4:24).
Sometimes words can be spoken harshly, in ways calculated to hurt and penetrate to the inmost part of another. I am amazed at how more and more people just say whatever they want anymore, without any consideration to the feelings of others, people they may not even personally know! It’s easy to criticize and condemn, and can make one feel big by verbally making others feel small. I am also amazed at how people who do this sort of thing are always taken aback and have their feelings hurt when someone speaks to them in like manner. Perhaps that should be thought about before any words are spoken by anyone to anyone. Paul tells us, “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (Col. 4:6).
To speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) means we not only are to be truthful in the proclamation of the gospel, but also in how we speak with others as people of truth, representatives of the gospel of Christ. If you listen to people long enough, you can discern by their speech what are the matters of their heart, because the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart (Luke 6:45). What is it others hear when we speak? By listening long enough, what do they learn about the “real” us on the inside, not the façade we’ve erected for others to see? Maybe we should look inside first, and make sure our words reflect Christ in us. “The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:35-37).
Robert
Saturday, August 31, 2013
The Benefit of Godliness
It has been called the “Disney Effect.” It refers to a young woman who was a teen star in Disney movies, or on TV’s Disney Channel, and then, getting older, wants to prove to the world she is not the nice, clean cut person she was portrayed to be in those shows. Some of the ways they go about doing this is through drug use, or racy images posted on the Internet, or pornography, or some other lewd or immoral activity. The most recent one to engage in this activity is Miley Cyrus. At the recent MTV Video Music Awards, as one commentary said, “She worked hard to bag the sleaze award of the night.” After Cyrus offered a performance that simulated acts of immorality, almost everyone commenting afterward spoke of how terrible and offensive it was. Kelly Ogle, a news reporter for an Oklahoma City television station, perhaps summarized it all best when he said, “It was so obvious what she was trying to do last night, it wasn't clever or subtle in any way, she acted like a spoiled brat, a ‘has been’ starved for attention.”
In reading of events like this, I wonder what is so horrible about being nice, decent, and moral? It is a deception of Satan to think such acts are acceptable ways of gaining attention. Where does it lead? What happens next to get attention? How much worse does it get to shock and generate buzz from others? Paul reminds us such attitudes and actions are sin based, and where sin leads. “Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their thoughts. They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more” (Eph. 4:17-19). As he said in Romans, sin is lawlessness that only leads to more lawlessness (Rom. 6:19).
What is the benefit of godliness? There is nothing to feel guilty about concerning past actions. There are no regrets about the negative influence you have had on others. There is the knowledge you have done what is right, no matter what anyone else may think or do. You have a lifestyle which will commend one to God in judgment, instead of one that can only bring condemnation. Paul told Timothy, “But godliness with contentment is a great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6). Godliness enables us to enjoy the existence we have from God, the physical blessings He offers us, the relationships we cultivate, and so much more. Spiritually, we can have God’s peace, joy, strength, and help to live life as He intends.
It is very sad that there are actors and actresses, who can portray a role that is wholesome, but when sin has filled their hearts, they feel compelled to show the world nothing is further from the truth. This may be what the MTV generation wants, but not so for those who understand the goodness of God. Beauty and fame is fleeting, and for those who seek out the provocative to stay in the public’s eye, there will come a time when nothing will attract the attention they seek. What gives life meaning then? What do you look for beyond today? May Christ fill our hearts and minds with His good will, and our lives be lived in a way that, on the day of judgment, we have no guilt, no regrets, but the cleansing of Christ’s blood and a welcome into eternal life. “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised” (Prov. 31:30).
Robert
In reading of events like this, I wonder what is so horrible about being nice, decent, and moral? It is a deception of Satan to think such acts are acceptable ways of gaining attention. Where does it lead? What happens next to get attention? How much worse does it get to shock and generate buzz from others? Paul reminds us such attitudes and actions are sin based, and where sin leads. “Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their thoughts. They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more” (Eph. 4:17-19). As he said in Romans, sin is lawlessness that only leads to more lawlessness (Rom. 6:19).
What is the benefit of godliness? There is nothing to feel guilty about concerning past actions. There are no regrets about the negative influence you have had on others. There is the knowledge you have done what is right, no matter what anyone else may think or do. You have a lifestyle which will commend one to God in judgment, instead of one that can only bring condemnation. Paul told Timothy, “But godliness with contentment is a great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6). Godliness enables us to enjoy the existence we have from God, the physical blessings He offers us, the relationships we cultivate, and so much more. Spiritually, we can have God’s peace, joy, strength, and help to live life as He intends.
It is very sad that there are actors and actresses, who can portray a role that is wholesome, but when sin has filled their hearts, they feel compelled to show the world nothing is further from the truth. This may be what the MTV generation wants, but not so for those who understand the goodness of God. Beauty and fame is fleeting, and for those who seek out the provocative to stay in the public’s eye, there will come a time when nothing will attract the attention they seek. What gives life meaning then? What do you look for beyond today? May Christ fill our hearts and minds with His good will, and our lives be lived in a way that, on the day of judgment, we have no guilt, no regrets, but the cleansing of Christ’s blood and a welcome into eternal life. “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised” (Prov. 31:30).
Robert
Monday, July 23, 2012
It's Your Choice
Our nation is in mourning over the tragedy that occurred in Colorado this past week, with James Holmes perpetrating one of the deadliest shooting sprees in our history. Holmes killed 12 individuals and injured 58 others at the premier of a movie in a crowded theater. Not only this, but he had booby-trapped his apartment, which took a bomb squad to clear so his home could be examined. For four months, Holmes had been receiving a large number of commercial packages, which the police chief said enabled him to assemble the material in his apartment and the small arsenal of weapons and ammunition used in the massacre. “What we’re seeing here is evidence, I think, of some calculation and deliberation,” the police chief said.
While this tragedy is being analyzed from every perspective conceivable, the question of what more could have been done to stop this from happening arises. Should more laws have been written to prohibit it? Even though there seemed to be nothing in this young man that indicated a violent streak, was something missed? Was there something that could have given any clue this could have happened? The desire to keep this from happening again motivates many “what if” questions.
I do not pretend to know what happened to this person to cause him to perpetrate such a horrible act against so many innocent lives. I do know, however, that the influence of sin is a corrupting force in life, distorting one’s values and perception of reality. I also understanding, no matter how evil society as a whole becomes, it’s a person’s individual responsibility as to how one responds. We each are responsible for the choices we make, and we each will be held accountable before God in judgment for those choices. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Cor. 5:10).
It is popular to make choices but look to assign blame for consequences elsewhere, perhaps with parents, friends, co-workers, or even life in general. Certainly everyone has to deal with problems that come with living. Everyone has negative experiences as well as positive. It is up to each person to choose how to respond. What about the choices one has with the gospel, in whether to believe it and obey it, or not? Does one choose to live the Christian life, or live for self? While many believe they can choose poorly in how to live, and that God will ignore it and offer them eternal life, such is the reasoning of a mind governed by sin, not by the truth of God. Paul definitively reminds us, “Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit” (Gal. 6:7-8). On the other hand, what blessings come from surrendering our lives to Christ, and allowing Him to mold us in His image! The free gift of God for such is eternal life (Rom. 6:23).
May we pray for the families of those grieving over the loss of their loved ones at this time, as well as for the recovery of those who were injured. Let us pray for the gospel to have an opportunity in the lives of those who need its saving message. May we all stop to examine the motives of our hearts and the actions which flow from them, to make sure our choices are godly, and the result will lead to eternal life. “Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall’ (1 Cor. 12:11-12).
Robert Johnson
While this tragedy is being analyzed from every perspective conceivable, the question of what more could have been done to stop this from happening arises. Should more laws have been written to prohibit it? Even though there seemed to be nothing in this young man that indicated a violent streak, was something missed? Was there something that could have given any clue this could have happened? The desire to keep this from happening again motivates many “what if” questions.
I do not pretend to know what happened to this person to cause him to perpetrate such a horrible act against so many innocent lives. I do know, however, that the influence of sin is a corrupting force in life, distorting one’s values and perception of reality. I also understanding, no matter how evil society as a whole becomes, it’s a person’s individual responsibility as to how one responds. We each are responsible for the choices we make, and we each will be held accountable before God in judgment for those choices. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Cor. 5:10).
It is popular to make choices but look to assign blame for consequences elsewhere, perhaps with parents, friends, co-workers, or even life in general. Certainly everyone has to deal with problems that come with living. Everyone has negative experiences as well as positive. It is up to each person to choose how to respond. What about the choices one has with the gospel, in whether to believe it and obey it, or not? Does one choose to live the Christian life, or live for self? While many believe they can choose poorly in how to live, and that God will ignore it and offer them eternal life, such is the reasoning of a mind governed by sin, not by the truth of God. Paul definitively reminds us, “Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit” (Gal. 6:7-8). On the other hand, what blessings come from surrendering our lives to Christ, and allowing Him to mold us in His image! The free gift of God for such is eternal life (Rom. 6:23).
May we pray for the families of those grieving over the loss of their loved ones at this time, as well as for the recovery of those who were injured. Let us pray for the gospel to have an opportunity in the lives of those who need its saving message. May we all stop to examine the motives of our hearts and the actions which flow from them, to make sure our choices are godly, and the result will lead to eternal life. “Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall’ (1 Cor. 12:11-12).
Robert Johnson
Monday, November 21, 2011
Count Your Blessings
What is it that makes us blessed in life? Sometimes it’s all a matter of perspective, of how we look at what we have, of where we are in life, of what is going on in life. I don’t know the exact source of the following information, but it illustrates well the need for perspective.
If you have food in the fridge, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, your wallet, and spare change in a dish somewhere, you are in the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who won’t survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of prison, the agony of torture, or the pain of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend worship without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than 3 billion in the world.
With perspective, we can see life’s blessings aren’t in the big, extravagant things in life, but in the everyday, the ordinary, the blessings that allow us to have life each day. Sometimes, even those things we wouldn’t necessarily call blessings can be some of the best things to happen to us. Paul gives us a different perspective on life when he shared what his thorn in the flesh did for him. “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10).
While life is typically lived in what may be the called the ordinary, there are a variety of experiences we will encounter that are unique to everyday living, some good, some bad. There are those experiences that are positive and wonderful, experiences that make us feel we’re on top of the world. There are those experiences that are negative and depressing, experiences that seem to drain us of our will and energies, which create fear, doubt, and depression. These experiences, both good and bad, are part of living in the world we’re in, one that reflects both the goodness of God’s creative and continuing blessings, and the corruption that is in the world due to sin and its influence. Everyone who lives on the face of the earth will face both kinds of experiences. Everyone will experience the death of a loved one. Everyone will experience disappointment and regrets. With the exception of those alive when the Lord returns, everyone will die. The issue, then, isn’t that there are problems to face in life, but how we face those problems.
We need to stop and count our blessings in the trials of life, to keep our focus where it should be, our lives lived where they must be, our hope alive for the future as it will be. How can we do this? Literally write down life’s problems vs. God’s blessings and see which is greater. As the song says, “It will surprise you what the Lord has done.” Spend time in the spiritual, reading Scripture, praying, and singing hymns of praise to God. It will “help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.” As Peter reminds us, we should cast “all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). Remember where we are headed, having a reward in heaven, a home on high, an abode that money can’t buy nor troubles destroy.
Life is filled with all kinds of experiences, and while most of them are what we would call just the normal, everyday events of life, some can seem overwhelmingly discouraging. Don’t forget everyone has difficulties to deal with in life, and no matter great or small, they all are hard to deal with. Adversity is just part of what is true of life; don’t let difficult times rob you of your joy in the Lord, which is the other side of life. If you are in Christ, you have blessings beyond measure, a help for today and a hope for tomorrow. “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day” (2 Tim. 1:12).
Robert Johnson
If you have food in the fridge, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, your wallet, and spare change in a dish somewhere, you are in the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who won’t survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of prison, the agony of torture, or the pain of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend worship without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than 3 billion in the world.
With perspective, we can see life’s blessings aren’t in the big, extravagant things in life, but in the everyday, the ordinary, the blessings that allow us to have life each day. Sometimes, even those things we wouldn’t necessarily call blessings can be some of the best things to happen to us. Paul gives us a different perspective on life when he shared what his thorn in the flesh did for him. “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10).
While life is typically lived in what may be the called the ordinary, there are a variety of experiences we will encounter that are unique to everyday living, some good, some bad. There are those experiences that are positive and wonderful, experiences that make us feel we’re on top of the world. There are those experiences that are negative and depressing, experiences that seem to drain us of our will and energies, which create fear, doubt, and depression. These experiences, both good and bad, are part of living in the world we’re in, one that reflects both the goodness of God’s creative and continuing blessings, and the corruption that is in the world due to sin and its influence. Everyone who lives on the face of the earth will face both kinds of experiences. Everyone will experience the death of a loved one. Everyone will experience disappointment and regrets. With the exception of those alive when the Lord returns, everyone will die. The issue, then, isn’t that there are problems to face in life, but how we face those problems.
We need to stop and count our blessings in the trials of life, to keep our focus where it should be, our lives lived where they must be, our hope alive for the future as it will be. How can we do this? Literally write down life’s problems vs. God’s blessings and see which is greater. As the song says, “It will surprise you what the Lord has done.” Spend time in the spiritual, reading Scripture, praying, and singing hymns of praise to God. It will “help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.” As Peter reminds us, we should cast “all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). Remember where we are headed, having a reward in heaven, a home on high, an abode that money can’t buy nor troubles destroy.
Life is filled with all kinds of experiences, and while most of them are what we would call just the normal, everyday events of life, some can seem overwhelmingly discouraging. Don’t forget everyone has difficulties to deal with in life, and no matter great or small, they all are hard to deal with. Adversity is just part of what is true of life; don’t let difficult times rob you of your joy in the Lord, which is the other side of life. If you are in Christ, you have blessings beyond measure, a help for today and a hope for tomorrow. “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day” (2 Tim. 1:12).
Robert Johnson
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